JP2016150101A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To suppress a decrease in interest in a game by providing new amusement.SOLUTION: For an ST-type game machine that can simultaneously vary two special patterns and further include a limiter function, a first special pattern is prescribed by short variation having normal variation time and a second special pattern is prescribed by long variation having an extremely long (10 hours) variation time. At the time of probability variation (during ST) and at the time of a low probability after a limiter is reached, the first special patter is prescribed by long variation and the second special pattern is prescribed by short variation. A small win not found in the first special pattern is prescribed in a lottery regarding the second special pattern, and the small win is allowed to occur frequently during ST and during a low probability after the limiter is reached.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 33

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that, when a lottery opportunity occurs during a game, displays a symbol in a manner that displays a result of a lottery after a symbol change display.

  Conventionally, there are a first start winning port and a second start winning port as a plurality of start winning ports, and the first special symbol display device and the second special symbol display device corresponding to each of them are simultaneously (in parallel). A prior art of a gaming machine that performs variable display is known (for example, see Patent Document 1). Further, when the special symbol is stopped in the winning manner in the special symbol display device, the big hit game is started, and a large amount of prize balls can be obtained in a short time. When the jackpot game ends, if the gaming state at the time of the jackpot is a low probability state, the probability variation function that sets the probability of the lottery to a high probability state operates continuously until the jackpot game is generated for the specified upper limit number of times. A prior art (so-called limiter function) of a gaming machine is known (for example, see Patent Document 2).

JP 2013-128675 A JP 2011-147732 A

  Combining the above technologies, two special symbols rotate continuously, the game speed improves, and the big hit game is executed continuously. When the big hit ends, the game returns to the normal state (low probability state), so the game starts from 1 and the interest in the game has been reset.

  Therefore, the present invention intends to provide a technique for suppressing a decrease in interest in games by providing new game characteristics.

The present invention employs the following means for solving the above problems.
Solution 1: The gaming machine of the present invention performs the first lottery by the first lottery execution means for executing the first lottery and the first lottery execution means on condition that the first lottery trigger occurs during the game. And a first symbol display means for displaying a variation of the first symbol over a preset variation time, and displaying the stop of the first symbol in a manner corresponding to the result of the first lottery after the variation display. The second lottery execution means for executing the second lottery different from the first lottery on the condition that the second lottery opportunity different from the first lottery opportunity occurs during the game, and the second lottery execution means When the second lottery is executed, the variation display of the second symbol is performed over a preset variation time, and the second symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner corresponding to the result of the second lottery after the variation display. Before the second symbol display means and the first lottery execution means When the result of the first lottery corresponds to winning and the second symbol by the first symbol display means is displayed in a winning manner after the first symbol variation display, the second lottery execution means Special game execution means for executing a special game triggered by the fact that the result of the lottery corresponds to winning and the second symbol display means is stopped and displayed in a winning manner after the variation display of the second symbol is displayed. When the special game by the game execution means ends (the stop display mode of the first or second symbol at the start of execution of the special game is a specific winning mode, or can be passed during the execution of the special game When a specific condition (one of game balls passing through a predetermined special area) is satisfied, a low representing a normal state with respect to the lottery probability states of the first and second lotteries When the rate condition is set and the specific condition is not satisfied, the lottery probability state setting means for setting the lottery probability state to a high probability state in which the winning probability is higher than the low probability state; and the first or second symbol When the lottery probability state is the high probability state, when the number of times that the first or second symbol is stopped and displayed in the winning state reaches the specified first number The first and second symbols are displayed in a variable manner after the lottery probability state is set to the high probability state by the specified number of times stop state setting means to be the winning aspect and the lottery probability state setting means. When the number of times reaches a predetermined second number, the low probability state setting means for setting the lottery probability state to the low probability state, and the lottery probability state is set to the low probability state by the low probability state setting means. Have A predetermined first criterion is applied when setting the variation time for the variation display of the first symbol or the second symbol, and the lottery probability state is set to the low probability state or the high probability by the lottery probability state setting means. A variable time setting reference changing means for changing a reference applied when setting a variable time related to the variable display of the first symbol or the second symbol to a second reference different from the first reference when the state is set. It is a gaming machine characterized by comprising.

  The gaming machine of the present invention performs internal lottery separately for each of the first lottery opportunity and the second lottery opportunity that can occur separately during the game, and variably displays the first special symbol and the second special symbol, respectively. It is something to be made. Here, the first lottery opportunity and the second lottery opportunity are triggered by the fact that a lottery element necessary for the lottery has been acquired on condition that a game ball wins a winning winning opening corresponding to each lottery opportunity. . The change display of the first special symbol is performed corresponding to the internal lottery on the condition that the first lottery opportunity occurs, and the variable display of the second special symbol corresponds to the internal lottery on the condition that the second lottery opportunity occurs. Done. Therefore, when the internal lottery regarding one special symbol is performed, it is possible that the other special symbol is variably displayed. For example, it is possible that the second lottery opportunity occurs and the second internal lottery process related to the second special symbol is performed while the variable display regarding the first special symbol is being performed.

  When either one of the special symbols corresponds to the big win, the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner representing the big hit, and the big hit game is started. A large number of prize balls are acquired during this jackpot game.

  When the big hit game ends, the state of the lottery probability regarding the internal lottery of the special symbol is set to a normal low probability state (normal state) or a high probability state (probability variation state). Specifically, the number of times the player wins the jackpot in the high probability state while the player wins the jackpot in the low probability state (or when the game ball passes through a specific area provided in the big winning opening) Is set to a low probability state when the number of times reaches a predetermined number. In addition, regardless of the jackpot game, when the variable display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is executed for a predetermined upper limit number of times in the high probability state, the state changes from the high probability state to the low probability state. The setting is changed.

  In addition, when executing the variable display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol, when the lottery probability state regarding the internal lottery of the special symbol is set for the variable time regarding the variable display, that is, at the end of the big hit game, Alternatively, the length of the variation time to be set differs depending on when the number of times that the special symbol variation display is executed reaches the specified number.

  Thereby, the change display of the special symbol can be changed after the big hit game ends, and the change display of the special symbol can be changed even when the specified number of times is reached. For example, one special symbol can end the variable display in a short time, the other special symbol can end the variable display in a long time, or the game can be advanced with various combinations of the variable time. While being able to provide game nature, the fall of the interest with respect to a game can be suppressed.

  Solution 2: The gaming machine of the present solution is the solution 1, wherein the change time setting reference change means is the first reference, the change time related to the change display of the first symbol is the change display of the second symbol. The second reference is based on the criterion that the variation time related to the variation display of the second symbol is longer than the variation time related to the variation display of the first symbol. It is a gaming machine characterized by being.

  The gaming machine of the present solution means that when the lottery probability state relating to the internal lottery of the special symbol is set is when the number of times the special symbol variable display has been executed reaches the specified number of times, The fluctuation display is set to a fluctuation time of a normal time (for example, about 5 to 180 seconds), and the fluctuation display of the second special symbol is set to a fluctuation time of a long time (for example, about 10 hours) longer than the normal time. Is done. On the other hand, when the lottery probability state related to the internal lottery of the special symbol is set at the end of the special game, the variation display of the first special symbol is set to a long variation time (for example, about 10 hours). The fluctuation display of the second special symbol is set to the fluctuation time of the normal time (for example, 5 to 180 seconds).

  Therefore, even if the lottery probability state is the same low probability state, the game can be advanced with the variation time of the first special symbol and the second special symbol different, and new game characteristics are provided. It is possible to suppress a decrease in interest in games.

  Solving means 3: The gaming machine of the present solving means defines in the solving means 1 or 2 other than non-winning as a result of the second lottery execution by the second lottery execution means, and the first lottery execution means performs the first The lottery result defining means that does not prescribe anything other than non-winning, and the result of the second lottery by the second lottery executing means is other than non-winning, and the second symbol display means When the first symbol is in variable display after the variable display is displayed in a mode other than non-winning, the variable display is terminated and stopped and then separated from the special game. A special game executing means for executing the special game is further provided.

  As for the gaming machine of this solution, for the second special symbol, the result of the internal lottery includes a small hit in addition to the big hit, and when winning a small hit, a small hit game different from the big hit game is started. The Also in this small hit game, a winning ball can be obtained and the number of possessed balls can be increased.

  For example, in order to increase the possession ball, if the variation time of the second special symbol is normal time, the possession ball can be increased by frequently generating small hit games, while the variation time of the second special symbol is When it is a long time, that is, when the lottery probability state is a low probability state, it is necessary to first set the variation display time of the second special symbol to be a short time by matching the big win with the first special symbol. Represents. Furthermore, in order to increase the holding ball, the big hit game is executed before the change count reaches the specified number and the setting is changed from the high probability state to the low probability state, and after the big hit game is finished, the low probability state is reduced. This shows that it is necessary to change the setting to the probability state and set the variation display time of the second special symbol to a short time.

  In this way, by giving a gameability that a prize ball can be acquired only for one special symbol, by changing the combination of variation times for each special symbol according to the time when the lottery probability state is set, a new While being able to provide game nature, the fall of the interest with respect to a game can be suppressed.

  Solution 4: The gaming machine of the present solution is any one of the solutions 1 to 3, wherein the special game execution means does not include winning after one of the symbols of the first symbol or the second symbol is variably displayed. When the display is stopped in a mode other than winning, if the other symbol is in variable display, the special game is executed after the variable display is terminated and stopped in a non-winning mode. This is a gaming machine.

  If an internal lottery other than non-winning (big hit or small win) is selected and the first special symbol or the second special symbol is stopped in a mode other than that non-winning, and the other special symbol is in a variable display At the same time, it will stop in a non-winning (out of date) manner.

  The gaming machine of this solution means that the special symbol is not variably displayed during the big hit game or the small hit game, so that the player is not confused.

  Solution 5: The gaming machine of the present solution means that, in any one of solution means 1 to 4, when the first lottery is executed by the first lottery execution means, the first symbol display is performed at least within the variation time. A first symbol effect executing means for executing a first variable display effect for variably displaying a predetermined first effect symbol in correspondence with the variable display of the first symbol by the means, and the second lottery effect by the second lottery executing means. Is executed, a second variable display effect is displayed for variably displaying a predetermined second effect symbol in correspondence with the variation display of the second symbol by the second symbol display means within at least the variation time. When the symbol effect execution means, the first variation display effect, and the second variation display effect are simultaneously executed, the first variation is based on the reference applied by the variation time setting reference changing unit. A gaming machine and further comprising a presentation form changing means for changing the representation embodiment of 示演 unloading and the second variable display effect.

  In the gaming machine of this solving means, an effect that the effect symbol fluctuates in the liquid crystal display screen is executed in response to the special symbol variation display. In addition, the first special symbol and the second special symbol may be variably displayed at the same time. In this case, the variable display effect by the first effect symbol corresponding to the first special symbol and the second special symbol are displayed. This shows that the variable display effect by the corresponding second effect symbol is executed at the same time. Here, in the liquid crystal screen, for example, the variable display effect by the effect design corresponding to the other special symbol is executed mainly on the change display effect by the effect symbol corresponding to the special symbol with the shorter change time set. It is executed to the extent that it is not noticed, and it is possible to clarify a variable display effect that the player wants to pay attention to, and to suppress a decrease in interest in the game.

  While the two special symbol display devices perform variable display in parallel, the range of game play can be expanded.

It is a front view of a pachinko machine. It is a rear view of a pachinko machine. It is a front view which expands and shows a part of game board. It is a block diagram which shows the various electronic devices with which the pachinko machine was equipped. It is a flowchart (1/2) which shows the example of a procedure of a reset start process. It is a flowchart (2/2) which shows the example of a procedure of a reset start process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of 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 structural example of a 1st special symbol game process. It is a flowchart which shows the structural example of a 2nd 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 the structural example of an internal lottery correspondence table. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the change time correspondence table | surface in a normal state. It is a figure which shows the example of a structure of the change time correspondence table | surface in the probability variation state and the limiter arrival normal time. It is a figure which shows an example of the fluctuation pattern selection table at the time of the 1st special symbol in the normal state. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the fluctuation pattern selection table at the time of the 2nd special symbol according to a normal state. It is a figure which shows the example of a structure of the fluctuation pattern selection table at the time of the 1st special symbol at the time of a probability change state and a limiter arrival normal time. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the fluctuation pattern selection table at the time of the 2nd special symbol according to a probability variation state. It is a figure which shows the structure row | line | column of the big hit stop symbol selection table according to a 1st special symbol and a 2nd special symbol. 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 process during special symbol fluctuation display. It is a timing chart which shows the change of various change displays. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the special symbol stop display process. It is a flowchart which shows the structural example of a display output management process. It is a flowchart which shows the structural example of a variable winning apparatus management process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a big winning opening opening pattern setting process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a big prize opening / closing operation | movement process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a big winning opening closing process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of an end process. It is a figure explaining the game flow developed in the pachinko machine 1. FIG. It is a continuous figure which shows the example of the production image matched with the change display and stop display of the special symbol in a normal state. It is a continuation figure showing the flow of reach production performed at the time of big hit. It is a continuation figure which shows partially an example of a big role production performed during a big hit game (1/2). It is a continuation figure which partially shows the example of the big role production performed during a big hit game (2/2). It is a continuation figure which shows the example of production in a probability change state (fireworks rush) (1/2). It is a continuation figure which shows the example of production in a probability change state (fireworks rush) (2/2). It is a continuation figure showing an example of production in a limiter arrival normal state (fireworks preparation mode). It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of effect control processing. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of effect design management processing. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of an effect design change pre-process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a mode selection process.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  A grip unit 16 is installed at the lower right portion of the tray unit 6. The player operates the grip unit 16 to operate the launch control board set 174 and can launch (shoot) a game ball toward the game area 8a (ball launcher). The launched game ball rises along the left side edge of the game board 8, is guided by an outer band (not shown), and is thrown into the game area 8a. A large number of obstacle nails, windmills (without reference numerals in the drawing) and the like are arranged in the game area 8a, and the thrown-in game balls flow down in the game area 8a while being guided and guided by the obstacle nails and the windmill. As shown in FIG. 1, the behavior of the game ball in the game area 8a is as follows. When the game ball flows down to the area on the left side of the effect unit 40 around the effect unit 40 to be described later, the game ball moves to the area on the right side of the effect unit 40. On the contrary, when a game ball flows down to the right area of the effect unit 40, it is not guided to the left area of the effect unit 40. The game ball flowing down the left side of the production unit 40 and the game ball flowing down the right side of the production unit 40 are guided to the out port 32 formed at the lower part of the game area 8a unless finally winning any of the game ports. Is done.

[Configuration of the board]
In the game area 8a, a start gate 20, normal winning ports 22, 24, a first starting winning port 26, a second starting winning port 27, a variable starting winning device 28, a variable winning device 30, and the like are installed. The game balls thrown into the game area 8a randomly pass through the start gate 20 in the process of flowing down, or the normal winning ports 22, 24, the first starting winning port 26, and the second starting winning port 27. Then, the variable start winning device 28 is won (entered). The game balls that have passed through the start gate 20 continue to flow down in the game area 8a, but the winning game balls are collected to the back side of the game board 8 through through holes formed in the game board.

[Starting prize opening]
The game ball thrown into the upper part of the game area 8a wins (enters) the gate and the winning opening in the process of flowing down the game area 8a. However, the game ball is won according to the area of the game area 8a where the game ball flows down. Each start winning opening that is possible or impossible may be installed at a predetermined position (area).

  In the present embodiment, the game ball guided by flowing down from the upper part of the game area 8a to the area on the left side of the effect unit 40 can enter the first start winning opening 26 or the second starting winning opening 27 and is variable. It is impossible (or extremely difficult) to win the start winning device 28. Furthermore, a game ball guided by flowing down from the upper part of the game area 8a to the right side of the effect unit 40 can be awarded to the variable start winning device 28. For example, the first start winning opening 26 and the second starting winning opening 27 are respectively left and right (left: first start winning opening 26, right: second start winning opening) in the approximate center of the game area 8a (lower part of the production unit 40). 27), the variable start winning device 28 is installed on the right side of the effect unit 40 in the game area 8a.

  In addition, in this embodiment, when a predetermined number of game balls are fired, each start winning opening may be installed at a position having a different probability (expected winning rate) to win each starting winning opening. Each start winning opening may be installed so as to achieve a winning rate. For example, when about 100 game balls are fired so as to flow down the left side of the production unit 40, about 6 are awarded to the first start winning opening 26 and about 1 to 2 are awarded to the second starting winning opening 27. , Even when 100 game balls are fired so as to flow down the right side of the production unit 40, each of the expected winning percentages is set at different positions so that about 20 to 30 prizes are won in the variable start winning device 28 during operation. A start winning opening may be provided.

[Variable start winning device]
Note that the above variable start winning device 28 is configured so that when a predetermined condition is satisfied (the game ball passes through the start gate 20 and a lottery regarding a normal symbol is performed, and the normal symbol is played in a winning manner based on the lottery result. When the operation stops, the variable start winning device 28 can be awarded to the third start winning port 28a (ordinary electric accessory). The variable start winning device 28 has, for example, a pair of left and right movable pieces 28b, and these movable pieces 28b reciprocate in the left-right direction along the board surface by the action of a link mechanism using a solenoid (not shown), for example. That is, as shown in the drawing, the left and right movable pieces 28b are in the closed position with the tip facing upward, and at this time, winning in the third starting winning opening 28a is impossible (there is no gap through which game balls can flow). It has become. On the other hand, when the variable start winning device 28 is actuated, the left and right movable pieces 28b are displaced (expanded) from the closed position toward the open position, and the opening width of the third start winning opening 28a is expanded to the left and right. During this time, the variable start winning device 28 is in a state in which a game ball can flow in, and generates a win to the third start winning port 28a. Note that the arrangement (gauge) of the obstacle nails installed on the game board 8 is basically a mode in which it is easy to guide the flow of the game balls toward the variable start winning device 28, but the game balls are always variable. The inflow does not necessarily flow into the start winning device 28, but the inflow occurs only at random.

