JP2016026011A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of eliminating an irritated feeling caused by a game stop.SOLUTION: A Pachinko machine includes performance mode change input means for changing selection of one of a plurality of game performance input modes 1-3 by manual input operation. A display control device of the Pachinko machine includes: performance mode update means for updating storage contents of the performance mode storage means according to a mode selection signal from game performance mode change input means; and means for activating the performance mode update means during a high-speed variation period of a first pattern row Z1. Thus, during a period from variation start to a change from high-speed variation to low-speed variation of the first pattern row Z1, selection of a performance mode can be changed, a change is performed to a performance mode selected at the point of time in the selection change, and variation display of the selected performance mode is executed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 27

Description

  The present invention relates to gaming machines represented by pachinko machines and slot machines.

  In recent years, a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine is known as a method for diversifying display effects so that the player can change the effect mode by operating an effect mode selection button ( JP, 2004-154271, A).

JP 2004-154271 A

However, in the gaming machine having the above configuration, the operation mode selection button can be operated only during the standby screen. Therefore, even if the effect mode selection button is operated during the variable display, it is not accepted, and it is necessary to wait until the variable display is completed. Therefore, in the pachinko machine configured as described above, when there is a holding ball, until the holding ball is exhausted (until the change display is finished), the operation mode selection button cannot be operated, and a player who desires to change the production mode The game had to be stopped, and as a result, there were problems as shown below.
That is, in general, when the jackpot does not appear for a long time, the player is irritated. In particular, although the player reaches a high frequency, the irritability is increased when the jackpot does not appear. Therefore, in such a case, it is desired to change the effect mode and play the game. However, in the pachinko machine having the above-described configuration, in order to change the effect mode, the game has to be stopped until there is no reserved ball, and there is a problem that it may increase the feeling of irritation.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can eliminate the annoyance caused by the cancellation of the game.

In order to solve the above problems, a gaming machine according to the present invention is:
A display device for variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information, an effect mode change input means for selecting and changing any one of a plurality of game effect modes with different display effects on the display device by manual input operation, and progress of the game In a gaming machine having a sub-control device that receives an effect control command from the main controller that supervises and executes a display effect with a variation pattern according to the effect control command in the selected effect mode,
The sub-control device
Game effect mode storage means for storing the currently set game effect mode;
A variation pattern storage means provided for each of the plurality of game effect modes, in which a variation pattern corresponding to the effect control command is stored in advance,
The effect mode currently set is read from the effect mode storage means, the variation pattern determined by the read effect mode and the effect control command is read from the variation pattern storage means, and the display effect is displayed with the change pattern. Game effect mode execution means to be executed;
In response to a mode selection signal from the game effect mode change input means, the memory contents of the effect mode storage means are changed, and a game effect mode change notification signal indicating that a game effect mode change input has been received is provided. Effect mode change switching means for outputting to the mode execution means,
An effect mode change switching control means that activates the effect mode change switching means only during the standby screen display period and at least during any of the variable display periods, and disables the effect mode change switch means during the other periods; ,
With
When the game effect mode change notification signal is input to the game effect mode execution means, the game effect mode execution means reads the changed effect mode from the game effect mode storage means, and changes the effect mode from the currently displayed effect mode. A display effect is executed by switching to a later effect mode.

  According to the present invention, in addition to the standby screen display period, the effect mode can be changed from that point by selection change by the game effect mode change input means at least in any period during the variable display. As a result, since it is possible to change the effect mode even when there is a holding ball, the annoyance caused by stopping the game for changing the effect mode can be eliminated.

The front view of a pachinko machine. The front view which shows the structure of a game board. The enlarged view of the display surface of a 1st symbol main display apparatus. The figure which shows the display screen of presentation mode 1. FIG. The figure which shows the display screen of presentation mode 2. FIG. The figure which shows the display screen of presentation mode 3. FIG. The block diagram which showed the electrical structure of the pachinko machine. The figure which showed the outline | summary of the various counters in a main controller. The flowchart which showed the main process performed by MPU in a main controller. The flowchart which showed the normal process performed by MPU in a main controller. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an off symbol counter update process executed in the normal process of FIG. 10. FIG. The flowchart which showed the special symbol fluctuation | variation process performed in the normal process of FIG. The flowchart which showed the change start process performed in the special symbol change process of FIG. The flowchart which showed the timer interruption process. The flowchart which showed the start winning process performed in the timer interruption process of FIG. The flowchart which showed NMI interruption processing. The development view of the decorative symbol sequence. The figure which showed the outline | summary of the various counters in a display control apparatus. The flowchart which showed the main process performed by MPU of a display control apparatus. The flowchart which showed the decoration symbol counter update process performed in the main process of FIG. The flowchart which showed the command reception process performed by MPU of a display control apparatus. The functional block diagram of a main controller and a display controller. The block diagram which shows the specific structure of an effect mode update part and a decoration design display control part. The flowchart which shows the effective period setting process of the production mode selection switch by the production mode change switching control part 711. The flowchart which shows production mode selection change processing. The flowchart which shows the display control process relevant to the production mode selection change process of a decoration design display control part. The timing chart which shows the specific example of effect mode change processing. Explanatory drawing for demonstrating effective line LA1-5. The figure which shows the state of the screen in the 1st step of production mode 1 [natural stage mode]. The figure which shows the state of the screen in the 1st step of production mode 1 [natural stage mode]. The figure which shows the state of the screen in the 1st step of production mode 1 [natural stage mode]. The figure which shows the state of the screen in the 2nd step of production mode 1 [natural stage mode]. The figure which shows the state of the screen in the 2nd step of production mode 1 [natural stage mode]. The figure which shows the state of the screen in the 2nd step of production mode 1 [natural stage mode]. The figure which shows the state of the screen in the 1st step of production mode 2 [Atlantis stage mode]. The figure which shows the state of the screen in the 1st step of production mode 2 [Atlantis stage mode]. The figure which shows the state of the screen in the 2nd step of production mode 2 [Atlantis stage mode]. The figure which shows the state of the screen in the 2nd step of production mode 2 [Atlantis stage mode]. The figure which shows the state of the screen in the 2nd step of production mode 2 [Atlantis stage mode]. The figure which shows the state of the screen in the 2nd step of production mode 2 [Atlantis stage mode]. The figure which shows the state of the screen in the 2nd step of production mode 2 [Atlantis stage mode]. The figure which shows the state of the screen in the 2nd step of production mode 2 [Atlantis stage mode]. The figure which shows the state of the screen in the 2nd step of production mode 2 [Atlantis stage mode]. The figure which shows the state of the screen in the 1st step of production mode 2 [treasure stage mode]. The figure which shows the state of the screen in the 1st step of production mode 2 [treasure stage mode]. The figure which shows the state of the screen in the 1st step of production mode 2 [treasure stage mode]. The figure which shows the state of the screen in the 1st step of production mode 2 [treasure stage mode]. The figure which shows the motion of the character in probability fluctuation | variation. The figure which shows the motion of the character in probability fluctuation | variation. The figure which shows the circuit structure of the production mode change part in case a production execution button serves as production mode selection button. The front view of the pachinko machine concerning a modification. The front view which shows the structure of the game board which concerns on a modification. It is a figure which shows the other modification of the fluctuation | variation aspect of a decoration symbol, among which FIG. 53 (1) is a decoration which rotates and FIG. 53 (2) is a figure which shows the mode of rotation.

In describing the present invention, the meaning of names will be described.
“Displaying the identification information in a variable manner” includes not only the case where the identification information is scroll-displayed in a predetermined direction, but also the case where the identification information is displayed in a variable manner by rotating the identification information (see FIG. 51).
“Production mode change input means” are the production mode selection button 900, the production mode selection switch 705, and the like in the best mode.
The “variation pattern storage unit” is the presentation mode tables TB1 to TB3 in the best mode.
The “game effect mode execution means” is the image forming unit 720 or the like in the best mode.
“Production mode change switching means” is the switch receiving unit 710 or the like.
“Production mode change switching control means” refers to the production mode change switching control unit 711 in the best mode.
The “standby screen display period” includes, in addition to a standby screen period referred to as a so-called demo screen, a period from when the change ends until the demo screen is changed to a stop image at the end.

In means 1,
A display device for variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information, an effect mode change input means for selecting and changing any one of a plurality of game effect modes with different display effects on the display device by manual input operation, and progress of the game In a gaming machine having a sub-control device that receives an effect control command from the main controller that supervises and executes a display effect with a variation pattern according to the effect control command in the selected effect mode,
The sub-control device
Game effect mode storage means for storing the currently set game effect mode;
A variation pattern storage means provided for each of the plurality of game effect modes, in which a variation pattern corresponding to the effect control command is stored in advance,
The effect mode currently set is read from the effect mode storage means, the variation pattern determined by the read effect mode and the effect control command is read from the variation pattern storage means, and the display effect is displayed with the change pattern. Game effect mode execution means to be executed;
In response to a mode selection signal from the game effect mode change input means, the memory contents of the effect mode storage means are changed, and a game effect mode change notification signal indicating that a game effect mode change input has been received is provided. Effect mode change switching means for outputting to the mode execution means,
An effect mode change switching control means that activates the effect mode change switching means only during the standby screen display period and at least during any of the variable display periods, and disables the effect mode change switch means during the other periods; ,
With
When the game effect mode change notification signal is input to the game effect mode execution means, the game effect mode execution means reads the changed effect mode from the game effect mode storage means, and changes the effect mode from the currently displayed effect mode. A display effect is executed by switching to a later effect mode.

With the above-described configuration, the selection can be changed by the game effect mode change input means only during the standby screen display period and at least during the variable display, and the effect mode selected at the time of the selection change operation is changed. . As a result, since it is possible to change the effect mode even when there is a holding ball, the annoyance caused by stopping the game for changing the effect mode can be eliminated. In addition, since the game is not stopped until there is no reserved ball, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the operating rate of the gaming machine. Furthermore, in the pachinko hall, so-called single shots in which a game is played intermittently are prohibited. In addition to the purpose of preventing a decrease in the operating rate of gaming machines, this also has the purpose of eliminating fraudulent acts caused by sensory devices. Therefore, attention is given to players who are making single shots that such a hitting method is not allowed. However, in the conventional pachinko machine (when there is a holding ball, the pachinko machine configured so that the operation mode selection button cannot be operated until there is no holding ball), when such attention is given, the change of the production mode is performed. Therefore, if the objection that the game has been stopped is made, it can be a valid objection, so there is nothing to do. As a result, the operating rate of the gaming machine may decrease, and there may be a problem that it may promote fraud. However, in the pachinko machine according to the present invention, the presentation mode can be changed even if there is a holding ball. Therefore, the objection that the game is stopped due to the change of the production mode cannot be justified. Therefore, with the gaming machine according to the present invention, in addition to preventing a reduction in the operating rate of the gaming machine, it is possible to prevent fraud.
Further, in the present invention, since the effect mode selected at the time of the selection change operation is changed, the player's request for changing the effect mode is immediately satisfied. As a result, the excitement for the game is further improved.

Mean 2: In the gaming machine of means 1,
The game effect mode execution means is
A variable time measurement timer that measures the elapsed time from the start of fluctuation,
When the game effect mode change notification signal is input, the elapsed time from the start of the change to the time of the change / selection operation of the effect mode is read from the timer, and at the time of image formation, the entire change display period related to the changed effect mode Image forming means for forming a variation pattern image from the point of the change operation of the effect mode among the variation pattern images,
It is characterized by having.

  With the configuration described above, it is possible to perform the display effect without affecting the characteristic display effect (reach pattern or the like) in each effect mode while keeping the fluctuation period constant. In this case, it is preferable to set the period in which the effect mode selection can be changed to a period until the fluctuation display of the identification information string that stops first among the plurality of identification information strings changes from the high speed fluctuation to the deceleration fluctuation. The reason is as follows. That is, the plurality of symbol sequences fluctuate at a high speed from the start of the fluctuation, and this high speed fluctuation is common in each effect mode. Therefore, even if there is a change in the selection of the effect mode during this high-speed change period, the high-speed change display is continuously displayed, and the display effect (reach pattern or the like) peculiar to the selected effect mode is subsequently executed. This is because it is possible to cope with a change in display effect in the effect mode without a sense of incongruity.

Mean 3: In the gaming machine of means 1 or means 2,
The variable display in the display device is a variable display of a plurality of identification information strings configured by connecting a plurality of types of identification information,
The sub-control device
In addition, a standby screen flag in which a different logical value is set during the standby screen period or during the fluctuation period,
A timer that measures a period of time from the high-speed fluctuation to the deceleration fluctuation of the fluctuation display of the identification information string that stops first among the plurality of identification information strings, and outputs a timer notification signal to the effect mode change switching control means when the period has elapsed; ,
With
When the standby mode flag is a logical value indicating that the standby screen flag is in the standby mode flag, and the standby mode flag is a logical value indicating that the standby screen flag is changing, and the timer notification signal is not received from the timer Only the production mode change switching means is activated.

  With the above configuration, during the variable display period in addition to during the standby screen, the period during which the variable display of the identification information sequence that stops first among the plurality of identification information sequences is changed from high-speed fluctuation to deceleration fluctuation is changed Is possible.

Means 4: In the gaming machine of means 1 or means 2,
The variable display in the display device is a variable display of a plurality of identification information strings configured by connecting a plurality of types of identification information,
The sub-control device
In addition, a standby screen flag in which a different logical value is set during the standby screen period or during the fluctuation period,
A timer that measures a period until the identification information sequence that stops first among a plurality of identification information sequences stops, and that outputs a timer notification signal to the effect mode change switching control means when the period has elapsed,
With
When the standby mode flag is a logical value indicating that the standby screen flag is in the standby mode flag, and the standby mode flag is a logical value indicating that the standby screen flag is changing, and the timer notification signal is not received from the timer Only the production mode change switching means is activated.

  With the configuration described above, it is possible to change the effect mode during the period until the first stop of the identification information sequence that stops first among the plurality of identification information sequences in addition to the standby screen. The reason why the period during which the effect mode can be changed is restricted to the above period is as follows. For example, in the case of a step-up notice, the display effect in the effect mode is started after the first stop of the identification information sequence to be stopped. Therefore, the effect mode cannot be changed thereafter.

Means 5: In the gaming machine of means 1 or means 2,
The variable display in the display device is a variable display of a plurality of identification information strings configured by connecting a plurality of types of identification information,
The sub-control device
In addition, a standby screen flag in which a different logical value is set during the standby screen period or during the fluctuation period,
A timer that measures at least the period before the reach state appears according to the identification information, and outputs a timer notification signal to the effect mode change switching control means when the period has elapsed;
With
When the standby mode flag is a logical value indicating that the standby screen flag is in the standby mode flag, and the standby mode flag is a logical value indicating that the standby screen flag is changing, and the timer notification signal is not received from the timer Only the production mode change switching means is activated.

