JP2015180288A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine executing a novel performance capable of maintaining a sense of expectation of a player.SOLUTION: A game machine performs variable display of a decorative symbol to a symbol pattern for suggesting execution of a special performance (SP ready-to-win performance), based on a performance pattern, and then executes the special performance. Based on the performance pattern, the game machine performs variable display of the decorative symbol to a predetermined symbol pattern from among symbol patterns for suggesting non-execution of the special performance and then executes the special performance.

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine played by a player.

  In a conventional gaming machine, for example, a pachinko gaming machine, a special game determination is made as to whether or not the game information (random number) acquired by entering a game ball at the start port indicates execution of a special game (big hit). It is known that a special game is executed when the determination indicates execution of a special game (big hit).

  In the pachinko gaming machine as described above, a reach state is reached when two of the three (three rows) decorative symbols variably displayed on the display screen are aligned, and then develops into a special reach (super reach). An effect may be performed (for example, Non-Patent Document 1).

"Pachinko victory guide", Hakuyo Shobo Co., Ltd., issued February 4, 2012, February 4, 2012, pages 16, 17, under CR mezon

  In the pachinko gaming machine as described above, it has been found that the game does not develop into a special reach at the time when the two decorative symbols are not prepared, so that the player's expectation is lost at an early stage.

  Therefore, a main object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that performs a novel production capable of maintaining a player's expectation.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention employs the following configuration. In addition, reference numerals in parentheses, explanations, and the like indicate correspondence with embodiments described later in order to help understanding of the present invention, and do not limit the scope of the present invention.

In the gaming machine (1) according to the present embodiment, a special game (big hit game) is obtained by entering a game ball into a start opening (25a, 25b) provided in a game area (20) where the game ball can flow down. Special game determination means (100) for determining whether or not to perform;
Based on a determination result by the special game determination means, a variation time determination means (100) for determining a symbol variation time for variably displaying a symbol indicating the determination result;
An effect pattern setting means (400) for setting an effect pattern of a notification effect (decorative symbol change effect) for notifying the determination result by the special game determination means based on the symbol change time determined by the change time determining means. When,
Based on the effect pattern set by the effect pattern setting means, the effect execution means causes the decoration symbol to change, and then executes a special effect (SP reach effect) based on the determination result by the special game determination means. Production control means (400) capable of
The production control means includes
Based on the effect pattern set by the effect pattern setting means, the decorative design is variably displayed as a symbol pattern suggesting that the special effect is performed, and then the special effect is executed (FIG. 7 ( 1) see) normal production control means;
Based on the effect pattern set by the effect pattern setting means, the decorative symbol is variably displayed as a predetermined symbol pattern among the symbol patterns that suggest that the determination result by the special game determination means is negative. The special effect control means for executing the special effect (see FIG. 7B).

Each of the decorative symbols includes a sub symbol (characters A to C) and a main symbol (numerals 1 to 9) for notifying the determination result by the special game determining means (see FIG. 6).
The predetermined symbol pattern may be a symbol pattern aligned with the sub symbol (see FIG. 7B).

  According to the present invention, it is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine that performs a novel effect that can maintain a player's expectation.

Schematic front view showing an example of a pachinko gaming machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention The enlarged view which shows an example of the indicator 4 provided in the pachinko machine 1 of FIG. Partial plan view of the pachinko gaming machine 1 of FIG. The block diagram which shows an example of a structure of the control apparatus provided in the pachinko gaming machine 1 The figure for demonstrating an example of the jackpot breakdown of the special symbol lottery which concerns on this embodiment The figure for demonstrating the example of the decoration design DI which concerns on this embodiment The figure for demonstrating the characteristic production pattern in this embodiment An example of a flowchart showing timer interrupt processing performed by the main control unit 100 An example of a detailed flowchart of the start port switch process in step S2 of FIG. An example of a detailed flowchart of the special symbol process in step S4 of FIG. An example of a flowchart showing effect control processing performed by the effect control unit 400 The figure for demonstrating the modification of this embodiment

  Hereinafter, a pachinko gaming machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings as appropriate. Hereinafter, the pachinko gaming machine 1 may be simply referred to as a gaming machine 1.

[Schematic configuration of pachinko gaming machine 1]
Hereinafter, a schematic configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a schematic front view showing an example of a gaming machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view showing an example of the display 3 provided in the gaming machine 1. FIG. 3 is a partial plan view of the gaming machine 1.

  In FIG. 1, a gaming machine 1 is a pachinko gaming machine configured to pay out a winning ball when a gaming ball launched by an instruction operation by a player wins a prize, for example. The gaming machine 1 includes a game board 2 on which game balls are launched, and a frame member 5 surrounding the game board 2. The frame member 5 is configured to be openable and closable with respect to the main part of the gaming machine 1 around a hinge provided on the shaft support side, and is detachably attached to the game board 2. And the lock part 43 is provided in the predetermined position (for example, edge part on the opposite side to a shaft support side) which becomes the front side of the frame member 5, and the frame member 5 is unlocked by unlocking the lock part 43. Can be opened.

  A game area 20 for playing a game with a game ball is formed on the front surface of the game board 2. In the gaming area 20, a rail member (from which a game ball launched from below (the launching device 211; see FIG. 4) rises along the main surface of the game board 2 and forms a path toward the upper position of the gaming area 20 ( (Not shown) and a guide member (not shown) for guiding the raised game ball to the right side of the game area 20.

  In addition, the game board 2 is provided with an image display unit 21 that displays images for various effects at positions that are easily visible to the player. The image display unit 21 notifies the player of the result of the special symbol lottery (big hit lottery), for example, by displaying a decorative symbol according to the progress of the game by the player, or by the appearance of a character or the appearance of an item A notice effect is displayed, or a hold image indicating the number of times the execution of the special symbol lottery is put on hold is displayed. The image display unit 21 is configured by a liquid crystal display device, an EL (Electro Luminescence) display device, or the like, but any other display device may be used. Further, a movable accessory 22 and a board lamp 23 used for various effects are provided on the front surface of the game board 2. The movable accessory 22 is configured to be movable with respect to the game board 2 and produces an effect by performing a predetermined operation in accordance with the progress of the game or in accordance with the player's operation. Further, the board lamp 23 emits light according to the progress of the game, thereby performing various effects by light.

  The game area 20 is provided with a game nail and a windmill (both not shown) that change the direction in which the game ball falls downward. Further, in the game area 20, various bonuses related to winning and lottery are arranged at predetermined positions. In FIG. 1, as an example of various prizes related to winning and lottery, a first starting port 25a, a second starting port 25b, a gate 27, a big winning port 28, and a normal winning port 29 are arranged on the game board 2. It is installed. Further, the game area 20 is provided with a discharge port 24 through which game balls that have not been won in any of the game holes launched into the game area 20 are discharged out of the game area 20. .

  The first start opening 25a and the second start opening 25b each receive a prize when a game ball enters, and a special symbol lottery (big hit lottery) is started. The first start opening 25a operates a predetermined special electric accessory (big prize opening 28) and / or a predetermined special symbol display (for example, a first special symbol display 31a described later). This is a winning opening related to winning a game ball. Further, the second start opening 25b is used for winning a game ball, which activates the special electric accessory and / or a predetermined special symbol display (for example, a second special symbol display 31b described later). This is the winning prize. When the game ball passes through the gate 27, the normal symbol lottery (the open / close lottery of the electric tulip 26 described below) starts.

  The 2nd starting opening 25b is provided in the lower part of the 1st starting opening 25a, and is provided with the electric tulip 26 near the entrance of a game ball as an example of a normal electric accessory. The electric tulip 26 has a pair of wings imitating tulip flowers, and the pair of wings open and close left and right by driving an electric tulip opening / closing unit 112 (for example, an electric solenoid) described later. When the pair of blade portions are closed, the electric tulip 26 is in a state in which the game ball does not enter the second starting port 25b because the opening width guided to the inlet of the second starting port 25b is extremely narrow. On the other hand, the electric tulip 26 is configured such that when the pair of blade portions are opened to the left and right, the opening width guided to the inlet of the second starting port 25b increases, so that the game ball can easily enter the second starting port 25b. Has been. When the electric tulip 26 passes through the gate 27 and the normal symbol lottery is won, the pair of blades opens for a specified time (for example, 0.15 seconds or 1.80 seconds), and the specified number of times (for example, Open and close only once or three times.

