JP2017029864A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To suppress disadvantage imposed on a player after returning from power-off.SOLUTION: When a power-off state occurs during operation of a variable start winning device 28, an image displayed on a liquid crystal screen disappears due to a stop of power supplied to a liquid crystal display (D). Since power is not supplied to an ordinary electric accessory solenoid that activates the variable start winning device 28, the variable start winning device 28 falls in a closed state with a start winning port 28a closed (D). When the power-off state is dissolved, an image corresponding to a recovery standby state is displayed on the liquid crystal screen (E, F). When the recovery standby state finishes, it then moves onto a recovering state in which a recovery performance (Y1) and a right-hand shot performance (X1) are executed on the liquid crystal screen (G). Furthermore, a shooting position designation display lamp is turned on. In the variable start winning device 28, the start winning port 28a is opened by using the transfer to the recovering state as a trigger (G).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 46

Description

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

Conventionally, as a gaming machine of this type, there is a technique that can notify a player of a gaming state at the time of power recovery as well as power recovery at the time of power recovery after a power-off condition occurs (for example, a patent) Reference 1).
In the technique of Patent Document 1, since the backup power is supplied to the RAM of the main board when the power is cut off, the game content is stored even if the external power supply is cut off. After that, when the supply of power is resumed, an additional symbol having a specific pattern that differs depending on the stored gaming state is displayed on the display screen, and a combination of effect symbols indicating disparity is displayed on the display screen as an initial screen. it's shown.
For this reason, according to the technique of Patent Document 1, it is considered that the player can know that the power of the gaming machine has been restored, and at the same time can easily know the gaming state when the power is restored.

Further, as another prior art, a gaming machine is known in which a player can perform an appropriate launch operation when power is restored and can obtain a profit that should normally be obtained (see, for example, Patent Document 2). .
In the technique of Patent Literature 2, a power return state command is transmitted from the main control board to the effect control board based on the gaming state at the time of power return, and the effect control board receives the power return state command. Based on this, firing guidance information such as left-handed or right-handed is output.
For this reason, according to the technology of Patent Document 2, even when the power is restored after a game interruption due to a power failure or the like, the player can immediately perform an appropriate launch operation and acquire the profit that should normally be obtained. It is thought that you can.

JP 2007-319183 A JP 2012-34893 A

With the technique of Patent Document 1, the player can easily know the gaming state when the power is restored, but even if the gaming state is known when the power is restored, there is no such benefit.
Here, it is assumed that a power-off state occurs while the variable pitching device (for example, a so-called electric tulip or attacker) is open.

  In this case, since the variable pitching device is closed at the moment when the power-off state occurs, the game ball cannot enter the variable pitching device thereafter. However, in a gaming machine having a backup function, the remaining opening time of the variable pitching device is backed up. For this reason, when the supply of power is resumed, the variable pitching device is opened for the remaining opening time. Therefore, even if a power interruption occurs during opening of the variable pitching device, there is no change in the total opening time of the variable pitching device, so there is no particular disadvantage for the player. It may not be possible.

However, once the power is cut off, the display on the liquid crystal screen disappears, so that the game flow is interrupted at that time.
When the supply of power is resumed and the power-off condition is resolved, the variable pitching device opens suddenly for the remaining opening time, so the variable pitching device opens for the remaining opening time. Even so, players often do not realize the fact.

  In this regard, when the power-off state is resolved, the technology of Patent Document 2 outputs firing guidance information such as left-handed or right-handed, but after power-off recovery (return from power-off state) Since the game ball launch position is notified (after the processing is completed), if the remaining release time has already expired, the game ball may not be launched in time. This point is also clear from the fact that the effect symbol variation display effect is executed during the notification of the launch position.

Then, in the technique of Patent Document 2, there is a possibility that the game ball cannot be entered into the variable pitching device after the power failure is restored, and the player can obtain the profit for the remaining opening time. It will disappear.
In particular, in a gaming machine in which any lottery is executed in response to a ball entering with a variable pitching device, there is a possibility that a serious disadvantage may be given to the player after the power is restored.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique that can prevent a player from being disadvantaged after power-off recovery.

The present invention employs the following means in order to solve the above problems. In addition, the wording in the following brackets is an illustration to the last, and this invention is not limited to this.
Solution 1: The gaming machine of the present solution has a lottery execution means for executing a predetermined lottery when a lottery trigger occurs during the game, and when the predetermined lottery is executed, a symbol (for example, a symbol) The design is stopped and displayed in a mode (for example, a mode preliminarily associated with winning) representing the lottery result of the predetermined lottery after the display is variably displayed over a predetermined fluctuation time. When the display means and the lottery result of the predetermined lottery correspond to winning, and the symbol is stopped and displayed in a predetermined winning manner by the symbol display means, the game ball is predetermined from the closed state where the game ball cannot enter. Variable opening means for performing an opening / closing operation that changes to an open state in which a game ball can enter over a certain opening time, a ball launching means for driving the game ball toward a game area formed on the game board surface, and an external electric A game including at least information related to the operating state of the variable entry means when a power-off state is generated in which the power-supply control means connected to the power supply generates power and the power-supply control means stops generating drive power. A game information storage means for storing information, and a game state based on the game information stored in the game information storage means when generation of drive power by the power supply control means is resumed and the power-off state is resolved Game state return means for executing a return action for returning the game, return effect execution means for executing a return effect indicating that the return action is being executed during execution of the return action by the game state return means, When it is stored in the game information storage means that the variable ball entry means is operating, the ball launching is performed during the execution of the return effect by the return effect execution means. With stages a gaming machine and a launch suggested demonstration execution means for executing suggesting launch suggesting effect that hammer out game balls.

