JP2016137126A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine which can impart interactive feelings to a player with constitution linked to a performance with respect to a handle operation result.SOLUTION: In a left shooting area, a distribution device 200 where game balls pass is arranged. In the distribution device 200, first/second ball passage sensors 19a, 19b are arranged and, all game balls passing the distribution device 200 are detected by any of the sensors. When by the first/second ball passage sensors 19a, 19b, passage of game balls is detected, performance during ball passage changing a performance mode of reservation display, for example, changing display colors, is executed. Thus, by making a constitution linked to a result of handle operation that shoots game balls, interactive feelings can be imparted to a player.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 67

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine in which a game progresses by firing a game ball toward a game area.

  Conventionally, as this type of gaming machine, the number of game balls passed by a detecting means for detecting a game ball installed at a predetermined position is counted, and when a winning is performed in a predetermined effect lottery, a specific effect is performed for the same number of times as the counted number. Is disclosed (for example, Patent Document 1).

  Also, a gaming machine is known that displays a specific effect image when the first and second detection means detect the passage of a game ball on the condition that the number of reserved balls is a predetermined number or more (for example, Patent Document 2).

  Furthermore, there is a gaming machine in which a character that changes the hold appears and an effect that changes the hold is executed, and then when the change is further changed, another character appears and an effect that changes the hold is executed (for example, a patent). Reference 3).

JP 2004-135943 A JP 2006-223575 A JP 2013-353 A

  The above-described prior art is a technique for detecting the number of game balls fired or changing the hold, but does not consider the relationship with launching game balls. That is, in the moving image of the display screen for increasing / decreasing the hold ball, the hold changes based on the detection at the time of left-handed firing with respect to the transition of the production condition change of “trigger” that causes the change of the notice mode of the hold ball It was not a production. Therefore, since it is not the structure which concerns on the production | presentation with respect to the handle operation result for launching a game ball, it was not possible to give an interactive feeling to the player.

  Then, this invention makes it a subject to provide the technique which can provide an interactive feeling with respect to a player by setting it as the structure which concerns on the production | presentation with respect to a steering wheel operation result.

The present invention employs the following means for solving the above problems. In addition, the wording in the following brackets is an illustration to the last, and this invention is not limited to this.
Solution 1: The gaming machine of the present solution is arranged in a game board unit in which a game area including a special game area based on a section of a flow range of game balls is formed, and arranged downstream of the special game area. Acquired by a start opening that generates a lottery trigger for a predetermined internal lottery when a ball enters, a lottery element acquisition unit that acquires a lottery element necessary for the internal lottery when the lottery trigger occurs, and acquired by the lottery element acquisition unit Lottery element storage means for storing the lottery element that has been performed, and internal lottery execution means for consuming the lottery element stored in the lottery element storage means and executing the internal lottery when a predetermined execution condition is satisfied When the lottery element is newly stored, the storage effect executing means for executing the storage effect indicating that the new lottery element is stored, the special game area, A detection means for detecting a game ball flowing down the special game area based on a game ball being fired with a launching force of the same, and corresponding to the new lottery element when a predetermined performance execution condition is satisfied A special effect executing means for executing a special effect related to the memory effect triggered by detection of a game ball by the detecting means during a period in which the memory effect is being executed. is there.

The gaming machine of this solving means has the following configuration, for example.
(1) There is provided a game board unit in which a game area including a special area (left-handed area) based on a section of the flow range of game balls is formed. The game board unit is based on a game board made of plywood or transparent board, and a game area is formed on the front surface thereof. In the game area, obstacle nails (game nails), obstacles, electric accessories, winning holes, ornaments, and the like are arranged. The specific area may be a right-handed area.

(2) A ball launching device (launching handle) that launches a game ball toward the game area of (1) is provided. When the player operates the ball launching device, the game ball is launched toward the game area, and the game ball flows down the game area. At this time, a game ball that is driven with a predetermined firing force (for example, a firing force weaker than a predetermined threshold) flows down the specific area of (1) above and has a stronger force (for example, a predetermined firing force). The game ball that is driven with a firing force stronger than a predetermined threshold value flows down the area other than the left-handed area.

(3) In the game area of (1), a start opening for generating a lottery opportunity for a predetermined lottery (for example, a lottery opportunity for a symbol lottery) is arranged. When a game ball enters the starting port, a lottery random number is acquired, a predetermined lottery is performed using the random number, the symbol is displayed in a variable manner based on the predetermined lottery, and the symbol is displayed based on the result of the predetermined lottery. Stopped display. Note that the start port may be a ball entrance through which a game ball enters or a gate through which a game ball passes. Further, the symbol lottery may be a normal symbol lottery or a special symbol lottery.

(4) Lottery is not executed during the symbol variation display of (3) above, and lottery random numbers are stored up to the upper limit. When the variable display ends, the lottery is performed using the stored lottery random number.

(5) In order to teach the player that the lottery random number in (4) above is stored, a storage effect (holding effect) is displayed that displays the number of marker images corresponding to the number stored.

(6) The left-hand hit area is provided with a detection switch that can detect that a game ball has passed, and a gaming machine flowing down the left-hand hit area is detected.
Then, triggered by the detection by the detection switch, the special effect related to the marker image of the hold effect (5) is executed.

  Thus, according to the present solution, the special effect related to the hold effect is executed each time the game ball is launched and the game ball is caused to flow down to the left-handed area. An interactive feeling can be given to the player by using the entangled configuration.

  Solution means 2: The gaming machine of the present solution means that in the solution means 1, when the special effect executing means detects a game ball by the detecting means, the contents of the effect of the hold effect corresponding to the new lottery element The game machine is characterized in that the special effect with the content that changes the game is executed.

The following features are added to the gaming machine of this solution.
(1) The content of the special effect is a content that gives a change to the marker image of the hold effect triggered by detection by the detection switch. For example, an effect of changing the display color of the marker image is executed.
As described above, according to the present solution, the special effect that changes the hold effect is executed each time the game ball is launched and the game ball is caused to flow down to the left-handed area. An interactive feeling can be given to the player by making the effect directly involved. In addition, with respect to the changed hold effect (marker image), it is possible to give the player a sense of expectation that the possibility of being a big hit at the time of the change is increased, and it is possible to suppress a decrease in interest in the game. And since a holding effect changes by launching a game ball, the further launch of a game ball can be anticipated and the increase of an out ball | bowl is anticipated.

  Solution 3: The gaming machine of the present solution is arranged in the special game area in Solution 1 or 2, and flows down the special game area based on a game ball being launched with a predetermined launch force. A sorting device that accepts gaming balls to be distributed and distributes a predetermined number of gaming balls out of a fixed number of received gaming balls in a first direction, and distributes gaming balls other than the predetermined number in a second direction; The detection means is provided inside the sorting apparatus, and includes a first detection means and a second detection means, and the first detection means detects a game ball distributed in the first direction. The gaming machine is characterized in that the second detecting means detects gaming balls distributed in the second direction.

The following features are added to the gaming machine of this solution.
(1) A sorting device is arranged in the left-handed region. The allocating device receives game balls flowing down the left-handed area, and out of a predetermined number (16) of received game balls, a predetermined number (16th) of game balls in the first direction or a predetermined number The game balls other than the eyes (first to fifteenth) are distributed in any of the second directions.

(2) There is provided a sorting device state detection device that detects whether the sorting device of (1) is in a state of sorting the game balls in the first direction or the second direction. The sorting device state detection device may be provided inside the sorting device according to (1) or may be provided outside the sorting device according to (1).

(3) When the distribution device state detection device of (2) detects that the distribution device of (6) distributes the game balls in the first direction, the holding effect is triggered by the detection. It is the content which gives a change to the marker image. For example, an effect of changing the display color of the marker image is executed.
As described above, according to the present solution, the special effect that changes the hold effect is executed each time the game ball is launched and the game ball is caused to flow down to the left-handed area. An interactive feeling can be given to the player by making the effect directly involved. In addition, the player's interest in the sorting apparatus can be collected.

  Solution 4: The gaming machine of the present solution is a new game machine that is stored before the predetermined execution condition is satisfied when the lottery element is newly stored by the lottery element storage unit in any of the solution means 1 to 3. A lottery result destination determination unit that determines in advance at least the result of the internal lottery using the lottery element stored in the lottery element, wherein the special effect execution unit is a preliminary determination result by the lottery result destination determination unit In accordance with the present invention, the special effect is executed in such a manner that the possibility that the result of the internal lottery corresponds to winning is changed.

The following features are added to the gaming machine of this solution.
(1) When the lottery random number is stored, the result of the internal lottery is determined in advance at that time. Then, based on the result of the prior determination, an effect in which the marker image of the reserved effect changes is executed.
As described above, according to the present solution, every time the game ball is fired and the game ball is caused to flow down to the left-handed region, the special effect that changes the hold effect based on the result of the internal lottery prior determination is executed. Therefore, an interactive feeling can be given to the player by making the effect directly related to the effect on the launch of the game ball.

  Solution 4: The game machine of the present solution is a variation required in determining a symbol variation pattern accompanying any of the lottery elements acquisition by the lottery element acquisition unit in any of the solutions 1 to 3. When the internal lottery is executed by the fluctuation pattern determination element acquisition means for acquiring the pattern determination element and the internal lottery execution means, the fluctuation pattern is determined based on the fluctuation pattern determination element corresponding to the consumed lottery element. When the variation pattern is determined by the variation pattern determining means and the variation pattern determining means, the result of the internal lottery is displayed after the symbols are displayed in a variable manner over the variation time set based on the determined variation pattern. When the variation display determining element is newly stored by the symbol display unit for stopping and displaying the symbol in the mode, and the storage unit, When the special effect is executed, the change pattern destination determination means for determining in advance the change pattern determined by the change pattern determination means using the new change pattern determination element and the special effect execution means The content for notifying the time until the internal lottery corresponding to the new lottery element is executed based on the variation pattern determined or pre-determined by the variation pattern determination unit and the variation pattern destination determination unit. The game machine is characterized by executing the special effects including the above.

The following features are added to the gaming machine of this solution.
(1) When a lottery random number is stored, a variation pattern random number for determining a variation pattern is stored at the same time.
(2) At that time, the variation pattern is pre-determined in the same manner as the internal lottery pre-determination.

(3) Then, as the content of the special effect, the time until the change is made, that is, the remaining time until the special effect is finished is displayed based on the information of the change pattern. The remaining time also represents a time during which it is possible to continue firing the game ball and change the hold effect.
As described above, according to the present solution, every time the game ball is fired and the game ball is caused to flow down to the left-handed region, the special effect that changes the hold effect based on the result of the internal lottery prior determination is executed. Therefore, an interactive feeling can be given to the player by making the effect directly related to the effect on the launch of the game ball.

  According to the present invention, an interactive feeling can be given to a player.

It is a front view of a pachinko machine. It is a rear view of a pachinko machine. It is a front view which shows a game board unit independently. It is a front view which expands and shows a part of game board unit. It is a figure which expands and shows the periphery of the distribution unit 500. FIG. It is the perspective view which showed the distribution mechanism part 204 of the 1st distribution apparatus 200 independently. It is a disassembled perspective view which decomposes | disassembles and shows the distribution mechanism part 204 of the 1st distribution apparatus 200. FIG. It is the perspective view which showed the rotary body 205 of the 1st distribution apparatus 200 from the several angle. It is a figure explaining the 1st operation example of the 1st distribution apparatus 200 (1/3). It is a figure explaining the 1st operation example of the 1st distribution apparatus 200 (2/3). It is a figure explaining the 1st operation example of the 1st distribution apparatus 200 (3/3). It is a figure explaining the 2nd operation example of the 1st distribution apparatus 200 (1/3). It is a figure explaining the 2nd operation example of the 1st distribution apparatus 200 (2/3). It is a figure explaining the 2nd operation example of the 1st distribution apparatus 200 (3/3). It is the perspective view which showed the distribution mechanism part of the 2nd distribution apparatus 300 independently. It is a disassembled perspective view which decomposes | disassembles and shows the distribution mechanism part 304 of the 2nd distribution apparatus 300. FIG. It is the perspective view which showed the rotary body 305 of the 2nd distribution apparatus 300 from the several angle. It is a figure explaining the 1st operation example of the 2nd distribution apparatus 300 (1/3). It is a figure explaining the 1st operation example of the 2nd distribution apparatus 300 (2/3). It is a figure explaining the 1st operation example of the 2nd distribution apparatus 300 (3/3). It is a figure explaining the 2nd operation example of the 2nd distribution apparatus 300 (1/3). It is a figure explaining the 2nd operation example of the 2nd distribution apparatus 300 (2/3). It is a figure explaining the 2nd operation example of the 2nd distribution apparatus 300 (3/3). It is a figure which expands and shows the periphery of the rolling stage 400. FIG. It is the perspective view which looked at the circumference of rolling stage 400 from the front side. It is the perspective view which looked at the circumference of rolling stage 400 from the back side. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the periphery of a rolling stage 400 in an exploded manner. 3 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of the vicinity of the center of the rolling stage 400. FIG. 3 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of the vicinity of the center of the rolling stage 400. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the various electronic devices with which the pachinko machine was equipped. It is a flowchart (1/2) which shows the example of a procedure of a reset start process. It is a flowchart (2/2) which shows the example of a procedure of a reset start process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a power-off occurrence check process concretely. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of an interruption management process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a switch input event process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a 1st special symbol memory update process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a 2nd special symbol memory update process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the production | presentation determination process at the time of acquisition. It is a flowchart which shows the structural example of a special symbol game process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the special symbol change pre-processing. It is a figure which shows an example of the fluctuation pattern selection table at the time of loss. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the stop symbol selection table at the time of the 1st special symbol big hit. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the 2nd special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table. It is a figure which shows an example of the big hit hour fluctuation pattern selection table. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a special symbol memory | storage area shift process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the special symbol stop display process. It is a flowchart which shows the structural example of a display output management process. It is a flowchart which shows the structural example of a big win time variable winning apparatus management process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a big winning opening big opening opening pattern setting process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the big winning opening big opening / closing operation | movement process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the big winning prize closing opening process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the end process at the time of big hit. It is a flowchart which shows the structural example of the variable winning device management process at the time of a small hit. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the big winning opening opening pattern setting process at the time of a small hit. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the big winning opening opening / closing operation | movement process at the time of a small hit. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the big winning opening closing process at the time of a small hit. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the end process at the time of a small hit. It is a continuation figure showing an example of a production picture corresponding to change display and stop display of a special symbol. It is a continuous figure showing the flow of reach production performed at the time of big hit (winning) when it corresponds to “4 round normal symbol” or the like. It is a continuation figure which shows the example of an effect of a re-lottery effect partially. FIG. 10 is a continuous diagram partially showing an example of a big-game effect performed during a big hit game in the case of “4-round normal symbol”. FIG. 10 is a continuous diagram partially showing an example of a big-game effect performed during a jackpot game when a “four-round probability variable symbol” is met. FIG. 10 is a continuous diagram partially showing an example of a big-game effect performed during a jackpot game when the “16-round probability variation symbol” is met. It is a continuation figure which shows the example of an effect of fireworks rush. It is a continuation figure which shows the example of a production of coast mode. It is a continuation figure which shows the example of production of special prefetching production (1/3). It is a continuation figure which shows the example of production of special prefetching production (2/3). It is a continuation figure which shows the example of production of special prefetching production (3/3). It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of effect control processing. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a working memory production management process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the production | presentation selection process at the time of a working memory number increase. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of effect design management processing. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of an effect design change pre-process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of count production management processing.

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

〔overall structure〕
The pachinko machine 1 mainly includes an outer frame unit 2, an integrated door unit 4, and an inner frame assembly 7 (a plastic frame, a gaming machine frame) as its main body. The integrated door unit 4 is located on the foremost side when viewed from the front facing the player. An inner frame assembly 7 is located on the back side (back side) of the integrated door unit 4, and the outer frame unit 2 is disposed so as to surround the outer side of the inner frame assembly 7.

  The outer frame unit 2 is a structure in which wood and metal materials are combined in a vertically long rectangular shape. The outer frame unit 2 has a fastener such as a screw attached to an island facility (not shown) in the game hall. It is used and fixed. In the vertically long rectangular outer frame unit 2, wood is used for a portion corresponding to the upper and lower short sides, and a metal material is used for a portion corresponding to the left and right long sides.

  The integrated door unit 4 has a structure in which the tray unit 6 is integrated at a lower position thereof. The integrated door unit 4 and the inner frame assembly 7 are attached to the island facility via the outer frame unit 2, and these operate in an openable manner via a hinge mechanism (not shown). An opening / closing axis of a hinge mechanism (not shown) extends in the vertical direction along the left end as viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 1.

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

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

  On the other hand, when the cylinder lock 6a is twisted counterclockwise, only the locking of the integrated door unit 4 is released while the inner frame assembly 7 remains locked, and the integrated door unit 4 can be opened. When the integrated door unit 4 is opened to the front side, the game board unit 8 is directly exposed, and in this state, the manager of the game hall can remove obstacles such as ball clogging in the board surface. Further, when the integrated door unit 4 is opened, the tray unit 6 is also opened to the front side together.

  The pachinko machine 1 includes the game board unit 8 described above as a game unit. The game board unit 8 is supported by the inner frame assembly 7 behind (inside) the integrated door unit 4. The game board unit 8 can be attached to and detached from the inner frame assembly 7 with the integrated door unit 4 opened to the front side, for example. The integrated door unit 4 is formed with a vertically oval window 4a at the center thereof, and a glass unit (no reference numeral) is attached in the window 4a. The glass unit is a combination of, for example, two transparent plates (glass plates) cut in accordance with the shape of the window 4a. The glass unit is attached to the back side of the integrated door unit 4 via a fixture (not shown). On the front surface of the game board unit 8, a game area 8a (board surface, game board) including a specific area (left-handed area) based on the division of the flow-down range of the game ball is formed, and the game area 8a is a window 4a. It is visible to the player from the front side through. When the integrated door unit 4 is closed, a space in which a game ball can flow down is formed between the inner surface of the glass unit and the board surface. In the game board unit (game board) 8, a game area where a game ball flows down is formed between the front surface of the game board 8b and the glass unit (transparent member).

  The saucer unit 6 has a shape protruding from the integrated door unit 4 to the front side as a whole, and an upper plate 6b is formed on the upper surface thereof. The upper plate 6b can store a game ball (rental ball) lent to a player and a game ball (prize ball) acquired by winning a prize. In the tray unit 6, a lower plate 6c is formed at a lower position of the upper plate 6b. The lower tray 6c stores game balls that are further paid out when the upper tray 6b is full. The pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment is a so-called CR machine (model connected to the CR unit), and the game balls borrowed by the player are separated from the payout unit 172 on the back side separately from the prize balls. It is paid out to the dish 6b or the lower dish 6c).

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

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

  A handle unit 16 is installed on the lower right side of the tray unit 6. The player operates the handle unit 16 to operate the launch control board set 174, and can launch (shoot) a game ball toward the game area 8a (left hit area or right hit area) (ball launch). apparatus). The launched game ball rises from the lower edge portion of the game board unit 8 along the left edge portion, is guided by an outer band (not shown), and is thrown into the game area 8a. A large number of obstacle nails, windmills (without reference numerals in the drawing) and the like are arranged in the game area 8a, and the thrown-in game balls flow down in the game area 8a while being guided and guided by the obstacle nails and the windmill. Obstacle protrusions such as obstacle nails, windmills, and electric accessories are arranged to protrude from the front surface of the game board 8b to the front side toward the glass unit, and the game is based on contact with the game ball launched using the handle unit 16 It is possible to change the flow direction of the sphere. The configuration of the game area 8a (board surface, game board unit) will be further described later with reference to another drawing.

[Configuration of the front of the frame]
The integrated door unit 4 is provided with a left top lens unit 47 and an upper right illumination unit 49 as components for production. Among these, the left top lens unit 47 incorporates a glass frame top lamp 46 and a left glass frame decoration lamp 48, and the upper right electrical decoration unit 49 incorporates a right glass frame decoration lamp 50. In addition, left and right glass frame decoration lamps 52 are installed in the integrated door unit 4 so as to be connected to the lower part of the left top lens unit 47 and the upper right illumination unit 49, respectively. It extends from the left and right edges of the integrated door unit 4 to the front surface of the tray unit 6. In the integrated door unit 4, the glass frame top lamp 46 and the left and right glass frame decoration lamps 48, 50, and 52 are arranged so as to surround the glass unit.

  The various lamps 46, 48, 50, and 52 described above perform effects by, for example, the light emission of the built-in LEDs (lighting and blinking, change in luminance gradation, change in color tone, and the like). In addition, on the upper part of the integrated door unit 4, speakers on the glass frame 54 and 55 are incorporated in the left top lens unit 47 and the upper right illumination unit 49, respectively. On the other hand, an outer frame speaker 56 is incorporated in the lower left position of the outer frame unit 2. These speakers 54, 55, and 56 output sound effects, BGM, voice, etc. (sound in general) and execute effects.

  In addition, an effect switching button 45 is installed in the center of the tray unit 6 at a position in front of the upper plate 6b. The player switches the contents of the effect (for example, the background screen displayed on the liquid crystal display 42) by pressing the effect switching button 45, or is changing the symbol, displaying the big hit, or playing the big hit game. It is possible to generate a certain effect (notice effect, probability change promotion effect, promotion effect while playing a big role, etc.).

  Further, a jog dial 45a is installed around the effect switching button 45 so as to surround the effect switching button 45 (operation input receiving means, rotary selector). The player can change the contents of the effect displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 42, for example, by rotating the jog dial 45a.

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

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

  The external terminal board 160 is used for connecting the pachinko machine 1 to an external electronic device (for example, a data display device, a hall computer, etc.). Various external information signals (for example, award ball information, door opening information, symbol determination number information, jackpot information, start opening information, etc.) indicating the progress state and maintenance state are output to an external electronic device. ing.

  The power cord 164 secures a power source (electric power) necessary for the operation of the pachinko machine 1 by being connected to, for example, a power source device (for example, AC 24V) installed in an island facility of a game arcade. In addition, the ground wire 166 is connected to a ground terminal that is also installed in the island facility, thereby securing the ground (ground) of the pachinko machine 1.

  FIG. 3 is a front view showing the game board unit 8 alone. The game board unit 8 includes a game board 8b serving as a base, and a game area 8a is formed on the front side of the game board 8b. The game board 8b is made of, for example, a transparent resin plate. With the game board unit 8 fixed to the inner frame assembly 7, the front surface of the game board 8b is parallel to the glass unit. On the front surface of the game board 8b, the above-described game area 8a is formed inside a launch rail (not indicated by reference numeral) installed in a substantially circular shape.

  In the game area 8a, a relatively large effect unit 40 is arranged at the center position, and the game area 8a is largely divided into a left part, a right part and a lower part with the effect unit 40 as the center. The left part of the game area 8a is the first game area (left-handed area, specific area) used in the normal game state (low probability non-time shortened state), and the right part of the game area 8a is the advantageous game state This is the second game area (right-handed area) used in (big hit game state, small hit game state, low probability time shortened state, high probability time shortened state, etc.). The game ball is guided to the second game area by a distribution area (such as a launch rail, a ceiling portion of the game area, or a guide section) related to a route for distribution to the second game area. Further, in the game area 8a, there are a middle start winning opening (starting opening) 26, a starting gate 20, a normal winning opening 22, a variable starting winning apparatus 28, a variable winning apparatus 30, a distribution unit 500 ( Distribution devices including the first distribution device 200 and the second distribution device 300) are distributed and installed.

  Among these, the middle start winning opening 26 is arranged at the center of the lower part of the game area 8a. In addition, the distribution unit 500 is disposed on the left side of the game area 8a. Further, the normal winning opening 22 is disposed below the distribution unit 500 on the left side of the game area 8a. Furthermore, the start gate 20, the variable start winning device 28, and the variable winning device 30 are arranged in this order from the top in the right portion of the game area 8a. Here, the middle start winning port 26 is a starting port for generating a lottery trigger for the first special symbol lottery and variably displaying the first special symbol, and the variable start winning device 28 (right start winning port). 28a) is a starting point for generating a lottery opportunity for the second special symbol lottery and variably displaying the second special symbol. Note that although only one ordinary winning opening 22 is illustrated, a plurality of ordinary winning openings 22 can be arranged.

  The game balls thrown into the game area 8a enter the middle start winning opening 26 and the normal winning opening 22 in the process of flowing down, pass through the start gate 20, or open the variable start winning apparatus 28 or Or enter the open variable winning device 30.

Here, the game ball flowing down the left area of the game area 8a first flows into one of the two inflow ports 40i, and then enters the distribution unit 500, and is distributed by the distribution unit 500. After that, there is a possibility of mainly entering the middle start winning opening 26 or entering the normal winning opening 22.
On the other hand, the game balls flowing down the right area of the game area 8a mainly pass through the start gate 20, enter the open variable start winning device 28, or enter the open variable winning device 30. there is a possibility.

  The game balls that have passed through the start gate 20 continue to flow down in the game area 8a, but the game balls that have entered the medium start winning port 26, the normal winning port 22, the variable start winning device 28, and the variable winning device 30 are the game boards. It is recovered to the back side of the game board unit 8 through a through hole formed in 8b (plywood material, transparent board, etc. constituting the game board unit 8).

  Here, in the present embodiment, due to the configuration of the game area 8a (board surface), when a game ball is placed in the allocation unit 500, the middle start winning opening 26, and the normal winning opening 22, the left side portion in the gaming area 8a. It is necessary to hit a game ball into the area (left-handed area) (so-called “left-handed” is executed).

  On the other hand, when a game ball is to be entered in the variable start winning device 28 or the variable prize device 30, the game ball is shot into a right side area (right hit area) in the game area 8a (so-called "right hit" is executed). )There is a need.

  The variable start winning device 28 operates when a predetermined operating condition is satisfied (when the normal symbol is stopped and displayed for a predetermined stop display time in a winning manner), and accordingly, the variable start winning device 28 is connected to the right start winning port 28a. Makes it possible to enter the ball (ordinary electric accessory). The variable start winning device 28 has, for example, one open / close member 28b, and this open / close member 28b reciprocates in the left-right direction along the board surface by the action of a link mechanism using a solenoid (not shown), for example. That is, one open / close member 28b is in the closed position (closed position) with the tip facing upward, and at this time, it is difficult to enter the right start winning opening (there is no gap in which a game ball can enter) ). On the other hand, when the variable start winning device 28 is actuated, as shown in FIG. 3, the opening / closing member 28b is displaced (expanded) from the closed position toward the open position, and the opening width is expanded on the right side to increase the right start winning opening. 28a is opened. During this time, the variable start winning device 28 can easily enter the game ball, and can enter the right start winning port 28a (variable start winning means). At this time, the opening / closing member 28b also functions as a member that guides the entry of the game ball into the right start winning opening 28a.

  The variable winning device 30 operates when a prescribed condition is satisfied (when a special symbol is stopped and displayed in a big or small winning manner), and wins a big winning opening (no reference sign). Make it possible (special electric equipment, special winning event generation means). The variable winning device 30 has, for example, one opening / closing member 30a, and this opening / closing member 30a reciprocates in the front-rear direction with respect to the board surface by the action of a link mechanism using a solenoid (not shown), for example. As shown in the drawing, the opening / closing member 30a is in the closed position (closed state) along the board surface, and at this time, it is difficult to win the big prize opening (the big prize opening is closed). When the variable winning device 30 is operated, the opening / closing member 30a is displaced so as to fall forward with its lower end edge as a hinge, thereby opening the large winning opening (open state). During this time, the variable winning device 30 is in a state where the inflow of game balls is easy, and can generate an event of winning a prize winning. At this time, the opening / closing member 30a also functions as a member for guiding the inflow of the game ball to the special winning opening. Further, although an example in which only one variable winning device 30 is arranged has been described, a plurality of variable winning devices such as a first variable winning device and a second variable winning device may be provided. At this time, a specific area (for example, a probability change area that becomes a high-probability state transition condition or a V area that becomes a jackpot occurrence area) can be arranged inside one of the variable winning devices.

  The arrangement of obstacle nails and the shape of the structures installed in the game board unit 8 are basically the variable start winning device 28 (the right start winning port 28a at the time of opening) and the variable winning device 30 (the big winning port at the time of opening). ), The flow of the game ball heading to) is not extremely obstructed, but it must enter the variable start winning device 28 (right start winning port 28a) or the variable winning device 30 (large winning port) when the game ball is open. It does not mean that the ball is thrown, but the incoming ball is generated randomly.

[Distributing unit (sorting device)]
In the left-handed region, a sorting unit 500 including a first sorting device 200 and a second sorting device 300 arranged downstream of the first sorting device 200 is disposed. The allocating unit 500 accepts the game balls launched toward the left-handed area, and enters either the direction in which the received game spheres enter the warp passage 40d or the direction in which they do not enter the warp passage 40d at a predetermined distribution ratio. Sort out. In addition, since an out port (not shown) is provided upstream of the sorting unit 500, and game balls that have entered the out port are collected, all the game balls that flow down the left-handed area are transferred to the sorting unit 500. Not always accepted.

  In addition, three ball passage sensors 19a to 19c are arranged in the passage in the sorting unit 500, and the effect control device executes various effects based on detection signals from these ball passage sensors 19a to 19c. can do.

