JP2016202350A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of executing an unprecedented performance associated with entry of a game ball.SOLUTION: A pachinko game machine includes: a second operation-start hole in which game balls enter; an electric tulip 123 that executes opening and closing operations so as to switch between a mode in which ball entry in the second operation-start hole is facilitated, and a mode in which ball entry in the second operation-start hole is made hard; a second operation-start hole switch 212 for detecting ball entry in the second operation-start hole; and a speaker 156 that, when the second operation-start hole switch 212 detects the ball entry, each time the electric tulip 123 is opened, outputs a prescribed sound in accordance with predetermined rules.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 34

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

  For example, in Patent Document 1, there is a pachinko gaming machine that appropriately suggests the operation timing of the operating means to the player while reducing the load on the control unit in the gaming machine that executes the notice effect based on the operation of the operating means. It is disclosed. This pachinko gaming machine has a determination means for determining whether or not to shift to a special gaming state advantageous to the player, when the predetermined determination condition is satisfied, and a result of determination by the determination means in the image display unit. The result of determination by the determination means, provided that the determination result notification means for notification, an effect button that has a protrusion and can be operated by the player, and that the operation by the effect button is performed during a predetermined effective period The suggestion effect executing means for suggesting the effect, the operation instruction display means for displaying the instruction display for instructing the operation of the effect button in the specific period including the effective period on the image display unit, and the effect button are provided in the effective period. Discloses a gaming machine including notification means for notifying that the period is valid.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2015-19982

  An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of performing an unprecedented production accompanying the entry of a game ball.

The present invention that achieves the above object is realized as the following gaming machine. This gaming machine includes a ball entrance (for example, the second start port 122) through which a game ball enters, a mode in which the ball can be easily entered into the ball entrance (for example, the second start port 122), and the ball An electric accessory (for example, an electric tulip 123) that performs an opening and closing operation so as to switch a mode in which it is difficult to enter the mouth (for example, the second start port 122), and the above-mentioned entrance (for example, the first entrance) 2, when the entrance is detected by the detection means (for example, the second start port switch 212) and the detection means (for example, the second start port switch 212). Output means (for example, a speaker 156) that outputs a predetermined sound according to a predetermined rule for each opening operation of the accessory (for example, the electric tulip 123) may be provided.
In more detail, the output means (for example, the speaker 156) is determined by the determination means (for example, the game control unit 200) for determining whether or not to shift to a state advantageous to the player in a predetermined case. When it is determined that the state does not shift to a favorable state, a sound is output according to a predetermined rule with a higher probability than when it is determined that the advantageous state is shifted, and the determination means (for example, the game control unit 200) When it is determined to shift to an advantageous state, a sound different from that according to the predetermined rule is output with a higher probability than when it is determined not to shift to the advantageous state. Can do. In this way, it can be estimated whether or not the player shifts to an advantageous state based on the output sound.

  In addition, the said code | symbol in this column is attached | subjected illustratively in the description of this invention, and this invention is not reduced by this code | symbol.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to perform an unprecedented effect accompanying the entry of a game ball.

It is a schematic front view of the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment. (A) is an enlarged view showing an example of a display device arranged at the lower right of the game board, (b) is a partial plan view of the pachinko gaming machine. It is a figure which shows the internal structure of the control unit of the pachinko game machine of this Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of the game control part of this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the basic process by a game control part. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the process at the time of the power supply cutoff by a game control part. It is a flowchart which shows the main control processing of a game control part. It is a flowchart which shows the content of a start port switch process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the gate switch process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the special symbol process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the jackpot determination process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the fluctuation pattern selection process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the process during a stop. It is a flowchart which shows the content of a customer waiting | standby setting process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of normal symbol processing. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the big prize opening process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the game state setting process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of an electric tulip process. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the random number used by this Embodiment, (a) is a figure which shows the structural example of jackpot random number, (b) is a figure which shows the structural example of jackpot symbol random number, (c ) Is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a reach random number, and (d) is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a hit random number. It is a figure which shows the example of a setting of the fluctuation pattern used in a fluctuation pattern selection process. It is a figure which shows the structure of a command, (a) is a figure which shows the data structure of a command, (b) is a figure which shows the structure as a bit string of a command. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of an effect control part, (a) is a figure which shows a main process, (b) is a figure which shows an interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of command reception processing. It is a figure which shows the example of a setting of a mode flag. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the production | presentation selection process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the process during completion | finish of the fluctuation effect of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the win production | presentation selection process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the ending effect selection process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the customer waiting command reception process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the content of effect button processing. It is a block diagram explaining the structural example of RAM of a game control part, (a) is a block diagram which shows the structure of a storage area, (b) is a block diagram which shows each structure of the memory | storage part shown to (a) It is. It is a block diagram explaining the structural example of RAM of an effect control part, (a) is a block diagram which shows the structure of a storage area, (b) is a block which shows each structure of the memory | storage part shown to (a) FIG. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the random number used by a prior judgment process, (a) is a figure which shows the structural example of the jackpot random number in a prior judgment process, (b) is the structural example of the design random number in a prior judgment process (C) is a figure which shows the structural example of the reach random number in a prior determination process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the prior determination process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the reception process of the alerting | reporting command by an effect control part. It is a timing chart explaining the sound output according to the winning to a 1st start opening. (A) And (b) is a timing chart explaining the example of the sound output by a speaker according to the winning to a 2nd start opening. (A) thru | or (d) is a figure explaining the modification 1. FIG. (A) thru | or (c) is a figure explaining the modification 2. FIG. (A) thru | or (d) is a figure explaining the modification 3. FIG. It is a figure explaining the modification 4. FIG. It is a figure explaining the modification 5. FIG. It is a figure explaining the modification 6. FIG.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[Basic configuration of gaming machine]
FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment.
A pachinko gaming machine 100 as an example of the gaming machine shown in FIG. 1 is configured to pay out a prize ball when a gaming ball launched by an instruction operation by a player wins. The pachinko gaming machine 100 includes a game board 110 on which game balls are launched, and a frame member 150 surrounding the game board 110. The game board 110 is detachably attached to the frame member 150.

The game board 110 has a game area 111 for playing with a game ball on the front surface, a rail member 112 that forms a passage where a game ball launched from below rises toward the upper position of the game area 111, and a game A guide member 113 for guiding the game ball is provided on the right side of the region 111.
In the present embodiment, an image display unit 114 that displays various images for production is provided at a position of the game area 111 that is easily visible to the player. The image display unit 114 includes a display screen such as a liquid crystal display, and displays a decorative symbol for notifying the player of a symbol lottery result (symbol variation result), for example, as the game progresses by the player. An effect image by the appearance of a character or the appearance of an item or an effect image using a later-described hold display is displayed.
In addition, a movable accessory 115 and a board lamp 116 used for various effects are provided on the front surface of the game board 110. The movable accessory 115 performs various effects by operating on the game board 110, and the board lamp 116 performs various effects by emitting light.

  The game area 111 is provided with a game nail and a windmill (not shown) for changing the direction in which the game ball falls. Further, in the game area 111, various bonuses relating to winning and lottery are arranged at predetermined positions. In addition, the game area 111 is provided with a discharge port 117 through which game balls launched into the game area 111 that have not been won in the winning area are discharged out of the game area 111.

  In the present embodiment, as various functions related to winning and lottery, a special symbol lottery (a jackpot lottery) starts when a game ball wins, and it is normal when a game ball passes. A start gate (hereinafter simply referred to as a gate) 124 for starting a symbol lottery (open / close lottery) is disposed on the game board 110. In FIG. 1, the gates 124 are provided on the left and right sides of the game area 111, the left gate 124 is indicated as 124L, and the right gate 124 is indicated as 124R. Moreover, the 1st starting port 121 and the 2nd starting port 122 here say the winning opening used as the operation opportunity of the predetermined 1 special symbol display. Specifically, the first start port 121 and the second start port 122 are provided with switches (a first start port switch 211 and a second start port switch 212 described later) that detect the passage of a game ball when winning a prize. It has been. And when a game ball wins the 1st starting port 121 or the 2nd starting port 122, this switch will detect the passage of a gaming ball as an opportunity to operate a special symbol display.

  The second start port 122 includes an electric tulip (opening / closing member) 123 as a normal electric accessory that is turned on and off by a pair of blades in the shape of tulip flowers that are opened and closed by an electric solenoid. In the electric tulip 123, when the blade is closed, it is difficult for the game ball to enter the second start port 122, but when the blade is opened, the entrance of the second start port 122 is expanded and the game ball is moved to the second start port 122. It is configured to be easy to enter. When the electric tulip 123 wins the normal symbol lottery, the blade opens for a specified time (for example, 0.15 to 1.8 seconds) and for a specified number of times (for example, 1 to 3 times) while lighting or blinking.

  The pachinko gaming machine 100 has, as gaming states, a low probability state with a low winning probability and a high probability state with a higher winning probability than the low probability state based on the winning probability of the jackpot lottery. And it is controlled to either the low probability state or the high probability state under a predetermined condition. Further, the pachinko gaming machine 100 has a short time state where there are few winning opportunities at the second start port 122 and a short state when there are more winning opportunities at the second start port 122 than in the short time state. Then, under a predetermined condition, the state is controlled to either the timeless state or the timeless state. The short-time state is controlled by any one or a combination of, for example, increasing the probability of winning the normal symbol lottery, reducing the normal symbol variation time, or extending the opening time of the electric tulip 123. It is a gaming state to be played. In the short time state, the special symbol variation time of the special symbol may be shortened.

Also, in this embodiment, as other prizes and lottery items, a lottery is performed even if a game ball wins a grand prize opening 125 as a special electric bonus that opens according to the result of the special symbol lottery. An ordinary winning opening 126 that is not present is arranged on the game board 110.
In the present embodiment, a display 130 for displaying a lottery result and the number of holds is arranged at the lower right position of the game board 110.

  Also, on the back side of the game board 110, a game control board that determines whether or not a special symbol is won, an effect control board that comprehensively controls effects, an image control board that controls effects by images and sounds, various lamps, Various substrates (not shown) such as a lamp control substrate for controlling the effect by the movable accessory 115 are attached. In addition, a switching power supply (not shown) that converts the supplied 24V AC power source into a DC power source and outputs it to various boards and the like is disposed on the back surface of the game board 110.

When the player touches the handle 151 and rotates the lever 152 in the clockwise direction, the frame member 150 moves the game balls at a predetermined time interval (for example, 100 per minute) with a hitting force according to the operation angle. And a launching device (not shown) for electrically firing. In addition, the frame member 150 includes a supply device (not shown) that sequentially supplies game balls to the launching device one by one at a timing interlocked with the operation of the player's lever 152, and a game ball that the supply device supplies to the launching device. And a plate 153 for temporarily storing. For example, a payout ball by a payout unit is paid out to the plate 153.
In the present embodiment, the plate 153 is configured as an integrated upper and lower plate, but a configuration example in which the upper plate and the lower plate are separated is also conceivable. A configuration example in which the handle 151 of the launching device emits light under a predetermined condition is also conceivable.

The frame member 150 also includes a stop button 154 for temporarily stopping the launch of the game ball even when the player is touching the handle 151 of the launch device, and a game ball stored in the tray 153. A take-out button 155 for dropping and taking out the box (not shown).
Further, the frame member 150 includes a speaker 156 and a frame lamp 157 for notifying the gaming state and situation of the pachinko gaming machine 100 and performing various effects. The speaker 156 performs various effects using music, voice, and sound effects. The frame lamp 157 is composed of a light emitting body such as an LED, and performs various effects by light depending on a pattern due to lighting and blinking, a difference in emission color, and the like. In addition, about the frame lamp | ramp 157, the structural example which enables it to perform the effect which changes the irradiation direction of light can be considered.
The frame member 150 also includes a transparent plate (not shown) for separating the game board 110 from the player.

FIG. 2 is a view for explaining the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2A is an enlarged view showing an example of the display unit 130 arranged at the lower right of the game board 110. FIG. 2B is a partial plan view of the pachinko gaming machine 100.
As shown in FIG. 2A, the display 130 of the pachinko gaming machine 100 receives a first special symbol display 221 that operates in response to winning of the first starting port 121 and a winning of the second starting port 122. A second special symbol display 222 that operates correspondingly and a normal symbol display 223 that operates corresponding to the passage of the gate 124 are provided. The first special symbol display unit 221 displays the lottery result after stopping displaying the special symbol based on the winning of the first start port 121 after variably displaying. The second special symbol display 222 displays the lottery result after the special symbol is variably displayed on the basis of the winning of the second start port 122 after being variably displayed. Based on the fact that the game ball has passed through the gate 124, the normal symbol display 223 displays the lottery result by stopping the normal symbol after variably displaying it. In the present embodiment, the first special symbol display 221 and the second special symbol display 222 are each constituted by a display device in which LEDs are arranged, and the lottery result of the special symbol lottery is displayed according to the lighting mode. Similarly, the normal symbol display 223 is also composed of a display device in which LEDs are arranged, and the lottery result of the normal symbol lottery is displayed according to the lighting mode.

  In addition, the indicator 130 operates in response to the hold in the first special symbol display 221 and the first special symbol hold indicator 218 that operates corresponding to the hold in the first special symbol display 221 and the second special symbol display 222. 2 a special symbol hold indicator 219 and a normal symbol hold indicator 220 that operates in response to the hold in the normal symbol indicator 223. In the present embodiment, the first special symbol hold indicator 218, the second special symbol hold indicator 219, and the normal symbol hold indicator 220 are each configured by a display device in which LEDs are arranged, and the number of holds is determined depending on the lighting mode. Is displayed.

  Here, the hold will be described. If a game ball wins in the first start port 121 or the second start port 122 during the special symbol change display operation (while the change display for one win is being performed), the special symbol is changing. In addition, the special symbol variation display operation based on the subsequent winning cannot be started. Therefore, the number of subsequent winnings is memorized up to a specified number (for example, 4), and the right to start a special symbol for the winning game ball is until the variable display operation for the previously winning game ball ends. Deferred. For normal symbols, the same processing as for special symbols is performed. The fact that such a hold has been made and the number of hold (unchanged number) are displayed on the first special symbol hold indicator 218, the second special symbol hold indicator 219 and the normal symbol hold indicator 220.

Furthermore, the display device 130 includes a state display device 224 that displays the state of the pachinko gaming machine 100. In the present embodiment, the status indicator 224 is configured by a display device in which three LEDs are arranged. One of the three LEDs notifies whether or not the state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in a high probability state where the winning probability of the special symbol lottery is high. The other one is to notify by lighting whether the state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in a short time state in which it is easy to win a prize at the second start port 122. Still another one is to notify by lighting whether or not the player is in a state advantageous to the player by making a right strike (by changing the hitting force of the game ball).
The state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 displayed by the state display 224 is not limited to the above example, and other states can be displayed. For example, when the state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is set to a medium probability state in which the winning probability is higher than the low probability state and the winning probability is lower than the high probability state, the state indicator 224 indicates whether or not the state indicator 224 is in the medium probability state. May be notified by lighting.

  In addition, the indicator 130 includes a round number indicator 225 for displaying the number of rounds when the big winning opening 125 is operated in the jackpot game performed according to the lottery result of the special symbol lottery. The jackpot game will be described later. The round number display 225 is configured by a display device in which LEDs are arranged, and the number of operating rounds of the big winning opening 125 in the jackpot game is displayed according to the lighting mode.

  The frame member 150 of the pachinko gaming machine 100 includes an input device for a player to input an effect. As shown in FIG. 2B, in the present embodiment, as an example of an input device, an effect button 161, an effect key 162 that is adjacent to the effect button 161 and includes a plurality of keys arranged in a substantially cross shape, Is disposed on the frame member 150. In the illustrated example, the player can instruct one of a plurality of images displayed on the image display unit 114 by operating an effect key 162 including four keys arranged in a cross, for example. It is possible to select the designated image by operating the effect button 161. In addition to the effect buttons 161 and the effect keys 162 shown in the figure, various input forms such as levers, dials, and the like can be adopted as the input device.

[Configuration of control unit]
Next, a control unit that performs operation control and signal processing in the pachinko gaming machine 100 will be described.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the control unit. As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit includes a game control unit 200 that determines whether a special symbol is won or the like as main control means. Further, as sub-control means, an effect control unit 300 that comprehensively controls effects, an image / sound control unit 310 that controls effects using images and sound, and effects using various lamps and movable accessories 115 A lamp control unit 320 for controlling the payout, and a payout control unit 330 for performing payout control of the payout ball.

  As described above, the game control unit 200, the effect control unit 300, the image / sound control unit 310, the lamp control unit 320, and the payout control unit 330 are each a game as a main board disposed on the rear surface of the game board 110. The control board, the effect control board as the sub board, the image control board, the lamp control board, and the payout control board are individually configured.

[Configuration and function of game control unit]
The game control unit 200 is used as a CPU 201 that performs arithmetic processing when determining whether or not a special symbol is won, a ROM 202 that stores programs executed by the CPU 201, various data, and the like, a working memory of the CPU 201, and the like. RAM 203 to be provided.
When the game ball wins the first start port 121 or the second start port 122, the game control unit 200 performs a special symbol lottery and sends the lottery result to the effect control unit 300. In addition, the change information of the high probability state and the low probability state and the change information of the short time state and the short time state are sent to the effect control unit 300.
Further, the game control unit 200 performs control to increase the probability of winning the normal symbol lottery, shorten the normal symbol variation time, or extend the opening time of the electric tulip 123. In addition, the game control unit 200 holds up to the limit number (for example, four) of the unchangeable amount when the game ball continuously wins the first start port 121 or the second start port 122, or the game ball continues. Thus, the suspension is set up to the limit number (for example, 4) of the unchangeable amount when passing through the gate 124.
Furthermore, the game control unit 200 opens until the special winning opening 125, which is a special electric accessory, satisfies a predetermined condition (for example, 29.5 seconds have passed or 10 game balls have been won) according to the result of the special symbol lottery. Control is performed so that the round for maintaining the state is repeated a predetermined number of times. Furthermore, the opening / closing operation interval when the special winning opening 125 is opened is controlled.

Further, when the game ball is won in the first start port 121, the second start port 122, the big winning port 125, and the normal winning port 126, the game control unit 200 per game ball according to the place where the game ball has won. The payout control unit 330 is instructed to pay out a predetermined number of prize balls. For example, when a game ball wins at the first start port 121, three prize balls, when a game ball wins at the second start port 122, four prize balls, and when a game ball wins the big prize port 125, thirteen prizes. When a game ball wins the ball, the normal winning opening 126, an instruction command (command) is sent to the payout control unit 330 so as to pay out 10 prize balls. Even if it is detected that the game ball has passed through the gate 124, the payout control unit 330 is not instructed to pay out the prize ball in conjunction with it.
When the payout control unit 330 pays out a prize ball in accordance with an instruction from the game control unit 200, the game control unit 200 acquires information on the number of prize balls paid out from the payout control unit 330. As a result, the number of prize balls paid out is managed.

As shown in FIG. 3, the game control unit 200 includes a first start port detection unit (first start port switch (SW)) 211 that detects a winning of a game ball to the first start port 121, as shown in FIG. , A second start port detection unit (second start port switch (SW)) 212 that detects a winning of a game ball to the second start port 122, an electric tulip opening / closing unit 213 that opens and closes the electric tulip 123, and the gate 124. A gate detection unit (gate switch (SW)) 214 for detecting the passage of the game ball is connected.
Further, the game control unit 200 has a large winning port detecting unit (large winning port switch (SW)) 215 for detecting a winning of a game ball to the large winning port 125, and the large winning port 125 is inclined to be in a closed state. A large winning opening / closing unit 216 set to the open state and a normal winning opening detecting unit (normal winning opening switch (SW)) 217 for detecting the winning of a game ball to the normal winning opening 126 are connected.

In addition, the game control unit 200 includes a first special symbol hold indicator 218 that displays the number of unreserved reserves that have been won to the first start port 121 during the change of the special symbol within a limit number (for example, four). , A second special symbol hold indicator 219 that displays within the limit the number of non-changed reserves won to the second starting port 122 during the change of the special symbol, and the non-changed display that has passed through the gate 124 during the change of the normal symbol A normal symbol hold indicator 220 for displaying the fluctuation hold amount within the limit number is connected.
Further, the game control unit 200 includes a first special symbol display 221 for displaying a special symbol variation display and a special symbol lottery result performed by winning a game ball in the first starting port 121, and a second starting port. A second special symbol display 222 that displays the result of the special symbol variation display and special symbol lottery performed by winning the game ball to 122, and the normal symbol display that displays the normal symbol variation display and the normal symbol lottery result A device 223 and a state indicator 224 for displaying the state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 are connected.