  The variable winning device 30 operates when a prescribed condition is satisfied (when a special symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner corresponding to a case other than non-winning (a big win or a small win)), and a big prize opening ( It is possible to win a prize (without a reference sign) (special electric accessory, special prize event generating 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 figure, the opening / closing member 30a is in the closed position (closed state) along the board surface, and at this time, winning in the big winning opening is always impossible (the big winning opening is closed). When the variable winning device 30 is operated, the opening / closing member 30a is displaced so as to fall forward with its lower end edge as a hinge, thereby opening the large winning opening (open state). During this time, the variable winning device 30 is in a state in which the inflow of game balls is not impossible, and can generate an event of winning a prize winning opening. At this time, the opening / closing member 30a also functions as a member for guiding the inflow of the game ball to the special winning opening.

  In addition, an out port 32 is formed in the game area 8 a, and game balls that have not won a prize are finally collected through the out port 32 to the back side of the game board 8. In addition, all game balls that have been driven into the game area 8a, including game balls that have won the first start prize port 26, the second start prize port 27, the variable start prize device 28, and the variable prize device 30, are game boards. 8 is collected to the back side. The collected game balls are discharged out of the frame from the back side of the pachinko machine 1 through an out passage assembly (not shown), and further join a supply path of an island facility (not shown).

  The game board 8 is provided with a normal symbol display device 33 and a normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, for example, at the lower right position in the window 4a, as well as a first special symbol display device 34, a second special symbol display device 35, A first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, a second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a, and a game state display device 38 are provided (normal symbol display means, special symbol display means, lottery element storage means). Among these, the normal symbol display device 33, for example, turns on two lamps (LEDs) alternately to display the normal symbols variably, and stops and displays the normal symbols when the lamps are turned on or off. The normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a displays 0 to 4 memory numbers depending on, for example, a combination of turning off, lighting, or blinking of two lamps (LEDs).

  FIG. 3 is an enlarged front view showing a part of the game board 8 (lower right position in the window 4a). The first special symbol display device 34 and the second special symbol display device 35 can display the variation state and the stop state of the special symbol by, for example, 7-segment LEDs (with dots), respectively (special symbol display means).

  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 one in the sense of memorizing that a game ball has entered the first start winning port 26 every time the game ball flows into the first start winning port 26. Each time the display mode is increased (up to a maximum of 4), every time the special symbol starts to change, the display mode is decreased by one each time. In addition, the second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a is provided with the second start winning opening 27 or the third start winning prize every time a game ball enters the second start winning opening 27 or the third start winning opening 28a. Each time it changes to the display mode after increasing one by one in the sense of memorizing that a game ball has entered the mouth 28a (up to a maximum of four), each time a special symbol change is triggered by that ball It changes to the display mode after decreasing one by one. In the present embodiment, when the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a is not lit (the number of memories is 0), the first special winning opening is in a state where the first special symbol can already start to change (when stopped). Even if a game ball enters 26, the display mode does not change. Further, when the second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a is not lit (the number of memories is 0), the second start winning opening 27 or the third start in a state where the second special symbol can already start to change (when stopped). Even if a game ball enters the winning opening 28, 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 four LEDs corresponding to, for example, jackpot type display lamps 38a and 38b, a probability variation state display lamp 38c, and a short time state display lamp 38d. In the present embodiment, the normal symbol display device 33, the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, the first special symbol display device 34, the second special symbol display device 35, the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, and the second special symbol described above. The operation memory lamp 35a and the game status display device 38 are attached to the game board 8 in a state where they are mounted on one integrated display board 89.

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

  A ball guide passage 40d is formed at the left edge of the effect unit 40, and a rolling stage 40e is formed at the lower edge thereof. The ball guide passage 40d is opened obliquely upward to the left in the game area 8a. When a game ball flowing down in the game area 8a randomly flows into the ball guide path 40d, it passes through the inside and rolls. Released onto the stage 40e. The upper surface of the rolling stage 40e has a smooth curved surface. Here, the game ball can roll in the left-right direction. The game ball that has rolled on the rolling stage 40e will eventually flow into the lower game area 8a. A ball discharge path 40f is formed at the center of the rolling stage 40e. At this time, the game ball that has flowed down from the rolling stage 40e to the ball discharge path 40f flows into the first start winning opening 26 directly below the ball discharge path 40f. It becomes easy.

  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 40g (for example, a heart-shaped ornament). The effect movable body 40g 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 40g, it is possible to demonstrate appealing power different from the effects using two-dimensional images.

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

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

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

[Configuration on the back side]
As shown in FIG. 2, on the back side of the pachinko machine 1, there are a power supply control unit 162, a main control board unit 170, a dispensing device unit 172, a flow path unit 173, a launch control board set 174, and a dispensing control board unit 176. A back cover unit 178 and the like are installed. In addition, 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 electronic devices will be further described later based on another block diagram (FIG. 4).

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

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

  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. The ground wire 166 is also connected to a ground terminal installed in the island facility to secure the ground (ground) of the pachinko machine 1.

[Control configuration]
Next, a configuration related to control of the pachinko machine 1 will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing various electronic devices equipped in the pachinko machine 1. The pachinko machine 1 includes a main control device 70 (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 and a RAM (RWM) together with a CPU core and registers (not shown). ) This is configured as an LSI in which semiconductor memories such as 76 are integrated. The main controller 70 is equipped with a random number generator 75 and a sampling circuit 77. Among these, the random number generator 75 generates a hardware random number (for example, 0 to 65535 in decimal notation) for determining the big hit, and the generated random number is input to the main control CPU 72 through the sampling circuit 77. The In addition, the main controller 70 is equipped with peripheral ICs such as an input / output (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. The game board 8 includes a first start prize port switch 80 and a second start prize port switch corresponding to the first start prize port 26, the second start prize port 27, the variable start prize device 28, and the variable prize device 30, respectively. 81, a third start winning opening switch 82 and a count switch 84 are provided. Each start winning port switch 80, 81, 82 detects winning of a game ball to the first start winning port 26, the second start winning port 27, and the variable start winning device 28 (third start winning port 28a). Is. The count switch 84 is for detecting the winning of a game ball to the variable winning device 30 (large winning opening) and counting the number. Similarly, the game board 8 is equipped with a winning opening switch 86 for detecting the winning of a game ball to the normal winning openings 22 and 24. 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, a winning of a game ball for the normal winning ports 22, 24 located on the left side of the board surface is detected, and in the right winning port switch 86, a winning of a game ball in the normal winning port 24 located on the right side of the board surface is detected. 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). Due to the configuration of the game board 8, in this embodiment, the winning detection signals from the gate switch 78, the count switch 84, and the winning opening switch 86 are transmitted via the panel relay terminal plate 87, and are sent to the panel relay terminal plate 87. , Wiring patterns and connection terminals for relaying the respective winning detection signals are provided.

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

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

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

  On the back side of the pachinko machine 1, a payout control device 92 is equipped (special privilege grant means). 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 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 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. When the lower tray 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. .

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

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

  The 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. . In addition to this, the launch relay terminal plate 118 is connected with a lending device connection terminal plate 120 such as a game ball, and when the above-mentioned CR unit is not connected to this lending device connection terminal plate 120 such as a game ball, the launch is similarly performed. The drive circuit of the 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). The lending / return switch board 123 has switch modules connected to the ball lending button 10 and the return button 12, respectively. When the ball lending button 10 or the return button 12 is operated, the operation signal is lended and It is transmitted from the return switch board 123 to the CR unit via the game ball rental device connecting terminal board 120. Further, a frequency signal indicating the remaining frequency of the valuable medium is transmitted from the CR unit 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. If no valuable medium is inserted in the CR unit or the remaining frequency of the inserted valuable medium becomes zero, the display circuit of the frequency display board 122 drives the display device to display a demonstration (of the valuable medium). (Display for prompting input) can also be performed.

  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 by the back cover unit 178 on the back side of the pachinko machine 1.

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

  The 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. Note that the communication harness may adopt a parallel format according to the bus width of various commands transmitted from the main control device 70 to the effect control device 124, or 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 lamps 46 and 48, the glass frame side lamp 50, and the saucer lamp 52, the various lamps include a decoration / production board lamp 53 installed in the game board 8. The panel lamp 53 corresponds to an LED incorporated in the above-described effect unit, or an LED incorporated in the variable start winning device 28, the variable winning device 30, or the like. Here, although the example in which the saucer lamp 52 is connected to the glass frame decorating board 136 is given, a saucer illuminated board is installed in the saucer unit 6, and the saucer lamp 52 is interposed via the saucer illuminated board. It may be configured to be connected to the lamp driving circuit 132.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Step S102: Subsequently, the main control CPU 72 sets 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: The main control CPU 72 clears the command waiting for transmission immediately before the occurrence of the previous power interruption.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Step S118, Step S119: The main control CPU 72 executes the power interruption occurrence check process after prohibiting interruption. In this process, the main control CPU 72 performs bit check on the input port of the main power-off detection signal and monitors the occurrence of power-off (decrease in 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 valid value (for example, “A55AH”) in the backup validity determination flag area, prohibits access to the RAM 76, and stops (NOP) the process. On the other hand, if the power shutoff does not occur, the main control CPU 72 next executes step S120. There is also a known programming example in which the CPU executes the process at the time of the occurrence of power interruption as a non-maskable interrupt (NMI) process.

  Step S120: The main control CPU 72 executes an initial value update random number update process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 increments random numbers for updating (changing) initial values of various software random numbers. In this embodiment, various random numbers (for example, hit determination random numbers corresponding to ordinary symbols, jackpot symbol random numbers, reach determination random numbers, variation pattern determination random numbers, etc.) other than jackpot determination random numbers (hardware random numbers) are generated on the program. ing. These software random numbers are updated by a loop counter within a predetermined range by another interrupt process (step S201 in FIG. 8). 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. Note that the reason why step S120 is executed after the interruption is prohibited in step S118 is that the same process is executed in another interrupt management process (step S202 in FIG. 8), and therefore overlap (conflict) ) To prevent the above). As described above, in this embodiment, the big hit determination random number is a hardware random number generated by the random number generator 75, and its update cycle is faster (eg, several μs) than the timer interrupt cycle (eg, several ms). Therefore, it is not necessary to update the initial value of the jackpot determination random number.

  Step S121, Step S122: The main control CPU 72 permits the interrupt and executes other random number update processing. The random numbers updated by this processing are random numbers (reach determination random numbers, variation pattern determination random numbers, etc.) that are not related to the determination of the winning type (winning type) among software random numbers. This process is performed in the remaining time when a timer interrupt occurs during execution of the main loop and the main control CPU 72 executes another interrupt management process (FIG. 8). The contents of the interrupt management process will be described later.

[Power failure check processing]
FIG. 7 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 currently output (No), the main control CPU 72 exits this process and returns to the reset start process (FIG. 6). 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: 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 (FIGS. 5 and 6).

[Interrupt management processing (timer interrupt processing)]
Next, interrupt management processing (timer interrupt processing) will be described. FIG. 8 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. The various random numbers include, for example, jackpot symbol random numbers, normal symbol random numbers determined, and the like.

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

  Step S203: The main control CPU 72 executes input processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 inputs various switch signals from an input / output (I / O) port 79. Specifically, a pass detection signal from the gate switch 78, and a winning from the first starting winning port switch 80, the second starting winning port switch 81, the third starting winning port switch 82, the count switch 84, and the winning port switch 86. Read the detection signal input state (ON / OFF).

  Step S204: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes switch input event processing. In this processing, among the switch signals input in the previous input processing, based on winning detection signals from the gate switch 78, the first starting winning port switch 80, the second starting winning port switch 81, and the third starting winning port switch 82. Event that occurred during the game is determined, and further processing is executed according to each event that occurred. The specific contents of the switch input event process will be described later with reference to a further flowchart (FIG. 9).

  In this embodiment, when a winning detection signal (ON) is input from the first start winning opening switch 80, the main control CPU 72 generates an event that becomes an internal lottery trigger (lottery trigger) corresponding to the first special symbol. Is determined. Further, when a winning detection signal (ON) is input from the second start winning opening switch 81 or the third starting winning opening switch 82, the main control CPU 72 causes an internal lottery opportunity (lottery opportunity) corresponding to the second special symbol. It is determined that an event occurs. 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 the processing executed when a winning detection signal is input from the first starting winning port switch 80, the second starting winning port switch 81, or the third starting winning port switch 82 is still another flowchart (FIG. 10). This will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Step S205A, Step S205B, Step S206: The main control CPU 72 executes a first special symbol game process, a second special symbol game process, and a normal symbol game process during the interrupt management process. These processes are for specifically proceeding with the game in the pachinko machine 1. Among these, in the first special symbol game process (step S205A), the main control CPU 72 controls the execution of the internal lottery corresponding to the first special symbol described above, and the first special symbol display device 34 displays and stops the change. The display is controlled, and the operation of the variable winning device 30 is controlled according to the display result. In the second special symbol game process (step S205B), the main control CPU 72 controls the execution of the internal lottery corresponding to the second special symbol, and controls the variable display and stop display by the second special symbol display device 35. The operation of the variable winning device 30 is controlled according to the display result. Details of the first special symbol game process and the second special symbol game process will be described later with reference to still another flowchart (FIGS. 12 and 13).

  In the normal symbol game process (step S206), the main control CPU 72 controls the variable display and stop display by the normal symbol display device 33 described above, and controls the operation of the variable start winning device 28 according to the display result. To do. For example, the main control CPU 72 stores a random number (ordinary random number per symbol) acquired in response to the passage of the start gate 20 in the previous switch input event processing (step S204). The random number value is read out from the memory, and it is determined whether or not it falls within a predetermined hit range (internal lottery process 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, 81, 82, 84, 85, 86 in the previous input process (step S203), a prize for instructing the payout control device 92 the number of winning balls. Output a ball command. For example, when winning of a game ball is confirmed at each start winning port switch, three winning balls and second start are given for the first start winning port switch 80 as an instruction of the number of winning balls to the payout control device 92. The prize opening switch 81 may have three prize balls, and the third start prize opening switch 82 may have three prize balls.

  Step S208: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes external information processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sends the above-mentioned external information signals (for example, prize ball information, door opening information, symbol determination number information, jackpot information, start port information, etc.) to the hall computer of the game hall through the external terminal board 160. Store in port output request buffer.

  In the present embodiment, among 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 device) connected to the pachinko machine 1 is output. Can provide various jackpot information (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 for each table, it can be recognized whether or not the current symbol variation time is in a shortened state. 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: 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 signals stored in the port output request buffer in the first special symbol game process (step S205A), the second special symbol game process (step S205B), and the normal symbol game process (step S206) are displayed. Output port. 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 together.

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

  Step S213: The main control CPU 72 clears the port output request buffer stored by the current CTC interrupt.

  In the present embodiment, an example is given in which the processing (game control program module) in steps S205A to S212 is executed as a timer interrupt processing. However, these processes are incorporated in the main loop of the CPU and executed. There is also a programming example.

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

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

[Switch input event processing]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the switch input event process (step S204 in FIG. 8). Each procedure will be described below.

  Step S10: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not a winning detection signal is input (first event occurs) from the first start winning port 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. The specific processing content will be further described later using another flowchart (FIG. 10). 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 determines whether or not a winning detection signal is input (second event occurs) from the second starting winning port switch 81 or the third starting winning port switch 82 corresponding to the second special symbol. Check. 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 (FIG. 11). On the other hand, if there is no input of a winning detection signal (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S18.

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

  Step S22: The main control CPU 72 checks whether or not a passage detection signal is input from the gate switch 78 corresponding to the normal symbol. When the input of the passage detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S24 and executes the normal symbol memory update process. In the normal symbol memory update process, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the current number of normal symbol working memories is less than the upper limit number (for example, 4), and if it does not reach the upper limit number, obtains a random number per normal symbol To do. Further, the main control CPU 72 increments the normal symbol operating memory number by one. Then, the main control CPU 72 stores the acquired random value per normal symbol in the random number storage area of the RAM 76. On the other hand, when no winning detection signal is input (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the interrupt management process (FIG. 8).

[First special symbol memory update process]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the first special symbol memory update process (step S12 in FIG. 9). 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. In other words, the random number storage area of the RAM 76 is divided into different numbers of sections (4 each (for example, 2 bytes each)) for each symbol (first special symbol, second special symbol). Big hit symbol random numbers can be stored one by one. At this time, if the value of the working memory number counter corresponding to the first special symbol has reached the maximum value (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the switch input event processing (FIG. 9). 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 working memory number counter is stored, for example, in the working memory number area (random number memory 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. 8).

  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, first lottery trigger generation 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. 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 in the empty section in the area To memorize as a set. 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 S39: The main control CPU 72 executes an effect command output setting process for the first special symbol. This process is for transmitting a start opening winning tone control command to the effect control device 124 (memory number notifying means).

  When the above procedure is completed 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. 9).

[Second special symbol memory update process]
Next, FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the second special symbol memory update process (step S16 in FIG. 9). 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 (for example, 4). 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 (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the switch input event process (FIG. 9). 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. 10), the lighting state of the second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a is controlled in the display output management process (step S210 in FIG. 8) based on the counter value added here. Will be.

  Step S42: The main control CPU 72 acquires the 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, second lottery trigger generation means). The method for acquiring the random value is the same as that in step S32 (FIG. 10) 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. 10) described above.

  Step S44: 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. The acquisition of these random values is also performed in the same manner as step S34 (FIG. 10) described above.

  Step S45: The main control CPU 72 transfers the saved jackpot determination random number, jackpot symbol random number, reach determination random number, reach mode random number and variation pattern determination random number to the random number storage area corresponding to the second special symbol, and these random numbers are stored in the area. It is memorized as a set in the empty section. The storage method is the same as step S35 (FIG. 10) described above.

  Step S49: The main control CPU 72 executes an effect command output process for the second special symbol. Thereby, preparation for transmitting the start opening winning tone control command and the like to the effect control device 24 is performed (memory number notification means). When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the switch input event process (FIG. 9).