  Specifically, a first ball passing sensor 19a and a second ball passing sensor 19b are arranged inside the first sorting apparatus 200. The first ball passage sensor 19a and the second ball passage sensor 19b detect that the game ball passes through the first sorting device 200 (sorting device passage detection device). A third ball passage sensor 19c is disposed inside the second sorting apparatus 300. Furthermore, an origin detection sensor 19d is disposed inside the second sorting apparatus 300. The origin detection sensor 19d detects the origin position of the rotating body 305 of the second sorting device 300. Thereby, the origin detection sensor 19d has the second sorting device 300 in the first direction (the direction in which the game ball goes to the rolling stage 400 with the rotator 305 at the origin position) or the second direction (the rotator 305 is It is detected which direction the game ball is distributed to (the direction in which the game ball does not go to the rolling stage 400 without being at the origin position) (distribution device state detection device). The details of the first sorting device 200 and the second sorting device 300 constituting the sorting unit 500 will be described later.

  In the game board unit 8, the effect unit 40 is installed from the center position to the right side portion. The effect unit 40 has an upper edge portion 40a that functions as a guide member that changes the flow direction of the game ball, and includes various decorative parts 40b and 40c on the inner side. The decorative parts 40b and 40c can enhance the decorativeness of the game board unit 8 by three-dimensional modeling, and can perform a stunning operation by emitting transmitted light from, for example, a built-in light emitter (LED or the like). . In addition, a liquid crystal display 42 (image display) is installed inside the effect unit 40, and various effect images such as effect symbols corresponding to special symbols and normal symbols are displayed on the liquid crystal display 42. Is displayed. In this way, the game board unit 8 impresses the player with the characteristics of the pachinko machine 1 based on the configuration of the board surface and the decorativeness of the effect unit 40. Further, when the game board 8b is a transparent resin board (for example, an acrylic board) as in the present embodiment, various decorative bodies (including a movable body and a light emitting body) arranged not only on the front side but also behind the game board 8b. ) Can be added.

  In addition, a drive source (for example, a motor, a solenoid, etc.) is attached to the interior of the effect unit 40 together with a movable body 40f (for example, an ornament imitating the shape of a fish). The effect movable body 40f can execute an effect accompanied by an operation of a tangible object in addition to an effect using an image by the liquid crystal display 42 and an effect by a light emitter. Due to the effects using these movable bodies 40f, appealing power different from the effects using two-dimensional images can be exhibited.

  Further, a warp passage (ball guide passage) 40d is formed on the lower left side of the effect unit 40, and a rolling stage 400 is formed on the lower edge thereof. The warp passage 40d is connected to the sorting unit 500. When the game balls distributed by the sorting unit 500 enter the warp passage 40d, the warp passage 40d passes through the inside and is discharged onto the rolling stage 400.

  Here, the warp passage 40d is a passage into which only game balls distributed by the distribution unit 500 in the direction of the warp passage 40d can enter, and game balls that have not been distributed by the distribution unit 500 in the direction of the warp passage 40d. Is a passage difficult to enter (impossible to enter).

  The rolling stage 400 is a structure that is disposed above the middle start winning opening 26, allows a game ball to roll, and facilitates the game ball entering the middle start winning opening 26. The rolling stage 400 includes an upper stage 410, a middle stage 420, a lower stage 430, and the like. The upper surfaces of the upper stage 410 and the lower stage 430 have smooth curved surfaces, and here the game ball can roll in the left-right direction. The middle stage 420 plays a role of distributing game balls that have dropped from the vicinity of the center of the upper stage 410 in three directions.

  Then, the game ball rolling on the upper stage 410 may drop to the near side and reach the lower stage 430. In addition, the game ball rolling on the lower stage 430 may fall to the back side and reach the guide passage 600. And the game ball which reached | attained the guidance channel | path 600 flows down in the game area 8a below. Details of the rolling stage 400 and the guide passage 600 will be described later.

  In addition, an out port 32 is formed in the game area 8 a, and game balls that have not entered (winned) in various winning ports are finally collected through the out port 32 to the back side of the game board unit 8. In addition, all the game balls that are driven into the game area 8a, including the game balls that have entered the normal winning port 22, the middle starting winning port 26, the right starting winning port 28a, and the variable winning device 30, are the game board unit 8. It is collected to the back side of. The collected game balls are discharged out of the frame from the back side of the pachinko machine 1 through an out passage assembly (not shown), and further join a supply path of an island facility (not shown).

  FIG. 4 is an enlarged front view showing a part of the game board unit 8 (lower left position in the window 4a). That is, the game board unit 8 is provided with a normal symbol display device 33 and a normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a at the lower left position in the window 4a, for example, as well as a first special symbol display device 34 and a second special symbol display device 35. And a game state display device 38 is provided. Among these, the normal symbol display device 33, for example, turns on two lamps (LEDs) alternately to display the normal symbols variably, and stops and displays the normal symbols when the lamps are turned on or off. The normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a displays 0 to 4 memory numbers depending on, for example, a combination of turning off, lighting, or blinking of two lamps (LEDs). For example, in a display mode in which both lamps are extinguished, a memory number of 0 is displayed, in a display mode in which one lamp is lit, a memory number of 1 is displayed, and in a display mode in which the same one lamp is blinked. In the display mode in which two stored numbers are displayed, and in addition to blinking one lamp, the other lamp is lit, three stored numbers are displayed, and in the display mode in which the two lamps are flashed together, the stored number is four. For example, the individual is displayed. Here, although two lamps (LEDs) are used here, the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a may be configured using four lamps (LEDs). In this case, the number of working memories can be displayed by the number of lamps to be lit.

  The normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a changes to the display mode after being incremented one by one in the sense of memorizing the occurrence of an operation lottery trigger each time a game ball passes through the start gate 20. Then, every time a change of the normal symbol is started with the passage (up to 4) as a trigger, the display mode is changed by one by one. In this embodiment, when the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a is not lit (the number of memories is 0), the game ball passes through the start gate 20 in a state in which the normal symbol can already start to change (during stop display). However, the display mode does not change. That is, the memorized number (maximum 4) represented by the display mode of the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a represents the number of passages at which the variation of the normal symbol has not started yet.

  In addition, the first special symbol display device 34 and the second special symbol display device 35 display, for example, a change state and a stopped state of the corresponding first special symbol or second special symbol by 7 segment LED (with dots), respectively. (Symbol display means). The first special symbol display device 34 and the second special symbol display device 35 may have a form in which a plurality of dot LEDs are arranged geometrically (for example, in a circular shape).

  Further, the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a and the second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a have 0 to 4 each, for example, depending on a display mode constituted by a combination of extinction or lighting and blinking of two lamps (LED). Is stored (memory number display means). For example, in a display mode in which both lamps are extinguished, a memory number of 0 is displayed, in a display mode in which one lamp is lit, a memory number of 1 is displayed, and in a display mode in which the same one lamp is blinked. In the display mode in which two stored numbers are displayed, and in addition to blinking one lamp, the other lamp is lit, three stored numbers are displayed, and in the display mode in which the two lamps are flashed together, the stored number is four. For example, the individual is displayed.

  The first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a is displayed after being incremented by one in the sense of memorizing that a game ball has entered the middle start winning opening 26 every time a game ball enters the middle start winning opening 26. It changes to a mode (up to a maximum of 4), and changes to the display mode after being reduced one by one each time the change of the special symbol is triggered by the entry. Further, the second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a is incremented by one in the sense that each time a game ball enters the variable start winning device 28, it stores that the game ball has entered the right start winning port 28a. Change to the display mode (up to 4), and each time the change of the special symbol is started with the entry, the display mode is changed by 1 each. In the present embodiment, when the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a is not lit (the number of memories is 0), the middle start winning opening 26 is in a state where the first special symbol can already start to change (when stopped). Even if a game ball enters, the display mode does not change. In addition, when the second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a is not lit (the number of memories is 0), a game ball enters the variable start winning device 28 in a state where the second special symbol can already start to change (when stopped). Even if it is a sphere, the display mode does not change. That is, the number of memories (maximum of 4) represented by the display mode of each special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, 35a is the number of incoming balls for which the variation of the first special symbol or the second special symbol has not yet started. It represents the number of times.

  The game state display device 38 includes LEDs corresponding to, for example, jackpot type display lamps 38a and 38b (4R, 16R), a probability variation state display lamp 38d, a short time state display lamp 38e, and a launch position designation lamp 38f. ing. In the present embodiment, the normal symbol display device 33, the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, the first special symbol display device 34, the second special symbol display device 35, the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, and the second special symbol are described. The symbol operation memory lamp 35a and the game state display device 38 are attached to the game board unit 8 in a state of being mounted on one integrated display board 89. The various devices and various lamps included in the gaming state display device 38 are controlled by the main control device (main control CPU), and based on information (command) transmitted from the main control device, the effect control device (effect control) CPU) controls the contents of effects displayed on the liquid crystal display 42 and the like.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view showing the periphery of the sorting unit 500.
The distribution unit 500 is disposed in the left-handed region of the game board unit 8 and includes a first distribution device 200 and a second distribution device 300. The first distribution device 200 and the second distribution device 300 are devices that distribute the incoming game balls in two directions at a predetermined ratio. The distribution rate of the first distribution device 200 (probability of distribution to the success route (right route)) is ½, and the distribution rate of the second distribution device 300 (probability of distribution to the success route) is 1. / 8. For this reason, the total distribution rate (probability of distribution to the successful route) of the first distribution device 200 and the second distribution device 300 is 1/16.

  Since the 1st distribution apparatus 200 and the 2nd distribution apparatus 300 are attached to the game board 8b, and the front side (player side) is formed with the transparent member, the 1st distribution apparatus 200 and the 2nd Inside the sorting device 300, the structure is such that a game ball can be visually recognized in one of two directions.

[First sorter]
The first sorting apparatus 200 accepts the game balls launched toward the left-handed area, and receives the received game balls in a predetermined first distribution ratio (1: 1 ratio = 1/2 success ratio). Thus, the direction is sorted into either the direction entering the second sorting apparatus 300 or the direction not entering the second sorting apparatus 300.

  The first sorting apparatus 200 includes one upstream inflow passage 200i and two discharge passages (upstream first discharge passage 200o1 and upstream second discharge passage 200o2). The game ball that has flowed into the upstream inflow passage 200 i of the first sorting device 200 is guided to the rotating body 205 provided inside the first sorting device 200. The game ball guided to the rotating body 205 rotates the rotating body 205 by its own weight, and enters either the upstream first discharge passage 200o1 or the upstream second discharge passage 200o2 formed in the lower part of the rotating body 205. Sorted. Here, the upstream first discharge passage 200o1 and the upstream second discharge passage 200o2 are divided by a partition portion 200s, and the shape of the partition portion 200s is a convex shape upward, and is inclined to both sides thereof. The structure is such that the game ball that has fallen on the surface to be guided is guided in either direction based on the position of the fall. Here, the game ball at the time of separating from the rotating body 205 is located from the upstream first discharge passage 200o1 or from the upstream second discharge passage 200o2. Therefore, the game ball that has been separated from the rotating body 205 and dropped onto the partitioning part 200s is separated from the rotating body 205 by the partitioning part 200s according to the state at the time of separating from the rotating body 205, the upstream first discharge passage 200o1 or the upstream second discharge passage. It is guided to one of 200o2.

  The game balls that are separated from the rotating body 205 and guided to the upstream first discharge passage 200o1 are discharged from the upstream first discharge passage 200o1 to the game area 8a (below the left-handed area). On the other hand, the game ball guided to the upstream second discharge passage 200o2 is guided from the upstream second discharge passage 200o2 to the downstream inflow passage 300i. As described above, the game balls that have flowed into the upstream inflow passage 200i of the first distribution device 200 are distributed in one of two directions (the distribution failure route indicated by the arrow A1 or the distribution success route indicated by the arrow A2). Finally, it is guided to either the upstream first discharge passage 200o1 or the upstream second discharge passage 200o2.

[Second sorter]
The second distribution device 300 receives all game balls distributed in the direction of entering the second distribution device 300 by the first distribution device 200, and receives the received game balls in a predetermined second distribution ratio. The distribution is made in either the direction entering the warp passage 40d (first direction) or the direction not entering the warp passage 40d (second direction) at a ratio of 1: 7 (success ratio of 1/8). Here, the warp passage 40d is a passage that extends downward from the third ball passage sensor 19c and extends obliquely downward to the right from there and guides a part of the game balls flowing down the left-handed region to the rolling stage 400. The downstream second discharge passage 300o2 can also be regarded as forming a part of the warp passage 40d.

The second sorting apparatus 300 includes one downstream inflow passage 300i and two discharge passages (a downstream first discharge passage 300o1 and a downstream second discharge passage 300o2).
The game ball that has flowed into the downstream inflow passage 300 i of the second sorting device 300 is guided to the rotating body 305 provided inside the second sorting device 300. The game ball guided to the rotator 305 rotates the rotator 305 by its own weight, and enters either the downstream first discharge passage 300o1 or the downstream second discharge passage 300o2 formed in the lower portion of the rotator 305. Sorted. Here, the downstream first discharge passage 300o1 and the downstream second discharge passage 300o2 are divided by a partition portion 300s, and the shape of the partition portion 300s is a convex shape upward, and is inclined on both sides. The structure is such that the game ball that has fallen on the surface to be guided is guided in either direction based on the position of the fall. Here, the game ball at the time of separating from the rotating body 305 is located from the downstream first discharge passage 300o1 or from the downstream second discharge passage 300o2. Therefore, the game ball that has been separated from the rotating body 305 and dropped onto the partitioning part 300s is divided into the downstream first discharge passage 300o1 or the downstream second discharging passage by the partitioning part 300s depending on the state when separating from the rotating body 305. It is guided to one of 300o2.

  The game balls that are separated from the rotating body 305 and guided to the downstream first discharge passage 300o1 are discharged from the downstream first discharge passage 300o1 to the game area 8a (below the left-handed area). On the other hand, the game ball guided to the downstream second discharge passage 300o2 is guided from the downstream second discharge passage 300o2 to the warp passage 40d, and then guided to the rolling stage 400. As described above, the game balls that have flowed into the downstream inflow passage 300i of the second distribution device 300 are distributed in one of two directions (the distribution failure route indicated by the arrow B1 or the distribution success route indicated by the arrow B2). Finally, it is guided to either the downstream first discharge passage 300o1 or the downstream second discharge passage 300o2.

Here, the upstream first discharge passage 200o1 is a ball passage passage that guides the game balls of the first sorting device 200 in a direction not to enter the second sorting device 300, and the upstream second discharge passage 200o2 This is a ball passage that guides the game ball of the first sorting device 200 in the direction in which the game ball enters the second sorting device 300.
The first sphere passage sensor 19a is disposed in the upstream second discharge passage 200o2, the second sphere passage sensor 19b is disposed in the upstream first discharge passage 200o1, and the third sphere passage sensor 19c is downstream. It is arranged between the side second discharge passage 300o2 and the warp passage 40d.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the sorting mechanism unit 204 of the first sorting apparatus 200 alone.
A distribution mechanism unit 204 is disposed inside the first distribution apparatus 200.
The distribution mechanism unit 204 includes a rotating body 205, a lever member 207, a spring member (not shown), and a rear member 209. The front side of the rear member 209 is covered with a front member (not shown) that forms a passage for the game ball.

  The rotating body 205 of the distribution mechanism unit 204 is rotatably provided with the rotation shaft member 205j as a central axis, and has a structure that rotates by the weight of the game ball. The rotating body 205 has a plurality of peripheral surfaces that receive the game balls one by one, and rotates using the force by which the game balls move. A side wall portion that defines a game ball distribution direction is formed at one end of each of the peripheral surfaces of the rotating body 205. Specifically, four first side wall portions 205k1 and four second side wall portions 205k2 are alternately formed on the side surface of the rotating body 205, whereby the first side wall portion 205k1 and the second side wall portion 205k1 are formed. It has openings alternately with 205k2. Then, the game balls are sorted using the side wall portions 205k1 and 205k2 and the structure of the peripheral surface of the rotating body 205.

  The lever member 207 of the distribution mechanism unit 204 includes an arm unit 207a and a rotation shaft unit 207j. The lever member 207 is rotatably provided with the rotation shaft unit 207j as a central axis, and interlocks with the rotation of the rotating body 205. Thus, the arm portion 207a is pushed up. In addition, a hook portion 207t for spring coupling with the rear member 209 is provided at the center of the arm portion 207a of the lever member 207, and a spring member (not shown) attached between the hook portion 207t and the rear member 209 is provided. The rotation of the lever member 207 is restricted. The rotation of the rotating body 205 is also controlled in conjunction with the rotation of the lever member 207 being controlled.

  The cross-sectional shape of the arm portion 207a where the lever member 207 contacts the rotating body 205 is the same as the cross-sectional shape of each peripheral surface of the rotating body 205, that is, a U-shape. The lever member 207 has a structure in which the lever member 207 is always pulled toward the rear member 209 by a spring member (not shown) attached to the hook portion 207t. Therefore, when the rotating body 205 is not rotating (when a game ball is not riding), the arm portion 207a of the lever member 207 is positioned along the U-shape of one of the peripheral surfaces of the rotating body 205. The rotating body 205 and the lever member 207 are structured to be positioned in a stably stopped state. On the other hand, when the game ball rides on the rotating body 205 and the rotating body 205 rotates by its own weight, the lever member 207 is lifted. Thereafter, when the game ball is separated from the rotating body 205, the rotational force of the rotating body 205 is reduced, and the lever member 207 is pulled toward the rotating body 205 by a spring member (not shown). The rotation ends at a stable position along the arm portion 207a.

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing the sorting mechanism unit 204 of the first sorting apparatus 200 in an exploded manner.
The distribution mechanism unit 204 includes a rotating body 205, a lever member 207, a spring member (not shown), and a rear member 209.

In the rear member 209, a total of four storage portions 209f and 209g are formed in pairs facing left and right. The storage portion 209f of the rear member 209 stores the rotation shaft member 205j of the rotating body 205, and the storage portion 209g stores the rotation shaft portion 207j of the lever member 207.
The rotary shaft member 205j and the rotary shaft portion 207j are housed in the housing portions 209f and 209g of the rear member 209 in a rotatable state. Therefore, the rotating body 205 is rotatable about the rotation shaft member 205j as a central axis, and the lever member 207 is rotatable about the rotation shaft portion 207j.

  A hook portion (not shown) is formed at the center of the front side of the rear member 209, and a hook portion 207t is also formed at the center of the lever member 207. A spring (not shown) is provided between these hook portions. It has a structure in which members are arranged.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the rotating body 205 of the first sorting apparatus 200 from a plurality of angles.
Specifically, in FIGS. 8A to 8H, the rotating body 205 is viewed from the same direction when the rotating body 205 is rotated at different angles about the rotating shaft member 205j as the central axis. FIG. In addition, let the state shown to (A) in FIG. 8 be a reference | standard state (rotation angle: 0 degree state) in the case of rotating the rotary body 205 centering on the rotating shaft member 205j, for example. In addition, the state shown in FIG. 8B represents a state in which the rotating body 205 is rotated 45 degrees from the reference state with the rotating shaft member 205j as the central axis. Similarly, the state shown in each of FIGS. 8C to 8H represents a state in which the rotating body 205 is rotated 45 degrees in the same direction in order with the rotating shaft member 205j as the central axis.

  The peripheral surface of the rotating body 205 is continuously formed with a concave portion on which a game ball is placed. Specifically, the peripheral surface is divided into eight parts having the same size, and is viewed from the central axis direction. The cross-sectional shape of each peripheral surface is formed in the same U shape. Here, the peripheral surfaces divided into eight are respectively referred to as a first peripheral surface 205a to an eighth peripheral surface 205h.

  In addition, the end portion of each of the divided peripheral surfaces 205a to 205h of the rotating body 205 is formed so as to protrude along the side surface, and the first side wall portion 205k1 or the second side wall portion 205k2 is formed on one of the left and right end portions. Has been. In other words, one wall portion (205k1 or 205k2) is formed on one peripheral surface (205a to 205h).

  As shown in FIG. 8A to FIG. 8H, a first side wall 205k1 is formed on one end of the first peripheral surface 205a (the left end in the figure). A first side wall 205k1 is also formed at the same end of the third peripheral surface 205c, the fifth peripheral surface 205e, and the seventh peripheral surface 205g. On the other hand, a second side wall 205k2 is formed at the opposite end (the right end in the figure) of the second peripheral surface 205b, and similarly, the fourth peripheral surface 205d, the sixth peripheral surface 205f, A second side wall 205k2 is also formed at the same end of the eight circumferential surface 205h.

For this reason, the first side wall portion 205k1 has a structure having openings at positions of the second peripheral surface 205b, the fourth peripheral surface 205d, the sixth peripheral surface 205f, and the eighth peripheral surface 205h.
The second side wall portion 205k2 has a structure having openings at positions of the first peripheral surface 205a, the third peripheral surface 205c, the fifth peripheral surface 205e, and the seventh peripheral surface 205g.

Therefore, when a game ball rides on the peripheral surface of the rotating body 205, it indicates that the game ball rides on either side. For example, when a game ball gets on the first peripheral surface 205a, the third peripheral surface 205c, the fifth peripheral surface 205e, and the seventh peripheral surface 205g of the rotating body 205, the game ball is obstructed by the first side wall portion 205k1. Then, lean toward the opening of the second side wall 205k2.
On the other hand, when a game ball gets on the second peripheral surface 205b, the fourth peripheral surface 205d, the sixth peripheral surface 205f, and the eighth peripheral surface 205h of the rotating body 205, the game ball is obstructed by the second side wall portion 205k2. And lean toward the opening of the first side wall 205k1.

  Here, regarding the position state where the game ball stays on the peripheral surface of the rotating body 205, the state where the game ball is offset toward the opening of the second side wall portion 205k2 is defined as the second position state, and the first state on the peripheral surface is A state of being offset toward the opening of the side wall 205k1 is defined as a first position state. Then, on the first peripheral surface 205a, the third peripheral surface 205c, the fifth peripheral surface 205e, and the seventh peripheral surface 205g of the rotating body 205, the game ball rolls in the second position state, On the second peripheral surface 205b, the fourth peripheral surface 205d, the sixth peripheral surface 205f, and the eighth peripheral surface 205h, it represents that the game ball rolls in the first position state.

  In the present embodiment, the peripheral surface of the rotating body 205 is divided into eight, but the number is not limited to eight and may be more or less. In addition, although the cross-sectional shape of each peripheral surface is U-shaped, it may be V-shaped or inverted trapezoidal. Also, which of the first side wall part 205k1 and the second side wall part 205k2 is to be formed corresponding to one peripheral surface (205a to 205h) is determined based on a distribution ratio to be implemented in the first sorting apparatus 200. can do. Specifically, in the first sorting apparatus 200 of the present embodiment, the side walls are formed with respect to each peripheral surface at a ratio of 4 to 4 (1 to 1) for all eight surfaces, but all eight surfaces. The side wall portions may be formed with respect to each peripheral surface at another ratio (for example, an unequal ratio such as 5 to 3).

  As described above, by dividing the peripheral surface into eight, forming the first side wall portion 205k1 on the four peripheral surfaces and forming the second side wall portion 205k2 on the four peripheral surfaces, the route on the left side and the right side Can be set to “4: 4 (= 1: 1)”.

Next, the operation principle (first operation example and second operation example) of the first sorting apparatus 200 will be described.
9 to 11 are diagrams illustrating a first operation example in which the game balls are finally distributed to the upstream first discharge passage 200o1 by the first sorting device 200, and FIGS. It is a figure explaining the 2nd operation example in which a game ball is finally distributed to the upstream 2nd discharge passage 200o2 by distribution device 200. In the first operation example, it is assumed that the rotating body 205 is stopped in a state of receiving a game ball on the eighth circumferential surface 205h, and in the second operation example, the rotating body 205 is a game on the first circumferential surface 205a. It is assumed that the ball is stopped while accepting a ball.

  Here, FIGS. 9 and 12 show a state where the game ball rides on the rotating body 205, and FIGS. 11 and 14 show that the game ball is separated from the rotating body 205 and distributed by the first sorting device 200. It shows the state. Further, FIGS. 10 and 13 are cross-sectional views of the vicinity of the rotating body 205 of the first sorting apparatus 200, and show how the game ball moves on the rotating body 205. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 9, a game ball enters the upstream inflow passage 200 i of the first sorting device 200. The game ball traveling (falling) in the upstream inflow passage 200i abuts on the second side wall 205k2 of the rotating body 205, and the traveling direction is changed by the second side wall 205k2. That is, the path of the game ball is changed in a direction toward the opening (first position state) of the first side wall 205k1 on the eighth peripheral surface 205h of the rotating body 205.

  As shown in FIG. 10A, the game ball abuts on the rib portion 201r formed on the front member covering the front side of the rotating body 205 in addition to the second side wall portion 205k2 of the rotating body 205. The traveling direction is changed by the part 201r. That is, the game ball travels on the rib portion 201r and is changed to a course toward the rotating body 205.

  Therefore, the game ball traveling (falling) in the upstream inflow passage 200i is formed on the first side wall portion 205k1 on the eighth peripheral surface 205h of the rotating body 205 by the second side wall portion 205k2 and the rib portion 201r of the rotating body 205. Head to the opening (first position state).

  As shown in FIG. 10B, the game ball rides on the eighth peripheral surface 205h of the rotating body 205 by the second side wall portion 205k2 and the rib portion 201r of the rotating body 205. Although not shown, the position of the game ball riding on the eighth peripheral surface 205h is in a state of being offset toward the opening of the first side wall portion 205k1 (first position state). Then, the rotating body 205 starts to rotate about the rotation shaft member 205j as the central axis by the weight of the game ball. In the example shown in the figure, the rotating body 205 is shown rotating about 9 degrees.

  As shown in FIG. 10C, the rotating body 205 continues to rotate about the rotation shaft member 205j as a central axis by the weight of the game ball. In the illustrated example, the rotating body 205 is shown rotating about 9 degrees (about 18 degrees in total from the start of rotation). When the rotating body 205 rotates due to its own weight, the gaming ball is displaced downward while being sandwiched between the rib portion 201r and the eighth peripheral surface 205h of the rotating body 205. In conjunction with the rotation of the rotating body 205, the arm portion 207 a of the lever member 207 is lifted by the rotating body 205.

  As shown in FIG. 10D, when the rotating body 205 further rotates about 9 degrees (about 27 degrees in total from the start of rotation), the game ball moves between the rib portion 201r and the eighth peripheral surface 205h of the rotating body 205. It is further displaced downward while being sandwiched between the two. In conjunction with the rotation of the rotating body 205, the arm portion 207 a of the lever member 207 is further lifted by the rotating body 205.

  As shown in FIG. 10 (E), when the rotating body 205 further rotates about 9 degrees (about 36 degrees from the start of rotation), the game ball moves between the rib portion 201r and the eighth peripheral surface 205h of the rotating body 205. It is further displaced downward while being sandwiched between the two. Further, in conjunction with the rotation of the rotating body 205, the arm portion 207 a of the lever member 207 is maintained in a state where it is lifted by the rotating body 205.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 10F, when the rotating body 205 further rotates by about 9 degrees due to the weight of the game ball, that is, when the rotating body rotates about 45 degrees from the start of rotation, The state of being sandwiched between the eight circumferential surfaces 205h and the rib portion 201r is eliminated, and is separated from the eighth circumferential surface 205h of the rotating body 205. Then, a game ball rides on the guide portion 203x disposed below the rotating body 205, and is then guided to the partition portion 200s.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 10F, when the game ball is separated from the rotator 205, the rotational force of the rotator 205 rotated by the weight of the game ball is lost. Then, the pulling force of the spring member 208 acts on the rotating body 205 that is rotating even if the game balls are separated from each other through the lever member 207, so that after a while, the arm portion 207 a of the lever member 207 moves to the circumferential surface of the rotating body 205. The rotating body 205 stops in a stable state along. Therefore, when the distribution on the eighth peripheral surface 205h of the rotating body 205 is completed, it is then stopped in a state where a game ball is received on the first peripheral surface 205a, and the next game ball can be distributed.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the game ball separated from the rotating body 205 flows down from above the guide portion 203x. Here, the shape of the partition portion 200s is convex upward, and specifically, the partition portion 200s has a surface inclined toward the upstream first discharge passage 200o1 and the upstream second discharge passage. A surface inclined toward 200o2 is formed, and the game ball flows down to any one of the surfaces. In this example, since the game ball is located on the guide portion 203x in a state of being offset toward the opening of the first side wall portion 205k1 (first position state), the game ball enters the upstream first discharge passage 200o1 of the partition portion 200s. A game ball flows down on the inclined surface. Then, the game ball guided to the upstream first discharge passage 200o1 by the partition portion 200s travels through the upstream first discharge passage 200o1 and passes through the second ball passage sensor 19b, and finally the game area (left To the strike area).

  Next, a second operation example of the game balls distributed by the first distribution device 200 when the rotator 205 is stopped in a state of receiving the game balls on the first peripheral surface 205a will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 12, a game ball enters the upstream inflow passage 200i of the first sorting apparatus 200. The game ball traveling (falling) in the upstream inflow passage 200i abuts on the first side wall portion 205k1 of the rotating body 205, and the traveling direction is changed by the first side wall portion 205k1. That is, the path of the game ball is changed in a direction toward the opening (second position state) of the second side wall 205k2 on the first peripheral surface 205a of the rotating body 205.

  As shown in FIG. 13A, the game ball abuts on the rib portion 201r formed on the front member covering the front side of the rotating body 205 in addition to the first side wall portion 205k1 of the rotating body 205. The traveling direction is changed by the part 201r. That is, the game ball travels on the rib portion 201r and is changed to a course toward the rotating body 205.

  Therefore, the game ball traveling (falling) in the upstream inflow passage 200i is formed on the second side wall portion 205k2 on the first peripheral surface 205a of the rotating body 205 by the first side wall portion 205k1 and the rib portion 201r of the rotating body 205. Heading to the opening (second position state).