  Then, detection signals detected by the first start port switch 211, the second start port switch 212, the gate switch 214, the big winning port switch 215 and the normal winning port switch 217 are sent to the game control unit 200. In addition, the control signal from the game control unit 200 includes an electric tulip opening / closing unit 213, a prize winning opening / closing unit 216, a first special symbol hold indicator 218, a second special symbol hold indicator 219, a normal symbol hold indicator 220, It is sent to the first special symbol display 221, the second special symbol display 222, the normal symbol display 223, and the status display 224. Thereby, the game control unit 200 performs various controls related to the number of payout prize balls.

  Further, a board external information terminal board 350 for transmitting various information to a host computer (not shown) installed in the hall is connected to the game control unit 200. Then, the game control unit 200 transmits the information about the number of paid-out prize balls acquired from the payout control unit 330 and the information indicating the state of the game control unit 200 to the host computer via the board external information terminal board 350. To do.

[Configuration and function of production control unit]
The effect control unit 300 includes a CPU 301 that performs calculation processing when controlling the effect, a ROM 302 that stores programs executed by the CPU 301 and various data, a RAM 303 that is used as a work memory of the CPU 301, and the like. And a real-time clock (RTC) 304 for measuring.
The effect control unit 300 sets the contents of the effect, for example, based on the determination result of whether or not the winning in the special symbol lottery sent from the game control unit 200 and the variation pattern. At that time, in response to an operation input from the user using the effect button 161 or the effect key 162, the effect content corresponding to the operation input may be set. In this case, for example, a signal (operation signal) corresponding to an operation is received from a controller (not shown) such as the effect button 161, and the operation content identified by the operation signal is reflected in the setting of the effect.
In addition, when the game is interrupted for a predetermined period, the effect control unit 300 instructs the setting of the screen display for waiting for a customer as one of the effects.
Furthermore, the production control unit 300 sets the production content based on the change information of the high probability state and the low probability state received from the game control unit 200, and the change information of the short time state and the short time state.
In addition, the effect control unit 300 sends a command for instructing execution of the set effect contents to the image / sound control unit 310 and the lamp control unit 320.

[Configuration / Function of Image / Sound Control Unit]
The image / sound control unit 310 is a CPU 311 that performs arithmetic processing for controlling the image and sound representing the content of the effect, a ROM 312 that stores programs executed by the CPU 311, various data, and the like. And a RAM 313 used as a memory or the like.
Then, the image / sound control unit 310 controls the image displayed on the image display unit 114 and the sound output from the speaker 156 based on the command sent from the effect control unit 300.
Specifically, in the ROM 312 of the image / sound control unit 310, a symbol image or background image displayed during the game on the image display unit 114, a decorative symbol for notifying the player of the lottery result, and a notice effect for the player Image data such as a character or item for displaying is stored.
The ROM 312 further stores various types of acoustic data such as music and sound output from the speaker 156 in synchronization with the image data or independently of the image data, and sound effects such as jingles. The CPU 311 selects and reads out the data corresponding to the command sent from the effect control unit 300 from the image data and the sound data stored in the ROM 312. Furthermore, image processing for background image display, symbol image display, symbol image variation, character / item display, etc., and voice processing using the read acoustic data are performed using the read image data.
Then, the image / sound control unit 310 controls screen display on the image display unit 114 based on the image data subjected to image processing. Further, the sound output from the speaker 156 is controlled by the sound data subjected to the sound processing.

[Configuration and function of lamp control unit]
The lamp control unit 320 stores a CPU 321 that performs arithmetic processing when controlling the light emission of the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 and the operation of the movable accessory 115, and programs executed by the CPU 321 and various data. A ROM 322 and a RAM 323 used as a working memory for the CPU 321 are provided.
The lamp control unit 320 controls lighting / flashing of the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157, the emission color, and the like based on the command sent from the effect control unit 300. Further, the operation of the movable accessory 115 is controlled.
Specifically, the ROM 322 of the lamp control unit 320 stores lighting / flashing pattern data and emission color pattern data (emission pattern) for the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 according to the production contents set by the production control unit 300. Data) is stored. The CPU 321 selects and reads out the light emission pattern data stored in the ROM 322 corresponding to the command sent from the effect control unit 300. The lamp controller 320 controls the light emission of the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 based on the read light emission pattern data.
The ROM 322 of the lamp control unit 320 stores operation pattern data of the movable accessory 115 corresponding to the production content set by the production control unit 300. The CPU 321 controls the operation of the movable accessory 115 based on the read operation pattern data.

[Configuration and function of payout control unit]
The payout control unit 330 includes a CPU 331 that performs arithmetic processing when controlling payout of payout balls, a ROM 332 that stores programs executed by the CPU 331, various data, and the like, and a RAM 333 that is used as a work memory for the CPU 331 and the like. And.
The payout control unit 330 controls payout of the payout ball based on the command sent from the game control unit 200.
Specifically, the payout control unit 330 acquires, from the game control unit 200, a command for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls according to the place where the game ball has won (the first start port 121 or the like). Then, the payout driving unit 334 is controlled so as to pay out the number of prize balls specified by the command. Here, the payout drive unit 334 is constituted by a drive motor that sends out the game ball from the game ball storage unit.

The payout control unit 330 includes a payout ball detection unit 335 that detects the number of prize balls actually paid out from the game ball storage unit by the payout driving unit 334, and a game ball in the storage unit (not shown). Detecting unit 336 for detecting presence / absence of storage of the game, and detecting whether or not the plate 153 for holding the game ball used when the player plays the game or the paid-out prize ball is full. A full tank detection unit 337 is connected. The payout control unit 330 receives the detection signals detected by the payout ball detection unit 335, the ball presence detection unit 336, and the full tank detection unit 337, and performs a predetermined process according to these detection signals.
Further, the payout control unit 330 is connected to a frame external information terminal board 340 that transmits various types of information to a host computer installed in the hall. Then, the payout control unit 330, for example, information on the number of prize balls instructed to pay out to the payout driving unit 334, information on the number of prize balls actually paid out detected by the payout ball detection unit 335, etc. Is transmitted to the host computer via the frame external information terminal board 340. Also, similar information is transmitted to the game control unit 200.

[Functional configuration of game control unit]
Next, the functional configuration of the game control unit 200 will be described.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the game control unit 200. As shown in FIG. 4, the game control unit 200 includes a random number acquisition unit 231, a normal symbol determination unit 232, a special symbol variation control unit 233, and a special symbol determination unit 234 as functional units that execute various lottery processes. And a normal symbol fluctuation control unit 236.
In addition, the game control unit 200 includes a variation pattern selection unit 235 as a functional unit that executes a process associated with special symbol variation.
In addition, the game control unit 200 is a function unit that executes operation control of various types of objects and data processing related to a prize ball, etc. As a function unit, a prize winning opening operation control unit 237, an electric tulip operation control unit 238, and a prize ball processing unit 239 are provided. And an output control unit 240 and a random number control unit 241.

The random number acquisition unit 231 acquires a random number related to a special symbol when a game ball wins the first start port 121 or the second start port 122. Specifically, one numerical value (random number value) is selected (obtained) from a predetermined range of numerical values and used for determination by the special symbol determination unit 234.
The random number acquisition unit 231 acquires a random number related to a normal symbol when a game ball passes through the gate 124. Specifically, one numerical value (random number value) is selected (obtained) from a predetermined range of numerical values, and used for determination by the normal symbol determination unit 232.
The special symbol fluctuation control unit 233 controls the fluctuation of the special symbol according to the lottery result when the special symbol lottery is performed.

  The special symbol determination unit 234 uses a random number table as shown in FIG. 17 at the start of the variation of the special symbol, and the lottery result is “whether it is a big hit”, “a type of big hit when winning a big win”, “ It is determined whether or not the jackpot is lost or not when the jackpot is not won. That is, the random number acquisition unit 231 acquires a random number value related to a special symbol when the first starting port switch 211 or the second starting port switch 212 serving as a detection unit detects passage of a game ball, and determines a special symbol. The unit 234 determines based on the acquired random number value whether or not to play a special game (such as a big hit game) advantageous to the player. The special symbol lottery (big hit lottery) described above refers to processing in the random number acquisition unit 231 and the special symbol determination unit 234.

  Here, the “hit” is divided into a plurality of types according to the gaming state that occurs after the end of the jackpot game. Specifically, the type of jackpot is determined depending on the combination of the short-time state or the short-time state and the high-probability state or the low-probability state. In other words, the type of jackpot based on the gaming state that occurs after the end of the jackpot game is a jackpot that becomes a high probability short-time gaming state having both a short-time state and a high-probability state after the jackpot game ends (hereinafter, high probability A jackpot that becomes a low probability short-game state with both a short-time state and a low-probability state (hereinafter, a jackpot of a low-probability short-game state), both a short-time non-state state and a high-probability state A jackpot that becomes a low probability short-time non-game state that has both a short-time no-game state and a low-probability state that has both a short-time and low-probability state There is a possibility of a jackpot of probable short gameless state). Each of these jackpots is associated with an individual special symbol, and the type of jackpot is determined according to the type of special symbol won in the special symbol lottery.

  In addition, the “bonanza” may be divided into a jackpot that can be expected to pay out a large amount of gaming balls for a long time, and a jackpot that can hardly be expected to pay out gaming balls because the jackpot game time is short. The former is called “long hit” and the latter is called “short hit”. For example, in “long win”, a round that is maintained until the open state of the grand prize opening 125 satisfies a predetermined condition (for example, 29.5 seconds have passed or 10 game balls have been won) is repeated a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 times). It is. In the “short win”, a round in which the special winning opening 125 is opened for a certain time (for example, 0.1 second) is repeated a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 times).

In addition, in the case of “small winning” when the big winning is not won, for example, a small winning game is performed in which the big winning opening 125 is opened for a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 times) for 0.1 seconds. At the time of winning the small hit, the game state before the small win is continued even after the small hit game is completed. That is, when the game state at the time of winning the small hit is the high probability short game state, the high probability short time gaming state is continued even after the small hit game ends, and the gaming state does not shift. Similarly, when the game state at the time of winning the small hit is the low probability short-time non-game state, the low-probability short short no-game state is continued even after the small hit game ends, and the game state does not shift.
Further, “small hit” is a kind of “out of game”, and none of the above gaming states that are advantageous to the player is set.

The variation pattern selection unit 235 selects a variation pattern (variation time) of a special symbol displayed on the first special symbol display 221 or the second special symbol display 222. Here, the variation pattern selection unit 235 determines the variation pattern based on the determination result whether or not to play the jackpot game, the determination result whether or not to reach, and the like. Then, based on the variation pattern selected by the variation pattern selection unit 235, the special symbol variation control unit 233 controls the variation of the special symbol. Details of operations of the fluctuation pattern selection unit 235 and the special symbol fluctuation control unit 233 will be described later.
Here, “reach” is an effect for causing a player to expect a big hit in a decorative pattern to be described later.

When the normal symbol lottery is performed, the normal symbol determination unit 232 determines whether the normal symbol lottery result is “winning or not”.
The normal symbol fluctuation control unit 236 controls the fluctuation of the normal symbol in accordance with the normal symbol lottery result.
The electric tulip operation control unit 238 opens the electric tulip 123 for a specified time and a specified number of times when it is determined to be “winning” by the normal symbol lottery, and the game ball can be easily won at the second start port 122. Generate a state. Further, when it is determined as “displacement”, such an open state of the electric tulip 123 is not generated.

The special winning opening operation control unit 237 controls the opening operation of the special winning opening 125.
The prize ball processing unit 239 sets commands for controlling the number of prizes received for various types of winning-related items and lottery, and for controlling the dispensing of prize balls according to the prizes.
The output control unit 240 controls the output of control commands from the game control unit 200 to the effect control unit 300 and the payout control unit 330.
The random number control unit 241 controls updating of various random number values used in processing by the main control unit.

[Basic operation of gaming machine]
Next, the basic operation of the pachinko gaming machine 100 will be described.
When the power is turned on, the game control unit 200 of the pachinko gaming machine 100 performs initialization and initial setting of various devices as a basic process at the time of activation. And after performing a basic process, the game control part 200 repeatedly performs the main control process which is a series of processes regarding progress of a game. In addition, when the power is shut off, the game control unit 200 executes a series of power-off processing.

FIG. 5A is a flowchart illustrating an operation of basic processing by the game control unit 200.
When the power of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is turned on, the game control unit 200 first permits access to the RAM 203 (see FIG. 3) (step (hereinafter, “step” will be referred to as “S”) 101). Then, the game control unit 200 determines whether or not a RAM clear switch for clearing the RAM 203 is ON (S102).
If the RAM clear switch is OFF (No in S102), the game control unit 200 next determines whether or not the backup flag relating to the operation at the time of power-off is ON (S103).
If the backup flag is ON (Yes in S103), the game control unit 200 next determines whether or not the checksum created when the power is turned off is normal (S104).
If the checksum is normal (Yes in S104), the game control unit 200 next executes a return process (S105). In this return process, the game control unit 200 performs setting of the sub-control means such as the effect control unit 300 accompanying the return from the state where the power is cut off. Specifically, the game control unit 200 is configured so that the internal state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 when the power is cut off (whether the game is a big hit game, either a high probability state or a low probability state, a short time state and a short time state) The command for setting the sub-control means is output to the effect control unit 300 so that any one of them is reflected. In this return process, the game control unit 200 turns off the backup flag.

  On the other hand, if the RAM clear switch is ON (Yes in S102), the backup flag is OFF (No in S103), and the checksum is abnormal (No in S104), then the game control unit 200 is initialized. As processing, the stored contents of the RAM 203 are cleared (S106), and the work area of the RAM 203 is set (S107). Then, the game control unit 200 outputs a command for setting (initializing) the sub control means to the effect control unit 300, and sets the sub board (sub control means) (S108). The setting of the sub board includes clearing the RAMs 303, 313, and 323 mounted on each sub board.

After the return process (see S105) is completed or after the setting of the sub-board (see S108) is completed, the game control unit 200 sets various counters and timers used for game control (S109). Then, the game control unit 200 determines whether or not the interrupt permission (S110), the interrupt prohibition (S111), the symbol random number control process (S112), the initial value random number update process (S113), and the power shutoff flag are ON. (S114) is repeatedly executed as a loop process.
Here, interrupt permission (S110) and interrupt prohibition (S111) are provided to enable execution of interrupt processing during execution of the loop processing (S110 to S114). In the present embodiment, main control processing in game control is executed by this interrupt processing. Details of the main control process will be described later.
In the symbol random number control process (S112), the game control unit 200 updates the variation pattern random number used in the special symbol lottery.
In the initial value random number update process (S113), the game control unit 200 updates initial values of various random number values used in the game control.
In the determination of the power cut-off flag, when the power cut-off flag is OFF (No in S114), the power of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is not cut off, and the game control unit 200 performs main control by interruption together with the loop processing (S110 to S114). Repeat the process. On the other hand, when the power shut-off flag is ON (Yes in S114), the game control unit 200 starts a process for shutting off the power of the pachinko gaming machine 100 (power shut-off process).

FIG. 5B is a flowchart illustrating the operation of power-off processing by the game control unit 200.
In the power-off process, the game control unit 200 first clears the setting of the output port for performing various outputs (S115). Next, the game control unit 200 creates a checksum and stores it in the RAM 203 (S116). Next, the game control unit 200 turns on the backup flag (S117), prohibits access to the RAM 203 (S118), and shifts to an infinite loop.

[Main control processing of gaming machines]
Next, main control processing of the pachinko gaming machine 100 will be described.
In the main control process, the game control unit 200 controls the game in the pachinko gaming machine 100, instructs the effect control unit 300, which is a sub-control means, to control the effect, and gives a prize ball to the payout control unit 330. Instructs payout control.

FIG. 5-3 is a flowchart showing main control processing of the game control unit 200.
The main control process includes a series of processes in game control, and is repeatedly executed at predetermined time intervals (for example, 4 milliseconds). In the present embodiment, the game control unit 200 generates an interrupt every predetermined time set in advance, and when the interrupt is permitted in the loop process shown in FIG. Execute main control processing. As shown in FIG. 7, in the main control process, a random number update process, a switch process, a symbol process, an electric accessory process, a prize ball process, and an output process are sequentially executed (S501 to S506).

  In the random number update process (S501), the game control unit 200 calls a function (subroutine) of the random number control unit 241, and updates various random number values used in the game control by the game control unit 200. Details of the setting of the random number and the update of the random value will be described later.

As the switch process (S502), a start port switch process and a gate switch process are performed.
In the start port switch process, the game control unit 200 calls the function (subroutine) of the random number acquisition unit 231, monitors the states of the first start port switch 211 and the second start port switch 212 in FIG. If this happens, a special symbol lottery process is executed.
In the gate switch process, the game control unit 200 calls the function (subroutine) of the normal symbol determination unit 232, monitors the state of the gate switch 214 in FIG. Execute the process.
Details of these switch processes will be described later.

As the symbol processing (S503), special symbol processing and normal symbol processing are performed.
In the special symbol process, the game control unit 200 calls the functions (subroutines) of the special symbol variation control unit 233, the special symbol determination unit 234, and the variation pattern selection unit 235, and executes the special symbol variation and the process associated with this symbol variation. To do.
In the normal symbol process, the game control unit 200 calls a function (subroutine) of the normal symbol variation control unit 236, and executes a normal symbol variation and a process associated with the symbol variation.
The detailed contents of these symbol processes will be described later.

As the electric accessory process (S504), a big prize opening process and an electric tulip process are performed.
In the special prize opening process, the game control unit 200 calls a function (subroutine) of the special prize opening operation control unit 237 and controls the opening operation of the special prize opening 125 based on a predetermined condition.
In the electric tulip process, the game control unit 200 calls a function (subroutine) of the electric tulip operation control unit 238 and controls the opening operation of the electric tulip 123 based on a predetermined condition.
Detailed contents of these electric accessory processing will be described later.

  In the winning ball process (S505), the game control unit 200 calls a function (subroutine) of the winning ball processing unit 239, and sets a command for controlling the number of winnings and a control for paying out a winning ball according to the winnings.

  In the output process (S506), the game control unit 200 calls a function (subroutine) of the output control unit 240, outputs a command for effect control to the effect control unit 300, and sends a command for payout control to the payout control unit 330. Output. The effect control command is generated in each processing from S502 to S504, and stored (set) in the control command storage area provided in the RAM 203. The payout control command is generated in the processing of S 505 and stored (set) in the control command storage area provided in the RAM 203. A storage area is set in the RAM 203 for each type of control command.

  The output control unit 240 sequentially checks the storage area of each control command in the RAM 203, and if the control command is stored in each storage area (that is, the control command is generated in the processing of S502 to S505). The control command is read out and output to the output destination (production control unit 300 or payout control unit 330).

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5C, output processing is performed at the end of a series of main control processing. That is, the command generated in each process of S502 to S505 by the above functions as the first processing means is stored in a corresponding storage area of the RAM 203 in each process. After these processes, the output control unit 240 as a second processing unit collectively outputs the commands generated in each process accumulated in the storage area of the RAM 203. In other words, in this embodiment, when the main control process is executed for one cycle, the command generated in the execution of the one cycle is output after the last command generation in the execution of the one cycle is performed.

[Modified example of basic operation of gaming machine]
In the operation example described with reference to FIGS. 5A to 5C, the interrupt is permitted in the loop process portion of the basic process, and the main control process including a series of processes is executed as the interrupt process. However, the main control process only needs to be configured to be repeatedly executed at regular intervals, and specific implementation means (execution procedure) is not limited to the examples shown in FIGS. It is not limited. For example, the main control process may be incorporated in a series of operations of the basic process, the elapsed time may be measured at a predetermined timing, and the process may return to the main control process every predetermined time (for example, 4 milliseconds). In addition, while incorporating the main control process in the series of operations of the basic process, as in the operation described with reference to FIG. 5A to FIG. If it occurs, it may be configured to return to the main control process incorporated in the basic process.
When a command generated by basic processing is output, in principle, every time a command is generated, the command is stored in the command storage area of the RAM 203, and the function of the output control unit 240 as the second processing means is called. Output. The basic process is a special process such as an initial operation that is performed when the power is turned on, and the processing procedure may vary depending on conditions such as the state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 when the power is turned on. This is to promptly output the generated command so that there is no such thing. In addition, when a command is continuously generated by a plurality of related processes, a process procedure for storing a plurality of commands in the command storage area of the RAM 203 and outputting them in response to a specific process request is adopted. May be.