In the gaming machine of this solution, for example, the game proceeds in the following flow.
(1) When a lottery opportunity occurs during a game (a winning occurs at a start winning opening, and a game ball passes through a middle start gate or a right start gate), a predetermined lottery is performed. The predetermined lottery corresponds to, for example, a normal symbol lottery (operation lottery), a special symbol lottery (internal lottery), or the like. When this lottery opportunity occurs, a predetermined lottery is performed and the game proceeds.

(2) When the predetermined lottery of (1) is executed, the symbols (ordinary symbols and special symbols) are variably displayed over a predetermined fluctuation time, and the symbols are stopped and displayed in a manner representing the lottery result of the predetermined lottery. The It takes a certain amount of time (fluctuation time and stop display time) from the start of the symbol display to the stop display. Once the symbol display is started, the stop display is completed. The next lottery will not be held until

(3) When the lottery result of the predetermined lottery in (1) corresponds to winning, and the symbol is stopped and displayed in the predetermined winning manner according to (2) above, the variable entry means (ordinary electric accessory, special electric The accessory) performs an opening / closing operation that changes from the closed state to the open state over a predetermined opening time. While the variable ball entry means is in the open state, it is possible to generate a game ball.

(4) Ball launching means (launching handle unit) for driving a game ball toward a game area formed on the game board surface is provided. A player can drive a game ball by operating the ball launching means.
(5) In addition, power supply control means for generating drive power connected to an external power supply is provided. For example, when the power control means takes in external power from the island facility through a power cord, it can generate power required for the gaming machine. The electric power generated by the power control means is distributed to each device in the gaming machine.

(6) When a power cut-off state (power cut-off state) in which generation of drive power is cut off according to (5) above occurs, game information including at least information on the operating state of the variable entry means (3) Backup information) is stored. Note that the power-off state includes not only a power-off or power failure during operation but also a momentary power failure due to a fault such as lightning or static electricity.
(7) When the generation of drive power according to (5) above is resumed and the power-off state is resolved, that is, when the supply of power to the gaming machine is resumed, it is stored according to (6) above. Based on the game information, a return operation (return process) for returning the gaming state is executed.

(8) During the execution of the return operation according to (7) above, a return effect indicating that the return operation is being executed is executed. The return effect is an effect of displaying an image such as “Please wait for a while.
(9) When it is stored in (6) that the variable pitching means of (3) is in operation (for example, the value of the opening timer of the variable pitching means is greater than 0) In the case), during the execution of the return effect according to the above (8), the launch suggestion effect that suggests that the game ball is launched using the ball launching means of the above (4) is executed.

As described above, according to the present solution means, when the power-off state occurs during the operation of the variable entry means, it is stored that the variable entry means is in operation as information regarding the operation state of the variable entry means. Is done.
While the return operation is being executed, a return effect indicating that the return operation is being executed is executed. In the present solution, a launch suggestion effect is executed accompanying this.

  Thus, in this solution, since the launch suggestion effect is executed during the execution of the return effect, the player not only simply watches the return effect but also by the launch suggestion effect executed together with the return effect, Launching of game balls can be started immediately. Then, by immediately starting to launch the game ball, it is possible to cause the variable ball entry means to enter the game ball using the remaining opening time of the variable ball entry means.

In this regard, as shown in the conventional prior art, when the launch suggestion effect is executed after the return effect is executed, the launch of the game ball is not in time, and the opportunity to enter the game ball into the variable entry means is missed. There is a fear.
On the other hand, in this solution, since the launch suggestion effect is executed during the execution of the return effect, it is possible to suggest the player to launch the game ball while the return effect is being executed. Awareness of launching can be given to the person from an earlier stage.
For this reason, according to this solution, the player can be made aware of the launch of the game ball at an early stage such as during the execution of the return effect. Can be prevented.
ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, it can suppress giving a disadvantage to a player after power-off reset.

  Solution 2: The gaming machine of the present solution is the solution 1, in which the game area includes a first game area and a second game area, and the ball launching means is the first game area or the second game area. A game ball can be driven toward the area, and the variable ball entry means has a game ball in which the game ball flowing down the first game area is difficult to enter and flows down the second game area. Is arranged at a position where the ball can be entered, and the launch suggestion effect execution means has an effect of suggesting that the ball launching means is used to launch a game ball in the second game area as the launch suggestion effect. It is a gaming machine characterized by executing.