  As shown in FIG. 13B, the game ball rides on the first peripheral surface 205 a of the rotating body 205 by the first side wall portion 205 k 1 and the rib portion 201 r of the rotating body 205. Although not shown, the position of the game ball that rides on the first peripheral surface 205a is shifted to the opening of the second side wall 205k2 (second position state). Then, the rotating body 205 starts to rotate about the rotation shaft member 205j as the central axis by the weight of the game ball. In the example shown in the figure, the rotating body 205 is shown rotating about 9 degrees.

  As shown in FIG. 13C, the rotating body 205 continues to rotate about the rotating shaft member 205j as a central axis by the weight of the game ball. In the illustrated example, the rotating body 205 is shown rotating about 9 degrees (about 18 degrees in total from the start of rotation). When the rotating body 205 rotates due to its own weight, the gaming ball is displaced downward while being sandwiched between the rib portion 201r and the first peripheral surface 205a of the rotating body 205. In conjunction with the rotation of the rotating body 205, the arm portion 207 a of the lever member 207 is lifted by the rotating body 205.

  As shown in FIG. 13D, when the rotating body 205 further rotates by about 9 degrees (about 27 degrees from the start of rotation), the game ball is located between the rib portion 201r and the first peripheral surface 205a of the rotating body 205. It is further displaced downward while being sandwiched between the two. In conjunction with the rotation of the rotating body 205, the arm portion 207 a of the lever member 207 is further lifted by the rotating body 205.

  As shown in FIG. 13E, when the rotating body 205 is further rotated by about 9 degrees (about 36 degrees from the start of rotation), the game ball is located between the rib portion 201r and the first peripheral surface 205a of the rotating body 205. It is further displaced downward while being sandwiched between the two. Further, in conjunction with the rotation of the rotating body 205, the arm portion 207 a of the lever member 207 is maintained in a state where it is lifted by the rotating body 205.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 13F, when the rotating body 205 further rotates by about 9 degrees due to the weight of the game ball, that is, when the total rotation of about 45 degrees from the start of rotation, The state sandwiched between the first circumferential surface 205a and the rib portion 201r is eliminated, and the first circumferential surface 205a of the rotating body 205 is separated from the first circumferential surface 205a. Then, a game ball rides on the guide portion 203x disposed below the rotating body 205, and is then guided to the partition portion 200s.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 13F, when the game ball is separated from the rotating body 205, the rotational force of the rotating body 205 that has been rotated by its own weight is lost. Then, the pulling force of the spring member 208 acts on the rotating body 205 that is rotating even if the game balls are separated from each other through the lever member 207, so that after a while, the arm portion 207 a of the lever member 207 moves to the circumferential surface of the rotating body 205. The rotating body 205 stops in a stable state along. Therefore, when the distribution on the first peripheral surface 205a of the rotator 205 is completed, the second peripheral surface 205b then stops in a state of accepting a game ball, and the next game ball can be distributed.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the game ball that is separated from the rotating body 205 flows downward from above the guide portion 203x. Here, the shape of the partition portion 200s is convex upward, and specifically, the partition portion 200s has a surface inclined toward the upstream first discharge passage 200o1 and the upstream second discharge passage. A surface inclined toward 200o2 is formed, and the game ball flows down to any one of the surfaces. In this example, since the game ball is located on the guide portion 203x in a state of being offset toward the opening of the second side wall portion 205k2 (second position state), the game ball enters the upstream second discharge passage 200o2 of the partition portion 200s. A game ball flows down on the inclined surface. Then, the game ball guided to the upstream second discharge passage 200o2 by the partition part 200s travels through the upstream second discharge passage 200o2, passes through the first ball passage sensor 19a, and travels to the second sorting device 300. It will be.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing the sorting mechanism unit 304 of the second sorting apparatus 300 alone.
A distribution mechanism unit 304 is disposed inside the second distribution apparatus 300.
The distribution mechanism unit 304 includes a rotating body 305, a lever member 307, a spring member (not shown), and a rear member 309. The front side of the rear member 309 is covered with a front member (not shown) that forms a passage for the game ball.

  The rotating body 305 of the distribution mechanism unit 304 is rotatably provided with the rotation shaft member 305j as a central axis, and has a structure that rotates by the weight of the game ball. The rotating body 305 has a plurality of peripheral surfaces that receive game balls one by one, and rotates using the force of the game balls moving. A side wall portion that defines a game ball distribution direction is formed at one end of each of the peripheral surfaces of the rotating body 305. Specifically, a first side wall portion 305k1 having one side wall portion and a second side wall portion 305k2 having seven side wall portions are formed on the side surface of the rotating body 305. The first side wall part 305k1 has openings for seven peripheral surfaces, and the second side wall part 305k2 has openings for one peripheral surface. Then, game balls are distributed using the structures of the side walls 305k1 and 305k2 and the peripheral surface of the rotating body 305. The second side wall portion 305k2 is a single large disk-shaped member.

  The lever member 307 of the distribution mechanism unit 304 includes an arm unit 307a and a rotation shaft unit 307j. The lever member 307 is rotatably provided with the rotation shaft unit 307j as a central axis, and is interlocked with the rotation of the rotating body 305. Thus, the arm portion 307a is pushed up. Further, a hook portion 307t for spring coupling with the rear member 309 is provided in the center of the arm portion 307a of the lever member 307, and a spring member (not shown) attached between the hook portion 307t and the rear member 309 is provided. The rotation of the lever member 307 is restricted. The rotation of the rotating body 305 is also controlled in conjunction with the rotation of the lever member 307 being controlled.

  The cross-sectional shape of the arm portion 307a where the lever member 307 contacts the rotating body 305 is the same as the cross-sectional shape of each peripheral surface of the rotating body 305, that is, a U-shape. The lever member 307 has a structure in which the lever member 307 is always pulled toward the rear member 309 by a spring member (not shown) attached to the hook portion 307t. Therefore, when the rotating body 305 is not rotating (when a game ball is not riding), the arm portion 307a of the lever member 307 is positioned so as to follow the U-shape of any peripheral surface of the rotating body 305. The rotating body 305 and the lever member 307 are structured to be positioned in a stably stopped state. On the other hand, when the game ball rides on the rotating body 305 and the rotating body 305 rotates by its own weight, the lever member 307 is lifted. Thereafter, when the game ball is separated from the rotating body 305, the rotational force of the rotating body 305 is reduced, and the lever member 307 is pulled toward the rotating body 305 by a spring member (not shown). The rotation ends at a stable position along the arm portion 307a.

FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view showing the sorting mechanism unit 304 of the second sorting apparatus 300 in an exploded manner.
The distribution mechanism unit 304 includes a rotating body 305, a lever member 307, a spring member (not shown), and a rear member 309.

In the rear member 309, a total of four storage portions 309f and 309g are formed in pairs facing left and right. The storage portion 309f of the rear member 309 stores the rotation shaft member 305j of the rotating body 305, and the storage portion 309g stores the rotation shaft portion 307j of the lever member 307.
The rotation shaft member 305j and the rotation shaft portion 307j are housed in the housing portions 309f and 309f of the rear member 309 in a rotatable state. Therefore, the rotating body 305 is rotatable about the rotation shaft member 305j as a central axis, and the lever member 307 is rotatable about the rotation shaft portion 307j.

  A hook portion (not shown) is formed at the center of the front side of the rear member 309, and a hook portion 307t is also formed at the center of the lever member 307. A spring (not shown) is provided between these hook portions. It has a structure in which members are arranged.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing the rotating body 305 of the second distribution device 300 from a plurality of angles.
Specifically, in FIGS. 17A to 17H, the rotating body 305 is viewed from the same direction when the rotating body 305 is rotated at different angles about the rotating shaft member 305j as the central axis. FIG. The state shown in FIG. 17A is, for example, a reference state (rotation angle: 0 degree state) when the rotating body 305 is rotated about the rotation shaft member 305j as a central axis. In addition, the state shown in FIG. 17B represents a state in which the rotating body 305 is rotated 45 degrees from the reference state with the rotating shaft member 305j as the central axis. Similarly, the state shown in each of FIGS. 17C to 17H represents a state in which the rotating body 305 is sequentially rotated 45 degrees in the same direction with the rotating shaft member 305j as the central axis.

  The peripheral surface of the rotating body 305 is continuously formed with concave portions on which game balls are placed. Specifically, the peripheral surface is divided into eight parts having the same size, and is viewed from the center axis direction. The cross-sectional shape of each peripheral surface is formed in the same U-shape. Here, the peripheral surfaces divided into eight are respectively referred to as a first peripheral surface 305a to an eighth peripheral surface 305h in order.

  In addition, the first sidewall portion 305k1 or the second sidewall portion 305k2 is formed on one of the left and right end portions in a form protruding along the side surface at the end portion of each of the divided peripheral surfaces 305a to 305h of the rotating body 305. Has been. That is, one wall portion (305k1 or 305k2) is formed on one peripheral surface (305a to 305h).

  As shown in FIGS. 17A to 17H, a first side wall 305k1 is formed at one end (the left end in the drawing) of the second peripheral surface 305b. On the other hand, a second side wall portion 305k2 is formed at the end portion (the right end portion in the drawing) of the first peripheral surface 305a and the third peripheral surface 305c to the eighth peripheral surface 305h in the opposite direction.

For this reason, the first side wall 305k1 is formed only at the position of the second peripheral surface 305b, and has openings at the positions of the first peripheral surface 305a and the third peripheral surface 305c to the eighth peripheral surface 305h. It has a structure.
The second side wall portion 305k2 has a structure having an opening at the position of the second peripheral surface 305b.

Therefore, when a game ball rides on the circumferential surface of the rotator 305, this indicates that the game ball rides on either side. For example, when a game ball rides on the second peripheral surface 305b of the rotating body 305, the game ball gets in the way of the first side wall portion 305k1 and leans toward the opening of the second side wall portion 305k2.
On the other hand, when a game ball rides on the first peripheral surface 305a and the third peripheral surface 305c to the eighth peripheral surface 305h of the rotating body 305, the game ball is obstructed by the second side wall portion 305k2 and the opening of the first side wall portion 305k1. Head towards the club and get on.

  Here, regarding the position state where the game ball stays on the peripheral surface of the rotating body 305, the state where the game ball is offset toward the opening of the second side wall portion 305k2 is defined as the second position state, and the first state on the peripheral surface. A state of being offset toward the opening of the side wall part 305k1 is defined as a first position state. Then, on the second peripheral surface 305b of the rotating body 305, the game ball rolls in the second position state, and on the first peripheral surface 305a and the third peripheral surface 305c to the eighth peripheral surface 305h of the rotating body 305, The game ball represents rolling in the first position state.

  In this embodiment, the peripheral surface of the rotating body 305 is divided into eight, but the number is not limited to eight and may be more or less. In addition, although the cross-sectional shape of each peripheral surface is U-shaped, it may be V-shaped or inverted trapezoidal. Further, which of the first side wall part 305k1 and the second side wall part 305k2 is to be formed corresponding to one peripheral surface (305a to 305h) is determined based on a distribution ratio to be performed in the second sorting apparatus 300. can do. Specifically, in the second sorting apparatus 300 of the present embodiment, the side walls are formed with respect to each peripheral surface at a ratio of 1: 7 for all eight surfaces, but another ratio ( For example, the side wall portions may be formed with respect to each peripheral surface at an equal ratio of 4 to 4 or the like.

  As described above, the peripheral surface is divided into eight parts, the first side wall portion 305k1 is formed on one peripheral surface, and the second side wall portion 205k2 is formed on seven peripheral surfaces, whereby the route on the left side and the right side are formed. Can be set to “7: 1”.

Next, the operation principle (first operation example and second operation example) of the second sorting apparatus 300 will be described.
18 to 20 are diagrams illustrating a first operation example in which the game balls are finally distributed to the first downstream discharge passage 300o1 by the second sorting device 300, and FIGS. It is a figure explaining the 2nd operation example in which a game ball is finally distributed to the downstream 2nd discharge passage 300o2 by distribution device 300. FIG. In the first operation example, it is assumed that the rotating body 305 is stopped in a state of accepting a game ball on the first circumferential surface 305a, and in the second operation example, the rotating body 305 is a game on the second circumferential surface 305b. It is assumed that the ball is stopped while accepting a ball.

  Here, FIGS. 18 and 21 show a state where the game ball rides on the rotating body 305, and FIGS. 20 and 23 show that the game ball is separated from the rotating body 305 and distributed by the second sorting device 300. It shows the state. Further, FIG. 19 and FIG. 22 are cross-sectional views of the vicinity of the rotating body 305 of the second sorting apparatus 300, and show how the game ball moves on the rotating body 305.

  As shown in FIG. 18, a game ball has entered the downstream inflow passage 300i of the second sorting apparatus 300. The game ball traveling (falling) in the downstream inflow passage 300i abuts on the second side wall 305k2 of the rotating body 305, and the traveling direction is changed by the second side wall 305k2. That is, the path of the game ball is changed in a direction toward the opening (first position state) of the first side wall 305k1 on the first peripheral surface 305a of the rotating body 305.

  As shown in FIG. 19A, in addition to the second side wall portion 305k2 of the rotating body 305, the game ball comes into contact with the rib portion 301r formed on the front member that covers the front surface side of the rotating body 305. The traveling direction is changed by the part 301r. That is, the game ball travels on the rib portion 301r and is changed to a course toward the rotating body 305.

  Therefore, the game ball traveling (falling) in the downstream inflow passage 300i is formed on the first side wall portion 305k1 on the first peripheral surface 305a of the rotating body 305 by the second side wall portion 305k2 and the rib portion 301r of the rotating body 305. Head to the opening (first position state).

  As shown in FIG. 19B, the game ball rides on the first peripheral surface 305a of the rotating body 305 by the second side wall portion 305k2 and the rib portion 301r of the rotating body 305. Although not shown in the drawing, the position of the game ball riding on the first peripheral surface 305a is shifted to the opening of the first side wall 305k1 (first position state). Then, the rotating body 305 starts rotating about the rotation shaft member 305j as the center axis by the weight of the game ball. In the illustrated example, a state in which the rotating body 305 is rotated about 9 degrees is shown.

  As shown in FIG. 19C, the rotating body 305 continues to rotate about the rotation shaft member 305j as the center axis due to the weight of the game ball. In the illustrated example, a state in which the rotating body 305 is rotated about 9 degrees (about 18 degrees in total from the start of rotation) is shown. When the rotating body 305 rotates due to its own weight, the gaming ball is displaced downward while being sandwiched between the rib portion 301r and the first peripheral surface 305a of the rotating body 305. Further, the arm portion 307 a of the lever member 307 is lifted up by the rotating body 305 in conjunction with the rotation of the rotating body 305.

  As shown in FIG. 19D, when the rotating body 305 further rotates about 9 degrees (about 27 degrees in total from the start of rotation), the game ball moves between the rib portion 301r and the first peripheral surface 305a of the rotating body 305. It is further displaced downward while being sandwiched between the two. In conjunction with the rotation of the rotating body 305, the arm portion 307 a of the lever member 307 is further lifted by the rotating body 305.

  As shown in FIG. 19E, when the rotating body 305 further rotates about 9 degrees (about 36 degrees in total from the start of rotation), the game ball moves between the rib portion 301r and the first peripheral surface 305a of the rotating body 305. It is further displaced downward while being sandwiched between the two. Further, in conjunction with the rotation of the rotating body 305, the arm portion 307a of the lever member 307 is maintained in a state of being lifted by the rotating body 305.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 19F, when the rotating body 305 further rotates by about 9 degrees due to the weight of the game ball, that is, when the rotating body rotates about 45 degrees from the start of rotation, The state of being sandwiched between the first circumferential surface 305a and the rib portion 301r is eliminated, and the first circumferential surface 305a of the rotating body 305 is separated from the first circumferential surface 305a. Then, a game ball rides on the guide portion 303x disposed below the rotating body 305, and is then guided to the partition portion 300s.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 19F, when the game ball is separated from the rotating body 305, the rotational force of the rotating body 305 that has been rotated by its own weight is lost. The pulling force of the spring member 308 acts on the rotating body 305 that is rotating even if the game balls are separated from each other through the lever member 307. Therefore, after a while, the arm portion 307a of the lever member 307 is moved to the circumferential surface of the rotating body 305. The rotating body 305 stops in a stable state along Therefore, when the distribution on the first peripheral surface 305a of the rotator 305 is completed, the second peripheral surface 305b is then stopped in a state of accepting a game ball, and the next game ball can be distributed.

  As shown in FIG. 20, the game ball separated from the rotating body 305 flows downward from above the guide portion 303x. Here, the shape of the partition portion 300s is convex upward, and specifically, the partition portion 300s has a surface inclined toward the downstream first discharge passage 300o1 and the downstream second discharge passage. A surface inclined toward 300o2 is formed, and the game ball flows down on either surface. In this example, since the game ball is located on the guide portion 303x in a state of being offset toward the opening of the first side wall portion 305k1 (first position state), the game ball enters the downstream first discharge passage 300o1 of the partition portion 300s. A game ball flows down on the inclined surface. Then, the game ball guided to the downstream side first discharge passage 300o1 by the partition portion 300s proceeds through the downstream side first discharge passage 300o1 and is finally discharged to the game area (left-handed area).

  Next, a second operation example of the game balls distributed by the second sorting device 300 when the rotating body 305 is stopped in a state of receiving the game balls on the second peripheral surface 305b will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 21, a game ball has entered the downstream inflow passage 300i of the second sorting apparatus 300. The game ball traveling (falling) in the downstream inflow passage 300i abuts on the first side wall 305k1 of the rotating body 305, and the traveling direction is changed by the first side wall 305k1. That is, the path of the game ball is changed in a direction toward the opening (second position state) of the second side wall 305k2 on the second peripheral surface 305b of the rotator 305.

  As shown in FIG. 22 (A), the game ball abuts against the rib portion 301r formed on the front member covering the front side of the rotating body 305 in addition to the first side wall portion 305k1 of the rotating body 305. The traveling direction is changed by the part 301r. That is, the game ball travels on the rib portion 301r and is changed to a course toward the rotating body 305.

  Therefore, the game ball traveling (falling) in the downstream inflow passage 300i is caused by the first side wall portion 305k1 and the rib portion 301r of the rotator 305 to the second side wall portion 305k2 on the second peripheral surface 305b of the rotator 305. Heading to the opening (second position state).

  As shown in FIG. 22B, the game ball rides on the second peripheral surface 305b of the rotating body 305 by the first side wall portion 305k1 and the rib portion 301r of the rotating body 305. Although not shown, the position of the game ball that rides on the second peripheral surface 305b is shifted to the opening of the second side wall portion 305k2 (second position state). Then, the rotating body 305 starts rotating about the rotation shaft member 305j as the center axis by the weight of the game ball. In the illustrated example, a state in which the rotating body 305 is rotated about 9 degrees is shown.

  As shown in FIG. 22 (C), the rotating body 305 continues to rotate about the rotation shaft member 305j as the center axis due to the weight of the game ball. In the illustrated example, a state in which the rotating body 305 is rotated about 9 degrees (about 18 degrees in total from the start of rotation) is shown. When the rotating body 305 rotates due to the weight of the game ball, the game ball is displaced downward while being sandwiched between the rib portion 301r and the second peripheral surface 305b of the rotating body 305. Further, the arm portion 307 a of the lever member 307 is lifted up by the rotating body 305 in conjunction with the rotation of the rotating body 305.

  As shown in FIG. 22D, when the rotating body 305 further rotates by about 9 degrees (about 27 degrees from the start of rotation), the game ball is located between the rib portion 301r and the second peripheral surface 305b of the rotating body 305. It is further displaced downward while being sandwiched between the two. In conjunction with the rotation of the rotating body 305, the arm portion 307 a of the lever member 307 is further lifted by the rotating body 305.

  As shown in FIG. 22E, when the rotating body 305 is further rotated by about 9 degrees (about 36 degrees from the start of rotation), the game ball is located between the rib portion 301r and the second peripheral surface 305b of the rotating body 305. It is further displaced downward while being sandwiched between the two. Further, in conjunction with the rotation of the rotating body 305, the arm portion 307a of the lever member 307 is maintained in a state of being lifted by the rotating body 305.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 22 (F), when the rotating body 305 further rotates by about 9 degrees due to the weight of the game ball, that is, when the rotating body rotates about 45 degrees from the start of the rotation, The state of being sandwiched between the first circumferential surface 305a and the rib portion 301r is eliminated, and the first circumferential surface 305b is separated from the second circumferential surface 305b. Then, a game ball rides on the guide portion 303x disposed below the rotating body 305, and is then guided to the partition portion 300s.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 22F, when the game ball is separated from the rotator 305, the rotational force of the rotator 305 that has been rotated by its own weight is lost. The pulling force of the spring member 308 acts on the rotating body 305 that is rotating even if the game balls are separated from each other through the lever member 307. Therefore, after a while, the arm portion 307a of the lever member 307 is moved to the circumferential surface of the rotating body 305. The rotating body 305 stops in a stable state along Therefore, when the distribution on the second peripheral surface 305b of the rotator 305 is completed, the third peripheral surface 305c is stopped in a state of receiving a game ball, and the next game ball can be distributed.

  As shown in FIG. 23, the game ball separated from the rotating body 305 flows downward from above the guide portion 303x. Here, the shape of the partition portion 300s is convex upward, and specifically, the partition portion 300s has a surface inclined toward the downstream first discharge passage 300o1 and the downstream second discharge passage. A surface inclined toward 300o2 is formed, and the game ball flows down on either surface. In this example, since the game ball is located on the guide portion 303x in a state of being offset toward the opening of the second side wall portion 305k2 (second position state), the game ball is placed in the second discharge passage 300o2 on the downstream side of the partition portion 300s. A game ball flows down on the inclined surface. Then, the game ball guided to the downstream second discharge passage 300o2 by the partition portion 300s travels through the downstream second discharge passage 300o2, passes through the third ball passage sensor 19c, and passes through the warp passage 40d. Eventually, head to the rolling stage 400. The rotating body 305 is at the origin position in this state, and the origin detection sensor (not shown) detects that the origin is the origin.

FIG. 24 is an enlarged view showing the periphery of the rolling stage 400.
The rolling stage 400 includes an upper stage 410, a middle stage 420, a lower stage 430, and an extension stage 440.

  The upper stage 410 receives a game ball guided to the warp passage 40d, and has a rolling width that is not less than the diameter of the game ball and not more than twice the diameter from the front side to the rear side of the game board 8b. This is a stage that enables the ball to roll in the left-right direction and allows the game ball to fall downward.

  The upper stage 410 has three sphere dropping portions (hole-shaped windows) such as a left sphere falling portion 410a, a central sphere falling portion 410b, and a right sphere falling portion 410c, and these sphere falling portions are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined interval. Has been placed. A game ball rolling on the upper stage 410 falls downward from any one of the left ball dropping unit 410a, the central ball dropping unit 410b, and the right ball dropping unit 410c.

  The middle stage 420 is disposed between the upper stage 410 and the lower stage 430, and is disposed so as to protrude forward from the upper stage 410. The middle stage 420 receives a game ball falling from the central region of the central ball dropping part 410b. A vertical fall toward the center area of 430 (see arrow F1 in the figure), and game balls falling from other than the center area of the central ball dropping section 410b are distributed in the left-right direction toward an area other than the center area of the lower stage 430. (See arrows F2 and F3 in the figure).

  The lower stage 430 is disposed on the lower side corresponding to the range of a predetermined central region in the left-right direction of the upper stage 410, and is disposed so as to protrude forward from the front surface of the game board 8b toward the glass unit. The stage accepts a game ball falling from the stage 410, enables the game ball to roll in the left-right direction, and allows the game ball to fall downward.

  The lower stage 430 receives all the game balls falling from the central ball dropping unit 410b, and receives a part of the game balls falling from the left ball falling unit 410a or the right ball dropping unit.

The left and right ends of the lower stage 430 are between the central region of the left sphere falling portion 410a or the right sphere falling portion 410c and the end of the left sphere falling portion 410a or the right sphere falling portion 410c on the side of the central sphere falling portion 410b. Is disposed at a position corresponding to (a position overlapping in the vertical direction).
In addition, the lower stage 430 can accept a part of the game balls falling from the left sphere dropping part 410 a or the right sphere falling part 410 c of the upper stage 410 from the left and right ends of the lower stage 430.

  Here, the upper stage 410 is inclined toward the front side, and the lower stage 430 is inclined toward the rear side.

The extension stage 440 is disposed so as to protrude from the front surface of the game board 8b on the lower side corresponding to the range of a predetermined lateral region with respect to the central region in the left-right direction of the upper stage 410, and the lower stage The stage is arranged with a predetermined space 450 that allows the game ball to fall from an end portion in the left-right direction of 430. The predetermined space 450 has an interval T that is at least the diameter of the game ball.
The extension stage 440 can receive a game ball that has fallen to the left (in the direction of the arrow E2 in the figure) from the left ball drop portion 410a of the upper stage 410 and has not reached the lower stage 430 and can be guided to a predetermined space 450. Provided with a downwardly inclined surface.

  Then, the lower stage 430 and the extension stage 440 bounce down the game ball that jumps up based on contact with an obstacle protrusion (such as an obstacle nail) provided below the lower stage 430 or the extension stage 440.

  A guide passage 600 having a C-shaped cross section is disposed on the lower side of the lower stage 430. The guide passage 600 is arranged to protrude rearward from the lower stage 430, receives a game ball falling from the lower stage 430, and determines whether or not to guide the game ball toward the middle start winning opening 26. Guide guide portions 610a, 610b, and 610c are provided. The guide guide portions 610a, 610b, and 610c are divided into three routes by two projecting protrusions 610, and the game ball guided to the central route among the three routes is a middle start immediately below it. It becomes easy to flow into the winning opening 26.

[Game Ball Route]
The game ball that has passed through the warp passage 40d (see arrow C in the figure) rolls left and right on the upper stage 410 (see arrow D in the figure).
Then, when the momentum of rolling in the left-right direction is lost, the game ball falls downward from the left sphere dropping unit 410a, the central sphere falling unit 410b, or the right sphere falling unit 410c at a rate of 1/3.

  The game ball falling from the left ball dropping unit 410a basically falls directly below (see arrow E1 in the figure), but falls diagonally to the left and reaches the extension stage 440 (see arrow E2 in the figure). , It may fall diagonally to the right and reach the lower stage 430 (see arrow E3 in the figure).

  The game ball falling from the central ball dropping unit 410b basically passes between the two middle stages 420 and falls directly below (see arrow F1 in the figure), but is guided to the left middle stage 420 and is directed to the lower stage. It may fall to the left end of 430 (see arrow F2 in the figure) or may be guided to the right middle stage 420 and fall to the right end of the lower stage 430 (see arrow F3 in the figure).

  The game ball falling from the right ball dropping unit 410c basically falls directly below (see arrow G1 in the figure), but falls diagonally to the left and reaches the lower stage 430 (see arrow G2 in the figure). In some cases, the right sphere dropping part 410c may fall right diagonally downward (see arrow G3 in the figure).

The game ball that has reached the lower stage 430 rolls left and right on the lower stage 430 when the left and right rolling force remains (see arrow H in the figure).
When the momentum of rolling disappears, the game ball is guided to the guide passage 600 from the hole 430a disposed on the rear side of the lower stage 430 (see arrow I in the figure).

  The game ball guided by the guide guide portion 610b in the center of the guide passage 600 is in a state where it can easily enter the middle start winning opening 26 and is guided to the left and right guide guide portions 610a and 610c of the guide passage 600. The game ball is less likely to enter the middle start winning opening 26 (see arrow J in the figure).

  Here, the game ball may be lifted by a nail. Even in such a case, the middle stage 420, the lower stage 430, and the extension stage 440 of the present embodiment are disposed so as to protrude forward from the upper stage 410 (positions overlapping the obstacle nail when viewed in the vertical direction). Since the game ball that bounces from the lower side bounces back to the lower side, it is possible to prevent the game ball bounced up by the obstacle nail from unintentionally riding on the upper stage 410 or the lower stage 430. (See arrow J in the figure).

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the periphery of the rolling stage 400 as seen from the front side, and FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the periphery of the rolling stage 400 as seen from the back side.
The warp passage 40d is a pipe-like passage through which one game ball can pass, and the final outlet 40y is in a position retracted to the rear side.
The inlet 410x of the upper stage 410 is connected to the outlet 40y of the warp passage 40d.
Therefore, the game ball that has passed through the warp passage 40d moves from the front side to the rear side and enters the upper stage 410 from the inlet 410x.

Here, the middle stage 420, the lower stage 430, and the extension stage 440 are disposed so as to protrude forward from the upper stage 410.
On the other hand, the upper stage 410 and the guide passage 600 are disposed so as to protrude rearward from the board surface area (the area where the obstacle nail is driven) where the game ball flows down.

  For this reason, when the game ball stays in the upper stage 410 or the guide passage 600, the game ball is guided to the rear side from the board surface area, and the game ball is extended to the middle stage 420, the lower stage 430 or the extension. When staying on the stage 440, the game ball is guided to the front side rather than the board surface area.

FIG. 27 is an exploded perspective view showing the periphery of the rolling stage 400 in an exploded manner.
The rolling stage 400 includes a base unit 400B as a base.
The base unit 400B is formed with three holes (openings) that serve as a left sphere dropping portion 410a, a central sphere falling portion 410b, and a right sphere falling portion 410c.

Further, an intermediate stage 420 and an extension stage 440 are integrally formed on the front side of the base unit 400B.
Furthermore, a space serving as a guide passage 600 is formed below the middle stage 420 of the base unit 400B.

  The upper stage 410 is composed of a bottom member 410d meandering up and down having a plurality of peaks and valleys, and a back member 410e extending in the vertical direction from the rear end of the bottom member 410d. Here, a left sphere falling portion 410a, a central sphere falling portion 410b, and a right sphere falling portion 410c are arranged in front of the valley portion of the bottom member 410d.