  With the above-described configuration, it is possible to change the production mode until just before the reach state appears in the variable display period in addition to the standby screen.

Means 6: In the gaming machines of means 1 to means 5,
In the case where there is a holding ball, there is provided a holding lamp which is configured to notify a change in the lighting color that the possibility of occurrence of a special gaming state is large in the variable display regarding each holding ball.

  Especially when the possibility of a special gaming state is high, the player has a strong desire to challenge in different performance modes and can satisfy such a desire, so the player enjoys the game in an extremely excited state. be able to.

Means 7: In the gaming machines of means 1 to means 6,
The game effect mode change input means is a push button, and the plurality of game effect modes are sequentially selected and changed each time the push button is pressed.

Mean 8:
A game board having a game area into which a game ball is driven;
Game ball launching means for driving a game ball into the game area of the game board in response to a launch operation by the player;
A display device provided in the game area and variably displaying the identification information;
A ball entry means provided in the game area and capable of entering a game ball;
Entry detection means for detecting that a game ball has entered the entry means;
First random number generating means for generating a first random number group for determining whether or not to enter a special gaming state;
First random number storage means for storing one first random number of the first random number group generated by the first random number generation means based on the incoming ball detection by the incoming ball detection means;
First determination means for determining whether or not the first random number stored in the first random number storage means is a winning value;
Based on the entrance detection by the entrance detection means, the display device is controlled so as to start the display of variation of the display device and to display the variation display result according to the determination result of the first determination unit. Display control means for
State generating means for generating a gaming state advantageous to the player when the first determining means determines that the winning value is obtained;
Second random number generating means for generating a second random number group for determining a variable display content of identification information to be displayed on the display device, which is a random number group different from the first random number group;
Second random number storage means for storing one second random number of the second random number group generated by the second random number generation means based on the incoming detection by the incoming detection means;
Second determination means for determining whether or not the second random number stored in the second random number storage means is a predetermined value;
An output means for outputting a control signal according to the determination result in the second determination means to the display control means;
A main control means for controlling the gaming machine in an integrated manner and giving an instruction including predetermined information to the display control means;
With
The display control means includes
Game effect mode storage means for storing the currently set game effect mode;
A variation pattern storage means provided for each of the plurality of game effect modes, in which a variation pattern corresponding to the effect control command is stored in advance,
The effect mode currently set is read from the effect mode storage means, the variation pattern determined by the read effect mode and the effect control command is read from the variation pattern storage means, and the display effect is displayed with the change pattern. Game effect mode execution means to be executed;
In response to a mode selection signal from the game effect mode change input means, the memory contents of the effect mode storage means are changed, and a game effect mode change notification signal indicating that a game effect mode change input has been received is provided. Effect mode change switching means for outputting to the mode execution means,
An effect mode change switching control means that activates the effect mode change switching means only during the standby screen display period and at least during any of the variable display periods, and disables the effect mode change switch means during the other periods; ,
With
When the game effect mode change notification signal is input to the game effect mode execution means, the game effect mode execution means reads the changed effect mode from the game effect mode storage means, and changes the effect mode from the currently displayed effect mode. A display effect is executed by switching to a later effect mode.

Means 9: In the gaming machine of means 1 to means 8,
The game effect mode is a player participation mode in which a display effect is developed and executed by a player performing a predetermined input operation;
It is characterized by having a step-by-step notice mode for notifying that the possibility of a big hit state is large depending on the manner in which predetermined characters appear sequentially.
If the player participation mode and the step-by-step notification mode are provided, the reach display mode in each mode is different, so that the excitement of the game is further improved, and the generation of boredom can be suppressed.

Means 10: In the gaming machine of means 9,
The player participation type mode is characterized in that one display information of a plurality of display information appears according to an expected value of jackpot.
In this way, if one display information of a plurality of display information appears according to the expected value of the jackpot, the player can predict the expected value of the jackpot depending on the type of display information. Is further improved.

Means 11: In the gaming machine of means 10,
The display information includes bubbles and a school of fish.
Means 12: In the gaming machine of means 9,
The stepwise notice mode includes a case where display information does not appear, a case where one display information appears, and a case where a plurality of display information appear sequentially according to an expected value of jackpot .
In this way, if the step-by-step notice is made according to the expected value of the jackpot, the player can predict the expected value of the jackpot, and the excitement for the game is further improved.
Means 13: In the gaming machine of means 12,
The display information consists of bubbles and jellyfish.

[First embodiment]
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Here, pachinko machines (hereinafter simply referred to as “pachinko machines”) are given as gaming machines. However, the present invention is not limited to a winning device for pachinko machines, and generally uses gaming machines on a gaming board using a sphere. The prize-winning apparatus can be targeted. It should be noted that the embodiment can be appropriately changed in design without departing from the gist of the present invention.

(Configuration of front side of pachinko machine)
FIG. 1 is a front view of the pachinko machine 10. As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko machine 10 includes an outer frame 11 that forms an outer shell of the pachinko machine 10, and an inner frame 12 that is supported on one side of the outer frame 11 so as to be openable and closable. . Below, the structure of the outer frame 11 and the inner frame 12 is demonstrated in detail separately.

  The outer frame 11 is formed in a rectangular shape as a whole by a wooden plate material, and each plate material is assembled by a detachable fastener such as a small screw. The outer frame 11 may be made of a light metal such as resin or aluminum. This is because such a configuration can reduce the weight of the pachinko machine.

  On the other hand, the opening / closing axis of the inner frame 12 is set so as to extend vertically on the opposite side (left side of the pachinko machine 10 in FIG. 1) from the position where the handle (game ball launching handle 18 described later) is installed as viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 10. The inner frame 12 can be sufficiently opened to the front side with the opening / closing axis as the axis.

  The inner frame 12 is roughly divided into a lower tray unit 13 attached to the lowermost portion thereof, and an opening / closing axis on the left and right sides of the inner frame 12 in the upper range of the lower tray unit 13 as an axis. A front frame set 14 that is freely attached and holds the glass plate 137, a resin base, and a game board 30 (see FIG. 2) attached to the rear side of the resin base are provided. Each of these configurations will be described in detail below.

  The lower plate unit 13 is fixed to the inner frame 12 with a fastener such as a screw. On the front side of the lower tray unit 13, a lower tray 15, a ball release lever 17, a game ball launching handle 18, an ashtray 22, and a sound output port 24 are provided. The lower tray 15 serving as a ball receiving tray is provided at substantially the center of the lower tray unit 13 and plays a role of stopping a game ball discharged from the discharge port 16 when the upper tray described later becomes full. is there. The ball removal lever 17 is for removing a game ball in the lower tray 15, and by moving the ball removal lever 17 to the left in FIG. 2, a predetermined position on the bottom surface of the lower tray 15 is opened. The game ball stopped in the lower plate 15 can be discharged to the player's ball storage box (dollar box) through the opening on the bottom surface of the lower plate 15. The game ball launching handle 18 is disposed so as to protrude to the front side on the right side of the lower plate 15. In accordance with the operation of the game ball launching handle 18 by the player, the game ball launching device 38 drives the game ball toward a game board 30 described later. The sound output port 24 is an output port for outputting sound from a speaker provided in the lower plate unit 13 or on the back surface. The ashtray 22 is provided on the left side of the lower plate 15. The right side of the ashtray 22 is cantilevered by the lower plate 15 so that the ashtray 22 rotates about the axis in the left-right direction (horizontal direction).

  At the lower part of the front frame set 14 (above the lower plate 15 described above), an upper plate 19 as a receiving tray for game balls is provided integrally with the front frame set 14. The upper tray 19 is a ball receiving tray for temporarily storing the game balls and guiding them to the game ball launching device 38 while aligning them in a line. In the conventional pachinko machine, a front decorative frame that can be opened and closed with respect to the inner frame is provided below the front frame set, and the upper decorative frame is provided on the front decorative frame. The upper plate 19 is provided directly to the front frame set 14 and is omitted.

  Next, the configuration of the game board 30 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a front view showing the configuration of the game board 30. The game board 30 includes a general winning port 31, a variable winning device 32, a first starting port 33 (for example, an operation chucker), a second starting port 34 (for example, a through gate), a variable display unit 35, and the like. The general winning port 31, the variable winning device 32, the first starting port 33, the second starting port 34, the variable display unit 35 and the like are respectively provided in the through holes formed by the router processing in the game board 30. The game board 30 is attached from the front side with a wood screw or the like. A game ball enters the above-described general winning port 31, variable winning device 32, and first start port 33, and the received ball is detected by a detection switch (a winning port switch, a count switch, an operation port switch, etc.). Based on the output of the detection switch, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out to the upper plate 19 (or the lower plate 15). In addition, the game board 30 is provided with an out port 36, and game balls that have not entered the various winning devices etc. are guided through the out port 36 to a ball discharge path (not shown). It has become. The game board 30 is provided with a large number of nails and various members (projections) in order to appropriately distribute and adjust the falling direction of the game balls.

  The variable display device unit 35 includes a first symbol display device 42 that variably displays a first symbol (for example, a decorative symbol) as identification information, with a winning at the first starting port 33 as a trigger, and a second starting port. A second symbol display device 41 for variably displaying a second symbol (for example, a normal symbol) with the passage of 34 as a trigger is provided.

  The second symbol display device 41 includes display portions 43a and 43b for the second symbol and a holding lamp 44 (see FIG. 3). In this embodiment, the display unit 43a for the second symbol is provided, for example, above both display surfaces of the first symbol display device 42, and its external shape is a “◯” shape. The display unit 43b is provided adjacent to the right side of the display unit 43a, and the external appearance of the display unit 43b is “x” like the display unit 43a. In the second symbol display device 41, for example, the display symbols (ordinary symbols) by the display units 43a and 43b change every time the game ball passes through the second starting port 34. Specifically, the display units 43a and 43b The first start port 33 is configured to be in an activated state (opened) for a predetermined time when alternately shining and stopped at the display unit 43a. The number of times that the game ball has passed through the second start port 31 is held up to a maximum of 4 times, and the number of times of the hold is lit and displayed by the hold lamp 44. The display units 43a and 43b may be a plurality of display units that are variably displayed on a part of the first symbol display device 42 (liquid crystal display device).

  The first symbol display device 42 is configured as a liquid crystal display device, and the display content is controlled by a display control device 45 described later. On the first symbol display device 42, symbols as identification information are displayed at, for example, three locations on the left, middle, and right (see FIG. 3). These symbols are variably displayed on the first symbol display device 42 so as to rotate. The variable display device unit 35 is provided with a center frame 47 so as to surround the first symbol main display device 42.

  The variable winning device 32 is normally in a closed state in which a game ball cannot be won or difficult to win, and is repeatedly operated between an open state in which a game ball is easy to win and a normal closed state in the event of a big win. ing. More specifically, when a game ball wins the first start opening 33, the symbols are displayed in a variable manner on the first symbol main display device 42, and the confirmed symbol after the stop is a combination of specific symbols set in advance. A special gaming state occurs with the necessary conditions. The large winning opening of the variable winning device 32 is in a predetermined open state, and the game ball is configured to be in a state where it is easy to win a prize (a big hit state). Specifically, the passage of a predetermined time or a predetermined number of winnings is defined as one round, and the big winning opening of the variable winning device 32 is repeatedly opened a predetermined number of times. The number of times that the game ball has passed through the first start port 33 is held up to a maximum of 4 times, and the number of times that the game ball is held is lit and displayed by the hold lamp 46. Note that the hold lamp 46 may be configured so as to be variably displayed on a part of the first symbol main display device 42.

  Further, the game board 30 is provided with a rail unit 50 for guiding the game ball launched from the game ball launching device 38 to the upper part of the game board 30, and is launched in accordance with the turning operation of the game ball launch handle 18. The played game balls are guided to a predetermined game area through the rail unit 50. The rail unit 50 is formed of a ring-shaped resin molded product (for example, a molded product added with fluororesin), and has an inner rail 51 and an outer rail 52 that are integrally formed in an inner and outer double. . The inner rail 51 is formed in a substantially annular shape except for about ¼ of the upper portion, and an outer rail 52 is formed so that a part (mainly the left side) faces the inner rail 51. In such a case, a guide rail is constituted by the inner rail 51 and the outer rail 52, and a spherical guide passage is formed by a portion (the left portion facing) where the rails 51 and 52 are parallel to each other at a predetermined interval. The ball guide passage is formed in a groove shape having a contact surface with the game board 30, that is, a groove shape in which the front side is opened.

  A return ball preventing member 53 is attached to the front end portion of the inner rail 51. This prevents a situation in which the game ball once guided from the ball guide path between the inner rail 51 and the outer rail 52 to the upper part of the game board 30 returns to the ball guide path again. Yes. Further, a return rubber 54 is attached to the outer rail 52 at a position corresponding to the maximum flight portion of the game ball (a portion corresponding to the tip of the outer rail 52). Therefore, the game ball fired at a predetermined momentum or more hits the return rubber 54 and is bounced back. On the inner surface of the outer rail 52, there is a sliding plate 55 as a long metal strip made of stainless steel to make the flight of the game ball smoother, that is, to reduce the frictional resistance of the game ball. It is attached.

  An arc-shaped flange 56 projecting outward is formed on the outer peripheral portion of the rail unit 50. The flange 56 constitutes a mounting surface for the game board 30. When the rail unit 50 is attached to the game board 30, the flange 56 is brought into contact with the game board 30, and in this state, screws or the like are inserted into a plurality of through holes formed in the flange 56. The rail unit 50 is fastened to 30.

  A convex portion 57 is formed at the entrance of the ball guide passage between the inner rail 51 and the outer rail 52 so as to close a part of the ball guide passage. The convex portion 57 is provided in a substantially vertical direction from the inner rail 51 to the lower end portion of the rail unit 50, and guides a foul ball that does not reach the game area and flows backward in the ball guide passage to a foul ball passage (not shown). To play a role. The lower right corner and the lower left corner of the game board 30 are spaces for sticking stickers (S1 and S2 in FIG. 2) and plates such as stamps (for example, a serial number is described). In order to secure this adhering space, notches 58 and 59 are formed in the flange 56. By sticking stickers S1 and S2 such as a certificate paper to the lower right corner and the lower left corner of the game board 30, the game board 30 and the certificate can be uniquely defined.