[Parallel variation of the first special symbol and the second special symbol]
Next, the details of the first special symbol game process and the second special symbol game process executed in the interrupt management process (FIG. 8) will be described. In the present embodiment, the first special symbol display device 34 displays the change in the first special symbol and the second special symbol by separately executing the internal lottery corresponding to each of the first special symbol and the second special symbol. It is possible to display the variation of the second special symbol on the display device 35 in parallel. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the first special symbol game process and the second special symbol game process are separately performed (once in one interrupt cycle) on the control by the main control CPU 72 for each of the first special symbol and the second special symbol. One by one).

[First special symbol game processing]
First, FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the first special symbol game process (step S205A in FIG. 8). The first special symbol game process has a procedure (step S1000a) for confirming whether or not the internal state flag is “start of big game (during big hit game)”.

  Step S1000a: That is, the main control CPU 72 first determines whether or not the gaming state (internal state) corresponding to the second special symbol is “start of big role (during big hit game)” or “start of small hit (during small hit)” Confirm. This confirmation can be performed based on the progress status of the processing performed so far on the second special symbol (the value of the second special symbol game management status). This confirmation is performed in the present embodiment because the game related to the first special symbol is not advanced when the big special game or the small bonus game is being performed with respect to the other second special symbol.

  At this time, especially when the big special game is not being played (the value of the second special symbol game management status is a value that is a big hit) with respect to the second special symbol, and if it is not a small hit (No), the main control CPU 72 executes the next step S1000b and subsequent steps. Execute the process. Steps S1000b to S5000 are program modules that form the basis of the first special symbol game process. The main control CPU 72 can specifically control the progress of the game corresponding to the first special symbol through the processes of the basic steps S1000b to S5000.

  The basic part of the first special symbol game process includes an execution selection process (step S1000b), a special symbol change pre-process (step S2000), a special symbol change process (step S3000), and a special symbol stop display process (step S4000). , A subroutine (program module) group of variable winning device management processing (step S5000) is included. Here, first, a basic flow of the basic part of the first special symbol game process will be described along each process.

  Step S1000b: 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 first special symbol game process in the stack pointer as the return destination address.

  Which process is selected as the next jump destination differs depending on the progress of the process performed so far (first special symbol game management status). For example, if the first special symbol has not yet started to display the variation (first special symbol game management status: 00H), the main control CPU 72 performs the special symbol variation pre-processing (step S2000) as the next jump destination. select. On the other hand, if the special symbol variation pre-processing has already been completed (first 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 processed. If the process during the change is completed (first special symbol game management status: 02H), the special symbol stop display 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 of preparing conditions for starting the variation display of the first special symbol. Specifically, the big hit determination (internal lottery processing execution means) and the variation pattern are determined here, and in the case of the big win, the winning type is also determined. In addition, according to the determination of the winning type, the main control CPU 72 sets a “time reduction state” count-off counter for each internal state (“low probability state” or “high probability state”) or sets an initial value of the probability variation limiter count. Or set. More specific processing contents will be described later using another flowchart (FIG. 14).

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

  Further, in this process, a process for determining whether or not the display of fluctuation of the other second special symbol is forcibly ended and stopped and displayed in a deviating manner (whether the skip function is activated) is also performed. Specifically, when the big hit or small win is won in the previous big hit determination, and the other second special symbol is being displayed in a variable manner, the skip function is provided for the other second special symbol. Actuated. By the operation of the skip function, a process for forcibly terminating the variation display of the second special symbol is performed. The specific processing contents will be described later using another flowchart (FIG. 24).

  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. Similarly, an ON or OFF drive signal is output for each segment and dot of the 7-segment LED. However, the drive signal pattern is constant, whereby the first special symbol is stopped and displayed. The specific processing contents will be described later using another flowchart (FIG. 26).

  Step S5000: The variable winning device management process is selected when the first special symbol is stopped and displayed in the winning mode (a mode other than non-winning) in the previous special symbol stop display process. For example, when the first special symbol is stopped and displayed in the form of a big hit for 15 rounds, an opportunity to shift from the normal state until then to the big hit gaming state (a special gaming state advantageous to the player) occurs. During the jackpot game with respect to the first special symbol, the jump destination is set in the variable winning device management process in the previous execution selection process (step S1000b), and the variable display of the first special symbol is not performed. In the variable winning device management process, the large winning opening solenoid 90 is excited for a predetermined time (for example, 29 seconds or until 9 winnings are counted) for a predetermined number of continuous operations (for example, 8 times, 15 times), As a result, the variable winning device 30 is opened and closed in a predetermined pattern (continuous operation of the special electric accessory). In the meantime, by allowing the variable winning device 30 to win 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 15 times, these may be collectively referred to as “15 rounds”. In the present embodiment, not only 15 round jackpots but also a plurality of types of 8 round jackpots are provided as jackpot types. Also, for the 15 round big hit, there are a plurality of winning types (winning symbols) provided therein.

  Further, when the main control CPU 72 sets the large winning opening opening pattern (number of rounds, number of opening / closing operations per round, opening time, etc.) in the variable winning device management process, the main control CPU 72 performs the opening / closing operation of the variable winning device 30 for one round. Each time it is finished, 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 S212 in FIG. 8). 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 game) for the first special symbol only for that round.

  When the big hit game is finished with respect to the first special symbol, the main control CPU 72 determines the state after the big hit game (high probability state, time reduced state) based on the game state flag (probability variation function operation flag, time reduction function operation flag). ). In the “high probability state”, the probability variation function is activated, and the winning probability in the internal lottery becomes, for example, about five times higher than normal (for example, 1/199) (for example, 1/43) (specific gaming state) Transition means, high probability state transition means, high probability state setting means).

  In the “time reduction state”, the time reduction function is activated, and the variation time of the special symbol (both the first special symbol and the second special symbol) is a normal length (for example, 3 to 180 corresponding to the first special symbol). From the non-time shortened state set to about 2 seconds, 10 hours corresponding to the second special symbol), the length (for example, corresponding to the second special symbol) in which the variation time is shortened compared to this non-time shortened state The state is shifted to a state set to about 0.3 seconds to 60 seconds (10 hours corresponding to the first special symbol).

  In this embodiment, the state transition related to the normal symbol is not set, the normal symbol lottery is always highly probable (for example, about 249/251), and the variation time of the normal symbol is always shortened (for example, about 1 second). Shortening), the opening time of the variable start winning device 28 is set to a long time (for example, about 2.5 seconds), and the number of times of opening is set to a large number (for example, 2 times). Therefore, even in the normal state (non-time shortened state), the working memory of the second special symbol is difficult to be interrupted (so-called electric chew support; electric support state).

  Further, in the present embodiment, regarding the variation time of the special symbol, in the normal state (non-time shortened state), the first special symbol varies for a short time (short) (about 0.3 to 180 seconds) and the second special symbol. The symbol has a long (long) variation (10 hours), and in the time-reduced state, the first special symbol has a long (long) variation (10 hours), and the second special symbol has a short (short) variation (0. 3 seconds to 180 seconds). In the normal state (non-time shortened state) when the limiter is reached, the first special symbol has a long time (long) fluctuation (10 hours), and the second special symbol has a short time (short) fluctuation (0.3 seconds to 180 seconds). Seconds).

  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. Here, the game state when both are transferred together is referred to as “probability change state”, while the game state when both are not transferred together is referred to as “normal state” and only the “high probability state” is transferred. The gaming state is referred to as “latency state”, and the gaming state when only the “time reduction state” is transferred is referred to as “time reduction state”.

[Second special symbol game processing]
Next, FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the second special symbol game process (step S205B in FIG. 8). The second special symbol game process also includes a procedure (step S1900a) for confirming whether or not the other first special symbol is a big hit.

  Step S1900a: Similarly, the main control CPU 72 first confirms whether or not the gaming state corresponding to the first special symbol is “Big hit game” or “Small hit”. This confirmation can also be performed based on the value of the first special symbol game management status as described above.

  At this time, especially when the big special game is not being played regarding the first special symbol (the value of the first special symbol game management status is a big hit value) and not being a big hit (No), the main control CPU 72 performs the next step S1900b and subsequent steps. Execute the process. Steps S1900b to S5900 are program modules that form the basis of the second special symbol game process. The main control CPU 72 can specifically control the progress of the game corresponding to the second special symbol through the processes of steps S1900b to S5900 as the basis.

  As explained in the previous first special symbol game process, the execution selection process (step S1900b), the special symbol change pre-process (step S2900), and the special symbol change process ( Step S3900), special symbol stop display processing (step S4900), variable winning device management processing (step S5900) subroutine (program module) group is included. The contents of each process are the same as those described in the first special symbol game process except that the object of control is the second special symbol, but in order to make the understanding of the invention more reliable, each process is described here. A basic flow of the basic part of the second special symbol game process will be described along the line.

  Step S1900b: In the execution selection process, the main control CPU 72 selects a jump destination of the process to be executed next (any one of steps S2900 to S5900) 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 second special symbol game process in the stack pointer as the return destination address.

  Here again, which process is selected as the next jump destination differs depending on the progress of the process performed so far (second special symbol game management status). For example, if the second special symbol has not yet started to change display (second special symbol game management status: 00H), the main control CPU 72 performs the special symbol variation pre-processing (step S2900) as the next jump destination. select. On the other hand, if the special symbol variation pre-processing has already been completed (second special symbol game management status: 01H), the main control CPU 72 selects the special symbol variation processing (step S3900) as the next jump destination, and the special symbol variation is processed. If the process during the change is completed (second special symbol game management status: 02H), the special symbol stop displaying process (step S4900) is selected as the next jump destination.

  Step S2900: In the special symbol variation pre-processing in the second special symbol game process, the main control CPU 72 performs an operation of preparing conditions for starting the variation display of the second special symbol.

  Step S3900: In the special symbol changing process, the main control CPU 72 controls the driving of the second special symbol display device 35 while counting the change timer. It is also determined whether or not to activate the skip function. As a result of this determination, when the operation of the skip function is confirmed with respect to the other first special symbol, a process for forcibly terminating the variation display of the first special symbol is performed.

  Step S4900: In the special symbol stop display process in the second special symbol game process, the main control CPU 72 controls the drive of 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, but the pattern of the drive signal is constant, whereby the stop display of the second special symbol is performed.

  Step S5900: The variable winning device management process is selected when the second special symbol is stopped and displayed in the winning mode (a mode other than non-winning) in the previous special symbol stop display process. Here again, the stop display mode of the second special symbol is determined in a mode for each winning type. Further, the main control CPU 72 sets the opening / closing operation of the variable winning device 30 for one round when the large winning opening opening pattern (number of rounds, number of opening / closing operations per round, opening time, etc.) is set in the variable winning device management process. Each time it is finished, the value of the round number counter is incremented by one. 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 game) for the second special symbol only for that round.

  When the big hit game is finished with respect to the second special symbol, the main control CPU 72 determines the state after the big hit game (high probability state, time reduced state) based on the game state flag (probability variation function operation flag, time shortening function operation flag). ). The “high probability state” and the “time reduction state” are the same as described above.

[Multiple winning types]
In the present embodiment, for example, (1) “15 rounds probable big hit”, (2) “8 rounds probable big hit”, (3) “15 round normal big hit”, (4) “8 round normal big win” ”Is provided (there may be more).

  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, “15-round probability variation jackpot” corresponds to the jackpot of “15-round probability variation symbol”, “8-round probability variation jackpot” corresponds to the jackpot of “8-round probability variation symbol”, and “15 round normal jackpot” is “15 rounds” Corresponding to the jackpot of "normal symbol", "8 round normal jackpot" corresponds to the jackpot of "8 round normal symbol". For this reason, in the following description, “winning type” is appropriately referred to as “winning symbol”.

[15 round probability variation pattern]
If the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the form of “15 round probability variation” in the previous special symbol stop display processing (steps S4000 and S4900), 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 special winning 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 15th round. The jackpot game of the “15-round probability variation pattern” is to give the player 15 balls (prize balls) for 15 rounds. Further, when a predetermined number of times (for example, 9 times = 9 game balls) is generated within one round, the big winning opening is closed without waiting for the longest opening time to elapse. Then, for example, by operating the “probability changing function” after the big hit game is finished, a privilege to shift to the “high probability state” is given to the player as a result. Also, in this case, even if the “time reduction function” is inactive in the previous game, by operating the “time reduction function” after the big hit game is finished, the “variable time reduction state” is also achieved. A privilege to be transferred is given to the player.

[8 rounds probable design]
Alternatively, when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the form of “8 round probability variation symbol” in the previous special symbol stop display process (steps S4000 and S4900), the normal state until then shifts to a short-term big hit gaming state. An opportunity occurs. In this case, a special winning opening is opened once over a sufficiently long time (for example, an opening time of 29.0 seconds at the longest) from the first round, and this continues until the eighth round. The jackpot game of this “8-round probability variation symbol” is to give the player 8 balls (prize balls) for 8 rounds. Further, when a predetermined number of times (for example, 9 times = 9 game balls) is generated within one round, the big winning opening is closed without waiting for the longest opening time to elapse. And, for example, by operating both the “probability changing function” and the “time shortening function” after the jackpot game is ended, the benefit of shifting to the “high probability state” and the benefit of shifting to the “time shortening state” as a result It is given to the player.

[15 round normal design]
If the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the form of “15 round normal symbol” in the previous special symbol stop display process (steps S4000 and S4900), 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 special winning 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 15th round. In this “15 round normal symbol” jackpot game, 15 rounds of winning balls (prize balls) are given to the player. Further, when a predetermined number of times (for example, 9 times = 9 game balls) is generated within one round, the big winning opening is closed without waiting for the longest opening time to elapse. Then, after the big hit game ends, the “probability changing function” and the “time shortening function” are not activated, and the state is shifted to the “normal state”.

[8 round normal design]
In the previous special symbol stop display process (steps S4000, S4900), when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the form of “8 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, a special winning opening is opened once over a sufficiently long time (for example, an opening time of 29.0 seconds at the longest) from the first round, and this continues until the eighth round. In this “8-round normal symbol” jackpot game, 8 rounds of winning balls (prize balls) are given to the player. Further, when a predetermined number of times (for example, 9 times = 9 game balls) is generated within one round, the big winning opening is closed without waiting for the longest opening time to elapse. Then, after the big hit game ends, the “probability changing function” and the “time shortening function” are not activated, and the state is shifted to the “normal state”.

  In any case, if the winning symbol falls under either of the above “15-round probability variation symbol” or “8-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 ends. Is granted. In addition, if the internal lottery is won in the “high probability state” and the winning symbol at that time corresponds to “15 round probability variation symbol” or “8 round probability variation symbol”, the limiter is reached and “15 It is changed to “Round Normal Symbol” or “8 Round Normal Symbol”, and after the big hit game is finished, it is shifted to “Normal State when Limiter is Reached”. Instead of forcibly changing the winning symbol, a table in which “15 round probability variation” and “8 round probability variation” are specified, and “15 round normal symbol” and “8 round normal symbol” are specified. Alternatively, the table may be defined in advance, and the table may be switched depending on whether or not the limiter is reached, and any winning symbol may be selected from the table.

  In the present embodiment, after the “probability variation function” and the “time reduction function” are activated and the gaming state is set to the “probability variation state”, the variation at the time of losing the special symbol or the small hit is 30 times. When performed, the respective function is set to a non-operational state and transitioned to a “normal state”.

[Small hits]
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. That is, when the first special symbol or the second special symbol is stopped and displayed in the small hit state in the previous special symbol stop display processing (steps S4000, S4900), the small in the normal probability state or the high probability state. A winning game (a game in which the variable winning device 30 operates) is executed. In such a small win game, the variable winning device 30 opens and closes a predetermined number of times (for example, twice), and the winning in the big winning opening hardly occurs. In addition, even if the small hit game ends, the “probability change function” does not operate, and the “time reduction function” does not operate, so it goes to the “high probability state” or “time reduction state”. The privilege to be transferred is not granted (it is not a prerequisite for that). Also, even if you win a small hit in the “high probability state”, the “high probability state” will not end after the game of that small hit, and even if you win a small hit in the “time reduction state” The “time reduction state” does not end after the end of the small hit game (except when the upper limit is reached).

[Special symbol change pre-treatment]
FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the special symbol variation pre-processing. The contents of the special symbol change pre-processing described below can be common to the first special symbol game process (FIG. 12) and the second special symbol game process (FIG. 13). However, when the following procedure is applied to the first special symbol game process, the control target is the first special symbol, and when the following procedure is applied to the second special symbol game process, the control target is the second special symbol. To do. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along each procedure.

  Step S2100: First, the main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the special symbol operation memory number to be controlled (the first special symbol operation memory number or the second special symbol operation memory number) remains (greater than 0). Check. 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 the target symbol is 0 (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S2150.

  Step S2150: The main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the other special symbol operation memory number is zero. That is, if the object to be controlled is the first special symbol, it is confirmed whether or not the second special symbol operation memory number is 0. If the object to be controlled is the second special symbol, the first special symbol operation memory is stored. Check if the number is zero. This confirmation can also be performed with reference to the value of the special symbol operation memory number counter. If the other special symbol operation memory number is 0 (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes the demonstration setting process of step S2500.

  Step S2500: In this process, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether any start winning a prize has not been won for a predetermined time, and if there is no confirmation result, generates a command for demonstration effect. The demonstration effect command is output to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S212 in FIG. 8). When the demo setting process is executed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol game process (FIG. 12 or FIG. 13). When returning, it returns to the end address as described above (and so on). If the other special symbol operation memory number is not 0 (step S2150: No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol game process (FIG. 12 or FIG. 13) without executing the demo setting process.

  On the other hand, if the value of the special symbol operation memory number counter to be controlled is larger than 0 (step S2100a: Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S2160.