[Start-up switch processing in game control unit]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the contents of the start port switch process in the switch process shown in S502 of FIG. 5-3.
In the start port switch process, a process for winning at the first start port 121 and a process for winning at the second start port 122 are sequentially performed. Referring to FIG. 6, the game control unit 200 first determines whether or not a game ball is won at the first start port 121 and the first start port switch 211 is turned on (S601). If the first start port switch 211 is turned on, the game control unit 200 next determines whether or not the unchanged hold number U1 in the winning of the first start port 121 is less than the upper limit value (S602). . In the example shown in FIG. 6, the upper limit value is four. If the number of holds U1 has reached the upper limit (No in S602), it is not possible to hold any more unchanging winnings, so the process for winning at the first start port 121 is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the hold number U1 is less than the upper limit value (Yes in S602), the game control unit 200 next adds 1 to the value of the hold number U1 (S603). And the random number acquisition part 231 of the game control part 200 acquires the random value for the lottery by this time winning, and stores it in RAM203 (S604). Here, since the first starting port 121 is won, a random number value for special symbol lottery is acquired. The random value acquired at this time is a value updated by the random number update process of S501. Then, the result of the special symbol lottery is determined in the later special symbol processing by this random number value. Random numbers here include jackpot random numbers that determine jackpot, jackpot or loss, jackpot type (short or short state after the end of jackpot game, short or short state, high probability state and low probability state, long hit, short Symbol random number value that determines the winning pattern, jackpot symbol random number value, fluctuation pattern random number value for specifying the variation pattern in symbol variation, reach random number value that determines whether or not to perform with reach in the event of a loss, etc. Is included.

Next, the game control unit 200 performs a pre-determination process for giving a notice effect of a lottery result to a winning ball (holding ball) for which a special symbol variation display operation is pending (that is, an undrawn lottery). (S605). In this preliminary determination process, the lottery result is determined not at the start of symbol variation but at the start opening prize (that is, in S605). In addition, in the gaming machine that does not perform the notice effect based on the advance determination, the advance determination process may be omitted.
Thereafter, the game control unit 200 sets a hold number increase command for notifying the effect control unit 300 of the increase in the hold number U1 in S603 in the RAM 203 (S606), and ends the process for winning in the first start port 121. To do. When the advance determination process of S605 is performed, the information on the determination result of the advance determination obtained in S605 is included in the pending number increase command.

  Next, a process for winning in the second start port 122 is performed. Referring to FIG. 6, next, the game control unit 200 determines whether or not the game ball has won the second start port 122 and the second start port switch 212 is turned on (S607). If the second start port switch 212 is turned ON, the game control unit 200 next determines whether or not the unchanged hold number U2 in the winning of the second start port 122 is less than the upper limit value (S608). . In the example shown in FIG. 6, the upper limit value is four. If the number of holds U2 has reached the upper limit (No in S608), it is not possible to hold any more unchanging winnings, and the process for winning at the second start port 122 is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the holding number U2 is less than the upper limit value (Yes in S608), the game control unit 200 adds 1 to the value of the holding number U2 (S609). And the random number acquisition part 231 of the game control part 200 acquires the random value for the lottery by this prize-winning, and stores it in RAM203 (S610). Here, since the winning of the second start port 122 is won, random numbers for special symbol lottery (big hit random number value, big hit symbol random number value, reach random number value, fluctuation pattern random number value, etc.) are acquired as in S604 above. Is done. The random value acquired at this time is a value updated by the random number update process of S501. Then, the result of the special symbol lottery is determined in the later special symbol processing by this random number value.

Next, the game control unit 200 performs a pre-determination process for giving a notice effect of a lottery result to a winning ball (holding ball) for which a special symbol variation display operation is pending (that is, an undrawn lottery). (S611). The content of this pre-determination process is the same as that of said S605. This prior determination process may also be omitted in a gaming machine that does not perform a notice effect based on prior determination.
Thereafter, the game control unit 200 sets a hold number increase command for notifying the effect control unit 300 of the increase in the hold number U2 in S609 in the RAM 203 (S612), and finishes the process for winning at the second start port 122. To do. When the advance determination process of S611 is performed, the information on the determination result of the advance determination obtained in S611 is included in the pending number increase command.

[Gate switch processing in game control unit]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the contents of the gate switch process when a game ball passes through the gate 124.
In this gate switch process, the game control unit 200 first determines whether or not the game ball has passed through the gate 124 and the gate switch 214 is turned on (S701). If the gate switch 214 is turned on, the game control unit 200 next determines whether or not the unchanged holding number G is less than the upper limit value (S702). In the example shown in FIG. 7, the upper limit value is four. If the number of reserves G has reached the upper limit (No in S702), no more unchanging winnings can be reserved, and the gate switch processing is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the number of reservations G is less than the upper limit value (Yes in S702), the game control unit 200 then adds 1 to the value of the number of reservations G (S703). And the random number acquisition part 231 of the game control part 200 acquires the random value for the lottery by this time winning, and stores it in RAM203 (S704). Here, since the gate 124 is won, a random number value (such as a winning random number value) for normal symbol lottery is acquired.

  After the random value is acquired in S704, the game control unit 200 sets a hold number G increase command for notifying the effect control unit 300 of the increase in the hold number G in S703 in the RAM 203 (S705). The process for winning is completed.

[Special symbol processing in game control unit]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the contents of the special symbol processing in the symbol processing shown in S503 of FIG. 5-3.
In this special symbol process, the special symbol variation control unit 233 of the game control unit 200 first checks whether or not the winning game flag is ON in the setting of a flag set in the RAM 203 (hereinafter, flag setting) ( S801). Here, the winning game flag is a flag that is set to identify that the result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit. Either the long winning game flag or the short winning game flag is set according to the type of winning. In the present embodiment, these are collectively called a winning game flag.

  When the winning game flag is ON, since the pachinko gaming machine 100 is already in a big hit, the special symbol processing is terminated without starting the special symbol variation (Yes in S801). On the other hand, if the winning game flag is OFF (No in S801), then the special symbol variation control unit 233 determines whether or not the current state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in the special symbol variation (S802). If the special symbol is not changing (No in S802), then the special symbol fluctuation control unit 233 performs processing related to the number U1 and U2 (see FIG. 6) of the special symbols that have not been changed (S803 to S806). In the present embodiment, the number of holds U1 related to winning of the first start port 121 and the number of holds U2 related to winning of the second start port 122 are distinguished, so this processing is also performed for each corresponding start port. .

  Specifically, the special symbol variation control unit 233 first determines whether or not the number of holds U2 related to winning in the second start port 122 is 1 or more (S803). When the number of reservations U2 is 1 or more (Yes in S803), the special symbol variation control unit 233 subtracts 1 from the value of the number of reservations U2 (S804). On the other hand, if the holding number U2 = 0 (No in S803), the special symbol variation control unit 233 next determines whether the holding number U1 related to winning in the first start port 121 is 1 or more (S805). When the number of holds U1 is 1 or more (Yes in S805), the special symbol variation control unit 233 subtracts 1 from the value of the number of holds U1 (S806). On the other hand, if the holding number U1 = 0 (No in S805), it means that there is no winning for starting the special symbol lottery, so the special symbol change is not started, and the waiting process for waiting for customers set in another routine To finish the process (S816).

  After subtracting the reserved number U1 or the reserved number U2 in S804 or S806, the special symbol variation control unit 233 turns off the customer waiting flag set in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (S807). The customer waiting flag is a flag for identifying that the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in the customer waiting state, and is set in the customer waiting setting process (S816, see FIG. 12).

  Next, the special symbol variation control unit 233 executes jackpot determination processing and variation pattern selection processing by separate routines (S808, S809). As will be described in detail later, by the jackpot determination process and the variation pattern selection process, setting information for variation of the special symbol displayed on the first special symbol display 221 (a jackpot symbol, a gaming state, a variation pattern, etc.) is determined. Is done. These pieces of information are included in a change start command sent to the effect control unit 300.

  Thereafter, the special symbol variation control unit 233 is displayed by the first special symbol display unit 221 and the second special symbol display unit 222 shown in FIG. 2 based on the setting contents determined in the jackpot determination process and the variation pattern selection process. The special symbol change is started (S810). Then, a change start command including setting information (a jackpot symbol, a gaming state, a change pattern, etc.) indicating the setting contents is generated and set in the RAM 203 (S811). The change start command set in S811 is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 by the output process shown in S506 of FIG.

  When it is determined in S802 that the special symbol is changing (Yes in S802), or after the change start command is set in S811, the special symbol variation control unit 233 determines whether or not the variation time has elapsed (S812). ). That is, it is determined whether or not the elapsed time since the start of the variation of the special symbol in S810 has reached the variation time set in the variation pattern selection process in S809. If the variation time has not elapsed (No in S812), the special symbol variation is continued, and the special symbol processing is terminated as it is.

  On the other hand, when the variation time has elapsed (Yes in S812), the special symbol variation control unit 233 first determines the variation of the special symbol in the first special symbol display 221 and the second special symbol display 222 as a big hit determination process in S808. It stops at the symbol determined in (S813). A change stop command for stopping a decorative design, which will be described later, is set in the RAM 203 (S814). Then, a stop routine process of another routine is executed (S815). The contents of the stop process will be described later. The change stop command set in S814 is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 by the output process shown in S506 of FIG.

[Big hit judgment processing by game control unit]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the contents of the jackpot determination process (S808 in FIG. 8).
In this jackpot determination process, the special symbol determination unit 234 of the game control unit 200 first determines a jackpot random number value in the current special symbol lottery (S901), and determines whether or not the jackpot or small hit is made (S902). , S905). Whether or not the jackpot or the jackpot is determined is whether or not the value of the jackpot random number acquired in S604 or S610 in FIG. 6 matches the value set as the jackpot winning value or the value set as the jackpot winning value It is determined by judging whether or not (see FIG. 17A).

  If the result of the random number determination in S901 is a big hit (Yes in S902), then the special symbol determination unit 234 determines a big hit symbol random number value (S903). Depending on the result of this determination, the type of jackpot (high or low probability state, short or short state, short or short state, long or short hit) is determined. Which jackpot is determined is determined by whether the value of the jackpot symbol random number acquired in S604 or S610 in FIG. 6 matches a preset value for each jackpot type (FIG. 17 ( b)).

  After the above determination, the special symbol determination unit 234 sets a symbol representing the type of jackpot determined by the determination of the jackpot symbol random number (the jackpot symbol) as setting information in the RAM 203 (S904).

  If the result of the random number determination in S901 is a small hit (No in S902, Yes in S905), then the special symbol determination unit 234 uses a symbol representing the small hit (hereinafter referred to as a small hit symbol) as setting information. It is set in the RAM 203 (S906).

  If the result of the random number determination in S901 is neither big win nor small win (No in S902 and S905), then the special symbol determination unit 234 uses the symbol indicating that the lottery is lost (hereinafter referred to as a lost symbol) as the setting information in the RAM 203. (S907).

[Change pattern selection process by game control unit]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the contents of the variation pattern selection process (S809 in FIG. 8).
In this variation pattern selection process, the variation pattern selection unit 235 of the game control unit 200 first determines whether or not a big win has been won in the current special symbol lottery using the determination result in S902 of the jackpot determination process (FIG. 9). (S1001). If it is a big hit (Yes in S1001), the fluctuation pattern selection unit 235 reads the big hit fluctuation pattern table from the ROM 202 and sets it in the RAM 203 (S1002).

On the other hand, if the jackpot has not been won (No in S1001), the variation pattern selection unit 235 then determines a random value for determining whether or not to perform a so-called reach effect for causing the player to expect a jackpot. (S1003). Whether or not the reach effect is performed is determined by determining whether or not the reach random number value acquired in S604 or S610 in FIG. 6 matches a preset value (see FIG. 17C). .
As a result of the determination using the random number value, when the reach effect is performed (Yes in S1004), the variation pattern selection unit 235 reads the variation pattern table for reach from the ROM 202 and sets it in the RAM 203 (S1005). When the reach effect is not performed (No in S1004), the variation pattern selection unit 235 reads the variation pattern table for detachment from the ROM 202 and sets it in the RAM 203 (S1006).
Here, the variation pattern table is a table in which a plurality of variation patterns (variation times 10 seconds, 30 seconds, 60 seconds, 90 seconds, etc.) prepared in advance are associated with values of variation pattern random numbers.

  Next, the variation pattern selection unit 235 determines the variation pattern random value using the variation pattern random value acquired in S604 or S610 of FIG. 6 and the variation pattern table set in S1002, 1005, and 1006 (S1007). ). That is, the fluctuation pattern selection unit 235 refers to the fluctuation pattern table set in the RAM 203 and selects a fluctuation pattern corresponding to the random value of the fluctuation pattern random number. Therefore, even if the same random number value is acquired, the variation referred to depending on the state difference such as whether or not the result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit or not and whether or not a reach effect is performed if it is not a big hit Since the pattern table is different, the determined variation pattern is different.

  Thereafter, the variation pattern selection unit 235 sets the variation pattern selected in S1007 in the RAM 203 as setting information (S1008). The setting information of the variation pattern set in S1008 is included in the variation start command set in S811 of FIG. 8, and is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 by the output process shown in S506 of FIG. Details of the variation pattern selected in this embodiment and its setting will be described later.

[Processing during stop by game control unit]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the contents of the suspension process (S815 in FIG. 8).
In this stop process, the game control unit 200 first checks whether or not a flag indicating that the time is short (hereinafter referred to as a short time flag) is ON in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (S1101). When the time reduction flag is ON (Yes in S1101), the game control unit 200 subtracts 1 from the value of the number of lotteries (number of fluctuations) J in the time reduction state (S1102), and whether or not the number of lotteries J has become zero. (S1103). If the number of lotteries J = 0 (Yes in S1103), the time reduction flag is turned OFF (S1104). It should be noted that the operation for turning on the hourly flag and the setting of the initial value of the lottery number J are performed in a game state setting process (FIG. 15) in a special winning opening process (FIG. 14) described later.

  If the time reduction flag is OFF (No in S1101), or after the time reduction flag is turned OFF in S1104, or if the value of the lottery count J is not 0 (No in S1103), the game control unit 200 next stores the value in the RAM 203. It is checked whether or not a flag indicating the high probability state in the flag setting (hereinafter, probability variation flag) is ON (S1105). When both the probability variation flag and the previous time-short flag are ON, the high-probability short-time gaming state is established, and when the probability variation flag is ON and the time-short flag is OFF, the high-probability time-short no-game state.

  When the probability variation flag is ON (Yes in S1105), the game control unit 200 subtracts 1 from the value of the number of lotteries (number of variations) X in the high probability state (S1106), and whether or not the number of lotteries X has become 0. (S1107). If the number of lotteries X = 0 (Yes in S1107), the probability variation flag is turned OFF (S1108). Note that the operation for turning on the probability change flag and the setting of the initial value of the lottery number X are performed in a game state setting process (FIG. 15) in a special prize opening process (FIG. 14) described later.

  If the probability change flag is OFF (No in S1105), or after the probability change flag is turned OFF in S1108, or if the value of the lottery count X is not 0 (No in S1107), the game control unit 200 next It is determined whether or not a special symbol lottery has been won (S1109). If it is a big hit (Yes in S1109), the game control unit 200 next determines whether or not the big hit type is a long win (S1110).

  Here, the determination of whether or not the jackpot is possible can be made based on the determination result of the jackpot determination process (FIG. 9). For example, if any of the symbols shown in the diagram of FIG. 17B to be described later is set, “Yes” is determined in S1109. If a lost symbol or a small bonus symbol is set in the RAM 203 by the big hit determination process, No in S1109.

  When the jackpot type is a long hit (Yes in S1110), the game control unit 200 turns on the long hit game flag (S1111). Thereby, the setting of the gaming state in the RAM 203 becomes a jackpot gaming state (long winning gaming state) in which the jackpot type is long winning. In addition, here, in the long hit, it is not distinguished whether it is a high probability state or a low probability state. Whether the state is a high probability state or a low probability state is specified by turning on a corresponding flag in a game state setting process (FIG. 15) in a special prize opening process (FIG. 14) described later.

  If the jackpot type is not long hit (No in S1110), the game control unit 200 turns on the short hit game flag (S1112). Thereby, the setting of the gaming state in the RAM 203 becomes a big hit gaming state (short winning gaming state) in which the big hit type is short hit. Similar to the case of long hit, the case of short hit does not distinguish between a high probability state and a low probability state.

  After turning on the winning game flag in S1111 or S1112, the game control unit 200 initializes the values of the lottery times J and X (S1113). Further, the game control unit 200 turns off the time reduction flag when the time reduction flag is ON in S1101 and the lottery count J is not 0 in S1103 (S1114). Similarly, when the probability variation flag is ON in S1105 and the number of lotteries X is not 0 in S1107, the probability variation flag is turned OFF (S1114).

On the other hand, when the result of the special symbol lottery this time is not a big hit (No in S1109), the game control unit 200 determines whether or not the result of the special symbol lottery this time is a big hit (S1115). If it is not a small hit (No in S1115), the stopped process is terminated.
On the other hand, when it is a small hit (Yes in S1115), the game control unit 200 starts a small hit game (S1116). Thereby, the setting of the gaming state in the RAM 203 becomes the small hit gaming state. In the small hit game, as described above, the special winning opening 125 is opened and closed a predetermined number of times, and is ended after a predetermined time has elapsed.

After initializing the values of the lottery times J and X in S1113, the game control unit 200 starts an opening operation (S1117). Here, the content of the opening operation differs depending on which of S1111 and S1112 the winning game flag is turned on. In other words, depending on the state of the winning game flag, one of the opening operations set in each gaming state of the long winning game and the short winning game is performed.
Thereafter, the game control unit 200 sets an opening command for performing an effect in the opening operation corresponding to the winning game flag in the effect control unit 300 in the RAM 203 (S1118), and ends the stop process. This opening command is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output process shown in S506 of FIG.

[Customer waiting setting process by game control unit]
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the contents of the customer waiting setting process (S816 in FIG. 8).
In this customer waiting setting process, the game control unit 200 first checks whether or not the customer waiting flag is ON in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (S1201). Here, the customer waiting flag is a flag that is set to identify that the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in a customer waiting state.

  If the customer waiting flag is ON, the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in a customer waiting state, and thus the processing is terminated as it is (Yes in S1201). On the other hand, when the customer waiting flag is OFF, the game control unit 200 generates a customer waiting command and sets it in the RAM 203 (S1202), and turns on the customer waiting flag (S1203). The customer waiting command set in S1202 is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 by the output process shown in S506 of FIG. The customer waiting flag is set in a state where there is no suspension with the special symbol change stopped.

[Normal symbol processing by game control unit]
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the contents of the normal symbol processing in the symbol processing shown in S503 of FIG. 5-3.
In this normal symbol process, the normal symbol variation control unit 236 of the game control unit 200 first checks whether or not the auxiliary game flag is ON in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (S1301). Here, the auxiliary game flag is a flag that is set when a normal symbol lottery is won. The state in which the auxiliary game flag is set is a state in which the electric tulip 123 is opened in accordance with the electric tulip process (FIG. 16) described later and it is easy to win the second start port 122 (auxiliary game state).

  When the auxiliary game flag is ON, since the auxiliary game state has already been reached and the normal symbol is stopped, the normal symbol process is terminated without starting the normal symbol variation (Yes in S1301). On the other hand, if the auxiliary game flag is OFF (No in S1301), then the normal symbol variation control unit 236 determines whether or not the current state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in the normal symbol variation (S1302). If the normal symbol is not changing (No in S1302), then the normal symbol variation control unit 236 determines whether the number G of the normal symbol remaining unchanged (see FIG. 7) is 1 or more (S1303). If the holding number G = 0 (No in S1303), it means that there is no winning for starting the normal symbol lottery, and therefore the processing is terminated without starting the normal symbol variation.

  On the other hand, when the reserved number G is 1 or more (Yes in S1303), the normal symbol variation control unit 236 decrements the value of the reserved number G by 1 (S1304), and determines the winning random number in the current normal symbol lottery. To determine whether or not the normal symbol lottery is won (S1305). Whether or not the winner has been won is determined by determining whether or not the value of the winning random number acquired in S704 of FIG. 7 matches the value set as the winning value in the table shown in FIG. It is determined.

  Next, the normal symbol variation control unit 236 sets a normal symbol according to the result of the normal symbol lottery (S1306). That is, when a normal symbol lottery is won, a symbol representing the winning (hereinafter referred to as a winning symbol) is set in the RAM 203 as setting information. On the other hand, when the normal symbol lottery is not won, a symbol indicating that the lottery has been lost (hereinafter referred to as a lost symbol) is set in the RAM 203 as setting information.