  Here, the front frame set 14 described above will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. The front frame set 14 is formed with a substantially elliptical window 101 so that most of the game area can be visually recognized from the outside. Specifically, the window portion 101 has a shape in which a substantially central portion on the left and right sides is curved relatively gently as compared with the upper and lower sides. The substantially central portion may be linear.

  The front frame set 14 is provided with light emitting means such as various lamps around it (for example, a corner portion). These light emitting means play a role of enhancing the effect of the game during the game by changing and controlling the light emission mode such as lighting and blinking according to the change of the game state in the big hit game state or when the blade is opened. For example, at the periphery of the window portion 101, an annular illumination portion 102 containing a light emitting means such as an LED is provided symmetrically, and at the center of the annular illumination portion 102 and at the top of the pachinko machine 10, Similarly, a central illumination unit 103 having a built-in light emitting means such as an LED is provided. In the pachinko machine 10, the central illumination unit 103 functions as a jackpot lamp, and lights and blinks during the jackpot gaming state to notify that the jackpot gaming state is in progress. Further, the upper plate 19 is also provided around the upper plate 19 with an upper plate illumination unit 104 having a built-in light emitting means such as an LED. In addition, on the left and right sides of the central illumination unit 103, there are provided a prize ball lamp 105 that is lit during the payout of a prize ball and an error display lamp 106 that is lit when a predetermined error occurs. Further, a small window 107 made of a transparent resin is provided so as to be adjacent to the lower end portion of the annular illumination portion 102 so that a part of the inner frame 12 surface, the game board 30 surface, or the like can be visually recognized. Since the predetermined portion of the small window 107 is flat, the certificate paper or the like attached to the lower right corner of the game board 30 can be suitably read from the flat portion of the small window 107 by a machine.

  In addition, a ball lending operation unit 120 is disposed below the window unit 101, and the ball lending operation unit 120 is provided with a ball lending button 121, a return button 122, and a frequency display unit 123. When the ball lending operation unit 120 is operated with a bill or a card inserted in a card unit (ball lending unit) (not shown) arranged on the side of the pachinko machine 10, a game ball is lent according to the operation. Done. The ball lending button 121 is operated to obtain a lending ball based on information recorded on a card or the like (recording medium), and the lending ball is supplied to the upper plate 19 as long as there is a remaining amount on the card or the like. Is done. The return button 122 is operated when requesting the return of a card or the like inserted into the card unit. The frequency display unit 123 displays remaining amount information such as a card. Note that the ball lending operation unit 120 is not required for a pachinko machine in which a game ball is directly rented from the ball lending device unit to the upper plate without using a card unit, that is, a so-called cash machine. Therefore, a decorative seal or the like is attached to the installation portion of the ball rental operation unit 120. Thereby, the common use of the lending operation unit of the pachinko machine using the card unit and the cash machine can be achieved.

Furthermore, an effect mode selection button 900 is provided above the ashtray 22. The effect mode selection button 900 is a button for selecting a plurality of effect modes having different display effects on the first symbol main display device 42.

  Here, in this embodiment, three effect modes are set. The production mode 1 is also called a natural stage mode. As shown in FIG. 4, the background is an image of shallow water where the sunlight is sufficiently poured into rocks and reeds. It is a numbered character with numbers added to fish and fish. In the initial state, the production mode 1 is set, and if there is no operation for selecting and changing the production mode, the production mode remains in the state of the production mode 1 and variable display in the production mode 1 is performed.

  Stage mode 2 is also called the Atlantis stage mode. As shown in Fig. 5, the background is the image of the state of the middle seabed where the Roman temple is sinking on the seabed and sunlight is poured slightly. The variation symbol is a numbered character similar to the effect mode 1.

  The production mode 3 is also referred to as a treasure stage mode, and as shown in FIG. 6, there is a sunken ship on the seabed as a background and the image of the deep sea where no sunlight is poured. The variation symbol is a numbered character similar to the effect mode 1.

(Electric configuration of pachinko machine and various control processes)
Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be described with reference to FIG. The main controller 261 is equipped with an MPU 501 as a one-chip microcomputer that is an arithmetic unit. The MPU 501 includes a ROM 502 that stores various control programs executed by the MPU 501 and fixed value data, and a memory that temporarily stores various data when the control program stored in the ROM 502 is executed. A ROM 503 and other various circuits such as an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, and a data transmission / reception circuit are incorporated.

  The ROM 503 is configured to retain (backup) data by being supplied with a backup voltage from the power supply device 313 even after the power of the pachinko machine 10 is cut off. The RAM 503 temporarily stores various data and the like. In addition to the memory and area for this purpose, a backup area 503a is provided.

  The backup area 503a stores values such as a stack pointer, each register, and I / O when the power is shut down (including when a power failure occurs, the same applies hereinafter) when the power is shut down due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like. When the power is turned on (including power-on due to power failure cancellation, the same applies hereinafter), the state of the pachinko machine 10 is restored to the state before power-off based on the information in the backup area 503a. Writing to the backup area 503a is executed when the power is shut off by the NMI interrupt process (see FIG. 33), and restoration of each value written to the backup area 503a is executed in the main process (see FIG. 25) when the power is turned on. . Note that the power failure signal SG1 from the power failure monitoring circuit 542 is input to the NMI terminal (non-maskable interrupt terminal) of the MPU 501 when the power is shut down due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like, and the power failure signal SG1 is the MPU 501. Is input immediately, the NMI interrupt process as a power failure process is immediately executed.

  An input / output port 505 is connected to the MPU 501 of the main control device 261 via a bus line 504 including an address bus and a data bus. The input / output port 505 is connected to a RAM erasing switch circuit 543, a payout control device 311, a display control device 45, and other switches not shown.

  The payout control device 311 controls payout of prize balls and rental balls by a payout motor 358a. The MPU 511 that is an arithmetic unit includes a ROM 512 that stores a control program executed by the MPU 511, fixed value data, and the like, and a RAM 513 that is used as a work memory or the like.

  The RAM 513 of the payout control device 311 is configured to hold (backup) data by supplying a backup voltage from the power supply device 313 even after the power of the pachinko machine 10 is shut off, like the RAM 503 of the main control device 261. The RAM 513 is provided with a backup area 513a in addition to a memory and an area for temporarily storing various data.

  The backup area 513a is an area for storing the stack pointer, registers, I / O, and other values when the power is cut off when the power is cut off due to a power failure or the like. Based on the information in the backup area 513a, the state of the pachinko machine 10 is restored to the state before the power is shut off. Writing to the backup area 513a is executed when the power is shut off by the NMI interrupt process, and restoration of each value written to the backup area 513a is executed in the main process when the power is turned on. As with the MPU 501 of the main controller 261, the power failure signal SG1 is also input to the NMI terminal of the MPU 511 from the power failure monitoring circuit 542 when the power is interrupted due to the occurrence of a power failure. When input to the MPU 511, an NMI interrupt process as a power failure process is immediately executed.

  An input / output port 515 is connected to the MPU 511 of the payout control device 311 via a bus line 514 including an address bus and a data bus. A RAM erase switch circuit 543, a main control device 261, a firing control device 312, a payout motor 358a, and the like are connected to the input / output port 515, respectively.

  The launch control device 312 permits or prohibits the launch of the game ball by the launch motor, and the launch motor is permitted to drive when a predetermined condition is met. Specifically, the launch control signal is output from the payout control device 311, the player is detecting that the player is touching the game ball launch handle 18, and the launch for stopping the launch. On the condition that the stop switch is not operated, the launch motor is driven, and the game ball is launched with the strength corresponding to the operation amount of the game ball launch handle 18.

  The display control device 45 controls the variable display of special symbols and the like in the first symbol display device 42. The display control device 45 includes an MPU 521, a ROM (program ROM) 522, a work RAM 523, a video RAM 524, a character ROM 525, an image controller 526, an input port 527, two output ports 528 and 529, and a bus line. 530 and 531. The input side of the input port 527 is connected to the output side of the main controller 261, and the output side of the input port 527 is connected to the MPU 521, ROM 522, work RAM 523, and image controller 526, and output port via the bus line 530. 528 is connected. An audio lamp control device 262 is connected to the output side of the output port 528. Further, an output port 529 is connected to the image controller 526 via a bus line 531, and the first symbol display device 42 is connected to the output side of the output port 529.

  The MPU 521 of the display control device 45 controls the display of the first symbol display device 42 based on the symbol display command transmitted from the main control device 261. The ROM 522 is a memory for storing various control programs executed by the MPU 521 and fixed value data, and the work RAM 523 is for temporarily storing work data and flags used when the MPU 521 executes various programs. Memory.

  The video RAM 524 is a memory for storing display data displayed on the first symbol display device 42, and the display content of the first symbol display device 42 is changed by rewriting the contents of the video RAM 524. The character ROM 525 is a memory for storing character data such as symbols displayed on the first symbol display device 42. The image controller 526 adjusts the timings of the MPU 521, the video RAM 524, and the output port 529 to intervene in reading and writing data, and reads display data stored in the video RAM 524 from the character ROM 525 at a predetermined timing. The symbols are displayed on the display device 42 in the order of the layers in which the priorities are determined.

  The power supply device 313 includes a power supply unit 541 for supplying power to each unit of the pachinko machine 10, a power failure monitoring circuit 542 for monitoring power interruption due to a power failure, and a RAM erase switch circuit 543 having a RAM erase switch 323. ing. The power supply unit 541 supplies necessary operating voltages to the main control device 261, the payout control device 311 and the like through a power supply path (not shown). As its outline, the power supply unit 541 takes in a voltage of 24 volts AC supplied from the outside, drives a switch, a motor, etc., has a voltage of 12 volts, a voltage of 5 volts for logic, and a RAM backup. A backup voltage or the like is generated, and the 12 volt voltage, the 5 volt voltage, and the backup voltage are supplied to the main controller 261, the payout controller 311, and the like. The firing control device 312 is supplied with operating voltages (12 volts and 5 volts) via the payout control device 311.

  The power failure monitoring circuit 542 is a circuit for outputting a power failure signal SG1 to each NMI terminal of the MPU 501 of the main control device 261 and the MPU 511 of the payout control device 311 when the power is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like. The power failure monitoring circuit 542 monitors the DC stable voltage of 24 volts, which is the maximum voltage output from the power supply unit 541, and determines that a power failure (power shutdown) occurs when this voltage is less than 22 volts. The power failure signal SG1 is output to the main controller 261 and the payout controller 311. By the output of the power failure signal SG1, the main controller 261 and the payout controller 311 recognize the occurrence of the power failure and execute the NMI interrupt process. The power supply unit 541 outputs a voltage of 5 volts, which is the drive voltage of the control system, for a time sufficient to execute the NMI interrupt processing even after the DC stable voltage of 24 volts becomes less than 22 volts. Is maintained at a normal value. Therefore, the main controller 261 and the payout controller 311 can normally execute and complete the NMI interrupt process.

  The RAM erase switch circuit 543 is a circuit that outputs a RAM erase signal SG2 for clearing backup data to the main controller 261 and the payout controller 311 when the RAM erase switch 323 is pressed. When the RAM erase signal SG2 is input when the pachinko machine 10 is turned on, the main controller 261 and the payout controller 311 clear the data in the respective backup areas 503a and 513a.

  Here, the display content of the 1st symbol display apparatus 42 is demonstrated. As shown in FIG. 3, the first symbol display device 42 is provided with a special symbol display unit 42b for displaying a special symbol at the lower end of the display screen. Is provided with a decorative symbol display section 42a for displaying decorative symbols that scroll from right to left. The special symbol display portion 42b displays three symbol rows, left, middle, and right, and the decorative symbol display portion 42a includes three symbol rows Z1 to Z3 in three display areas divided into an upper row, a middle row, and a lower row. Is displayed. Here, the special symbol displayed on the special symbol display unit 42b will be mainly described.

  The special symbol display section 42b displays six types of special symbols “O”, “△”, “☆”, “×”, “#”, “*”, and each of the three symbols, left, middle, and right In each of the divided oblong display areas, a symbol string that is repeatedly displayed in the order of “O”, “Δ”, “☆”, “×”, “#”, “*”, and “O” is configured. The variation display of the special symbol is started based on a winning at the start port 33 (see FIG. 2), and the variation display of the three special symbols is stopped simultaneously after a certain time. After the stop, if any of the symbols “○”, “△”, “☆”, “×”, “#”, and “*” stops together, it will be a big hit, and then a big hit video will be displayed. On the other hand, if there are not three special symbols when the variable display is stopped, it will be lost, and the variable display will be performed again based on the winning at the start port 33.

  Next, the operation of the pachinko machine 10 configured as described above will be described. In the present embodiment, the MPU 501 in the main control device 261 uses various counter information during the game to perform jackpot lottery, setting of symbol display of the first symbol display device 42, and the like. Specifically, As shown in FIG. 8, when the jackpot random number counter C1 used for the jackpot lottery, the jackpot symbol counter C2 used for the selection of the jackpot symbol of the first symbol display device 42, and the first symbol display device 42 fluctuate and change. Reach random number counter C3 used for reach lottery, random number initial value counter CINI used for initial value setting of jackpot random number counter C1, variation type counter CS for determining the type used for variation pattern selection, and special symbol display section 42b, left, middle and right out symbol counters CL used for setting each out symbol of the left symbol row, middle symbol row and right symbol row, M, and a CR.

  Here, the variation pattern means each pattern (form) in a case where features having common features of variation display are divided.

  Each of the counters C1 to C3, CINI, and CS is a loop counter that adds 1 to the previous value every time it is updated and returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value. Further, the out symbol counters CL, CM, CR are configured such that register values are added using the R register (refresh register) in the MPU 501, and as a result, the numerical values change randomly. Each counter is updated at short time intervals, and the updated value is appropriately stored in a counter buffer set in a predetermined area of the RAM 503. The RAM 503 is provided with a holding ball storage area composed of one execution area and four holding areas (holding first to fourth areas). In each of these areas, a game ball to the start port 33 is provided. The values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot symbol counter C2, and the reach random number counter C3 are stored in accordance with the winning timing.

  Next, the specific contents of each counter will be described in detail.

  The jackpot random number counter C1 is configured such that, for example, 1 is sequentially added within a range of 0 to 676, and after reaching the maximum value (that is, 676), it returns to 0. In particular, when the jackpot random number counter C1 makes one round, the value of the random number initial value counter CINI at that time is read as the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1. The random number initial value counter CINI is configured as a loop counter that is updated within the same range as the jackpot random number counter C1 (value = 0 to 676), and is updated once every timer interrupt and within the remaining time of normal processing. Will be updated repeatedly. The jackpot random number counter C1 is updated periodically (once every timer interruption in this embodiment), and stored in the reserved ball storage area of the RAM 503 at the timing when the game ball wins the start port 33. The number of random number values that are jackpots is set at low probability and high probability, and the number of random numbers that are jackpots at low probability is 2, and the value is “337,673”. There are 10 random numbers that are big hits at high probability, and the values are “67, 131, 199, 269, 337, 401, 463, 523, 601, 661”. The high probability means that a special symbol combination is a big win by a combination of predetermined probability variation symbols (in this embodiment, “◯” symbol) and the subsequent jackpot probability is increased as an added value. The time of so-called probability change is said, and the normal time (low probability) is the time when it is not such a probability change state.