The special winning opening 28 is located below the second start opening 25b and opens according to the result of the special symbol lottery. The special winning opening 28 is normally in a closed state so that no game balls can enter, but depending on the result of the special symbol lottery, it protrudes from the main surface of the game board 2 and is in an open state. The game ball is easy to enter. For example, the big winning opening 28 repeats a round that is in an open state until a predetermined condition (for example, 29.5 seconds elapses or 9 game balls are won) is repeated a predetermined number of times (for example, 16 times). Note that the lottery is not started at the normal winning opening 29 even if a game ball is won.

  In addition, a display 3 is provided at a predetermined position (for example, lower right) of the game board 2 to display the result of the special symbol lottery or the normal symbol lottery described above and the number of reserved symbols. Details of the display 3 will be described later.

  Here, the payout of prize balls will be described. When a game ball enters (wins) the first start port 25a, the second start port 25b, the big winning port 28, and the normal winning port 29, a predetermined number per game ball is determined according to the place where the game ball has won. The prize ball is paid out. For example, when one game ball is won at the first start port 25a and the second start port 25b, four prize balls are awarded, and when one game ball is won at the big prize port 28, thirteen prize balls are given to the normal prize opening 29. When one game ball is won, ten prize balls are paid out. Even if it is detected that the game ball has passed through the gate 27, there is no payout of the prize ball in conjunction with it.

  The frame member 5 on the front surface of the gaming machine 1 includes a handle 51, a lever 52, a stop button 53, a take-out button 54, a speaker 55, a frame lamp 56, an effect button 57, an effect key 58, a dish 59, a lock part 43, and the like. Is provided.

  When the player touches the handle 51 and performs an operation of rotating the lever 52 clockwise, the launching device 211 (at 100 hits per minute) with a hitting force corresponding to the operation angle (for example, 100 per minute). 4) electrically fires the game ball. The tray 59 (see FIG. 3) is provided so as to protrude forward of the gaming machine 1, and temporarily stores game balls to be supplied to the launching device 211. In addition, the above-described prize ball is paid out to the plate 59. Then, the game balls stored in the tray 59 are supplied to the launching device 211 one by one by a supply device (not shown) at a timing linked with the operation by the player's lever 52.

  The stop button 53 is provided on the lower side surface of the handle 51, and even when the player touches the handle 51 and rotates the lever 52 clockwise, the game ball is fired by being pressed by the player. Is temporarily stopped. The take-out button 54 is provided on the front surface in the vicinity of the position where the tray 59 is provided. When the player presses the game ball, the game ball stored on the tray 59 is dropped into a box (not shown).

  The speaker 55 and the frame lamp 56 respectively notify the gaming state and situation of the gaming machine 1 and perform various effects. The speaker 55 performs various sounds using music, voice, sound effects, and the like. Further, the frame lamp 56 performs various light effects depending on the pattern of lighting / flashing, the difference in emission color, and the like.

  Next, the display 3 provided in the gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 2, the display 3 includes a first special symbol display 31a, a second special symbol display 31b, a first special symbol hold indicator 32a, a second special symbol hold indicator 32b, a normal symbol indicator 33, and a normal symbol indicator 33. A symbol hold display 34 and a game status display 35 are provided.

On the first special symbol display 31a, the display symbol is changed and displayed in correspondence with the winning of the game ball at the first starting port 25a. For example, the first special symbol display 31a is composed of a 7-segment display device, and when a game ball wins at the first start opening 25a, the special symbol is displayed in a variable manner and the lottery result is displayed. In addition, on the second special symbol display 31b, the display symbol is changed and displayed in response to the winning of the game ball in the second starting port 25b. For example, the second special symbol display 3
Similarly, 1b is composed of a 7-segment display device. When a game ball wins in the second start opening 25b, a special symbol is displayed in a variable manner and the lottery result is displayed. In the normal symbol display 33, the display symbol is changed and displayed in response to the game ball passing through the gate 27. For example, the normal symbol display 33 is constituted by an LED display device, and when a game ball passes through the gate 27, the normal symbol is variably displayed and the lottery result is displayed.

  The first special symbol hold indicator 32a displays the number of times that the special symbol lottery is held when a game ball is won in the first starting port 25a. The second special symbol hold indicator 32b displays the number of times that the special symbol lottery result is held when a game ball is won in the second start opening 25b. The normal symbol hold display 34 displays the number of times the normal symbol lottery is held. For example, a period in which the display symbols are displayed in a variable manner by the first special symbol display 31a, the second special symbol display 31b, or the normal symbol display 33 (while the change display for one winning is being performed), etc. When a game ball wins further during a period when the display variation of the display symbol cannot be started immediately, the variation display of the display symbol for the winning game ball is a display symbol such as the variation display for the previously won game ball ends. Until the change display becomes possible, it is held for a predetermined number of times (for example, four times). The fact that such a hold has been made and the number of the hold are displayed on the first special symbol hold indicator 32a, the second special symbol indicator 31b, and the normal symbol hold indicator 34, respectively. For example, the first special symbol hold indicator 32a, the second special symbol indicator 31b, and the normal symbol hold indicator 34 are each constituted by LED display devices arranged in a row, and the number of times of hold is displayed according to the lighting mode. .

  The game state display 35 displays a game state (for example, a normal state or a time-short state) at the time when the gaming machine 1 is turned on.

  Next, an input device provided in the gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 3, the gaming machine 1 is provided with an effect button 57 and an effect key 58 as an example of an input device.

  The effect button 57 and the effect key 58 are provided for the player to input the effect. The effect button 57 is provided on the upper side of the dish 59 protruding forward of the gaming machine 1. The effect key 58 has a center key 58E and a plurality of direction keys 58U, 58D, 58L, and 58R arranged in a cross shape, and is provided on the upper side of the plate 59 adjacent to the effect button 57. The effect button 57 and the effect key 58 are each pressed by the player to perform a predetermined effect. For example, the player can enjoy a predetermined effect by pressing the effect button 57 at a predetermined timing. Further, the player can select one of a plurality of images displayed on the image display unit 21 by operating the four direction keys 58U, 58D, 58L, and 58R. Further, the player can input the selected image as information by operating the center key 58E.

In addition, on the back side of the gaming machine 1, a ball tank for storing game balls for payout and a payout device (payout drive unit 311) for paying out the game balls to the plate 59 are provided, and various substrates are attached. ing. For example, a main board, a sub board, and the like are disposed on the rear surface of the game board 2. Specifically, a main control board on which a main control unit 100 (see FIG. 4) that performs internal lottery and determination of winning is configured is disposed on the main board. The sub-board includes a firing control board 200 (see FIG. 4) configured to control a launching device 211 that launches a game ball to the upper part of the game area 20, and a payout control unit 300 that controls the payout of a prize ball. A payout control board configured with an effect control board configured with an effect control section 400 for overall control of effects, an image control board configured with an image acoustic control section 500 for controlling effects with images and sounds, and various types The lamp control board etc. with which the lamp control part 600 which controls the production | presentation by the lamp (frame lamp 56, the board lamp 23) and the movable accessory 22 are comprised are arrange | positioned. In addition, on the rear surface of the gaming board 2, the power source of the gaming machine 1 is switched on / off, and 24V (volt) AC power supplied to the gaming machine 1 is converted into DC power of various voltages. A switching power supply is provided for outputting the direct current power to the various substrates described above.

[Configuration of control device of pachinko gaming machine 1]
Next, with reference to FIG. 4, a control device that performs operation control and signal processing in the gaming machine 1 will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control device provided in the gaming machine 1.

  4, the control device of the gaming machine 1 includes a main control unit 100, a launch control unit 200, a payout control unit 300, an effect control unit 400, an image sound control unit 500, a lamp control unit 600, and the like.