  Next, the normal symbol variation control unit 236 sets the variation time of the normal symbol (S1307). This variation time is set based on the time reduction flag set in the processing of S1104 and S1114 in FIG. 11, S1504 and S1507 in FIG. That is, when the time reduction flag is ON in the setting in S1307, it is set to a short time (for example, 1.5 seconds), and when the time reduction flag is OFF, it is set to a long time (for example, 4.0 seconds). Is done. After this setting, the normal symbol fluctuation control unit 236 starts normal symbol fluctuations in the normal symbol display 223 shown in FIGS. 2A and 3 based on the setting contents of S1307 (S1308).

  After starting the change of the normal symbol in S1308 or when it is determined that the normal symbol is changing in S1302 (Yes in S1302), the normal symbol change control unit 236 determines whether or not the change time has passed (S1309). ). That is, it is determined whether or not the elapsed time from the start of the normal symbol variation in S1308 has reached the variation time set in S1307. If the fluctuation time has not elapsed (No in S1309), the normal symbol variation is continued, so that the normal symbol processing is ended as it is.

  On the other hand, when the fluctuation time is over (Yes in S1309), the normal symbol fluctuation control unit 236 stops the fluctuation of the normal symbol in the normal symbol display unit 223 (S1310). Then, the normal symbol variation control unit 236 determines whether or not the normal symbol lottery is won based on the stopped normal symbol (S1311). If a win is made (Yes in S1311), the auxiliary game flag is turned ON (S1312). On the other hand, if the lottery is off (No in S1311), the normal symbol processing is terminated without turning on the auxiliary game flag.

[Large winning mouth processing by game control unit]
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the contents of the big prize opening process in the electric accessory process shown in S504 of FIG. 5-3.
In this special winning opening process, the special winning opening operation control unit 237 of the game control unit 200 first checks whether or not the winning game flag is ON in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (S1401). If the winning game flag is OFF, there is no prize winning in the big prize opening 125, and the big prize opening process is terminated (No in S1401). On the other hand, when the winning game flag is ON (Yes in S1401), the special winning opening operation control unit 237 then opens in the operation control at the time of the big hit started by the pachinko gaming machine 100 being stopped (FIG. 11). It is determined whether or not the operation is in progress (S1402).

  When the pachinko gaming machine 100 is opening (Yes in S1402), the next prize opening operation control unit 237 determines whether or not a predetermined time (opening time) for performing the opening operation has elapsed. (S1403). If the opening time has not elapsed, the opening operation at the special winning opening 125 is continued, and the special winning opening process is terminated (No in S1403). On the other hand, if the opening time has elapsed (Yes in S1403), the special winning opening operation control unit 237 then sets the operation of the special winning opening 125 (S1404) and initializes the winning number C (C = 0). Then, the value of the number R of rounds of operation of the big prize opening 125 is incremented by 1 from the current value (S1406), and the big prize opening 125 is started (opened) (S1407).

  In the operation setting of S1404, the operation pattern of the special winning opening 125 and the number of rounds (operation round number) operated by the operation pattern are set. As the case where the big prize opening 125 is operated, there are a case where it is a big win per long or short in a special symbol lottery and a case where it is a small win. The operation pattern and the number of rounds are variously set according to the hit type. As an example, in the case of a long hit, for example, 15 rounds (15R) are operated, and 29.5 seconds are released once in one round. In the case of a short hit, for example, 15 rounds (15R) are operated, and one round is performed once for 0.1 seconds. In the case of a small hit, for example, one round (1R) is operated, and 0.1 second is released 15 times in this round. Here, when the operation with short hits and the operation with small hits are compared in the above examples, both 0.1 seconds of opening is performed 15 times. That is, the action of the big winning opening 125 that can be seen by the player is the same in the case of short win and small win, and the short win and the small win are distinguished only from the action of the big winning opening 125 on the game board 110. I can't do it.

  As another example, 15 rounds (15R) are activated per long, 29.5 seconds are released once per round, 2 rounds (2R) are activated per short, and 0 are rounded per round. .9 seconds are opened twice, and with a small hit, one round (1R) is operated, and 0.9 seconds is opened twice in this round. In this case as well, when the operation with short hits and the operation with small hits are compared, both 0.9 seconds are released twice, and the action of the big prize opening 125 that can be seen by the player is in the case of short hits. It is the same in the case of small hits.

  The law stipulates that the cumulative opening time of the special winning opening 125 must be set within 1.8 seconds for a small hit. On the other hand, in the case of a big hit (long hit or short win), the big winning opening 125 must be continuously opened a plurality of times. Therefore, as described above, when it is difficult to visually distinguish the operation at the small hit and the operation at the short hit, the small hit is within a range that satisfies the cumulative open time within 1.8 seconds in one operation, An operation mode in which the big prize opening 125 is opened two or more times is set, and in the short win, the same number of rounds as the number of small hits is set.

  Next, the special winning opening operation control unit 237 determines whether or not the opening time in the operation pattern set in S1404 has elapsed (S1408). If the open state at the big prize opening 125 has not passed the opening time (No in S1408), the big prize opening operation control unit 237 then sets the number C of winning prizes to the big prize opening 125 to a predetermined number (for example, 9). It is determined whether or not (S1409). When the opening time has not elapsed and the winning number C is less than the specified number, the operation state (opening state) of the large winning opening 125 is continued, so the large winning opening process is terminated (No in S1409). ). On the other hand, if the opening time has elapsed (Yes in S1408) or the winning number C reaches the specified number (Yes in S1409), the special winning opening operation control unit 237 finishes operating the special winning opening 125 (closing). (S1410).

  Next, the special winning opening operation control unit 237 determines whether or not the number R of rounds of operation of the special winning opening 125 has reached the maximum value set in S1404 (S1411). If the maximum value has not been reached, the remaining operations are performed, and the special winning opening process is terminated (No in S1411).

If the number of rounds R of the operation of the special winning opening 125 reaches the maximum value (Yes in S1411), the special winning opening operation control unit 237 then starts an ending operation (S1412). Here, the content of the ending operation corresponds to the state of the winning game flag among the ending operations set in each gaming state of the long winning game and the short winning game.
Thereafter, the special winning opening operation control unit 237 sets an ending command for performing an effect in the ending operation according to the winning game flag in the effect control unit 300 in the RAM 203 (S1413). This ending command is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output process shown in S506 of FIG.

  Next, the special winning opening operation control unit 237 resets the round number R of the operation of the special winning opening 125 to 0 (S1414), and then performs an ending operation in which an elapsed time from the start of the ending operation is set in advance. It is determined whether the power time (ending time) has elapsed (S1417). If the ending time has not elapsed, the ending operation is continued, and thus the big prize opening process is terminated (No in S1417). On the other hand, if the ending time has elapsed (Yes in S1417), the special winning opening operation control unit 237 then performs a game state setting process by the game control unit 200 (S1418), then turns off the winning game flag, The big prize opening process is terminated (S1419). The contents of the game state setting process will be described later.

  If it is determined in S1402 that the pachinko gaming machine 100 is not opening (No in S1402), the special winning opening operation control unit 237 determines whether or not it is ending (S1415). If the ending is in progress (Yes in S1415), the operations after S1417 are executed.

On the other hand, if the pachinko gaming machine 100 is not ending (No in S1415), the special winning opening operation control unit 237 next determines whether or not the special winning opening 125 is operating (opening) (S1416). If it is not in operation (No in S1416), the operation after S1405 is executed. If it is in operation (Yes in S1416), the operation after S1408 is executed.
The effect performed in the small hit game described above is the same as the effect performed in the short hit game, and it is not possible to distinguish short hit and small hit from the effect.

[Game state setting process]
FIG. 15 shows the contents of the game state setting process (S1418) performed by the game control unit 200, which is executed when the ending time has elapsed (Yes in S1417).
When the game state setting process is performed, as a premise, the winning game flag is set to ON in S1401 of FIG. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 15, the game control unit 200 first determines the type of the hit (S1501, S1502, S1503, S1506). These determinations can be made based on, for example, the type of symbol set as setting information in the RAM 203 in the jackpot determination process (FIG. 9). Since these determinations are substantially the same as S902, S903, and S905 in the jackpot determination process (FIG. 9), the determination results of S902, S903, and S905 may be used.

If it is a small hit (Yes in S1501), the gaming state (internal state of the pachinko gaming machine 100) is not changed, so the gaming state setting process is terminated.
When the winning type is a big hit with a low probability short game state (No in S1501, Yes in S1502 and S1503), the game control unit 200 turns on the short flag (S1504). Thereby, the setting of the gaming state in the RAM 203 becomes the low gaming state when the probability is low. In addition, the game control unit 200 sets an initial value of the lottery count J (S1505) and ends the game state setting process. The initial value of the lottery number J is 100 in the illustrated example. Therefore, if the lottery in the low probability short game state is performed 100 times, the low probability short game state is ended and the low probability short short game state is entered.

  On the other hand, if the winning type is a big hit in the low probability short-time no-game state (No in S1501, Yes in 1502, No in S1503), the game control unit 200 ends the process without turning on both the short-time flag and the probability change flag. To do. Therefore, the setting of the game state of the RAM 203 for the game after the jackpot becomes a low probability short time no game state.

  When the winning type is a big hit in the short probability gaming state with a high probability (No in S1501, S1502, Yes in S1506), the game control unit 200 turns on the hourly flag (S1507) and sets the initial value of the number of lottery times J. (S1508). In this case, the initial value of the number of times of lottery J is 10,000 in the illustrated example. Further, the game control unit 200 turns on the probability change flag (S1509), and sets an initial value of the number of lotteries X (S1510). The initial value of the number of times of lottery X is 10,000 in the illustrated example. As a result, the setting of the gaming state in the RAM 203 becomes a high probability and short gaming state. If the lottery in the high probability short game state is performed 10,000 times, the high probability short game state is terminated and the low probability short short game state is entered.

  On the other hand, when the winning type is a big hit in the high probability short-time no-game state (No in S1501, S1502, and S1506), the game control unit 200 turns on only the probability variation flag (S1509), and the initial value ( 10000 times) is set (S1510). Thereby, the setting of the gaming state in the RAM 203 becomes a high probability short time no gaming state. Then, if the lottery in the high probability short-time non-game state is performed 10,000 times, the high-probability short-time non-game state is finished and the low-probability short-time non-game state is entered.

[Electric tulip processing by game control unit]
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the contents of the electric tulip process in the electric accessory process shown in S504 of FIG. 5-3.
In the electric tulip process, the electric tulip operation control unit 238 of the game control unit 200 first checks whether or not the auxiliary game flag is ON in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (S1601). When the auxiliary game flag is OFF, the electric tulip 123 is not released, and thus the electric tulip process is terminated (No in S1601). On the other hand, if the auxiliary game flag is ON (Yes in S1601), the electric tulip operation control unit 238 determines whether the electric tulip 123 is operating (S1602).

  When the electric tulip 123 is not in operation (No in S1602), the electric tulip operation control unit 238 sets the operation pattern of the electric tulip 123 (S1603), and operates the electric tulip 123 with the set operation pattern (S1604). . Here, the operation pattern is set based on the time reduction flag set in the processes of S1104 and S1114 in FIG. 11, S1504 and S1507 in FIG. For example, when the time reduction flag is OFF at the time of setting in S1603, an operation pattern that opens once with an opening time of 0.15 seconds is set, and when the time reduction flag is ON, 1.80 seconds are released. An operating pattern that opens three times in time is set. Thus, normally, when the time reduction flag is ON (when it is in the time reduction state), the electric tulip 123 is opened a plurality of times for a long time, and the winning support that makes it easy to win the second start port 122 (electricity chewing support). Is done.

  When it is determined in S1602 that the electric tulip 123 is in operation (Yes in S1602), or after the electric tulip 123 is operated in S1604, the electric tulip operation control unit 238 passes the open time in the set operation pattern. It is determined whether it has been done (S1605). If the opening time has not elapsed, the operation state (open state) of the electric tulip 123 is continued, and thus the electric tulip process is terminated (No in S1605). On the other hand, if the opening time has elapsed (Yes in S1605), the electric tulip operation control unit 238 sets the auxiliary game flag to OFF and ends the electric tulip process (S1606).

[Random number judgment method]
Here, a determination method using random numbers performed in the jackpot determination process (FIG. 9), the variation pattern selection process (FIG. 10), the normal symbol process (FIG. 13), and the like will be described in detail.
FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a random number (determination table) used in the special symbol lottery and the normal symbol lottery in the present embodiment.
FIG. 17A shows a configuration example of a jackpot random number used in the special symbol lottery, FIG. 17B shows a configuration example of the jackpot random number used in the special symbol lottery, and FIG. 17C shows a special symbol lottery. A configuration example of reach random numbers used, and FIG. 17 (d) each show a configuration example of hit random numbers used in normal symbol lottery.

  Referring to FIG. 17 (a), as the determination value of the jackpot random number, two types of gaming states of the pachinko gaming machine 100, a jackpot with a low probability state and a jackpot with a high probability state, and a jackpot are set. The range of values of random numbers (big hit random numbers) is 300 from 0 to 299 in all cases. In the case of a special symbol lottery in a low probability state (a jackpot lottery), only one winning value is set, and the winning probability is 1/300. In the case of a special symbol lottery in a high probability state, 10 winning values are set, and the winning probability is 10/300 (= 1/30). That is, in the example shown in the figure, if the winning symbols 121 and 122 are won in the high probability state and the special symbol lottery is performed, the winning probability is 10 times that in the case where the special symbol lottery is performed in the low probability state. Further, three winning values are set regardless of the low probability state or the high probability state, and the winning probability is 3/300 (= 1/100).

  Referring to FIG. 17 (b), five types of jackpot symbols are prepared: low probability symbol A, low probability symbol B, high probability symbol A, high probability symbol B, and latent symbol symbol. Here, the low-probability symbol A and the low-probability symbol B are symbols indicating that the low-probability state is a big hit. Of these, the low-probability symbol A is a long win (low-probability short-time gaming state), and the low-probability symbol B is Represents each short hit (low probability, short no-game state). The high-probability symbol A and the high-probability symbol B are symbols representing a jackpot of a high-probability state. Among these symbols, the high-probability symbol A is a long win (high-probability short-time gaming state), and the high-probability symbol B is a short-hit ( High probability short-time non-game state). The latent symbol is a symbol representing that it is a big hit in a high probability short-time no-game state. Therefore, the high probability symbol B and the latent probability symbol have the same gaming state after the jackpot game, but the latent probability symbol is a condition for performing a latent effect that does not clearly notify the player that the probability state is high. Therefore, it is provided separately from the high probability symbol B. The range of random number values is 250 from 0 to 249. In addition, in the jackpot symbol random number, a winning value is set for each of the first start port 121 and the second start port 122 that trigger the special symbol lottery.

In the low probability pattern A, 35 values are assigned as winning values in both the first start port 121 and the second start port 122. Therefore, the probability of winning with the low probability symbol A when winning a jackpot is 35/250 (= 7/50).
In the low probability symbol B, 15 values are assigned as winning values for both the first start port 121 and the second start port 122. Therefore, when winning the jackpot, the probability of winning with the low probability symbol B is 15/250 (= 3/50).

In the high probability symbol A, 25 values are assigned as winning values when winning in the first start port 121. Therefore, the probability of winning with the high-probability symbol A is 25/250 (= 1/10) in the case of winning the jackpot in the special symbol lottery started by winning the first starting port 121.
On the other hand, 175 values are assigned as winning values when winning at the second start port 122. Therefore, the probability of winning with the high-probability symbol A is 175/250 (= 7/10) in the case of winning the jackpot in the special symbol lottery started by winning the second starting port 122.

In the high probability symbol B, 75 values are assigned as winning values when winning in the first start port 121. Therefore, the probability of winning with the high-probability symbol B in the special symbol lottery started by winning the first starting port 121 is 75/250 (= 3/10).
On the other hand, 25 values are assigned as winning values when winning at the second start port 122. Therefore, the probability of winning with the high-probability symbol B in the special symbol lottery started by winning the second starting port 122 is 25/250 (= 1/10).

In the latent symbol, 100 values are assigned as winning values when winning at the first start port 121. Therefore, the probability of winning in the latent symbol when winning a big win in the special symbol lottery started by winning the first starting port 121 is 100/250 (= 2/5).
On the other hand, the winning value in the latent symbol is not assigned to the second starting port 122, and when winning in the second starting port 122, it is not won in the latent symbol.

  As described above, in the example shown in FIG. 17B, the jackpot when winning the first start port 121 has a probability of becoming a jackpot (high probability symbol B, latent probability symbol) of the high probability short-time non-game state. The probability that the jackpot when winning the second start port 122 is high is a jackpot (high probability symbol A) in the short game state with high probability is high. In this way, by making the winning probabilities of the jackpot types different when winning at the first start port 121 and when winning at the second start port 122, various game characteristics can be provided. Further, the arrangement of the first start port 121 and the second start port 122 on the game board 110 is devised so that it is easy to aim at either the first start port 121 or the second start port 122 in a specific state (mode). By configuring the above, it is possible to encourage the player to participate in more aggressive games.

Next, the determination of reach random numbers will be described.
Referring to FIG. 17 (c), the range of random number values is 250 from 0 to 249, and 22 random numbers are assigned to the lottery result (with reach) for performing the reach effect, and the reach effect is not performed. 228 random numbers are assigned to the result (no reach). In other words, in the illustrated example, when a special symbol lottery is not won, a reach effect is performed with a probability of 22/250 (= 11/125).

It should be noted that the effect with reach and the effect without reach determined by the reach random number indicate a mode of effect performed in the image display unit 114. That is, during the variation display of special symbols, for example, three columns of symbols consisting of a number sequence in which numbers 1 to 9 are continuously written in the vertical direction are displayed, and the variation display of special symbols is started. At the same time, these symbols start to scroll.
Then, in the effect with reach, when the scrolling is stopped and the symbols are stopped and displayed after elapse of a predetermined time after the start of the scrolling, any two symbols (sequences) are stopped first. At this time, the same number is stopped and displayed on a straight line extending horizontally or diagonally, and the last one row gradually decreases the scrolling speed, and there is a sense of expectation that three identical numbers will be aligned on the straight line. Give to the player. Such an effect with reach includes a so-called super reach effect in which various characters appear or a story develops before the last line of scrolling stops. On the other hand, unlike the effect with reach, the effect without reach does not produce an effect that gives the player a sense of expectation, and the symbols stop and display in a state where the same numbers are not aligned on a straight line extending horizontally or diagonally. Is.
As described above, the reach random number is used to determine whether to perform an effect with reach or an effect without reach in the image display unit 114 when the result of the determination of the jackpot random number is a loss. A reachable effect appears with a probability, so that the player is appropriately expected.
In addition, when a big win is won, a reachable effect is always performed, and finally the decorative symbols are stopped and displayed in a state where the same numbers are aligned on a straight line extending horizontally or diagonally. On the other hand, in the case of winning with a small win or loss, the decorative symbols are stopped and displayed in a state where the same numbers are not aligned on the straight line.

Next, the determination of the winning random number used for the normal symbol lottery will be described.
Referring to FIG. 17D, the range of the random number value is 10 from 0 to 9, and one value is assigned as the winning value when the time-short flag is OFF, and as the winning value when the time-short flag is ON. Nine values are assigned. Therefore, when the game ball passes through the gate 124 and the normal symbol lottery (open / close lottery) is performed in the timeless state, the player wins with a probability of 1/10. On the other hand, if the game ball passes through the gate 124 and the normal symbol lottery (open / close lottery) is performed in the short-time state, the player wins with a probability of 9/10.

A random value as determination information used for various types of lottery starts from a predetermined initial value and is incremented by one each time the random number update process (S501) shown in FIG. 5-3 is performed. Then, the values at the time each lottery is performed are acquired by the start opening switch process (FIG. 6) and the gate switch process (FIG. 7), and used in the special symbol process (FIG. 8) and the normal symbol process (FIG. 13). The Note that this random value counter is an infinite loop counter, and returns to 0 again after reaching the maximum value of the set random number (for example, 299 for the jackpot random number shown in FIG. 17A). In addition, since the random number update process is performed at regular intervals, if the initial value of each random number is specified, the winning value may be estimated based on such information. Therefore, in general, a mechanism for randomly changing the initial value of each random number at an appropriate timing has been introduced.
Note that the random number range, winning value ratio, and winning value shown in the configuration example of each random number in FIG. 17 are merely examples, and are not limited to the illustrated values.