  The jackpot symbol counter C2 determines symbols at the time of change stop in the special symbol display unit 42b of the first symbol display device 42 in the case of a jackpot, and in this embodiment, six types of special symbols are set. Therefore, six (0 to 5) counter values are prepared. That is, the jackpot symbol counter C2 is configured so that 1 is added in order within the range of 0 to 5, and after reaching the maximum value (that is, 5), it returns to 0. The jackpot symbol counter C2 is updated periodically (once every timer interruption in this embodiment), and stored in the reserved ball storage area of the RAM 503 at the timing when the game ball wins the start port 33. In this embodiment, the special symbol displayed at the time of the jackpot is a symbol symbol, and the decorative symbol is a numeric symbol, but the special symbol is also a numeric symbol and the same as the decorative symbol. You may make it set to a number. Also, in this embodiment, when the special symbol displayed at the time of the jackpot is “○” (when the decorative symbol is an odd number), the odd symbol is changed until the next jackpot occurs, and the special symbol is other than “○”. At the time of (when the number is an even number in the decorative pattern), the normal state is not changed until the next jackpot occurs.

  For example, the reach random number counter C3 is incremented one by one within a range of 0 to 11, for example, and reaches a maximum value (that is, 11) and then returns to 0. In the present embodiment, the reach random number counter C3 draws out “reach out” in which the final stop symbol stops without a big hit after the reach has occurred and “complete out” in which no reach occurs. For example, the reach random number counter C3 = 0 corresponds to outlier reach, and the reach random number counter C3 = 1 to 11 corresponds to complete outlier.

  Here, “reach” means that after the special symbol (or decorative symbol) displayed on the display screen of the first symbol display device 42 starts the variable display, the combination of symbols that stop first is the same symbol (a plurality of effective lines). In the case of a certain decorative symbol, it is the same symbol on any active line) and the jackpot condition is satisfied, suggesting to the player that it will be a jackpot depending on the display result of the symbol for which the variable display continues. This is a display that makes the player expect a combination of jackpot symbols and is a type of entertainment production. Interesting production means that a predetermined symbol represented by reach appears on the display screen of the first symbol display device 42 in the middle of variable display, a specific sound is output from a speaker, or a vibration motor This is an effect that causes the player to expect that the display result after the variable display will be a big hit with the variable display such as vibrating the game ball launching handle 18 by the variable display.

  The reach lottery may be set individually according to the state of the lottery probability of the first symbol display device 42, the number of suspended balls at the start of change, and the like. The reach random number counter C3 is updated periodically (once every timer interruption in this embodiment), and stored in the reserved ball storage area of the RAM 503 at the timing when the game ball wins the start port 33.

  For example, the variation type counter CS is incremented by 1 in the range of 0 to 198, and after reaching the maximum value (that is, 198), it returns to 0. Depending on the fluctuation type counter CS, short reach (fluctuation time from fluctuation start to fluctuation stop is 15 seconds to 16 seconds), middle reach (fluctuation time is 20 seconds to 22 seconds), or long reach (fluctuation time is 30 seconds). The reach type of the special symbol is determined. Which reach is made corresponding to each of “0 to 198” constituting the value of the variation type counter CS is assigned in advance at different ratios for the big hit time and the outreach time. In the ROM 502 of the main controller 261, the value of the variation type counter CS and a command corresponding to each reach type (or each variation time) are stored in association with each other in advance. Here, it is not always necessary to determine the reach type by providing only one variation type counter CS, and the reach type may be determined using two or more variation type counters CS.

The counter CS is updated once every time a normal process to be described later is executed once, and is repeatedly updated even within the remaining time in the normal process. Then, the buffer value of the counter CS is obtained when the first symbol display device 42 determines the variation pattern at the start of variation of the decorative symbol and the special symbol.
The first to third off symbol counters CL, CM, and CR used for each of the left, middle, and right symbol rows stop stopping the left symbol row, middle symbol row, and right symbol row when the jackpot lottery is missed. It is for determining a design. Each symbol row displays one of six types of special symbols “○”, “△”, “☆”, “×”, “#”, “*”, and therefore, six symbols (0 corresponding to each symbol row) (0 Counter values 5 to 5) are prepared. A special symbol of “O” corresponds to a counter value of 0, “△” for a counter value of 1, “☆” for a counter value of 2, and so on for one counter value. Each special symbol corresponds. The symbol of the left symbol row is determined by the first symbol symbol counter CL, the symbol of the middle symbol symbol is determined by the second symbol counter CM, and the symbol of the right symbol column is determined by the third symbol counter CR.

  In the present embodiment, the values of the counters CL, CM, and CR are randomly updated by using the numerical value of the R register built in the MPU 501. That is, when each outlier symbol counter CL, CM, CR is updated, the lower 2 bits of the R register are added to the previous value, and when the addition result exceeds the maximum value, “6” is subtracted and the current value is obtained. Is determined. The outlier symbol counters CL, CM, CR are updated in the normal process so that the update times do not overlap, and the combination of these outlier symbol counters CL, CM, CR is the outlier symbol buffer B7 and the completely outlier symbol buffer in the RAM 503. Stored in any of B8. Then, when determining the variation pattern at the time of starting the variation of the special symbol, the buffer value of either the outreach symbol buffer B7 or the completely out symbol symbol buffer B8 is acquired according to the value of the reach random number counter C3.

  In addition, the magnitude | size and range of each counter are only examples, and can be changed arbitrarily. However, if importance is attached to irregularity, it is desirable that the sizes of the jackpot random number counter C1 and the reach random number counter C3 variation type counter CS are different prime numbers and are not synchronized in any case.

  Next, each control process executed by the MPU 501 in the main controller 261 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 9 to 16. The MPU 501 is roughly divided into a main process that is started when the power is turned on, and a timer interrupt process that is started periodically (in this embodiment, at a cycle of 2 milliseconds (hereinafter referred to as “ms”)). And an NMI interrupt process activated by the input of the power failure signal SG1 to the NMI terminal. For convenience of explanation, the timer interrupt process and the NMI interrupt process will be described first, and then the main process will be described.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the timer interrupt process. The timer interrupt process is executed by the MPU 501 of the main controller 261 every 2 ms, for example. In the timer interruption process, first, reading process of various winning switches is executed (S601). That is, the state of various switches (except for the RAM erase switch 323) connected to the main controller 261 is read, and the state of the switch is determined and the detection information (winning detection information) is stored. Next, the random number initial value counter CINI is updated (S602). Specifically, the random number initial value counter CINI is incremented by 1 and cleared to 0 when the counter value reaches the maximum value (676 in this embodiment). Then, the update value of the random number initial value counter CINI is stored in the corresponding buffer area B4 of the RAM 503.

  Further, the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot symbol counter C2 and the reach random number counter C3 are updated (S603). Specifically, the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot symbol counter C2, and the reach random number counter C3 are each incremented by 1 and their counter values have reached the maximum values (in the present embodiment, 676, 5, and 11 respectively). Each time it is cleared to 0. Then, the updated values of the counters C1 to C3 are stored in the corresponding buffer areas B1 to B3 of the RAM 503. Thereafter, a start winning process is performed in accordance with winning in the start port 33 (S604).

  The start winning process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, it is determined whether or not the game ball has won the start opening 33 (start winning prize) based on the detection information of the operation opening switch (S701). If it is determined that the game ball has won the start opening 33 (S701: Yes), it is determined whether or not the number N of actuated balls of the first symbol display device 42 is less than the upper limit value (4 in the present embodiment). A determination is made (S702). If there is a prize at the start port 33 and the number of balls with an operating reserve N <4 (S702: Yes), the number of operating reserve balls N is incremented by 1 (S703), and the jackpot random number counter updated at the step S703 is further added. The values of C1, jackpot symbol counter C2 and reach random number counter C3 are stored in the first of the free reserved areas in the reserved ball storage area 700 of the RAM 503 (S704). On the other hand, if there is no winning at the starting port 33 (S701: No), or even if there is a winning at the starting port 33, if the number of suspended balls N <4 is not satisfied (S702: No), each of S703 and S704 The process is skipped and the start winning process is terminated. After the start winning process is completed, the MPU 501 once ends this timer interrupt process.

  When the game ball wins the start opening 33 (start winning), the special symbol display on the special symbol display unit 42b of the first symbol main display device 42 starts accordingly. There is a restriction that a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) must elapse before the special symbol changes and the symbol stops after winning. Therefore, in the start winning process, when a start winning is confirmed, a timer for measuring the elapsed time after the start winning is set after each counter value storing process (S704). Specifically, since the start winning process is executed at a cycle of 2 ms, for example, in order to measure an elapsed time of 5 seconds, a numerical value “2500” is set in the timer, and the timer value is incremented by 1 for each start winning process. Subtract. This timer value is stored and managed in the reserved ball storage area of the RAM 503 together with the values of the respective counters C1 to C3. When setting a special symbol variation pattern, which will be described later, the timer value is referred to, and a variation pattern is set according to the remaining time (so that the symbol variation is stopped after a predetermined time elapses).

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the NMI interrupt process. The NMI interrupt process is executed by the MPU 501 of the main controller 261 when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is shut down due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like. By this NMI interruption process, the state of the main controller 261 at the time of power-off is stored in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503. That is, when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure, the power failure signal 1 is output from the power failure monitoring circuit 542 to the NMI terminal of the MPU 501 in the main controller 261, and the MPU 501 interrupts the control being executed. NMI interrupt processing is started. The NMI interrupt processing program in FIG. 16 is stored in the ROM 502 of the main controller 261. For a predetermined time after the power failure signal is output, power is supplied from the power supply unit so that the processing of the main control device 261 can be executed, and the NMI interrupt processing is executed within this predetermined time.

  In the NMI interrupt process, first, the used register is saved in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503 (S801), and the value of the stack pointer is stored in the backup area 503a (S802). Further, the occurrence information of the power shutdown is set in the backup area 503a (S803), and a power shutdown notification command indicating that the power is shut off is transmitted to another control device (S804). A RAM determination value is calculated and stored in the backup area 503a (S805). The RAM determination value is, for example, a checksum value at the work area address of the RAM 503. Thereafter, access to the RAM 503 is prohibited (S806), and the infinite loop is continued until the power supply is completely shut down and processing cannot be executed.

  The above NMI interrupt process is executed in the same manner in the payout control apparatus 311. With this NMI interrupt process, the state of the payout control apparatus 311 when the power is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like is stored in the backup area 513a of the RAM 513. Is done. Similarly, the power is supplied from the power supply unit so that the processing of the payout control device 311 can be executed for a predetermined time after the power failure signal SG1 is output. That is, when the power supply of the pachinko machine 10 is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like, the power failure signal SG1 is output from the power failure monitoring circuit 542 to the NMI terminal of the MPU in the payout control device 311 and the MPU interrupts the control being executed. The NMI interrupt process of FIG. 16 is started. The contents are the same as described above, except that the power-off notification command is not transmitted in step S804.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a main process executed by the MPU 501 in the main controller 261. This main process is started by a reset at power-on. In the main process, first, an initial setting process associated with power-on is executed (S101). Specifically, in order to set a predetermined value in the stack pointer and wait for the sub-side control devices (audio lamp control device 262, payout control device 311, etc.) to become operable, Wait processing (for example, about 1 second) is executed. After a payout permission command is transmitted to the payout control device 311 (S102), access to the RAM 503 is permitted (S103).

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the RAM erase switch provided in the power supply device is turned on (S104), and if it is turned on (S104: Yes), the process proceeds to S114 to clear (erase) the backup data. Transition. On the other hand, if the RAM erasure switch is not turned on (S104: No), it is further determined whether or not the power interruption occurrence information is stored in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503 (S105), and if not stored (S105). : No), since backup data is not stored, in this case as well, the process proceeds to S114. If the occurrence information of power shutdown is stored in the backup area 503a (S105: Yes), a RAM judgment value is calculated (S106), and if the calculated RAM judgment value is not normal (S107: No), that is, calculated. If the RAM determination value does not match the RAM determination value stored when the power is shut off, the backed up data has been destroyed. In such a case as well, the process proceeds to S114. As described above, the RAM determination value is a checksum value at a work area address of the RAM 503, for example. Instead of the RAM determination value, the validity of the backup may be determined based on whether or not the keyword written in a predetermined area of the RAM 503 is correctly stored.

  As described above, in the pachinko machine 10, when RAM data is initialized when the power is turned on, for example, at the start of business in the hall, the power is turned on while pressing the RAM erase switch. Therefore, if the RAM erase switch has been pressed, the routine proceeds to RAM initialization processing (S114 to S116). Similarly, when the information on occurrence of power shutdown is not set, or when a backup abnormality is confirmed by a RAM determination value (checksum value or the like), the process proceeds to initialization processing (S114 to S116) of the RAM 503 in the same manner. That is, in the RAM initialization process from S114, the used area of the RAM 503 is cleared to 0 (S114), and the initial value of the RAM 503 is set (S115). Thereafter, the interrupt is permitted (S116), and the process proceeds to normal processing described later.

  On the other hand, if the RAM erasure switch is not turned on (S104: No), the occurrence information of the power shutdown is stored (S105: Yes), and if the RAM judgment value (checksum value etc.) is normal (S107) : Yes), the process proceeds to S108, and the process at the time of power recovery (process at the time of power-off recovery) is executed. That is, in the power recovery process, the stack pointer at the time of power interruption is restored (S108), and the information on occurrence of power interruption is cleared (S109). Next, a power-return command for returning the sub-side control device to the gaming state at the time of power-off is transmitted (S110), and the used register is returned from the backup area 503a of the RAM 503 (S111). Further, it is confirmed whether or not the interrupt is permitted before the power is turned off (S112). If the interrupt is permitted (S112: Yes), the interrupt is permitted (S113), while the interrupt is prohibited when the power is turned off. If it is in the state (S112: No), the processing is returned to the address before the power is shut off while the interruption is prohibited.

  Next, normal processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In this normal process, the main process of the game is executed. As an outline, each process of S201 to S207 is executed as a periodic process with a period of 4 ms, and the counter update process of S208 to S210 is executed in the remaining time.