  The middle stage 420 includes a vertical wall 420a and an inclined member 420b. The vertical wall 420a is a wall that assists the game ball to fall vertically. The inclined member 420b is a slope connected to the vertical wall 420a and inclined downward from the inside toward the outside.

  The lower stage 430 includes a bottom member 430d having a gently curved surface with a recessed center, and a front member 430e extending in the vertical direction from the front end of the bottom member 430d. By forming the front member 430e, it is possible to further suppress the game ball from riding on the lower stage 430.

In the lower stage 430, the part where the game ball falls vertically from the central ball drop part 410b is set as the lower region (L), and the part where the game ball falls from the left ball drop part 410a or the right ball drop part 410c The bottom member 430d includes a rolling surface that is curved in the left-right direction and connects the lower region (L) and the upper region (H).
The rolling surface receives a game ball that falls down and descends in accordance with the inclined member 420b of the middle stage 420 in the upper region (H) and can roll toward the lower region (L).
The middle start winning opening 26 (see FIG. 3) is arranged on the lower side corresponding to the range of the lower region (L) of the lower stage 430.

  Then, the upper stage 410 is attached to the rear side of the left sphere falling part 410a, the central sphere falling part 410b, and the right sphere falling part 410c of the base unit 400B, and the lower stage 430 is attached to the lower side of the middle stage 420 of the base unit 400B. Thus, the rolling stage 400 is formed.

  28 and 29 are schematic longitudinal sectional views (sectional views taken along the line AA in FIG. 24) near the center of the rolling stage 400. FIG. Here, FIG. 28 shows a state where the game ball is guided from the rolling stage 400 to the middle start winning opening 26. FIG. 29 shows a state where the game ball is being lifted by the obstacle nail and rising.

As shown in FIG. 28, when the game ball rolling on the upper stage 410 loses the momentum to roll near the center of the upper stage 410, the game ball is released from the central ball dropping unit 410b.
In this case, basically, it passes between the two middle stages 420 and reaches the lower stage 430. Since the lower stage 430 is inclined rearward, the game ball is guided to the guide passage 600.
Then, the game ball enters the middle start winning opening 26 through the guide passage 600 and is collected on the back side of the game board unit.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 29, the game ball may be lifted by being hit with an obstacle nail. Even in such a case, the lower stage 430 of the present embodiment is disposed so as to protrude forward from the upper stage 410, and the game ball that bounces from the lower side bounces back to the lower side. It is possible to prevent the game ball from unintentionally getting on the upper stage 410 or the lower stage 430.

[Control configuration]
Next, a configuration related to control of the pachinko machine 1 will be described. FIG. 30 is a block diagram showing various electronic devices equipped in the pachinko machine 1. The pachinko machine 1 includes a main control device 70 (main control computer) that serves as the center of the control operation. The main control device 70 mainly has a function of controlling the progress of the game in the pachinko machine 1. Yes. The main controller 70 is built in the main control board unit 170 described above.

  The main controller 70 is equipped with a circuit board (main control board) on which a main control CPU 72 as a central processing unit is mounted. The main control CPU 72 includes a ROM 74, a RAM ( RWM) 76 and other semiconductor memories are integrated as an LSI. The main controller 70 is equipped with a random number generator 75 and a sampling circuit 77. Among these, the random number generator 75 generates a hardware random number (for example, 0 to 65535 in decimal notation) for the big symbol determination of the special symbol lottery or the normal symbol lottery, and the random number generated here is generated. Is input to the main control CPU 72 through the sampling circuit 77. In addition, the main controller 70 is equipped with peripheral ICs such as an input / output (I / O) port 79, a clock generation circuit (not shown), a counter / timer circuit (CTC), etc., and these are circuited together with the main control CPU 72. It is mounted on the board. A signal transmission path, a power supply path, a control bus, and the like are formed as wiring patterns on the circuit board (or the inner layer portion).

  The start gate 20 described above is integrally provided with a gate switch 78 for detecting the passage of a game ball. In addition, the game board unit 8 is provided with a middle start winning port switch 80, a right start winning port switch 82, and a count switch 84 corresponding to the middle start winning port 26, the variable start winning device 28, and the variable winning device 30, respectively. ing. The start winning port switches 80 and 82 are for detecting the entrance of a game ball into the middle start winning port 26 and the variable start winning device 28 (right start winning port). Further, the count switch 84 is for detecting the number of game balls that have entered the variable winning device 30 (large winning opening) and counting the number thereof. Similarly, the game board unit 8 is equipped with a prize opening switch 86 for detecting the entry of game balls into the normal prize openings 22 and 24. Here, a configuration using a common winning opening switch 86 for all the normal winning openings 22 and 24 is given as an example, but for example, separate winning opening switches 86 are installed on the left and right sides of the board, and the left winning opening switch is provided. In 86, it is detected that a game ball has entered the normal winning port 22 located on the left side of the board, and in the right prize port switch 86, it is detected that a game ball has entered the normal winning port 24 located on the right side of the board. Also good.

  In any case, the winning detection signals of these switches 78 to 86 are input to the main control CPU 72 via an input / output driver (not shown). In the present embodiment, a winning detection signal from the gate switch 78, the count switch 84, and the winning opening switch 86 is transmitted via the panel relay terminal plate 87 and the panel relay terminal plate 87 due to the configuration of the game board unit 8. Are provided with wiring patterns and connection terminals for relaying each winning detection signal.

  The above-mentioned normal symbol display device 33, normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, first special symbol display device 34, second special symbol display device 35, first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a and game The state display device 38 is controlled in display operation based on a control signal from the main control CPU 72. The main control CPU 72 outputs control signals for the display devices 33, 34, 35, 38 and the lamps 33a, 34a, 35a according to the progress of the game, and controls the lighting state of each LED. The display devices 33, 34, 35, and 38 and the lamps 33a, 34a, and 35a are installed in the game board unit 8 in a state of being mounted on one integrated display board 89 as described above. A control signal is transmitted from the main control CPU 72 to the display substrate 89 through the panel relay terminal board 87.

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

  In addition, a glass frame opening switch 91 is installed in the integrated door unit 4, and a plastic frame opening switch 93 is installed in the inner frame assembly 7. When the integrated door unit 4 is opened alone, a contact signal from the glass frame opening switch 91 is input to the main controller 70 (main control CPU 72), and the inner frame assembly 7 is opened from the outer frame unit 2. Then, a contact signal from the plastic frame opening switch 93 is input to the main controller 70 (main control CPU 72). The main control CPU 72 can detect the open state of the integrated door unit 4 and the inner frame assembly 7 from these contact signals. When the main control CPU 72 detects the open state of the integrated door unit 4 or the inner frame assembly 7, the main control CPU 72 generates a door open information signal as the external information signal.

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

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

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

  Further, the pachinko machine 1 is provided with a full tank switch 161, for example, inside the lower plate 6c (the position of the bowl as viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 1). The prize balls (game balls) that are actually paid out are discharged to the upper plate 6b through the flow path unit 173. When the upper plate 6b is full of game balls, As described above, it flows into the lower plate 6c. Further, when the lower plate 6c is filled with game balls, the full tank switch 161 is turned ON, and a full tank detection signal is input to the payout control device 92 (payout control CPU 94). In response to this, even if the payout control CPU 94 receives a prize ball instruction command from the main control CPU 72, it temporarily suspends further prize ball operations, and stores the unpaid prize ball remaining number in the RAM 98. Note that the RAM 98 can be backed up even when the power is cut off, so that even if a power failure (including momentary power failure) occurs during the game, the information on the number of remaining unsold prize balls will not be lost. .

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

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

  The above receiving tray unit 6 is provided with a launch relay terminal plate 118, and each signal from the launch lever volume 112, the touch sensor 114, and the launch stop switch 116 is sent via the launch relay terminal plate 118. Sent to. The drive signal from the launch control board 108 is applied to the ball feed solenoid 111 via the launch relay terminal board 118. When the player operates the firing handle, an analog signal (which may be an encoded digital signal) is generated by the firing lever volume 112 according to the operation amount, and the firing solenoid 110 is driven based on the signal at this time. Thereby, the strength of launching a game ball is adjusted according to the operation amount of the player. The drive circuit of the firing control board 108 stops driving the firing solenoid 110 when the detection signal from the touch sensor 114 is off (low level) or when the firing stop signal is input from the firing stop switch 116. To do. In addition, a game ball lending device connection terminal plate 120 is connected to the launch relay terminal plate 118, and when the CR unit 210 is not connected to the game ball lending device connection terminal plate 120, the same The driving circuit of the firing control board 108 stops driving the firing solenoid 110.

  The tray unit 6 includes a frequency display board 122 and a rental / return switch board 123. Of these, the frequency display board 122 is provided with the display of the frequency display unit (7-segment LED for 3 digits). In addition, switch modules connected to the ball lending button 10 and the return button 12 are mounted on the lending / return switch board 123, and when the ball lending button 10 or the return button 12 is operated, the operation signal is lended. The return switch board 123 transmits the game ball etc. to the CR unit 210 via the rental device connection terminal board 120. Further, a frequency signal indicating the remaining frequency of the valuable medium is transmitted from the CR unit 210 to the frequency display board 122 via the game ball lending device connection terminal board 120. A display circuit (not shown) on the frequency display board 122 drives the display unit based on the frequency signal, and displays the remaining frequency of the valuable medium as a numerical value. In addition, when a valuable medium is not inserted into the CR unit 210 or the remaining frequency of the inserted valuable medium becomes zero, the display circuit of the frequency display substrate 122 drives the display unit to display a demonstration (valid value). It is also possible to display a message prompting the user to insert the medium.

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

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

  The effect control device 124 and the main control device 70 are connected to each other via, for example, a communication harness (not shown). However, the communication between these is performed only in one direction from the main control device 70 to the effect control device 124, and communication in the reverse direction is not performed. The communication harness may adopt a parallel format according to the bus widths of various commands transmitted from the main control device 70 to the effect control device 124, and each driver IC (I / O). A serial format may be adopted according to the hardware configuration.

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

  The acoustic drive circuit 134 is a sound generator incorporating a sound ROM, an acoustic control IC, an amplifier, etc. (not shown), for example, and this acoustic drive circuit 134 drives the glass frame speakers 54 and 55 and the outer frame speaker 56. Sound output.

  In the present embodiment, a glass frame lighting board 136 is installed on the inner surface of the integrated door unit 4, and drive signals from the lamp driving circuit 132 and the acoustic driving circuit 134 pass through the glass frame lighting board 136 and various lamps 46. To 52 and speakers 54, 55, and 56. Also, the effect switching button 45 is connected to the glass frame decorating board 136, and when the player operates the effect switching button 45, the contact signal is sent to the effect control device 124 through the glass frame decorating board 136. Entered. Furthermore, the jog dial 45a is connected to the glass frame decorating board 136, and when the player rotates the jog dial 45a, the rotation signal is input to the effect control device 124 through the glass frame decorating board 136. . In addition, although the example which connected the effect switch button 45 and the jog dial 45a to the glass frame decor substrate 136 is given here, when the above-described saucer decor board is installed, the effect switch button 45 and the jog dial 45a are the saucer decor. It may be connected to the substrate.

  In addition, a panel board 138 is installed in the game board unit 8, and a movable body motor 57 is connected to the panel board 138 in addition to the panel lamp 53. The movable body motor 57 drives the movable body 40f via a link mechanism (not shown), for example. A drive signal from the lamp drive circuit 132 is applied to the panel lamp 53 and the movable body motor 57 via the panel illumination board 138, respectively.

  A first ball passing sensor 19a and a second ball passing sensor 19b are arranged inside the first sorting device 200, and a third ball passing sensor 19c and an origin detection sensor 19d are placed inside the second sorting device 300. Is arranged. The first to third ball passage sensors 19a to 19c are ball detectors for generating a predetermined effect when the game ball passes. The origin detection sensor 19d is a device that detects the origin position regarding the distribution state of the second sorting apparatus 300, and an index sensor, a rotary encoder, or the like can be applied. Detection signals of the first to third ball passage sensors 19a to 19c and the origin detection sensor 19d are transmitted through the panel electrical decoration board 138 and input to the effect control CPU 126 via an input / output driver (not shown).

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

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

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

  In addition, a power control unit 162 (power control means) is provided on the back side of the inner frame assembly 7. The power supply control unit 162 has a built-in switching power supply circuit. When external power (for example, AC 24V) is taken from the island facility through the power cord 164, necessary power (for example, DC + 34V, + 12V) can be generated therefrom. The electric power generated by the power supply control unit 162 is distributed to the main control device 70, the payout control device 92, the effect control device 124, and the inverter board 158. Furthermore, power is supplied to the launch control board 108 via the payout control device 92, and power is supplied to the CR unit via the game ball rental device connection terminal board 120. The low voltage power for logic (for example, DC + 5V) is generated by a power supply IC (3-terminal regulator or the like) built in each device. Further, as described above, the power supply control unit 162 is grounded (grounded) to the island facility through the ground wire 166.

  The external terminal plate 160 is connected to the payout control device 92, and various external information signals generated by the main control device 70 (main control CPU 72) pass through the payout control device 92 to the external terminal plate 160. Is output to the outside. The main control device 70 (main control CPU 72) and the payout control device 92 (payout control CPU 94) can output an external information signal to the outside of the pachinko machine 1 through the external terminal board 160. The signals output from the external terminal board 160 are collected by, for example, a hall computer (not shown) in a game hall. Here, the configuration via the payout control device 92 is taken as an example, but a configuration in which an external information signal is directly output from the main control device 70 to the external terminal board 160 may be used.

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

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

  31 and 32 are flowcharts showing an example of the procedure of the reset start process. Hereinafter, the process performed by the main control CPU 72 will be described step by step.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Step S111: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes an effect control command generation process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sends a return command (for example, a model designation command, a special symbol probability state designation command, a special figure destination determination production command, a production command when the number of working memories increases) to be transmitted to the production control device 124. , A production command when the number of operating memories decreases, a remaining count counter command, a special gaming state designation command, a power supply restoration designation command, a firing position designation command, and the like. The generated command is port-output to the effect control device 124 in a process (effect control output process: step S123) described later. In response to this, the effect control device 124 performs the effect state (for example, the internal probability state, the effect symbol display mode, the operation memory count effect display mode, the sound output content, and the various lamps being executed at the time of the previous power shutdown. Light emission state, etc.) can be restored.

  Here, the power-return designation command is a command (for example, 8100H) representing a state in which the gaming machine is powered on and restored. Further, the model designation command is a command (for example, 9xzzH (a value representing a gaming state based on backup information is input to zz)) indicating the model information of the gaming machine. If there are multiple types of gaming machines that have been diverted while maintaining almost the same, but with different jackpot lottery probabilities, etc., model information on which type of gaming machine is being used (For example, max type: 90zz, middle type: 91zz, sweet digital type: 92zz). The launch position designation command is a command that represents the launch position of a game ball that is advantageous to the player (for example, C0lrH (lr is input when 00 is left-handed and 01 when right-handed)).

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

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

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

  Step S115: The main control CPU 72 executes an effect control command generation process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 generates a command (command necessary for effect control) to be transmitted to the effect control device 124 after the initial setting. For example, a RAM clear notification command (power-on factor designation command), a model designation command, and the like are generated. The generated command is port-output to the effect control device 124 in a process (effect control output process: step S123) described later.

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

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

  When the above procedure is executed in the reset start process, the main control CPU 72 shifts to the main loop shown in FIG. 32 (connection symbol A → A).

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

  Step S120: The main control CPU 72 executes an initial value update random number update process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 increments random numbers for updating (changing) initial values of various software random numbers. In this embodiment, jackpot determined random numbers (hardware random numbers) and various random numbers excluding hit determined random numbers (hardware random numbers) corresponding to ordinary symbols (for example, jackpot symbol random numbers, reach determination random numbers, variation pattern determination random numbers, etc.) Is generated in the program. These software random numbers are updated by the loop counter within a predetermined range in another interrupt process (step S201 in FIG. 34). In this process, the initial value of the loop counter (all The random number of may not be the target). The initial value updating random number is used to randomly change the initial value, and in step S120, the initial value updating random number is updated. The reason why step S120 is executed after interrupts are prohibited in step S118 is the same as another interrupt management process (step S202 in FIG. 34). ) To prevent the above). As described above, in the present embodiment, the big hit determined random number and the hit determined random number are hardware random numbers generated by the random number generator 75, and the update cycle is faster than the timer interrupt cycle (for example, several ms). Since it is (for example, several μs), it is not necessary to update the big hit determined random number and the initial value of the hit determined random number.

  Step S123: The main control CPU 72 executes an effect control output process (high probability state limit number information transmitting means, time shortening state limit number information transmitting means). In this processing, it is confirmed whether or not there is a command (command necessary for presentation control) that the main control CPU 72 should transmit to the presentation control device 124 in the command buffer. Output port. Specifically, it is checked whether there is a command set in a predetermined buffer (ring buffer) of the RAM 76, and if there is a command in the buffer, the command to be output is output to the port.

  Step S124: The main control CPU 72 clears the predetermined buffer (port output request buffer) when the command is output to the effect control device 124 in the previous process (step S123).

  Step S125, Step S126: The main control CPU 72 permits interruption and executes other random number update processing. The random numbers updated by this processing are random numbers (reach determination random numbers, variation pattern determination random numbers, etc.) that are not related to the determination of the winning type (winning type) among software random numbers. This process is performed in the remaining time when a timer interrupt occurs during execution of the main loop and the main control CPU 72 executes another interrupt management process (FIG. 34). The contents of the interrupt management process will be described later.

[Power failure check processing]
FIG. 33 is a flowchart specifically illustrating a procedure example of the power-off occurrence check process.
Step S130: First, the main control CPU 72 sets a condition for checking the occurrence of power interruption. This check condition can be set as an on-counter value for confirming that the main power-off detection signal is continuously output, for example.

  Step S132: Next, the main control CPU 72 reads the main power-off detection switch input port and confirms whether or not the main power-off detection signal is output (checks a specific bit). Although not particularly illustrated, the main power-off detection switch is mounted on the main controller 70, for example, and this main power-off detection switch monitors the drive voltage supplied from the power control unit 162, and the voltage level is monitored. When the voltage falls below the reference voltage, the main power-off detection signal is output. Note that the main power-off detection switch may be built in the power control unit 162. When the main control CPU 72 confirms that the main power-off detection signal is not output at this time (No), the main control CPU 72 exits this process and returns to the reset start process. On the other hand, when it is confirmed that the main power-off detection signal is output (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S134.

  Step S134: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the above check conditions are satisfied. Specifically, for example, 1 is subtracted from the on-counter value set in the previous step S130, and it is confirmed whether or not the result is 0. If the on-counter value is not yet 0 at this time (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to step S132 and reconfirms the main power-off detection switch input port. When the check condition is satisfied by repeating the loop from step S134 to step S132 (step S134: Yes), the main control CPU 72 then proceeds to step S136.

  Step S136: The main control CPU 72 clears the output port buffer corresponding to the test signal terminal and the command control signal in addition to the output port corresponding to the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 88 and the big prize opening solenoid 90 as described above.

Step S138, Step S140: Next, the main control CPU 72 adds the entire contents excluding the backup validity determination flag and the sum check buffer in the work area of the RAM 76 in units of 1 byte, and repeats until the addition is completed for all areas. .
Step S142: When the calculation of the sum is completed for all the areas (Step S140: Yes), the main control CPU 72 stores the sum result value in the sum check buffer.

Step S144: Next, the main control CPU 72 stores the valid value in the backup validity determination flag area as described above.
Step S146: Further, the main control CPU 72 stores “01H” indicating access prohibition in the protect value of the RAM 76, and prohibits access to the work area (including the use prohibition area and the stack area) of the RAM 76.
Step S148: Then, the main control CPU 72 enters a standby loop, and stops all other processes in preparation for shutting off the main power supply. After the main power is cut off, the backup power is supplied from a backup power circuit (not shown) (for example, a circuit including a capacitive element mounted on the main controller 70), so the stored contents of the RAM 76 are lost even after the main power is turned off. Held without. The backup power supply circuit may be incorporated in the power supply control unit 162, for example.

  Through the above processing, all the information stored in the work area of the RAM 76 to be backed up (sum added) is retained in the RAM 76 even after the main power is turned off. The stored memory is restored as backup information when the power is turned off after confirming the normality of the checksum in the previous reset start process (FIG. 31).

[Interrupt management processing (timer interrupt processing)]
Next, interrupt management processing (timer interrupt processing) will be described. FIG. 34 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary procedure of interrupt management processing. The main control CPU 72 executes an interrupt management process every predetermined time (for example, several ms) based on the interrupt request signal from the counter / timer circuit. Each procedure will be described below.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Step S205, Step S206: The main control CPU 72 executes a special symbol game process and a normal symbol game process during the interrupt management process. These processes are for specifically proceeding with the game in the pachinko machine 1. Of these, in the special symbol game process (step S205), the main control CPU 72 controls the execution of the internal lottery corresponding to the first special symbol or the second special symbol described above, or the first special symbol display device 34 and the second special symbol display device 34. (2) The variable display and stop display by the special symbol display device 35 are controlled, and the operation of the variable winning device 30 is controlled according to the display result. Details of the special symbol game process will be described later with reference to another flowchart.

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

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

[About the number of prize balls and number of game balls won]
The number of prize balls at the start port of the first special symbol and the number of prize balls at the start port of the second special symbol are each set to a specified number of one or more. In addition, the number of prize balls may be different between the start port of the first special symbol and the start port of the second special symbol. In addition, the minimum number of winning balls is set based on the winning probability of the special symbol and the expected value of the total number of game balls (the average number of balls that can be obtained during the period from the start to the end of the time reduction state) May be. Furthermore, the winning probability of special symbols, the expected number of game balls won, the number of opening of the big prize opening, the opening time of the big winning opening, the maximum number of winning of the big winning opening, the number of winning balls of the big winning opening are predetermined. When the condition is satisfied, a big hit may be set such that the number of game balls acquired by one big hit is less than 1/4 of the maximum number of acquired game balls.

  Step S208: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes external information processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sends the above external information signals (for example, prize ball information, door opening information, symbol determination number information, jackpot information, start port information, latent state) to the hall computer of the game hall through the external terminal board 160. Information etc.) is stored in the port output request buffer. The external information signal stored in the port output request buffer is transmitted to the data display device and the hall computer via the external terminal board 160.

  In this embodiment, among the various external information signals, for example, “big hit 1” to “big hit 5” are output to the outside as jackpot information, so that an external electronic device (data display) connected to the pachinko machine 1 is displayed. Various jackpot information can be provided (external information signal output means). In other words, the jackpot information is divided into a plurality of “big hit 1” to “big hit 5” and output, so that the type of jackpot (winning type) from these combinations can be tabulated and managed by a hall computer (not shown) or internal Recognize changes in the probability state (low probability state or high probability state) or shortened state of symbol variation time, or generate a small hit (a hit where the condition device does not work) that is not classified as a “big hit” even if it is not winning Can be aggregated and managed. Based on the jackpot information, for example, a data display device (not shown) counts and displays the number of jackpot occurrences within the past several business days for each pachinko machine 1, and recognizes whether or not each jackpot is currently hit Or can recognize whether or not each symbol is currently in a shortened state of the symbol variation time. In this external information processing, the main control CPU 72 controls each output state (set of ON or OFF) of “big hit 1” to “big hit 5” in detail.

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

  Step S210: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes display output management processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 performs the normal symbol display device 33, the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, the first special symbol display device 34, the second special symbol display device 35, the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, and the second special symbol. The lighting state of the operation memory lamp 35a, the game state display device 38, etc. is controlled. Specifically, the drive signal stored in the port output request buffer is output to the port in the previous special symbol game process (step S205) or the normal symbol game process (step S206). The drive signal is stored in the port output request buffer as byte data to be applied to each LED. As a result, each LED is driven in a predetermined display mode (a mode of performing symbol variation display, stop display, working memory number display, game state display, etc.).

  Step S211: The main control CPU 72 executes output management processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 outputs the external information signal (byte data) stored in the port output request buffer in the previous external information processing (step S208). Further, the main control CPU 72 outputs the drive signals, test signals, and the like of the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 88 and the special prize opening solenoid 90 stored in the port output request buffer to the port.

  In the present embodiment, an example is given in which the processing (game control program module) in steps S205 to S211 is executed as a timer interrupt processing. However, these processing are incorporated into the main loop of the CPU and executed. There are also known programming examples.

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

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

[Switch input event processing]
FIG. 35 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the switch input event process (step S204 in FIG. 34). Each procedure will be described below.

  Step S10: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not a winning detection signal is input (a lottery opportunity is generated) from the middle start winning opening switch 80 corresponding to the first special symbol. When the input of the winning detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S12 and executes the first special symbol memory update process. Specific processing contents will be further described later using another flowchart. On the other hand, when no winning detection signal is input (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S14.

  Step S14: Next, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not a winning detection signal is input (a lottery opportunity is generated) from the right start winning port switch 82 corresponding to the second special symbol. When the input of the winning detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S16 and executes the second special symbol memory update process. Here again, the details of the specific processing will be further described later using another flowchart. On the other hand, if there is no input of a winning detection signal (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S18.

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

  Step S22: The main control CPU 72 checks whether or not a passage detection signal is input from the gate switch 78 corresponding to the normal symbol. When the input of the passage detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S24 and executes the normal symbol memory update process. In the normal symbol memory update process, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the current number of normal symbol working memories is less than the upper limit number (for example, 4), and if it does not reach the upper limit number, obtains a random number per normal symbol To do. Further, the main control CPU 72 increments the normal symbol operation memory number by one. Then, the main control CPU 72 stores the acquired random value per normal symbol in the random number storage area of the RAM 76. On the other hand, when no winning detection signal is input (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the interrupt management process (FIG. 34).

[First special symbol memory update process]
FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the first special symbol memory update process (step S12 in FIG. 35). Hereinafter, the procedure of the first special symbol memory update process will be described in order.

  Step S30: First, the main control CPU 72 refers to the value of the first special symbol working memory number counter to check whether or not the working memory number is less than the maximum value (for example, 4). The working memory number counter represents the number (the number of sets) of big hit determination random numbers and big hit symbol random numbers stored in the random number storage area of the RAM 76. That is, the random number storage area of the RAM 76 is divided into four sections (for example, 2 bytes each) for each symbol (first special symbol, second special symbol), and each section contains a big hit decision random number and a big hit symbol random number. Each can be stored as a set. At this time, if the value of the working memory number counter corresponding to the first special symbol has reached the upper limit (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the switch input event processing (FIG. 35). On the other hand, if the value of the working memory number counter is less than the maximum value (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S31.

  Step S31: The main control CPU 72 adds one first special symbol working memory number. The first special symbol operation memory number counter is stored, for example, in the operation memory number area of the RAM 76, and the main control CPU 72 increments (+1) the value. Based on the counter value added here, the lighting state of the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a is controlled by the display output management process (step S210 in FIG. 34).

  Step S32: The main control CPU 72 acquires a jackpot determination random number value corresponding to the first special symbol from the random number generator 75 through the sampling circuit 77 (acquisition of first lottery element, lottery element acquisition means). The random value is acquired by specifying the pin address of the random number generator 75. In the case where the main control CPU 72 performs 8-bit processing, the address designation is performed twice for each upper byte and lower byte. When the main control CPU 72 reads the jackpot determination random number value from the designated address, the main control CPU 72 saves it at the transfer destination address as a jackpot determination random number corresponding to the first special symbol.

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

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

  Step S35: The main control CPU 72 transfers the saved jackpot determination random number, jackpot symbol random number, reach determination random number and variation pattern determination random number to the random number storage area corresponding to the first special symbol, and these random numbers are stored in the empty section in the area. Are stored as a set (storage means). The order (for example, first to fourth) is set in the plurality of sections. If all the first to fourth sections are empty at this stage, the random numbers are stored in order from the first section. Alternatively, if the first section is already filled and the other second to fourth sections are empty, the random numbers are stored in order from the second section. Note that the random number storage area is read out in a FIFO (First In First Out) format.

  Step S36: Next, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the current special game management status (game state) is a big hit. If it is not during the big hit (No), the main control CPU 72 executes the following steps S37 and S38. If it is a big hit (Yes), the main control CPU 72 skips steps S37 and S38 and proceeds to step S38a. The reason why this determination is made in the present embodiment is that the effect of pre-reading is not performed for the incoming ball generated during the big hit.

  Step S37: When the jackpot is not a big hit (Step S36: No), the main control CPU 72 executes an effect determination process at the time of acquisition for the first special symbol. This process determines the result of the internal lottery in advance (before the start of fluctuation) based on the jackpot determination random number and the jackpot symbol random number of the first special symbol respectively acquired in the previous steps S32 to S34, and thereby the production contents This is for determination (so-called “look ahead”). The specific processing contents will be described later with reference to another flowchart.

  Step S38: After returning from the at-acquisition effect determination process, the main control CPU 72 next sets the upper bytes (for example, “B8H”) of the special figure destination determination effect command for the first special symbol. This high-order byte data describes that the command type is “for special figure destination determination effect relating to the first special symbol”. Since the lower byte of the special figure destination determination effect command is set in the previous acquisition effect determination process (step S37), the upper byte is combined with the lower byte, for example. Will be generated.

  Step S38a: Next, the main control CPU 72 sets an effect command at the time of increasing the number of working memories regarding the first special symbol. Specifically, for the preceding value (for example, “BBH”) of the upper byte representing the type of command, a 1-word length in which the increased number of working memories (for example, “01H” to “04H”) is added to the lower byte. A production command is generated. At this time, for the lower byte, the second place is set to “0” by default to indicate that the value is “result (change information) due to increase in number of working memories”. That is, if the lower byte is “01H”, it indicates that the current working memory number has become “01H” as a result of increasing by one from the previous working memory number “00H”. Similarly, if the lower byte is “02H” to “04H”, it is increased by one from the previous working memory numbers “01H” to “03H”, so that the current working memory number is “02H” to “02H”. 04H ". The preceding value “BBH” is a value indicating that the current effect command is the working memory number command for the first special symbol.