[Setting example of fluctuation pattern]
Next, an example of setting a variation pattern used in the variation pattern selection process shown in FIG. 10 will be described.
FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a setting example of a variation pattern used in the variation pattern selection process illustrated in FIG.
In the example illustrated in FIG. 18, three types of variation patterns A to C are set as variation patterns when the determination result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit (in the case of Yes in S1001 in FIG. 10). In addition, six types of variation patterns D to I are set as variation patterns when the determination result of the special symbol lottery is out of place (in the case of No in S1001 in FIG. 10). The fluctuation time is 90 seconds for the fluctuation pattern A, 60 seconds for the fluctuation pattern B, 30 seconds for the fluctuation pattern C, 60 seconds for the fluctuation pattern D, 30 seconds for the fluctuation pattern E, 15 seconds for the fluctuation pattern F, and 15 seconds for the fluctuation pattern G. 13 seconds, the fluctuation pattern H is set to 7 seconds, and the fluctuation pattern I is set to 3 seconds. That is, the special symbol variation pattern determines the determination result in the special symbol lottery and the special symbol variation time.

  The variation patterns D to F are variation patterns that are selected when the reach effect is performed (in the case of Yes in S1004 in FIG. 10), and the variation patterns G to I are when the reach effect is not performed (FIG. 10 in the case of No in S1004). Since the reach effect is always performed when the determination result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit, the presence or absence of the reach effect is not referred to when the variation patterns A to C are selected.

  Further, among the variation patterns G to I, when the variation pattern G has a holding number of 0, when the variation pattern H has one or two holding numbers, the variation pattern I has a holding number of three or four. It is set as a variation pattern to be selected for each of the individual patterns. That is, the average time of the special symbol variation is set to be shorter as the number of pending determinations in the special symbol lottery is larger.

  The game control unit 200 determines whether or not the variation pattern random value (see S604 and S610 in FIG. 6) acquired when the game ball wins the start ports 121 and 122, the determination result shown in the setting example in FIG. The variation pattern of the special symbol is determined based on conditions such as the number of holds. Then, the information of the determined variation pattern of the special symbol is included in the variation start command and is sent from the game control unit 200 to the effect control unit 300. As will be described later, in the effect control unit 300, an effect corresponding to a change time specified based on information of a change pattern included in the change start command (executable during the change time) as an effect when the special symbol changes Is selected and executed.

Although not shown, the variation pattern A is selected at the highest rate among the variation patterns A to C selected when the determination result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit, and the variation at the next highest rate. It can be set so that the pattern B is selected and the variation pattern C is selected at the lowest rate.
In the example shown in FIG. 18, there is no distinction between the case where the game ball wins the first start port 121 and the case where the game ball wins the second start port 122, but the first start port 121 and the second start port 121 It is also possible to change the setting of the variation pattern depending on which of 122 is won.

[Command structure and transmission method]
Here, the configuration and transmission method of commands (effect control commands and setting commands) output from the game control unit 200 to the effect control unit 300 will be described.
FIG. 19A is a diagram illustrating a command configuration. 19A shows the data structure of the command, and FIG. 19A shows the structure of the command as a bit string.

  As shown in FIG. 19A, a command output from the game control unit 200 to the effect control unit 300 is composed of 2 bytes. This command is composed of a 1-byte “code” as the first data portion and a 1-byte “data” as the second data portion. “Code” indicates the type of command, and “Data” indicates the value of the command. This command is transmitted from the game control unit 200 to the effect control unit 300 using asynchronous synchronization by one serial signal. More generally, the “code” that is the first data part has a size of a bit (a is an integer of 2 or more), and the value of the leading 1 bit is specified as either 1 or 0. The “data” as the second data part has a size of n × a bits (n is an integer of 1 or more), and the value of the first 1 bit is different from the value of the first 1 bit of the first data part. Specific to the value.

  Since start-stop synchronization is used, a start bit (bit indicated as “S” in the figure) is provided at the head of each of “code” and “data” constituting the command, and 1 at the end. End bits of bits (bits indicated as “E” in the figure) are provided. Each of the “code” and “data” constituting the command is provided with one parity bit (bit indicated as “P” in the figure).

  As shown in FIG. 19A, both the “code” and “data” constituting the command have a data size of 1 byte (8 bits). When transmitted, the “code” and “data” are provided with a start bit, an end bit, and a parity bit, respectively. For this reason, it is not easy for the presentation control unit 300 that receives a command to identify whether the received data string is a “code” or “data” of the command from the outline of the data string. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a flag for identifying “code” and “data” is set. Specifically, the value of the specific portion of the 8-bit value constituting the “code” is made different from the value of the portion corresponding to the specific portion of the “code” among the 8-bit values constituting the “data”. .

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 19B, the first 1 bit of each of “code” and “data” is used as a flag. That is, in the 8-bit value constituting the “code”, the first 1-bit value is “1”, and in the 8-bit value constituting the “data”, the first 1-bit value is “0”. . Thereby, the effect control unit 300 can identify whether the data string is “code” or “data” by examining the value of the first 1 bit following the start bit of the received data string. The specific value of the flag is merely an example, and a value different from the above value may be used as long as “code” and “data” can be identified.

  Here, since the value of the first bit of “code” is specified as “1”, the range of values that can be taken by “code” is 128 from 10000000B (= 80H) to 11111111B (= FFH). It is. Note that the letter “B” attached to each value indicates binary notation, and the letter “H” indicates hexadecimal notation. In addition, since the value of the first 1 bit of “data” is specified as “0”, the range of values that “data” can take is 128 from 00000000B (= 00H) to 01111111B (= 7FH). is there. That is, according to the configuration shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B, 128 types of commands that can take 128 types of values can be set.

  By the way, in the pachinko gaming machine 100, many types of effects are executed according to the gaming state, the determination result of the special symbol lottery, and the like. Therefore, a large number of commands are prepared for the commands for effect control. In particular, the “data” that is the value indicating the specific content of the command may be insufficient with the above 128. On the other hand, the “code” indicating the type of command is usually smaller than the above 128. Therefore, it is conceivable to use a part of the bit string of “code” to describe the value of “data”.

  For example, consider the case where the last 1 bit of “code” is used to describe the value of “data”. Hereinafter, each bit in the 8-bit bit string constituting “code” and “data” is referred to as first to eighth bits. Separately from the bit string that makes up the “code”, the “code” value that actually indicates the type of command is called the “code value”, and separately from the bit string that makes up the “data”, the actual command value is The value of “data” shown is called “data value”. Then, the code value is described using the first to seventh bits in the “code” bit string, and the data value is all of the “data” bit string (from the first bit to the eighth bit). , And the 8th bit of “code”.

  With this configuration, the possible range of the code value is that the value of the first bit is specified as “1” and the total size is 7 bits, so that the range from 1000000B (= 40H) to 1111111B (= 7FH) ) Up to 64). The possible range of the data value is 128 values represented by 8 bits of “data” in which the value of the first bit is specified as “0”, and values “0” and “8” of the 8th bit of “code”. 1 ”is 256. Therefore, it is possible to set a command having 256 kinds of values as data values.

  Note that the above configuration in the case where a data value is described using a part of the “code” is merely an example, and the specific number of bits and value are not limited to the above configuration example. For example, the data value may be described using the seventh bit and the eighth bit of the “code”. More generally, a predetermined type of data (data value) using a predetermined bit constituting “code” as the first data portion and a bit constituting “data” as the second data portion. Is recorded. Then, by using the remaining bits excluding the predetermined bits in the “code” which is the first data portion, other types of data (code values) different from the predetermined types of data (data values) are recorded. The In other words, a bit constituting “data” as the second data part and b bit (b is smaller than a−1 and an integer of 1 or more) constituting “code” as the first data part. In use, a data value having a size of (a + b) bits is recorded.

  Further, as a means for increasing the number of data values that can be handled, it is conceivable to increase the bit string of “data” describing the data values. For example, it is conceivable to prepare “first data” and “second data” as bit strings describing data values. In this case, if each bit string is 8 bits, a data value can be described by a bit string of 16 bits in total. In order to distinguish between “first data” and “second data”, if the second bit of the 8-bit bit string is used as a flag, for example, the first bit and the second bit of “first data” Can be “00B”, and the first and second bits of “second data” can be “01B”. The first bit has a value “0” as a flag for identifying “code”. That is, the “data” that is the second data portion is a bit string (“first data”, “second data”,...) That represents each data value every 8 bits (more generally, For each a bit), the same value as the value of the first 1 bit is set.

  With this configuration, the range of values that the “first data” can take is 64 from 00000000B (= 00H) to 00111111B (= 3FH), and the range of values that the “second data” can take is Since there are 64 from 01000000B (= 40H) to 01111111B (= 7FH), the total is 4096 (= 64 × 64). Here, the first bit is used as a flag for identifying “code” and “data” (“first data” and “second data”), and “first data” and “second data” Although the second bit is used as a flag for identifying the first and second bits, a flag for identifying four types of bit strings may be set using the first and second bits. For example, “code” may have the value of the first and second bits “11B”, and “data” may have the value of the first and second bits “00B”, “01B”, and “10B”. Conceivable.

[Operation of production control unit]
Next, the operation of the effect control unit 300 will be described.
FIG. 19-2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the effect control unit 300.
The operation of the effect control unit 300 includes a main process shown in FIG. 19-2 (a) and an interrupt process shown in FIG. 19-2 (b). Referring to FIG. 19-2 (a), the production control unit 300 first performs initial setting at the time of activation (S1901), sets the cycle of the CTC (Counter / Timer Circuit) (S1902), and then sets the cycle. Accordingly, the interrupt process is accepted while updating the random number used in the production control (S1903).

  The interrupt process is periodically performed according to the cycle set in S1902. Referring to FIG. 19-2 (b), in this interruption process, the effect control unit 300 receives a command from the game control unit 200 and performs a command reception process (S1911). In this command reception process, an effect pattern is selected. In addition, the effect control unit 300 performs effect button processing for accepting an operation of the effect button 161 and the like by the player (S1912). Thereafter, the effect control unit 300 performs command transmission processing for transmitting a command including information on the selected effect pattern to the image / sound control unit 310 and the lamp control unit 320 (S1913). As a result, effects such as image display on the image display unit 114, sound output, operation of the movable accessory 115, light emission of the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 are performed.

[Command reception processing by the production control unit]
FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the contents of the command reception process (S1911 in FIG. 19-2 (b)).
In this command reception process, the production control unit 300 first determines whether or not the received command is a command for increasing the number of holds (holding number increase command) (S2001). This pending number increase command is set by the game control unit 200 in the start port switch process shown in FIG. 6 (S606, S612), and transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output process (S506) shown in FIG. 5-3. Is done. When the command is an increase command for the number of holds (Yes in S2001), the effect control unit 300 adds 1 to the value of the number of holds held in the RAM 303 (S2002), and shows the value of the number of holds after the addition. Is set in the RAM 303 (S2003).

When the received command is not a pending number increase command (No in S2001), or when a command is received after setting the pending number increase command in S2003, the effect control unit 300 determines whether or not the received command is a change start command. (S2004). This variation start command is set in the special symbol process shown in FIG. 8 in the game control unit 200 (S811), and transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output process (S506) shown in FIG. 5-3.
When the received command is a change start command (Yes in S2004), the effect control unit 300 executes an effect selection process (S2005). Details of the effect selection process will be described later.

When the received command is not a variation start command (No in S2001 and S2004), or when a command is received after execution of the effect selection process in S2005, the effect control unit 300 determines whether or not the received command is a change stop command. (S2006). This variation stop command is set in the special symbol process shown in FIG. 8 in the game control unit 200 (S814), and transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output process (S506) shown in FIG. 5-3.
When the received command is a change stop command (Yes in S2006), the effect control unit 300 executes a process during end of change effect (S2007). Details of the process during the end of the variation effect will be described later.

When the received command is not the change start command and the change stop command (No in S2001, S2004, and S2006), or when the command is received after the execution of the variable effect end process in S2007, the effect control unit 300 determines that the received command is It is determined whether or not it is an opening command for starting the opening in the jackpot effect (S2008). This opening command is set in the stop process shown in FIG. 11 (S1118), and transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output process (S506) shown in FIG. 5-3.
When the received command is an opening command (Yes in S2008), the effect control unit 300 executes a hit effect selection process (S2009). Details of the winning effect selection process will be described later.

When the received command is not a change start command, a change stop command, and an opening command (No in S2001, S2004, S2006, and S2008), or when a command is received after execution of the hit effect selection process in S2009, the effect control unit 300 It is determined whether or not the received command is an ending command for starting the ending in the jackpot effect (S2010). This ending command is set in the special winning opening process shown in FIG. 14 (S1413), and transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output process (S506) shown in FIG. 5-3.
When the received command is an ending command (Yes in S2010), the effect control unit 300 executes an ending effect selection process (S2011). Details of the ending effect selection process will be described later.

  If the received command is not a variation start command, variation stop command, opening command and ending command (No in S2001, S2004, S2006, S2008 and S2010), or if a command is received after the end of the ending effect selection process in S2011, The effect control unit 300 executes a customer waiting command reception process for the received command to shift to the customer waiting state (S2012). Details of the customer waiting command reception process will be described later.

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a setting example of the mode flag.
When an effect is performed by the effect control unit 300, various effect patterns are selected and executed based on the set effect mode. This effect mode is determined by a mode flag set in the RAM 303. Here, the mode flag is set to any value from 0 to 4, and five types of effect modes from A mode to E mode are assigned to each mode flag. The mode flag is set according to the lottery result of the special symbol lottery or the number of lotteries of the special symbol lottery.
Mode flag 1 for jackpot of high probability symbol A, mode flag 2 for jackpot of low probability symbol A, mode flag 3 for jackpots of high probability symbol B and low probability symbol B, and jackpot of latent symbol symbol A mode flag 4 is assigned to each small hit. Here, the types of these symbols are the same as those shown in FIG. No mode flag 0 is assigned to any of them. In mode flags 1 to 4, mode flag 0 is set by executing special symbol lottery a predetermined number of times.
Further, in the example shown in FIG. 21, the parameter M (M value) used in the process during the end of the changing effect is set individually for each mode except the A mode.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the contents of the effect selection process (S2005) of FIG.
In this effect selection process, the effect control unit 300 first analyzes the received variation start command (S2201). Further, the effect control unit 300 refers to the current mode flag of the pachinko gaming machine 100 from the setting of the RAM 303 (S2202), and subtracts 1 from the value of the number of holds held in the RAM 303 (S2203). Then, the effect control unit 300 is based on various setting information (information about jackpot type, gaming state after jackpot game, variation pattern, etc.) obtained from the analysis result of the change start command and the effect mode determined by the mode flag. Then, an effect pattern (fluctuation effect pattern) of symbol variation by an image displayed on the image display unit 114 in the effect mode is selected (S2204). Finally, the effect control unit 300 reads from the ROM 302 image data and sound data used for the effect by the selected effect pattern, and sets a change effect start command instructing the start of execution of the selected effect in the RAM 303 together with these data. Then, the effect selection process ends (S2205).

  Although not described in detail, in the effect change pattern selection process in S2204, the effect mode, the change pattern, and the effect random number (one of the random numbers updated in S1903 in FIG. The production pattern is determined based on the random number value). Based on the effect pattern determined here, the decorative symbol variation display, the background effect, and the notice effect are determined. The decorative symbol variation display is an effect display performed by the image display unit 114 in accordance with the special symbol variation display performed by the first special symbol display 221 or the second special symbol display 222. In this variable display of decorative symbols, a reach effect or the like is executed.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the contents of the changing effect end process (S2007) of FIG.
In this variation effect end process, the effect control unit 300 first analyzes the received variation stop command (S2301). Further, the effect control unit 300 refers to the current mode flag of the pachinko gaming machine 100 from the setting of the RAM 303 (S2302). Then, the production control unit 300 determines whether or not the lottery result of the special symbol lottery is based on the information indicating the type of the symbol when the special symbol variation obtained from the analysis result of the variation stop command is stopped (big hit or small hit). It is determined whether or not (S2303). If it is any hit (Yes in S2303), the mode flag set in the RAM 303 is changed based on the setting example shown in FIG. 21 according to the type of the hit (S2304).

  On the other hand, if the lottery result of the special symbol lottery is not successful (No in S2303), the effect control unit 300 next checks whether or not the value of the mode flag is 0 (S2305). When the mode flag is not 0 (No in S2305), the effect control unit 300 subtracts 1 from the parameter M (S2306), and checks whether the value of M has become 0 (S2307). If the value of M becomes 0 (Yes in S2307), the effect control unit 300 sets the mode flag to 0 (S2308).

  If the mode flag is 0 in S2305 (Yes in S2305), if the value of the parameter M is not 0 in S2307 (No in S2307), or after setting the mode flag to 0 in S2308, or in S2304 After changing the mode flag, the effect control unit 300 sets a change effect end command for instructing the end of the design change effect in the RAM 303, and ends the change effect end process (S2309). Here, referring to FIG. 21, when the mode flag is changed in S2304, the effect mode after the end of the change effect is an effect mode corresponding to the winning type. When the mode flag is 0 in S2305 and when the mode flag is set to 0 in S2308, the effect mode after the end of the change effect is the A mode. If the value of parameter M does not become 0 in S2307, the previous production mode is continued.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the contents of the hit effect selection process (S2009) of FIG.
In this winning effect selection process, the effect control unit 300 first analyzes the received opening command (S2401), and selects an effect pattern (winning effect pattern) according to the contents of the effect mode based on the mode flag (S2402). . Then, the effect control unit 300 reads out image data and sound data used for the effect by the selected effect pattern from the ROM 302, and sets a hit effect start command for instructing the selected effect in the RAM 303 together with these data. The effect selection process is terminated (S2403). As a result, the performance during the big hit is determined.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the contents of the ending effect selection process (S2011) of FIG.
In this ending effect selection process, the effect control unit 300 first analyzes the received ending command (S2501), and selects an effect pattern (ending effect pattern) according to the contents of the effect mode based on the mode flag (S2502). . Then, the effect control unit 300 reads out image data and sound data used for the effect by the selected effect pattern from the ROM 302, and sets an ending effect start command for instructing the selected effect in the RAM 303 together with these data. The effect selection process is terminated (S2503).

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the contents of the customer waiting command reception process (S2012) of FIG.
The effect control unit 300 determines whether or not a customer waiting command for shifting to the customer waiting state has been received (S2601). When the customer waiting command is received (Yes in S2601), the effect control unit 300 starts measuring the elapsed time (S2602), and turns on the measurement flag in the RAM 303 (S2603). On the other hand, when the received command is not a customer waiting command (No in S2601), the effect control unit 300 determines whether or not the measurement flag held in the RAM 303 is ON (S2604). If the measurement flag is OFF (No in S2604), the customer waiting command reception process is terminated.

  When the measurement flag is ON (Yes in S2604 or after being turned ON in S2603), the effect control unit 300 next determines whether or not the measurement time has reached a predetermined time-up time (S2605). . If the time is not up (No in S2605), the customer waiting command reception process is terminated. On the other hand, when the time is up (Yes in S2605), the effect control unit 300 turns off the measurement flag held in the RAM 303 (S2606), and sets a customer waiting effect command for performing the customer waiting effect in the RAM 303. The customer waiting command reception process is terminated (S2607).

  When the command reception process is completed as described above, the RAM 303 is set with any one of a variation effect start command, a variation effect end command, a winning effect start command, an ending effect start command, and a customer waiting effect command.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the contents of the effect button process (S1912 in FIG. 19-2 (b)).
In this effect button process, the effect control unit 300 first determines whether or not an operation means such as the effect button 161 by the player has been operated (S2701). Here, the operation of the operation means includes turning on the effect button 161 and turning it on when the center key and the surrounding keys of the effect key 162 are pressed. In addition, when an operation device other than the effect button 161 and the effect key 162 such as a touch panel is provided in the pachinko gaming machine 100, this includes detecting the operation of the device. The effect control unit 300 receives an operation signal from the controller of these devices and detects that an operation has been performed.

  If the operation means such as the effect button 161 is operated (Yes in S2701), the effect control unit 300 sets an effect button command including information indicating the operation content of the operation means in the RAM 303, and ends the effect button process. (S2702).

  After that, the effect control unit 300 performs the command transmission process (S1913) of FIG. 19-2 (b), and the command set in the RAM 303 by the command reception process and the effect button process described above is displayed in the image / sound control unit 310. And transmitted to the lamp controller 320. Then, the image / sound control unit 310 and the lamp control unit 320 display an image on the image display unit 114, sound output, operation of the movable accessory 115, light emission of the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 based on the received command. Is controlled to execute the set effect.