  In the normal processing, first, output data such as a command updated in the previous processing is transmitted to each control device on the sub side (S201). Specifically, the presence / absence of winning detection information is determined, and if there is winning detection information, a winning ball payout command corresponding to the number of acquired game balls is transmitted to the payout control device 311. In addition, a stop symbol command, a variation pattern command, a confirmation command, and the like are transmitted to the display control device 45 when the first symbol main display device 42 displays the variation of the special symbol. In addition, at the time of starting the change of the special symbol, one each time in the normal process in the order of the change pattern command-> stop symbol command of the left symbol row-> stop symbol command of the middle symbol row-> stop symbol command of the right symbol row (i.e. The command is transmitted once every 4 ms), and the confirmation command is transmitted at the end of the fluctuation time.

  Next, each value of the variation type counter CS is updated (S202). Specifically, the variation type counter CS is incremented by 1 and cleared to 0 when the counter value reaches the maximum value (198 in the present embodiment). Then, the update value of the variation type counter CS is stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 503. Further, the off symbol counters CL, CM, and CR of the left symbol row, the middle symbol row, and the right symbol row are updated by the off symbol counter updating process (S203).

  Here, the off symbol counter update process will be described with reference to FIG. First, it is determined whether or not it is the update time of the first out symbol counter CL corresponding to the left symbol row (S301). If it is the update time (S301: Yes), the first out symbol counter CL is updated (S303). . Next, if it is not the update time of the left symbol row (S301: No), it is determined whether or not it is the update time of the second out symbol counter CM corresponding to the middle symbol row (S302), and if it is the update time (S302). : Yes), the second off symbol counter CM is updated (S304). Further, if it is not the update time of the middle symbol row (S302: No), it is the update timing of the right symbol row, so the third off symbol counter CR corresponding to the right symbol row is updated (S305).

  In updating outlier symbol counters CL, CM, and CR in each of the processes of S303 to S305, the value of the lower 2 bits of the R register is added to the previous counter value, and 3 is added when the addition result exceeds the maximum value. Subtraction is performed, and the result of the calculation is taken as the current value of the symbol counters CL, CM, CR. According to the update process of CL, CM, CR, the outlier counters CL, CM, CR of the left symbol row, the middle symbol row, and the right symbol row are sequentially updated one by one in one normal process. The update time of each counter value does not overlap. Thus, every time the normal process is executed three times, the set symbol counters CL, CM, and CR are updated for one set.

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the combination of the updated outlier symbol counters CL, CM, and CR is a jackpot symbol combination (S306). finish. If it is not a jackpot symbol combination (S306: No), it is determined whether or not it is a reach symbol combination (S307), and if it is a reach symbol combination (S307: Yes), the off symbol counter CL at that time, The combination of CM and CR is stored in the outreach symbol buffer B9 of the RAM 503 (S308). If the combination of the out symbol counters CL, CM, CR is not a jackpot symbol combination (S306: No) and is not a reach symbol combination (S307: No), the combination of the out symbol counters CL, CM, CR is out of reach. In such a case, the combination of the off symbol counters CL, CM, CR is stored in the complete off symbol buffer B10 of the RAM 503 (S309).

  After the end of the off symbol counter CL, CM, CR update process (S203), the process returns to the normal process of FIG. 10 and reads the prize ball counting signal and the payout abnormality signal received from the payout control device 311 (S204). A special symbol variation process for performing variation display of the special symbol by the symbol display device 42 is executed (S205). With this special symbol variation processing, jackpot determination, special symbol variation pattern setting, and the like are performed. Details of the special symbol variation process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  After the special symbol variation process is completed, a special prize opening / closing process for opening or closing the special prize opening of the variable prize winning device 32 is executed in the case of the big win state (S206). That is, the big winning opening is opened for each round of the big hit state, and it is determined whether the maximum opening time of the big winning opening has elapsed or whether a predetermined number of game balls have been won in the big winning opening. When either of these conditions is satisfied, the special winning opening is closed. At this time, the continuous winning opening is allowed on condition that the game ball has passed the specific area, and this is repeatedly executed for a predetermined number of rounds.

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the next normal process execution timing has been reached, that is, whether or not a predetermined time (4 ms in the present embodiment) has elapsed since the start of the previous normal process (S207). If (S207: Yes), the process proceeds to S201, and the processes after S201 described above are repeatedly executed.

  On the other hand, if the predetermined time has not yet elapsed from the start of the previous normal process (S207: No), the random number initial value is within the remaining time until the predetermined time is reached, that is, until the next normal process is executed. The value counter CINI and the variation type counter CS are updated repeatedly (S208, S209). First, the random number initial value counter CINI is updated (S208). Specifically, the random number initial value counter CINI is incremented by 1 and cleared to 0 when the counter value reaches the maximum value (676 in this embodiment). Then, the update value of the random number initial value counter CINI is stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 503. Next, the counter CS is updated (S209). Specifically, the counter CS is incremented by 1 and cleared to 0 when the counter values reach the maximum value. Then, the updated value of the counter CS is stored in the variation type counter buffer B6 of the RAM 503.

  Here, since the execution time of each process of S201 to S206 changes according to the state of the game, the remaining time until the execution timing of the next normal process is not constant and varies. Therefore, it is possible to update the random number initial value counter CINI (that is, the initial value of the big hit random number counter C1) at random by repeatedly executing the update of the random number initial value counter CINI using the remaining time. The counter CS can also be updated at random.

  Next, the special symbol variation process (S205) will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. In the special symbol variation process, first, it is determined whether or not a big hit is currently being made (S401). The jackpot includes the jackpot game displayed on the first symbol display device 42 in the jackpot and the middle of a predetermined time after the jackpot game ends. As a result of the determination, if it is a big hit (S401: Yes), this processing is terminated as it is.

  If it is not a big hit (S401: No), it is determined whether or not the special symbol variation display is being performed by the first symbol main display device 42 (S402), and if the special symbol variation display is not being performed (S402: No). ), It is determined whether or not the number N of actuated balls of the first symbol display device 42 is greater than 0 (S403). If the number N of active suspension balls is 0 (S403: No), this process is ended as it is. If the number of the operation holding balls N> 0 (S403: Yes), the operation holding ball number N is decremented by 1 (S404), and the data stored in the holding ball storage area is shifted (S405). This data shift process is a process of sequentially shifting the data stored in the reserved first to fourth areas of the reserved ball storage area to the execution area side, and the reserved first area → execution area, reserved second area → Specifically, the data in each area is shifted, such as the hold first area, the hold third area → the hold second area, and the hold fourth area → the hold third area. After the data shift process, a special symbol variation start process is executed (S406). The variation start process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In the process of S402, when the variation display of the special symbol is being performed (S402: Yes), it is determined whether or not the variation time has elapsed (S407). The variation time of the special symbol is determined according to the variation pattern of the special symbol, and the execution of the process of S408 is skipped until the variation time elapses (S407: No). On the other hand, if the variation time of the special symbol elapses (S407: Yes), a confirmation command set for confirming the stop symbol is set (S408), and this process is terminated.

  Next, the variation start process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In the fluctuation start process (S406), first, it is determined whether or not a big hit is made based on the value of the big hit random number counter C1 stored in the execution area of the reserved ball storage area (S501). Whether or not the jackpot is determined is based on the relationship between the jackpot random number counter value and the mode at that time. As described above, “337,673” is the winning value among the numerical values 0 to 676 of the jackpot random number counter C1 at the normal low probability, and “67, 131, 199, 269, 337, 401, 463, 523” at the high probability. “601, 661” is the winning value.

  When it is determined that the game is a big hit (S501: Yes), the symbol corresponding to the value of the jackpot symbol counter C2 stored in the execution area of the reserved ball storage area, that is, the jackpot symbol is the value of the jackpot symbol counter C2 and the symbol. The symbol is obtained based on a table (not shown) representing the corresponding relationship, and the symbol is set as a stop symbol command (S502). In the table, a stop symbol command indicating the display of a special symbol of “O” is assigned to the numerical value “0” of the jackpot symbol counter C2, and a command indicating “Δ” is assigned to “2”. "" For "3", "x" for "3", "#" for "4", and "5" for "5" Each command indicating “*” is assigned. In addition, when the jackpot symbol is aligned with a specific symbol (○), it shifts to the probability variation state, but when it is aligned with another specific symbol (non-probability variation symbol), it shifts to the probability variation state. do not do.

  Next, the variation pattern of the special symbol until it stops at the jackpot symbol is determined, and the variation pattern is set in the variation pattern command (S503). At this time, the value of the variation type counter CS stored in the counter buffer B6 of the RAM 503 is confirmed, and the reach type such as short reach, middle reach, long reach, and the variation time are determined based on the value. The relationship between the numerical value of the variation type counter CS1 and the reach pattern is defined in advance by a table or the like.

  If it is determined in step S501 that the game is not a big hit (S501: No), is the reach generated (occurrence of outreach) based on the value of the reach random number counter C3 stored in the execution area of the reserved ball storage area? It is determined whether or not (S504). In the present embodiment, the value of the reach random number counter C3 is any one of 0 to 11, of which “0” corresponds to occurrence of out of reach and “1 to 11” corresponds to no reach (complete out).

  In the case of occurrence of outreach (S504: Yes), the respective values of the left, middle and right outreach symbol counters CL, CM and CR stored in the outreach symbol buffer B7 of the RAM 503 are set as stop symbol commands (S505). ). Further, a variation pattern for displaying the outlier reach is determined, and the variation pattern is set in the variation pattern command (S506). At this time, similarly to the processing of S503, the value of the fluctuation type counter CS stored in the counter buffer B6 of the RAM 503 is confirmed, and the reach type such as short reach, middle reach, long reach, etc. is changed based on the value. Decide on time.

  If neither big hit nor reach (S501: No, S504: No), the left, middle, and right out symbol counters CL, CM, CR stored in the complete out symbol buffer B8 of the RAM 503 are stored. The stop symbol command is set (S507). Also, a variation pattern for complete out-of-range display is determined, and the variation pattern is set as a variation pattern command (S511). At this time, the variation pattern is determined based on the value of the variation type counter CS stored in the counter buffer B6 of the RAM 503, as in the processing of S503. As described above, when the setting of the symbol stop command and the variation pattern command is completed at the time of jackpot, when the reach occurs, or when the reach does not occur, this processing is terminated.

The variation pattern of complete detachment may be determined according to the value of the number N of activated balls at the start of variation. For example, the variation time of complete detachment started when the number N of activated balls is 3 or more. Further, it may be made shorter than the fluctuation time of complete deviation starting when the number N of the operation holding balls is less than 3. Suppressing useless start winnings by quickly digesting the fluctuation display while waiting, and preventing the fluctuation display from being interrupted, and preventing the player's willingness to diminish due to continued fluctuation stoppage. Can do.
Next, a special symbol and a decorative symbol displayed on the first symbol main display device 42 will be described together with the control of the display control device 45 with reference to FIGS. 3 and 18 to 21.

  The first symbol main display device 42 has a decorative symbol display area 42a in which three symbol rows (decorative symbol symbol rows) Z1 to Z3 are displayed at the center thereof, and “◯” and “ A special symbol display area 42b on which six types of special symbols of “Δ”, “☆”, “×”, “#” and “*” are displayed is provided.

  In the special symbol display area 42b, when the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 acquired at the time of winning the start opening 33 is a jackpot, the three symbols are stopped and the player is shown the occurrence of the jackpot. In the pachinko machine 10 of the present embodiment, two types of symbols, a special symbol and a decorative symbol, are provided as symbols for showing the player the occurrence of a jackpot. The special symbols are provided in order to reduce the types of symbols and reduce the types of commands of the main control device 261 and the display control device 45. On the other hand, the decorative symbol is a symbol that changes in synchronization with the special symbol, and starts to change at the same time (or almost at the same time) as the special symbol starts to change, and at the same time as the special symbol stops changing (or almost at the same time). At the same time) the fluctuation is stopped. This decorative design is provided in order to provide a player with a variety of display effects so that the player is not bored. By using these two types of symbols together, while the pachinko machine 10 has various effects, the number of commands transmitted from the main control device 261 to the display control device 45 is reduced and the control program of the main control device 261 is simplified. Or the use area of the storage device such as the ROM 502 and RAM 503 of the main controller 261 can be reduced.

  Note that it is not always necessary to separately provide a special symbol and a decorative symbol to control the display of the first symbol display device 42. Instead of the special symbol, the display content of the decorative symbol is directly determined by the control of the main controller 261. You may make it do. Further, it is not necessary to cause the display control device 45 to perform control so as to start or stop changing the decorative symbol simultaneously with the special symbol. If the change display of the special symbol and the change display of the decorative symbol are performed synchronously, that is, if the change display of each symbol is performed the same number of times based on the start winning prize, the change start of the decorative symbol and the special symbol is started. Or you may make the display control apparatus 45 perform display control so that at least one timing of a fluctuation stop may not correspond. For example, the variation of the decorative symbol may be started after the variation of the special symbol, or the variation of the decorative symbol may be stopped before the variation of the special symbol.

  Next, the decorative symbols displayed in the decorative symbol display area 42a will be described. In the decorative symbol display area 42a of the first symbol display device 42, as shown in FIG. 3, three symbol rows Z1 to Z3 of the upper, middle and lower levels are displayed. As shown in FIG. 3, the decorative symbol is composed of, for example, a main symbol composed of numbers “1” to “9” with characters and a sub symbol composed of shells smaller than the main symbol. A symbol row of decorative symbols is formed by the symbols. In each symbol row formed with decorative symbols, the main symbols are arranged in ascending or descending order of numbers, and sub-designs are arranged between the main symbols.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the arrangement of decorative design symbol rows Z1 to Z3. Of the decorative design symbol rows Z1 to Z3, the upper symbol row and the lower symbol row Z1, Z3 are formed by connecting 18 symbols vertically. Further, the middle symbol row Z2 is formed by connecting 20 symbols vertically. Each symbol row is displayed in a variable manner so that it scrolls from right to left with periodicity at the same time as the special symbol starts changing, and all symbol rows stop changing before the special symbol stops.