The following features are added to the gaming machine of this solution.
(1) The game area includes a first game area (left-handed area) and a second game area (right-handed area).
(2) The ball launching means can drive a game ball toward one of the first game area and the second game area of (1) above. For this reason, the player can drive the game ball into the left-handed region or can hit the game ball into the right-handed region by operating the ball launching means.

(3) The variable pitching means is disposed at a position where the game ball flowing down the first game area is difficult to enter and at a position where the game ball flowing down the second game area can enter. For this reason, in order to enter the game ball in the variable ball entry means, it is necessary to drive the game ball toward the second game area. However, even if a game ball is driven toward the first game area, the game ball may be bounced by an obstacle nail or the like, and the game ball may enter the second game area.
(4) As the launch suggestion effect, an effect with a content suggesting that a game ball is launched in the second game area is executed.

In this way, in the present solution means, since the variable ball entry means is arranged in the second game area, the launch suggestion effect is also an effect that suggests that the game ball is launched in the second game area accordingly. .
Here, when there are a plurality of game areas such as the first game area and the second game area, it is necessary for the player to launch a game ball in consideration of the plurality of game areas. The burden will increase. However, the increased burden will increase the player's attention.

However, even in a state where such attention is exerted, it is undeniable that the player's attention will be distracted if a sudden event such as a power failure occurs.
In this respect, the launch suggestion effect of the present solution means an effect that directly suggests that the game ball is shot into the second game area where the variable ball entry means is arranged. An easy-to-understand launch suggestion can be made.

  In addition, the act of hitting a game ball into the second game area (right-handed) is an action that requires the handle unit as a ball launching means to be fully turned clockwise, so it must be executed if it is not consciously executed. It is an act that cannot be done. For this reason, by transmitting such a special action to the player, it is possible to provide a polite launch suggesting effect in consideration of the player's psychology.

  Solving means 3: The gaming machine of the present solving means in the solving means 2, a main control device that controls the progress of the game, an effect control device that controls the contents of the effect based on notification of information from the main control device, A launch position determining means provided in the main control device, for determining whether a game ball should be launched into the first game area or a game ball into the second game area according to a progress of the game; Based on the content determined by the firing position determining means, provided in the control device, a first display in a mode for prompting the game ball to be fired in the first game area is performed or the game ball is placed in the second game area. The firing position designation display means for performing the second display in a mode for prompting to be fired, and the main control device, the launch position designation information regarding the contents determined by the firing position decision means is notified to the effect control device. Departure A mode that is provided in the position designation information notifying means and the effect control device, and prompts the player to launch a game ball in the first game area based on the firing position designation information notified by the firing position designation information notifying means. Or a launch position designation effect executing means for performing a second effect in a form that prompts the player to launch a game ball in the second game area, and the game information storage means includes the launch position. The determination content by the determination means is stored, and when the game state return means executes the return operation, the launch position designation information notification means is based on the determination content stored in the game information storage means. The notification of designation information is executed, and the launch suggestion effect execution means specifies the launch position when the launch position designation information indicates that a game ball should be launched into the second game area. A gaming machine and to execute the launch suggested effect by executing the second presentation to the execution unit output.

The following features are added to the gaming machine of this solution.
(1) The progress of the game is controlled by the main controller. The main control device is a device that is the center of the control operation, and controls the overall operation of the gaming machine.
(2) The content of the effect is controlled by the effect control device based on the notification of the information (command) from the main control device in (1) above. The effect control device is a device that controls the effect accompanying the progress of the game in the gaming machine, and takes charge of control regarding the contents of the effect.

[Processing at the main controller]
(3) The main control device of (1) determines whether to shoot a game ball in the first game area or a game ball in the second game area according to the progress of the game. For example, when the game state is a normal state (non-time shortened state), the main control device determines that a game ball should be launched into the first game area. On the other hand, when the variable pitching means is in the open state (when the variable pitching means is in the open state due to winning in the normal symbol lottery, when the gaming state is the big hit state, the gaming state is in the time shortening state. If so, the main controller determines that a game ball should be fired into the second game area.

(4) Whether the main control device of (1) performs the first display (light-off display) in a mode for urging that the game ball should be launched into the first game area based on the content determined in (3) above. Then, the second display (lighting display) of the mode for prompting that the game ball should be launched into the second game area is performed. For example, when the gaming state is a non-time shortening state, a first display for turning off a predetermined lamp is performed, and when the gaming state is a time shortening state, a second display for lighting a predetermined lamp is performed.