  The main control unit 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103. The CPU 101 performs arithmetic processing when performing various controls related to the number of payout prize balls, such as internal lottery and determination of winning. The ROM 102 stores programs executed by the CPU 101 and various data. The RAM 103 is used as a working memory for the CPU 101. Hereinafter, main functions of the main control unit 100 will be described.

  The main control unit 100 performs a special symbol lottery (big hit lottery) when a game ball wins in the first starting port 25a or the second starting port 25b, and effects control is performed on determination result data indicating whether or not the special symbol lottery is won. Send to part 400.

  The main control unit 100 controls the opening time when the blade portion of the electric tulip 26 is opened, the number of times the blade portion is opened and closed, and the opening / closing time interval at which the blade portion is opened and closed. In addition, the main control unit 100 holds the special symbol lottery hold number when the game ball wins the first start opening 25a, the special symbol lottery hold number when the game ball wins the second start opening 25b, and the game The number of times of holding the normal symbol lottery when the ball passes through the gate 27 is managed, and data related to the number of times of holding is sent to the effect control unit 400.

  The main control unit 100 controls the opening / closing operation of the special winning opening 28 according to the result of the special symbol lottery. For example, the main control unit 100 repeats a predetermined number of rounds (for example, 16 times) in which the big winning opening 28 protrudes and is inclined and opened until a predetermined condition (for example, 29.5 seconds elapses or 9 game balls are won). Control) to repeat. The main control unit 100 also controls the opening / closing time interval (interval time) at which the special winning opening 28 opens and closes.

  When a game ball wins in the first start port 25a, the second start port 25b, the big winning port 28, and the normal winning port 29, the main control unit 100 determines a predetermined amount per game ball according to the place where the game ball has won. The payout control unit 300 is instructed to pay out the number of prize balls. Even if the main control unit 100 detects that the game ball has passed through the gate 27, the main control unit 100 does not instruct the payout control unit 300 to pay out the prize ball in conjunction therewith. When the payout control unit 300 pays out a prize ball according to an instruction from the main control unit 100, information on the number of prize balls paid out from the payout control unit 300 is sent to the main control unit 100. Then, the main control unit 100 manages the number of paid-out prize balls based on the information acquired from the payout control unit 300.

The main control unit 100 controls the launching device 211 that launches the game ball via the launch control unit 200. For example, the main control unit 100 transmits a signal permitting the operation of the launching device 211 to launch a game ball to the launch control unit 200 via the payout control unit 300 based on a predetermined condition.

  In order to realize the above-described functions, the main control unit 100 includes a first start port switch 111a, a second start port switch 111b, an electric tulip opening / closing unit 112, a gate switch 113, a big prize opening switch 114, a big prize opening opening / closing. 115, normal winning opening switch 116, first special symbol indicator 31a, second special symbol indicator 31b, first special symbol hold indicator 32a, second special symbol hold indicator 32b, normal symbol indicator 33, normal A symbol hold display 34 and a game status display 35 are connected.

  The first start port switch 111 a detects that a game ball has won the first start port 25 a and sends a detection signal to the main control unit 100. The second start port switch 111b detects that a game ball has won the second start port 25b and sends a detection signal to the main control unit 100. The electric tulip opening / closing unit 112 opens and closes the pair of blade portions of the electric tulip 26 in response to a control signal sent from the main control unit 100. The gate switch 113 detects that the game ball has passed through the gate 27 and sends a detection signal to the main control unit 100. The big prize opening switch 114 detects that a game ball has won the big prize opening 28 and sends a detection signal to the main control unit 100. The special prize opening / closing unit 115 opens and closes the special prize opening 28 in response to a control signal sent from the main control unit 100. The normal winning port switch 116 detects that a game ball has won the normal winning port 29 and sends a detection signal to the main control unit 100.

  In addition, the main control unit 100 displays the result of the special symbol lottery started by winning the game ball to the first starting port 25a (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the first special symbol lottery) on the first special symbol display 31a. indicate. The main control unit 100 displays on the second special symbol display 31b the result of a special symbol lottery started by winning a game ball in the second starting port 25b (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as a second special symbol lottery). . The main control unit 100 displays the number of suspensions of the first special symbol lottery on the first special symbol retention indicator 32a. The main control unit 100 displays the second special symbol lottery hold count on the second special symbol hold indicator 32b. The main control unit 100 displays the result of the normal symbol lottery started by passing the game ball to the gate 27 on the normal symbol display 33. The main control unit 100 displays the normal symbol lottery hold count on the normal symbol hold indicator 34. The main control unit 100 displays the gaming state on the gaming state display 35 when the gaming machine 1 is powered on.

  The launch control unit 200 includes a CPU 201, a ROM 202, and a RAM 203. The CPU 201 performs arithmetic processing when performing various controls related to the launching device 211. The ROM 202 stores programs executed by the CPU 201 and various data, and the RAM 203 is used as a working memory for the CPU 201.

  When the position of the lever 52 is in the neutral position, the lever 52 is in a firing stop state without outputting a signal. When the player is rotated clockwise by the player, the lever 52 outputs a signal corresponding to the rotation angle to the firing control unit 200 as a hitting ball firing command signal. The launch control unit 200 controls the launch operation of the launch device 211 based on the hit ball launch command signal. For example, the launch control unit 200 controls the operation of the launch device 211 such that the speed at which the game ball is launched increases as the rotation angle of the lever 52 increases. Further, the launch control unit 200 can perform the launch operation of the launch device 211 by receiving a signal permitting launch from the main control unit 100. On the other hand, when the signal indicating that the stop button 53 is pressed is output or the control signal for stopping the emission is output from the main control unit 100, the launch control unit 200 performs the operation of launching the game ball by the launch device 211. Stop.

The payout control unit 300 includes a CPU 301, a ROM 302, and a RAM 303. The CPU 301 performs a calculation process when controlling the payout of the payout ball. ROM 302 is
A program executed by the CPU 301, various data, and the like are stored, and the RAM 303 is used as a working memory for the CPU 301 and the like.

  The payout control unit 300 controls payout of the payout ball based on the command sent from the main control unit 100. Specifically, the payout control unit 300 acquires from the main control unit 100 a command for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls according to the place where the game ball has won. Then, the payout driving unit 311 is controlled so as to pay out the number of prize balls specified by the command. Here, the payout drive unit 311 is configured by a drive motor or the like that sends out a game ball from a game ball storage unit (ball tank).

  The effect control unit 400 includes a CPU 401, a ROM 402, a RAM 403, and an RTC (real time clock) 404. In addition, the effect control unit 400 is connected to the effect button 57 and the effect key 58, and acquires operation data output from the effect button 57 and the effect key 58 in response to an operation pressed by the player. The CPU 401 performs a calculation process when controlling the effect. The ROM 402 stores programs executed by the CPU 401, various data, and the like, and the RAM 403 is used as a working memory for the CPU 401. The RTC 404 measures the current date and time.

  The production control unit 400 sets production contents based on data indicating the special symbol lottery result and the like sent from the main control unit 100. In addition, when the effect button 57 or the effect key 58 is pressed down by the player, the effect control unit 400 may set the effect content according to the operation input or the detection result.

  The image sound control unit 500 includes a CPU 501, a ROM 502, and a RAM 503. The CPU 501 performs arithmetic processing when controlling the image and sound expressing the content of the effect. The ROM 502 stores programs executed by the CPU 501 and various data, and the RAM 503 is used as a working memory for the CPU 501.

  The image sound control unit 500 controls the image displayed on the image display unit 21 and the sound output from the speaker 55 based on the command sent from the effect control unit 400. Specifically, the ROM 502 has a decorative symbol image for notifying a player of a special symbol lottery result, a character or item image for displaying a notice effect for the player, and a special symbol lottery for the player. Image data for displaying a reserved image indicating that it is reserved, various background images, and the like on the image display unit 21 is stored. The ROM 502 stores various types of acoustic data such as music and audio to be output from the speaker 55 in synchronization with the image displayed on the image display unit 21 or independently of the displayed image. The CPU 501 selects and reads out the data corresponding to the command sent from the effect control unit 400 from the image data and sound data stored in the ROM 502. Then, the CPU 501 performs image processing for background image display, decoration symbol variation stop display, character / item display, hold image display, and the like using the read image data, and is sent from the effect control unit 400. Various effects are displayed according to the command. Then, the CPU 501 displays the image indicated by the image processed image data on the image display unit 21. Further, the CPU 501 performs sound processing using the read sound data, and outputs the sound indicated by the sound processing sound data from the speaker 55.