  Step S2160: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the value (01H) is set in the big hit flag or the small hit flag other than the non-winning for the other special symbol (special symbol stop display mode judging means). Here, the jackpot flag and the jackpot flag will be described in detail in the later jackpot determination process. The flag (value) that is set when the jackpot or the jackpot is won by internal lottery, Reset at the end of the small hit game. Therefore, the confirmation in this process is also a confirmation as to whether or not the result of the internal lottery regarding the other special symbol is won in the big hit or the small hit. If the other special symbol variation display (excluding stop display) is not executed, the result of the confirmation is necessarily No because the big hit flag or the small hit flag is not set.

  In this process, when the value (01H) is set in the big hit flag or the small hit flag related to the other special symbol (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S2170. On the other hand, if the value (01H) is not set (the value is 00H) in the big hit flag or the small hit flag related to the other special symbol (the value is 00H) (No), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S2200.

  Specifically, if the object of control is the first special symbol, if the value (01H) is set in the big hit flag or the small hit flag related to the other second special symbol (Yes), specifically, When either the big hit or the small win is selected as a result of the internal lottery regarding the second special symbol, the main control CPU 72 next executes step S2170. On the other hand, when the value (01H) is not set in the big hit flag or the small hit flag related to the other second special symbol (No), specifically, as a result of the internal lottery regarding the second special symbol, it is not won If it is selected or if the second special symbol is not variably displayed, the main control CPU 72 next executes step S2200.

  Step S2170: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not a value (01H) is set in the symbol stop display flag for the other special symbol. Here, the symbol stop display flag is specifically described in the later special symbol variation end processing, and is a flag (value) that is set while the special symbol stop display is being executed. Reset when is terminated. Therefore, the confirmation in this process is confirmation of whether or not the other special symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner representing a big hit or a small hit.

  In this process, when the value (01H) is set in the symbol stop display flag relating to the other special symbol (Yes), the main control CPU 72 causes the main control CPU 72 to enter the special symbol game process (FIG. 12 or FIG. 13). Return. Returning to the special symbol game processing without executing the subsequent processing in this way is currently in the middle of the other special symbol being stopped and displayed in a manner representing a big hit or a small hit as a result of the internal lottery, This is because the big hit game or the small hit game is scheduled to start immediately. In other words, after the big hit game or the small hit game is finished for the special symbol to be controlled, the subsequent processing (processing for starting variation display) is executed. Therefore, the internal lottery regarding the special symbol to be controlled is not executed until the big hit game or the small hit game related to the other special symbol is completed. As another embodiment, if the value (01H) is set in the symbol stop display flag (Yes), the special lottery process (FIG. 12 or FIG. 13) is not returned and the internal lottery process shifts. It is also possible to set the fluctuation time for executing the fluctuation display to a short time, and to perform the stop display at the time of deviation when the other stop display is completed.

  Regarding the other special symbol, when the value (01H) is not set in the symbol stop display flag for the other special symbol (No), that is, when the other special symbol is not stopped and displayed Then, main controller 70 executes step S2202.

  Step S2200: The main control CPU 72 executes a special symbol storage area shift process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 reads out a lottery random number (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 special symbol to be controlled. 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. Each random number stored in the temporary storage area is used for internal lottery in the next jackpot determination process. Further, in this process, the main control CPU 72 subtracts one value of the working memory number counter (the first special symbol or the second special symbol, which is to be controlled) stored in the RAM 76, and the value after the subtraction. Is set to “Number of working memories at start of fluctuation”. Thereby, in the display output management process (step S210 in FIG. 8), either the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a or the second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a is displayed as the number to be controlled. The aspect changes (decreases by 1). When the procedure so far is finished, the main control CPU 72 then executes step S2300.

  Step S2202: The main control CPU 72 executes a special symbol storage area shift process. Since the processing content is the same as that in step S2200, the description thereof is omitted. The main control CPU 72 executes step S2401 without executing step S2300 (big hit determination process).

  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 jackpot value, and determines whether or not the read random number value (the jackpot determined random number value) is included in this range (first lottery execution means, second Lottery execution means). The range of the jackpot value set at this time is different in the low probability state and the high probability state (when the probability variation function is activated), and in the high probability state, the range of the jackpot value is expanded to about twice 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). The main control CPU 72 then executes step S2400.

  Step S2400: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not a value (01H) is set for the big hit flag in the previous big hit determination process. As a result of this confirmation, when the value (01H) is set in the jackpot flag (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S2410. On the other hand, when the value (01H) is not set in the jackpot flag (No), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S2401.

  Step S2401: The main control CPU 72 executes a small hit determination process (internal lottery). When the above big hit flag is not set, or when the other special symbol is set to the big hit flag or the small hit flag, the main control CPU 72 next sets the range of the small hit value and reads it within this range. It is determined whether or not a random value is included (lottery execution means). The “small hit” here is other than non-winning (out of), but is different from “big hit”. In other words, “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 first variable winning device 30 or the second variable winning device 31 like “big hit”. 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 (01H).

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the range of the big hit value and the small hit value is preliminarily defined in the program as the hit range corresponding to other than the non-winning (regulation means other than the non-winning), but the big hit determination for each state in advance It is also possible to write a table and a small hit determination table in the ROM 74, read them, and perform the big hit determination while comparing them with random numbers. Next, the main control CPU 72 executes step S2402.

  Step S2402: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not a value (01H) is set in the small hit flag in the previous small hit determination process. As a result of this confirmation, when the value (01H) is set in the small hit flag (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S2407. On the other hand, when the value (01H) is not set in the small hit flag (No), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S2404.

  Here, the execution conditions of the big hit determination process (step S2300) and the small hit determination process (step S2401) will be briefly described.

[Internal lottery table]
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the internal lottery correspondence table.
In the internal lottery correspondence table shown in the figure, when the corresponding special symbol executes the big hit lottery (big hit determination process) or the small hit lottery (small hit determination process) of the internal lottery, it is based on the state of the other special symbol. It is shown that whether or not to execute is determined.

  When the other special symbol is “change in big hit (change display when the big hit flag is 01H)”, the big win lottery is not executed in the internal lottery of the special symbol, and only the small win lottery is executed. . Therefore, the result in the internal lottery of the special symbol corresponds to “small hit” or “off”.

  Also, if the other special symbol is “change in small hits (in the fluctuation display when the small hit flag is 01H)”, in the internal lottery of the special symbol, the big hit lottery is executed first, where the big hit If it does not fall under, a small lottery will be executed. Therefore, the result in the internal lottery of the special symbol corresponds to either “big hit”, “small hit”, or “out”.

  On the other hand, if the other special symbol is “outside variation (change display when big hit flag or small hit flag is 00H)”, in the internal lottery of the special symbol, the big hit lottery is first executed, Therefore, if it does not correspond to the big hit, the small hit lottery is executed. Therefore, the result in the internal lottery of the special symbol corresponds to either “big hit”, “small hit”, or “out”.

  Similarly, if the other special symbol is “Waiting for change (state that is not changing display or stop display)”, in the internal lottery of the special symbol, the big win lottery is executed first, and it corresponds to the big hit there Otherwise, a small lottery will be executed. Therefore, the result in the internal lottery of the special symbol corresponds to either “big hit”, “small hit”, or “out”.

  Therefore, when one special symbol is “change in jackpot”, this means that the big bonus lottery is not executed in the other special symbol, and therefore, the jackpot game is never executed. In other words, if one special symbol is “Big Bonus Fluctuation”, the other special symbol can be drawn for small hits, but can not execute the big hit game, it is in a state of virtually no lottery Represents.

  In the present embodiment, there is a small lottery only for the second special symbol, and no small lottery is performed for the first special symbol.

[See Fig. 14: Special symbol change pre-processing]
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 loss) to be transmitted to the effect control device 124. These commands are transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S212 in FIG. 8).

  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 central bar). It is possible to fix the stop symbol number data to one value (for example, 64H) by keeping only the “−”) lighting display. 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 variation pattern number at the time of deviation for the special symbol to be controlled (variation pattern determination means). The variation pattern number is used to distinguish the variation display type (pattern) of the special symbol to be controlled or to correspond to the variation time required for the variation display. The fluctuation time at the time of disconnection differs depending on whether the type of the special symbol to be controlled is “first special symbol” or “second special symbol”, and the above “time shortening state (probability variation state)” ”Or“ normal state ”.

[Variation time table (normal)]
FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a variation time correspondence table in a normal state.
As shown in the figure, when the gaming state is a normal state (the internal lottery probability of the special symbol is low), it represents the variation time of each special symbol. If the result of the internal lottery falls out of the first, The variation time of the special symbol is set to 3 seconds to 180 seconds, while the variation time of the second special symbol other than the big hit time is set to 10 hours. Therefore, if the gaming state is in the normal state after the game machine is turned on after the game machine is turned on, the variation time will end after 10 hours once the variation display when the second special symbol is off is started. Represents what to do.

  Further, the fluctuation time of the first special symbol is set to 60 to 180 seconds for the fluctuation display when the result of the internal lottery corresponds to the big hit or the small hit. On the other hand, the variation time of the second special symbol is set to 10 hours in the same manner as in the case of losing the variation display when the result of the internal lottery corresponds to the small hit. In the case of a big hit as a result of the internal drawing of the second special symbol, the same time as the first special symbol (for example, 3 seconds to 180 seconds) is set.

[Variation time correspondence table (when probability changes, when the limiter reaches normal)]
FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a variation time correspondence table in a probability variation state or a normal limiter arrival time.
As shown in the figure, each special symbol when the gaming state is a probable change state (high probability of internal lottery of special symbol) or normal state when the limiter is reached (low probability of internal lottery of special symbol) If the result of the internal lottery falls out, the variation time of the first special symbol is set to 10 hours, and the variation time of the second special symbol is 0.3 seconds to 1.5 seconds. Set to

  Moreover, about the fluctuation | variation time of a 1st special symbol, the fluctuation | variation time at the time of deviation is set to 10 hours. Furthermore, regarding the variation time of the second special symbol, not only the variation display at the time of the loss, but also the variation display when the result of the internal lottery corresponds to the big hit or the small hit, Seconds to 1.5 seconds are set.

  Thus, in this process, the main control CPU 72 confirms the type of special symbol and the gaming state flag, and selects the corresponding variation time. Except for the case where reach variation is performed, the variation time at the time of losing may be shortened based on, for example, “the number of operation memory at the start of variation display (0 to 3)” set in step S2200. 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. The variation patterns may be broadly defined as two types of basic variation patterns and special variation patterns. In each case, a pattern corresponding to a variation time with a short variation display time may be used as a basic variation pattern, and a pattern corresponding to a variation time longer than that may be a special variation pattern. For example, a basic fluctuation pattern corresponding to “non-reach production” or “reach production” with a short time is used as a basic fluctuation pattern, specifically “long reach production” or “super reach production”. A pattern corresponding to the above may be used as a special variation pattern.

[Fluctuation pattern selection table for loss]
FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the variation pattern selection table for the first special symbol in the normal state, and FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the variation pattern selection table for the second special symbol, in the normal state. It is. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the variation pattern selection table for the first special symbol in the normal state when the probability variation state or the limiter is reached, and FIG. 21 is a variation in the variation by the second special symbol in the probability variation state. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a pattern selection table. These selection tables are tables that are used at the time of loss (in the case of non-winning) (fluctuation pattern defining means).

When the gaming state is the normal state, the control target is the first special symbol, and the first special symbol game process shown in FIG. 18 is used when the first special symbol game process is applied. When the gaming state is the normal state, the control target is the second special symbol, and the second special symbol game process shown in FIG. 19 is applied to the second special symbol game process, the second special symbol shift pattern selection table is used. When the game state is a probability change state or a normal state when reaching the limiter, and the target of control is the first special symbol and is applied to the first special symbol game processing, the first special symbol shown in FIG. Use a table. When the game state is the probability change state or the normal state when the limiter is reached, and the control target is the second special symbol and is applied to the second special symbol game process, the second special symbol shown in FIG. A table will be used.
Hereinafter, each off-time variation pattern selection table will be described.

[First special symbol deviation variation pattern selection table (normal)]
The main control CPU 72 is shown in FIG. 18 when the gaming state is the normal state, the target of control is the first special symbol, and the first special symbol is stopped and displayed in a display mode that is out of place in the first special symbol display device. The variation pattern number is determined with reference to the variation pattern selection table (first variation pattern defining means) at the time of the first special symbol deviation.

  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. Corresponding, a variation time of 10 seconds or more is set. Among these, for fluctuation patterns 7 and 8 (fluctuation pattern numbers “7” and “8”) (shaded portions in the figure), relatively long fluctuation times (for example, 150 seconds and 180 seconds) are set. Defined as a “specific variation pattern”.

  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 “2” as the corresponding variation pattern number.

[2nd special symbol variation pattern selection table (normal)]
The main control CPU 72 is shown in FIG. 19 when the gaming state is the normal state, the object of control is the second special symbol, and the second special symbol is stopped and displayed in a display mode that is out of place in the second special symbol display device. The variation pattern number is determined with reference to the variation pattern selection table (second variation pattern defining means) at the time of the second special symbol deviation.

  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. For example, “255 (FFH)” is provided in the “comparison value”, and “21” of the “variation pattern number” is assigned to the “comparison value”.

  The variation pattern number “21” corresponds to a variation pattern that is out of sync. This variation time is set to 10 hours, for example.

  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). However, for example, if the fluctuation pattern determination random value at that time is “222”, the main control CPU 72 determines that the random value is equal to or less than the comparison value when compared with the first comparison value “255”. Select “21” as the number. Note that even if such a process (a process of comparing and selecting a random value and a comparison value) is not performed, only one variation pattern number “21” is forcibly selected because only one is defined. Good.

[Change pattern selection table at the time of the first special symbol deviation (when the probability changes, when the limiter arrives normally)]
The main control CPU 72 is a normal state when the gaming state is a probability change state or reaches the limiter, the control target is the first special symbol, and the first special symbol display device stops and displays the first special symbol in a display mode that is out of place. In this case, the fluctuation pattern number is determined with reference to the fluctuation pattern selection table (third fluctuation pattern defining means) at the time of the first special symbol shown in FIG.

  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. For example, “255 (FFH)” is provided in “comparison value”, and “11” of “variation pattern number” is assigned to the “comparison value”.

  The variation pattern number “11” corresponds to a variation pattern that becomes a deviation. This variation time is set to 10 hours, for example.

  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 sets the corresponding variation pattern number as the corresponding random pattern value because the random value is equal to or smaller than the comparison value when compared with the first comparison value “255”. Select “11”. It should be noted that even if the variation pattern number “11” is forcibly selected without executing such a process (a process for selecting by comparing the random value and the comparison value), only one is specified. Good.

[Change pattern selection table at the time of the second special symbol deviation (when probability changes, when the limiter arrives normally)]
The main control CPU 72 is in the normal state when the gaming state is a probability change state or when the limiter is reached, and the target of control is the second special symbol, and the second special symbol is stopped and displayed in a display mode that is out of place on the second special symbol display device. In this case, the fluctuation pattern number is determined with reference to the second special symbol deviation fluctuation pattern selection table (fourth fluctuation pattern defining means) shown in FIG.

  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)”. “31” to “38” of “variation pattern number” are assigned to each “comparison value”.

  The variation pattern numbers “31” to “38” correspond to variation patterns that are out of reach without the reach effect. Note that the fluctuation time is set to 0.3 seconds to 1.5 seconds, for example.

  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 “32” as the corresponding variation pattern number.

[See Fig. 14: 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 other than non-winning), but the determination result is a big hit (step S2400: Yes) or a small hit (step S2402: Yes). The main control CPU 72 executes the following procedure. First, the case of jackpot will be described.

  Step S2410: The main control CPU 72 executes a big hit stop symbol determination process (winning type determination means). In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the type of 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]
As described above, in this embodiment, there are four types of winning symbols that are selectively determined at the time of a big hit. The two types of breakdown are “8-round probability variation symbol”, “15-round probability variation symbol”, “8 round normal symbol”, and “15 round normal symbol”. Note that each of the four types of winning symbols may further include a plurality of winning symbols. For example, in the case of “15 round probability variation symbol”, “15 round probability variation symbol a”, “15 round probability variation symbol b”, “15 round probability variation symbol c”, and so on.

  Further, in this embodiment, “8 round probability variation symbol” is selected at the time of big winning of the internal lottery corresponding to the first special symbol, and only “15 round probability variation symbol” is selected at the big winning of the internal lottery corresponding to the second special symbol. Selected. When the limiter is reached, the “8 round probability variation symbol” is forcibly changed to “8 round normal symbol” and the “15 round probability variation symbol” is changed to “15 round normal symbol”. For this reason, the main control CPU 72 distinguishes the objects that can be selected as the winning symbol depending on whether the control target from which the current big hit lottery result is the first special symbol or the second special symbol.

  FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a configuration column of the big hit stop symbol selection table for each of the first special symbol and the second special symbol. 22A is a first special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table, and FIG. 22B is a second special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table. Further, (C) in FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining the number of times the time shortening function is activated according to the gaming state (low probability non-time shortening state, high probability time shortening state). Each will be described below.

[First Special Symbol Big Stop Stop Symbol Selection Table]
When the control target from which the current big hit lottery result is the first special symbol, the main control CPU 72 displays the first special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table (winning type defining means) shown in FIG. ) To determine the type of winning symbol.

  In the first special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table, the left column shows the distribution value by winning symbol. Each distribution value is “100” and “when the limiter is reached” when the denominator is 100. It corresponds to the ratio. The distribution value “when reaching the limiter” indicates that it is not selected in the lottery but is selected when the limiter is reached. In the second column from the left, “8-round probability variation design” and “8-round normal design” corresponding to each distribution value are shown. That is, at the time of the big hit corresponding to the first special symbol, the ratio that “8 round probability variation symbol” is selected is 100/100 (= 100%), and the ratio that “8 round normal symbol” is selected is 100 minutes. 0 (= 0%) of the value, it indicates that the limiter is forcibly selected when it reaches the limiter. The size of each distribution value corresponds to the selection ratio for each winning symbol using a jackpot symbol random number.