  Step S39: The main control CPU 72 executes an effect command output setting process for the first special symbol. This process is for transmitting the special figure destination determination effect command generated in the previous step S38, the effect command for increasing the number of working memories generated in step S38a, and the start opening winning tone control command to the effect control device 124. (Memory number notification means).

  When the above procedure is finished or the first special symbol operation memory number has reached 4 (step S30: No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the switch input event process (FIG. 35).

[Second special symbol memory update process]
Next, FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the second special symbol memory update process (step S16 in FIG. 35). Hereinafter, the procedure of the second special symbol memory update process will be described in order.

  Step S40: The main control CPU 72 refers to the value of the second special symbol working memory number counter to check whether or not the working memory number is less than the maximum value. Similarly to the above, the second special symbol actuated memory number counter represents the number (number of sets) of jackpot determination random numbers and jackpot symbol random numbers stored in the random number storage area of the RAM 76. At this time, if the value of the second special symbol operation memory number counter reaches the maximum value (for example, 4) (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the switch input event process (FIG. 35). On the other hand, if the value of the second special symbol operation memory number counter is still less than the maximum value (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S41 and thereafter.

  Step S41: The main control CPU 72 increments the second special symbol working memory number by one (increments the value of the second special symbol working memory number counter). Similarly to the previous step S31 (FIG. 36), the lighting state of the second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a is controlled by the display output management process (step S210 in FIG. 34) based on the counter value added here. Will be.

  Step S42: The main control CPU 72 acquires a jackpot determination random number value corresponding to the second special symbol from the random number generator 75 through the sampling circuit 77 (acquisition of second lottery element, lottery element acquisition means). The method for acquiring the random number value is the same as step S32 (FIG. 36) described above.

  Step S43: Next, the main control CPU 72 acquires a jackpot symbol random number value corresponding to the second special symbol from the jackpot symbol random number counter area of the RAM 76. The method for acquiring the random value is the same as that in step S33 (FIG. 36) described above.

  Step S44: Also, the main control CPU 72 sequentially acquires a reach determination random number and a variation pattern determination random number regarding the variation condition of the second special symbol from the variation random number counter area of the RAM 76 (variation pattern determination element acquisition means). The acquisition of these random values is also performed in the same manner as step S34 (FIG. 36) described above.

  Step S45: The main control CPU 72 transfers the saved jackpot determination random number, jackpot symbol random number, reach determination random number, and variation pattern determination random number to the random number storage area corresponding to the second special symbol, and these random numbers in the empty section in the area Are stored as a set (storage means). The storage method is the same as step S35 (FIG. 36) described above.

  Step S45a: Next, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the current game management status (game state) is a big hit. If it is not a big hit (No), the main control CPU 72 executes the following steps S46 and S47. Conversely, if it is a big hit (Yes), the main control CPU 72 skips steps S46 and S47 and proceeds to step S48. The reason why this determination is made in the present embodiment is that the effect of pre-reading is not performed for the same incoming ball that occurred during the big hit.

  Step S46: When it is other than big hit (step S45a: No), next, the main control CPU 72 executes an effect determination process at the time of acquisition for the second special symbol. This process determines the result of the internal lottery in advance (before the start of the change) based on the big hit determination random number and the big hit symbol random number of the second special symbol obtained in the previous steps S42 to S44, respectively, It is for judging. The specific processing contents will be described later.

  Step S47: After returning from the effect determination process at the time of acquisition, the main control CPU 72 sets the upper byte (for example, “B9H”) of the special figure destination determination effect command. This high-order byte data describes that the command type is “for special figure destination determination effect relating to the second special symbol”. Similarly, since the lower byte of the special figure destination determination effect command is set in the previous effect determination processing at the time of acquisition (step S46), for example, one word is synthesized by combining the upper byte with the lower byte. A long command will be generated.

  Step S48: Next, the main control CPU 72 sets an effect command for increasing the number of working memories with respect to the second special symbol. Here, a one-word-length production command in which the increased number of working memories (for example, “01H” to “04H”) is added to the lower byte with respect to the preceding value (for example, “BCH”) representing the command type. Is generated. Similarly, for the second special symbol, the second place of the lower byte is set to “0” by default to indicate that the value is “a result of an increase in the number of working memories (change information)”. it can. The preceding value “BCH” is a value indicating that the current effect command is a working memory number command for the second special symbol.

  Step S49: The main control CPU 72 executes an effect command output setting process for the second special symbol. As a result, preparation for transmitting a special figure destination determination effect command, an effect command when increasing the number of operating memories, a start opening winning sound control command, and the like regarding the second special symbol to the effect control device 124 is performed (memory number notifying means). . When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the switch input event process (FIG. 35).

[Acquisition process during acquisition]
FIG. 38 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure of the effect determination process at the time of acquisition. The main control CPU 72 performs this acquisition effect determination process in the first special symbol memory update process and the second special symbol memory update process (step S37 in FIG. 36, step S46 in FIG. 37) (predetermined determination). Execution means). As described above, this processing is executed for each of the first special symbol (when entering the middle start winning opening 26) and the second special symbol (when entering the variable start winning device 28). Therefore, the following description may correspond to a process related to the first special symbol and a process related to the second special symbol. Hereinafter, the contents of the processing will be described along each procedure.

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

  Step S52: Next, the main control CPU 72 loads the jackpot determination random number as the first determination random value. The random numbers to be loaded here are those stored in the RAM 76 in the first special symbol memory update process (step S35 in FIG. 36) or the second special symbol memory update process (step S45 in FIG. 37). .

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

  Step S80: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a variation pattern information preliminary determination process at the time of deviation (variation pattern destination determination means). In this process, the main control CPU 72 generates the variation pattern destination determination command described above for the variation time at the time of disconnection. In the variation pattern destination determination command generated here, prior determination information regarding the variation time (or variation pattern number) particularly when the “time reduction function” is activated is reflected. For example, if the current state is when the “time reduction function” is activated, the main control CPU 72 corresponds to the “out-of-reach fluctuation fluctuation (non-shortening fluctuation time)” based on the loaded reach determination random number. Judge whether there is. As a result, when the fluctuation time corresponds to “outlier reach fluctuation (non-shortening fluctuation time)”, the main control CPU 72 generates a fluctuation pattern destination determination command corresponding to “short-time / non-shortening fluctuation time”. In the case of reach variation, it is also possible to determine a “reach group (type of reach)” from the reach mode random number and generate a variation pattern destination determination command from the result. On the other hand, when the fluctuation time does not correspond to the “outlier reach fluctuation (non-shortening fluctuation time)”, the main control CPU 72 generates a fluctuation pattern destination determination command corresponding to the “short / mid-shortening fluctuation time”. Alternatively, if the current state is when the “time reduction function” is inactive (low probability state), the main control CPU 72 corresponds to the “normally out of reach reach fluctuation” based on the loaded reach determination random number. It is determined whether or not. As a result, when the fluctuation time corresponds to “normally deviation reach fluctuation”, the main control CPU 72 generates a fluctuation pattern destination determination command corresponding to “normally deviation reach fluctuation time”. On the other hand, when the fluctuation time does not correspond to “normally deviation reach fluctuation”, the main control CPU 72 generates a fluctuation pattern destination determination command corresponding to “normal deviation fluctuation time”. Further, the variation pattern destination determination command generated here is set in the transmission buffer in the effect command output setting process (steps S39 and S49) as described above. In this process, the main control CPU 72 may generate a change pattern destination determination command for the change pattern at the time of small hit, similarly to the above-described process at the time of loss.

  When the above procedure is executed, the main control CPU 72 ends the acquisition effect determination process after executing the determination result management process of step S82, and the first special symbol memory update process (FIG. 36) or the second special symbol of the caller. The process returns to the storage update process (FIG. 37). On the other hand, if it is determined in the previous step S54 that the loaded random number is not outside the range of the winning value but within the range (step S54: No), the main control CPU 72 then proceeds to step S56.

  Step S56: The main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the probability state schedule flag based on the previous determination result is set. The probability state schedule flag based on the previous determination result is set when there is a winning value among the jackpot determination random numbers stored so far, although the fluctuation has not yet started. Specifically, if there is a winning value in the jackpot decision random number stored so far, if the jackpot symbol random number paired with this corresponds to “probability variation”, for example, the probability state schedule flag “A0H” is set. This value represents a flag value for setting as a schedule that a high probability state is to be set in advance determination (prefetching determination) of the jackpot determined random number acquired after the jackpot determined random number. On the other hand, if there is a winning value in the jackpot decision random number stored so far, and the jackpot symbol random number paired with this corresponds to "non-probable (normal) symbol", the probability state For example, “01H” is set in the schedule flag. This value represents a flag value for setting as a schedule that a normal (low) probability state is set in advance determination (prefetching determination) of the big hit determination random number acquired after this big hit determination random number. If the winning value does not exist in the big hit determination random numbers stored so far, the flag value is reset (00H). Further, the value of the probability state schedule flag is stored in the flag area of the RAM 76, for example. Here, an example is given in which the advance hit determination is strictly performed using the “probability state schedule flag”. However, when the advance hit determination is simply performed based on the current probability state, step S56 and the subsequent steps are performed. Step S58, step S60, step S62, step S76, etc. may be omitted.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Step S72: The main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the random number loaded in the previous step S52 is out of the winning value range (lottery result destination determination means). That is, the main control CPU 72 subtracts the jackpot determination random number value from the comparison value set for each state. Similarly, the main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the calculation result is a negative value (<0) from the value of the flag register, and if the result is that the loaded random number is outside the range of the winning value (Yes) ), The main control CPU 72 executes the above-described variation pattern information preliminary determination process (step S80). On the other hand, if the loaded random number is not outside the range of the winning value but is within the range (No), the main control CPU 72 then proceeds to step S74.

  Step S74: The main control CPU 72 executes a jackpot symbol type determination process. This process is for determining the big hit type (winning type) at that time based on the big hit symbol random number paired with the big hit decision random number. For example, the main control CPU 72 loads the jackpot symbol random number for each symbol stored in the first special symbol memory update process (step S35 in FIG. 36) or the second special symbol memory update process (step S45 in FIG. 37). Then, the calculation using the comparison value is executed in the same manner as in step S54 described above, and from the result, it is determined whether the jackpot type corresponds to “non-probable (normal) symbol” or “probable variation”. The main control CPU 72 stores the determination result at this time as a special symbol destination determination value, and proceeds to the next step S76.

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

  Step S78: The main control CPU 72 sets the special symbol destination determination value stored in the previous step S74 as the lower byte of the special symbol destination determination effect command. As the special symbol destination determination value, for example, “01H” is set when it corresponds to “non-probable (normal) symbol”, and “A0H” is set when it corresponds to “probable variation”. In any case, by setting the lower byte data here, the standard lower byte data “00H” set in the previous step S50 is rewritten.

  Step S79: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a big hit hour variation pattern information prior determination process (variation pattern destination determination means). In this process, the main control CPU 72 generates the above-described variation pattern destination determination command for the variation time at the big hit. In the variation pattern destination determination command generated here, for example, prior determination information related to the reach variation time (or variation pattern number) at the time of big hit is reflected. Further, the variation pattern destination determination command generated here is set in the transmission buffer in the effect command output setting process (steps S39 and S49) as described above.

  The above is the procedure before the probability state schedule flag based on the previous determination result is set (before the internal first hit). On the other hand, when the probability state schedule flag is set through the previous step S76, the following procedure is executed. However, when the previous hit determination is performed only with the current probability state as described above, it is not necessary to execute the following step S56, step S58, step S60, step S62, and step S76.

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

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

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

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

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

  When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the first special symbol memory update process (FIG. 36) or the second special symbol memory update process (FIG. 37).

[Special design game processing]
Next, the details of the special symbol game process executed in the interrupt management process (FIG. 34) will be described. FIG. 39 is a flowchart showing a configuration example of the special symbol game process. The special symbol game process includes an execution selection process (step S1000), a special symbol change pre-process (step S2000), a special symbol change process (step S3000), a special symbol stop display process (step S4000), and a bonus game variable winning device. This is a configuration including a subroutine (program module) group of a management process (step S5000) and a small winning time variable winning device management process (step S6000). First, the basic flow of the special symbol game process will be described along each process.

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

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

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

  Step S3000: In the special symbol variation processing, the main control CPU 72 performs drive control of the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35 while counting the variation timer. Specifically, an ON or OFF drive signal (1 byte data) is output for each segment and dot (0th to 7th) of the 7-segment LED. The pattern of the drive signal changes with the passage of time, whereby a special symbol is displayed in a variable manner.

  Step S4000: In the special symbol stop display process, the main control CPU 72 controls the drive of the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35. Similarly, an ON or OFF drive signal is output for each segment and dot of the 7-segment LED. However, the pattern of the drive signal is constant, whereby a special symbol is stopped and displayed.

  Step S5000: The jackpot variable winning device management process is selected when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a big-hit manner in the previous special symbol stop display process. For example, when a special symbol is stopped and displayed in the form of a big hit of four rounds or a big hit of 16 rounds, an opportunity to shift from a normal state until then to a big hit gaming state (a special gaming state advantageous to the player) occurs. During the big hit game, the jump destination is set in the big win time variable winning device management process in the previous execution selection process (step S1000), and the special symbol variation display is not performed. In the big win variable winning device management process, the big winning opening solenoid 90 is set for a predetermined time (for example, 29 seconds, 0.1 seconds or until ten game balls are counted), For example, the variable winning device 30 is opened and closed in a predetermined pattern (continuous operation of the special electric accessory). In the meantime, by allowing the variable winning device 30 to win the game balls intensively, the player is given an opportunity to collect a lot of prize balls (special game execution means). Note that the opening / closing operation of the variable winning device 30 at the time of the big win is referred to as “round”, and if the total number of continuous operations is 16 times, these may be collectively referred to as “16 rounds”. In this embodiment, 16 round jackpots and 4 round jackpots are provided as types of jackpots. However, for 16 round jackpots and 4 round jackpots, a plurality of winning types (winning symbols) may be provided therein. Good.

  Further, when the main control CPU 72 sets a big winning opening opening pattern (number of rounds, number of opening / closing operations per round, opening time, etc.) in the big win variable winning device management process, the opening / closing of the variable winning device 30 for one round is set. Each time the operation is completed, the value of the round number counter is incremented by one. The value of the round number counter is stored in the count area of the RAM 76 with an initial value of 0, for example. Further, the main control CPU 72 generates a round number command representing the value of the round number counter. The round number command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S123 in FIG. 32). When the value of the round number counter reaches the set number of continuous operations, the main control CPU 72 ends the big hit game (big player) only for that round.

  When the big hit game ends, the main control CPU 72 changes the state after the big hit game (high probability state, time reduction state) based on the game state flag (probability variation function operation flag, time reduction function operation flag) ( High probability time shortening state transition means, high probability non-time shortening state transition means). In the “high probability state”, the probability variation function is activated, and the winning probability in the internal lottery becomes, for example, about ten times higher than usual (advantageous state transition means, high probability state transition means, high probability state setting means). Further, in the “time reduction state”, the time reduction function is activated, and the normal symbol operation lottery has a high probability as described above, and the variation time of the normal symbol is shortened and the opening time of the variable start winning device 28 is reduced. Is extended and the number of times of opening increases (so-called electric Chu support is performed). For this reason, the main control CPU 72 can set the normal state and the advantageous state as the internal state based on the game state flag (internal state setting means). Note that the “high probability state” and the “time reduction state” may be transferred to only one of them in terms of control, or may be transferred in accordance with both of them.

  Step S6000: The small winning hour variable winning device management process is selected when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the small winning manner in the special symbol stop display process. For example, when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a small hit state, an opportunity to shift from the normal state until then to the small hit gaming state occurs. During the small hit game, the jump destination is set in the small hit prize variable winning device management process in the previous execution selection process (step S1000), and the special symbol variation display is not performed. In the small hit game, the variable winning device 30 opens and closes a predetermined number of times (for example, twice) for a predetermined opening time (for example, 0.1 seconds), but hardly enters the big winning opening.

[Multiple winning types]
In the present embodiment, “four round normal jackpot”, “four round probability variation jackpot”, and “16 round probability variation jackpot” are prepared as a plurality of winning types.

  The winning type corresponds to the type of the first special symbol or the second special symbol that is stopped and displayed at the time of winning. For example, “4 round normal jackpot” corresponds to “4 round normal symbol” jackpot, “4 round probability variable jackpot” corresponds to “4 round probability variable jackpot”, and “16 round probability jackpot” is “16 rounds”. Corresponds to the jackpot of "probable variation". Therefore, hereinafter, the “winning type” will be appropriately referred to as “winning symbol”.

[4 round normal design]
In the special symbol stop display processing described above, when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the form of “four round normal symbol”, an opportunity to shift from the normal state until then to the big hit gaming state occurs (special game execution means) . In this case, the grand prize opening is opened once each over a sufficiently long time (for example, a maximum opening time of 29.0 seconds) from the first round, and this continues until the fourth round. For this reason, in the “4-round normal symbol” jackpot game, four rounds of outgoing balls (prize balls) are given to the player. When a predetermined number of times (for example, 10 times = 10 game balls) is generated within one round, the special winning opening is closed without waiting for the longest opening time to elapse. In this case, since the “probability change function” is not activated, the privilege to shift to the “high probability state” is not given to the player, but since the “time reduction function” is activated, the privilege to shift to the “time reduction state” is not It is given to the player.

[4 rounds probable variation]
In the special symbol stop display processing described above, when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the form of “4-round probability variation symbol”, an opportunity to shift from the normal state until then to the big hit gaming state occurs (special game execution means) . In this case, the grand prize opening is opened once each over a sufficiently long time (for example, a maximum opening time of 29.0 seconds) from the first round, and this continues until the fourth round. For this reason, the big hit game of “4 rounds probable variation symbol” gives 4 rounds (prize balls) to the player. In this case, since the “probability changing function” and the “time shortening function” are activated, a privilege to shift to the “high probability time shortening state” is given to the player. In the case of “4-round probability variation symbol”, since the number of time reductions given is 10,000, the “high probability time shortening state” is not substantially ended.

[16 rounds probable design]
In the special symbol stop display processing described above, when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the form of “16 round probability variation symbol”, an opportunity to shift from the normal state until then to the big hit gaming state occurs (special game execution means) . In this case, the grand prize opening is opened once each over a sufficiently long time (for example, a maximum opening time of 29.0 seconds) from the first round, and this continues until the 16th round. For this reason, the big hit game of “16-round probability variation pattern” gives the player 16 balls (prize balls) for the game. In this case, since the “probability changing function” and the “time shortening function” are activated, a privilege to shift to the “high probability time shortening state” is given to the player. In addition, when it corresponds to "16 round probability variation symbol", since the number of time reduction given is 10000 times, the "high probability time shortening state" is not substantially ended.

  In any case, when the winning symbol corresponds to the above “4 round probability variation” or “16 round probability variation symbol”, the player is given a privilege to shift the internal state to the “high probability state” after the big hit game. In addition, if the internal lottery is won in the “high probability state” and the winning symbol at that time corresponds to “4 round probability variation” or “16 round probability variation symbol”, the “high probability state” continues even after the end of the jackpot game ( Resumed). On the other hand, if the internal lottery is won in the “high probability state” and the above “4 round normal symbol” is met, the internal state returns to the low probability state (normal probability state) after the big hit game is over. In addition, if the internal lottery is won in the low probability state and it corresponds to “4 round normal symbol”, the internal state is maintained in the low probability state even after the big hit game ends.

[Small hits]
Further, in the present embodiment, small wins are provided as winning types other than non-winning. When winning a small winning game, a small winning game is performed separately from the big winning game, and the variable winning device 30 is opened and closed (special game executing means). In other words, when the first special symbol is stopped and displayed in a small hit state in the special symbol stop display process, the small hit game (the game in which the variable winning device 30 operates) in the low probability state or the high probability state. (In this embodiment, the small hit is not set for the second special symbol, but the small hit may be set for the second special symbol.). In such a small hit game, the variable winning device 30 opens and closes a predetermined number of times (for example, twice), but hardly enters the big winning opening. In addition, even if the small hit game ends, the “probability variation function” does not operate, and the “time reduction function” does not operate, so the “probability state” or “time reduction state” The privilege to be transferred is not granted (it is not a prerequisite for that). Also, even if you win a small hit in the “high probability state”, the “high probability state” will not end after the small hit game ends. The “time reduction state” does not end after the winning game ends (except when the upper limit is reached). In the present embodiment, the game specification for setting a small hit is used, but it may be a game specification for not setting a small hit.

[Special symbol change pre-treatment]
FIG. 40 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the special symbol variation pre-processing. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along each procedure.

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

  Step S2500: In this process, the main control CPU 72 generates a demonstration effect command. The demonstration effect command is output to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S123 in FIG. 32). When the demo setting process is executed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol game process. At the time of return, it returns to the end address as described above (and so on).

  On the other hand, if the value of the working memory number counter of either the first special symbol or the second special symbol is greater than 0 (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S2200.

  Step S2200: The main control CPU 72 executes a special symbol storage area shift process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 preferentially reads out the lottery random numbers (big hit determination random number, big hit symbol random number) stored in the random number storage area of the RAM 76, which corresponds to the second special symbol. At this time, if random numbers are stored in two or more sections, the main control CPU 72 reads and erases (consumes) the random numbers in order from the first section, and then moves (shifts) the remaining random numbers one by one to the previous section. ) The read random number is stored, for example, in another temporary storage area. When the random number corresponding to the second special symbol is not stored, the main control CPU 72 reads the random number corresponding to the first special symbol and stores it in the temporary storage area. Each random number stored in the temporary storage area is used for internal lottery in the next jackpot determination process. As a result, in the present embodiment, the variable display of the second special symbol is preferentially performed over the first special symbol. In addition, the program which reads a random number in the order memorize | stored simply may be sufficient, without providing the priority order according to such special symbols. Further, in this process, the main control CPU 72 subtracts one value of the working memory number counter (the one of the first special symbol or the second special symbol which has been subjected to the random number shift) stored in the RAM 76, and after the subtraction Is set to “Number of working memories at start of change”. Thereby, the display mode of the number stored by the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a or the second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a changes (decreases by 1) in the display output management process (step S210 in FIG. 34). . When the procedure so far is finished, the main control CPU 72 then executes step S2300.

  Step S2300: The main control CPU 72 executes a big hit determination process (internal lottery). In this process, the main control CPU 72 first sets a range of the big hit value and determines whether or not the read random number value is included in this range (lottery execution means). The range of the jackpot value set at this time is different between the low probability state and the high probability state (when the probability variation function is activated). In the high probability state, the range of the jackpot value is expanded to about 10 times that of the low probability state. The If the random value read at this time is included in the range of the big hit value, the main control CPU 72 sets the big hit flag (01H), and then proceeds to step S2400.

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

  Step S2400: The main control CPU 72 determines whether or not a value (01H) is set for the big hit flag in the previous big hit determination process. If the value (01H) is not set in the jackpot flag (No), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S2402.

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

  Step S2404: The main control CPU 72 executes an off-time stop symbol determination process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sets stop symbol number data at the time of disconnection by the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35. Further, the main control CPU 72 generates a stop symbol command and a lottery result command (at the time of losing) to be transmitted to the effect control device 124. These commands are transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S123 in FIG. 32).

  In this embodiment, since the 7-segment LED is used for the first special symbol display device 34 and the second special symbol display device 35, for example, the display mode of the stop symbol at the time of disconnection is always set to one segment (the center It is possible to fix the stop symbol number data to one value (for example, 64H) by keeping only the lighting display of the bar "-"). In this case, the storage capacity used in the program can be reduced, the processing load on the main control CPU 72 can be reduced, and the processing speed can be improved.

  Step S2405: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a deviation variation pattern determination process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the fluctuation pattern number at the time of deviation for the special symbol (fluctuation pattern selection means). The variation pattern number is used to distinguish the variation display type (pattern) of the special symbol or to correspond to the variation time required for the variation display. Since the fluctuation time at the time of loss differs depending on whether or not it is the above “time reduction state”, in this process, the main control CPU 72 loads the gaming state flag and the current state is “time reduction state”. Check if it exists. In the “time reduction state”, except for the case where reach fluctuation is basically performed, the fluctuation time at the time of disconnection is set to a shortened time (for example, about 2.0 seconds) (shortening fluctuation time determination means) ). In addition, even if not in the “time shortening state”, the fluctuation time at the time of losing is based on, for example, “the number of operating memories at the start of fluctuation display (0 to 3)” set in step S2200, except when the reach fluctuation occurs (For example, the number of working memories at the start of variable display 0 to about 12.5 seconds, the number of operating memories at the start of variable display 1 to about 8 seconds, the number of operating memories at the start of variable display 2 to 5 → About 3 seconds, the number of working memories at the start of variable display is 3 → 2.5 seconds). Note that the symbol stop display time at the time of disconnection is constant (for example, about 0.5 seconds) regardless of the variation pattern. The main control CPU 72 sets the value of the determined fluctuation time (at the time of disconnection) in the fluctuation timer, and sets the value of the stop display time at the time of disconnection in the stop symbol display timer.

  In the present embodiment, when the result of the internal lottery is a non-winning result, for example, a “reach effect” is generated and the control is performed so that the “reach effect” is not generated. It is said. The “variation pattern selection table at the time of loss” preliminarily defines variation patterns corresponding to a plurality of types of effects such as “non-reach effect” and “reach effect”. One of the fluctuation patterns is selected from the inside. The reach production includes various reach production such as normal reach production, long reach production, super reach production, and the like.

[Example of variation pattern selection table for loss]
FIG. 41 is a diagram illustrating an example of the deviation variation pattern selection table.
This selection table is a table to be used at the time of loss (when not winning) (fluctuation pattern defining means). In addition, this selection table has a structure in which, for example, “comparison value” and “variation pattern number” are stored as a set of 1 byte each in order from the head address. The “comparison value” includes, for example, eight different values “101”, “201”, “211”, “221”, “231”, “241”, “251”, “255 (FFH)”. “1” to “8” of “variation pattern number” are assigned to each “comparison value”.

  Fluctuation pattern numbers “1” to “5” correspond to fluctuation patterns that are out of reach without performing a reach effect, and fluctuation pattern numbers “6” to “8” are fluctuation patterns that are out of reach after reaching. It corresponds. The variation pattern selection table may have different table contents depending on the number of working memories at the start of variation, the internal state (low probability state or high probability state, non-time shortened state or time shortened state), and the winning symbol (hereinafter, The same).

  Here, the length of the set fluctuation time is greatly different between the non-reach fluctuation pattern and the reach fluctuation pattern. That is, the “non-reach fluctuation pattern” basically corresponds to a short fluctuation time (for example, about 2.0 seconds to 13.0 seconds depending on the number of working memories), whereas the “reach fluctuation pattern” This corresponds to a long fluctuation time (for example, about 30 seconds to 150 seconds) more than twice as long.

  Then, the main control CPU 72 sequentially compares the obtained variation pattern determination random value with the “comparison value” in the variation pattern selection table, and if the random value is equal to or less than the comparison value, The corresponding variation pattern number is selected (variation pattern determining means). For example, if the variation pattern determination random value at that time is “190”, the main control CPU 72 determines that the random value exceeds the comparison value when compared with the first comparison value “101”. 201 "is compared with the random value. In this case, since the random value is equal to or smaller than the comparison value, the main control CPU 72 selects “2” as the corresponding variation pattern number.

[Refer to Fig. 40: Special symbol change pre-processing]
The above steps S2404 and S2405 are control procedures when the big hit determination result is out of place (in the case of non-winning), but when the determination result is big hit (step S2400: Yes) or small hit (step S2402: Yes), The main control CPU 72 executes the following procedure. First, the case of jackpot will be described.

  Step S2410: The main control CPU 72 executes a big hit stop symbol determination process (winning type determination means). In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the type of the winning symbol (stop symbol number at the time of jackpot) for each special symbol (first special symbol or second special symbol) based on the jackpot symbol random number. The relationship between the jackpot symbol random number value and the type of winning symbol is defined in advance in the special symbol determination data table (winning type defining means). For this reason, the main control CPU 72 can determine the type of winning symbol based on the big hit symbol random number from the stored contents by referring to the big hit symbol stop selection table in the big hit symbol stop determination process.

[Winning pattern at the time of big hit]
In the present embodiment, there are roughly three types of winning symbols that are selectively determined at the time of a big hit. The three types are “4-round normal symbol”, “4-round probability variable symbol”, and “16 round probability variable symbol”. Each of the three types of winning symbols may further include a plurality of winning symbols. For example, “4 round normal symbol”, “4 round normal symbol a”, “4 round normal symbol b”, “4 round normal symbol c”, and so on.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, the selection ratio of the winning symbol selected at the time of the big winning of the internal lottery corresponding to the first special symbol and the second special symbol is different. For this reason, the main control CPU 72 distinguishes the winning symbol to be selected depending on whether the result of the big hit this time corresponds to the first special symbol or the second special symbol.

[First Special Symbol Big Stop Stop Symbol Selection Table]
FIG. 42 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a first special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table. When the result of the big hit this time corresponds to the first special symbol, the main control CPU 72 refers to the first special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table (winning type defining means) to determine the type of the winning symbol.

  In the first special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table, the left column shows the distribution value by winning symbol, and each distribution value “30”, “65”, “5” is set to 100. Corresponds to the ratio of cases. In the second column from the left, “4 round normal symbol”, “4 round probability variation symbol”, and “16 round probability variation symbol” corresponding to each distribution value are shown.