  The lamp control unit 600 includes a CPU 601, a ROM 602, and a RAM 603. The CPU 601 performs arithmetic processing when controlling the light emission of the panel lamp 23 and the frame lamp 56 and the operation of the movable accessory 22. The ROM 602 stores programs executed by the CPU 601 and various data, and the RAM 603 is used as a working memory for the CPU 601.

  The lamp control unit 600 controls the lighting / flashing of the panel lamp 23 and the frame lamp 56, the emission color, and the like based on the command sent from the effect control unit 400. In addition, the lamp control unit 600 controls the operation of the movable accessory 22 based on the command sent from the effect control unit 400. Specifically, the ROM 602 stores lighting / flashing pattern data and light emission color pattern data (light emission pattern data) for the panel lamp 23 and the frame lamp 56 according to the content of the effect set by the effect control unit 400. ing. The CPU 601 selects and reads out the light emission pattern data stored in the ROM 602 corresponding to the command sent from the effect control unit 400 and controls the light emission of the panel lamp 23 and the frame lamp 56. In addition, the ROM 602 stores operation pattern data of the movable accessory 22 corresponding to the production contents set by the production control unit 400. The CPU 601 selects and reads out the operation pattern data stored in the ROM 602 corresponding to the command sent from the effect control unit 400 and controls the operation of the movable accessory 22.

[Outline of gaming state in this embodiment]
Next, the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 in this embodiment will be described. The gaming state of the gaming machine 1 includes at least a highly accurate state, an electric support state, a short time state, a big hit gaming state, and a normal state. The high probability state is a gaming state in which the winning probability of the special symbol lottery is set to a high probability (1/30: low probability is 1/300). The electric support state is, for example, that the electric tulip 26 is frequently opened for a long time by controlling the electric tulip 26 to be opened for a long time when the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery is increased and the normal symbol lottery is won. This is a gaming state in which game balls are frequently won at the second start opening 25b. The short time state is a gaming state in which the execution interval of the special symbol lottery is shortened. The jackpot gaming state is a gaming state in which a jackpot game is executed in which a special symbol lottery is won (winning) and the jackpot 28 is opened. The normal state is a normal gaming state that is not any of the above gaming states. The normal state and the big hit game state do not coexist with other game states, respectively, but the high-accuracy state, the electric support state, and the short-time state may coexist with each other. In the present embodiment, the electric support state and the short time state are always controlled at the same time. Therefore, the electric support state and the short time state are collectively referred to as a short time state hereinafter. At this time, in a short state, the player can execute a lot of special symbol lotteries in a short time with almost no decrease in game balls. In the following, the high-accuracy state and the short-time state are referred to as a high-precision / short-time state, and the short-time state rather than the high-accuracy state is referred to as a low-precision / short-time state. In the present embodiment, there is no gaming state that is a highly accurate state and not a short-time state.

[Outline of the jackpot game in this embodiment]
Next, the outline of the jackpot game of the special symbol lottery in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an example of the jackpot breakdown of the special symbol lottery according to the present embodiment. (1) of FIG. 5 shows the jackpot breakdown of the special symbol lottery by winning the game ball to the first starting port 25a, and (2) of FIG. 5 shows the special symbol lottery by winning the game ball to the second starting port 25b. The breakdown of jackpot is shown. As shown in (1) of FIG. 5, the special symbol lottery breakdown of the special symbol lottery by winning the game ball to the first starting opening 25a has a winning probability of 60% with probability of winning with a ball and winning with probability of winning without a ball. The probability is 10%, and the probability of winning a normal jackpot with a ball is 30%. Also, as shown in FIG. 5 (2), the special symbol lottery breakdown by winning the game ball to the second starting port 25b is that the winning probability of the winning big hit with a ball is 70%, and the normal big hit without a ball The winning probability is 30%. In the following, the jackpot game and the game state control when each of these jackpots is won will be described.

When a jackpot game that is executed when winning a winning jackpot with a ball is started (hereinafter referred to as a jackpot gaming jackpot game with a ball), the special winning opening 28 is changed from a closed state to an open state after a predetermined opening time has elapsed. 1 round (hereinafter may be simply referred to as “R”) is started. In 1R, when nine game balls are won in the big winning opening 28 or when the opening time is 29.5 seconds, the big winning opening 28 is changed from the open state to the closed state, and 1R is ended. Then, after an interval period (for example, 2 seconds) between rounds is provided, the grand prize opening 28 is opened and closed in the same manner as 1R, and 2R ends. Thereafter, similarly, a predetermined number of rounds are executed by opening and closing the special prize opening 28 with an interval period interposed therebetween. Note that a plurality of times (number of rounds: 16 times, 10 times, 4 times in the present embodiment) are set as the predetermined number of times according to the type of the probability variation big hit with a ball. Then, when a predetermined ending time has elapsed, the game with a certain amount of game and the odd hit game ends. After that, the gaming state is controlled to the high probability / short time state. This highly accurate / short time state is continued until one of the special symbol lotteries is won next time. In other words, by making a big hit with a ball, the player can get an amount of prize balls according to the number of rounds, and has the right to win any of the next with almost no loss of balls. You will win.

  When a jackpot game that is executed when winning a winning change without winning a ball (hereinafter referred to as a winning change without winning ball game) is started, after a predetermined opening time has elapsed, the big winning opening 28 is changed from the closed state to the opened state. When a short time (for example, 0.1 second) elapses, a round in which the special winning opening 28 is changed from the open state to the closed state is executed a predetermined number of times (for example, twice). In other words, in the promising big hit game without a ball, the winning prize opening 28 is opened only momentarily, so that the game ball rarely enters the winning prize opening 28, and the player cannot substantially obtain the winning ball. . Then, when a predetermined ending time has elapsed, the no-out-out-probable big hit game ends. After that, the gaming state is controlled to the high probability / short time state. This highly accurate / short time state is continued until one of the special symbol lotteries is won next time. In other words, by making a promising big hit without a ball, the player cannot acquire a winning ball by the big hit game, but acquires the right to win any of the next without almost reducing the number of held balls.

  When a big hit game executed when a normal big hit with a ball is won (hereinafter referred to as a normal big hit game with a ball) is started, the special winning opening 28 is changed from a closed state to an open state after a predetermined opening time. 1R is started. In 1R, when nine game balls are won in the big winning opening 28 or when the opening time is 29.5 seconds, the big winning opening 28 is changed from the open state to the closed state, and 1R is ended. Then, after an interval period (for example, 2 seconds) between rounds is provided, the grand prize opening 28 is opened and closed in the same manner as 1R, and 2R ends. Thereafter, similarly, a predetermined number of rounds (seven times in the present embodiment) are executed by opening and closing the special winning opening 28 with the interval period interposed therebetween. When a predetermined ending time elapses, the normal big hit game with a game is completed. Thereafter, the gaming state is controlled to the low probability / short time state. In this case, the time-short state is ended when the special symbol lottery is executed a predetermined number of times (in this embodiment, 100 times) and is controlled to the normal state. In other words, the player can win an amount of prize balls according to the number of rounds (seven times) by hitting a normal jackpot with a ball. ) You will be entitled to a special symbol drawing.