[Advance notice based on prior judgment]
Next, a notice effect based on prior determination according to the present embodiment will be described.
In the present embodiment, as described with reference to FIG. 6, the game ball wins the first start port 121 (see FIG. 1 or 3) and the first start port switch 211 (see FIG. 3) is turned on. And when the game ball is won at the second start port 122 (see FIG. 1 or 3) and the second start port switch 212 (see FIG. 3) is turned ON, the lottery at the time of symbol change Prior to the determination (see steps 808 and 809 in FIG. 8), the lottery result of the special symbol lottery is pre-determined (prefetched) (see steps 605 and 611 in FIG. 6).

  Further, in the present embodiment, based on the result of the above prior determination, a notice effect (suggest effect) for indicating the determination result to the player is performed. This notice effect is executed at the time of a symbol change for another winning ball that is performed prior to a symbol change for the winning ball (holding ball) for which a prior determination has been made. In the present embodiment, the upper limit of the number of holding balls is four per one starting port (first starting port 121 or second starting port 122) (see FIG. 6). In addition, priority is given to the digestion of the reserved balls in the second start port 122. In this case, for example, when a preliminary determination is made with respect to the reserved ball with the second start opening 122, the maximum symbol variation for four winning balls is performed before the symbol variation for the reserved ball is performed. It becomes. In the notice effect related to the reserved ball that has been determined in advance, if multiple symbol changes are made before the symbol change for the reserved ball, even if the notice effect that spans the multiple symbol changes is performed good.

[Configuration of the RAM of the Game Control Unit and the RAM of the Production Control Unit for Performing the Advance Effect]
In order to execute such a notice effect based on the prior determination, the RAM 203 of the game control unit 200 and the RAM 303 of the effect control unit 300 in the present embodiment have the following configurations.
FIG. 28 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the RAM 203 (see FIG. 3) of the game control unit 200 according to the present embodiment. (A) of the same figure is a block diagram which shows the structure of the storage area 204, (b) is a block diagram which shows each structure of the memory | storage part shown to (a).

  As shown to (a) of the figure, RAM203 is provided with the storage area 204 as a special symbol holding | maintenance storage area which memorize | stores the jackpot random number acquired by the jackpot random number lottery. This storage area 204 has eight storage units corresponding to the maximum number of reservations of the first start port 121 and the number of reservations of the second start port 122 (when the upper limit value of each reservation number is 4). . Specifically, the storage area 204 includes a first storage unit 204a, a second storage unit 204b, a third storage unit 204c, a fourth storage unit 204d, a fifth storage unit 204e, a sixth storage unit 204f, and a seventh storage. Part 204g and eighth storage part 204h.

  Further, as shown in (b) of the figure, each of these storage units 204a to 204h includes an area for storing the number of fluctuations N when winning the jackpot, and a winning start port (first start port 121). Or an area in which information indicating the second start port 122) is stored. Each of the storage units 204a to 204h includes an area for storing the acquired jackpot random number, an area for storing a design random number, and an area for storing a reach random number. That is, each of the storage units 204a to 204h stores a jackpot random number, a design random number, and a reach random number.

  Here, each random number is stored in order from the first storage unit 204a. More specifically, for example, when no random number is stored in any of the first storage unit 204a to the eighth storage unit 204h, the acquired random number is stored in the first storage unit 204a. Further, for example, when random numbers are already stored in the first storage unit 204a to the fourth storage unit 204d, the acquired random number is stored in the fifth storage unit 204e.

FIG. 29 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the RAM 303 (see FIG. 3) of the effect control unit 300 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 29A is a block diagram showing the configuration of the reserved storage areas 305 and 306, and FIG. 29B is a block diagram showing the configuration of each storage unit shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 29 (a), the RAM 303 includes a first hold storage area 305 and a second hold storage area 306 as a hold status storage area for storing a status where a hold ball is held. The first holding storage area 305 and the second holding storage area 306 correspond to holding for winning in the first starting port 121 and holding for winning in the second starting port 122, respectively. Have. Specifically, the first reserved storage area 305 includes a first storage unit 305a, a second storage unit 305b, a third storage unit 305c, and a fourth storage unit 305d. The second reserved storage area 306 includes a first storage unit 306a, a second storage unit 306b, a third storage unit 306c, and a fourth storage unit 306d.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5B, each of these storage units 305a to 305d and 306a to 306d includes a hold flag storage area for turning on / off the hold flag and a notification flag for turning on / off the notice flag. And a storage area. The hold flag is a flag for identifying the presence or absence of a hold ball for each of the storage units 305a to 305d and 306a to 306d. That is, for example, when the number of holds due to winning at the first start port 121 is 3, the hold flag is turned ON in the three hold flag storage areas of the first to third storage units 305a, 305b, and 305c. The notification flag is a flag for identifying the presence / absence of a notification command of a pre-read result to be described later for each reserved ball. That is, for example, when a pre-determination process (see steps 605 and 611 in FIG. 6 and FIG. 30 described later) is performed on the above-mentioned three reserved balls and a notification command is set for the third reserved ball, In the notification flag storage area of the three storage unit 305c, the notification flag is turned ON.

  That is, the RAM 203 and the RAM 303 function as a storage unit that stores hold information that is start information based on establishment of a predetermined start condition with a predetermined number as a limit in the game control unit 200 and the effect control unit 300. In addition, the game control unit 200, based on the hold information that is the start information, before the determination of the special symbol determination unit 234 triggered by the establishment of the start condition corresponding to the start information, It is a prior determination means which performs the prior determination process regarding whether to transfer to. The effect control unit 300 is an effect control unit that performs a notice effect for giving a notice (improvement) of a preliminary determination result.

  Although not particularly illustrated, the RAM 203 has an area for storing prior determination information (hereinafter referred to as a prior determination information storage area) separately from the configuration illustrated in FIG. The pre-determination information is information obtained by the pre-determination process based on each random number (see steps 605 and 611 in FIG. 6). The content of the pre-determination information is the same as the information obtained as various determination results in the special symbol processing (see FIG. 8), and specifically, the type of winning (big hit, small hit, off) and big hit In this case, the type of jackpot and the content of the production are information for indicating whether the production is a reachable production or a non-reach production. The pre-determination information stored in the pre-determination information storage area is unique or independent from the hold information corresponding to the winning ball (holding ball) subjected to the pre-determination process (hereinafter referred to as hold information). At the timing, it is included in the pending number increase command and the change start command and sent from the game control unit 200 to the effect control unit 300.

[Preliminary judgment processing]
Next, the prior determination process (see steps 605 and 611 in FIG. 6) will be described in detail.
First, a determination method using random numbers in the prior determination process will be described.
FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of random numbers used in the pre-determination process in the present embodiment. 30A shows a configuration example of a jackpot random number in the predetermination process, FIG. 30B shows a configuration example of a design random number in the predetermination process, and FIG. 30C shows a reach random number in the predetermination process. The example of a structure of each is shown.

Referring to FIG. 30A, the jackpot random number in the prior determination process has the same configuration as the jackpot random number in the jackpot determination process shown in FIG. In other words, two types of game states of the pachinko gaming machine 100 are set: a jackpot with a low probability state and a jackpot with a high probability state. The range of random numbers is 300 from 0 to 299 in all cases. The winning probability in the prior determination is 1/300 in the low probability state and 10/300 (= 1/30) in the high probability state.
In addition, the determination as to whether or not a small hit is made when there is a shift in the special symbol lottery has the same configuration as the random number shown in FIG. That is, the winning probability per small is 3/300 (= 1/100) regardless of the low probability state or the high probability state.

  Referring to FIG. 30 (b), the jackpot symbol random number in the prior determination process has the same configuration as the jackpot symbol random number in the jackpot determination process shown in FIG. 17-1 (b). That is, as a type of jackpot based on a special symbol triggered by winning the first starting port 121, a jackpot of low probability symbol A, a jackpot of low probability symbol B, a jackpot of high probability symbol A, a jackpot of high probability symbol B Five types of jackpots and jackpots of latent patterns are prepared. In addition, as a type of jackpot based on a special symbol triggered by winning the second starting port 122, a jackpot of low probability symbol A, a jackpot of low probability symbol B, a jackpot of high probability symbol A, a jackpot of high probability symbol B Four types of jackpots are available.

  The range of the random number value is 250 from 0 to 249 regardless of which of the first start port 121 and the second start port 122 is won. In addition, for the high probability symbol A and the high probability symbol B, different winning values are set depending on whether the first starting port 121 is won or the second starting port 122 is won, and the winning probabilities are different. .

  Referring to FIG. 30 (c), the reach random number in the prior determination process has the same configuration as the reach random number in the variation pattern selection process shown in FIG. 17-1 (c). That is, the range of random number values is 250 from 0 to 249, 22 random numbers are assigned to the lottery result (with reach) for performing the reach effect, and 228 to the lottery result (without reach) for the reach effect. Random number values are assigned. Therefore, when the special symbol lottery is not a big hit, it is determined by the prior determination that the reach effect is performed with a probability of 8.8 / 100 (= 22/250).

[Preliminary judgment processing by game control unit]
FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing the contents of the preliminary determination processing (steps 605 and 611 in FIG. 6) according to the present embodiment.
In the flowchart shown in FIG. 31, the game control unit 200 determines whether or not the internal state is a high probability state (step 3101), and if it is determined that the internal state is a high probability state (Yes in step 3101), It is determined whether the jackpot lottery right acquired in FIG. 6) corresponds to the number of jackpot lottery rights after the transition to the current high probability state.

  That is, if the winning of the jackpot that the gaming state after the jackpot game becomes a high probability state (in the example shown in FIG. 30B, the jackpot of the high probability symbol A and the jackpot of the high probability symbol B) is confirmed, the jackpot is won. The number N of fluctuations at that time is set to the reference number M. For example, when the jackpot of the high probability symbol A is won by the 200th jackpot lottery (special symbol fluctuation display) after turning on the power, the data “200” is stored in the RAM 203, and accordingly When the internal state is high probability, it becomes a short game state. Therefore, the jackpot lottery performed at the 201st time after turning on the power corresponds to the first jackpot lottery after shifting to the high probability short-time gaming state, and similarly, the jackpot lottery performed at the 210th time The lottery corresponds to the tenth jackpot lottery after shifting to the high probability short-time gaming state. In this way, it is calculated how many jackpot lotteries the right of the jackpot lottery acquired by the start port switch process (see FIG. 6) corresponds to the high probability short-time gaming state. Specifically, the game control unit 200 obtains the calculated value Z by subtracting the reference number M from the variation number N (step 3102).

Then, the game control unit 200 determines whether or not the calculated value Z is equal to or less than the predetermined number X (step 3103). The predetermined number of times X here is the upper limit number of times that a big hit random number is determined based on the high probability state hit determination table (see FIG. 30A).
Here, for example, if the winning state where the gaming state after the jackpot game becomes the high probability short-time gaming state is won, then the jackpot random number is determined based on the hit determination table for the high probability state with the upper limit being 100 times. Think about the case. In this case, the predetermined number of times X is set to 100, and it is determined whether or not the calculation value Z is 100 or less.
That is, whether the jackpot random number acquired by the start switch processing (see FIG. 6) is determined based on the hit determination table for the high probability state, or for the low probability state when the high probability short-time gaming state ends. Here, it is determined whether the determination is made based on the winning determination table (see FIG. 30A).
For example, suppose that the winning jackpot of the high-probability symbol A (the long win that becomes the short game state at the high probability) is won by the 200th jackpot lottery (number of fluctuations N = 200) after the power is turned on. Thereafter, 98 jackpot lotteries were performed after entering the high-probability short-lived gaming state, and in a situation where the jackpot has not been won yet, the number of changes N = 299 hold A, the number of changes N = 300 hold B, Assume that the hold C with the number of fluctuations N = 301 is stored in the RAM 203. At this time, since the reference number M = 200 is set, the hold A is the calculated value Z = 99, the hold B is the calculated value Z = 100, and the hold C is the calculated value Z = 101. Accordingly, hold A and hold B are determined as “YES” in step 3103, and hold C is determined as “NO” in step 3103.
In this way, the processing of step 3102 and step 3103 makes it possible to make a jackpot determination based not on the current internal state but on the internal state at the time of special symbol processing. Therefore, an accurate determination result can be derived even when the gaming state changes from the high probability state to the low probability state.

When the game control unit 200 determines that the calculated value Z is equal to or less than the predetermined number of times X (Yes in step 3103), the game control unit 200 next changes the internal state after the jackpot game to a low probability state (in FIG. 31, “no positive change”). It is determined whether or not the pre-determination information relating to “Large Bonus” is stored before the start port switch process (see FIG. 6) is started (step 3104). This is because if such a holding ball is put on hold first, the gaming state becomes a low probability state when digesting the holding ball put on hold in the start port switch process (see FIG. 6). It is.
Therefore, if it is determined No in step 3104, a hit determination table for the high probability state (when probability change) is selected (step 3106). If it is determined Yes in step 3104, the low probability state (normal) A hit determination table is selected (step 3107).

On the other hand, when the current gaming state is a low probability state (No in Step 3101), or when it is determined that the calculated value Z exceeds the predetermined number X even if the current gaming state is a high probability state (Step 3101) In 3103 No), the following processing is performed. That is, the game control unit 200 stores, in the advance determination information storage area of the RAM 203, advance determination information related to a jackpot for changing the gaming state after the jackpot game to a high probability state (described as “a jackpot with probability change” in FIG. 31). Then, it is determined whether or not it is stored before the start port switch process (see FIG. 6) is started (step 3105). For example, in step 605 of the start port switch process (see FIG. 6), when a random number as the hold information is stored in the sixth storage unit 204f (see FIG. 28) of the storage area 204, the first storage unit 204a to the second storage unit 204a. As the advance determination information corresponding to the hold related to the hold information stored in the 5 storage unit 204e (see FIG. 28), the advance determination information related to any of the jackpots that are in a high probability state is stored in the advance determination information storage area. Judge whether or not. That is, it is determined whether there is a reserve sphere that is digested earlier than the currently generated reserve sphere in the start port switch process (see FIG. 6) changes the internal state to the high probability state. This is because if such a holding ball exists first, the internal state becomes a high probability state when digesting the holding ball generated this time in the start port switch process.
Therefore, if it is determined No in step 3105, a hit determination table for the low probability state (normal time) is selected (step 3107), and if it is determined Yes, it is for the high probability state (probability change time). A winning determination table is selected (step 3106).

  Although not shown in detail, in step 3104 and step 3105, a jackpot for changing the gaming state after the jackpot game to a high probability state and a jackpot for changing the gaming state after the jackpot game to a low probability state are preliminarily determined. When stored in the determination information storage area, the game control unit 200 makes the above determination (steps 3104 and 3105) based on the prior determination information related to the reserved ball to be digested later among these two jackpots. Do.

  As described above, the processing of step 3104 and step 3105 makes it possible to determine the jackpot based on the internal state during the special symbol processing. Therefore, even when the internal state changes from the high probability state to the low probability state, or when the internal state changes from the low probability state to the high probability state, an accurate prior determination result can be derived.

  Thereafter, the game control unit 200 determines each random number based on the selected determination table (step 3108), and stores the determination result as prior determination information in the prior determination information storage area (step 3109). Then, it is determined whether or not the determination result is a big hit or a small win (step 3110). If it is a big hit or a small win (Yes in step 3110), a prefetch result notification command (in FIG. Is set (step 3111), and if it is lost (No in step 3110), a normal command is set (step 3112), and the pre-determination process ends. The normal command is a command for displaying only the number of holds without notifying the result of the prior determination (prefetching) in a hold display effect described later. These set commands are included in the pending number increase command (see steps 606 and 612 in FIG. 6), and are transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output process (see step 506 in FIG. 5).

  It is also conceivable to employ control not shown in FIG. 31 in the prior determination process. For example, if it is a loss (No in step 3110), it is determined whether or not a reach effect is performed during the change, and if it is determined that a reach effect is performed, a reach command is set. In addition, when it is determined in advance that it is a jackpot (Yes in step 3110), the type of jackpot is determined in advance.

  For example, when it is a loss (No in step 3110) and a predetermined condition is satisfied, a pre-read result notification command (simply described as a notification command in the figure) may be set. In this way, by providing a mixture of information other than the information indicating the determination result of the prior determination as it is, it is possible for the player to guess the determination result as compared with the case where only the information indicating the determination result is provided as it is. Because it is possible, it can be more interesting.

[Preliminary production by production control unit]
In the pachinko gaming machine 100, when a game ball wins further to the starting port during a special symbol change and a holding ball is generated, the first special symbol hold display on the display 130 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). Display according to the number of holdings is performed by the device 218 and the second special symbol holding display 219. Further, in addition to the display by the display device 130, the pachinko gaming machine 100 performs an effect (holding display effect) for displaying information (presence / absence, number of holds, etc.) regarding the reserved ball on the image display unit 114 as a part of the effect display. There is. Furthermore, when a preliminary determination is made regarding the holding ball as described above, a notice effect that informs or suggests the determination result can be performed. In order to perform this notice effect, the effect control unit 300 performs the notification command reception process.

  As described above, the notification command and the normal command are sent from the game control unit 200 to the effect control unit 300 in the pending number increase command. Therefore, in the command reception process (see step 1811 in FIG. 18B and FIG. 19), when receiving the hold number increase command, the effect control unit 300 sets the hold number addition and sets the hold number command (step 1901). In addition, the notification command or the normal command is extracted from the pending number increase command and stored in the RAM 303.

[Notification command acceptance processing]
FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing the contents of notification command reception processing by the effect control unit 300.
After the process at the time of reception of the above-described hold number increase command, the effect control unit 300 determines whether or not the notification command extracted from the hold number increase command is stored in the RAM 303 (step 3201). If it is determined that the notification command is stored (Yes in step 3201), the effect control unit 300 stores the storage area (the first to fourth storage units 305a to 305d and the first to fourth storages) corresponding to the current reserved ball in the RAM 303. In any of the units 306a to 306d), the hold flag and the notification flag are turned ON. When a normal command is extracted from the hold number increase command instead of the notification command, only the hold flag is turned ON (step 3202). If the notification command is not stored (No in step 3201), the notification command reception process is terminated.

  Next, the production control unit 300 determines whether or not the notification flag is ON in any of the first to fourth storage units 305a to 305d and the first to fourth storage units 306a to 306d of the RAM 303 (step) 3203). When it is determined that the notification flag is ON in any of the storage units 305a to 305d and 306a to 306d (Yes in step 3203), the effect control unit 300 next has the variation time T longer than the predetermined value K. It is determined whether or not (step 3204). If it is determined that the variation time T is greater than the predetermined value K (Yes in step 3204), a notification effect command for performing a notice effect (notification effect) is set (step 3205), and the notification command is set. The acceptance process ends.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the notification flag is not ON in any of the first to fourth storage units 305a to 305d and the first to fourth storage units 306a to 306d (No in step 3203), the fluctuation time T is a predetermined value. When it is determined that it is equal to or less than K (No in Step 3204), the effect control unit 300 sets a normal effect command for performing a normal effect that does not notify the prefetch result (Step 3206), and ends the notification command receiving process. .

  These commands are for informing the player of the number of holds in the effect control process, and individual information for each hold ball (whether the hold ball is related to the first start port 121 or the second start port 122) , And the number of the holding ball at each starting port). The notification effect command also includes information indicating which of the first to fourth storage units 305a to 305d and the first to fourth storage units 306a to 306d has the notification flag turned on.

  More specifically, the variation time T referred to here is a time during which the special symbol varies due to the jackpot determination process (see FIG. 9), and can also be referred to as a variation time related to the variation. Further, the predetermined value K is a value larger than the time (scale) necessary for performing the notice effect. For example, when the scale of the notice effect to be executed is 3 seconds, a value of 4 seconds may be adopted as the predetermined value K. This is because the notice effect cannot be performed during the symbol change unless the fluctuation time T is longer than the scale of the notice effect to be executed. Therefore, even when the notification flag is ON in any of the first to fourth storage units 305a to 305d and the first to fourth storage units 306a to 306d, the variation time T is equal to or less than the predetermined value K. Is set not a notification effect command but a normal effect command (see steps 3203, 3204, 3206).

  Note that the variation time T is not necessarily limited to one special symbol variation time (a time during which a special symbol variation relating to one winning ball (holding ball) is performed). That is, as the fluctuation time T, a time during which the symbol fluctuation is performed a plurality of times (two or three times when the upper limit of the number of holdings is four) can be set. In other words, the time obtained by adding a plurality of fluctuation times becomes the value H. In this case, the effect is performed as a notice effect (so-called continuous notice) performed over a plurality of symbol variations.