  In any case, when the control target from which the current big hit lottery result is obtained is the first special symbol, the main control CPU 72 performs the selection lottery based on the big hit symbol random number and selects the first special symbol big hit stop symbol selection The winning symbol is selectively determined by the selection ratio shown in the table. 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. In addition, the EVENT values “01H” and “03H” in the lower byte represent the types of winning symbols corresponding to each other in the selection table. Therefore, for example, if the result of the big hit this time corresponds to the first special symbol, and “8 round probability variation 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.

[2nd special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table]
In addition, when the control target from which the current jackpot lottery result is the second special symbol, the main control CPU 72 displays the second special symbol jackpot stop symbol selection table (winning type rule) shown in FIG. Means) to determine the type of winning symbol.

  Also in the second special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table, the left column shows the distribution value by winning symbol, and each distribution value “100”, “when the limiter is reached” is denominator 100. Corresponds to the ratio of cases. Similarly, in the second column from the left, “15 round probability variation symbol” and “15 round normal symbol” corresponding to each distribution value are shown. That is, at the big hit corresponding to the second special symbol, the ratio of selecting “15 round probability variation symbol” is 100/100 (= 100%), and the rate of selecting “15 round normal symbol” is Although it is 0/100 (= 0%), it indicates that it is forcibly selected when the limiter is reached.

  When the control target from which the big hit lottery result is obtained is the second special symbol, the main control CPU 72 performs the selection lottery based on the big hit symbol random number, and the selection shown in the second special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table The winning symbol is selectively determined by the ratio. Similarly, in the second 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 first 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. In addition, the EVENT values “01H” and “03H” in the lower byte represent the types of winning symbols corresponding to each other in the selection table. Therefore, for example, if the result of the big hit this time corresponds to the second special symbol, and “15 round probability variation symbol” is selected as the winning symbol, the stop symbol command will be described as “B2H01H”. .

  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.

[First-time limiter]
Next, in the table shown in FIG. 22C, the third column from the left shows the number of “first limiters” (upper limit number) set for each winning symbol at the time of big hit. “Initial limiter” is set when it corresponds to either “8 round probability variation” or “15 round probability variation”. In this embodiment, “8 round probability variation” and “15 round probability variation”. "Is" twice "in all cases.

[Time reduction function operation count (time reduction count)]
Next, a description will be given of the difference in the number of times the time shortening function is activated for each winning symbol (winning type) and each winning state.

(1) Low probability non-short-time medium As shown in the third column from the left in FIG. 30, when the special symbol (internal lottery) is “low probability state” and “non-time reduction state” (Normal time that is neither probabilistic nor time-saving) is assumed. In this case, when the winning symbol corresponds to either “8-round probability variation symbol” or “15-round probability variation symbol”, the time reduction function activation count of 30 times is added for both. It should be noted that the state after the jackpot is a “high probability state” regardless of whether the “8-round probability variation symbol” or “15-round probability variation symbol” is met.

  As described above, in this embodiment, when a winning (with a probability of 1/199) is made in the internal lottery corresponding to the special symbol from the low probability non-short time, the “high probability time shortened state” after the jackpot game is ended regardless of the winning symbol. It becomes.

[Limiter count setting]
First, in the present embodiment, with respect to the special symbol (internal lottery), the internal state at the time of winning is “low probability state”, and from there, it is won by either “8 round probability variation symbol” or “15 round probability variation symbol” (first time When winning, the “limiter count (initial limiter)” is set as described above (continuous count setting means). This “limiter count” is a limit (continuous) that can be determined continuously when the main control CPU 72 falls into either “8 round probability variation symbol” or “15 round probability variation symbol” when winning in the “high probability state”. Number of times).

[Selection of initial limiter count]
Further, in the present embodiment, when the “limiter count (initial limiter)” is set, “twice” is selected as described above. This selection can be determined according to whether the “8-round probability variation symbol” or “15-round probability variation symbol” is met when winning from the “low probability state”. That is, when winning (first winning) from either “low probability state” to “8 round probability variation symbol” or “15 round probability variation symbol”, in the previous special symbol stop display processing (step S4000 in FIG. 19), When setting the “initial limiter (number of limiters)”, twice (including the first) is selected (continuous number selection means).

[Subtraction of limiter count]
In any case, the “limiter count (initial limiter)” set at the time of the first hit from the “low probability state” is the “8 round probability variation pattern” or “15 round probability variation” following the winning in the “high probability state”. If it falls under any of the “designs”, one is subtracted each time and the remaining number decreases. However, while the “limiter count” does not reach the remaining zero (there is one or more remaining), the main control CPU 72 performs the “high probability state” in the previous big hit stop symbol determination process (step S2410 in FIG. 20). It is possible to determine that it corresponds to either “8-round probability variation symbol” or “15-round probability variation symbol” at the time of winning. In the present embodiment, since the first limiter is two times, the second big hit represents automatically when the limiter is reached.

[When reaching the limiter]
As a result of winning the “8-round probability variation symbol” or “15-round probability variation symbol” continuously in the “high probability state” (selection ratio 100%) and subtracting the “limiter count” each time, It is assumed that the “limiter count” reaches the remaining zero.

  When the “limiter count” reaches 0 remaining, the main control CPU 72 may determine that either “8 round probability variation symbol” or “15 round probability variation symbol” corresponds to the “high probability state” win. become unable. Specifically, even if the jackpot symbol random number corresponds to either “8 round probability variation” or “15 round probability variation”, the final winning symbol is “8 round normal symbol” or “15 round normal” It is forcibly changed to one of “designs” (winning type restricting means).

(2) High probability when the limiter is reached Shorter time The forced change of the winning symbol is shown in the rightmost column in FIG. In other words, when the remaining “number of limiters” reaches 0 in the “high probability state” and the “time shortening state”, even if it corresponds to the “8 round probability variation symbol” (selection ratio 100%) on the table. The final winning symbol is forcibly changed to “8 round normal symbol” (composite selection ratio is 100%). Or even if it is a case where it corresponds to “15 round probability variation symbol” (selection ratio 100%) on the table, the final winning symbol is forcibly changed to “15 round normal symbol”. As a result of the forced (restriction) of the winning symbol, the “high probability state” after the remaining “limiter count” reaches zero is not continued, and once the big hit ends, it becomes “low probability state”. It will be forcibly restored. Furthermore, when the “8-round normal symbol” or “15-round normal symbol” is forcibly selected (selection ratio 100%), the time reduction function operation count is not added (0 time = no time reduction). This means that when the “limiter count” reaches zero, it always returns to the “low probability state” with respect to the special symbol (internal lottery). This means that it always returns and is set to the “normal state”. However, when selecting the variation pattern, the normal time for reaching the limiter is referred to instead of the normal time. Specifically, as described with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17, in the normal state, the first special symbol is selected for a short variation time and the second special symbol is selected for a long variation time. In the normal arrival time, the first special symbol is selected for a long variation time, and the second special symbol is selected for a short variation time.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, it can be seen that the number of times the time shortening function is added is different depending on the state at the time of winning and the number of remaining limiters (before arrival / when reaching). In particular, in this embodiment, in “(2) High probability when the limiter is reached”, “non-time shortened state” is selected only when “normal symbol” is forcibly selected, and is used for selection of a variation pattern. It can be seen that the table is changed.

[See Fig. 14: 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 number 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 variation pattern number is used to distinguish the variation display type (pattern) of the special symbol to be controlled or to correspond to the variation time required for the variation display. Similar to the fluctuation time at the time of loss, the fluctuation time at the time of big hit differs depending on whether the type of the special symbol to be controlled is “first special symbol” or “second special symbol”. It differs depending on whether it is the above-mentioned “time reduction state (probability change state, normal state when reaching the limiter)” or “normal state”.

  As shown in FIG. 16 above, when the gaming state is the normal state (the special symbol internal lottery probability is low), the variation time of the first special symbol at the time of big hit is set to 3 seconds to 180 seconds. On the other hand, the variation time of the second special symbol at the time of big hit is set to 10 hours.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 17 above, when the game state is a probable change state (the special symbol internal lottery probability is high) or the limiter reached normal state, the variation time of the first special symbol at the time of big hit is 10 hours The variation time of the second special symbol at the time of big hit is set to 0.3 seconds to 1.5 seconds.

  Thus, in this process, the main control CPU 72 confirms the type of special symbol and the gaming state flag, and determines the corresponding variation pattern (variation time). In this process, the same process as the process of determining the variation pattern with reference to the variation pattern selection table corresponding to the gaming state and the special symbol type at the time of the above-described failure is performed. For example, one selection table corresponding to the type of special symbol and gaming state is selected from the four types of big hit variation pattern selection tables defined in advance, and the comparison value of the selection table is compared with the random value to change Determine the pattern. The symbol stop display time at the time of big hit is constant (for example, about 0.5 seconds) regardless of the variation pattern. The main control CPU 72 sets the value of the determined variation time (at the time of big hit) in the variation timer, and sets the value of the stop display time at the time of big hit in the stop symbol display timer.

  Except for the case where the gaming state is the normal state and the special symbol type is the second special symbol, a long variation time is generally determined in the case of a big hit, and the reach effect is executed during the variation time. In the present embodiment, if the result of the internal lottery is a big hit (8 rounds probable big hit and 15 rounds probable big hit), for example, a “reach effect” is generated to produce a big hit. The reach production includes various reach production such as normal reach production, long reach production, super reach production, battle reach production, and the like.

[See Fig. 14: 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 determines whether or not the gaming state flag is the “8 round probability variation symbol” or “15 round probability variation symbol” if the winning symbol type (hit stop symbol number) determined in the previous step S2410 is “8 round probability variation symbol”. As a result, the value (01H) of the probability variation function activation flag is set in the flag area of the RAM 76 (high probability state transition means, probability variation function activation means).

  In addition, the main control CPU 72 determines that the winning control types (the number of symbols for the big hit stop) determined in the previous step S2410 are “15 round probability variation symbols” and “8 round probability variation symbols”. As the status flag, the value (01H) of the time shortening function operation flag is set in the flag area of the RAM 76 (time shortening state transition means, time shortening 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 determination means). ). Similar to the fluctuation time at the time of loss or big hit, regarding the fluctuation time at the time of small hit, depending on whether the type of special symbol to be controlled is "first special symbol" or "second special symbol" Further, it differs depending on whether it is the above-mentioned “time reduction state (probability change state, normal state when reaching the limiter)” or “normal state”.

  As shown in FIG. 16 above, when the game state is the normal state (the internal symbol drawing probability of the special symbol is low), the variation time of the first special symbol at the time of small hit is set to 3 seconds to 180 seconds. On the other hand, the variation time of the second special symbol at the time of small hit is set to 10 hours.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 17 above, when the gaming state is a probable change state (the special lottery probability of the special symbol is high) or the normal state when the limiter is reached, the variation time of the first special symbol at the time of the small hit is The time is set to 10 hours, and the second special symbol at the time of small hitting is also set to a fluctuation time of 0.3 seconds to 1.5 seconds.

  Thus, in this process, the main control CPU 72 confirms the type of special symbol and the gaming state flag, and determines the corresponding variation pattern (variation time). In this process, the same process as the process of determining the variation pattern with reference to the variation pattern selection table corresponding to the type of special symbol and the game state is performed at the time of the above-mentioned loss or big hit. For example, one selection table corresponding to the type of special symbol and the gaming state is selected from four types of pre-defined small hit variation pattern selection tables, and the comparison value of the selection table is compared with the random value. Determine the variation pattern. The symbol stop display time at the time of small hit is constant (for example, about 0.5 seconds) regardless of the variation pattern. The main control CPU 72 sets the value of the determined variation time (at the time of small hit) in the variation timer, and sets the value of the stop display time at the time of small hit in the stop symbol display timer.

  As with the big hit, except for the case where the gaming state is the normal state and the special symbol type is the second special symbol, generally a long fluctuation time is determined for the big hit, and the reach is reached at the fluctuation time. Production is performed. In the present embodiment, if the result of the internal lottery corresponds to a small hit, control is performed such that, for example, a “reach effect” is generated to produce a big hit. The reach production includes various reach production such as normal reach production, long reach production, super reach production, battle reach production, and the like.

  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). In addition, the main control CPU 72 sets a special symbol variation start flag and a symbol varying 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 (step S212). When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 sets the special symbol changing process (steps S3000 and S3900) as the next jump destination, and returns to the special symbol game process (FIG. 12 or FIG. 13).

[Fig. 12, Fig. 13: Special symbol change processing]
In the special symbol variation processing (step S3000, step S3900), the main control CPU 72 loads the value of the variation timer from the register to the timer counter as described above, and then the passage of time (clock pulse count or interrupt counter). The value of the timer counter is decremented according to the value. The main control CPU 72 refers to the value of the timer counter and controls the change display of the special symbol (first special symbol or second special symbol) to be controlled until the value becomes zero. When the value of the timer counter becomes 0, the main control CPU 72 sets the special symbol stop display in-progress process (steps S4000 and S4900) as the next jump destination.

  In addition, in this process, a process for determining whether or not to operate the skip function is also performed, and in the big hit determination of the previous special symbol variation pre-processing, if one special symbol is won for big hit or small hit, and If the other special symbol is changing, the skip function is activated for the other special symbol. By the operation of this skip function, when one special symbol stops in a hit mode (big hit or small hit mode), a process is performed in which the fluctuation display of the other special symbol is forcibly stopped in a disengaged mode. The specific processing content will be further described later with reference to another flowchart.

[Fig. 12, Fig. 13: Special symbol stop display processing]
In the special symbol stop display processing (step S4000, step S4900), the main control CPU 72 stops the special symbol based on the stop symbol determined in the stop symbol determination processing (step S2404, step S2407, step S2410 in FIG. 14). Control the display. 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. 23 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the special symbol storage area shift process (step S2200 in FIG. 14). When the value (01H) is not set (the value is 00H) in the big hit flag or the small hit flag related to the other special symbol in the previous special symbol variation pre-processing (step S2160: No in FIG. 14), or When the value (01H) is not set in the symbol stop display flag relating to the other special symbol (step S2170: No in FIG. 14), the main control CPU 72 executes this special symbol storage area shift process. Similarly, the contents of the special symbol storage area shift process can be made common in the first special symbol game process (FIG. 12) and the second special symbol game process (FIG. 13). However, when the following procedure is applied to the first special symbol game process, the control target is the first special symbol, and when the following procedure is applied to the second special symbol game process, the control target is the second special symbol. To do. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along each procedure.

  Step S2210: First, the main control CPU 72 shifts the random number storage area of the RAM 76 corresponding to the special symbol to be controlled. The details of the specific processing are as already described in the previous special symbol change pre-processing.

  Step S2212: The main control CPU 72 subtracts the value of the operation memory counter for the special symbol to be controlled. For example, if the special symbol to be controlled is the first special symbol, the main control CPU 72 subtracts (-1) the value of the working memory counter corresponding to the first special symbol, and the special symbol to be controlled is the second special symbol. If so, the main control CPU 72 subtracts (-1) the value of the working memory counter corresponding to the second special symbol.

  Step S2214: Next, the main control CPU 72 sets the “number of operating memories at the start of change” for the special symbol to be controlled from the value of the operating memory counter after the subtraction.

  Step S2216: Further, the main control CPU 72 sets an effect command for reducing the number of working memories regarding the special symbol to be controlled. 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 preceding value (for example, “BBH”) indicating the command type, and the value of the lower bytes (for example, “00H” to “03H” indicating the number of operating memories after reduction. )) 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. That is, if the lower byte of the command is “13H”, it means that the previous working memory number “4” (command notation is “14H”) is decreased by 1, 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 “BBH” is a value indicating that the current effect command is the working memory number command for the first special symbol. If the control target is the second special symbol, the preceding value is a value (for example, “BCH”) indicating that it is a working memory number command for the second special symbol.

Step S2218: The main control CPU 72 executes effect command output processing. This process is for transmitting an effect command for reducing the number of working memories for the special symbol to be controlled set in the previous step S2216 to the effect control device 124 (memory number notifying means).
When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol variation pre-processing (FIG. 14).

  Next, FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the special symbol changing process (step S3000 in FIG. 12 or step S3900 in FIG. 13). Hereinafter, it demonstrates along each procedure. The contents of the special symbol changing process described below can also be made common in the first special symbol game process (FIG. 12) and the second special symbol game process (FIG. 13). That is, when the following procedure is applied to the first special symbol game process, the control target is the first special symbol, and when it is applied to the second special symbol game process, the control target is the second special symbol.

  Step S3100: The main control CPU 72 subtracts the value of the variation timer for the special symbol to be controlled (decrements by the interrupt period).

  Step S3200: The main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the fluctuation display time has ended based on the value of the fluctuation timer subtracted this time. Specifically, if the value of the variation timer is not 0 or less, the main control CPU 72 determines that the variation display time has not yet ended (No). In this case, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol game process, and jumps from the execution selection process (step S1000b in FIG. 12 or step S1900b in FIG. 13) also in the next interrupt cycle to perform the special symbol variation display processing. Repeatedly.

  On the other hand, if the value of the variation timer is 0 or less, the main control CPU 72 determines that the variation display time has ended (Yes). In this case, the main control CPU 72 next executes step S3300.

  Step S3300: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not a value (01H) is set in the big hit flag or the small hit flag other than the non-winning for the special symbol to be controlled. When the value (01H) is set in the big hit flag or the small hit flag (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S3400. On the other hand, when the value (01H) is not set and reset (the value is 00H) in the big hit flag and the small hit flag (No), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S3600.

  Step S3400: The main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the variable display flag is set for the other special symbol. In this process, whether or not to activate the skip function for the other special symbol is confirmed based on whether or not the other special symbol is being variably displayed. This confirmation process activates the skip function for the other special symbol as the variation display at the time of big hit or small hit of the target special symbol ends (the other variation display is forcibly terminated). It is executed to check whether it is necessary. If the value (01H) is set in the other variable display flag (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S3500, assuming that the skip function needs to be activated for the other special symbol. To do. On the other hand, when the value (01H) is not set and reset (the value is 00H) in the other fluctuation display flag (No), the other special symbol is not fluctuated and the skip function is activated. Assuming that there is no need to operate, the main control CPU 72 then executes step S3600.