(5) The main control device in (1) notifies the production control device in (2) of the emission position designation information (lamination position designation command) related to the content determined in (3). For example, if the main control device has determined that a game ball should be launched into the first game area, the main control device should launch a game ball into the first game area with respect to the effect control device. Is notified of the launch position designation information with the contents indicating. On the other hand, if the main control device has determined that a game ball should be launched into the second game area, the main control device should launch a game ball into the second game area with respect to the effect control device. Is notified of the launch position designation information with the contents indicating. By this notification, the effect control device can confirm to which game area the main control device has determined that the game ball should be launched.

[Processing in the production control device]
(6) The production control device of (2) performs the first production in a form that prompts the player to launch a game ball in the first game area based on the firing position designation information notified in (5). Or the second effect in a manner that prompts the player to launch a game ball in the second game area. For example, when the launch position designation information indicates that the game ball should be launched into the first game area, the presentation control device executes the first presentation (effect suggesting left-handed), and the launch position designation information is If it is indicated that a game ball should be fired in the second game area, a second effect (an effect suggesting a right hand strike) is executed.

  However, the production control device does not always execute the first production when the launch position designation information indicates that the game ball should be launched into the first game area, but in light of the game content and the production content. What is necessary is just to perform a 1st effect in a required scene. Similarly, the production control device does not always execute the second production when the launch position designation information indicates that the game ball should be launched into the second game area. What is necessary is just to perform a 2nd effect in a required scene in light of.

[When power failure occurs]
(7) Here, when a power-off state occurs, the determination content of (3) above is also stored. For this reason, according to the progress of the game, the contents of the determination as to whether or not the game ball should be fired in the first game area or the second game area are also backed up.

[When power failure is resolved]
(8) After that, when the power-off state is resolved, a game state return operation is executed. In this case, the main control of (1) is performed based on the determination content stored in (7) above. The launch position designation information is notified from the device to the effect control device (2).

(9) If the launch position designation information notified in (8) indicates that the game ball should be launched into the second game area, the second effect (effect suggesting a right-handed strike) is executed. Thus, the launch suggestion effect is executed.

As described above, according to the present solution, when the power interruption is resolved, the firing position designation information (launch position designation command) is transmitted, and the firing position designation information should launch the game ball in the second game area (right-handed area). In this case, since the second effect (the effect that suggests right-handed strike) is executed, the launch suggestion effect can be executed by simple control that only transmits the firing position designation information.
In particular, when the gaming machine has a function for transmitting the launch position designation information (launch position designation command) in advance, it is not necessary to newly generate a special command. A launch suggestion effect can be executed simply by referring to the position designation information.

  Solving means 4: The gaming machine of the present solving means, in any one of the solving means 1 to 3, the launch suggestion effect executing means has a display priority over the image displayed by the return effect of the return effect executing means. The gaming machine is characterized in that an image is displayed at a high position or the launch suggestion effect is executed using an image having a high display priority.

The following features are added to the gaming machine of this solution.
(1) The launch suggestion effect is executed by displaying an image at a position having a higher display priority than the image displayed by the return effect. For example, in the case of displaying an effect image in a plurality of layers, the image used for the launch suggestion effect is displayed on a higher layer (front side as viewed from the player) than the image used for the return effect.

(2) The launch suggestion effect is executed using an image having a higher display priority than the image displayed by the return effect.
For example, the display area of the image used for the launch suggestion effect can be made larger than the display area of the image used for the return effect.
Further, the character image used for the launch suggestion can be made bold, and the character image used for the return effect can be made thin.
Furthermore, the character image used for the launch suggestion effect is displayed in a color that alerts the player (for example, red), and the character image used for the return effect is displayed more carefully than the character image used for the launch suggestion effect. Can be displayed in a color that does not arouse (for example, white or black).

As described above, according to the present solution, the launch suggestion effect is more noticeable than the return effect for the player, and therefore the launch suggestion effect is not buried in the return effect.
For this reason, it is possible to clearly and emphasize the content of the launch suggestion effect to the player, increase the presence of the launch suggestion effect, and further reduce the risk of the player suffering a disadvantage. be able to.

  Solution 5: The gaming machine of the present solution is that in any one of Solution 1 to 4, when the variable ball entry means changes from the closed state to the open state, it results from the occurrence of game ball entry. A variable start winning device that generates the lottery opportunity, or a variable winning device that generates a prize due to the occurrence of a game ball when the game is changed from the closed state to the open state. Machine.

The following features are added to the gaming machine of this solution.
(1) The variable entry means may be a variable start winning device (ordinary electric accessory) that generates a lottery opportunity (special symbol lottery opportunity, internal lottery opportunity) due to the occurrence of a game ball entry. is there.
(2) The variable winning means is a variable winning device (special electric motor) that generates a winning different from the variable start winning device (ordinary electric accessory) of (1) above due to the occurrence of a game ball. It may be an accessory).

  According to this solving means, the variable winning means may be a variable start winning device (ordinary electric accessory) or a variable winning device (special electric accessory). For this reason, it is possible to take all possible measures against the progress of the game by taking measures when the power-off state occurs for various winning devices. In this respect, the power-off state occurs to some extent depending on an accidental factor such as a sudden power failure. Further, by taking all possible measures against such an accidental element, it is possible to protect the player's profit while ensuring the fairness of the game.