  When the notice effect spans multiple symbol fluctuations, not only guarantees the lower limit of the entire variation time T as shown in step 3104 of FIG. 31, but also the overall effect for the scale of the notice effect (continuous notice). It is necessary to limit the variation time in the symbol variation that is the target of the notice effect so that the length of the variation time T is not too long.

[Specific example of pre-reading notification effect]
[Entering the first starting port 121]
FIG. 33 is a timing chart for explaining the sound output by the speaker 156 in response to the ball entering the first start port 121.
Next, with reference to FIG. 33, a specific example of the pre-read notification effect associated with entering the first start port 121 will be described. In the example shown in FIG. 33, when entering the first starting port 121 six times (“1”, “2”, “3”, “4”, “4” in the first starting port switch 211 in FIG. 5 ”and“ 6 ”). In addition, with respect to the “6” entry of the first start port switch 211 in FIG. 33, it is determined by prior determination that it is a hit (for example, the hit type is a big hit), and other “1” to “5” input It is assumed that the ball is determined not to be a hit by prior determination.

  In the present embodiment, the speaker 156 outputs sound when the ball enters the first start port 121. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 33, when the first start port switch 211 detects the passing of the game ball, the image / sound control unit 310 of the effect control unit 300 outputs a predetermined sound to the speaker 156. Let In the present embodiment, the speaker 156 outputs a predetermined sound each time the first start port switch 211 detects the passing of the game ball (“1” to “6” in the speaker 156 in FIG. 33). reference).

  Here, in the present embodiment, the sound output from the speaker 156 notifies or suggests the pre-read information related to the holding ball. Note that the pre-reading information regarding the reserved ball is information obtained by the prior determination, and specifically includes the determination result of the prior determination and information on the variation pattern. In addition, the judgment result of the pre-judgment includes information on whether or not it is a win, information on the type of hit (big hit, small win) if it is a win, information on the type of jackpot if it is a big win . Further, as a result of the prior determination, it is conceivable to include information with or without reach. In addition, as a result of the prior determination, it may be possible to include information on the degree of expectation that is the degree at which a big hit can be expected.

With reference to FIG. 33, a specific mode of notifying the determination result of the pre-determination by the speaker 156 will be described.
First, when the first start port switch 211 detects the passage of the game ball and is determined not to be a hit by the preliminary determination (see “1” to “5” in the first start port switch 211 in FIG. 33), A sound according to a predetermined rule is output (see “1” to “5” in the speaker 156 in FIG. 33). In the illustrated example, each time the first start port switch 211 detects the passage of the game ball, a sound having a different pitch is output as a sound according to a predetermined rule. In other words, a sound having a pitch different from the sound output immediately before is output. In the illustrated example, “do” (see “1” and “4” in the figure), “mi” (see “2” and “5” in the figure), “so” (“3” in the figure) for each incoming ball. The sound is output in accordance with the rule of repeating the three sounds (see “)”.

On the other hand, when the first start port switch 211 detects the passing of the game ball and is determined to be a hit by the pre-determination (see “6” in the first start port 121 in FIG. 33), it is not the above hit. Is output (see “6” in the speaker 156 in FIG. 33). More specifically, in the illustrated example, as a sound different from a predetermined rule (a sound without regularity), a sound that is a semitone different from a sound to be output as a repetition of the above three sounds (a semitone goes up or down a semitone) (Sound) is output (refer to the flat “So” shown in “6” in the figure). In other words, sounds according to other rules different from the predetermined rules are output.
In this way, by changing the sound that is output depending on whether the determination result of the prior determination is a win or not, the player's expectation is noticed when the sound changes. Alternatively, the player is provided with the pleasure of guessing the game state by listening to the output sound.

In the present embodiment, as described above, a predetermined sound is output from the speaker 156 for each incoming game ball. Here, the entrance of the game ball may be continuous in time. Therefore, it is preferable that the sound output by the speaker 156 for each incoming game ball has a length that allows the player to identify individual incoming balls even when the incoming game balls are consecutive. . For example, it is conceivable to output a sound of 3 seconds or less, preferably 1 second or less, and more preferably 0.3 seconds or less for each game ball entering.
Note that, unlike the example shown in the drawing, a plurality of sounds may be output at different timings for each incoming game ball. For example, for each game ball, 2 sounds (eg, “do”, “le”), 3 sounds (eg, “do”, “le”, “mi”), or more It is possible to output.

  In addition, when changing the sound output by the speaker 156, not only the information indicating the determination result as it is, but also the sound that suggests the determination result using ambiguous expressions etc. and makes the player guess the determination result is output. You may do it.

Further, information (that is, ska information) that has nothing to do with the determination result of the prior determination may be output. In this way, by providing a mixture of information other than the information indicating the determination result of the prior determination as it is, it is possible for the player to guess the determination result as compared with the case where only the information indicating the determination result is provided as it is. Because it is possible, it can be more interesting.
Therefore, as described above, the determination result is suggested by using ambiguous expressions or the like, and the expected value of winning is notified, not the winning result itself, by outputting ska information. It becomes an aspect.

  In addition, the sound effect accompanying the above-mentioned entry (hereinafter simply referred to as the “entrance sound effect”) starts when a predetermined condition is established, and when the predetermined condition is established. You may end. In other words, it may be an aspect in which the above-described incoming sound effect is executed during a predetermined period. For example, it may be an aspect that starts with a transition to a predetermined mode and ends with a transition to a mode other than the predetermined mode.

  To explain further, the above-described incoming sound effect may not be executed when a predetermined condition is satisfied. For example, when the reach effect is being performed at the normal time, the entrance sound effect may not be performed, and when the reach effect is not performed, the entrance sound effect may be performed. .

  Moreover, the aspect which does not perform an entrance ball sound effect according to the expectation degree of the reach effect performed may be sufficient. For example, when the reach effect to be executed is a highly expected effect, the entrance sound effect is not executed, and when the reach effect to be executed is an effect with low expectation, the entrance sound effect is The mode to perform may be sufficient.

  Moreover, when it is a time-short state, the aspect which performs an entrance sound effect may not be performed, when it is not a time-short state, when a time-short state is not performed. To explain further, it may be controlled not to execute the incoming sound effect when other conditions are satisfied in addition to the short-time state. Specifically, control is performed so as not to execute the incoming sound effect when the time is short and the reach effect is performed, or when the time is short and the first start port 121 is entered. May be.

[Entering the second starting port 122]
FIGS. 34A and 34B are timing charts for explaining an example of sound output from the speaker 156 in response to the ball entering the second starting port 122. FIG.
Next, with reference to FIGS. 34A and 34B, a specific example of the pre-read notification effect related to the ball entering the second starting port 122 in the present embodiment will be described. Here, a case will be described in which the ball of the electric tulip 123 enters the second start port 122 four times while the blades of the electric tulip 123 are opened twice. 34 (a) and 34 (b), it is determined by prior determination that the second start-up switch 212 is “3” and that it is a hit (for example, the hit type is a big hit). ”,“ 2 ”, and“ 4 ”are determined not to be hit by prior determination.

In the present embodiment, similarly to the first start port 121, the speaker 156 outputs a sound in response to the ball entering the second start port 122.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 34 (a), every time the second start port switch 212 detects the passage of a game ball (“1”, “2” in the second start port switch 212 in FIG. 34 (a)). ”,“ 3 ”and“ 4 ”), the speaker 156 outputs a predetermined sound (see“ 1 ”,“ 2 ”,“ 3 ”and“ 4 ”in the speaker 156 of FIG. 34).

  Here, in the illustrated example, each time the second start port switch 212 detects the passing of the game ball, a sound having a different pitch is output as a sound according to a predetermined rule. In other words, a sound having a pitch different from the sound output immediately before is output. In the example shown in the figure, according to a rule that repeats two sounds of “do” (see “1” and “3” in the figure) and “mi” (see “2” and “4” in the figure) for each incoming ball, Is output.

Here, as with the first start port 121, the pre-read information (predetermined determination result) regarding the reserved ball is notified by the sound output from the speaker 156.
For example, when the second start port switch 212 detects the passing of the game ball and is determined not to be hit by the preliminary determination (“1”, “2” and “2” in the second start port switch 212 in FIG. 34A) In “4”), “do” or “mi” is output according to the predetermined rule (see “1”, “2”, and “4” in the speaker 156 in FIG. 34A).

On the other hand, when the second start port switch 212 detects the passing of the game ball and is determined to be a hit by prior determination (see “3” in the second start port switch 212 in FIG. 34A). A sound different from the case where it is determined not to be hit is output (see “3” in the speaker 156 in FIG. 34A). To explain further, in the example shown in the figure, a sound that is different from the next sound to be output by a semitone (a sound that goes up or down by a semitone) is output as a repetition of the above two sounds (“4” in the figure). (See Sharp).
In this way, by outputting a different sound depending on whether or not the determination result of the prior determination is a win, the player's sense of expectation is noticed when the sound changes.

  In the description of FIG. 34 (a), the sound relating only to the “3” entry of the second start port switch 212, which has been determined to be a hit by the pre-determination, is different from the case where it is determined not to be a hit. I explained that it was a sound.

  However, the present invention is not limited to this mode. For example, the sound of the incoming sound effect may be changed in association with the release of the blades of the electric tulip 123. To explain further, the sound of the incoming sound effect may be changed from the entry determined to be a hit by the pre-determination until the opening of the blades of the electric tulip 123 at the time of entry ends. .

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 34 (b), a ball that has been determined to have been hit by a prior determination, that is, a ball that has entered “3” of the second start port switch 212, has entered this ball. During the opening of the blades of the electric tulip 123 (see “2” of the electric tulip 123 in FIG. 34B), that is, “4” of the second start port switch 212 in the illustrated example. The sound related to the sphere may be changed.
In other words, in the example shown in the figure, it is determined by the prior determination that the entry at the second opening of the blades of the electric tulip 123 ("3" and "4" of the second start switch 212) is not successful. A sound different from the sphere ("1" and "2" of the second start port switch 212) is output.

  In addition, although illustration is abbreviate | omitted, regarding the entrance to the electric tulip 123 opened until the reservation ball | bowl determined to be this hit is digested from the entrance ball determined to be a hit by prior determination, it is the above-mentioned Different sound outputs may be continued.

[Modification 1]
FIGS. 35A to 35D are diagrams for explaining the first modification.
In the description of FIG. 33 and FIG. 34 above, it has been described that the determination result of the prior determination is notified by changing the pitch, but the present invention is not limited to this. It is only necessary that the player can recognize (estimate) the determination result of the pre-determination based on the change in the output sound.

  For example, an aspect as shown to Fig.35 (a) thru | or (d) may be sufficient. Here, FIGS. 35A to 35D are diagrams for explaining the sound output from the speaker 156 when the first start port 121 is entered. In FIGS. 35A to 35D, the first starting port 121 is entered six times, and the sixth entry (see “6” in each of FIGS. 35A to 35D). A case will be described in which it is determined that the winning is a win (for example, the hit type is a big win).

  As shown in FIG. 35 (a), the sound length (output time) may be changed. That is, when it is determined that the winning is not determined by the prior determination, “do” (see “1” and “4” in the figure), “mi” (see “2” and “5” in the figure), A sound having a predetermined length is output in accordance with a rule for repeating three sounds of “seo” (see “3” in the figure). On the other hand, when it is determined to be a win by the pre-determination, a sound having a length different from the sound output by this rule (a long sound in the illustrated example) is output (“6” in the figure). "reference).

  Further, as shown in FIG. 35 (b), the sound quality may be changed. That is, when it is determined that the hit is not made in advance, a sound is output in accordance with a rule for outputting a so-called electronic sound for each ball. On the other hand, when it is determined that the winning is determined by the prior determination, a sound different from the electronic sound, that is, a bell sound is output in the illustrated example (see “6” in the figure). ). In addition to the bell sound, various modes such as a musical instrument performance sound, a pistol firing sound, an animal sound, a human sound are conceivable.

  Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 35 (c), the volume may be changed. That is, when it is determined that the winning is not determined by the prior determination, a sound is output according to a rule of outputting at a predetermined volume for each incoming ball. On the other hand, if it is determined that the winning is determined by the prior determination, it is out of this rule and is output at a volume different from the case where it is determined not to be determined by the prior determination (in the illustrated example, a large volume). (See “6” in the figure). Note that, unlike the example shown in the figure, the sound volume may be lower than the case where it is determined that it is not hit by the prior determination, or the sound volume may be zero (silence).

  Moreover, as shown in FIG.35 (d), the aspect which changes a frequency | count may be sufficient. That is, when it is determined that the winning is not determined by the prior determination, the sound is output according to a rule that is output at a predetermined number of times (one time in the illustrated example) for each incoming ball. On the other hand, when it is determined to be a win by the pre-determination, the number of times deviating from this rule and different from the predetermined number of times (see “6” in the figure, twice in the illustrated example) is output. Is done.

Note that the sound to be output may be changed by combining some or all of the above-described pitch, sound length, sound quality, volume, number of times, and the like. In addition, here, the sound output from the speaker 156 when the ball enters the first start port 121 has been described. Various changes according to sound quality, volume, number of times, etc. can be adopted.
Moreover, although the above demonstrated outputting the sound of a pitch different from the sound adjacent to every entrance as a sound according to a predetermined rule, it is not limited to this. For example, the same sound may be output for each ball as the sound according to a predetermined rule.

[Modification 2]
FIGS. 36A to 36C are diagrams for explaining the second modification.
In the above description, the sound output from the speaker 156 as the ball enters the first start port 121 and the second start port 122 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the speaker 156 may output a sound as a result of entering the winning prize opening 125.

  Here, with reference to FIGS. 36 (a) to 36 (c), a description will be given of the sound that is output as a result of entering the winning prize opening 125. FIG. Here, a case will be described in which when the grand prize opening 125 is opened once (see FIG. 36A), the open state is maintained until the big prize opening 125 fills 10 game balls.

First, as shown in FIG. 36 (b), the speaker 156 outputs a predetermined sound, for example, a sound raised by one sound as a default every time the player enters the winning prize opening 125.
Here, when the big winning opening 125 starts the jackpot game, there is a holding ball that is determined to be a win (for example, the type of the win is a big hit) by the prior determination, that is, a so-called holding ream (reserved reaming continuous chain) It may become. In the case of this retentive run, as shown in FIG. 36 (c), the sound to be output is changed in accordance with the ball entering the special winning opening 125. In the illustrated example, a sound different from the default by a semitone is output. In this way, by notifying the pending ream by the change of sound, the player is motivated to continue the game after the big hit game.

[Modification 3]
FIGS. 37A to 37D are diagrams for explaining the third modification. In FIGS. 37 (a) to 37 (d), when the big prize opening 125 is opened once (see FIG. 37 (a)), the big prize opening 125 is in an open state until ten game balls are filled. The case where it maintains is shown.
In the above description, it has been described that the sound output from the speaker 156 is changed and the determination result of the prior determination is notified, but the present invention is not limited to this. The information to be notified is not particularly limited as long as the sound output from the speaker 156 is changed to notify (suggest) predetermined information to the player. In other words, it may be an aspect that suggests some information by changing the rule of sound to be output.

For example, as shown in FIGS. 37 (a) to 37 (d), the number of balls entered for each round that the big prize opening 125 opens may be suggested by the sound output from the speaker 156.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 37 (b), as a default, the speaker 156 outputs a sound in accordance with a predetermined rule of outputting a sound raised by one sound for each ball at a constant volume. . With this configuration, the player can grasp the number of balls entered into the big prize opening 125 without looking at the big prize opening 125.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 37 (c), when 11 balls are entered beyond the 10 game balls that are the timing at which the grand prize opening 125 should be closed, the 11th sound is changed to the 10th sound. Sounds that do not follow the rules may be used. In the illustrated example, for the eleventh entry (see “11” in the figure), a high-pitched “fa” is output and the volume is increased. As a result, the player can more surely understand that the player has entered a ball exceeding the prescribed number in one round.

Note that, as shown in FIG. 37 (d), a sound that reads out the number of balls entered into the big winning opening 125 for each round may be output. That is, the speaker 156 outputs a sound while following a predetermined rule of the number of balls entered into the big winning opening 125 for each round. Further explaining, in the illustrated example, “Ichi!”, “Ni!”, “San!”, “Shi!”, “Go!”, “Roku!”, “Nana!”, “Hachi!” , "Cue!", "Joo!" With this configuration, the player can more easily grasp the number of balls entered into the big prize opening 125.
Although illustration is omitted, as in the example described with reference to FIG. 37 (c), when 11 balls are entered beyond 10 game balls, the 11th sound is a sound according to a predetermined rule. May be different sounds.

  In addition, although illustration is abbreviate | omitted, the sound which the speaker 156 outputs may be changed and the opening | release of the following electric tulip 123 may be suggested, for example. The player who knows the next opening of the electric tulip 123 continues the game without stopping the launch of the game ball.

[Modification 4]
FIG. 38 is a diagram for explaining the fourth modification.
In the above description, it has been described that the speaker 156 outputs sound as the first starting port 121, the second starting port 122, and the big winning port 125 enter, but the gate 124 and the normal winning port 126 are described. A sound may be generated with each of the balls.

  In addition, a sound may be generated for a ball entering a plurality of winning ports among the first starting port 121, the second starting port 122, the big winning port 125, the gate 124, and the normal winning port 126. In this way, when a sound is generated for a plurality of winning holes, the generated sound may be different for each winning hole. With such a configuration, it is possible to grasp which winning opening the player has entered without looking at each winning opening.

More specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 38, when the ball enters the first start port 121 and the first start port switch 211 detects the passage of the game ball (in the figure, the first start port switch 211 ( 1), (2), and (3)), the speaker 156 outputs “mi” (see (1), (3), and (5) of the speaker 156 in the figure). In addition, when the ball enters the gate 124 and the gate switch 214 detects the passing of the game ball (see (1), (2) and (3) of the gate switch 214 in the figure), the speaker 156 turns “L”. (See (2), (4), (6) of the speaker 156 in the figure).
Further, when it is determined that the winning is determined by the prior determination, a sound different from the sound according to this rule is output (see (5) and (6) of the speaker 156 in the figure).

Note that priority is given to entering a winning opening from any of the five winning openings of the first starting opening 121, the second starting opening 122, the gate 124, the big winning opening 125, and the normal winning opening 126. May be generated.
For example, in the case of performing the pitching sound production to all the five winning entrances, when the timing of entering the big winning entrance 125 and the entrance to another winning entrance overlap, While the incoming sound effect is performed, the incoming sound effect of the other winning entrances with overlapping timings may not be executed. Note that, unlike this example, although a pitching sound effect for a winning opening that is not prioritized is executed, the output volume may be reduced.

  In addition, according to a predetermined condition, it may be switched which of the winning entrances is given priority. For example, when performing the entrance sound effect to the first start port 121 and the second start port 122, priority is given to entering the first start port 121 in normal times, and to the second start port 122 in the short time state. You may give priority to entering. In addition, as for the winning sound effect of the prize opening which is not prioritized, either the aspect in which the incoming sound effect is not executed or the aspect in which the incoming sound effect of the winning opening which is not prioritized is executed but the output volume is reduced. Also good.

[Modification 5]
FIG. 39 is a diagram for explaining the fifth modification.
In the above description of FIG. 33 and the like, it has been described that a sound according to a predetermined rule is output for each game ball entering, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, even if a game ball enters, a mode in which no sound is output when a predetermined condition is satisfied may be employed.

  For example, when a game ball continuously enters the first start port 121 (or the second start port 122), whether or not the input ball is on hold up to the limit number (for example, four) for the unchanged amount. However, it may be a mode for switching whether or not to execute the incoming sound effect.

Here, as shown in FIG. 39, description will be given of a case where the first start port 121 is continuously entered six times (see “1” to “6” in the figure). In the illustrated example, the incoming sound effect is executed according to a rule (regularity) of repeating three sounds of “do”, “mi”, and “so” for each incoming ball.
Further, it is assumed that the entry of “5” in FIG. 39 is an entry exceeding 4 which is the limit number of unchanging parts at the time of entry. In addition, it is assumed that the incoming ball “6” in FIG. 39 is an incoming ball that is equal to or less than the limit number of the unchanged portion as a result of digesting the unchanged portion after the incoming “5”.

  In the illustrated example, the entrance sound effect is not executed for the entrance of “5”, and the entrance sound effect is executed for the entrance of “6”. In other words, the incoming sound effect is paused for the incoming “5”. Further, when the entrance sound effect is resumed after the stop for the entrance of “5”, that is, the entrance sound effect for the entrance of “6” is the entrance before the stop (the entrance of “4”). It is executed to continue from. In other words, with respect to the incoming sound effect, in a state where a predetermined condition is established, the above-mentioned regularity is ignored and the sound to be output next is determined.