  At the time of the big hit corresponding to the first special symbol, the ratio of selecting “4-round normal symbol” is 30/100 (= 30%), and the rate of selecting “4-round probability variable symbol” is 65/100. (= 65%), and the ratio at which the “16-round probability variation symbol” is selected is 5/100 (= 5%).

  The size of each distribution value corresponds to the selection ratio for each winning symbol using a jackpot symbol random number. Therefore, the selection ratio of the probability variation symbol for the first special symbol as a whole is 70%.

  In any case, if the current jackpot result corresponds to the first special symbol, the main control CPU 72 performs a selection lottery based on the jackpot symbol random number, and the selection ratio shown in the first special symbol jackpot stop symbol selection table To select the winning symbol selectively. Further, in the first special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table, for example, 2-byte command data is defined as a stop symbol command at the time of winning as shown in the third column from the left. The stop symbol command is described by, for example, a combination of MODE value-EVENT value, and among these, the MODE value “B1H” of the upper byte is selected when the winning symbol of this time is the big hit of the first special symbol. Represents. Further, the EVENT values “01H” to “03H” in the lower byte represent the types of winning symbols corresponding to the selection table. Therefore, for example, if the result of the big hit this time corresponds to the first special symbol, and “4 round normal symbol” is selected as the winning symbol, the stop symbol command at the time of winning is described as “B1H01H” It will be.

  As described above, when the selected symbol is selected from the first special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table, the main control CPU 72 generates a stop symbol command at that time. The generated stop symbol command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process described above, for example. Further, the main control CPU 72 determines a big hit stop symbol number for the first special symbol based on the selected winning symbol.

[Probable number of changes]
The second column from the right of the first special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table shows the value of the probability variation number (the maximum number of times that the internal lottery can be executed in a high probability state) given after the big hit game ends. Has been.

  In the present embodiment, when the “four-round normal symbol” is met, the probability variation number is not given (0 times is given). On the other hand, in the case of corresponding to “4 round probability variation symbol” or “16 round probability variation symbol”, the probability variation number is given 10,000 times.

[Time reduction]
In the rightmost column of the first special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table, the value of the number of time reductions (the maximum number of times that the internal lottery can be executed in the time shortened state) given after the end of the big hit game is shown. ing.

  In the present embodiment, in the case of “4-round normal symbol”, the number of time reductions is given 100 times. On the other hand, in the case of “4 round probability variation” or “16 round probability variation”, the number of time reductions is given 10,000 times. In addition, regarding the provision of the number of time reductions, different values may be set according to the winning probability of a special symbol or the winning probability of a normal symbol.

[2nd special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table]
FIG. 43 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the second special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table. The main control CPU 72 determines the type of winning symbol with reference to the second special symbol big-hit stop symbol selection table (winning type defining means) when the result of the big jackpot corresponds to the second special symbol.

  Also in the second special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table, the left column shows the distribution value for each winning symbol, and each distribution value “30”, “20”, “50” indicates the denominator as 100. This corresponds to the ratio of Similarly, in the second column from the left, “4 round normal symbol”, “4 round probability variation symbol” and “16 round probability variation symbol” corresponding to each distribution value are shown.

  At the jackpot corresponding to the second special symbol, the ratio of “4-round normal symbol” is 30/100 (= 30%), and the proportion of “4-round probability variable symbol” is 100 minutes. Of 20 (= 20%), and the ratio of “16 round probability variation” is 50/100 (= 50%). Therefore, also for the second special symbol, the selection ratio of the probability variation symbol as a whole is 70%.

  When the result of this big hit corresponds to the second special symbol, the main control CPU 72 performs a selection lottery based on the big hit symbol random number, and selects the winning symbol with the selection ratio shown in the second special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table To decide. Similarly, in the second special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table, for example, 2-byte command data is defined as the stop symbol command at the time of winning as shown in the third column from the left. Again, the stop symbol command is described by the combination of the above MODE value-EVENT value. Among these, the MODE value “B2H” of the upper byte is the one selected when the winning symbol of the second special symbol is the current winning symbol. It represents that. Further, the EVENT values “01H” to “03H” in the lower byte represent the types of winning symbols corresponding to the selection table. For this reason, for example, if the result of the big hit this time corresponds to the second special symbol, and “16 round probability variation symbol” is selected as the winning symbol, the stop symbol command will be described as “B2H03H”. .

  As described above, when the selected symbol is selected from the second special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table, the main control CPU 72 generates a stop symbol command at that time. The generated stop symbol command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process described above, for example. Further, the main control CPU 72 determines a big hit stop symbol number for the second special symbol based on the selected winning symbol.

[Probable number of changes]
In the second column from the right of the second special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table, the value of the probability variation number given after the end of the big hit game is shown. The value of the probability variation number is the same as in the case of the first special symbol.

[Time reduction]
In the rightmost column of the second special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table, the value of the number of time reductions given after the end of the big hit game is shown. The value of the number of time reductions is the same as in the case of the first special symbol. Note that regarding the provision of the number of time reductions, a different value may be set depending on the presence or absence of the time reduction state. For example, when winning in a non-time shortened state, the number of time reductions may be set to zero.

  Note that the selection ratio of the winning symbol differs between the first special symbol and the second special symbol as described above, for example, for the following reason. That is, when shifting to the “high probability state” or “time shortening state”, the variable start winning device 28 operates more frequently than in the normal time (when the time shortening function is not in operation). The working memory for the second special symbol is more easily accumulated than the working memory for. In this case, if the selection ratio of “16 round probability variation symbol” is increased for the second special symbol, it becomes easier to correspond to “16 round probability variation symbol” than usual, so that the player's profit can be increased accordingly. This is because there is an advantage.

[Refer to Fig. 40: Special symbol change pre-processing]
Step S2412: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a big hit hour variation pattern determination process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the variation pattern (variation time and stop display time) of the first special symbol or the second special symbol based on the variation pattern determination random number shifted in the previous step S2200. The main control CPU 72 sets the value of the determined variation time in the variation timer, and sets the value of the stop display time in the stop symbol display timer. In general, in the case of big hit reach fluctuation, a fluctuation time longer than that at the time of loss is determined.

  In this embodiment, when the result of the internal lottery corresponds to a big hit or the like, for example, a “reach effect” is generated on the production to perform a big hit. In the “big hit fluctuation pattern selection table”, fluctuation patterns corresponding to a plurality of types of “reach effects” are defined, and when a big hit is hit, one of the fluctuation patterns is selected. Will be. The reach production includes various reach production such as normal reach production, long reach production, super reach production, and the like.

  In this embodiment, the variation pattern is not distinguished depending on the internal state or the type of jackpot (winning symbol), but the variation pattern may be varied depending on the internal state or the winning symbol. In addition, when winning with the time shortening function activated, a variation pattern having a short variation time (a variation pattern not performing reach production) may be selected without selecting a variation pattern having a long variation time. Good.

[Example of big hit fluctuation pattern selection table]
FIG. 44 is a diagram illustrating an example of the big hit hour variation pattern selection table.
This selection table is a table used at the time of big hit (fluctuation pattern defining means). In addition, this selection table has a structure in which, for example, “comparison value” and “variation pattern number” are stored as a set of 1 byte each in order from the head address. The “comparison value” includes, for example, eight different values “101”, “201”, “211”, “221”, “231”, “241”, “251”, “255 (FFH)”. “61” to “68” of “variation pattern number” are assigned to each “comparison value”.

  The variation pattern numbers “61” to “68” all correspond to the variation pattern that is a hit when the reach effect is performed.

  The main control CPU 72 sequentially compares the obtained variation pattern determination random value with the “comparison value” in the variation pattern selection table, and if the random value is equal to or less than the comparison value, the main control CPU 72 corresponds to the comparison value. A variation pattern number is selected (variation pattern determination means). For example, if the variation pattern determination random value at that time is “190”, the main control CPU 72 determines that the random value exceeds the comparison value when compared with the first comparison value “101”. 201 "is compared with the random value. In this case, since the random value is equal to or smaller than the comparison value, the main control CPU 72 selects “62” as the corresponding variation pattern number.

[Refer to Fig. 40: Special symbol change pre-processing]
Step S2414: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a big hit other setting process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 changes the probability as a gaming state flag when the type of winning symbol determined in the previous step S2410 (stop symbol number at the time of big hit) is “4 round probability variation symbol” or “16 round probability variation symbol”. The function operation flag value (01H) is set in the flag area of the RAM 76 (high probability state setting means). The main control CPU 72 resets the value of the probability variation function operation flag as the gaming state flag when the type of the winning symbol determined in the previous step S2410 is “4 round normal symbol” (low probability state setting means). .

  In addition, the main control CPU 72, when the type of winning symbol (hit stop symbol number) determined in the previous step S2410 is "4 round normal symbol", "4 round probability variation" or "16 round probability variation symbol" The control CPU 72 sets the value (01H) of the time reduction function operation flag as a game state flag in the flag area of the RAM 76 (time reduction state transition means, time reduction function operation means).

  In the process of step S2414, the main control CPU 72 determines the display mode of the stop symbol (big hit symbol) by the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35 based on the big hit time stop symbol number. At the same time, the main control CPU 72 generates a lottery result command (at the time of the big hit) together with the stop symbol command (at the time of the big hit). The stop symbol command and the lottery result command are also transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process.

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

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

  Step S2408: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a small hit hour variation pattern determination process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the variation pattern (variation time and stop display time) of the first special symbol or the second special symbol based on the variation pattern determination random number shifted in the previous step S2200 (variation pattern selection means). ). Further, the main control CPU 72 sets the determined variation time value in the variation timer, and sets the stop display time value in the stop symbol display timer. In the present embodiment, the reach variation pattern can be selected in the case of a small hit, or a variation pattern equivalent to that in the normal variation can be selected.

[Refer to Fig. 40: Special symbol change pre-processing]
Step S2409: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a small hitting and other setting process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the display mode of the stop symbol (small hit symbol) by the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35 based on the stop symbol number at the time of small hit. In addition, the main control CPU 72 generates a stop symbol command and a lottery result command (at the time of a small hit) to be transmitted to the effect control device 124. The stop symbol command and the lottery result command are also transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process.

  Step S2415: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes special symbol variation start processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 selects the fluctuation pattern data based on the fluctuation pattern number (out of time / hit). At the same time, the main control CPU 72 sets a special symbol variation start flag in the flag area of the RAM 76. Then, the main control CPU 72 generates a change start command to be transmitted to the effect control device 124. This variation start command is also transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process. When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 sets the special symbol changing process (step S3000) as the next jump destination and returns to the special symbol game process.

[FIG. 39: Special symbol changing process, special symbol stop display process]
In the special symbol fluctuation processing, the main control CPU 72 loads the value of the fluctuation timer from the register to the timer counter as described above, and then the timer according to the passage of time (clock pulse count number or interrupt counter value). Decrement the counter value. The main control CPU 72 controls the special symbol variation display as described above until the value becomes 0 while referring to the value of the timer counter. When the value of the timer counter becomes 0, the main control CPU 72 sets the special symbol stop display in-progress process (step S4000) as the next jump destination.

  In the special symbol stop display process, the main control CPU 72 controls the special symbol stop display based on the stop symbol determined in the stop symbol determination process (step S2404, step S2407, and step S2410 in FIG. 40). The main control CPU 72 generates a symbol stop command to be transmitted to the effect control device 124. The symbol stop command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process. When the stop symbol is displayed for a predetermined time in the special symbol stop display process, the main control CPU 72 deletes the symbol changing flag.

[Special symbol memory area shift processing]
FIG. 45 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the special symbol storage area shift process. When the value of the working memory counter corresponding to the first special symbol or the second special symbol is larger than “0” in the previous special symbol variation pre-processing (step S2100: Yes in FIG. 40), the main control CPU 72 Executes this special symbol storage area shift process. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along each procedure.

  Step S2210: The main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the value of the operation memory counter corresponding to the second special symbol that is preferentially consumed is “0”. At this time, if the value of the operation memory counter corresponding to the second special symbol is “1” or more (No), the main control CPU 72 then proceeds to step S2212.

  Step S2212: The main control CPU 72 designates the second special symbol as a special symbol for shifting the storage area. This designation is performed, for example, by setting “02H” as the target symbol designation value.

  Step S2214: On the other hand, when the value of the working memory counter corresponding to the second special symbol is “0” (step S2210: Yes), the main control CPU 72 uses the first special symbol as a special symbol to be shifted in the storage area. Is specified. The designation in this case is performed, for example, by setting “01H” as the target symbol designation value.

  Step S2216: The main control CPU 72 shifts the random number storage area of the RAM 76 for the target special symbol designated in either step S2212 or step S2214. The details of the specific processing are as already described in the previous special symbol change pre-processing.

  Step S2218: Next, the main control CPU 72 subtracts the value of the operation memory counter for the target special symbol. For example, if the target to shift the current storage area is the second special symbol, the main control CPU 72 subtracts (-1) the value of the working memory counter corresponding to the second special symbol.

  Step S2220: Then, the main control CPU 72 sets “the number of operation memories at the start of fluctuation” from the value of the operation memory counter after the subtraction. Here, for both the first special symbol and the second special symbol, the value of the operation memory counter may be added and the “number of operation memories at the start of change” may be set.

Step S2222: Further, the main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the special symbol to be shifted in the current storage area is the second special symbol.
Step S2224: When the target is the second special symbol (step S2222: Yes), the main control CPU 72 sets the working command when the number of working memories is reduced for the second special symbol. The effect command set here is also generated as a one-word-length command, but its structure is in contrast to the above-described “effect command when increasing the number of working memories”. That is, the production command at the time when the number of working memories decreases is lower than the value of lower bytes (for example, “00H” to “03H” that represents the number of working memories after reduction with respect to the preceding value (for example, “BCH”) of the upper bytes representing the command type. )) And an additional value (for example, “10H”) meaning “decrease in the number of working memories accompanying consumption” is further added (logical sum) to the lower byte value. Therefore, for the lower byte, the second value becomes “1” by ORing the added value “10H”, and this value represents “the result (change information) due to the decrease in the number of working memories”. It will be a thing. In other words, if the lower byte of the command is “13H”, it means that the number of working memories up to the previous time “4” (command notation is “14H”) is reduced by one, so that the current working memory number is “3” (command The notation is “13H”). Similarly, if the lower byte is “12H” to “10H”, it means that the number of working memories “3” to “1” up to the previous time (command notation is “13H” to “11H”) is decreased by one respectively. This indicates that the current operation memory number is “2” to “0” (command notation is “12H” to “10H”). The preceding value “BCH” is a value indicating that the current effect command is the working memory number command for the second special symbol.

  Step S2226: If the current target is the first special symbol (Step S2222: No), the main control CPU 72 sets an effect command for reducing the number of working memories regarding the first special symbol. The command in this case is the same as the above except that the preceding value is a value (for example, “BBH”) indicating that the previous value is the working memory number command for the first special symbol.

Step S2228: Then, the main control CPU 72 executes an effect command output process. This process is for transmitting the production command for reducing the number of working memories set in the previous step S2224 or step S2226 to the production control device 124 (memory number notification means).
When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol variation pre-processing (FIG. 40).

[Special symbol stop display processing]
Next, FIG. 46 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the special symbol stop display process. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along each procedure.

  Step S4100: The main control CPU 72 subtracts the value of the stop symbol display timer (decrements by the interrupt period).

  Step S4200: The main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the stop display time has ended based on the value of the stop symbol display timer subtracted this time. Specifically, if the value of the stop symbol display timer is not 0 or less, the main control CPU 72 determines that the stop display time has not yet ended (No). In this case, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol game process, jumps from the execution selection process (step S1000 in FIG. 39) also in the next interrupt cycle, and repeatedly executes the special symbol stop display process.

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

  Step S4250: The main control CPU 72 generates a symbol stop command and a stop display time end command. The symbol stop command and the stop display time end command are transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process. In addition, the main control CPU 72 erases the symbol changing flag here. The “stop display time end command” is a command indicating that the stop display time of the special symbol has ended (elapsed).

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

[When winning]
Step S4350: The main control CPU 72 sets the jump destination of the jump table to “big winning variable winning device management process”. The main control CPU 72 executes processing for setting various functions to non-operation in this processing. Specifically, the probability variation function is deactivated and the time reduction function is deactivated. Thereby, before the special game (big player) is started, the state is shifted to the low probability non-time shortening state.

  Step S4400: Then, the main control CPU 72 sets “start of big role (during big hit game)” as an internal state flag for control. Further, the main control CPU 72 sets the value of the continuous operation number status according to the type of jackpot symbol. For example, when the type of jackpot symbol is “4 rounds jackpot”, a value representing “4 rounds” is set in the continuous operation count status. When the type of jackpot symbol is “16 rounds jackpot”, a value representing “16 rounds” is set in the continuous operation count status. Further, the main control CPU 72 generates a status command indicating that the big hit. The state command representing the big hit is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process.

  Step S4500: The main control CPU 72 generates a continuous operation number command. The continuous operation number command can be generated based on the type of jackpot symbol (stop symbol number) determined in the previous jackpot stop symbol determination process (step S2410 in FIG. 40). For example, when the type of jackpot symbol is “4 rounds jackpot”, the continuous operation number command is generated as a value representing “4 rounds”. Further, when the type of jackpot symbol is “16 rounds jackpot”, the continuous operation number command is generated as a value representing “16 rounds”. The generated continuous operation number command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process.

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

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

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

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

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

  Step S4606: Then, the main control CPU 72 sets “small hit start (during small hit)” as an internal state flag for control. Further, the main control CPU 72 generates a status command indicating that a small hit is being made. The state command representing the small hit is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process.

  Step 4610: Next, the main control CPU 72 loads the value of the count-down counter. In the “counting counter”, the counter values are set in the probability variation count area and the time reduction count area of the RAM 76 in the “high probability state” and “time reduction state”. In this case, “number of times cut” is used, but the value of the number of times counter in the “high probability state” can be set to an extremely large value (for example, 10,000 times or more). By setting such an enormous value, it is possible to probabilistically ensure that the “high probability state” continues until the next winning is substantially obtained. It should be noted that various numerical values (for example, 100 times or 10000 times) are set for the number-of-times counter relating to the “time reduction state” depending on the winning symbol.

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

  Step S4630: The main control CPU 72 decrements (subtracts 1) the count-down counter value (high probability state limit number management means, time shortening state limit number management means).

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

  Step S4650: Here, the main control CPU 72 resets a flag at the time of turning off the number of times function. It is the probability variation function activation flag or the time reduction function activation flag that is reset. However, if an indigestible value (for example, 10,000 times) is set as the probability variation count, the “high probability state” is set for the high probability state. Since the value of the count-down counter is substantially zero, it is the time reduction function operation flag that is practically reset. On the other hand, when a digestible value (for example, 9 times) is set for the number of probability changes, if the value of the count counter for the high probability state reaches a specified value (0) in the “high probability state”, the probability variation function The activation flag is reset. As a result, the time reduction state or the high probability state ends after the special symbol stop display (low probability state transition means, non-time reduction state transition means). When the above procedure is completed, the process returns to the special symbol game process.

[Display output management processing]
Next, FIG. 47 is a flowchart showing a configuration example of the display output management process (step S210 in FIG. 34) executed in the interrupt management process. The display output management process includes a special symbol display setting process (step S1200), a normal symbol display setting process (step S1210), a state display setting process (step S1220), an operation memory display setting process (step S1230), and a continuous operation number display setting. This is a configuration including a subroutine group of processing (step S1240).

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

  The state display setting process (step S1220) and the continuous operation number display setting process (step S1240) are processes for generating and outputting a drive signal to be applied to each LED of the gaming state display device 38. First, in the state display setting process, the main control CPU 72 controls the lighting of the probability variation state display lamp 38d and the short time state display lamp 38e, respectively, according to the value of the probability variation function activation flag or the time reduction function activation flag. For example, if the value (01H) is set in the probability variation function operation flag when the pachinko machine 1 is turned on, the main control CPU 72 outputs a lighting signal to the LED corresponding to the probability variation state display lamp 38d. The probability variation state display lamp 38d continues to be lit until the jackpot game related to the special symbol is started or until the probability variation function is turned off after the special symbol variation display has been performed a predetermined number of times. The display can be switched (off). On the other hand, if the value (01H) is set in the time reduction function operation flag, the main control CPU 72 turns on the lighting signal for the LED corresponding to the time reduction state display lamp 38e regardless of whether or not the power is turned on. Is output. Further, the main control CPU 72 controls the lighting of the launch position designation lamp 38f in accordance with the special game management status. For example, when the variable winning device 30 is activated by the big hit game or the small hit game, the main control CPU 72 outputs a lighting signal to the LED corresponding to the launch position designation lamp 38f. If the value (01H) is set in the time reduction function operation flag, the main control CPU 72 gives a lighting signal to the LED corresponding to the launch position designation lamp 38f in addition to the above-mentioned time reduction state display lamp 38e. Output. Note that the launch position designation lamp 38f is turned on from the start of the big hit game until the end of the "time reduced state" when the game is shifted to the "time reduced state" through the big hit game, and is not turned on when the "time reduced state" ends ( OFF).

  The main control CPU 72 controls lighting of the big hit type display lamps 38a and 38b in the continuous operation number display setting process. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 outputs a lighting signal for one of the big hit type display lamps 38a and 38b based on the value of the above-mentioned continuous operation number status. At this time, one of the display lamps 38a and 38b corresponding to the jackpot symbol designated by the value of the continuous operation number status is the target of outputting the lighting signal. For example, if the value of the continuous operation count status specifies “4 rounds”, the main control CPU 72 outputs a lighting signal to the lamp 38 a representing “4 rounds (4R)”. Further, if the value of the continuous operation count status specifies “16 rounds”, the main control CPU 72 outputs a lighting signal to the lamp 38b representing “16 rounds (16R)”.

[Variable winning device management process for big hits]
Next, details of the big win variable winning device management process will be described. FIG. 48 is a flowchart illustrating a configuration example of the big win variable winning device management process. The big hit time variable winning device management process is a big hit game process selection process (step S5100), a big hit time big winning opening opening pattern setting process (step S5200), a big hit big winning opening / closing operation process (step S5300), a big hit time big This is a configuration including a subroutine group of a winning opening closing process (step S5400) and a big hit end process (step S5500).

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

[Big prize opening pattern setting process for big hits]
FIG. 49 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for the big winning opening opening pattern setting process for the big hit. This process is for setting conditions such as the number of times that the variable winning device 30 is opened and closed at the time of big hit, the time of each opening, and the like. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along each procedure.

  Step S5204: The main control CPU 72 executes a design-specific release pattern setting process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the winning pattern opening pattern (number of times of opening for each round and the time of each opening), the interval time between rounds, and the number of counts in one round (maximum) according to the current winning symbol. Set the number of winnings). Note that the opening pattern for each winning symbol is as described in the item “plural winning types” in the special symbol game process (FIG. 39). In addition, the interval time between rounds is set to, for example, about 1.4 seconds to 2.5 seconds for any winning symbol. The number of counts in one round (maximum number of winnings) is, for example, 10 for all winning symbols, but winnings rarely occur during an extremely short time (about 0.1 seconds). Not impossible but extremely difficult).

  Step S5206: The main control CPU 72 sets the number of execution rounds in the current jackpot game based on the winning symbol selected in the big jackpot stop symbol determination process (step S2410 in FIG. 40). Specifically, if “4 round big hit” is selected as the winning symbol, the main control CPU 72 sets the number of execution rounds to four. If “16 round big hit” is selected as the winning symbol, the main control CPU 72 sets the number of execution rounds to 16 times. The number of execution rounds set here is stored in a buffer area of the RAM 76, for example, as a corresponding value on the program (“3” for 4 times, “15” for 16 times).

  Step S5208: Next, the main control CPU 72 sets a big hit opening timer based on the big winning opening opening pattern set in the previous step S5204. The timer value set here is the opening time per operation when the variable winning device 30 is operated. If a value of about 29.0 seconds is set as the value of the big hit release timer, the release time is a sufficient time for easily entering the big prize opening during one release (for example, launch control). 10 or more game balls are fired by the board set 174, preferably 6 seconds or more). On the other hand, if 0.1 second is set as the value of the big hit release timer, the release time hardly occurs (becomes difficult) even if it is not possible to enter the big winning opening during one release. It is a short time (for example, a time shorter than 1 second, preferably a time shorter than the interval between game balls fired by the firing control board set 174).

  Step S5210: The main control CPU 72 sets a big hit interval timer based on the big winning opening opening pattern set in the previous step S5204. The timer value set here is the waiting time between rounds of big hits.

  Step S5212: When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination to the big winning big opening opening / closing operation processing and returns to the big winning variable winning device management processing (FIG. 48).

[Big prize opening and closing operation processing at big hit]
FIG. 50 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the big winning prize opening / closing operation process at the big hit. This process is for controlling the opening / closing operation of the variable winning device 30 at the time of big hit. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along a procedure.

  Step S5301: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the interval timer is counting down. Specifically, whether or not the interval timer is counting down can be confirmed by confirming whether or not the interval timer set in step S5314 is already in operation.

  As a result, when it is confirmed that the interval timer is counting down (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes Step S5314. On the other hand, when it cannot be confirmed that the interval timer is counting down (No), the main control CPU 72 executes step S5302.

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

  Step S5304: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes an open timer countdown process. In this process, the countdown of the release timer set in the previous big hit big prize opening release pattern setting process (step S5208 in FIG. 49) is executed.

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

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

  Step S5310: Next, the main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the current count number is less than a predetermined number (10). This predetermined number defines the upper limit of the number of winning balls (upper limit of the number of winning balls) allowed per opening (one round of big hit) as described above. If the count has not yet reached the predetermined number (Yes), the main control CPU 72 returns to the big win time variable winning device management process. Next, when the big win variable winning device management process is executed, since the jump destination is set to the big win big prize opening / closing operation process at the present stage, the main control CPU 72 performs the procedure of the above steps S5301 to S5310. Run repeatedly.

  If it is determined in step S5306 that the opening time has expired (Yes), or if it is confirmed in step S5310 that the count has reached a predetermined number (No), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S5312.

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

  Step S5314: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes an interval timer countdown process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 executes the countdown of the interval timer set in the big hit time big opening opening pattern setting process (step S5210 in FIG. 49).

  Step S5315: The main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the interval time has ended. Specifically, it is confirmed whether or not the value of the interval timer after the countdown processing is 0 or less. If the value of the interval timer is not yet 0 or less (No), the main control CPU 72 is able to win the variable variable prize at the big hit. Return to the end address of the device management process (FIG. 48). Then, when the jackpot big winning opening / closing operation processing is executed in the next call, the process jumps from the top step S5301 and immediately executes step S5314. On the other hand, when it is confirmed that the value of the interval timer after the countdown process has become 0 or less (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes step S5318.

  Step S5318: The main control CPU 72 increments the value of the opening number counter. Note that the value of the number-of-releases counter is stored in the count area of the RAM 76 with an initial value of 0, for example.

  Step S5320: The main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the value of the incremented number-of-releases counter has reached the number set within the current round. Here, the reason why the “number of times set in the current round” is determined is to deal with an opening pattern of “opening the variable winning device 30 multiple times within one round of big hit”, for example. . In particular, when such an open pattern is not employed, the “number of times set in the current round” is set once for each round. Therefore, since the counter value reaches the set number of times in one opening / closing operation (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next proceeds to step S5322.

  If a pattern in which a plurality of opening / closing operations are repeated in one round as described above is employed, the counter value has not yet reached the set number of times at the end of one opening (No). In this case, when the main control CPU 72 returns to the big win variable winning device management process, since the jump destination is set to the big win big prize opening / closing operation process at this stage, the procedure from step S5301 to step S5320 is performed. Run repeatedly. As a result, the increment of the number-of-releases counter proceeds in step S5318, and when the counter value reaches the set number of times (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S5322.

  Step S5322: The main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination to the big winning big prize opening closing process, and returns to the big win variable winning device management process. Then, when the big win time variable winning device management process is executed, the main control CPU 72 next executes a big hit time big winning opening closing process.

[Closing the big prize at the big hit]
FIG. 51 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for a big winning prize closing process. This big winning time big winning opening closing process is for continuing the operation of the variable winning device 30 or ending the operation. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along a procedure.

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

  Step S5404: The main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the incremented round number counter value has reached the set number of execution rounds. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 refers to the value (1 to 15) of the round number counter after increment, and if the value is less than the set number of execution rounds (1 to 15 after 1 subtraction) (No) Next, step S5405 is executed.

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

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

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

  When the main control CPU 72 next executes the big hit variable winning device management process, the main control CPU 72 in the big hit game process selection process (step S5100 in FIG. 48), the big jump time big winning opening / closing operation process is the next jump destination. Execute. Then, after the execution of the jackpot big winning opening opening / closing operation process, the main control CPU 72 executes the big hit big winning opening closing process again, and the above steps S5402 to S5408 are executed. Run repeatedly. Thereby, the opening / closing operation of the variable prize device 30 is continuously executed until the actual round number reaches the set execution round number (4 times or 16 times).

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

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

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

[End processing at jackpot]
FIG. 52 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the big hit end processing. This big-hit end process is for preparing conditions for ending the operation of the variable winning device 30 at the big-hit. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along the example of a procedure.

  Step S5501: The main control CPU 72 executes a big hit end time timer countdown process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sets an initial value for the jackpot end time timer, and then counts down the timer as time elapses (each time this module is called).

  Step S5502: Next, the main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the big hit end time has elapsed. Specifically, if the value of the big hit end time timer is not yet 0, the main control CPU 72 determines that the big hit end time has not elapsed (No). In this case, the main control CPU 72 ends this module and returns to the big win variable winning device management process (FIG. 48).