  Solution 6: The gaming machine according to the present solution means that in any one of the solution means 1 to 5, the lottery execution means, when a first stage lottery opportunity occurs during the game, the first stage lottery opportunity The first stage lottery execution means for executing the first stage lottery related to the generation of the second stage lottery opportunity different from the above, and when the second stage lottery opportunity occurs during the game, the first stage lottery And a second stage lottery executing means for executing the second stage lottery relating to whether or not a specific condition should be applied as the condition of the symbol, wherein the symbol display means is configured to execute the first stage lottery executing means by the first stage lottery executing means. When the stage lottery is executed, the first symbol display means for displaying the first symbol in a manner representing the result of the first stage lottery after the first symbol is variably displayed over a predetermined variation time; The second stage lottery execution means When the floor lottery is executed, the second symbol display means for stopping and displaying the second symbol in a manner representing the result of the second stage lottery after the second symbol is variably displayed over a predetermined fluctuation time, The variable pitching means is in a non-operating state in which the second stage lottery trigger cannot be generated when the first symbol is stopped and displayed in a predetermined winning manner by the first symbol display means. The variable start winning device that operates to change to an operation state capable of generating the second stage lottery trigger, and the second symbol is stopped and displayed in a specific winning manner by the second symbol display means. And a variable winning device that performs an opening operation that changes from a closed state in which a special prize cannot be generated over a specified period to an open state in which the special prize can be generated. The first stage When a lottery result indicating that the specific condition is applied to the lottery is obtained, a non-time when a lottery trigger for the second stage lottery occurs at least at a normal frequency after the opening operation by the variable winning device is completed Time shortening state transition means for shifting from a shortened state to a time shortening state in which a lottery trigger for the second stage lottery occurs more frequently than the non-time shortening state, and the time shortening state transition means causes the time A second-stage lottery result limiting means for limiting a lottery result obtained in the second-stage lottery to a lottery result indicating that the specific condition is applied to the first-stage lottery when the transition is made to the shortened state; It is possible for the second stage lottery result limiting means to limit the lottery result obtained by the second stage lottery every time the second stage lottery is executed by the second stage lottery execution means. Remaining number setting means for setting the remaining number of remaining times, and when the remaining number set by the remaining number setting means reaches a specified value, the lottery result obtained by the second stage lottery by the second stage lottery result limiting means The first stage lottery is performed in the second stage lottery performed in a state where the restriction of the lottery result is released by the second stage lottery result restriction releasing means for releasing the restriction The game machine further comprises non-time-reduced state return means for returning from the time-reduced state to the non-time-reduced state when a lottery result indicating that the specific condition is not applied is obtained. .

The following features are added to the gaming machine of this solution.
(1) When a first stage lottery opportunity occurs during the game, “first stage lottery (normal symbol lottery)” is executed. The “first stage lottery” is a lottery related to the occurrence of a second stage lottery opportunity different from the first stage lottery opportunity.
(2) When a second stage lottery opportunity occurs during the game, “second stage lottery (special symbol lottery)” is executed. Here, the “second stage lottery” is a lottery related to whether or not a specific condition should be applied as a condition for the first stage lottery. “Applying specific conditions” means that for the subsequent first stage lottery (normal symbol lottery), for example, the winning probability is set higher than the normal probability, or the variation time of the first symbol is shortened. It means to do.

(3) When the first stage lottery of (1) is executed, the first symbol (ordinary symbol) is displayed in a variable manner over a predetermined fluctuation time, and the symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner representing the result of the first stage lottery. The A certain amount of time (fluctuation time and stop display time) is required from the start of the variable display of the first symbol until the stop display is performed. Once the variable display of the symbol is started, the stop display is performed. The next first stage lottery is not performed until is completed.

(4) When the second stage lottery of (2) above is executed, the second symbol (special symbol) is variably displayed over a predetermined fluctuation time, and the symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner representing the result of the second stage lottery. The It takes a certain amount of time (variation time and stop display time) from the start of the variable display of the second symbol until the stop display is performed. Once the variable display of the symbol is started, the stop display is performed. The next second stage lottery is not performed until is completed. This is the same as the first design.

(5) When the winning result is obtained in the “first stage lottery” in (1) above, the variable start winning device performs an operation of changing from the non-operating state to the operating state. During this time, the variable start winning device can generate the second stage lottery opportunity. If the winning is not obtained in the “first stage lottery”, the player will challenge the “first stage lottery” again.

(6) When the winning result is obtained in the “second stage lottery” in (2) above, the variable winning device performs an opening operation for changing from the closed state to the open state over a specified period. During this time, the variable winning device can generate special winnings. In addition, the frequency | count that a variable prize-winning apparatus changes to an open state is not restricted to once, and may be two or more times.