When a jackpot game that is executed in the case of winning a normal jackpot without a payout (hereinafter referred to as a normal jackpot game without a payout) starts, after a predetermined opening time elapses, the big prize opening 28 is changed from a closed state to an open state. When a short time (for example, 0.1 second) elapses, a round in which the special winning opening 28 is changed from the open state to the closed state is executed a predetermined number of times (in this embodiment, seven times). In other words, in the normal big hit game with no game, the big winning opening 28 is opened only momentarily, so that the game ball rarely enters the big winning opening 28, and the player cannot substantially obtain the winning ball. . Then, when a predetermined ending time has elapsed, the normal big hit game without a ball is finished. Thereafter, the gaming state is controlled to the low probability / short time state. In this case, the time-short state is ended when the special symbol lottery is executed a predetermined number of times (in this embodiment, 100 times) and is controlled to the normal state. In other words, by making a big hit without a ball, the player cannot acquire a winning ball by the big hit game, but acquires the right to perform a special symbol lottery a predetermined number of times (100 times) with almost no lost ball.

[Outline of game progress in this embodiment]
Below, the outline | summary of the game progress in this embodiment is demonstrated. First, in the normal state, the electric tulip 26 is hardly opened, so that the game ball hardly wins the second starting port 25b. For this reason, in a normal state, the 1st special symbol lottery by the game ball prize to the 1st starting mouth 25a will be performed exclusively. In the normal state, when the first special symbol lottery is performed, if there is a probable big hit with a given ball or a probable big hit without a given ball (see FIG. 5 (1)), the probable change / short time state will occur until one of the next big hits. Since it is often in the open state for a long time, the game ball wins the second starting port 25b very frequently. Here, the second special symbol lottery by winning the game ball to the second starting port 25b is executed in preference to the first special symbol lottery by winning the game ball to the first starting port 25a. In the state, the second special symbol lottery is executed exclusively by winning the game ball to the second starting port 25b. Then, when there is a ball in the probability change / short time state (see FIG. 5 (2)), the probability change / short time state is reached again until one of the next big hits, and the game ball winnings to the second starting port 25b is the only one. 2 Special symbol lottery will be executed. In this way, the player can obtain a large number of prize balls by continuing the probable big hit with a ball in the probabilistic / short-time state (by a so-called consecutive villa loop). Here, when a normal big hit without a ball in the probability change / short-time state (see FIG. 5 (2)), a special symbol lottery is executed 100 times after a normal big hit game without a ball that is virtually impossible to obtain a prize ball. It will be in the normal state after being controlled to the low accuracy / short time state. That is, in the present embodiment, a loop (chain) in which the probability variation / short time state, which is very useful for the player, is terminated by winning the winning probability variation big hit. From this, in the probable change / short time state, the player expects that the probable change / short time state will continue with the probable large change with a ball, and the normal change / short time state without a ball will end and the normal state will end. I hope I won't return. Moreover, in this embodiment, the battle effect which alert | reports whether it was a big hit without a ball in a probability change / time-short state is performed. A battle effect is an effect in which a hero character and an enemy character fight, notifying that the hero character has defeated the enemy character and hitting a normal big hit without a ball (that is, notifying that the probability variation / shortening state ends). This is an effect of notifying that the hero character has won the enemy character and that the player has not normally hit a big hit (that is, notifying that the probability variation / shortening state continues).

[Characteristic operation in this embodiment]
Hereinafter, characteristic operations in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. 6 and 7 are diagrams for explaining an example of a characteristic decorative symbol variation effect in the present embodiment. The decorative symbol variation effect is an effect for effectively informing the determination result of the special symbol lottery (that is, whether or not a big hit has been made) by displaying the decorative symbol, which will be described later, in a variable manner and then displaying it in a stopped state. . In addition, the decorative symbol variation effect may include display of various effect images, output of various effect sounds, and the like, and a special reach that suggests that the degree of expectation that a big hit has been announced to the player is high. Production (hereinafter referred to as SP reach production) may be included.

First, an example of the decorative design DI used in the decorative design variation effect in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, the decorative symbol DI has nine types of symbols including one main symbol and one sub symbol. The main symbol includes the numbers “1” to “9”, and the sub symbol includes the characters “A” to “C”. The main symbol is a symbol for notifying that a special symbol lottery has been won, and in this embodiment, three decorative symbols DI including the same main symbol in the decorative symbol variation effect are displayed on the image display unit 21 in a horizontal row. By being stopped and displayed on the screen, it is informed that a big win has been won in the special symbol lottery. As shown in FIG. 6 (1), the decorative symbol DI including the main symbol “1”, the decorative symbol DI including the main symbol “4”, and the decorative symbol DI including the main symbol “7” include the sub symbol “A”. Is included. FIG.
As shown in (2), the sub-symbol “B” is included in the decorative symbol DI including the main symbol “2”, the decorative symbol DI including the main symbol “5”, and the decorative symbol DI including the main symbol “8”. included. As shown in FIG. 6 (3), the decorative symbol DI including the main symbol “3”, the decorative symbol DI including the main symbol “6”, and the decorative symbol DI including the main symbol “9” include the sub symbol “C”. Is included. The role of the sub symbol will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, a description will be given with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 (1) shows that in the decorative symbol variation effect, the left decorative symbol (hereinafter referred to as the left symbol) and the right decorative symbol (hereinafter referred to as the right symbol) are aligned with the same main symbol, and the reach state is reached. It is a figure for demonstrating the production pattern which develops to a reach production. On the other hand, in FIG. 7 (2), in the decorative symbol variation effect, the left symbol and the right symbol are not aligned with the same main symbol, and the reach state is not reached, but the central decorative symbol (hereinafter referred to as the middle symbol) is It is a figure for demonstrating the production | presentation pattern which arranges with the same sub design as the left design and the right design (that is, all are arranged with the same sub design), and develops into SP reach production. This will be specifically described below. In FIG. 7, as an example, a description is given using a decorative design including character A as a sub design.

  As shown in FIG. 7 (1), when the left symbol is temporarily stopped at the main symbol “1” and the right symbol is temporarily stopped at the main symbol “1” to reach a reach state, the SP has a predetermined probability. A reach effect is executed, and then all symbols are completely stopped (main stop) by stopping the middle symbol, and it is notified whether or not a big hit is made in this decorative symbol effect. In the present embodiment, it is notified that a big hit has been made by gathering all of the same main symbols. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it may be notified that a big hit has been made when the main symbols are stopped in a predetermined pattern. Note that the temporary stop is a state in which it seems to have stopped at first glance, but is not completely stopped due to, for example, the decorative design slightly shaking. In FIG. 7A, a thick arrow indicates a state in which the middle symbol is variably displayed.

  Here, the SP reach effect includes an effect that the character A fights the enemy, an effect that the character B fights the enemy, and an effect that the character C fights the enemy. Then, when the SP reach effect of the content in which the character A fights the enemy is executed, the reliability (henceforth simply referred to as reliability) of the big hit is the highest, and the SP reach effect of the content in which the character B fights the enemy is executed. In such a case, when the SP reach production having the next highest reliability and the character C fighting the enemy is executed, the reliability is lowest.

  The SP reach effect executed after reaching the reach state as shown in FIG. 7 (1) is the above-mentioned three types of SP regardless of the sub-symbol (character A) being displayed in the current reach state. One of the reach effects is selected and executed by lottery or the like.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 7 (2), the left symbol temporarily stops at the main symbol “7”, and then the right symbol temporarily stops at the main symbol “4” and does not reach the reach state. After temporarily stopping at the main symbol “1” and losing provisionally, and all having the same sub symbol (character A), all the decorative symbols fluctuate again with a predetermined probability and the SP reach effect is executed. Thereafter, all symbols are completely stopped (this stop), and it is notified whether or not a big hit has been made in the current decorative symbol effect. After the sub symbols are aligned as shown in FIG. 7B, the SP reach effect of the pattern in which the aligned sub symbols (character A) fight the enemy is executed.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, even when the main symbols are not in a reach state in which they are aligned in a predetermined state (the same symbol), all the same sub symbols are used when the last decorative symbol is stopped (temporarily stopped). If they are all in order, it will develop into SP reach production. As a result, even if the player does not reach the reach state, the player may develop into the SP reach. Therefore, in the decorative design variation effect, the player may develop into the SP reach even if the player does not reach the reach state. You can have a sense of expectation. In addition, according to the present embodiment, since the SP reach effect of the pattern in which the characters of the aligned sub symbols fight the enemy is executed, the big hit reliability differs depending on the aligned sub symbols. As a result, the player plays the game with the expectation that the reliability of the jackpot will be increased with the sub symbols.