  Specifically, for example, when the first special symbol to be controlled ends the display of fluctuation at the time of the big hit (or at the time of the small hit) in this interrupt processing, the other second special symbol at the time of detachment (at the time of the big hit or small It is confirmed whether or not the fluctuation display is being executed. If it is confirmed that the other second special symbol is variably displayed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S3500, assuming that the skip function needs to be activated. On the other hand, if it is confirmed by this confirmation that the other second special symbol is not variably displayed and is not stopped, the main control CPU 72 next determines in step S3600 that it is not necessary to activate the skip function. Execute.

  Step S3500: The main control CPU 72 executes a process of activating the skip function for the other special symbol, that is, ending the variation display relating to the other special symbol in an off mode (first forced termination means, second Forced termination means). Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sets the value of the variation timer for the other special symbol to 0, and changes to the mode of loss when the variation display at the time of big hit or small hit is being displayed.

  Step S3600: The main control CPU 72 executes a special symbol end process. In this process, when the variable display of the special symbol to be controlled is terminated, a value (01H) is set to the special symbol stop display flag of the special symbol in the RAM 76. Further, the main control CPU 72 sets the special symbol stop display process (step S4000) as the next jump destination. When the above procedure is completed, the process returns to the special symbol game process (FIG. 12 or 13).

[Skip function]
Hereinafter, the skip function for forcibly stopping the variable display on the way in the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35 will be specifically described. Similarly, the liquid crystal display device 42 that takes the form linked with the display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol by the special symbol display devices 34 and 35 is also activated by the skip function. (1 special symbol) variation display time is skipped and the variation time is shortened, and the variation display effect by the effect symbol in the liquid crystal display device 42 is also skipped and the effect time is shortened.

FIG. 25 is a timing chart showing changes in the variable display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol.
Among these, (A) [example of skip function not operating] in FIG. 25 is the case where the skip function is activated when the first special symbol starts the variation display corresponding to the disengagement while the second special symbol is the variation display at the time of the big hit. It is a timing chart which shows the change of each variation display at the time of not operating.

  Also, (B) [Example of skip function operation] in FIG. 25 shows that the skip function is activated when the first special symbol starts the variation display corresponding to the big hit during the variation display when the second special symbol is lost. It is a timing chart which shows the change of each change display in each case. The skip function will be described by taking the timing charts (A) to (B) as examples.

[(A) in FIG. 25: Example of skip function not operating]
The state of each special symbol at the time t0 indicates that the first special symbol is in a variation waiting state, and the second special symbol is in a variable display during a big hit.

  Then, at time t1, an internal lottery regarding the first special symbol is executed in response to the winning of the game ball at the first start winning opening, and the first special symbol display device 34 changes based on the result of the internal lottery. Display starts. Here, since the second special symbol is being displayed during the big hit, the big hit lottery is not executed in the internal lottery concerning the first special symbol. Accordingly, the result of the internal lottery corresponds to a loss. In the example shown in the drawing, the result of the internal lottery relating to the first special symbol is selected as a result (non-winning), the fluctuation time relating to the first special symbol is set between t1 and t2, and the fluctuation display ends at time t2. Has been done. Specifically, the time from time t1 to time t2 is set in the variation timer related to the first special symbol. The variation timer represents a time during which the variation display can be performed. The variation timer is subtracted from the variation timer by the time when the variation display is performed, and the variation display ends when the variation timer becomes zero.

  Next, at time t2, since the variation timer related to the first special symbol has become 0, the variation display regarding the first special symbol is terminated, and the first special symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner corresponding to the loss. Note that the skip function does not operate because the result of the internal lottery regarding the first special symbol that has been stopped is not other than non-winning (big hit or small win). Therefore, the variable display regarding the second special symbol is continued. That is, the variation timer for the second special symbol (at the time of big hit or at the time of small hit) is not replaced.

[(B) in FIG. 25: Example of skip function operation]
The state of each special symbol at time t0 indicates that the first special symbol is in a variation waiting state, and the second special symbol is in a variable display at the time of losing (small hit time).

  Then, at time t1, an internal lottery regarding the first special symbol is executed in response to the winning of the game ball at the first start winning opening, and the first special symbol display device 34 changes based on the result of the internal lottery. Display starts. Here, since the variation display at the time of the second special symbol being lost is being performed, the big lottery is first executed in the internal lottery regarding the first special symbol. That is, the first special symbol indicates that the big hit lottery can be executed. Therefore, the result of the internal lottery corresponds to big hit or miss. In the illustrated example, the jackpot is selected as a result of the internal lottery regarding the first special symbol, the variation time regarding the first special symbol is set between t1 and t2, and the variation display is set to end at time t2. Yes. Specifically, the time from time t1 to time t2 is set in the variation timer related to the first special symbol. The variation timer represents a time during which the variation display can be performed. The variation timer is subtracted from the variation timer by the time when the variation display is performed, and the variation display ends when the variation timer becomes zero.

  Next, at time t2, since the variation timer related to the first special symbol becomes 0, the variation display regarding the first special symbol is finished, and the first special symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner corresponding to the big hit. Since the result of the internal lottery regarding the first special symbol that has been stopped is a big hit, and the variation display regarding the second special symbol is being executed, the skip function is activated. Then, by the operation of the skip function, the fluctuation display at the time of detachment related to the second special symbol is terminated (forced termination means). Specifically, the variation timer for the second special symbol is replaced with 0. Therefore, the set fluctuation time is skipped.

  In addition, the fluctuation display at the time of losing about the skipped second special symbol is not executed again. In addition, the variable display effect by the effect symbol at the time of the detachment with respect to the second special symbol in the liquid crystal display device 42 is similarly skipped, and is ended at the same time as the time t2.

[Special symbol stop display processing]
Next, FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the special symbol stop display process (step S4000 in FIG. 12 or step S4900 in FIG. 13). Hereinafter, it demonstrates along each procedure. The contents of the special symbol stop display processing described below can also be made common in the first special symbol game process (FIG. 12) and the second special symbol game process (FIG. 13). That is, when the following procedure is applied to the first special symbol game process, the control target is the first special symbol, and when it is applied to the second special symbol game process, the control target is the second special symbol.

  Step S4100: The main control CPU 72 subtracts the value of the stop symbol display timer for the special symbol to be controlled (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 S1000b in FIG. 12) 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 for the special symbol to be controlled. The symbol stop command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process. Further, the main control CPU 72 deletes the symbol changing flag and the symbol stop display flag.

  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 S4320: The main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the current gaming state is a high probability state. When it is in the high probability state (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S4330. When it is not in the high probability state (No), the effect control CPU 126 next executes step S4350.

  Step S4330: The main control CPU 72 sets 2 as the “limiter count (initial limiter)” (processing as the continuous count selection means and the continuous count setting means). Specifically, the main control CPU 72 saves the value of “limiter count” twice (remaining limiter number = 2) in the remaining counter area of the RAM 76, for example.

  Step S4340: The main control CPU 72 subtracts 1 from the first “limiter count” set in the previous step S4330. This is because the “limiter count” includes the time of the first chance variation winning from the “low probability state”. In this embodiment, the “limiter count” including the first chance variation winning (first time) is set. However, when the “limiter count” is set not to include the first limit (eg, once), step S4340 is performed. You may adopt the logic which skips.

Step S4350: The main control CPU 72 sets the jump destination of the jump table for the special symbol to be controlled to “variable winning device management processing”.
Step S4400: The main control CPU 72 sets “start of big role (during big hit game)” as an internal state flag for control of the special symbol to be controlled. At the same time, the main control CPU 72 generates a status command indicating that the jackpot for the special symbol to be controlled. 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. 14). For example, if the type of jackpot symbol is any one of “15 round probability variation symbols”, the continuous operation number command is generated as a value representing “15 rounds”. In the case of “8 round probability variation”, the continuous operation number command is generated as a value representing “8 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 (FIG. 12 or FIG. 13).

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

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

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

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

  Step S4606: The main control CPU 72 sets “small hit start (during small hit)” as an internal state flag for control for the special symbol to be controlled. At the same time, the main control CPU 72 generates a state command indicating that the special symbol to be controlled is small hit. The state command representing the small hit is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process.

  Step S4610: Next, the main control CPU 72 loads the value of the number cut 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 the present embodiment, at the end of the big hit game, the value of the count-off counter in the “high probability state” is set to 30 times, and the count-off counter in the “time reduction state” is set to 30 times. The number cut counter can be set in common for the first special symbol and the second special symbol.

  Step S4620: The main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the loaded counter value is zero. At this time, if the count-down counter value is already 0 (Yes), the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol game process (FIG. 12 or FIG. 13). 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.
Step S4640: Then, the main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the subtraction result is not zero. As a result of the subtraction, when the value of the count-off counter is not 0 (Yes), the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol game process (FIG. 12 or FIG. 13). On the other hand, if the value of the number cut counter becomes 0 (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S4650.

  Step S4650: Here, the main control CPU 72 resets a flag at the time of turning off the number of times function. The probability variation function operation flag and the time reduction function operation flag are reset. In this embodiment, both are set to 30 times, so when the count-off counter value becomes 0, the probability variation function operation flag is reset. Both the time shortening function activation flag are reset. As a result, the probability variation state (high probability time shortened state) is terminated through the special symbol stop display. Specifically, after the “probability variation function” and the “time shortening function” are activated and the gaming state is set to the “probability variation state”, the variation at the time of losing the special symbol or the small hit is performed 30 times. Each function is set to a non-operating state, and the gaming state is changed to the “normal state”. When the above procedure is completed, the process returns to the special symbol game process (FIG. 12 or 13).

[Display output management processing]
Next, FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing a configuration example of the display output management process (step S210 in FIG. 8) 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 38c and the time reduction state display lamp 38d, respectively, according to the value of the probability variation function activation flag or the time reduction function activation flag. For example, if the value (01H) is set in the probability variation function operation flag when the pachinko machine 1 is turned on, the main control CPU 72 outputs a lighting signal to the LED corresponding to the probability variation state display lamp 38c. Note that the probability variation state display lamp 38c is switched to non-display (turned off) even if the probability variation function operation flag is set when the variation display of the special symbol is performed thereafter. On the other hand, if the value (01H) is set in the time reduction function operation flag, the main control CPU 72 turns on the lighting signal for the LED corresponding to the time reduction state display lamp 38d regardless of whether or not the power is turned on. Is output.

  The main control CPU 72 controls lighting of the big hit type display lamps 38a and 38b in the continuous operation number display setting process. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 outputs a lighting signal for one of the big hit type display lamps 38a and 38b based on the value of the above-mentioned continuous operation number command. At this time, one of the display lamps 38a and 38b corresponding to the big hit symbol designated by the continuous operation number command is the target of outputting the lighting signal. For example, if the value of the continuous operation number command specifies “15 rounds”, the main control CPU 72 outputs a lighting signal to the lamp 38b representing “15 rounds (15R)”. If the value of the continuous operation number command specifies “8 rounds”, the main control CPU 72 outputs a lighting signal to the lamp 38a representing “8 rounds (8R)”.

[FIGS. 12 and 13: Variable winning device management processing]
Next, details of the variable winning device management process will be described. FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating a configuration example of the variable winning device management process. The variable winning device management process includes a gaming process selection process (step S5100), a special winning opening opening pattern setting process (step S5200), a special winning opening / closing operation process (step S5300), a special winning opening closing process (step S5400), and an end. This is a configuration including a subroutine group of processing (step S5500).

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

[Big prize opening pattern setting process]
FIG. 29 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the special winning opening opening pattern setting process. This process is for setting conditions such as the number of times that the variable winning device 30 is opened and closed and the time for each opening at the time of big hit or small hit. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along each procedure.

  Step S5202: The main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the current gaming state is a big game, that is, whether or not the big hit flag value (01H) is set in the flag area of the RAM 76. If the value of the big hit flag is set (Yes), the main control CPU 72 then proceeds to step S5204. On the other hand, if the value of the big hit flag is not set (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S5212. Note that this procedure may be rewritten to refer to the value of the small hit flag (however, the logic of Yes / No is reversed).

[Procedure for jackpot]
First, the procedure for the big hit is as follows.
Step S5204: The main control CPU 72 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 “plurality of winning types” in the special symbol game process (FIG. 12 or FIG. 13). In addition, the interval time between rounds is set to, for example, about 2 seconds for “8 round symbols” and about several seconds (for example, 2 seconds to 2.5 seconds) for “15 round symbols”. In addition, the number of counts in one round (maximum number of winnings) is 9 for all winning symbols, for example, but as mentioned above, winnings occur during an extremely short time (about 0.1 seconds). Is very rare (not impossible but extremely difficult). As another embodiment, a specific area is provided in the big prize opening, and when a game ball passes through the specific area during the big hit game, the high probability state function operation flag is turned ON (the state after the big hit game is changed is surely changed). If it does not pass, the high probability state function operation flag may be turned OFF (the state after the big hit game is set to the normal state). Specifically, in this process, if the winning symbol is a probabilistic symbol, a setting is made to open for a time that can pass through a specific region, and if it is a normal symbol, a setting to open for a time that cannot pass the specific region. You may do it.

  Step S5206: The main control CPU 72 sets the number of execution rounds in the current jackpot game based on the jackpot winning symbol selected in the previous jackpot stop symbol determination process (step S2410 in FIG. 14). Specifically, if the large category “15 round symbol” is selected as the winning symbol, the main control CPU 72 sets the number of execution rounds to 15 times. If “8 round symbols” is selected as the winning symbol, the main control CPU 72 sets the number of execution rounds to eight. The number of execution rounds set here is stored in the buffer area of the RAM 76, for example, as a corresponding value on the program (“7” for 8 times, “14” for 15 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 example, a launch control board) that the big winning opening is easily generated during one release. The set 174 is a time during which 10 or more game balls are fired, preferably 6 seconds or more. On the other hand, if the value of the big hit release timer is set to 0.1 seconds, the release time is short (becomes difficult) even if it is not possible to win a big prize opening during one opening. This is a time (for example, a time shorter than 1 second, preferably a time shorter than a game ball firing interval by the firing control board set 174).

  Step S5210: Then, 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 S5220: When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination to the large winning opening / closing operation processing, and returns to the variable winning device management processing (FIG. 28).

[Procedure for small hits]
Step S5212: On the other hand, in the case of a small hit (step S5202: No), 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 S5214: The main control CPU 72 sets the number of times that the special winning opening is opened based on the large winning opening opening pattern set in the previous step S5212, for example, two times. The number of releases set here is stored in a buffer area of the RAM 76, for example.

  Step S5216: 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, there is hardly any winning in the big winning opening during one opening. It becomes a short time (becomes difficult) (for example, a time shorter than 1 second, preferably a time shorter than the interval between game balls fired by the launching device unit).

  Step S5218: 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 S5220: When the above procedure is completed at the time of the small hit, the main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination to the large winning opening / closing operation processing, and returns to the variable winning device management processing (FIG. 28). Then, the main control CPU 72 executes a special winning opening / closing operation process.

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

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

  Step S5304: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes an open timer countdown process. In this process, the countdown of the release timer set in the previous special winning opening release pattern setting process (step S5208 or step S5216 in FIG. 29) is executed.

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

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

  Step S5310: Next, the main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the current count number is less than a predetermined number (9). 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 in the big hit, one in the small hit) as described above. If the count number has not yet reached the predetermined number (Yes), the main control CPU 72 returns to the variable winning device management process (FIG. 28). Then, when the variable winning device management process is executed next, since the jump destination is set to the large winning opening / closing operation process at the present stage, the main control CPU 72 repeatedly executes the procedure of the above steps S5302 to S5310.

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

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

  Step S5314: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes interval standby processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 executes a countdown of the interval timer set in the above-described special winning opening opening pattern setting process (step S5210 or step S5218 in FIG. 29). When the value of the interval timer becomes 0 or less, the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S5316.

  Step S5316: The main control CPU 72 checks whether or not it is in a big role (during big hit game). If the current game is a big game (Yes), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S5318. On the other hand, if the current game is a small hit (No), the main control CPU 72 then proceeds to step S5322.

  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 the present embodiment, since such an open pattern is not particularly 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 variable winning device management process (FIG. 28), the jump destination is set to the big winning opening / closing operation process at this stage, so the procedure from step S5302 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 opening closing process, and returns to the variable winning device management process (FIG. 28). Then, when the variable winning device management process is executed next, the main control CPU 72 executes a special winning opening closing process.

[Large prize closing process]
FIG. 31 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for a special prize closing process. This special winning opening closing process is for continuing the operation of the variable winning device 30 or terminating the operation. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along a procedure.

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

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

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

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

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

  Step S5408: The main control CPU 72 resets the winning ball counter and returns to the variable winning device management process (FIG. 28).

  When the main control CPU 72 next executes a variable winning device management process, the main control CPU 72 executes a big prize opening opening / closing operation process as a next jump destination in a game process selection process (step S5100 in FIG. 28). Then, after execution of the special prize opening / closing operation process, through the execution of the special prize opening closing process, the main control CPU 72 executes the special prize opening closing process again, and repeatedly executes the above steps S5402 to S5408. Thereby, the opening / closing operation of the variable winning device 30 is continuously executed until the actual round number reaches the set execution round number (8 times or 15 times).

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

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

  Step S5408: The main control CPU 72 resets the winning ball counter and returns to the variable winning device management process (FIG. 28). As a result, when the main control CPU 72 next executes the variable winning device management process, the end process is selected this time.

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

  Step S5413: Next, the main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the value of the incremented number-of-releases counter has reached the set number of times of release. The number of times of opening is set in the previous big opening opening pattern setting process (step S5214 in FIG. 29). If the value of the opening number counter has not yet reached the set opening number (No), the main control CPU 72 executes step S5416.