(7) When the lottery result stating that “specific conditions are applied to the first stage lottery” is obtained in the “second stage lottery” of (2) above, the variable prize winning device of (6) above is used. After the operation is completed (when the opening operation changing from the closed state to the open state is performed a plurality of times, after the completion of the opening operation for all the times), the “non-time shortening state” is shifted to the “time shortening state”.

Here, the “non-time shortening state” is a state in which a lottery opportunity for the second stage lottery of (2) occurs at least at a normal frequency, and a so-called electric chew support is not performed.
On the other hand, the “time shortening state” is a state in which the lottery opportunity for the second stage lottery of (2) occurs more frequently than the “non-time shortening state”, and so-called electric chew support is performed. It is in a state.

(8) Then, when the state is shifted to the “time reduction state”, the lottery result obtained by the “second stage lottery” is limited to the lottery result that “a specific condition is applied to the first stage lottery”. .
(9) For this reason, once a transition is made to the “time reduction state”, the lottery result of the “second stage lottery” is basically limited to “specific conditions are applied to the first stage lottery”. If the “second stage lottery” is repeatedly executed during this period, the “remaining number of times” is set every time. This “remaining number of times” defines how many remaining lottery results of the “second stage lottery” can be limited during the “time reduction state”. The “remaining number of times” can be set by subtracting from the initially set value, for example, or when a predetermined resetting condition is satisfied in the process of subtraction, the “remaining number of times” is reset to the initial value. It can also be returned to.

(10) In any case, while the “second stage lottery” is repeated, when the “remaining number of times” set in the above (9) reaches a specified value (for example, 0 times), the restriction is released, and more Cannot continue to limit the lottery result of the “second stage lottery”.

(11) As a result, when a lottery result indicating that “a specific condition is not applied to the first stage lottery” is obtained in “second stage lottery”, the “time reduction state” is changed to “non-time reduction state”. Return. Note that returning from the “time shortening state” to the “non-time shortening state” means that if the time is in the “time shortening state” before the opening operation by the variable winning device is started, before the opening operation by the variable winning device is started. This is a state in which the state is shifted to the “non-time shortened state” and the “non-time shortened state” is maintained after the opening operation by the variable winning device is completed.

Thus, according to this solution, the following gaming properties are exhibited.
When shifting from the “non-time reduction state” to the “time reduction state”, the specific conditions are applied to the first stage lottery. The probability of winning in the “one-stage lottery” is changed. For this reason, the frequency of winning in the “first stage lottery” in (1) above during the game is higher than in the “non-time shortened state”, and the operation by the variable start winning device in (5) is relatively high. Will be done. Therefore, the frequency of occurrence of the second stage lottery opportunity in (2) is also higher than in the “non-time-reduced state”. As a result, it is easy to proceed to the “second stage lottery” in (2) in a short time compared to the “non-time shortened state”.

  Then, for the time being, the game flow changes so that the “time reduction state” continues. However, the “time reduction state” is not permanent, and its end condition is set in advance based on game specifications and the like.

  In this solution, the concept of “remaining number of times” is used for the end condition, and when the “remaining number of times” set in (9) reaches a specified value (for example, 0 times), the restriction is released, and more Cannot continue to limit the lottery result of the “second stage lottery”, and eventually will be returned to the “non-time shortened state” by (11). When returning to the “non-time reduction state” by (11) above, the probability of winning in the “first stage lottery” is returned to the normal probability, so the frequency of winning in the “first stage lottery” is the original Thus, the hurdle until the operation by the variable start winning device (5) is performed is returned to the initial state.

  In this way, during the game, first the “first stage lottery” is won and then the “second stage lottery” is performed, where a lottery result indicating that “specific conditions are applied to the first stage lottery” is obtained. In such a case, the “time reduction state” continues in the subsequent games, and during this time, the opening operation of the variable start winning device in (5) above, the opening operation of the variable winning device in (6) above, and these operations Giving a bonus associated with the game ball (for example, a game ball payout process with respect to an incoming game ball) is repeatedly performed. As a result, during the “time reduction state”, it is possible to generate a loop of operations related to the provision of the benefits (5), (6), etc., and realize continuity of profits to the player.

  In order to enter the loop of this operation, winning is made in the “first stage lottery” in (1) above, the variable start winning device in (5) is operated, and the variable start winning device in operation is played. It is a major premise that a ball is inserted to generate the second stage lottery opportunity in (2) above.

  Here, during the operation of the variable start winning device of (5) above, a power-off state occurs in a state where the game ball has not entered the variable start winning device of (5), and the supply of power resumes. When the power-off state is resolved, the variable start winning device (5) suddenly resumes opening. For this reason, when the game ball is not continuously launched (for example, when the player releases his hand from the handle unit), the opportunity to enter the variable start winning device of (5) above is missed. become.