  Next, each symbol row Z1 to Z3 is normally scrolled from right to left and displayed in a variable manner. In the symbol rows Z2 and Z3, numbers are arranged in ascending order toward the left. Therefore, the numbers of the main symbols appear in ascending order, and the numbers of the main symbols appear in descending order because the numbers are arranged in descending order toward the left in the symbol row Z1.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the decorative symbols are displayed in the left, middle, and right three rows for each of the upper, middle, and lower symbol rows in the decorative symbol display section 42a of the first symbol display device 42. . When a winning to the start port 33, that is, a start winning occurs, the decorative symbols are displayed in a variable manner, and after a certain period of time according to the variation pattern selected by the main controller 261, the variation display is stopped and the first symbol display is performed. On the device 42, nine decorative symbols of 3 × 3 are displayed as display results. In the variable display won in the big win lottery, the display control device 45 is arranged such that three or more of the same main symbols (number symbols with characters) are arranged on a horizontal or diagonal straight line among the nine decorative symbols. Is controlled, and the player is shown the occurrence of a jackpot. On the other hand, in the variable display out of the big hit lottery, the display control device 45 controls so that three or more of the same main symbols are not aligned horizontally or diagonally among the nine decorative symbols, The player is shown an outage.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 18 to FIG. 21, the contents of the symbol control that is stopped and displayed on the decorative symbol display unit 42a will be described. The MPU 520 of the display control device 45 selects the display content of the decorative symbol based on the command transmitted from the main control device 261. FIG. 18 is a diagram schematically showing an outline of various counters provided in the RAM 523 of the display control device 45 and used for selection of a decoration symbol displayed on the decoration symbol display unit 42a.

  The first to third decorative symbol counters S1 to S3 are for determining the decorative symbol to be displayed in each symbol row. When the fluctuation of each of the symbol rows Z1 to Z3 shown in FIG. 18 is stopped, any one of the decorative symbols corresponding to the number of frames is displayed. Therefore, each of the symbol rows Z1 and Z3 has 18 symbols (0 to 117), For the column Z2, 20 (0 to 19) counter values are prepared. The stop symbol of the symbol row Z1 is determined by the first decorative symbol counter S1, the stop symbol of the symbol row Z2 is determined by the second decorative symbol counter S2, and the stop symbol of the symbol row Z3 is determined by the third decorative symbol counter S3. .

  In this embodiment, the values of the counters S1 to S3 are randomly updated by using the numerical value of the R register built in the MPU 521. That is, when each of the decorative symbol counters S1 to S3 is updated, the value of the lower 3 bits (that is, “0 to 7”) of the R register is added to the previous value, and each maximum value is obtained when the addition result exceeds the maximum value. The current value is determined by subtraction. Each of the decorative symbol counters S1 to S3 is updated in the normal process so that the update times do not overlap, and the combination of the decorative symbol counters S1 to S3 is a jackpot symbol buffer B20, a reach symbol buffer B21, and a completely missed symbol buffer in the RAM 523. Stored in any of B22. Then, when a variation pattern command indicating the variation start of the special symbol is received, the buffer value of any one of the jackpot symbol buffer B20, the reach symbol buffer B21, and the completely off symbol buffer B22 is acquired according to the content of the command.

  Next, each process executed by the MPU 521 of the display control device 45 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a main process of the display control device 45, and this main process is started by a reset at power-on.

  The main process of the display control device 45 first executes an initial setting process upon power-on (S811), initializes values of RAM, I / O, etc., and sets each interrupt, such as a timer interrupt. Do. Thereafter, the processing from S812 to S815 is repeatedly executed every 4 ms to control the display content of the first symbol main display device.

  First, an external output process for transmitting an audio output command to the audio lamp control device 262 is performed in order to output audio in accordance with the display contents of the display devices 41 and 42 (S812), and then the decorative symbol counter S1 described above is used. To S5 are updated (S813).

  Here, with reference to FIG. 20, a decoration symbol counter update process (S813) is demonstrated. FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the decorative symbol counter update process (S813) executed in the main process of FIG.

  First, it is determined whether the decoration symbol counter of the symbol row is to be updated, and counter update processing (S821) is performed to update the decoration symbol counter of the symbol row that has reached the update timing in accordance with the update timing. Specifically, it is determined whether or not it is the update time of the decorative symbol counter S1 of the left symbol row Z1, and if it is the update time, the decorative symbol counter S1 of the first symbol row Z1 is updated. On the other hand, if it is not the update time of the first symbol row Z1, it is determined whether or not it is the update time of the decorative symbol counter S2 of the second symbol row Z2, and if it is the update time, the decorative symbol counter S2 of the second symbol row Z2 is set. Update. Similarly, it is determined whether or not it is the update time of the third symbol row Z3. If it is the update time, the decorative symbol counter S2 of the second symbol row Z2 is updated, and the counter update process (S821) is ended.

  In the update of the decorative symbol counters S1 to S3 in the process of S821, the value of the lower 3 bits of the R register is added to the previous counter value, and when the addition result exceeds the maximum value, the maximum value is subtracted. The calculation result is set as the current value of the decorative symbol counters S1 to S3. According to the update processing of S1 to S3, each of the decorative symbol counters S1 to S3 of the first to third symbol rows Z1 to Z3 is sequentially updated one by one in one normal processing, so that each counter value is updated. The times do not overlap. Thereby, every time the normal process is executed three times, one set of the decorative symbol counters S1 to S3 is updated.

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the combination of the updated decorative symbol counters S1 to S3 is a jackpot symbol combination (S826). If it is a jackpot symbol combination (S826: Yes), the decorative symbol counter at that time is determined. The combination of S1 to S3 is stored in the jackpot symbol buffer B20 of the RAM 523 (S828), and this process ends. As the determination of the jackpot symbol combination, all the combinations of counter values for which the jackpot symbol combination is formed on any of the effective lines set in the three symbol columns are stored in the ROM 522 of the display control device 45 in advance. , By comparing with its value.

  If it is not a jackpot symbol combination in the process of S826 (S826: No), it is determined whether or not it is a reach symbol combination (S827), and if it is a reach symbol combination (S827: Yes), the decoration at that time The combination of the symbol counters S1 to S3 is stored in the reach symbol buffer B21 of the RAM 523 (S829). If the combination of the decorative symbol counters S1 to S3 is not a jackpot symbol combination (S826: No), and is not a reach symbol combination (S827: No), the combination of the decorative symbol counters S1 to S3 is a completely out-of-band combination (reach) In such a case, the combination of the decorative symbol counters S1 to S3 is stored in the completely out of symbol buffer B22 of the RAM 523 (S830). Here, the combination of reach symbols and the combination of complete deviation may differ depending on the variation patterns of normal stop fluctuation, forward stop fluctuation, and pinch stop fluctuation, but a corresponding symbol buffer is provided for each fluctuation pattern. Thus, a combination of symbols corresponding to each variation pattern may be described.

  After completion of the decorative symbol counters S1 to S3 update processing (S813), the decorative symbol display processing returns to the main processing of FIG. 19 and advances the variable symbol display in the decorative symbol display section 42a of the first symbol main display device 42. (S814). Thereafter, a special symbol display process is performed to advance the special symbol variation display in the special symbol display unit 42b (S815). The display control in S814 and S815 is performed according to the contents of the effect execution area 701 shown in FIG. 18 set based on the command received from the main control device 261.

  Next, the elapsed time from the start of the previous processing of S812 is confirmed (S816). If the elapsed time is less than 4 ms in the process of S816 (S816: No), the process of S816 is repeated until 4 ms elapses. When it is confirmed that 4 ms has elapsed in the process of S816 (S816: Yes), the process proceeds to S812, and the subsequent process is executed.

  By proceeding with the process based on the elapsed time from the process of S812 in the process of S816, the process of S812 to S815 can be performed every 4 ms, and the decorative symbol counters S1 to S3 are updated every 4 ms. Can do. Note that it is not always necessary to provide counters for determining the combination of decorative symbols for the number of symbol columns. Counters are provided for only one central symbol sequence, and others may be fixedly displayed according to predetermined combinations. good. Further, a table in which a plurality of reach variation patterns are set in advance may be stored in the display control device 45, and the variation pattern may be derived from the table.

  Next, a command reception process performed by the display control device 45 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 21 is a flowchart of command reception processing of the display control device 45. This command reception process is an interrupt process executed when a command is received from the main control apparatus 261 in the display control apparatus 45, and a process associated in advance with the command transmitted from the main control apparatus 261 by this process. Is performed by the display control device 45.

  In the command reception process, the received command is confirmed (S841), and if the command is a variation pattern command (S841: variation pattern command), the variation pattern command is written in the effect execution area (S842). Corresponding to this variation pattern command, variation patterns such as variation time and presence / absence of reach in a special symbol are determined in advance, and variation displays corresponding to various lotteries performed by the MPU 502 of the main controller 261 are the first symbol. This is performed by the display device 42.

  Next, the content of the received variation pattern command is confirmed (S843), and if it is a jackpot variation pattern command (S843: jackpot), the value of the jackpot symbol counter buffer B20 is used as a stop symbol of the decoration symbol for the current variation display. Write and store (S844). If the command received in the process of S843 is a reach command (S843: reach), the value of the reach symbol buffer B21 corresponding to the variation pattern is written in the effect execution area 701 (S845). If the received command is completely out of order (S843: complete out), the value of the complete out symbol buffer B22 corresponding to the variation pattern is written in the effect execution area 701 (S846). By setting the value of the symbol buffer corresponding to the variation pattern command as a stop symbol of the decoration symbol for the current variation display by the processing of S844 to S846, both the special symbol and the decoration symbol are big hits, either reach or completely missed Can be stopped.

  Thereafter, a lamp turn-off command for turning off one hold lamp 46 is transmitted to the sound lamp control device 262 (S847). In the process of S847, the lamp turn-off command is once written in the command transmission area (transmission buffer) provided in the RAM 523, and the lamp turn-off command is transmitted by the external output process (S812) described above. After the processing of S847, the first symbol display device 42 starts the variable display of the special symbol and the decorative symbol (S848), and the command reception processing is terminated.

  If the command received in the process of S841 is a stop symbol command (S841: stop symbol command), the stop symbol data is written in the effect execution area 701 (S849), and the command reception process is terminated. If the received command is a confirmed command (S841: confirmed command), the variable display is confirmed and stopped (S850), and the command receiving process is terminated. If the command received in the process of S841 is not any of the variation pattern command, the stop symbol command, and the confirmed command (S841: other command), each process according to the received command is executed (S851). ), The command reception process is terminated.

  As described above, in the display control device 45, when the variation pattern command is received from the main control device 261, the value of the symbol buffer corresponding to the variation pattern command is stopped for the current variation display by the processing of S843 to S846. Set as a symbol. Thus, both the special symbol and the decorative symbol can be stopped by either a big win, reach or completely off in accordance with the lottery result performed by the main controller 261, and the big win and reach lottery of the main controller 261 can be stopped. It is possible to execute a variation display of the decorative pattern corresponding to the result.

  Next, a configuration of further characteristic portions of the pachinko machine according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 22 is a functional block diagram of the main control device 261 and the display control device 45, and FIG. 23 is a block diagram showing a specific configuration of the effect mode update unit and the decorative symbol display control unit. As shown in FIG. 22, the main control device 261 sets the special game state on the condition that the variation display result of the symbols on the first symbol display device 42 is a specific combination of symbols (a jackpot symbol) set in advance. It has a function to generate. In short, the main controller 261 is based on the value (first random number) of the jackpot random number counter C1 (first random number group for determining whether or not to enter the special gaming state) that can take a value from 0 to 676. A special gaming state is generated.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 22, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 has a first random number generator 400 (first random number group generation function) that generates a jackpot random number counter C1. The RAM 503 of the main control device 261 includes a reserved ball storage area (first random number storage unit 402) that stores the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 every time a game ball wins the first start port 33. The CPU 501 of the main controller 261 also includes a first determination unit 404 (determination function) that determines whether or not the value of the big hit random number counter C1 stored in the reserved ball storage area is a winning value. Yes.

  Note that the value of the big hit random number counter C1 (first random number) in the first random number generator 400 is the reserved ball in the RAM 503 at the timing of detecting the winning of the game ball with the operation port switch provided in the first start port 33. It is stored in the storage area (first random number storage unit 402). When the probability is low, the first determination unit 404 determines that if the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 (first random number) stored in the first random number storage unit 402 is two values “337,673”, Judgment is made, otherwise it is judged that it is off. When the probability is low, the first determination unit 404 determines that the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 (first random number) stored in the first random number storage unit 402 has ten values “67, 131, 199, 289, 337, 401, 483, 523, 601 and 661 ", it is determined that it is a big hit, and otherwise, it is determined that it is off. The first random number generator 400 and the first determination unit 404 described above are realized by causing the CPU 501 to execute a predetermined program.

When the CPU 501 determines that the value of the big hit random number counter C1 is a win value, a signal for setting the special gaming state is output from the main control device 261 to the variable winning device 32. Based on the instruction from the main control device 261, the variable winning device 32 executes a jackpot operation in which the game ball repeatedly operates in an open state and a normal closed state in which the game ball is easy to win.
Further, as shown in FIG. 22, the pachinko machine 10 of this embodiment is a random number group different from the jackpot random number counter C1 (first random number group), and is a special symbol display unit 42b of the first symbol display device 42. Based on the second random number generator 406 for generating a second random number group (reach random number counter C3) for determining the variable display contents of the first symbol to be displayed on the screen, and detection of winning (entering ball) with the operation switch A second random number storage unit 408 that stores the value of the second random number (the value of the reach random number counter C3) of the second random number group (reach random number counter C3) generated by the second random number generation unit 406; A second determination unit 410 that determines whether or not the value of the second random number (the value of the reach random number counter C3) stored in the second random number storage unit 408 is a predetermined value, and the second determination unit 410 The control signal (variation parameter) according to the judgment result And a input-output port 505 for outputting Nkomando) in the first symbol display device 42.

  Specifically, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 includes a second random number generation unit 406 and a second determination unit 410. That is, the CPU 501 is operated according to a predetermined program, thereby realizing the functions of the second random number generator 406 and the second determination unit 410 in the main controller 261. The CPU 501 of the main control device 261 controls the input / output port 505 so as to output a control signal (variation pattern command) corresponding to the determination result in the second determination unit 410 to the first symbol main display device 42.

  Further, the display control device 45 receives various commands (variation pattern command, stop symbol command, confirmation command, etc.) from the main control device 261, and on the first symbol main display device 42 based on these various commands, the display control device 45 A variable display effect is displayed.

  The display control device 45 receives various commands from the main control device 261 and analyzes the contents of the received command, and a first symbol display control unit that performs display control of the first symbol display device 42. 701, the second symbol display control unit 702 that performs display control of the second symbol display device 41, the sound control data and the lamp lighting control data according to the production mode, the voice control unit 262A of the voice / lamp control device 262, and the lamp The voice / lamp control data transmission unit 703 to be transmitted to the control unit 262B, the production mode storage unit 704 for storing the currently set production mode, and the production mode storage unit 704 in response to a selection signal from the production mode selection switch 705. There is an effect mode changing unit 706 that updates the effect mode to the selected effect mode. The first symbol display control unit 701 includes a decorative symbol display control unit 701A that performs display control of the decorative symbol display unit 42a, and a special symbol display control unit 701B that performs display control of the special symbol display unit 42b.