  Here, as will be described later with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 8 to 11, in the present embodiment, the execution time of the decoration symbol variation effect is determined in advance, and the decoration symbol variation effect that can be executed in the determined execution time is selected. Executed. Also, the decorative symbol variation effect that executes the SP reach effect via the reach state of FIG. 7A and the decorative symbol variation effect that executes the SP reach effect without passing the reach state of FIG. , And the same execution time (for example, 90 seconds). Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, the SP reach effect is executed after temporarily stopping two decorative symbols, and the case of FIG. 7 (1) where the SP reach effect is executed after temporarily stopping three decorative symbols. The time when the SP reach effect can be executed differs from the case of FIG. For this reason, in the present embodiment, the execution time of the SP reach effect is set shorter in the case of FIG. 7 (2) than in the case of FIG. 7 (1).

  Below, the process which the pachinko game machine 1 performs in order to implement | achieve control which performs the above-mentioned operation | movement is demonstrated.

[Main operation of main control unit]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of timer interrupt processing performed by the main control unit 100. Hereinafter, a timer interrupt process performed in the main control unit 100 will be described with reference to FIG. The main control unit 100 repeatedly executes a series of processes shown in FIG. 8 at regular time intervals (for example, 4 milliseconds) during a normal operation except for special cases such as when the power is turned on or when the power is turned off. Note that processing performed by the main control unit 100 described based on the flowcharts in FIG. 8 and the subsequent steps is executed based on a program stored in the ROM 102.

  First, in step S1, the CPU 101 of the main control unit 100 executes a random number update process for updating various random numbers such as a jackpot random number, a design random number, a reach random number, and a variation pattern random number. Here, the big hit random number is a random number for determining whether or not a special symbol lottery is won or lost (that is, performing a special symbol lottery). The symbol random number is a random number for determining the type of jackpot (probable big hit with a given ball, probable big hit without a given ball, a normal big hit with a given ball, a normal big hit without a given ball) when a special symbol lottery is won. The jackpot random number and the design random number are used in the process of step S57 in FIG. The reach random number is a random number for determining whether or not a reach effect is performed when a special symbol lottery is lost. The variation pattern random number is a random number for determining the variation time of the special symbol. Here, the variation time of the special symbol is equal to the execution time of the decorative symbol variation effect performed during the variation of the special symbol. The reach random number and the fluctuation pattern random number are used in the process of step S58 of FIG. 10 described later. In the random number update process of step S1, the big hit random number, the design random number, the reach random number, the variation pattern random number, etc. are each added and updated by one. That is, it is counted up. Each lottery is performed in the start port switch (SW) process in step S2 and the gate switch (SW) process in step S3, and each random number is acquired. Then, a special symbol process in step S4 and a normal symbol in step S5 described later. Used in processing. Note that the counter that performs the processing of step S1 is typically a loop counter, and returns to 0 again after reaching the maximum value of the set random number (for example, 299 for the big hit random number).

Next, in step S2, the CPU 101 monitors the state of the first start port switch 111a and the second start port switch 111b, and when one of the switches is turned on (the first start port switch 111a or the second start port switch 111b). When a game ball detection signal is output from the mouth switch 111b), a start opening switch that performs processing related to the number of holdings U1 of the first special symbol lottery, the number of holdings U2 of the second special symbol lottery, and processing for obtaining various random numbers. Execute the process. In step S2, the CPU 101 makes a prior determination using the acquired jackpot random number. Details of the start port switch process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, in step S3, the CPU 101 monitors the state of the gate switch 113, and when the gate switch 113 is turned on (when a game ball detection signal is output from the gate switch 113), the normal symbol lottery is suspended. It is determined whether or not the number is less than the upper limit value, and if it is determined that the number of holds is less than the upper limit value, a gate switch process for acquiring a random number used in the normal symbol process in step S5 described later is executed.

  Next, in step S4, the CPU 101 executes the first special symbol lottery or the second special symbol lottery, and after the special symbols are variably displayed on the first special symbol display 31a or the second special symbol display 31b, these are displayed. A special symbol process for displaying a stop symbol indicating the lottery result or transmitting various commands to the effect control unit 400 is executed. This special symbol process will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.

  Next, in step S5, the CPU 101 executes a normal symbol process for determining whether or not the random number acquired in the gate switch process in step S3 matches a predetermined hit random number. Then, the CPU 101 stops the normal symbol indicating the determination result after the normal symbol is variably displayed on the normal symbol display 33. Further, the CPU 101 sets the probability that the normal symbol displayed on the normal symbol display 33 will be a predetermined winning symbol (that is, the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery) is set to a low probability (for example, 1/10) in the normal state. In the short-time state, it is increased with high probability (for example, 10/10).

  Next, in step S6, when it is determined that the special symbol lottery is won in the special symbol processing in step S4 (when a big hit is made), the CPU 101 controls the special prize opening / closing unit 115 to make the special prize opening 28 predetermined. Is performed, and a big prize opening process for transmitting various commands related to the so-called jackpot game effect to the effect control unit 400 is executed. By this processing, a so-called jackpot game (special game) is progressed, and the player generally acquires a large amount of prize balls (in the case of a jackpot game with a game). In addition, the CPU 101 executes a game state setting process for setting a gaming state at the end of the big hit game control such as the opening / closing control of the special prize opening 28 in the big prize opening process of step S6. Specifically, the CPU 101 is low for a predetermined period at the end of a normal jackpot game with a ball and a normal jackpot game without a ball (for a limited period until the special symbol lottery is executed 100 times in this embodiment). After setting the certainty / short time state, it is set to the normal state, and at the end of the probability variation big hit game with a ball and the probability variation big hit game without a ball, it is set to a high probability / time short state until one of the next big hits. In addition, the CPU 101 transmits a command indicating the set gaming state to the effect control unit 400. Thereby, the production control unit 400 can recognize the gaming state being set.

  Next, in step S7, the CPU 101 performs electric driving when the normal symbol displayed on the normal symbol display 33 by the normal symbol processing in step S5 is a predetermined winning symbol (that is, when the normal symbol lottery is won). An electric tulip process for operating the tulip 26 is executed. At that time, the CPU 101 controls the electric tulip 26 to be in an open state in an extremely short period (for example, 0.15 seconds once) in a normal state, and keeps the electric tulip 26 in a short period (for example, 1.8 seconds). (3 times) Control to open state. In addition, when the electric tulip 26 is controlled to be in an open state, a game ball can be won in the second start port 25b, and a game ball wins in the second start port 25b, so that the second special symbol lottery is performed. Will be.

  Next, in step S <b> 8, the CPU 101 executes prize ball processing for managing the number of winning game balls and controlling the payout of prize balls according to the prize.

  Next, in step S9, the CPU 101 sends various commands set in the RAM 103 and information necessary for the production in the special symbol processing in step S5, the big prize opening processing in step S6, the prize ball processing in step S8, etc. 400 or an output process of outputting to the payout control unit 300 is executed.

[Start-up switch processing]
FIG. 9 is an example of a detailed flowchart of the start port switch process in step S2 of FIG. Hereinafter, the start port switch process in step S2 of FIG. 8 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S21, the CPU 101 of the main control unit 100 receives a game ball in the first start port 25a based on the presence / absence of a detection signal from the first start port switch 111a, and the first start port switch 111a is turned on. It is determined whether or not. If the determination in step S21 is YES, the process proceeds to step S22, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S25.

  In step S <b> 22, the CPU 101 reads the upper limit value Umax <b> 1 (“4” in the present embodiment) of the first special symbol lottery hold number from the ROM 102, and the first special symbol lottery hold number U <b> 1 stored in the RAM 103 is the upper limit. It is determined whether or not the value is less than Umax1. If the determination in step S22 is YES, the process proceeds to step S23, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S25.

  In step S <b> 23, the CPU 101 updates the value of the holding number U <b> 1 stored in the RAM 103 to a value obtained by adding one. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S24.