  Thereafter, when the value of the big hit time end timer becomes 0 with the passage of time, the main control CPU 72 determines that the big hit time end time has passed (Yes), and executes step S5503 and subsequent steps.

  Step S5503, Step S5504: The main control CPU 72 resets the big hit flag (00H). As a result, the big hit gaming state ends on the control processing of the main control CPU 72. In addition, the main control CPU 72 deletes “big hit” from the internal state flag and declares the end of the major role as the internal state in the control processing. The main control CPU 72 resets the value of the continuous operation number status.

  Step S5506: Next, the main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the value (01H) of the probability variation function operation flag is set. This flag is set in the big hit other setting process (step S2414 in FIG. 40) during the previous special symbol fluctuation pre-process.

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

  Step S5510: Next, the main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the value of the time reduction function operation flag (01H) is set. This flag is also set in the big hit other setting process (step S2414 in FIG. 40) during the previous special symbol fluctuation pre-processing.

  Step S5512: If the value of the time shortening function operation flag is set (step S5510: Yes), the main control CPU 72 sets the time shortening number (for example, 10,000 times, 100 times, etc.) (time shortening state limit number of times) Management means). The value of the set time reduction count is stored in the time count area of the RAM 76 as described above. The number of times of time reduction set here is the upper limit number of times to shorten the variation time of the special symbol in subsequent games. If the value of the time shortening function activation flag is not set (step S5510: No), the main control CPU 72 does not execute step S5512.

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

  Step S5516: After the above procedure, the main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination in the big hit time big winning opening releasing pattern setting process.

  Step S5518: Then, the main control CPU 72 sets the jump destination in the execution selection process (step S1000 in FIG. 39) in the special symbol game process to the special symbol change pre-process. When the above procedure is finished, the main control CPU 72 returns to the big win variable winning device management process.

[Variable winning device management process for small hits]
Next, details of the small winning time variable winning device management process will be described. FIG. 53 is a flowchart showing a configuration example of the small winning hour variable winning device management process. The small winning time prize winning device management process includes a small winning game process selection process (step S6100), a small winning time big prize opening opening pattern setting process (step S6200), and a small hitting big prize opening opening / closing operation process (step S6300). The sub-group includes a subroutine group of a small winning big prize opening closing process (step S6400) and a small winning end process (step S6500).

  Step S6100: In the small hit game process selection process, the main control CPU 72 selects a jump destination of a process to be executed next (any one of steps S6200 to S6500). That is, the main control CPU 72 selects the program address of the process to be executed next from the jump table as the jump destination address, and sets the end of the small winning hour variable winning device management process in the stack pointer as the return address. . Which process is selected as the next jump destination depends on the progress of the processes performed so far. For example, if the operation (opening / closing operation) of the variable winning device 30 has not started yet, the main control CPU 72 selects the small winning big prize opening opening pattern setting process (step S6200) as the next jump destination. On the other hand, if the small winning big winning opening opening pattern setting processing has already been completed, the main control CPU 72 selects the small winning big winning opening opening / closing operation processing (step S6300) as the next jump destination, If the winning opening / closing operation processing has been completed, the small winning big winning opening closing process (step S6400) is selected as the next jump destination. When the small hitting big winning opening opening / closing operation process and the small hitting big winning opening closing process are repeatedly executed over the set number of continuous operations, the main control CPU 72 performs the small hitting end process (step) as the next jump destination. S6500) is selected. Hereinafter, each process will be described in more detail.

[Big winning opening opening pattern setting process for small hits]
FIG. 54 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for a small winning big prize opening opening pattern setting process. This process is for setting conditions such as the number of times that the variable winning device 30 is opened and closed at the time of a small hit and the time for each opening. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along each procedure.

  Step S6212: The main control CPU 72 sets a “small hit opening pattern”. In the case of the present embodiment, for the “small hit opening pattern”, for example, an opening pattern of “0.1 second opening” is set for the first time and the second time. Since “small hit” has no concept of “round”, “open pattern” is also expressed as “first open” and “second open”.

  Step S6214: The main control CPU 72 sets the number of times of opening of the big prize opening to, for example, two based on the big winning opening opening pattern set in the previous step S6212. The number of releases set here is stored in a buffer area of the RAM 76, for example.

  Step S6216: Next, the main control CPU 72 sets a small hitting release timer. The timer value set here is the opening time per operation when the variable winning device 30 is operated. In the present embodiment, as described above, 0.1 seconds is set as the value of the small hitting release timer, and during such an opening time, most of the balls that enter the big prize opening during one opening. It is a short time that does not occur (becomes difficult) (for example, a time shorter than 1 second, preferably a time shorter than the interval between game balls fired by the launcher unit).

  Step S6218: The main control CPU 72 sets a small hitting interval timer. The timer value set here is a waiting time for each time when the variable winning device 30 is opened and closed a plurality of times at the time of a small hit, and this timer value is set to about 2 seconds, for example.

  Step S6220: When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination to the small winning big prize opening / closing operation processing, and returns to the small winning variable winning device management process (FIG. 53). The main control CPU 72 then executes a small winning big prize opening / closing operation process (step S6300).

[Large winning opening and closing operation processing for small hits]
FIG. 55 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the small winning big prize opening opening / closing operation process. This process is for controlling the opening / closing operation of the variable winning device 30 at the time of a small hit. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along a procedure.

  Step S6301: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the interval timer is counting down. Specifically, it can be confirmed whether or not the interval timer is counting down by confirming whether or not the interval timer set in the following step S6314 is already operating.

  As a result, when it is confirmed that the interval timer is counting down (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes Step S6314. On the other hand, when it cannot be confirmed that the interval timer is counting down (No), the main control CPU 72 executes step S6302.

  Step S6302: The main control CPU 72 opens the special winning opening. Specifically, a drive signal to be applied to the special winning opening solenoid 90 is output. Thereby, the variable prize-winning apparatus 30 operates and shifts from the closed state to the open state.

  Step S6304: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes an open timer countdown process. In this process, the countdown of the opening timer set in the previous small hitting big opening opening pattern setting process (step S6216 in FIG. 54) is executed.

  Step S6306: Subsequently, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the opening time has expired. Specifically, it is confirmed whether or not the value of the release timer after the countdown process is 0 or less. If the value of the release timer is not yet 0 or less (No), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S6308. Execute.

  Step S6308: The main control CPU 72 executes a winning ball count process. In this processing, the number of game balls that have entered the variable winning device 30 (open winning opening) within the opening time is counted. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 increments the count value based on the winning detection signal input from the count switch 84 within the opening time.

  Step S6310: Next, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the current count number is less than a predetermined number (10). This predetermined number defines the upper limit of the number of winning balls (upper limit of the number of winning balls) allowed per opening (one opening at the time of a small hit) as described above. If the count has not yet reached the predetermined number (Yes), the main control CPU 72 returns to the small winning time variable winning device management process (FIG. 53). Next, when the small winning hour variable winning device management process is executed, since the jump destination is set to the small winning big prize opening / closing operation process at the present stage, the main control CPU 72 performs the above steps S6301 to S6310. Repeat the procedure.

  If it is determined in step S6306 that the opening time has expired (Yes), or if it is confirmed in step S6310 that the count has reached a predetermined number (No), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S6312. Here, since the value of the release timer is set for a short time, the main control CPU 72 normally performs step opening before confirming that the count number has reached the predetermined number in step S6310. In most cases, it is determined in S6306 that the opening time has expired.

  Step S6312: The main control CPU 72 closes the special winning opening. Specifically, the output of the drive signal applied to the special winning opening solenoid 90 is stopped. As a result, the variable winning device 30 returns from the open state to the closed state.

  Step S6314: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes an interval timer countdown process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 executes the count-down of the interval timer set in the above-mentioned small hitting big prize opening opening pattern setting process (step S6218 in FIG. 54).

  Step S6315: The main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the interval time has ended. Specifically, it is confirmed whether or not the value of the interval timer after the countdown process is 0 or less. If the value of the interval timer is not yet 0 or less (No), the main control CPU 72 can change the small hit time. Return to the end address of the winning device management process (FIG. 53). Then, when the small winning big prize opening / closing operation process is executed in the next call, the process jumps from the top step S6301 and immediately executes step S6314. On the other hand, when it is confirmed that the value of the interval timer after the countdown process has become 0 or less (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes step S6316.

  Step S6316: The main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination to the small winning big winning opening closing process, and returns to the small winning variable winning device management process. Next, when the small winning hour variable winning device management process is executed, the main control CPU 72 next executes a small hitting big prize opening closing process.

[Closed big prize opening closing process]
FIG. 56 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the small winning big winning opening closing process. The small winning big winning opening closing process is for continuing the operation of the variable winning device 30 or terminating the operation. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along a procedure.

  Step S6412: The main control CPU 72 increments the value of the opening number counter.

  Step S6414: Next, the main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the value of the incremented number-of-releases counter has reached the set number of times of release. The number of times of opening is set in the previous winning opening opening pattern setting process (step S6214 in FIG. 54). If the value of the opening number counter has not yet reached the set opening number (No), the main control CPU 72 executes step S6416.

Step S6416: The main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination to the big hit prize opening / closing operation process.
Step S6430: Then, the main control CPU 72 resets the winning ball number counter and returns to the small hitting time variable winning device management process (FIG. 53).

  When the main control CPU 72 next executes the variable winning device management process, the main control CPU 72 performs a small winning game big opening / closing operation process as the next jump destination in the small winning game process selection process (step S6100 in FIG. 53). Execute. After executing the small winning big prize opening / closing operation process, the main control CPU 72 again executes the small winning big prize opening closing process until the actual number of times of opening reaches the set number of opening times (two times). The opening / closing operation of the variable winning device 30 is repeatedly executed.

  When the actual number of times of opening at the time of the small hit reaches the set number of times of opening (step S6414: Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S6418.

  Step S6418, Step S6420: In this case, when the main control CPU 72 resets the release number counter (= 0), it sets the next jump destination to the small hit end processing.

  Step S6430: Then, the main control CPU 72 resets the winning ball number counter and returns to the small hitting time variable winning device management process (FIG. 53). As a result, when the main control CPU 72 next executes the variable winning device management process, the small hitting end process is selected this time.

[End processing for small hits]
FIG. 57 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure of the small hit end processing. This small hitting end process is for preparing conditions for ending the operation of the variable winning device 30 at the small hitting. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along the example of a procedure.

  Step S6502: The main control CPU 72 executes a small hitting end time timer countdown process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sets an initial value for the small hitting end time timer, and then counts down the timer as time elapses (each time this module is called).

  Step S6504: Next, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the small hitting end time has elapsed. Specifically, if the value of the small hitting end time timer is not yet 0, the main control CPU 72 determines that the small hitting end time has not elapsed (No). In this case, the main control CPU 72 ends this module and returns to the small winning time variable winning device management process (FIG. 53).

  Thereafter, when the value of the small hitting end time timer becomes 0 with the passage of time, the main control CPU 72 determines that the small hitting end time has elapsed (Yes), and executes step S6506 and subsequent steps.

  Step S6506, Step S6508: The main control CPU 72 resets the value of the small hit flag (00H), deletes “meeting small hit” from the internal state flag, and ends the small hit game. It should be noted that in the case of a small hit, the internal condition device does not operate in particular, so such a procedure is merely for the purpose of erasing the flag.

  Step S6510: After the above procedure, the main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination in the small winning big opening opening pattern setting process.

  Step S6512: The main control CPU 72 sets the jump destination in the execution selection process (step S1000 in FIG. 39) in the special symbol game process as the special symbol variation pre-process. When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the small winning time variable winning device management process.

[Example of production image]
Next, the effect image actually displayed on the liquid crystal display 42 in the pachinko machine 1 will be described with some examples. As described above, when the big hit internal lottery is performed in the pachinko machine 1, the variation pattern (variation time) is determined under the control of the main control CPU 72, and the variation display by the first special symbol and the second special symbol is performed. (Design display means). However, as described above, the first special symbol and the second special symbol itself are lighted and blinked by 7-segment LEDs, so that they have poor appeal. Therefore, the pachinko machine 1 executes a variable display effect using an effect symbol or the like.

  The effect designs include, for example, a left effect symbol, a middle effect symbol, and a right effect symbol, which are displayed side by side on the left, middle, and right on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42 (see FIG. 1). ). Each effect design is a design of a picture card with a character attached together with the numbers “1” to “9”, for example. Here, the left effect symbol, the middle effect symbol, and the right effect symbol all constitute a symbol row in which the numbers are arranged in descending order of “9” to “1”. Such a symbol sequence is variably displayed so as to flow (scroll) in the vertical direction in the left region, middle region, and right region on the screen.

  FIG. 58 is a continuous diagram showing an example of the effect image corresponding to the change display and stop display of the special symbol. Note that, here, an example of a change display effect and a stop display effect (result display effect) performed using the effect symbol is shown for the variation of the special symbol at the time of non-winning (losing). This variable display effect is performed between the start of the variable display of the special symbol (here, the first special symbol, but may be the second special symbol) and the stop display (including the fixed stop). It corresponds to a series of productions. Further, the stop display effect is an effect that represents that the special symbol is stopped and displayed and the result of the internal lottery at that time is a combination of the effect symbols. Here, before explaining the specific contents of the control processing, the basic flow of the change display effect and stop display effect for each change employed in the present embodiment will be described.

[Before change display]
58 (A): For example, in a state before the first special symbol starts to fluctuate (a state in which the demonstration effect is not being performed), a row of three effect symbols is displayed large on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42. ing. At this time, in accordance with the stop display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, the effect symbol is also stopped.

  In addition, on the lower part of the screen of the liquid crystal display 42, markers indicating the number of working memories of the first special symbol and the second special symbol (reference numerals M1 and M2 are attached in the figure) are displayed. . These markers M1 and M2 indicate the number of operating memories of the first special symbol and the second special symbol corresponding to the respective display numbers (the number of displays of the first special symbol operating memory lamp 34a and the second special symbol operating memory lamp 35a). The number of displays is increased or decreased in conjunction with the change in the number of working memories during the game. In addition, for the markers M1 and M2, the marker M1 corresponding to the first special symbol is displayed as, for example, a circle (◯) in order to facilitate visual discrimination, and the marker M2 corresponding to the second special symbol is, for example, a heart It is displayed with the shape. In the example of (A) in FIG. 58, all four markers M1 are lit and displayed, indicating that the number of working memories of the first special symbol is four, and all the markers M2 are not displayed (in broken lines). This indicates that the number of working memories of the second special symbol is 0 (stored number display effect execution means).

  Further, during the variation display of the effect symbols, for example, the fourth symbol (reference numerals Z1 and Z2 are attached in the diagram) is displayed at the upper right of the screen of the liquid crystal display 42. The fourth symbols Z1 and Z2 are “fourth effect symbols” following the left, middle, and right effect symbols, and are displayed in a synchronized manner during the change display of the effect symbols. Note that the fourth symbols Z1 and Z2 are simple marks (for example, “□” figure) with colors, and for example, changing the display color can express a variable display. The fourth symbol Z1 corresponds to the first special symbol, and the fourth symbol Z2 corresponds to the second special symbol.

  Further, the fourth symbols Z1, Z2 are stopped and displayed in a mode (for example, white display color) corresponding to the dislocation. This is to objectively clarify that the stop display effect is correctly performed and the pachinko machine 1 is operating normally. Therefore, if the result of the internal lottery is “4 round big hits” or “16 round big hits” rather than “out of”, the corresponding mode (for example, blue display color or red display color) or at the time of winning The fourth symbols Z1, Z2 are stopped and displayed in a common mode (for example, only the green display color).

[Variable display production start]
58 (B): For example, in synchronization with the start of the change of the first special symbol, the change display effect is started by the scroll change of the three symbol rows on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42 (the symbol effect). Execution means, production execution means). In other words, in synchronization with the start of fluctuation of the first special symbol, the display of the left effect symbol, the middle effect symbol, and the right effect symbol is scrolled (flowed) in the vertical direction on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42 so as to change the display. Production begins. In the figure, the effect symbol variation display is simply indicated by a downward arrow. Also, during the variable display, each effect symbol is displayed in a transparent state (transparent display), and at this time, an image (background image) that is the background of the effect symbol is displayed on the display screen in an easily visible state. Has been.

  The background image in this case represents, for example, a landscape in which a female character wearing a yukata is sitting on a chaise lounge and relaxing as if the evening is cool. Such a background image expresses that the stay mode in the production is, for example, “normal mode”. In the present embodiment, the “normal mode” corresponds to a normal state in which the fluctuation time shortening function is inactive and the probability fluctuation function is inactive. In addition to this, various modes are provided for effects, and background images with different landscapes and scenes are prepared for each mode (status display effect execution means). The difference between these modes may correspond to an internal “time reduction state” or a “high probability state”. The mode corresponding to each internal state will be further described later. Although not specifically illustrated here, a mode in which a notice effect is performed by displaying an image of a character, an item, or the like on the display screen after that is also possible.

  Further, during the variation display of the effect symbols, the fourth symbol Z1 is variably displayed at the upper right of the screen of the liquid crystal display 42, and the fourth symbol Z1 expresses the variation display by changing its display color.

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

[Example of production when the number of working memories decreases]
Here, as shown in (B) of FIG. 58, since the number of working memories of the first special symbol decreases by one as the change starts, the number of markers M1 displayed in conjunction with that decreases. It is reduced by one. For example, if there are four working memories so far, only the oldest (older) memory number display is hidden in the marker M1, and an effect consumed by the internal lottery is also performed. Thereby, it is possible to tell the player that the number of working memories for the first special symbol has decreased.

  In the example of (C) in FIG. 58, since the first operation memory in the storage order is consumed and the remaining number is three, the three markers M1 remaining on the screen are each one by one. An effect of shifting in the direction (here left direction) is performed. As a result, the context of the change in the number of working memories can be accurately expressed in the production, and the player can be intuitively and easily informed that the working memory has been consumed and decreased by one. it can.

[Right production symbol stop]
(D) in FIG. 58: Following the left effect symbol, the right effect symbol thereafter stops changing. In this example, the effect design representing the number “3” is stopped at the right position of the screen. Since it has already been determined that the reach state does not occur at this point, it is almost clear on the appearance that the current fluctuation is a non-reach (normal) fluctuation. Here, reach fluctuations due to slip patterns and the like are excluded. “Slip pattern” means, for example, that once the design symbol representing the number “7” stops, the design symbol slips by one symbol and the design symbol representing the number “8” stops, thereby developing reach It is to do. Alternatively, once the design symbol representing the number “9” stops, the design symbol that represents the number “8” stops as the design sequence slips by one symbol in the opposite direction. is there. In addition, for example, when a production symbol representing a completely different number such as “5” is temporarily stopped and a character appears on the screen and the right production symbol row is changed again, the number “8” is represented. There is also a pattern in which the production design stops and develops to reach.

[Stop display effect]
(E) in FIG. 58: The last medium effect symbol stops in synchronization with the stop display of the first special symbol. If the result of the current internal lottery is non-winning and the first special symbol is stopped and displayed in a non-winning (out-of-game) manner, the staging display effect is also performed in a non-winning (out-of-game) manner. (Direction execution means). That is, in the illustrated example, the effect symbol representing the number “1” is stopped at the middle position of the screen. In this case, the combination of the effect symbols is “8”-“1”-“3”. Since this is a gap, it is expressed in the production that the current variation corresponds to the normal “out of range”. At this time, the fourth symbol Z1 is stopped and displayed in a mode (for example, white display color) corresponding to the dislocation.

  The above is an example of the change display effect and the stop display effect (during non-winning) performed using the effect symbol for each change. Through such an effect, the player can have a sense of expectation for winning, and finally the result of the internal lottery can be clearly taught in the effect.

  In addition, the above example is for the case of non-winning, but at the time of big win (winning), after the reach effect is executed during the variable display effect, the effect symbol is stopped and displayed in a big win mode in the stop display effect. At this time, the stop display mode of the effect symbol basically corresponds to the winning symbol (stop display mode of the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35) selected internally by the main control CPU 72. Selected.

[Production example at the time of big hit]
FIG. 59 is a continuous diagram showing the flow of the super reach effect that is executed at the time of the big hit (winning) in the case of corresponding to “4 round normal symbol”, “4 round probability variation symbol” or “16 round probability variation symbol”. Here, in addition to the reach effect, a variable display effect, a stop display effect, and a notice effect are included. In addition, an example of the notice effect (the notice effect before the occurrence of reach, the notice effect after the occurrence of reach) executed during the variable display effect will be described.

  In the following reach production, for example, after the first special symbol display device 34 performs the variation display by the variation pattern at the time of the big hit, the first special symbol is “4 round normal symbol”, “4 round probability variation symbol” or “16 Stop in any aspect of “Round Probability Pattern” (eg 7-segment LED “self”, “yo”, “mouth”, “巳”, “F”, “E”, “L”, “Γ”, etc.) It is executed until it is displayed (reach effect execution means). Note that, in FIG. 59, each effect design is simplified to only numbers. The markers M1 and M2 and the fourth symbols Z1 and Z2 are not shown here. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along the flow of production.

[Variable display effects]
59 (A): For example, the columns of the left effect symbol, the middle effect symbol, and the right effect symbol are arranged in the vertical direction (for example, from the top) on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42 substantially in synchronization with the start of fluctuation of the first special symbol. The variable display effect is started by scrolling down.

[Preliminary production before reach (first stage)]
(B) in FIG. 59: Next, in a relatively early stage of the variable display effect, the first stage pre-reach notice effect is performed using the character image (picture card). This pre-reach pre-announcement effect is a pre-announcement effect in which the change of the mode progresses in stages from one stage to a plurality of stages (for example, 2 to 5 stages) according to a predetermined order. The pattern image used in the pre-reach notice effect is located in front of the effect pattern that is displayed on the screen in a variable manner, for example, so as to appear suddenly from the left edge of the screen (other appearance modes) May be.) Note that the “pre-reach notice” means that a reach or a big hit is announced before any effect symbol is stopped and displayed. By executing such a “pre-reach announcement effect”, an effect of giving the player a sense of expectation that “it may develop into a reach = the possibility of a big hit increases” is obtained.

[Advance notice before the reach occurs (second stage)]
(C) in FIG. 59: After the first stage of the pre-reach notice effect is executed, the change of the pre-reach notice effect proceeds to the second stage. Here, an effect using a character pattern image different from the previous one is performed as the notice effect before the occurrence of reach in the second stage. Specifically, another pattern image additionally appears from the right end of the screen, and is displayed so as to overlap the front of the previously displayed pattern image. The picture image displayed at this time is larger in size than the picture image displayed previously. And the effect by the sound output that the character expressed by the picture image emits a dialogue (for example, “I will reach” etc.) is also performed.

  Such a pre-reach notice announcement effect (second stage) using the second pattern image is one step further from the pre-reach notice effect (first stage) performed in FIG. 59 (B). It is a development type. In general, it may be expressed as “step-up notice” or the like, referring to the “pre-reach notice notice effect” that develops in this way. Here, an example is given in which the second-stage pattern image appears in the pre-reach notice effect, but the third-stage, fourth-stage, and fifth-stage pattern images appear and appear one after another. There may be. Further, for example, the size may be enlarged each time the third, fourth, and fifth-stage pattern images appear and appear one after another. Even at this stage, the variation display of the effect symbols is continued. In any case, it is possible to indicate to the player that there is a high possibility (expectation) that this change will be a big hit by making the change in the aspect of the pre-reach notice effect to more stages. (For example, the maximum expectation is suggested when progressing to the fifth stage).

[Stop of left design]
In FIG. 59, (D): The middle stage of the variable display effect is approached, and then the variable display of the left effect symbol is stopped. At this point, the effect symbol representing the number “6” is stopped at the left position of the screen.

[Generation of reach condition]
(E) in FIG. 59: Subsequently to the left effect symbol, for example, the change display of the right effect symbol is stopped. At this point, the effect symbol representing the number “6” is stopped at the right position of the screen, and the reach state of “6”-“being changed”-“6” has occurred. On the screen, an image that emphasizes one line that is in a reach state is also displayed. In addition, an effect of outputting a voice such as “Reach!” Is performed. In addition, in this case, if the number “6” is aligned, the expectation level for a normal jackpot will be higher (normally not a big hit), so it is not only a success or failure of a lottery. The player can have various tensions.

  After the reach state occurs, the reach production at the time of winning is executed (however, at this point in time, the winning result has not yet been expressed). In the reach production, only the production symbols corresponding to the tempered numbers (here, “6”) are displayed on the screen, and the others are not displayed. At this time, the effect symbols may be displayed in a reduced state at the four corners of the screen.

[Preliminary notice after reach occurs (first time)]
In FIG. 59, (F): After a reach state has occurred, for a while, for example, an image representing a “heart” figure forms a group, and a post-reach notice effect (first time) is performed that passes diagonally on the screen. . In this case, the image of the “heart group” is suddenly displayed on the screen so that the visual appeal to the player can be enhanced. By executing such a notice presentation effect after the visually lively reach notice occurrence, an effect of giving the player a greater expectation can be obtained.

[Progress of super reach production]
59 (G): Following the notice effect after the first reach occurrence, for example, images representing the numbers “3” to “7” are displayed in a three-dimensional column on the screen. There is an effect in which numerical images are erased from the screen in the order of “3”, “4”, “5”... From the top (front). Such an effect is also performed for the purpose of suggesting (suggesting) or reminding the player that the number “6” is left as it is without being erased. If the number “5” is deleted and “6” remains in front of the screen, it means “big hit”, and if the number “6” is also deleted, it means “out of place”. In the case of a loss, for example, the number “7” is displayed on the screen after the number “6” is deleted. Therefore, during this time, as the images are erased in order of the numbers “2”, “3”, and “4”, the player's tension and expectation also increase.

[Preliminary notice after the occurrence of reach (second time)]
In FIG. 59 (H): When the super reach production is approaching the end of the game, the content that the character's image suddenly appears on the screen as if it was split into a close-up and the character emits some dialogue (or silent (This may be a content of smiling at the event). At this time, for example, the content of the reach effect is a development that “if the number“ 6 ”remains without being erased, the possibility of a big hit of“ 6 ”-“ 6 ”-“ 6 ”increases as it is” ”. Therefore, by causing a character image to appear greatly at this timing, an effect of giving the player a sense of expectation that “may be a big hit” is obtained.

  (I) in FIG. 59: The last medium effect symbol is stopped. In this example, the winning symbol internally corresponds to either “4 round normal symbol”, “4 round probability variable symbol” or “16 round probability variable symbol”, but the type of winning symbol is not disclosed. For example, by producing an effect symbol representing “6” in the middle of the display in a stopped manner, an effect is instructed to the player that this time either “normal big hit or probable big hit” is met. Yes.

[Stop display effect]
In FIG. 59 (J): For example, a stop display effect as an effect symbol is performed substantially in synchronization with the stop display of the first special symbol. The stop display effect of the effect symbol is performed, for example, in a state where the left, middle and right effect symbols are restored to their initial sizes. By performing such a stop display effect, the player can be informed that the final winning type has been confirmed on the effect.

  Further, if the result of the internal lottery is not won, the first special symbol that is the current variation target is stopped and displayed as the off symbol, so that the staging display effect is similarly performed in a manner of deviation. In this case, by displaying the numbers “5” and “7” other than “6” in the center of the screen, unfortunately, an effect is provided informing that the current change did not result in a big hit. Such an effect is executed as an “out of reach reach effect”.

[Re-lottery production]
FIG. 60 is a continuous diagram partially showing an example of the re-lottery effect.
In FIG. 60, (A): When three production symbols are arranged, it is determined that a big hit is made there, but a re-lottery production that finally transmits the type of the big win may be executed. In the example shown in the drawing, character information of “re-lottery” is displayed on the upper part of the screen. Thereby, it is possible to give the player a sense of expectation that a re-lottery effect will be started from now, and that the game may change from “6 effect symbols” to “7 effect symbols”.

  In FIG. 60, (B): the effect pattern in which the three lined effect symbols are displayed gradually smaller and the effect line in which the three lined effect symbols are sucked into the back side of the screen while rotating is executed.

  In FIG. 60C, the three effect symbols become so small that they cannot be visually recognized. At that time, the image of the effect switch button 45 is displayed at the bottom of the display screen, and the player presses the press of the effect switch button 45. An effect is urged.

[Re-draw lotion failure production]
In FIG. 60, (D): When the re-lottery effect fails, that is, when it corresponds to “4-round normal symbol”, the re-lottery failure effect is executed. In this case, when the effect switching button 45 is pressed, an effect that the effect symbol pops out from the back side to the near side is executed, and the effect symbol is enlarged and displayed so that not all of the three effect symbols can be displayed. However, in this case, the number of the production symbol is not changed (it remains “6”).

  In FIG. 60, (E): The stop display effect is also performed for the effect symbol substantially in synchronization with the stop display of the first special symbol. The stop display effect of the effect symbol is performed in a state where the effect symbol is completely stopped without shaking. In addition, the fourth symbol Z1 is actually stopped and displayed in a mode (for example, blue display color) corresponding to a normal big hit for four rounds. After that, a normal bonus effect corresponding to the normal round of 4 rounds is executed.

[Re-draw lottery success production]
In FIG. 60 (F): On the other hand, when the re-lottery effect is successful, that is, when it corresponds to the 16 round probability variation big hit, the re-lottery successful effect is executed. In this case, the effect that the movable body 40f falls is triggered by the pressing of the effect switching button 45.