Then, despite the fact that the hurdle of the “first stage lottery” in (1) has been cleared, the player has a serious disadvantage that the second stage lottery opportunity in (2) above cannot be generated. May suffer.
Therefore, in this solution, the value of the launch suggestion effect can be increased by executing the above-described launch suggestion effect in a situation where such a two-stage lottery is adopted, and the player has a serious disadvantage. The situation of wearing can be avoided.

  Also, even when the operation loop (so-called villa zone) is entered, the power-off state remains during the operation of the variable start winning device (5) or the variable winning device (6). It can happen. In this case, when the supply of power is resumed and the power-off state is resolved, the variable start winning device of (5) and the variable winning device of (6) suddenly resume opening, so each winning It is also assumed that the opportunity to enter the device is missed.

  However, in this case, it is not a condition that the operation loop is immediately terminated, so the player will not suffer an extreme disadvantage, but will not be able to get out of the corresponding entry. Become. Therefore, even in such a scene, the player's profit can be protected by executing the launch suggestion effect.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, it can suppress giving a disadvantage to a player.

It is a front view of a pachinko machine. It is a rear view of a pachinko machine. It is a front view which shows a game board unit independently. It is a front view which expands and shows a part of game board unit. It is a block diagram which shows the various electronic devices with which the pachinko machine was equipped. It is a flowchart (1/2) which shows the example of a procedure of a reset start process. It is a flowchart (2/2) which shows the example of a procedure of a reset start process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of an interruption management process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a security management process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a switch input event process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a normal symbol memory update process. It is a flowchart which shows the structural example of a normal symbol game process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a normal symbol change pre-process. It is a figure which shows an example of the fluctuation pattern selection table at the time of loss. It is a figure which shows an example of a hit time fluctuation pattern selection table. It is a flowchart which shows the structural example of a variable start prize-winning apparatus management process. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a normal symbol operation condition setting table. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a special symbol memory | storage process. It is a flowchart which shows the structural example of a special symbol game process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the special symbol change pre-processing. It is a figure which shows the structure row | line | column of the big hit stop symbol selection table. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the special symbol stop display process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a launch position management process. It is a flowchart which shows the structural example of a display output management process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a status display setting process. It is a flowchart which shows the structural example of a variable winning apparatus management process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of an end process. It is a game flow figure which shows the flow of the game by a pachinko machine as an example. FIG. 49 is a game flow diagram showing a game flow when the “limiter count” reaches the remaining zero. It is a conceptual diagram which classify | categorizes and shows the pattern of a game flow. It is a conceptual diagram which classify | categorizes and shows the pattern of a game flow. It is a timing chart which shows the situation where the state of the power-off occurred at the time of operation of a variable start prize-winning device with the time change of the game progress situation corresponding to a normal symbol. It is a timing chart which shows the situation where the state of a power-off occurred at the time of operation of a variable prize-winning device with the time change of the game progress corresponding to a special symbol. It is a continuation figure which shows the example of an effect performed at the time of normal symbol non-winning. It is a continuation figure showing an example of an effect performed at the time of normal symbol hitting. It is a figure which shows the example of an effect performed at the time of variable start prize-winning apparatus action | operation. It is a continuation figure (1/2) which shows the example of the presentation performed at the time of special symbol change (within change time). It is a continuation figure (2/2) which shows the example of the presentation performed at the time of special symbol change (within change time). It is a continuation figure which shows the example of the production performed at the time of special symbol change when not entering the chance zone. It is a figure which shows the example of an effect performed when a game flow progresses during a probability change from variable winning apparatus operation. It is a figure which shows the example of an effect performed when the limiter addition by the normal win during probability change generate | occur | produces. It is a figure which shows the example of an effect performed after reaching a limiter. It is the figure which showed the example of the background image which changes with progress of a game flow. It is a figure which shows the example of the effect performed when it does not re-enter into a chance zone after reaching a limiter (when returning during a normal game). It is a continuation figure which shows the example of an effect when the state of a power failure occurs at the time of variable starting prize-winning device operation (1/3). It is a continuation figure which shows the example of an effect when the state of a power failure occurs at the time of variable starting prize-winning device operation (2/3). It is a continuation figure which shows the example of an effect when the state of a power failure occurs at the time of variable starting prize-winning device operation (3/3). It is a continuation figure which shows the example of production when the state of a power failure occurs at the time of variable prize-winning device operation (1/3). It is a continuation figure which shows the example of production when the state of a power failure occurs at the time of variable prize-winning device operation (2/3). It is a continuation figure which shows the example of an effect when the state of a power failure occurs at the time of variable prize-winning device operation (3/3). It is a figure which shows the other effect examples of a return effect and a launch suggestion effect. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of effect control processing. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the production management process during a power-off reset. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of effect design management processing. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the aftereffects management process of a normal symbol.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  A handle unit 16 is installed on the lower right side of the tray unit 6. The player operates the handle unit 16 to operate the launch control board set 174, and can launch (shoot) a game ball toward the game area 8a (ball launching device, ball launching means). The launched game ball rises from the lower edge portion of the game board unit 8 along the left edge portion, is guided by an outer band (not shown), and is thrown into the game area 8a. A large number of obstacle nails, windmills (without reference numerals in the drawing) and the like are arranged in the game area 8a, and the thrown-in game balls flow down in the game area 8a while being guided and guided by the obstacle nails and the windmill. Further, the game area 8a includes a left-handed area (first game area) and a right-handed area (second game area). A game ball can be thrown towards it. The configuration of the game area 8a (board surface) will be further described later with reference to another drawing.