  In step S24, the CPU 101 obtains a set of random numbers (big hit random number, symbol random number, reach random number, and variation pattern random number) used for the first special symbol lottery etc., and each set of the obtained random numbers (game information) Are stored in the RAM 103 in chronological order. Each time the value of the holding number U1 of the first special symbol lottery U1 is decremented by 1 in the process of step S56 of FIG. 10 described later, the random number set stored in the RAM 103 is in order from the earliest storage time. One set is deleted. For this reason, for example, when the value of the holding number U1 of the first special symbol lottery is “3”, the last three random number sets acquired by the process of step S24 for the last three times are stored in the RAM 103 in time series order. Will be stored. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S25.

  In step S25, the CPU 101 determines whether or not a game ball has won the second start port 25b and the second start port switch 111b is turned on based on the presence or absence of a detection signal from the second start port switch 111b. To do. If the determination in step S25 is YES, the process proceeds to step S26, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S3 (gate switch process) in FIG.

  In step S <b> 26, the CPU 101 reads the upper limit value Umax <b> 2 of the second special symbol lottery holding number (“4” in the present embodiment) from the ROM 102, and the second special symbol lottery holding number U <b> 2 stored in the RAM 103 is the upper limit. It is determined whether or not the value is less than Umax2. If the determination in step S26 is YES, the process proceeds to step S27, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S3 (gate switch process) in FIG.

  In step S <b> 27, the CPU 101 updates the value of the holding number U <b> 2 stored in the RAM 103 to a value obtained by adding one. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S28.

  In step S28, the CPU 101 acquires a set of random numbers (big hit random number, symbol random number, reach random number, and variation pattern random number) used for the second special symbol lottery and the like, and sets each acquired random number as a time series. They are stored in the RAM 103 in order. Each time the value of the second special symbol lottery holding number U2 is decremented by 1 in the process of step S54 in FIG. 10 described later, the random number set stored in the RAM 103 is stored in order from the earliest storage time. One set is deleted. For this reason, for example, when the value of the holding number U2 of the second special symbol lottery is “3”, the last three random number sets acquired by the process of step S30 for the last three times are stored in the RAM 103 in chronological order. Will be stored. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S3 (gate switch process) in FIG.

[Special symbol processing]
FIG. 10 is an example of a detailed flowchart of the special symbol process in step S4 of FIG. Hereinafter, the special symbol process in step S4 of FIG. 8 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S51, the CPU 101 of the main control unit 100 determines whether or not the current state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is a big hit game based on information stored in the RAM 103 (typically information by a flag). Determine whether. That is, it is determined whether or not the big hit game (special game) that is executed when the special symbol lottery is won. If the determination in step S51 is YES, the process proceeds to step S5 (normal symbol process) in FIG. 8, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S52.

  In step S <b> 52, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the special symbols on the first special symbol display 31 a or the second special symbol display 31 b are being displayed. If the determination in step S52 is YES, the process proceeds to step S61. If the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S53.

  In step S53, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the holding number U2 stored in the RAM 103 is 1 or more (that is, whether or not the second special symbol lottery is held). If the determination in step S53 is YES, the process proceeds to step S54. If the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S55.

  In step S54, the CPU 101 updates the hold number U2 stored in the RAM 103 to a value obtained by subtracting one. At that time, the CPU 101 reads out the random number set stored in the RAM 103 in step S28 of FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S57.

  On the other hand, in step S55, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the holding number U1 stored in the RAM 103 is 1 or more (that is, whether or not the first special symbol lottery is held). If the determination in step S55 is YES, the process proceeds to step S56. If this determination is NO, there is no special symbol lottery to be executed, so the process is step S5 in FIG. 8 (normal symbol processing). Move on.

  In step S56, the CPU 101 updates the hold count U1 stored in the RAM 103 to a value obtained by subtracting one. At that time, the CPU 101 reads out the random number set stored in the RAM 103 in step S24 of FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S57.

  The second special symbol lottery is executed in preference to the first special symbol lottery by the processes of steps S53 to S56 described above.

  In step S57, the CPU 101 executes a big hit determination process for determining whether the special symbol lottery is a big hit or a loss. Specifically, when the process of step S57 is executed subsequent to the process of step S54, the CPU 101 determines that the big hit random number read from the RAM 103 in the process of step S54 matches the big win winning value stored in the ROM 102. Whether the result of the second special symbol lottery is a big hit or a loss is determined based on whether or not to do so. On the other hand, when the process of step S57 is executed following the process of step S56, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the jackpot random number read from the RAM 103 by the process of step S56 matches the jackpot winning value stored in the ROM 102. Based on this, it is determined whether the result of the first special symbol lottery is a big hit or a loss. When the result of the special symbol lottery is determined to be lost, the CPU 101 sets a lost symbol indicating that the special symbol lottery has been lost in the RAM 103 as a special symbol stop symbol in the setting information. On the other hand, when the CPU 101 determines that the result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit, which of the predetermined values stored in the ROM 102 matches the symbol random number read from the RAM 103 together with the big hit random number used for this determination? Based on the above, the type of jackpot of this time (probable big hit with a given ball, probable big hit without a given ball, a normal big hit with a given ball, a normal big hit without a given ball) is determined. Then, the CPU 101 sets, in the RAM 103, information on the jackpot symbol representing the jackpot and the type of jackpot as information on the stop symbol of the special symbol in the setting information. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S58.

  In step S58, the CPU 101 executes a variation pattern selection process. Specifically, when the CPU 101 determines that the big hit is determined in the big hit determination process in step S57, the fluctuation pattern random number read from the RAM 103 together with the big hit random number used in the big hit determination process is a predetermined value (stored in the ROM 102). A variation pattern (a variation time of a special symbol: an execution time of a decorative symbol variation effect) is determined based on which one of the predetermined values for determining a variation pattern when a big hit occurs. In this embodiment, as an example, when it is determined that the game is a big hit, a reach effect is always performed.

  On the other hand, if the CPU 101 determines that a loss has occurred in the jackpot determination process in step S57, the reach random number read from the RAM 103 together with the jackpot random number used in the jackpot determination process is a predetermined value stored in the ROM 102 (the reach at the time of a loss). It is determined whether or not the reach effect is to be executed based on which one of the predetermined values for execution determination matches. If the CPU 101 determines to execute the reach effect, the fluctuation pattern random number read from the RAM 103 together with the jackpot random number used in the current jackpot determination process is stored in the ROM 102 (the reach effect is executed when lost). The variation pattern (variation time) is determined based on which one of the predetermined values for determining the variation pattern in the case of matching. On the other hand, when the CPU 101 determines not to execute the reach effect, the random pattern read from the RAM 103 together with the jackpot random number used in the current jackpot determination process is stored in the ROM 102 with a predetermined value (the reach effect is generated when lost). The fluctuation pattern (fluctuation time) is determined based on which one of the predetermined values (the predetermined value for determining the fluctuation pattern when not executed) matches, and the number of holdings U1 and U2 stored in the RAM 103.

  Information on the variation pattern determined as described above and information indicating whether or not to execute reach production are set in the RAM 103 as setting information. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S59.

In step S59, the CPU 101 generates a variation effect start command including the setting information set by the big hit determination process of step S57 and the setting information set by the variation pattern selection process of step S58, and sets the command in the RAM 103. Here, the variation effect start command is a command for instructing the effect control unit 400 to start the decorative symbol variation effect by the image display unit 21 and the speaker 55 or the like. The setting information included in the variation effect start command also includes information indicating which one of the first special symbol lottery and the second special symbol lottery has been executed. This variation effect start command is transmitted to the effect control unit 400 by the output process in step S9 of FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S60.

  In step S60, the CPU 101 changes the special symbol by the first special symbol display 31a or the second special symbol display 31b based on the setting information included in the variable effect start command set in the process of step S59. Start displaying. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S61.

  In step S61, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the special symbol variation time indicated by the variation pattern set in the variation pattern selection process in step S58 has elapsed since the start of the special symbol variation display in step S60. If the determination in step S61 is yes, the process proceeds to step S62. If the determination is no, the process proceeds to step S5 (ordinary symbol process) in FIG.