  In FIG. 60 (G): A stop display effect is also performed for the effect symbol in synchronization with the stop display of the first special symbol (“7”-“7”-“7”). The stop display effect of the effect symbol is performed in a state where the effect symbol is completely stopped without shaking. Further, the fourth symbol Z1 is actually stopped and displayed in a mode (for example, red display color) corresponding to 16 round probability variation big hit. After this, an ultra fireworks bonus effect corresponding to 16 rounds probable big hit is executed. In the case of hitting 4 rounds probable big hit, a successful effect changing to an odd symbol other than “7” is executed, and thereafter, a special bonus effect corresponding to 4 rounds probable big hit is executed.

[Director-in-chief production (normal bonus production)]
FIG. 61 is a continuous diagram that partially shows an example of a big-bore effect performed during a big hit game in the case of “4-round normal symbol”. This effect during the big role is executed when, for example, three even-numbered effect symbols are arranged.

[1 round]
In FIG. 61, (A): When the first round of the big hit game is started, the big role effect of the content corresponding to the progress status of the game “during big hit” is executed. In the role-playing effect, for example, character information corresponding to the number of rounds “ROUND1” is displayed on the screen. In addition, an effect symbol corresponding to the current winning symbol (here, the numeral “6”) is displayed at the lower right corner of the screen. Thus, by continuously displaying the winning symbol (so-called “remaining eye”) even during the big hit game, it is possible to continuously instruct the player of the information “successful winning with six effect symbols”. In addition, characters of “normal bonus” are displayed in the lower area of the display screen, and images of female characters, horse characters, and the like are displayed around the screen.

[4 rounds]
In FIG. 61 (B): After this, the big hit game proceeds smoothly, and when it shifts to four rounds, the character information corresponding to the number of rounds of “ROUND4” is displayed on the screen, and it is unique to the big hit game. The effect image is displayed. Further, the effect symbol (the number “6”) as the “remaining eye” is continuously displayed at the lower right corner position of the screen.

[Mode entry effect]
In FIG. 61 (C): When the final round is completed, a mode entry effect (internal state transmission effect) for transmitting the internal state to be transferred after this is executed. In this example, the text information “Enter shore mode!” Is displayed on the screen. By executing such a mode entry effect, it is possible to clearly communicate to the player that the game will shift to the coast mode (low probability time shortened state) after the big hit game is over.

[Director-in-chief production (special bonus production)]
FIG. 62 is a continuous diagram partially showing an example of a big-game effect performed during a big hit game when the “4-round probability variation symbol” is met. This big role production is executed, for example, when there are three odd production symbols other than “7”.

[1 round]
In FIG. 62 (A): When the first round of the big hit game is started, the big role effect of the content corresponding to the progress status of the game “during the big hit” is executed. In the role-playing effect, for example, character information corresponding to the number of rounds “ROUND1” is displayed on the screen. In addition, an effect symbol corresponding to the current winning symbol (here, the numeral “5”) is displayed at the lower right corner of the screen. Thus, by continuously displaying the winning symbol (so-called “remaining eye”) even during the big hit game, it is possible to continuously instruct the player of the information “winning with the five effect symbols”. In addition, characters “special bonus” are displayed in the lower area of the display screen, and panda and dog characters are displayed in the center area of the display screen.

[4 rounds]
In FIG. 62 (B): After that, when the big hit game progresses smoothly and shifts to 4 rounds, character information corresponding to the number of rounds of “ROUND4” is displayed on the screen, and it is unique to the special bonus effect. Panda and dog characters are displayed. In addition, the above-mentioned effect symbol (number “5”) as the “remaining eye” is continuously displayed at the lower right corner position of the screen.

[Mode entry effect]
62 (C): When the final round is completed, a mode entry effect (internal state transmission effect) for transmitting the internal state to be transferred thereafter is executed. In this example, character information “Fireworks rush rush!” Is displayed on the screen. By executing such a mode entry effect, it is possible to clearly communicate to the player that the game will shift to fireworks rush (high probability time shortened state) after the big hit game is over.

[Director-in-chief production (Ultra fireworks bonus production)]
FIG. 63 is a continuous diagram partially showing an example of the big-game effect executed during the jackpot game when the “16-round probability variation symbol” is met. This big role production is executed when, for example, three production symbols “7” are arranged.

[1 round]
In FIG. 63, (A): When the first round of the big hit game is started, the big role effect of the content corresponding to the progress status of the game, “big hit” is executed. In the role-playing effect, for example, character information corresponding to the number of rounds “ROUND1” is displayed on the screen. In addition, an effect symbol corresponding to the current winning symbol (here, the number “7”) is displayed at the lower right corner of the screen. Thus, by continuously displaying the winning symbol (so-called “remaining eye”) even during the big hit game, it is possible to continuously instruct the player of the information “winning with the seven effect symbols”. In the lower left area of the display screen, characters of “Ultra Fireworks Bonus” are displayed, and in the center of the display screen, images related to lively fireworks and images of a plurality of animals are displayed.

[16 rounds]
In FIG. 63 (B): After that, the big hit game proceeds smoothly, and when the final 16 rounds are reached, the character information corresponding to the number of rounds of “ROUND16” is displayed on the screen, and the big hit game is being played. A unique effect image is displayed. Further, the effect symbol (the number “7”) as the “remaining eye” is continuously displayed at the lower right corner position of the screen.

[Mode entry effect]
FIG. 63 (C): When the final round is completed, a mode entry effect (internal state transmission effect) for transmitting the internal state to be transferred thereafter is executed. In this example, character information “Fireworks rush rush!” Is displayed on the screen. By executing such a mode entry effect, it is possible to clearly communicate to the player that the game will shift to a fireworks rush after the big hit game ends.

[Examples of fireworks rush production]
FIG. 64 is a continuous diagram showing an example of the effect of fireworks rush. This fireworks rush is in a state with a high probability time reduction. The fireworks rush shifts to a case where it falls under “4 round probability variation symbol” or “16 round probability variation symbol”. Hereinafter, the flow of production will be described in order.

  In FIG. 64 (A): For example, by performing the display of variation of the second special symbol, the variation of the effect symbol is performed in the “fireworks rush” state. In order to deeply impress the player with the fireworks motif, the background image of the fireworks rush is a background image that expresses "a scene where fireworks are launched in the night sky" and "a female character watching fireworks" It has become. Further, the fourth symbol Z2 is variably displayed at the upper right of the screen of the liquid crystal display 42.

  In FIG. 64 (B): Since the current change (during non-winning) has been completed, all effect symbols are stopped and displayed ("3"-"1"-"7"). Further, the fourth symbol Z2 is stopped and displayed in a non-winning manner (for example, white display color).

  (C) in FIG. 64: When the variation of the next second special symbol is started, the variation display effect using the effect symbol is started again. In addition, in the fireworks rush with a high probability time shortening state, the variable start winning device 28 is frequently operated. Therefore, as long as the player continues to make a right stroke, the variation of the effect symbol accompanying the variation display of the second special symbol Display is often performed.

[Example of coast mode production]
FIG. 65 is a continuous diagram showing an example of the coast mode effect. This coast mode is a low probability time shortening state. The coast mode is shifted to the case of “4 round normal symbol”. Hereinafter, the flow of production will be described in order.

  In FIG. 65, (A): For example, by changing the display of the second special symbol, the changing display of the effect symbol is performed in the “coast mode” state. The background image of the coast mode is a background image with motifs of images such as “sand beach”, “sea”, and “mountain” in order to express the healing impression that is the concept of the coast mode. Further, the fourth symbol Z2 is variably displayed at the upper right of the screen of the liquid crystal display 42.

  In FIG. 65 (B): Since the current change (during non-winning) has been completed, all effect symbols are stopped and displayed ("1"-"1"-"5"). Further, the fourth symbol Z2 is stopped and displayed in a non-winning manner (for example, white display color).

  In FIG. 65 (C): The next fluctuation is started. When the coast mode is in the low probability time shortening state, the winning result is not obtained and the special symbol changes 100 times, and the coast mode is terminated and the mode is changed to the normal mode (low probability non-time shortening state).

66 to 68 are continuous diagrams showing examples of special prefetch effects.
The special prefetching effect is executed in the normal mode (low probability non-time shortened state). The special look-ahead effect is a special zone effect related to a hold display that is executed when a predetermined symbol condition is satisfied when the operation memory of a special symbol is newly stored. During the zone effect, the first ball passing sensor This is an effect using the 19a or the second ball passage sensor 19b. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along the flow of production.

  In FIG. 66, (A): Fluctuation display of the first special symbol is being executed, and two markers M1 indicating that two operation memories of the first special symbol are stored are lit and displayed. In addition, the effect symbols are scroll-displayed in the normal mode on the liquid crystal screen.

66 (B): When the operation memory of the first special symbol is newly stored, the effect that the marker M1 representing it is newly lit and displayed is executed.
At that time, character information such as “hold change assist zone” is displayed in the telop at the top of the screen. In addition, the scrolled display design will be reduced and displayed in the lower left telop, and a female character on the plane will appear in the center of the screen, and a message such as “Aim for the sorting device!” An effect to be emitted is executed. Further, a timer such as “1: 1026” is displayed at the bottom of the effect symbol, and the countdown is started.
Thus, the player can be informed that the marker display indicating the working memory may change by keeping the game ball in the sorting device within the time of the displayed timer.

  66 (C): Thereafter, the game proceeds, and the left-handed game ball is distributed to the left route by the first sorting device 200, and the passing of the game ball is detected by the second ball passing sensor 19b. The Based on the detection, an effect is produced in which one ball is fired from the cannon of the female character toward the marker M1.

In FIG. 67 (D): Each time a large number of game balls enter the sorting device and the passage is detected by the first or second ball passing sensor 19a, 19b, the female character moves toward the marker M1. An effect of launching a sphere is being executed. Further, in the illustrated example, an effect is produced in which the marker M1 changes to a blue color different from the normal by the launch.
Here, if the display colors of the markers M1 and M2 are different from the normal display colors, the internal lottery of the special symbol corresponding to the operation memory is likely to be a win. Therefore, by changing the marker M1 in this special pre-reading effect, it is possible to make the player recognize that the winning expectation level for the operation memory for the marker M1 has increased.

  In FIG. 67 (E): The special symbol variation display (stop display) is completed, and the reduced effect design is stopped in the off mode ("526") in the screen. At this time, “30 seconds” is displayed on the timer of the special prefetch effect, and the time until the effect ends is notified.

In FIG. 67 (F): New working memory is consumed, and the special symbol variation display is started. Therefore, an effect of shifting the marker M1 by one is performed.
Also, “40 seconds” is displayed on the timer of the special pre-reading effect, and character information such as “+10 s” is displayed at the bottom thereof, thereby notifying that the time until the effect has been extended is 10 seconds. Yes.

  In FIG. 68 (G): Each time a large number of game balls enter the sorting device and the passage is detected by the first or second ball passing sensor 19a, 19b, the female character moves toward the marker M1. An effect of launching a sphere is being executed. In the example shown in the figure, an effect that the marker M1 changes from blue to green by the launch is executed.

  In FIG. 68 (H): After that, the game progresses, the special symbol variation display (stop display) is finished, and the reduced effect design is stopped in the off mode (“634”) in the screen. At this time, “0 seconds” is displayed in the timer of the special prefetch effect, and it is notified that the effect has ended. Moreover, the effect that the remaining marker M1 finally changes to red is executed. Thereby, since the special symbol corresponding to the working memory that triggered the special pre-reading effect is scheduled to be started from now on, this indicates that the special pre-reading effect ends.

  In FIG. 68 (I): When a new special symbol variation display is started, the special look-ahead effect ends, the female character on the plane disappears, and the reduced effect symbol is displayed in the center of the screen. It will be displayed in size.

  Next, an example of a control method for specifically realizing the above effects will be described. The above-described variable display effect, reach effect, pre-reach notice effect, memory number display effect, big role effect, special lookahead effect, and the like are all controlled through the following control process.

[Production control processing]
FIG. 69 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure of the effect control process executed by the effect control CPU 126. This effect control process is executed, for example, in a timer interrupt process (interrupt management process) separately from a reset start (main) process (not shown). The effect control CPU 126 generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined interrupt cycle (for example, a period of several tens of μs to several ms) during execution of the reset start process, and executes the timer interrupt process.

  The effect control process includes command reception process (step S400), working memory effect management process (step S401), effect symbol management process (step S402), count effect management process (step S403), display output process (step S404), lamp This includes a subroutine group of drive processing (step S406), acoustic drive processing (step S408), effect random number update processing (step S410), and other processing (step S412). Hereinafter, the basic flow of the effect control process will be described along each process.

  Step S400: In the command receiving process, the effect control CPU 126 receives an effect command transmitted from the main control CPU 72. The effect control CPU 126 analyzes the received commands and stores them in the command buffer area of the RAM 130 according to type. The command for the effect transmitted from the main control CPU 72 includes, for example, a special figure destination determination effect command, a (special symbol) effect command when the operating memory number increases, a (special symbol) effect command when the operating memory number decreases, a start port Winning sound control command, demonstration effect command, lottery result command, variation pattern command, variation start command, stop symbol command, symbol stop command, state designation command, round number command, error notification command, jackpot end effect command, number cut There are a counter value command, a variation pattern destination determination command, a stop display time end command, a power supply return designation command, a firing position designation command, and the like.

  Step S401: In the operation memory effect management process, the effect control CPU 126 controls the execution of the above-described stored number display effect and the pre-reading notice effect using the markers M1 and M2. The contents of the working memory effect management process will be further described later with reference to another drawing.

  Step S402: In the effect symbol management process, the effect control CPU 126 controls the contents of the variable display effect and the stop display effect using the effect symbols based on the result of the internal lottery, or the effect contents when the variable winning device 30 is opened and closed. Is controlled (production execution means). In this process, the effect control CPU 126 selects effect patterns of various notice effects (notice effect before reach occurrence, notice effect after reach, etc.). The contents of the effect symbol management process will be further described later with reference to another drawing.

  Step S403: In the count effect management process, the effect control CPU 126 executes a process of selecting an effect based on detection signals from the first ball passage sensor 19a and the second ball passage sensor 19b. The contents of the count effect management process will be further described later with reference to another drawing.

  Step S404: In the display output process, the effect control CPU 126 controls the effect display control device 144 (display control CPU 146) with basic control information of the effect contents (for example, the number of working memories of each of the first special symbol and the second special symbol). , An operation memory effect pattern number, a prefetch notice effect pattern number, a change effect pattern number, a change notice effect number, a background pattern number, etc.). Thereby, the effect display control device 144 (the display control CPU 146 and the VDP 152) controls the display operation by the liquid crystal display 42 based on the instructed effect content (effect executing means).

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

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

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

  Step S412: In other processing, for example, the effect control CPU 126 outputs a control signal to the driving IC of the movable body 40f. The movable body 40f operates using the movable body motor 57 as a drive source, and produces an effect in synchronism with the display of an image by the liquid crystal display 42 or independently.

  Through the above-described effect control process, the effect control CPU 126 can comprehensively control the effect contents in the pachinko machine 1. Next, the contents of the action memory effect management process executed in the effect control process will be described.

[Working memory production management process]
FIG. 70 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the working memory effect management process. Hereinafter, the contents will be described along a procedure example.

  Step S700: First, the effect control CPU 126 confirms whether or not the effect command at the time of increasing the number of working memories has been received from the main control CPU 72. Specifically, the effect control CPU 126 accesses the command buffer area of the RAM 130, and confirms whether or not the effect command at the time when the number of working memories increases is stored. When it is confirmed that the production command when the number of working memories increases is saved (step S700: Yes), the production control CPU 126 executes step S702. When it is not possible to confirm that the production command when the number of working memories increases is saved (step S700: No), the production control CPU 126 does not execute step S702.

  Step S702: The effect control CPU 126 executes an effect selection process when the number of working memories increases. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 selects an effect for displaying the markers M1 and M2 corresponding to the first special symbol and the second special symbol. In addition, a scenario or the like is set when a special prefetch effect is executed. The specific processing content will be further described later with reference to another flowchart.

  Step S704: The effect control CPU 126 confirms whether or not the effect command at the time when the number of working memories decreases is received from the main control CPU 72. Specifically, the effect control CPU 126 accesses the command buffer area of the RAM 130 and confirms whether or not the effect command when the number of working memories is reduced is stored. When it is confirmed that the production command when the number of working memories decreases is saved (step S704: Yes), the production control CPU 126 executes step S706. If it is not possible to confirm that the effect command when the number of working memories is reduced is stored (step S704: No), the effect control CPU 126 does not execute step S706.

Step S706: The effect control CPU 126 executes effect selection processing when the number of working memories decreases. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 selects an effect of sliding the markers M1 and M2 corresponding to the first special symbol and the second special symbol and an effect of erasing the marker corresponding to the lottery element consumed by the internal lottery.
When the above procedure is completed, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the effect control process (FIG. 69).

[Direction selection process when working memory increases]
FIG. 71 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure of the effect selection process when the number of working memories increases. Hereinafter, the contents will be described along a procedure example.
Step S720: The effect control CPU 126 executes a marker display effect selection process. In this process, when the working memory of the first special symbol is increased, the marker M1 is newly displayed, and in the case of the second special symbol, an effect of newly displaying the marker M2 is executed.

  Step S722: The effect control CPU 126 checks whether or not a special prefetch effect is currently being executed. If it is being executed (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 returns to the action memory effect management process, and if not being executed (No), the effect control CPU 126 next executes step S724.

  Step S724: The effect control CPU 126 checks whether or not the special prefetch effect conditions are satisfied. For example, the current situation is not in a big hit or time reduction state, the working memory is held, and the held working memory does not include those that perform a reach effect with high expectation of winning And whether or not the conditions such as reach production are not satisfied. As a result of the confirmation, if the condition is satisfied (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 next executes step S726. On the other hand, when the condition is not satisfied (No), the process returns to the effect control CPU 126 action memory effect management process.

Step S726: The effect control CPU 126 determines by lottery whether or not to execute the special prefetch effect.
Step S728: If it is decided to execute the special prefetch effect (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 next executes step S730. On the other hand, if not executed (No), the effect control CPU 126 returns to the working memory effect management process.

  Step S730: The effect control CPU 126 sets a special prefetch effect scenario. Specifically, an effect that executes a special look-ahead effect based on the remaining variation time of the special symbol currently being executed and the variation time of the special symbol for the pending working memory (the shortest time if it changes) While setting the time (production time (for example, 1 minute 10 seconds 26) until the change display of the special symbol is started), the stage of changing the marker M1 or M2 during the production (for example, three stages (standard (standard)) Color → blue → green → red)). In addition, if the variation time of the reserved special symbol is extended, the special prefetch effect production time is also extended. The stage to be changed is determined by lottery.

Step S732: A special prefetch effect is executed based on the special prefetch effect scenario. At this time, a timer corresponding to the effect time of the special prefetch effect is displayed on the screen, and the timer is counted down with time.
When the above procedure is completed, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the working memory effect management process (FIG. 70).

[Direction design management processing]
FIG. 72 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the effect symbol management process. The effect symbol management process includes an execution selection process (step S500), an effect symbol change pre-process (step S502), an effect symbol change process (step S504), an effect symbol stop display process (step S506), and a variable winning device operation. This is a configuration including a subroutine group of processing (step S508). Hereinafter, the basic flow of the effect symbol management process will be described along each process.

  Step S500: In the execution selection process, the effect control CPU 126 selects the jump destination of the process to be executed next (any one of steps S502 to S508). For example, the effect control CPU 126 sets the program address of the process to be executed next as the jump destination address, and sets the end of the effect symbol management process in the “jump table” as the return address. Which process is selected as the next jump destination depends on the progress of the processes performed so far. For example, if the situation has not yet started the variation display effect, the effect control CPU 126 selects the effect symbol variation pre-processing (step S502) as the next jump destination. On the other hand, if the effect symbol variation pre-processing has already been completed, the effect control CPU 126 selects the effect symbol variation processing (step S504) as the next jump destination, and if the effect symbol variation in-process has been completed, As a jump destination, the effect symbol stop display in-progress process (step S506) is selected. The variable winning device operating process (step S508) is performed when the big winning variable variable winning device management process (step S5000 in FIG. 39) is selected by the main control CPU 72 or the small winning variable variable winning device management process (FIG. 39). When the middle step S6000) is selected, it is selected as a jump destination. In this case, steps S502 to S506 are not executed.

  Step S502: In the effect symbol variation pre-processing, the effect control CPU 126 performs an operation of preparing conditions for starting the variable display effect using the effect symbol. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 selects the content of the reach effect according to various conditions (lottery result, winning type, variation pattern, etc.), or the effect pattern for the notice effect (the reach other than the pre-reading notice effect pattern). Pre-occurrence notice pattern, reach occurrence notice pattern, etc.). In addition, the production control CPU 126 also performs demonstration production control when the pachinko machine 1 is in a so-called customer waiting state. The specific processing content will be described later using another flowchart.

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

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

  Step S508: In the variable winning device operation process, the effect control CPU 126 controls the contents of the effect during the small hit or the big hit. In this processing, the effect control CPU 126 selects the contents of the prominent effect according to various conditions (for example, winning type). For example, in the case of 16 round big hits, the effect control CPU 126 selects the big round effect pattern of 16 rounds big hit as the effect contents to be displayed on the liquid crystal display 42, and instructs this to the effect display control device 144 (display control CPU 146). To do. As a result, the image of the prominent effect is displayed on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42, and the effect contents change as the round progresses.

[Preliminary design change processing]
FIG. 73 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the above-described effect symbol variation pre-processing. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along the example of a procedure.

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

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

  When the above procedure is completed, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the last address of the effect symbol management process. Then, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the effect control process as it is, and controls the contents of the demonstration effect based on the demonstration effect pattern in the subsequent display output process (step S404 in FIG. 69) and lamp driving process (step S406 in FIG. 69). To do.

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

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

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

  Step S608: The effect control CPU 126 executes a small hit hour variation effect pattern selection process. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 determines the effect pattern number at that time based on the variation pattern command received from the main control CPU 72 (for example, “C0H00H” to “D0H7FH”). The effect pattern number is prepared in advance corresponding to the variation pattern command, and the effect control CPU 126 can select an effect pattern number corresponding to the variation pattern command at that time by referring to an effect pattern selection table (not shown). it can. The production pattern numbers may be prepared in pairs with the variation pattern commands, or a plurality of production pattern numbers may be prepared for one variation pattern command.

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

  The above procedure corresponds to the case of “small hit”, but in the case of hitting the big hit, the effect control CPU 126 confirms that it is “big hit” in step S606 (Yes). In this case, the effect control CPU 126 executes step S610.

  Step S610: The effect control CPU 126 executes a big hit hour fluctuation effect pattern selection process. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 determines the effect pattern number at that time based on the variation pattern command (for example, “E0H00H” to “F0H7FH”) received from the main control CPU 72. In the big hit time effect pattern selection processing, the processing may be further branched for each big hit time stop symbol.

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

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

  When the effect pattern number at the time of detachment is selected, the effect control CPU 126 refers to an effect table (not shown), and the effect symbol change schedule corresponding to the change effect pattern number at that time (change time, presence / absence of reach, occurrence of reach) , Reach type and reach occurrence timing) and stop display mode (for example, “7”-“2”-“4”, etc.).

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

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

  Step S616: The effect control CPU 126 executes a mode effect management process. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 executes a process of selecting a background image corresponding to the stay mode. For example, when the internal state is a low probability non-time shortening state, the effect control CPU 126 executes a process of selecting a background image corresponding to the normal mode. When the internal state is a low probability time shortening state, the effect control CPU 126 Performs a process of selecting a background image corresponding to the coast mode, and when the internal state is a high probability time shortening state, the effect control CPU 126 executes a process of selecting a background image corresponding to the fireworks rush.

  When the above procedure is completed, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the effect symbol management process (end address). Thereby, in the subsequent effect symbol variation processing (step S504 in FIG. 72), the variation display effect and the stop display effect are executed based on the actually selected variation effect pattern, and based on various notice effect patterns. The notice effect is executed (effect executing means).

[Count production management process]
FIG. 74 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the count effect management process. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along the example of a procedure.

  Step S800: The effect control CPU 126 checks whether or not the internal state is a non-time shortening state. Specifically, the effect control CPU 126 accesses the command buffer area of the RAM 130, confirms the state designation command, and confirms whether or not the internal state is a non-time shortened state.

  As a result, when it is confirmed that the internal state is the non-time shortened state (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 executes step S802. On the other hand, when it cannot be confirmed that the internal state is the non-time shortening state (No), the effect control CPU 126 returns to the effect control process (FIG. 69).

  Step S802: The effect control CPU 126 confirms whether or not the special prefetch effect is being executed. If it is being executed (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 next executes step S804. If it is not being executed (No), the effect control CPU 126 returns to the effect control process (FIG. 69).

Step S804: The effect control CPU 126 confirms the special prefetch effect scenario. Specifically, it confirms about stage how many steps the marker display is changed.
Step S806: Then, it is confirmed whether or not it is the production end time. When it is the end time (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 next executes step S808, and when it is not the time (No), the effect control CPU 126 next executes step S810.

  Step S808: The effect control CPU 126 executes the effect at the end. Specifically, if the marker display has not changed to the final stage set in the scenario, an effect to change is executed.

  Step S810: The effect control CPU 126 confirms whether or not the special prefetch effect time can be increased. If it can be increased (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 next executes step S812, and if not possible (No), the effect control CPU 126 next executes step S816.

Step S812: The effect control CPU 126 executes an effect that increases as much as possible for the display of the timer.
Step S814: Then, a change is made to extend the presentation time of the scenario by the increased amount.

  Step S816: The effect control CPU 126 confirms whether or not a detection signal is input from the first or second spherical ball passage sensor 19b. When the input of the detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes the next step S812. On the other hand, when no detection signal is input (No), the effect control CPU 126 returns to the effect control process (FIG. 68).

Step S818: The effect control CPU 126 executes the effect when passing. Specifically, an effect is performed in which a female character on an airplane fires a ball from a cannon toward a marker.
When the above processing is completed, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the effect control process (FIG. 68).

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be implemented with various modifications. The aspect of the configuration described in the embodiment is an exemplification, and is not limited to the aspect of the configuration described above.

  In addition, the structure of the pachinko machine 1, the board surface configuration, specific numerical values and the like are preferable examples including those shown in the drawings, and these can be modified as appropriate.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pachinko machine 8 Game board unit 8a Game area 20 Start gate 26 Medium start prize opening 28 Variable start prize device 33 Normal symbol display device 33a Normal symbol operation | movement memory lamp 34 1st special symbol display device 35 2nd special symbol display device 34a 1st 1 special symbol operation memory lamp 35a second special symbol operation memory lamp 38 gaming state display device 40d warp passage 42 liquid crystal display 45 effect switching button 200 first distribution device 300 second distribution device 400 rolling stage 500 distribution unit

Claims (5)

A game board unit in which a game area including a special game area based on a section of the flow range of the game ball is formed;
A start port that is arranged downstream of the special game area and generates a lottery trigger for a predetermined internal lottery when a game ball enters;
When the lottery opportunity occurs, a lottery element acquisition means for acquiring a lottery element necessary for the internal lottery;
Lottery element storage means for storing the lottery element acquired by the lottery element acquisition means;
An internal lottery execution means for consuming the lottery element stored by the lottery element storage means and executing the internal lottery when a predetermined execution condition is satisfied;
When the lottery element is newly stored, a storage effect executing means for executing a memory effect indicating that the new lottery element is stored;
A detecting means for detecting a game ball arranged in the special game area and flowing down the special game area based on a game ball being launched with a predetermined launch force;
When a predetermined effect execution condition is satisfied, a special effect related to the memory effect is triggered by detection of a game ball by the detection means during a period in which the memory effect corresponding to the new lottery element is being executed. Special production execution means for executing
A gaming machine comprising: In the gaming machine according to claim 1,
The special performance execution means
When a game ball is detected by the detection means, the game machine is characterized in that the special effect having a content that changes the content of the hold effect corresponding to the new lottery element is executed. In the gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2,
The game balls that are arranged in the special game area and that flow down the special game area based on the game balls being launched with a predetermined launch force are received, and a predetermined number of the received game balls of a certain number are received. A distribution device that distributes game balls of eyes in a first direction, while distributing game balls other than the predetermined number of balls in a second direction;
Further comprising
The detection means includes
The distribution device includes a first detection unit and a second detection unit, wherein the first detection unit detects a game ball distributed in the first direction, and the second detection unit includes the second detection unit. A gaming machine characterized by detecting a gaming ball distributed in a direction. In the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
When the lottery element is newly stored by the lottery element storage unit, the lottery for determining in advance at least the result of the internal lottery using the lottery element newly stored before the predetermined execution condition is satisfied A result destination determination means;
Further comprising
The special performance execution means
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the special effect is executed based on a result of a prior determination by the lottery result destination determination means, and the content of the possibility that the result of the internal lottery corresponds to winning is changed. In the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
Accompanying the acquisition of the lottery element by the lottery element acquisition means, the fluctuation pattern determination element acquisition means for acquiring the fluctuation pattern determination element required when determining the fluctuation pattern of the symbol;
When the internal lottery is executed by the internal lottery executing means, a fluctuation pattern determining means for determining the fluctuation pattern based on a fluctuation pattern determining element corresponding to the consumed lottery element;
When the variation pattern is determined by the variation pattern determination means, the symbol is displayed in a manner that represents the result of the internal lottery after the symbol is displayed in a variable manner over the variation time set based on the determined variation pattern. A symbol display means for
When the variation pattern determination element is newly stored by the storage unit, a variation pattern destination determination unit that determines in advance the variation pattern determined by the variation pattern determination unit using the new variation pattern determination element; ,
The special performance execution means
When the special effect is executed, the internal lottery corresponding to the new lottery element is executed based on the variation pattern determined or pre-determined by the variation pattern determination unit and the variation pattern destination determination unit. A gaming machine characterized in that the special effect including the content for informing the time until completion is executed.