Step S5416: The main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination in the special winning opening / closing operation process.
Step S5408: The main control CPU 72 resets the winning ball counter and returns to the variable winning device management process (FIG. 28).

  When the main control CPU 72 next executes a variable winning device management process, the main control CPU 72 executes a big prize opening opening / closing operation process as a next jump destination in a game process selection process (step S5100 in FIG. 28). Then, after the execution of the special prize opening / closing operation process, the main control CPU 72 executes the special prize opening closing process again through the execution of the special prize opening closing process, and goes through the above steps S5401 to S5413 (No) to step S5416. Step S5408 is repeatedly executed. Thereby, the opening / closing operation of the variable prize device 30 is repeatedly executed until the actual number of times of opening reaches the set number of times of opening (2 times).

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

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

  Step S5408: The main control CPU 72 resets the winning ball counter and returns to the variable winning device management process (FIG. 28). As a result, when the main control CPU 72 next executes the variable winning device management process, the end process is selected this time.

〔End processing〕
FIG. 32 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the end process. This end process is for preparing conditions for ending the operation of the variable prize apparatus 30. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along the example of a procedure.

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

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

Step S5505: The main control CPU 72 deletes the continuous operation number command here.
Step S5506: Next, the main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the value (01H) of the probability variation function operation flag is set. This flag is set in the big hit other setting process (step S2414 in FIG. 14) during the previous special symbol fluctuation pre-processing.

  Step S5508: When the value of the probability variation function activation flag is set (step S5506: Yes), the main control CPU 72 sets the probability variation number (probability variation number) (for example, about 30 times). The set value of the probability variation number is stored, for example, in the probability variation counter area of the RAM 76 and becomes the above-described number cut counter value. The probability variation number set here is 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. 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. 14) during the previous special symbol fluctuation pre-processing.

  Step S5512: If the value of the time shortening function operation flag (variable time shortening function operation flag) is set (step S5510: Yes), the main control CPU 72 determines the number of time shortening (number of time shortening) (for example, about 30 times). Set. The value of the set time reduction count is stored in the time count area of the RAM 76 as described above. The number of times of time reduction set here is the upper limit number of times to shorten the variation time of the special symbol in subsequent games. If the value of the time shortening function activation flag is not set (step S5510: No), the main control CPU 72 does not execute step S5512.

  Step S5514: The main control CPU 72 generates a state designation command based on various flags. Specifically, since the high-probability state function operation flag and the time reduction function operation flag are set, a state designation command representing “probably changing (probability changing state)” is generated as the internal state. These state designation commands are transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process.

  The procedure so far is a big hit, but in the case of a big hit (step S5502: No), the following procedure is executed.

  Steps S5520 and S5522: In the case of a small hit, the main control CPU 72 resets the value of the small hit flag (00H) and deletes “small hit” from the internal state flag. In the case of small hits, the internal condition device does not operate in particular, so such a procedure is merely for the purpose of erasing the flag.

  Step S5516: In any case, after the above procedure, the main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination in the special winning opening opening pattern setting process.

  Step S5518: The main control CPU 72 sets the jump destination in the execution selection process (step S1000b in FIG. 12) 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 variable winning device management process (FIG. 28).

[Game Flow]
FIG. 33 is a diagram for explaining a game flow developed in the pachinko machine 1.
When a game is started with the pachinko machine 1, the game state starts from [F1] normal state. “Normal state” has a special symbol winning probability of “low probability state”, and “sea mode”, “sky mode”, “space mode”, “fireworks rush”, etc. are available as modes (background images). Has been. Thus, since the [F1] normal state is the “low probability non-time shortened state”, the first special symbol is obtained by entering the game ball into the first start winning opening 26 or the second starting winning opening 27. Alternatively, the second special symbol starts to change and the game proceeds. Here, the variation time of the first special symbol is set to a time of 180 seconds or less, whereas the variation time of the second special symbol is set to 10 hours.

  [F1] In the normal state, when the result of the internal lottery of the first special symbol corresponds to [F2] jackpot, an effect (for example, reach effect) according to the lottery result is executed. Then, when the first special symbol stops in a big hit mode (“8 round probability variation symbol”), a big hit game (big bonus) is executed.

  [F2] When the big hit game ends, the game state is set to [F3] “Probability change state”. In the “probability state”, the winning probability of the special symbol is a “high probability state”. The game mode of “probable change state” is “fireworks rush”. [F2] The probability variation state is a “high probability time reduction state”, and the variation time of the first special symbol is set to 10 hours, while the variation time of the second special symbol is set to a time of 180 seconds or less. Has been.

  The limiter count is set to the remaining one, and after the big hit of [F3] “Probability change state”, the limiter reaching normal state is set. However, in [F3] “probability change state”, when the fluctuation due to the special symbol (the first special symbol or the second special symbol) or the fluctuation at the small hitting time is performed [F4] 30 times, that is, 30 consecutive times. If the player does not hit the jackpot, the gaming state changes to [F1] “normal state”.

  In addition, in [F3] “probability change state”, even if the result of internal lottery (small lottery lottery) of the second special symbol is [F5] “small hit”, the game state does not change [F3] “probability change” It is continued as “state”.

  In [F3] “probability change state”, when the [F6] second special symbol stops in a big hit mode (“15 round normal symbol”), a big hit game (super big bonus) is executed. Here, since the current big hit is when the limiter is reached, it is forcibly changed from “15 round probability variation symbol” to “15 round normal symbol”.

  [F6] When the big hit game ends, the gaming state is set to [F7] normal state reached by the limiter. In the “limiter reached normal state”, the winning probability of the special symbol is “low probability state”. Here, the variation time of the first special symbol is set to 10 hours, whereas the variation time of the second special symbol is set to a time of 180 seconds or less.

  [F7] If the result of internal lottery of the second special symbol is “F8” when the second special symbol stops in a big hit mode (“15 round probability variation symbol”) in the “limiter reached normal state”, the big hit game (super big Bonus) is executed. Further, the limiter count is set to the remaining one. As long as the [F8] big hit game is not started, [F7] “Limiter arrival normal state” continues.

  [F7] “Limiter reached normal state” corresponds to [F8] jackpot because the jackpot probability of the special symbol is low, while the jackpot probability for the second special symbol is set high. [F9] The small hit can be repeated a plurality of times, and a large number of prize balls can be obtained with the small hit.

  In this way, in this embodiment, even if the big hit in the probability variation state reaches the limiter and the gaming state becomes a low probability state, the special variation pattern table is used instead of the normal normal state. Normal state (limiter reached normal state) is set. Furthermore, in the limiter reaching normal state, since the second special symbol is set so that it is easy to win a small hit, it is possible to increase the number of balls by performing a small hit several times until the big hit. This makes it possible to realize a new gameability that can have a strong benefit after reaching the limit.

[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. (First symbol display means, second symbol display means). However, since the first special symbol and the second special symbol itself are lit and blinking display by 7-segment LED, the appealing power is not good. Therefore, in the pachinko machine 1, a variable display effect using an effect symbol is performed.

  In the present embodiment, since the control for changing the first special symbol and the second special symbol in parallel is adopted, the first effect symbol corresponding to the first special symbol and the second special symbol corresponding to the second special symbol are adopted. Two effect symbols are also displayed in a variable manner. Here, the first effect symbol and the second effect symbol have left, middle, and right effect symbols, respectively, and the second effect symbol is variably displayed in a reduced state at the lower right portion of the screen. The first effect symbol is variably displayed at a center larger than the second effect symbol. The difference between the size of the first effect symbol and the second effect symbol is that the big hit game is started not by the second special symbol but by the first special symbol. In order to teach the player a sense of expectation as to whether or not the result of the variable display effect of one effect symbol is a big hit, the first effect symbol is set large.

  Each of the first effect symbol and the second effect symbol includes, for example, a left effect symbol, a middle effect symbol, and a right effect symbol, which are left, middle, and right on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42. Are displayed side by side (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. 34 is a continuous diagram showing an example of the effect image corresponding to the change display and stop display of the special symbol in the normal state. In addition, here, an example of a change display effect and a stop display effect (result display effect) performed using the first effect symbol is shown with respect to the variation of the first special symbol at the time of non-winning (disappearance). This variable display effect corresponds to a series of effects performed from when the first special symbol starts variable display to when it is stopped and displayed (including fixed stop). In addition, the stop display effect is an effect that indicates that the first 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. The second special symbol in the normal state will be described assuming that the second special symbol is in a variable display because the variation time is as long as 10 hours.

[First special symbol: Before variation display, Second special symbol: during variation display]
34 (A): For example, in a state before the first special symbol starts to change (a state in which the demonstration effect is not being performed), a row of three effect symbols is displayed large on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42. ing. At this time, the first effect symbol is also stopped and displayed in accordance with the stop display of the first special symbol. On the other hand, the second effect symbol is variably displayed in the lower right portion of the screen in accordance with the variation display of the second special symbol.

  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 FIG. 34A, all four markers M1 and M2 are lit and displayed, indicating that the number of working memories of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is four. (Memory 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 added in the diagram) is displayed at the lower part 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 symbol Z1 is 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 not a “missing” and is actually a win, the fourth symbol Z1 is stopped and displayed in a mode (for example, a blue display color or a red display color) corresponding to them. On the other hand, since the second special symbol is variably displayed, the fourth symbol Z2 is variably displayed, and the fourth symbol Z2 expresses the variable display by changing its display color.

[Variable display production start]
34 (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). That is, in synchronization with the start of fluctuation of the first special symbol, the left effect symbol, the middle effect symbol, and the right effect symbol row of the first effect symbol scroll in the vertical direction within the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42 (flow). In this way, the variable display effect is started. In the figure, the change display of the first effect symbol is simply indicated by a downward arrow. In addition, during the variable display, the individual first effect symbols are displayed in a transparent state (transparent display), and at this time, an image (background image) that is the background of the first effect symbol is visually recognized in the display screen. Easy to see.

  The background image in this case represents a state in which a female character in a car is running in the wilderness. Such a background image expresses that the stay mode in the production is, for example, “land mode”. In the present embodiment, the “land mode” corresponds to a normal state in which the above-described variation time shortening function is not activated and the probability variation function is also deactivated. In addition to this, various modes ("sea mode", "sky mode", "space mode") are provided for production, and background images with different landscapes and scenes are prepared for each mode (status display) Production execution means). The difference between these modes corresponds to the internal “time shortening state”, corresponds to the “high probability state”, and the degree of expectation for the variation display mode of the second special symbol (no big hit) Or an expectation degree in a lottery 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 lower part 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]
In FIG. 34 (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 symbol representing the number “8” is stopped at the middle position of the screen.

[Example of production when the number of working memories decreases]
Here, as shown in (B) of FIG. 34, since the number of working memories of the first special symbol decreases by one as the fluctuation starts, the number of markers M1 displayed is linked accordingly. 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. 34, since the first operation memory in the storage order is consumed and the remaining number becomes 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]
In FIG. 34 (D): After the left effect symbol, the right effect symbol thereafter stops changing. In this example, the effect symbol representing the number “3” is stopped at the middle position of the screen. Since it has already been determined that the reach state does not occur at this point, it is almost clear on the appearance that the current fluctuation is a non-reach (normal) fluctuation. Here, reach fluctuations due to slip patterns and the like are excluded. “Slip pattern” means, for example, that 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]
In FIG. 34 (E): 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 (first effect symbol) for each variation. 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.

  The above example is for the case where the result of the internal lottery of the first special symbol falls out of play, but after a reach effect is executed during a variable display effect during a big hit or a small hit, a stop display effect is produced. The first effect symbol is stopped and displayed in a big hit mode. At this time, the stop display mode of the first effect symbol is basically selected in correspondence with the winning symbol (stop display mode of the first special symbol display device 34) selected internally by the main control CPU 72.

[Production example at the time of big hit]
FIG. 35 to FIG. 37 are a continuous diagram showing the flow of the reach effect executed at the time of the big hit, and a continuous diagram partially showing an example of the big role effect executed during the big hit game. 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.

  The following reach effects are, for example, after the first special symbol display device 34 performs a variation display based on the variation pattern at the time of the big hit, and then the first special symbol has a big hit (for example, “Self”, “Yo” of the 7-segment LED) , “Mouth”, “巳”, “F”, “E”, “L”, “Γ”, etc.), and so on (reach effect execution means). In addition, in FIG. 35, each production | presentation symbol is simplified and shown only as the number. Further, illustration of the variable display effect of the second effect symbol, the markers M1 and M2, and the fourth symbols Z1 and Z2 are omitted here. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along the flow of production.

[Variable display effects]
In FIG. 35 (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)]
FIG. 35B: Next, in a relatively early stage of the variable display effect, the first stage pre-reach notice effect using the character image (picture card) is performed. 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)]
FIG. 35 (C): 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. 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. 35 (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 “5” is stopped at the left position of the screen.

[Generation of reach condition]
In FIG. 35 (E): Next 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 “5” is stopped at the right position of the screen, so that a reach state of “5”-“being changed”-“5” 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 this embodiment, all types of big hits are probabilistic big hits. However, in another embodiment, a normal big hit that is not a probable big hit (a big hit in which the probability variation function does not operate) is specified. If “5” is aligned, the expectation level of the probability variation jackpot will be high (not surely confirmed), so it is not only a lottery, but also various tensions such as “high probability expectation level or mere loss” Can be held by the player.

  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 effect, only the effect symbol corresponding to the tempered number (here, “5”) is 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)]
FIG. 35 (F): After a reach state has occurred, for example, an image representing a “heart” shape 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 effect after the visually lively reach occurs, the player can have an even greater expectation.

[Progress of super reach production (specific reach production execution means)]
In FIG. 35 (G): Following the announcement effect after the first reach, for example, images representing the numbers “2” to “6” are displayed in a three-dimensional column on the screen. There is an effect in which numerical images are erased from the screen in the order of “2”, “3”, “4”. Such an effect is also performed for the purpose of suggesting (impliciting) or reminding the player that the number “5” is left as it is without being erased. If the number “4” is erased and “5” remains in front of the screen, it means “big hit”, and if the number “5” is also erased, it means “out of place”. In the case of a loss, for example, the number “6” is displayed on the screen after the number “5” 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. Then, if the production progresses with the number “4” actually being erased on the screen and the number “5” remaining on the screen, the possibility of a “hit” increases, so the player feels nervous. Also increases at a stretch.

[Preliminary notice after the occurrence of reach (second time)]
In FIG. 35 (H): When the super reach production is approaching the end of the game, the content that the character image suddenly appears on the screen as if it was split into a large image, and that character emits some dialogue (or silence) (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“ 5 ”remains without being erased, the possibility of a big hit of“ 5 ”-“ 5 ”-“ 5 ”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.

  As a reach production different from the above, for example, if “numbers“ 2 ”to“ 4 ”are erased and the number“ 5 ”is left unerased at the end,“ 5 ”-“ 5 ”- There is also a development that “5 is a big hit with a design with a high probability of probability change”. When the character image appears at such a timing, an effect can be obtained in which the player has a sense of expectation that “the probability big hit is likely to be near”. Thereafter, the effect changes depending on the winning type (winning symbol).

  In FIG. 36 (I): For example, when the change display of the first special symbol reaches the final stage, the last medium effect symbol stops. In the example shown in the figure, a combination of “5”-“5”-“5” is displayed on the screen, and the player can be informed that it has been a big hit.

  In FIG. 36 (J): For example, the stop display effect is also displayed for the stop display effect as the effect symbol substantially in synchronization with the fixed 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.

  Here, since the first special symbol is stopped and displayed in a big win mode, the variation display of the second special symbol is also forcibly terminated, and the fixed stop display is performed in a deviated manner. In the illustrated example, the effect symbol corresponding to the second special symbol is stopped and displayed in a combination of “1”-“7”-“5” in the lower right part of the screen. In addition, the fourth symbols Z1 and Z2 are also stopped in a manner corresponding to the big hit (“15 round probability variation symbol”) and the manner of losing.

  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 “4” and “6” other than “5” 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”.

[Big hit game start]
In FIG. 36 (K): When the display of the fixed stop of the first special symbol is finished and the big hit game is started, the big role effect corresponding to the winning type (winning symbol) is started. In the example shown in the figure, a big-game effect corresponding to “8-round probability variation symbol” is executed, and an opening effect in which character information such as “big bonus” is displayed is executed. Thereby, it is possible to teach the player that the current big hit game is executed for 8 rounds and that a large amount of prize balls can be obtained.

[1 round]
In FIG. 37 (L): When the first round of the big hit game is started, the big role effect of the content corresponding to the progress of the game, “Big hit” is executed. In the role-playing effect, for example, character information corresponding to the number of rounds of “ROUND1” and character information corresponding to the type of bonus such as “Big Bonus” are 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”.

[8 rounds]
In FIG. 37 (M): After that, when the big hit game progresses smoothly and shifts to the final eight rounds, the character information corresponding to the number of rounds of “ROUND8” is displayed on the screen, and the big hit game is being played. A unique effect image is 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.

〔ending〕
In FIG. 37, (N): At the timing when the big hit game is finished, the big end ending effect of the content teaching the internal state to be transferred thereafter is executed. In this example, for example, character information “Fireworks rush rush!” Is displayed on the screen. By executing such a big game end effect, the player can be instructed to shift to a fireworks rush in a probable state (a special symbol is highly probable) as a privilege after the big hit game ends.

Next, an example of the effect when the game state is in the probable change state (fireworks mode) will be described in order of the flow of the effect.
FIG. 38 is a continuous diagram showing an example of the effect in the probability variation state (fireworks mode).

  In FIG. 38 (O): For example, the first special symbol and the second special effect are displayed in the state of “fireworks rush” by performing the first variable display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol after the end of the big hit game. Symbols are displayed in a variable manner. 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 symbols Z1 and Z2 are variably displayed at the lower part of the screen of the liquid crystal display 42.