  In step S <b> 62, the CPU 101 sets a variation effect stop command instructing the end of the decorative symbol variation effect by the image display unit 21 or the like in the RAM 103. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S63. The variation effect stop command set in step S62 is transmitted to the effect control unit 400 by the output process in step S9 of FIG.

  In step S63, the CPU 101 ends the variation display of the special symbol by the first special symbol display 31a or the second special symbol display 31b started in the process of step S60, and displays the stop symbol. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S64.

  In step S64, the CPU 101 executes a stop process. Specifically, if the CPU 101 determines that the big hit is determined in step S57, the information stored in the RAM 103 (typically, information based on a flag) is in a big hit game (a big hit gaming state). And a command for instructing the start of the big hit game effect is set in the RAM 103. This command is transmitted to the effect control unit 400 by the output process of step S9 in FIG. 8, and the big hit game effect is started. Thereafter, the processing moves to step S5 (normal symbol processing) in FIG. Note that at the time when the big hit game is ended by the big winning opening process of step S6 of FIG. 8, the information indicating that the big hit game is being stored in the RAM 103 is returned to the one that is not in the big hit game by the CPU 101, and A command for instructing the end of the jackpot game effect is transmitted to the effect control unit 400 by the CPU 101, and the jackpot game effect is ended.

[Production control processing by production control unit]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the effect control process performed by the effect control unit 400. Below, with reference to FIG. 11, the effect control process performed by the effect control part 400 is demonstrated. The effect control unit 400 repeatedly executes a series of processes shown in FIG. 11 at regular time intervals (for example, 4 milliseconds) in a normal operation except for special cases such as when the power is turned on and when the power is turned off. Note that the processing performed by the effect control unit 400 described based on the flowchart of FIG. 11 is executed based on a program stored in the ROM 402. Moreover, in the following description, the description about the big hit game effect etc. which is not directly related to the feature of this embodiment is omitted.

  First, in step S101, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the variable effect start command set in step S59 of FIG. 10 has been received. If the determination in step S101 is YES, the process proceeds to step S102, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S104.

  In step S102, the CPU 401 analyzes the variation effect start command received in step S101, and acquires setting information included in the variation effect start command. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S103.

  In step S103, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 and the like to start a decorative symbol variation effect that satisfies the conditions of the setting information acquired in step S103. Specifically, when the CPU 401 acquires the setting information of the content for executing the reach effect when the variation pattern is 90 seconds, for example, the CPU 401 displays the effect pattern described with reference to FIG. 7A and FIG. One effect pattern is selected by lottery from a plurality of effect patterns that satisfy the above conditions including the effect pattern described above, and the decorative symbol variation effect is started. Thereafter, the process returns to step S101.

  On the other hand, in step S104, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the variable effect stop command set in the process of step S62 in FIG. 10 has been received. If the determination in step S104 is yes, the process proceeds to step S105. If the determination is no, the process returns to step S101.

  In step S105, the CPU 401 ends the decorative symbol variation effect started in the process of step S103, and informs the result of the special symbol lottery in an effective manner. Thereafter, the process returns to step S101.

[Modification]
In the above-described embodiment, as described with reference to FIG. 7 (2), the reach state is not achieved, and the sub-patterns are aligned to develop the SP reach effect. However, after reaching the reach state, it may be configured to develop into the SP reach production by sub-designs. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 12, after the left symbol and the right symbol are aligned with the main symbol “7” and reach the reach state, the middle symbol is temporarily stopped and all the sub symbols are aligned with the character A. Then, it may be configured to develop into SP reach production. With such a configuration, the player develops into SP reach after the player thinks that the middle symbol has come off at the time of the temporary stop in the reach state, which is an unexpected performance.

  Further, in the present embodiment described above, when a random number is acquired in step S24 in FIG. 9, a big hit determination (pre-determination: prefetching) is performed prior to the big hit determination in step S57 in FIG. In the process of step S103 of 11, in the decorative symbol variation effect that is executed prior to the decorative symbol variation effect corresponding to this prior determination, the possibility (reliability) of hitting with the decorative symbol variation effect corresponding to the preliminary determination is determined. Whether or not to notify (that is, whether or not to perform a pre-reading effect) may be determined by lottery or the like. Then, if it is determined that the reliability is to be notified, based on the above prior determination, for example, an effect of executing the SP reach effect after the decoration symbol variation effect (contents described in FIG. ) May be executed as a pre-reading effect. Further, for example, only the effects that are arranged in the sub-symbol among the decorative symbol variation effects having the contents described with reference to FIG. 7B (that is, effects that do not execute the SP reach effect) may be executed as the prefetch effects.

In the present embodiment described above, if the main symbols are not aligned but the sub symbols are aligned, S
The configuration that develops into P-reach production has been described. However, for example, a configuration may be adopted in which the sub-design is not used, and the decorative design itself develops to SP reach production when a predetermined change (for example, shape change, color change, pattern change, main design change) occurs.

  Further, the shape, number, installation position, and the like of each component provided in the pachinko gaming machine 1 described above are merely examples, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to other shapes, numbers, and installation positions. It goes without saying that the present invention can be realized without departing from the above. Further, it goes without saying that the numerical values and the like used in the above-described processing are merely examples, and the present invention can be realized even with other numerical values.

  As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated in detail using embodiment, the above-mentioned description is only the illustration of this invention in all the points, and does not intend to limit the range. It goes without saying that various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. In addition, it is to be understood that the terms used in the present specification are used in the meaning normally used in the art unless otherwise specified. Thus, unless defined otherwise, all technical and technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. In case of conflict, the present specification, including definitions, will control.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Game machine 2 ... Game board 20 ... Game area 21 ... Image display part 22 ... Movable accessory 23 ... Board lamp 24 ... Discharge port 25a ... 1st start port 25b ... 2nd start port 26 ... Electric tulip 27 ... Gate 28 ... Big winning opening 29 ... Normal winning opening 3 ... Display 31a ... First special symbol display 31b ... Second special symbol display 32a ... First special symbol hold indicator 32b ... Second special symbol hold indicator 33 ... Normal Symbol display 34 ... Normal symbol hold indicator 35 ... Game status indicator 43 ... Lock portion 5 ... Frame member 51 ... Handle 52 ... Lever 53 ... Stop button 54 ... Eject button 55 ... Speaker 56 ... Frame lamp 57 ... Direction button 58 ... Production key 59 ... Dish 100 ... Main control unit 101, 201, 301, 401, 501, 601 ... CPU
102, 202, 302, 402, 502, 602 ... ROM
103, 203, 303, 403, 503, 603 ... RAM
111a ... 1st start port switch 111b ... 2nd start port switch 112 ... Electric tulip opening / closing part 113 ... Gate switch 114 ... Grand prize opening switch 115 ... Grand prize opening / closing part 116 ... Normal prize opening switch 200 ... Launch control part 211 ... Launching device 300 ... payout control unit 311 ... payout drive unit 400 ... production control unit 404 ... RTC
500 ... Image sound control unit 600 ... Lamp control units A, B, C ... Sub design DI ... Decoration design

Claims (2)

Special game determination means for performing a special game determination as to whether or not to perform a special game advantageous to a player;
Effect control means for causing a predetermined effect means including a display means to perform a predetermined effect,
The production control means includes
Based on the determination result of the special game determination means, it is possible to cause the display means to perform a variable effect in which a plurality of decorative symbols are variably displayed and then stopped and displayed in a predetermined stop pattern. In, it is possible to perform a reach production that suggests that there is a high possibility that the special game will be performed,
Before the reach effect is performed, when at least two of the decorative symbols are stopped and displayed with the first stop pattern that is the same symbol, all of the plural decorative symbols are in a predetermined combination. A gaming machine that is sometimes stopped and displayed in the second stop pattern. There are several types of reach production,
The said effect control means stops and displays with the said 2nd stop pattern used as a combination which differs according to the kind of the said reach effect performed when the said several decoration symbols are stopped and displayed with the said 2nd stop pattern. The gaming machine described in 1.

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