  Here, specific configurations of the effect mode changing unit 706 and the decorative symbol display control unit 701A, which are the main features of the present invention, will be described in detail with reference to FIG. Whether or not the production mode change unit 706 is in a standby screen period (including a period of time until the demo screen is changed to a stop image at the end after the end of change in addition to a standby screen period called a demo screen) A standby screen flag F1 indicating two, two first timers TM1 for managing the period during which the effect mode update is valid during the fluctuation period (for managing the effective period of the effect mode update when the number of reserved balls is less than 3), the second The timer TM2 (for managing the effective period of the effect mode update when the holding ball is 3 or more), the switch accepting unit 710 that accepts the selection change signal of the effect mode selection switch 705, and the accepting operation of the switch accepting unit 710 are permitted. An effect mode change switching control unit 711 that outputs a permission / non-permission signal indicating whether or not to permit.

  The standby screen flag F1 is a flag indicating whether it is during the standby screen period or the variable display period. This flag F1 is set to logic “0” during the standby screen period, and is set to logic “1” during the variable display period. Is set to The setting process of the flag F1 is performed by the effect mode change switching unit 711. That is, in the initialization process, the flag F1 is set to logic “0”, and when an effect control command (commands such as complete disengagement, normal reach, super reach, premium reach, jackpot, etc.) is received in the gaming state, the effect mode change is switched. The unit 711 sets the flag F1 to logic “1”. At the end of the variable display period, the flag F1 is set to logic “0”. Thereby, the flag F1 is set to logic “0” during the standby screen, and is set to logic “1” during the variable display period.

  As described above, the first timer TM1 and the second timer TM2 manage the period in which the effect mode selection can be changed during the change period, and in this embodiment, as the effect mode selection changeable period during the change period, The period from the start of the fluctuation to the first symbol row Z1 from the high speed fluctuation to the deceleration fluctuation (high speed fluctuation period) is set. Furthermore, in the pachinko machine according to the present embodiment, when the number of the holding balls is 3 or 4, since the fluctuation period is shortened compared to when the holding balls are less than 3, the high-speed fluctuation period is also short. Therefore, the first timer TM1 manages the high-speed fluctuation period W1 during the fluctuation period of the first symbol row Z1 when the holding ball is less than 3, while the timer TM2 is the first timer TM2 when the holding ball is 3 or 4. The high-speed fluctuation period W2 in the fluctuation period of one symbol row Z1 is managed. The production mode change switching unit 711 outputs a reception operation permission signal to the switch reception unit 710 when the standby screen flag F1 is logic “1”, and also during the set period of the timers TM1 and TM2. In 710, an acceptance operation permission signal is output. As a result, during the standby screen and during the high speed fluctuation period of the first symbol row Z1, the effect mode can be selected and changed by operating the effect mode selection switch 705.

  The effect mode selection switch 705 outputs a detection signal to the switch receiving unit 710 every time the effect mode selection push button 600 is pressed. When the switch reception unit 710 is in the reception operation permission state, the count value of the counter C20 is incremented by one. The counter C20 is a loop counter having a count value from “0” to “2” and returning to “0” after reaching the maximum value “2”. The count value “0” of the counter C20 corresponds to the effect mode 1, the count value “1” corresponds to the effect mode 2, and the count value “2” corresponds to the effect mode 3. In addition, the switch reception part 710 rewrites the effect mode of the effect mode memory | storage part 704 with the effect mode corresponding to the updated count value with the update of the count value of the counter C20. For example, when the current production mode is the production mode 1, the production mode storage unit 704 stores the production mode 1 and the count value of the switch reception unit 710 is “0”. When the presentation mode selection switch 705 is operated when the switch reception unit 710 is in the reception operation permitted state, the switch reception unit 710 sets the count value to “1” and sets the presentation mode of the presentation mode storage unit 704 to “1”. Rewrite from “production mode 1” to “production mode 2”. In this way, when the effect mode selection switch 705 is operated during the effect mode selection change valid period, the contents of the effect mode storage unit 704 can be rewritten to the selected effect mode. When the switch accepting unit 710 is in the accepting operation disapproval state, even if the effect mode selection switch 705 is operated, the count value of the counter C20 is not updated, and the contents of the effect mode storage unit 704 are rewritten. Not done.

The decorative symbol display control unit 701 includes three variation pattern conversion tables TB1 to TB3 corresponding to the production mode 1 to the production mode 3, respectively, and an image forming unit 720.
In the present embodiment, as described above, three effect modes (“effect mode 1” is an effect mode also referred to as a natural stage mode, “effect mode 2” is an effect mode also referred to as a treasure stage mode, "Mode 3" has a production mode) also called a lagoon stage mode, and the variation pattern conversion tables TB1 to TB3 are provided for each of the three production modes.

  Table TB1 is a table for effect mode 1 (natural stage mode), table TB2 is a table for effect mode 2 (treasure stage mode), and table TB3 is a table for effect mode 3 (lagoon stage mode). In these tables TB1 to TB3, variation patterns are stored in advance corresponding to the effect control commands. Therefore, by using the tables TB <b> 1 to TB <b> 3, the variation pattern is determined by the received effect control command and the effect mode stored in the effect mode storage unit 704.

  The image forming unit 720 is for forming a decorative design image, and includes a background image forming unit 721 that forms a background image corresponding to the effect mode, and a character that forms a variable design (character) image corresponding to the effect mode. An image forming unit 722, an image forming unit 723 for forming an image such as a preview image corresponding to the effect mode, a layer on which a background image is formed, a layer on which a character image is formed, a preview image, etc. A frame image forming unit 724 that generates one frame image from the layer on which the image is formed. The background image forming unit 721, the character image forming unit 722, and the notice symbol etc. image forming unit 723 are the presentation control commands analyzed by the command analysis unit 700 (commands such as complete disconnection, normal reach, super reach, premium reach, jackpot etc.) ) Is read from the effect mode storage unit 704, and the variation pattern associated with the effect control command of the table corresponding to this effect mode is read. The background image forming unit 721 forms a background image based on the read variation pattern, and the character image forming unit 722 forms a character image based on the read variation pattern. Form. Then, the frame image forming unit 724 generates a one-frame image from the layer on which the background image is formed, the layer on which the character image is formed, and the layer on which an image such as a notice symbol is formed.

  The voice / lamp control data transmission unit 703 outputs the current presentation mode and the presentation control command to the voice / lamp control device 262 as transmission data. As a result, the audio control unit 262A reads an audio pattern determined by the effect mode and the effect control command from an audio table (not shown), and acoustically drives the speaker with this audio pattern. In addition, the lamp control unit 262B reads a light pattern determined by the effect mode and the effect control command from a lamp table (not shown), and drives the lamp to turn on with this light pattern.

(Processes related to changing the production mode selection)
Next, processing related to the change of the effect mode selection of the pachinko machine having the above configuration will be described. The main feature of the present invention is that it is possible to select and change the effect mode during the fluctuation period (more precisely, during the period from the start of fluctuation until the first symbol row Z1 changes from high speed fluctuation to low speed fluctuation). In addition, when the selection is changed, the display effect in the effect mode selected from that time point is executed. Processing related to the change of the effect mode selection will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the effective period setting process of the effect mode selection switch by the effect mode change switching control unit 711.

  With reference to FIG. 24, the effect mode selection change process in the fluctuation display screen will be described. The standby screen flag F1 is set to logic “0” by the initialization process when the power is turned on. Thereafter, when an effect control command is received (step S1), the standby screen flag F1 is set to logic “1” (step S2). Next, it is determined whether or not the number of held balls is less than 3 (step S3). If YES, the high-speed fluctuation period W1 as the effect mode change effective period is set in the first timer TM1 (step S4). If NO in step S3, the number of held balls is 3 or more, so the high-speed fluctuation period W2 as the effect mode change effective period is set in the second timer TM2 (step S5). Next, in either case of step S4 or step S5, the process proceeds to step S6, and a reception state permission signal is output to the switch reception unit 710. That is, even when the standby screen flag F1 is logic “1”, the reception state permission signal is output to the switch reception unit 710 during the set period of the first timer TM1 or the second timer TM2. As a result, the switch accepting unit 710 becomes ready to accept a selection operation of the effect mode selection switch 705. As a result, the effective period of the effect mode selection switch 705 during the variable display period is set. If there is an effect mode selection change by the effect mode selection switch 705 during the effect mode selection switch valid period, the contents of the effect mode storage unit 704 are changed to the selected effect mode by the effect mode change process shown in FIG. Is done.

  Next, when the first timer TM1 (or the second timer TM2) notifies that the high-speed fluctuation period W1 (the high-speed fluctuation period W2 in the case of the second timer TM2) has elapsed during the fluctuation period (step S7), The first timer TM1 (or the second timer TM2) is reset (step S8), and since the standby screen flag F1 is logic “1”, a reception state non-permission signal is output to the switch reception unit 710 (step S9). . As a result, during the variable display, the effect mode selection cannot be changed after the high-speed fluctuation period W1 (the high-speed fluctuation period W2 in the case of the second timer TM2) has elapsed. Then, at the end of the fluctuation period (step S10), the standby screen flag F1 is set to logic “0” (step S11), and a reception state permission signal is output to the switch reception unit 710 (step S12). As a result, during the standby screen, the switch accepting unit 710 is ready to accept the selection operation of the effect mode selection switch 705.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 25, the effect mode selection change process will be described. FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the effect mode selection change process. When the presentation mode selection switch 705 is operated when the switch acceptance unit 710 is in the acceptance-permitted state (step S20), the switch acceptance unit 710 adds 1 to the count value of the counter C20 (step S21) and the presentation mode. The effect mode in the storage unit 704 is rewritten to the effect mode corresponding to the added count value (step S22). Thereby, the setting change of the production mode is updated. Then, an effect mode change notification signal is output to the image forming unit 720 (step S23). Note that, when the effect mode change notification signal is input, the image forming unit 720 performs the processing shown in FIG. 26, and the display is changed to the change display of the selected effect mode from the time when the effect mode is changed.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 26, a display control process related to the effect mode selection change process of the decorative symbol display control unit 701A will be described. FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing display control processing related to the effect mode selection change processing of the decorative symbol display control unit 701A.

  When the effect control command is received, the content is analyzed by the command analysis unit 700. If the received command is an effect control command (variation pattern command), the effect control command is given to the image forming unit 720. The image forming unit 720 reads the currently set effect mode from the effect mode storage unit 704, refers to the table corresponding to the currently set effect mode among the tables TB1 to TB3, and associates it with the effect control command. The obtained variation pattern is read out, and an image corresponding to the variation pattern is formed. At the time of image formation, the background image forming unit 721 generates a layer on which the background image is formed based on the variation pattern, and the character image forming unit 722 generates a layer on which the character image is formed. The forming unit 723 generates a layer on which an image such as a preview symbol is formed, and the frame image forming unit 724 generates a one-frame image by superimposing the plurality of layers.

  When an effect mode change notification signal is input during such image formation processing (step S30), the effect mode is changed to the selected effect mode, and a variation display image of the selected effect mode is formed (step S30). S33). That is, in step S33, the background image forming unit 721, the character image forming unit 722, and the notice symbol etc. image forming unit 723 all read the changed effect mode from the effect mode storage unit 704, and this setting changed effect. With reference to the table corresponding to the mode, the variation pattern associated with the effect control command is read, and based on this variation pattern, a layer on which images such as a background image, a character image, and a notice symbol are formed is generated. In other words, each of the background image forming unit 721, the character image forming unit 722, and the preview symbol image forming unit 723 is affected by the change of the setting of the effect mode, and the background image is based on the variation pattern after the change of the effect mode setting. Then, a layer on which an image such as a character image and a preview symbol is formed is generated. As a result, the display is switched to the change display of the selected effect mode from the point in time when the effect mode is selected.

  The change display in the selection effect mode is a period from the selection change time to the end of the change period. That is, the decorative symbol display control unit 701A includes a timer (not shown) that measures the passage of time from the change start time, and when an effect mode selection change operation is performed, the effect mode selection from the change start time is performed. The elapsed time up to the time of the change operation is read from the timer. The background image forming unit 721, the character image forming unit 722, and the notice symbol image forming unit 723 are configured to form image data from the point of the effect mode selection change operation at the time of image formation. Even if such an image forming process is performed, the effective period of the effect mode selection button 900 is limited to the period until the first symbol row Z1 changes from the high speed fluctuation to the deceleration fluctuation. Does not affect the display effects (reach patterns, etc.). This is because the first to third symbol rows Z1 to Z3 both fluctuate at high speed from the start of the variation, and the display effects peculiar to each rendering mode are executed after the first symbol row Z1 when the variation stops at the first stop. It is because it comes to be.

If no effect mode change notification signal is input during the image forming process, the image forming process is continued in the current effect mode (step S32). When the variable display period ends (step S33), the image forming process is stopped (step S34).
By such processing, it is possible to select and change the effect mode during the fluctuation period (more precisely, during the period from the start of fluctuation until the first symbol row Z1 changes from high speed fluctuation to low speed fluctuation) When the selection is changed, the display effect in the effect mode selected at that time is executed.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 27, the effect mode changing process will be described based on a specific example. FIG. 27 is a timing chart showing a specific example of the effect mode change process. Here, it is assumed that the presentation mode selection button 900 is operated in a state where there is a holding ball and is changing in the “production mode 1”. In the first fluctuation display, as shown in FIG. 27 (1), the first to third symbol rows Z1 to Z3 both fluctuate at high speed from the fluctuation start time t11, and then the first symbol row Z1 decelerates at time t12. It fluctuates and stops at time t13. The second symbol row Z2 and the third symbol row Z3 also sequentially decelerate and fluctuate after time t12, the third symbol row Z3 stops, and then at time 14, the second symbol row Z2 stops and all fluctuations are finished.

  During the variation display, the period during which the effect mode selection can be changed is as shown in FIG. 27 (2), from time t11 to time t12 (high-speed variation period of the first symbol sequence Z1 (the number of reserved balls is less than 3). The case corresponds to the period W1)). At time t20 (see FIG. 27 (4)) during this period, when the effect mode selection button 900 is operated and an operation signal is input from the effect mode selection switch 705, the effect mode starts from time t20 by the above-described processing. The display is changed to 2 and the change display in effect mode 2 is performed (see FIG. 27 (3)). Then, the variation display in the effect mode 2 is continued until the variation end time t14. Next, the stop symbol is still displayed from time t14 to time t15, and the variation display of the effect mode 2 is started from time t15 (see FIG. 27 (3)). The period from time t15 to time t16 is a period during which the effect mode selection can be changed (see FIG. 27 (2)).