  In addition, since the game state is set to the probable change state and the time shortening function is activated, the variable start winning device 28 located in the right region of the game region is frequently operated, and the player enters the third start winning port 28a. Is facilitated. Therefore, in the probability variation state, the game ball is launched into the right region, and the game specification is changed to the game specification aiming at the big hit game by entering the third start winning hole 28a. That is, since it is not a gaming specification for entering the first start winning opening 26 located on the left side of the game area, the first special symbol is not frequently displayed and the second special symbol is frequently displayed. Will be done. Therefore, the relationship between the first effect symbol and the second effect symbol in the screen is also reduced and displayed in the lower left part of the screen, and the second effect symbol is displayed at the center of the screen from the first effect symbol. Will be displayed in a variable manner.

  In addition, character information such as “paste 28 times” is displayed in the lower right part of the screen. That is, the number of special symbol variations displayed until the probability variation state ends is displayed. Thereby, it is possible to teach the player how many times the game state (probability change state) advantageous to the player will end. Note that the number of times the special symbol fluctuation display until the probability variation state ends is the number of times until the probability variation function and the variation time reduction function are deactivated, and the special symbol can be variably displayed in the probability variation state. It represents the number of times.

  In FIG. 38 (P): Since the first variation of the second winning symbol has ended since the end of the big hit game, all the effect symbols have been stopped ("2"-"2"-"3" combination). Further, the fourth symbol Z2 is stopped and displayed in a non-winning manner (for example, white display color). Here, the variation time of the second special symbol is set to be short (0.3 to 1.5 seconds) in the probability variation state. In addition, the variation time of the first special symbol is set to a very long variation time (10 hours).

  (Q) in FIG. 38: Then, the next variable display of the second special symbol is started. In addition, the display indicating the number of times the special symbol is changed and displayed until the probability change state ends is also changed to “27 residue”.

  After that, when a special symbol jackpot occurs during the probability change state, the jackpot game is started, and the number of special symbol variations displayed until the probability change state ends after the jackpot game ends is reset to 30 times, and the probability change state (fireworks rush) ) Is started again. On the other hand, if the number of times of the change display of the special symbol until the end of the probability change state is zero while the special symbol jackpot does not occur during the probability change state, the probability variation function and the variation time shortening function are set to non-operation, The gaming state is set to the normal state.

  In FIG. 39 (R): When the second special symbol corresponds to the big hit (15 round normal symbol) during the probability variation state (fireworks rush) and the variable display ends, it corresponds to the second special symbol that was performed in the center of the screen The change display effect by the effect design to be finished is also terminated, and the combination of “7”-“7”-“7” is stopped. As a result, the variation display of the first special symbol is also terminated, the variation display effect by the representation symbol performed at the lower left of the screen is also terminated, and the combination of “5”-“2”-“6” in the off mode Stop at.

  In FIG. 39 (S): Then, when the final special symbol display of the second special symbol is finished and the big hit game is started, the big-bill effect corresponding to the winning type (winning symbol) is started. In the example shown in the figure, a big-game effect corresponding to “15 round normal symbol” is executed, and an opening effect in which character information such as “super big bonus” is displayed is executed. As a result, the current jackpot game is executed over 15 rounds.

  In FIG. 39 (T): At the timing when the big hit game is ended, the big end ending effect of the content teaching the internal state to be transferred thereafter is executed. In this example, for example, text information “Fireworks preparation mode rush!” Is displayed on the screen. By executing such a big game end effect, the player can be instructed to shift to the fireworks preparation mode in the limiter reached normal state (special symbol is low probability) as a bonus after the big hit game ends.

  In FIG. 40 (U): For example, the first special symbol and the second special symbol are displayed in the “fireworks preparation mode” state by performing the first variable display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol after the end of the big hit game. The effect symbol is displayed in a variable manner. The background image in the fireworks preparation mode is a background image in which “night view” is expressed in order to deeply impress the player with the motif of preparation for launching fireworks. Further, the fourth symbols Z1 and Z2 are variably displayed at the lower part of the screen of the liquid crystal display 42.

  In addition, when the gaming state is set to the limiter arrival normal state, the second special symbol is short-circuited similarly to the probability variation state, so that the variable start winning device 28 located in the right region of the gaming region is frequently operated. Thus, it is easy to enter the third start winning opening 28a. Therefore, in the limiter reaching normal state, the game ball is shot into the right region, and the game specification is changed to the game specification aiming at the big hit game by entering the third start winning opening 28a. That is, since it is not a gaming specification for entering the first start winning opening 26 located on the left side of the game area, the first special symbol is not frequently displayed and the second special symbol is frequently displayed. Will be done. Therefore, the relationship between the first effect symbol and the second effect symbol in the screen is also reduced and displayed in the lower left part of the screen, and the second effect symbol is displayed at the center of the screen from the first effect symbol. Will be displayed in a variable manner.

  In FIG. 40 (V): In the limiter reaching normal state, the special symbol is in a low probability state, while the small special lottery probability of the second special symbol is in a high probability state. Occurs frequently. For example, as shown in the drawing, the effect symbol corresponding to the second special symbol stops in a small hitting manner (a combination of “7”-“chance”-“7”), and the fourth symbol Z2 is also in a small hitting manner ( For example, the display is stopped at a green display color). As a result, the variation display of the first special symbol is also terminated, the variation display effect by the representation symbol performed at the lower left of the screen is also terminated, and the combination of “6”-“3”-“4” in the off mode Stop at.

  In FIG. 40 (W): When the small hit game is finished, the display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is newly started while the game state is maintained in the limiter arrival normal state. Note that the small hit game ends in a short time compared to the big hit game (15 round big hit), but in this embodiment, in the normal state where the limiter is reached, every time the big hit game is hit, the hit game is started. Because you can get a ball, you will get strong benefits.

  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-time effect, etc. are all controlled through the following control process.

[Production control processing]
FIG. 41 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the effect control process executed by the effect control CPU 126. This effect control process is executed, for example, in a timer interrupt process (interrupt management process) separately from a reset start (main) process (not shown). The effect control CPU 126 generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined interrupt 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), display output process (step S404), lamp driving process (step S406), and acoustic driving. This includes a subroutine group of 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, symbol stop command, state designation command, round number command, error notification command, jackpot end effect There are a command, a variation pattern destination determination command, a status command indicating that the jackpot is being hit, a status command indicating that the jackpot is being hit, and a continuous operation number command. Of these, commands related to special symbols are transmitted separately for the first special symbol and the second special symbol.

  Step S401: In the operation memory effect management process, the effect control CPU 126 controls execution of the memory number display effect and the memory number display effect using the markers M1 and M2.

  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, and controls the effect contents during the opening / closing operation of the variable winning device 30. 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 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 image display 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, when there is a movable body for presentation, the presentation control CPU 126 outputs a control signal to the movable body driving IC. Although not particularly illustrated, the movable body is operated by a driving source such as a solenoid or a stepping motor, and produces an effect in synchronism with the display of an image by the liquid crystal display 42 or independently. These drive sources such as solenoids and stepping motors can be connected to, for example, the panel illumination board 138 in FIG.

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

[Direction design management processing]
FIG. 42 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the effect symbol management process (step S402 in FIG. 41). The effect symbol management process includes an execution selection process (step S500), a first special symbol effect symbol change pre-process (step S502), a second special symbol effect symbol change pre-process (step S503), and an effect symbol change process (step S504). ), A subroutine group of effect symbol stop display processing (step S506) and variable winning device operation time 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 variation display effect has not yet started corresponding to each special symbol, the effect control CPU 126 selects the effect symbol variation pre-process (step S502, step S503) 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. Further, the variable winning device operating process (step S508) is selected as a jump destination only when the variable winning device management process is selected in the main control CPU 72. In this case, steps S502 to S506 are not executed.

  Steps S502 and S503: In the first special symbol effect symbol variation pre-processing or the second winning symbol effect symbol variation pre-processing, the effect control CPU 126 is a condition for starting a variable display effect using an effect symbol corresponding to each special symbol. Work to prepare. 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 process, the effect control CPU 126 controls the contents of the result display effect using the effect symbols and moving images in a manner corresponding to the result of the internal lottery. That is, the effect control CPU 126 instructs the effect display control device 144 (display control CPU 146) to end the variable display effect and execute the result display effect. In response to this, the effect display control device 144 (display control CPU 146) ends the variable display effect that has been actually executed within the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42, and executes the result display effect. As a result, the result display effect is executed substantially in synchronization with the stop display of the special symbol, and the result of the internal lottery can be effectively taught (disclosure, notification, notification, etc.) to the player (execution of the symbol effect) means). However, in the present embodiment, at the time of a small hit, the result display effect is executed in a manner similar to or approximated to the 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 15 round big hits, the effect control CPU 126 selects a 15-round big effect pattern 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). . 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.

[First special symbol effect symbol variation pre-processing]
FIG. 43 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the first special symbol effect symbol variation pre-processing (step S502 in FIG. 42). In addition, although the example of the procedure of the 1st special symbol effect symbol pre-process variation regarding the 1st effect symbol corresponding to the 1st special symbol is given here, the 2nd special symbol regarding the 2nd effect symbol corresponding to the 2nd special symbol is given. The procedure example of the effect symbol variation pre-processing can be the same except that the control target is the second effect symbol. 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 start address of the second special symbol effect symbol variation pre-processing, and executes the process (step S503 in FIG. 42). When the demonstration selection process is executed in the second special symbol effect symbol pre-change process, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the last address of the effect symbol management process when returning from the 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. 41) and lamp driving process (step S406 in FIG. 41). 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 variation is out of place (non-winning) for the first special symbol. 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 for the first special symbol. 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. That is, if the current variation pattern command for the first special symbol corresponds to the outlier normal variation or the 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 (missed) (step S604: No), the effect control CPU 126 confirms whether or not the current variation is a big hit for the first special symbol. 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 for the first special symbol. 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 for the first special symbol can also be confirmed based on the variation pattern command or the stop symbol command. That is, for the first special symbol, if the current variation pattern command corresponds to the jackpot variation, it can be determined that the current variation is a jackpot variation. If the current stop symbol command corresponds to the jackpot symbol, it can be determined that the current variation is a jackpot. In the present embodiment, since there is no small hit for the first special symbol, this process is not executed, and this process is executed only for the second special symbol.

  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 in pairs with the variation pattern command, and the effect control CPU 126 refers to an effect pattern selection table (not shown) and selects the effect pattern number corresponding to the variation pattern command at that time. Can do.

  When the effect pattern number is selected, the effect control CPU 126 refers to an effect table (not shown), and the effect symbol change schedule (change time, reach type and reach occurrence timing) corresponding to the change effect pattern number at that time, stop display The mode and the like are determined. Note that the types of effect symbols determined here correspond to the “combination of symbols at the time of a small hit”. In addition, the combination at the time of the small hit can be a combination such as “5”-“chance”-“5” composed of a combination of a number and a character as described above. It can also be a combination.

  The above procedure corresponds to the case of “small hit”, but if it corresponds to 15 round big hit or 8 round big hit, the effect control CPU 126 confirms that it is “big hit” in step S606 (Yes). In this case, the effect control CPU 126 executes step S610.

  Step S610: The effect control CPU 126 executes a big hit 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 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. 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. The specific processing content will be further described later with reference to another flowchart.

  When the above procedure is completed, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the start address of the second special symbol effect symbol variation pre-processing, and executes the process (step S503 in FIG. 42). When returning from the second special symbol effect symbol variation pre-process, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the address at the end of the effect symbol management process. As a result, in the subsequent effect symbol variation processing (step S504 in FIG. 42), the variation display effect and the result display effect are executed based on the actually selected variation effect pattern (effect image display means), A notice effect is executed based on various notice effect patterns.

[Mode selection processing]
FIG. 44 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary procedure of mode selection processing. Hereinafter, the contents will be described along a procedure example.

  Step S750: The production control device 124 confirms whether or not the current gaming state is a certain change state. As a result of the confirmation, if the current gaming state is the certainty change state (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 next executes step S754. On the other hand, when the current gaming state is not the probability variation state (No), the effect control device 124 next executes step S752.

  Step S752: The effect control device 124 confirms whether or not the current gaming state is a limiter reaching normal state. As a result of this confirmation, if the current gaming state is the limiter arrival normal state (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 next executes step S756. On the other hand, when the current gaming state is not the limiter reaching normal state (No), the effect control device 124 next executes step S757.

  Step S754: The effect control device 124 selects fireworks rush as the game mode. Specifically, the game state is a probable change state, “fireworks rush” is selected as the game mode corresponding to the probable change state, and a process of selecting a background image using fireworks as a motif is executed.

  Step S756: The effect control device 124 selects the fireworks preparation mode as the game mode. Specifically, the game state is the limiter arrival normal state, the “fireworks preparation mode” is selected as the game mode corresponding to the limiter arrival normal state, and a process of selecting a background image with a night view as a motif is executed.

  Step S757: The effect control device 124 selects the normal mode as the game mode. Specifically, the game state is the normal state, and “normal mode (“ sea mode ”,“ sky mode ”,“ space mode ”)” is selected as the game mode corresponding to the normal state, and the normal mode is supported. A process for selecting the background image is executed.

  When the above procedure is completed, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the first special symbol effect symbol variation pre-processing (or the second special symbol effect symbol variation pre-processing) (FIG. 43).

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

  The images given in other production examples are merely examples, and these can be appropriately modified. The first special symbol is changed with respect to the winning at the first starting winning port 26 or the third starting winning port 28a (variable starting winning device 28), and the second with respect to the winning at the second starting winning port 27. Although the special symbols are varied, these correspondences can be exchanged.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pachinko machine 8 Game board 8a Game area 20 Start gate 26 1st start winning opening 27 2nd starting winning opening 28 Variable starting winning apparatus 28a 3rd starting winning opening 33 Normal symbol display device 33a Normal symbol operation memory lamp 34 1st special Symbol display device 35 Second special symbol display device 34a First special symbol operation memory lamp 35a Second special symbol operation memory lamp 38 Game state display device 42 Liquid crystal display 70 Main control device 72 Main control CPU
74 ROM
76 RAM
124 Production control device 126 Production control CPU

Claims (5)

First lottery execution means for executing the first lottery on condition that the first lottery opportunity occurs during the game;
When the first lottery is executed by the first lottery execution means, the first symbol is displayed in a variation over a preset variation time, and the first lottery is displayed in a manner corresponding to the result of the first lottery after the variation is displayed. A first symbol display means for performing a stop display of one symbol;
A second lottery execution means for executing a second lottery different from the first lottery on the condition that a second lottery opportunity different from the first lottery opportunity occurs during the game;
When the second lottery is executed by the second lottery execution means, the second symbol is displayed in a variable manner over a preset fluctuation time, and the second lottery is displayed in a manner corresponding to the result of the second lottery after the change display. A second symbol display means for displaying a stop of two symbols;
When the result of the first lottery by the first lottery execution means corresponds to winning and the first symbol display means is stopped and displayed in a winning manner after the fluctuation display of the first symbol, or the first symbol The special game is executed when the result of the second lottery by the two lottery execution means corresponds to the winning and the second symbol display means is stopped and displayed in a winning manner after the variation display of the second symbol is displayed. Special game execution means;
When the special game is completed by the special game execution means, if the specific condition is satisfied, the lottery probability state of the first and second lottery is set to a low probability state representing a normal state, and the specific condition is satisfied. If not, the lottery probability state setting means for setting the lottery probability state to a high probability state where the winning probability is higher than the low probability state;
Regarding the stop display mode of the first or second symbol, the number of times that the first or second symbol is stopped and displayed in the winning mode when the lottery probability state is the high probability state is the prescribed first number. When the specified number of times is reached, the stop mode setting means when reaching the specified winning mode,
After the lottery probability state is set to the high probability state by the lottery probability state setting means, the lottery is performed when the number of times that the variable display of the first and second symbols is performed reaches a prescribed second number. Low probability state setting means for setting a probability state to the low probability state;
When the low probability state setting means sets the lottery probability state to the low probability state, a predetermined first reference is applied in setting the variation time related to the variation display of the first symbol or the second symbol, When the lottery probability state is set to the low probability state or the high probability state by the lottery probability state setting means, the reference applied when setting the variation time for the variation display of the first symbol or the second symbol is A game machine comprising: a changing time setting reference changing means for changing to a second reference different from the first reference. In the gaming machine according to claim 1,
The variable time setting reference changing means is
The first criterion is a criterion that the variation time related to the variation display of the first symbol is longer than the variation time related to the variation display of the second symbol,
The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the second criterion is a criterion that a variation time related to the variation display of the second symbol is longer than a variation time related to the variation display of the first symbol. In the gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2,
A lottery result prescribing means that prescribes other than non-winning as a result of the second lottery by the second lottery executing means, and does not prescribe non-winning as to the result of the first lottery by the first lottery executing means;
Triggered by the result of the second lottery performed by the second lottery execution means other than non-winning, and the second symbol display means being stopped and displayed in a mode other than non-winning after the second symbol change display. When the first symbol is in a variable display, the display further includes a special game execution means for executing the special game different from the special game after the variable display is terminated and stopped. A gaming machine. In the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The special game execution means includes
When one symbol of the first symbol or the second symbol is stopped and displayed in a mode other than non-winning including winning after the variable display, if the other symbol is in variable display, the variable display is terminated. The gaming machine is characterized in that the special game is executed after being stopped and displayed in a non-winning manner. In the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
When the first lottery is executed by the first lottery execution means, a predetermined first effect symbol is variably displayed in correspondence with the first symbol display means by the first symbol display means within at least the fluctuation time. First design effect execution means for executing the first variation display effect to be performed;
When the second lottery is executed by the second lottery executing means, a predetermined second effect design is displayed in a variable manner corresponding to the display of the second symbol by the second symbol display means within at least the change time. Second design effect execution means for executing the second variation display effect to be performed;
When the first variation display effect and the second variation display effect are simultaneously executed, the first variation display effect and the second variation display are performed based on the reference applied by the variation time setting reference changing unit. A game machine, further comprising: an effect mode changing means for changing the effect mode of the effect.