  More specifically, in the incoming sound effect in the illustrated example, the “4” incoming ball is counted, the subsequent “5” incoming ball is not counted, and the “6” incoming ball is counted. That is, regarding the incoming sound effect, the incoming number “5” in a state where the predetermined condition is satisfied is not counted. As a result, “Mi” is output for the incoming “6” after “Do” is output for the incoming “4”.

  In addition, if the number of “5” incoming balls is counted differently from the illustrated example, “So” is output for the incoming “6” unlike the illustrated example. That is, “So” related to the “6” entry is output after “Do” related to the “4” entry, and as a result, the above rules for repeating “Do”, “Mi”, and “So” are not followed. It becomes a state. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 39, by not counting the “5” incoming ball in terms of the incoming sound effect, it is possible to prevent the output sound from deviating from regularity. Moreover, it is suppressed that it becomes difficult for a player to guess the state of a game.

[Modification 6]
FIG. 40 is a diagram for explaining the sixth modification.
In the description of FIG. 33 and the like, it has been described that the speaker 156 outputs a sound according to a predetermined rule for each incoming game ball. In addition to the sound according to the predetermined rule, the speaker 156 Other sounds such as music may be output.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 40, when a game ball enters the first starting port 121 (see “0” in the first starting port switch 211 in FIG. 40), the special symbol variation is started and the speaker 156 The output of music A is started.

  When the game ball enters the first start port 121 while the speaker 156 is outputting the music A after the special symbol change starts (“1” in the first start port switch 211 in FIG. 40). Through 6), the speaker 156 outputs a sound in accordance with a predetermined rule for each game ball (see output 1 in FIG. 40). During this time, the speaker 156 continues to output the music piece A (see output 2 in FIG. 40).

  In addition, the speaker 156 satisfies a predetermined condition (for example, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the music A was started, or to the predetermined number of first start ports 121 after the music A was started). The output of the music A is stopped.

Unlike the example shown in the drawing, the next entry (see the first start opening in FIG. 40) after the entry (see “0” in the first start opening switch 211 in FIG. 40) that triggers the output of the music A. The music A may be stopped or the volume of the music A may be lowered when triggered by “1” in the switch 211).
In addition, unlike the example shown in the figure, the trigger for starting the output of the music piece A may be a condition other than the entry, for example, based on a signal from the RTC 304 or when a predetermined time is reached. Good.

  Also, unlike the example shown in the drawing, in advance of the entrance of the music A (see “0” in the first start port switch 211 in FIG. 40), the game ball enters in advance as described above. You may output the sound according to the defined rule (refer the output 1 of FIG. 40). That is, the output of the music A and the output of the sound for each game ball may be triggered by the same ball.

[Other variations]
In the above description, it has been described that the sound to be output changes depending on whether or not the determination result of the prior determination is a win, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in addition to whether or not the judgment result of the pre-judgment is a win, the sound may be further changed according to the type of jackpot. Specifically, the sound to be output is changed according to the presence / absence of probability change, the presence / absence of time reduction, and the like. In other words, when there is a certain change, it outputs a louder sound than when there is no certain change, and when there is a short time, it outputs a longer sound than when there is no short time. Sound may be output.

  In addition, for example, when a falling lottery that ends the probability variation state is performed, and when the winning lottery is won and the mode is shifted to the normal mode, the sound output is changed according to the result of the falling lottery. You may let them. In other words, the falling sound may be notified by an output sound.

  Further, in the above description, it is described that a sound is generated by combining some or all of the first start port 121, the second start port 122, the big winning port 125, the gate 124, and the normal winning port 126. did. Here, in the case of generating a plurality of these sounds, it may be set which winning opening is prioritized.

  For example, in the case of outputting a sound for entering a ball into the second starting port 122 and the gate 124, if the timing of outputting the sound is duplicated, a sound related to entering the ball into the second starting port 122 is output and the gate is output. The sound related to entering the ball 124 is stopped. Thus, the player can more reliably grasp the sound related to entering the second start port 122.

  In addition, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the output of the sound of the incoming sound effect may be stopped. For example, when the player is in an advantageous state (for example, when making a right-hand hit), the incoming sound effect is stopped in order to concentrate the player's attention on the effect by the image display unit 114 or the like. May be.

Further, in the above description, it has been described that a sound is output for each ball, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the sound may be output at a predetermined interval (for example, every other ball).
Further, the output of the changed sound may be continued until the reserved ball determined to be the winning ball is digested from the incoming ball determined to be the winning ball by the prior determination.

  In the above description, the sound according to a predetermined rule has been described. Here, various modifications can be considered for the sound according to the predetermined rule. For example, as a sound according to a predetermined rule, there is a regularity based on a combination of abnormal sounds that allows the player to recognize the order, or a sound according to a regularity based on a combination of the same sounds. For example, the sounds that follow the rules for combinations of unusual sounds include combinations of “A”, “I”, “U”, “E”, “O”, etc., “I”, “B”, “C”, etc. , “A”, “B”, “C”, and the like. In addition, as sounds according to the same-sound rule, there are combinations of “do”, “do”, “do”, and combinations of chords composed of a plurality of different sounds.

  Further, the music may be played (reproduced) by the sound output for each incoming ball. For example, in the case of an ST gaming machine, that is, when the period of the high probability gaming state is limited and the special symbol variation display is executed a specified number of times (for example, 50 times) in the high probability gaming state, the high probability gaming state When a mode (so-called special time (ST)) for changing to a low-probability gaming state is employed, music is played by individual entry into the second start port 122 at the special time.

  To explain further, for example, when the special time reaches the specified number of times (for example, 50 times) while outputting the sound constituting the music every time the ball enters the second start port 122 at the special time, Set so that the performance of the music ends. Thus, the player can recognize which sound in the music is being output, and can grasp the remaining number of times up to the specified number of times.

Further, unlike the above-described embodiment, a mode in which a sound according to a predetermined rule is output each time a game ball is launched may be used.
More specifically, a sensor (switch) for detecting the passage of a game ball fired from a launching device (not shown) as the player operates the handle 151 (FIG. 1) is provided as described above. You may perform a pitching sound production. That is, a mode in which a sound according to a predetermined rule is output every time the sensor detects the passage of a game ball may be used.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the following configuration is adopted in order to provide a gaming machine capable of performing an unprecedented production accompanying the entry of a gaming ball.
That is, the gaming machine has special game determination means (for example, the game control unit 200) for determining whether or not to perform a special game advantageous to the player when the start condition is established, and the special game determination means (for example, game). Based on the determination result by the control unit 200), the symbol display means (for example, the first special symbol display 221) for stopping and displaying the determination result after changing the symbol, and the game ball to the entrance The design changes by the detection means (for example, the first start port switch 211) for detecting the incoming ball and the symbol display means (for example, the first special symbol indicator 221) are started and the music is output. And an output means (for example, a speaker 156) that outputs a predetermined sound in accordance with a predetermined rule every time a ball is detected by the detection means (for example, the first start port switch 211). It can be characterized by obtaining.
In more detail, the output means (for example, the speaker 156) is determined by the determination means (for example, the game control unit 200) for determining whether or not to shift to a state advantageous to the player in a predetermined case. When it is determined that the state does not shift to a favorable state, a sound is output according to a predetermined rule with a higher probability than when it is determined that the advantageous state is shifted, and the determination means (for example, the game control unit 200) When it is determined to shift to an advantageous state, a sound different from that according to the predetermined rule is output with a higher probability than when it is determined not to shift to the advantageous state. Can do. In this way, it can be estimated whether or not the player shifts to an advantageous state based on the output sound.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the following configuration is adopted in order to provide a gaming machine capable of performing an unprecedented production accompanying the entry of a gaming ball.
That is, the entrance (for example, the 2nd starting port 122) where a game ball enters, the mode in which the entrance to the entrance (for example, the 2nd starting port 122) is easy, and the entrance (for example, , An electric accessory (for example, electric tulip 123) that performs an opening and closing operation so as to switch between a mode in which it is difficult to enter the second starting port 122), and the above-mentioned entrance (for example, the second starting port) 122), when the entrance is detected by the detection means (for example, the second starter switch 212) and the detection means (for example, the second starter switch 212), For example, an output means (for example, a speaker 156) that outputs a predetermined sound in accordance with a predetermined rule for each opening operation of the electric tulip 123) can be provided.
In more detail, the output means (for example, the speaker 156) is determined by the determination means (for example, the game control unit 200) for determining whether or not to shift to a state advantageous to the player in a predetermined case. When it is determined that the state does not shift to a favorable state, a sound is output according to a predetermined rule with a higher probability than when it is determined that the advantageous state is shifted, and the determination means (for example, the game control unit 200) When it is determined to shift to an advantageous state, a sound different from that according to the predetermined rule is output with a higher probability than when it is determined not to shift to the advantageous state. Can do. In this way, it can be estimated whether or not the player shifts to an advantageous state based on the output sound.

In the present embodiment, in the main control process of the game control unit 200, the operation of finally outputting the commands generated in each process of the main control process to the effect control unit 300 has been described (FIG. 5-3). reference).
In the present embodiment, in the basic process that is initially executed by the game control unit 200 when the power is restored, the main control process is performed in order to output a command or the like for instructing the initialization to the effect control unit 300. The function (subroutine) of the output control unit 240 used in the above is called and executed (see FIG. 5A).
In this embodiment, the command output from the game control unit 200 to the effect control unit 300 is composed of a “code unit” and a “data unit”, and an identification flag is provided for each head bit. This has been described (see FIG. 19-1).
Further, in the present embodiment, a configuration has been described in which a part of a “code part” of a command output from the game control unit 200 to the effect control unit 300 is used to describe a data value.

[Technical features of the present embodiment]
As described above, in this embodiment, in the main control process repeatedly executed at predetermined time intervals by the game control unit 200 in order to reduce the increase in the control command for controlling the operation of the game control means, one cycle At the end of the main control process, the commands generated by the execution of the one cycle are collected and output to the effect control unit 300. In other words, a gaming machine that achieves the above-described purpose is a gaming machine that produces an effect according to the progress of the game (for example, a pachinko gaming machine 100), and performs a main control process that is a series of processes related to the progress of the game. A game control means (for example, a game control unit 200) that repeatedly executes according to conditions and generates data including information on a game obtained by executing the main control process, and executes a series of the main control processes in one cycle Output means (for example, the output control unit 240) for outputting the data generated by the execution of the one cycle after the last data is generated in the execution of the one cycle, and the output means (For example, an effect control unit 300) that receives data output from the output control unit 240 and performs an effect based on the received data. Equipped with a.
In this way, since it is not necessary to perform output processing for each generated data, control instructions for performing output processing can be reduced, and an increase in program size can be suppressed. In addition, since it is not necessary to perform output processing every time data is generated, the time required for the entire output processing can be shortened.
More specifically, in the above gaming machine, storage means (for example, RAM 203) for storing the data generated by the main control processing in a storage area (for example, command storage area) set for each data is provided. The game control means (for example, the game control unit 200) further stores the data generated in the main control process in the storage area (for example, command storage area) associated with the generated data, The output means (for example, the output control unit 240) checks whether data is stored in each storage area of the storage means (for example, the RAM 203), and obtains data from the storage area where the data is stored. Read and output.
In this way, each time the output process is performed, each storage area is checked and the stored data is output, so that leakage of data output can be prevented.

Another game machine that achieves the above object is a game machine (for example, pachinko game machine 100) that produces an effect according to the progress of the game, and is a series of processes related to the progress of the game. Is repeatedly executed according to a predetermined condition, and a game control means (for example, a game control unit 200) for executing a special process different from the main control process according to a condition different from the main control process, and the game control means ( For example, it includes an effect control unit (for example, an effect control unit 300) that receives data output from the game control unit 200) and performs a process related to the effect based on the data, and the game control unit in the main control process The process (for example, the game control unit 200) performs a process based on the progress of the game and generates data including information obtained by executing the process 1 Or the part which calls and executes a plurality of first processing means (for example, the game control unit 200) and the data generated by the execution of the first processing means (for example, the game control unit 200) are the effect control. A second processing means (for example, the output control section 240) that outputs to the means (for example, the effect control section 300), and executes the game control means (for example, the game control section) in the special processing. 200) includes a part for executing a setting process for setting a gaming machine (for example, a pachinko gaming machine 100), and data generated in the setting process as the second processing means in the main control process ( For example, the output control unit 240) can be called and output to the effect control means (for example, the effect control unit 300).
In this way, there is no need to prepare individual control instructions for the output processing of data generated by special processing, so control instructions for output processing are reduced and the increase in program size is suppressed. can do.
More specifically, the above gaming machine further comprises storage means (for example, a RAM 203) for storing the data generated in the main control process in a storage area set for each data, and the main control process The first processing means (for example, the game control unit 200) in the table sequentially stores the data generated by executing the process in the storage area (for example, command storage area) associated with the generated data, The second processing means (for example, the output control unit 240) in the main control process checks whether data is stored in each storage area of the storage means (for example, the RAM 203), and stores the data. The data is read out from the storage area that is being output and output, and in the setting process in the special process, the data generated in the setting process is憶 means (e.g., RAM 203) is stored in a predetermined said memory area in.
In this way, each time the output process is performed, each storage area is checked and the stored data is output, so that leakage of data output can be prevented.

Also, in this embodiment, in order to improve the accuracy of data transmission from the game control means to the effect control means, a predetermined bit of “code” as the first data portion and “data” as the second data portion A predetermined bit of “is used as a flag for identifying“ code ”and“ data ”. In other words, a gaming machine that achieves the above-described purpose is a gaming machine that produces an effect in accordance with the progress of the game (for example, a pachinko gaming machine 100), and executes a main control process related to the progress of the game, and the main control process The game control means (for example, the game control unit 200) that generates and outputs data including information relating to the game obtained by executing the game, and the data output from the game control means (for example, the game control unit 200) And an effect control means (for example, the effect control unit 300) that performs processing related to the effect based on the received data, and the data generated by the game control means (for example, the game control unit 200) includes: a A first data portion (for example, “code”) having a size of bits (a is an integer of 2 or more) and the value of the first 1 bit specified as either 1 or 0, and n × a The first 1-bit value is specified to be different from the first 1-bit value of the first data portion (for example, “code”). 2 data portions (for example, “data”).
In this way, since the first data portion and the second data portion can be clearly distinguished by recognizing the value of the leading 1 bit, data transmission from the game control means to the effect control means The accuracy can be improved.
More preferably, in the gaming machine, the second data portion (for example, “data”) of the data generated by the game control means (for example, the game control unit 200) is a bit from the beginning. Is set to the same value as the value of the first one bit.
In this way, even when the size of the second data portion is large, it is easy to identify each of the second data portions by dividing each specific size.

In the present embodiment, the data sent from the game control means to the effect control means even when it is necessary to send large-size data, such as when a command specifying a variation pattern to be executed is sent. In order to suppress an increase in the overall size, a predetermined bit of “code” that is the first data portion is used to describe the data value, and a part of “code” and “data” that is the second data portion In this paper, we proposed a method for describing data values. In other words, a gaming machine that achieves the above-described purpose is a gaming machine that produces an effect in accordance with the progress of the game (for example, a pachinko gaming machine 100), and executes a main control process related to the progress of the game, and the main control process The game control means (for example, the game control unit 200) that generates and outputs data including information relating to the game obtained by executing the game, and the data output from the game control means (for example, the game control unit 200) And an effect control means (for example, the effect control unit 300) that receives and processes the effect based on the data, and the data generated by the game control means (for example, the game control unit 200) is a bit A first data portion (for example, “code”) having a size of (a is an integer of 3 or more) and the value of the first 1 bit specified as either 1 or 0, and n × a bits n is an integer greater than or equal to 1), and the first 1-bit value is specified to be different from the first 1-bit value of the first data portion (for example, “code”). (For example, “data”), and a predetermined bit constituting the first data part (eg “code”) and a bit constituting the second data part (eg “data”) The data of a predetermined type is recorded, and other types different from the data of the predetermined type are used by using the remaining bits except the predetermined bit in the first data portion (for example, “code”). The data can be recorded.
Another gaming machine according to the present invention that achieves the above object is a gaming machine (for example, a pachinko gaming machine 100) that produces an effect in accordance with the progress of the game, and executes main control processing relating to the progress of the game. From the game control means (for example, the game control unit 200) that generates and outputs data including information related to the game obtained by executing the main control process, and the game control means (for example, the game control unit 200) Production control means (for example, production control unit 300) that receives the output data and performs processing related to production based on the data, and is generated by the game control unit (for example, game control unit 200). The data has a size of a bit (a is an integer of 3 or more), and the first data portion (for example, “code”) in which the value of the first 1 bit is specified as either 1 or 0, A second data portion (eg, “data”) having a bit size and a value of the leading 1 bit different from a value of the leading 1 bit of the first data portion (eg, “code”) ), And b bits (b is smaller than a-1 and an integer greater than or equal to 1) constituting the first data portion (for example, “code”) and the second data portion (for example, “data”) )) And data having a size of (a + b) bits can be recorded.
With the above configuration, the size of data to be recorded in the second data portion can be increased without changing the total size of the first data portion and the second data portion. When large data is sent from the game control means to the effect control means, an increase in the size of the entire transmitted data can be suppressed.

  The pachinko gaming machine 100 (see FIG. 1) is an example of a gaming machine. The game control unit 200 (see FIG. 3) is an example of a game control unit. The production control unit 300 (see FIG. 3) is an example of production control means. The output control unit 240 (see FIG. 4) is an example of an output unit. The RAM 203 (see FIG. 3) is an example of a storage unit. The command storage area is an example of a storage area.

100 ... Pachinko machine (an example of a game machine)
122 ... 2nd starting port (an example of a entrance)
123 ... Electric tulip (an example of an electric accessory)
156 ... Speaker (an example of output means)
200 ... Game control unit (an example of determination means)
212 ... 2nd starting port switch (an example of a detection means)

The present invention that achieves the above object is realized as the following gaming machine. This gaming machine includes a ball entrance (for example, the second start port 122) through which a game ball enters, a mode in which the ball can be easily entered into the ball entrance (for example, the second start port 122), and the ball An electric accessory (for example, an electric tulip 123) that performs an opening and closing operation so as to switch a mode in which it is difficult to enter the mouth (for example, the second start port 122), and the above-mentioned entrance (for example, the first entrance) Detection means (for example, the second start port switch 212), determination information acquisition means for acquiring determination information when the detection means detects a ball entry , A determination unit that determines whether or not to play a game advantageous to the player based on the determination information stored in the storage unit and a storage unit that stores the determination information acquired by the determination information acquisition unit up to a predetermined upper limit number means, said detecting means (eg If, when the ball entrance is detected by the second start hole switch 212), said electric combination thereof (e.g., outputs a predetermined sound according to the predetermined rule for each opening operation of the electric tulip 123), the storage When the means stores the predetermined upper limit number of the determination information, an output means (for example, a speaker 156) is provided that does not output the predetermined sound even if the detection means detects a ball entry. Can be characterized.
In more detail, the output means (for example, the speaker 156) is determined by the determination means (for example, the game control unit 200) for determining whether or not to shift to a state advantageous to the player in a predetermined case. When it is determined that the state does not shift to a favorable state, a sound is output according to a predetermined rule with a higher probability than when it is determined that the advantageous state is shifted, and the determination means (for example, the game control unit 200) When it is determined to shift to an advantageous state, a sound different from that according to the predetermined rule is output with a higher probability than when it is determined not to shift to the advantageous state. Can do. In this way, it can be estimated whether or not the player shifts to an advantageous state based on the output sound.

Claims (2)

The entrance where game balls enter,
An electric accessory that performs an opening and closing operation so as to switch between an aspect in which entry into the entrance is easy and an aspect in which entry into the entrance is difficult;
Detection means for detecting entry into the entrance,
When a ball is detected by the detection means, the game machine further comprises an output means for outputting a predetermined sound according to a predetermined rule for each opening operation of the electric accessory. When the determination means for determining whether or not to shift to an advantageous state for the player in a predetermined case determines that the output means does not shift to the advantageous state, the output means determines to shift to the advantageous state Output a sound according to a predetermined rule with a higher probability,
When the determination means determines to shift to the advantageous state, it outputs a sound different from the case according to the predetermined rule with a higher probability than when it is determined not to shift to the advantageous state. The gaming machine according to claim 1.

Images