  During the period from time t15 to time t16, when the effect mode selection button 900 is operated at time t21 (see FIG. 27 (4)) and an operation signal is input from the effect mode selection switch 705, the above-described processing is performed. From time t21, the mode is changed to the production mode 3, and the fluctuation display in the production mode 3 is performed (see FIG. 27 (3)).

  When the effect mode selection button 900 is not operated from time t11 to time t12, the change display in effect mode 1 is continued until the end of change t14. In addition, when the production mode selection button 900 is operated once again during the period up to the time t12 after the production mode 2 is selected at the time t20, the production mode 2 is started from the time t20, and then the operation is repeated again. From the time of the selection change operation, the display is changed according to the production mode 3.

  In this way, it is possible to change the effect mode from when the selection is changed in the variable display period in addition to the standby screen. As a result, even when there is a holding ball, the game can be enjoyed in a different production mode for each holding ball. In particular, if it is configured to change the lighting color of the holding lamp in order to notify that the probability of a big hit is high (expectation is high) (for example, the holding lamp is normally lit in red and the expectation is high) In this case, when the holding lamp is lit in green to give a notice of that), the player can enjoy the display effect in different effect modes for each of the held balls, and the game's interest can be improved. it can. It should be noted that the problem of the conventional example that the operating rate of the gaming machine is reduced can be solved by stopping the game until there is no reserved ball.

(Specific contents of display)
The production modes 1 to 3 and the movement of the new character during the probability variation will be described in detail.
In the pachinko machine 10, a total of five effective lines LA1 to LA5 (see FIG. 28) are set as an area for displaying a combination of symbols indicating winning of the jackpot, and for any of the effective lines LA1 to LA5 Reach when two identical main symbols stop.

[Direction mode 1 [Natural stage mode]]
In the production mode 1, as shown in FIG. 4 described above, the background is an image of shallow water where sunlight is sufficiently poured onto rocks and corals. It is a numbered character. For ease of understanding, the variation state of the variation symbol will be described step by step. In addition, the present production mode 1 is not much different from the conventional production mode, and is sometimes referred to as a normal development type mode.

First Stage First, when the upper symbol row Z1 and the lower symbol row Z3 stop and reach a reach state, one of the following three states appears.
(1) A state in which no change occurs as shown in FIG.
(2) A state in which bubbles 650 appear from the lower side of the screen as shown in FIG.
(3) A state in which a school of fish 652 appears from the right side of the screen as shown in FIG.

Second stage In the second stage, the following states are obtained corresponding to the three states in the first stage.
(A) When the state of (1) is reached in the first stage In this case, there is no particular change and stops after the middle symbol row Z2 fluctuates slowly (the middle symbol row Z2 stops in the so-called normal reach state) To do).

(B) When the state of (2) is reached in the first stage In this case, as in (a), the middle symbol row Z2 is stopped in the normal reach state, or as shown in FIG. Marine) character 653 appears and is in a so-called super reach state. In this super reach state, as shown in FIG. 33, the symbol immediately before the symbol stopped on the effective line LA5 (the two symbols with the piglet as the character) out of the two main symbols (with the frog as the character). When the symbol (1) comes to the center of the screen, the middle symbol row Z2 slowly fluctuates and moves to support the girl (Marine) character 653 in a big hit state (hereinafter, such as Reach is called Marine Reach). In this manner, the player's expectation is brought about by the support of the character and the slow fluctuation of the middle symbol row Z2.

In the case of double reach (a reach that can be a big hit in any of the two main symbols and appears in the two effective lines LA4 and LA5 in FIG. 28), such a super reach state is obtained. In the case of single reach (a reach that can be a big hit only with one main symbol and appears in one of the three effective lines LA1 to LA5 in FIG. 28), as shown in FIG. Character 651 appears, and the middle symbol row Z2 is changed by the frame advance pattern (hereinafter, such reach is referred to as coral reef reach). Further, although not shown, a vortex may flow from the right side to the left side of the line corresponding to the middle symbol row Z2, and the character of the middle symbol row Z2 may fluctuate against this flow ( Hereinafter, such reach is referred to as whirlpool reach).
(C) When the state of (3) is reached in the first stage The same as the case of (b) above, except that the middle symbol row Z2 is not stopped in the normal reach state.

[Direction mode 2 [Atlantis stage mode]]
As shown in FIG. 5 above, the production mode 2 is an image of the state of the middle seabed where the Roman temple is sinking on the seabed and sunlight is slightly poured. It is the same numbered character as 1. The effect mode 2 is a mode in which the jackpot reliability can be predicted by the player pressing the effect button, and is sometimes referred to as a player participation type mode. In the present production mode 2, the production button may also serve as the production mode selection button 900, or a configuration in which a dedicated button is provided separately. When the production mode selection button 900 is also used, as shown in FIG. 50, the production mode change unit 706 is provided with a third timer TM3 and an output switching unit 730 for measuring the time from the start of the change to the start of the reach production. do it. With such a configuration, the output switching unit 730 switches the output line to the switch accepting unit 710 side from the start of fluctuation to the start of the reach effect, and switches to the image forming unit 720 side after the start of the reach effect. Therefore, by operating the effect mode selection button 900, the effect mode can be selected and changed during the period until the first symbol row Z1 changes from high speed fluctuation to low speed fluctuation, and when the effect mode 2 is selected. Then, after the start of the reach effect, an operation of the effect mode selection button 900 (which functions as an effect button) can be used to execute a reach effect specific to effect mode 2 described later.

First Stage First, when the upper symbol row Z1 and the lower symbol row Z3 are stopped and reach a state, one of the following two states appears.
(1) A state in which no change occurs as shown in FIG.
(2) A state where a dolphin 654 appears from the right side of the screen as shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 36, the dolphin 654 has a configuration in which it temporarily stops at about the center (about 1 second) and then disappears from the left side of the screen.

Second stage In the second stage, the following states are obtained corresponding to the two states in the first stage.
(A) When the state of (1) is reached in the first stage In this case, there is no particular change, and the medium symbol row Z2 stops after slowly changing (the middle symbol row Z2 remains in the so-called normal reach state). Stop).
(B) In case of (2) in the first stage

  In this case, as in (a), the middle symbol row Z2 is stopped in the normal reach state, or a girl (marine) character 653 appears from the top of the screen as shown in FIGS. This is a so-called super reach state. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 37, when the foot of the girl 653 appears, a display 655 to the effect that the effect button is pressed is made at the lower left of the screen, and when the player presses the button, FIG. 38 and FIG. As shown, bubbles 650 appear from the bottom of the screen. At this time, if the player presses the effect button for a long time during the effective period of the effect button, as shown in FIG. 38, a large amount of bubbles 650 appear, while if the player presses the effect button for a short time, FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, a small amount of bubbles 650 appears. Thus, since the amount of appearance of bubbles varies depending on the time of pressing the effect button, it is possible to create a screen configuration corresponding to the mood of each player.

  Note that not only the bubble 650 appears when the effect button is pressed, but a fish school 652 may appear as shown in FIG. 40, and when this fish school 652 appears, the bubble 650 appears. It is configured to be more reliable as a big hit than when it appears. Even when the school of fish 652 appears, when the player presses the effect button for a long time during the effective period of the effect button, a large amount of fish 652 appears, while when the player presses the effect button for a short time, a small amount of The fish school 652 appears.

  Further, although the case described above is a case of double reach, in the case of single reach, an angel character 656 appears instead of a girl (marine) character 653 as shown in FIGS. It is said. Thereby, a sensory stimulus can be given to a player by the change of a screen structure. Also in this case, as in the case of double reach, as shown in FIGS. 41 and 42, a school of fish 652 appears, or as shown in FIG. 43, a bubble 650 appears. When the player presses the effect button for a long time, a large amount of fish appears as shown in FIG. 42, whereas when the player presses the effect button for a short time, a small amount of fish appears as shown in FIG. It is the composition to do.

[Direction mode 3 [Treasure stage mode]]
As shown in FIG. 6, the production mode 3 is an image of the deep sea where there is a sunken ship at the bottom of the sea and no sunlight is poured. The variation pattern is the same as that of the production mode 1. It is a numbered character. In addition, the present production mode 3 increases the reliability of the jackpot by stepping up the notice character, and is sometimes referred to as a step-up notice mode (stepwise notice mode).

First Stage First, when the upper symbol row Z1 and the lower symbol row Z3 are stopped and reach a state, one of the following two states appears.
(1) A state in which no change occurs as shown in FIG.
(2) A state in which bubbles 650 appear from the lower side of the screen as shown in FIG.
(3) As shown in FIG. 45, the jellyfish 657 is mixed into the bubble 650, and then, as shown in FIG. 46, the amount of the jellyfish 657 gradually increases, and as shown in FIG. The state that becomes.
(4) Although not shown, after completion of the state of (3), a state where a fish school similar to the above appears.

Second stage In the second stage, the following states are obtained corresponding to the four states in the first stage.
(A) When the state of (1) is reached in the first stage In this case, there is no particular change, and the medium symbol row Z2 stops after slowly changing (the middle symbol row Z2 remains in the so-called normal reach state). Stop).

(B) When the state of (2) is reached in the first stage In this case, as in (a), the middle symbol row Z2 is stopped in the normal reach state, or a so-called super reach state is entered. In addition, since the aspect of this super reach state is the same as the aspect of the natural stage mode of effect mode 1, the description is abbreviate | omitted.
(C) When the state of (3) is reached in the first stage In this case, a so-called super reach state is surely established. In addition, since the aspect of this super reach state is the same as the aspect of the natural stage mode of effect mode 1, the description is abbreviate | omitted.
(D) When the state of (4) is reached in the first stage In this case, a so-called super reach state is always obtained. In addition, since the aspect of this super reach state is the same as the aspect of the natural stage mode of effect mode 1, the description is abbreviate | omitted. In this case, the expected value that is a big hit is higher than the above (c).

[New character movement during probability fluctuation]
The player desires to continue the probability variation state during the probability variation. For example, when the odd number is a probability variation state continuation symbol and the even number is a probability variation state end symbol, as shown in FIG. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 49, when it is likely to win a big hit with three symbols, a big hit with that symbol is desired. Therefore, in the state shown in FIG. 48, the girl (marine) 653 makes an expression that he / she wants not to be a big hit, whereas in the state shown in FIG. 49, the girl (marine) 653 has a big hit. If you have the expression you want, you can synchronize with the player's feelings, so you can improve your sense of reality. Note that such an aspect is only in the case of double reach, and in the case of single reach, such an aspect is not obtained.

(Other matters)
(1) The configuration of the outer frame and game board is not limited to the above configuration, and the configurations shown in FIGS. 51 and 52 may be used. 51 and 52, members having the same functions as those described above are denoted by the same reference numerals.
(2) In the above embodiment, the effective period of the effect mode selection switch during the variable display is limited to the high-speed variable period of the first symbol row Z1, but the present invention is not limited to this. The change of the effect mode may be made possible until the fluctuation of the first symbol row Z1 stops. Further, it may be possible to change the selection of the effect mode until immediately before the reach state appears.

  (3) In the above-described embodiment, although the decorative symbol is scroll-displayed in a predetermined direction (horizontal direction) as the variable display, the variable symbol may be displayed by rotating the decorative symbol. For example, as shown in FIG. 53 (1), the fluctuation display by rotation is made up of three symbols L, left, middle, and right, of decorative symbols ZY that are composed of the numbers “1”, “2”,... This corresponds to the case where variable display is performed by displaying on M and R, and rotating these decorative symbols as shown in FIG. 53 (2).

  (4) You may implement this invention in the pachinko machine etc. of a type different from the said embodiment. For example, the present invention may be applied to a so-called second type pachinko gaming machine having a winning device having a special area such as a V zone. Further, in addition to the pachinko machines, the present invention may be implemented as other gaming machines such as slot machines, alepatches, and mahjong.

  (5) The present invention can be applied to other types of gaming machines such as pachinko machines, slot machines, alepatches, mahjong, and the like, which are different from the above-described embodiments, and gaming machines in which pachinko machines and slot machines are fused. In addition, as a specific example of a gaming machine in which a pachinko machine and a slot machine are fused, a variable display means for displaying a fixed symbol after displaying a variable symbol row consisting of a plurality of symbols is provided, and a handle for launching a ball is provided. What is not provided. In this case, after throwing a predetermined amount of spheres based on a predetermined operation (button operation), for example, the change of the symbol is started due to the operation of the operation lever, for example, due to the operation of the stop button, or With the passage of time, the fluctuation of the symbol is stopped, and a jackpot state advantageous to the player is generated on the condition that the confirmed symbol at the time of stoppage is a so-called jackpot symbol. A lot of balls are paid out.

  As described above, the present invention is suitable for a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine.

10 Pachinko machines (game machines)
42 1st symbol display device 45 Display control device 705 Production mode selection switch 720 Image forming unit 710 Switch receiving unit 704 Production mode storage unit 706 Production mode change unit 711 Production mode change switching control unit 900 Production mode selection buttons Z1 to Z3 TB1-TB3 Production mode table

Claims (1)

A display device for variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information, an effect mode change input means for selecting and changing any one of a plurality of game effect modes with different display effects on the display device by manual input operation, and progress of the game In a gaming machine having a sub-control device that receives an effect control command from the main controller that supervises and executes a display effect with a variation pattern according to the effect control command in the selected effect mode,
The sub-control device
Game effect mode storage means for storing the currently set game effect mode;
A variation pattern storage means provided for each of the plurality of game effect modes, in which a variation pattern corresponding to the effect control command is stored in advance,
The effect mode currently set is read from the effect mode storage means, the variation pattern determined by the read effect mode and the effect control command is read from the variation pattern storage means, and the display effect is displayed with the change pattern. Game effect mode execution means to be executed;
In response to a mode selection signal from the game effect mode change input means, the memory contents of the effect mode storage means are changed, and a game effect mode change notification signal indicating that a game effect mode change input has been received is provided. Effect mode change switching means for outputting to the mode execution means,
An effect mode change switching control means that activates the effect mode change switching means only during the standby screen display period and at least during any of the variable display periods, and disables the effect mode change switch means during the other periods; ,
With
When the game effect mode change notification signal is input to the game effect mode execution means, the game effect mode execution means reads the changed effect mode from the game effect mode storage means, and changes the effect mode from the currently displayed effect mode. A gaming machine, wherein a display effect is executed by switching to a later effect mode.