[Configuration of the front of the frame]
The integrated door unit 4 is provided with a left top lens unit 47 and an upper right illumination unit 49 as components for production. Among these, the left top lens unit 47 incorporates a glass frame top lamp 46 and a left glass frame decoration lamp 48, and the upper right electrical decoration unit 49 incorporates a right glass frame decoration lamp 50. In addition, left and right glass frame decoration lamps 52 are installed in the integrated door unit 4 so as to be connected to the lower part of the left top lens unit 47 and the upper right illumination unit 49, respectively. It extends from the left and right edges of the integrated door unit 4 to the front surface of the tray unit 6. In the integrated door unit 4, the glass frame top lamp 46 and the left and right glass frame decoration lamps 48, 50, 52, and the like are arranged so as to surround the glass unit (no reference symbol).

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

  In the center of the tray unit 6, an effect switching button 45 is installed at a position in front of the upper plate 6b. The effect switching button 45 has, for example, a combination of a push-type circular button and a rotary jog ring (jog dial) around it. The player switches the contents of the effect (for example, the background screen displayed on the liquid crystal display 42) by pushing or rotating the effect switching button 45, or for example, while the symbol (ordinary symbol or special symbol) is changing, Various effects (notice effect, expectation suggestion effect, etc.) can be generated in accordance with various situations such as a fixed display per normal symbol and a game in a high probability state.

[Configuration on the back side]
As shown in FIG. 2, on the back side of the pachinko machine 1, there are a power supply control unit 162, a main control board unit 170, a dispensing device unit 172, a flow path unit 173, a launch control board set 174, and a dispensing control board unit 176. A back cover unit 178 and the like are installed. In addition, on the back side of the pachinko machine 1, various electronic devices (including a control computer not shown) constituting the power supply system and control system of the pachinko machine 1, an external terminal board 160, a power cord (power plug) 164, A ground wire (ground terminal) 166, connection wiring (not shown), and the like are installed. The electronic devices will be further described later based on another block diagram (FIG. 5).

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

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

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

[Configuration of the board]
FIG. 3 is a front view showing the game board unit 8 alone. In the game area 8a, a relatively large effect unit 40 is arranged at the center position, and the game area 8a is largely divided into a left part, a right part and a lower part with the effect unit 40 as the center. Further, in the game area 8a, the middle start gate 20, the right start gate 21, the normal winning ports 22, 24, 25, the variable start winning device 28, the variable winning device 30 and the like are distributed around the effect unit 40. ing. Among these, the middle start gate 20 is located in the center of the lower part of the game area 8a, and the right start gate 21 is located near the upper part in the right part of the game area 8a. In addition, the three normal winning holes 22 are positioned on the lower side of the left side of the game area 8a, and the other one normal winning hole 24 is positioned below the middle start gate 20. The remaining ordinary winning opening 25 is located on the right side of the game area 8a, and is located below the right start gate 21, and the variable winning device 30 is arranged directly below the right starting gate 21. The variable start winning device 28 is located on the lower side of the right side of the game area 8a and is arranged side by side to the right of the middle start gate 20. For this reason, the variable start winning device 28 and the variable winning device 30 are arranged at positions where it is difficult for the game ball flowing down the left-handed region to enter and where the game ball flowing down the right-handed region can enter. Will be.

  The game ball thrown into the game area 8a passes through the middle start gate 20 and the right start gate 21 in the process of flowing down, enters the normal winning holes 22, 24, 25 (wins), or The player enters (wins) a ball in the variable start winning device 28 during operation or the variable winning device 30 during opening operation. Note that the game balls flowing down the left area of the game area 8a may pass through the middle start gate 20 or may enter the normal winning holes 22 and 24 (win). The game balls flowing down the right area of the game area 8a mainly pass through the right start gate 21, enter the normal winning opening 25 (win), or operate the variable start winning device 28 and the opening operation. There is a possibility of winning (winning) a ball in the variable winning device 30 at the time. The game balls that have passed through the middle start gate 20 and the right start gate 21 continue to flow down in the game area 8a, but enter the normal winning holes 22, 24, 25, the variable start winning device 28, and the variable winning device 30 (winning) The collected game balls are collected to the back side of the game board unit 8 through through holes formed in the game board (plywood material, transparent board, etc. constituting the game board unit 8).

  In the present embodiment, the variable start winning device 28 operates when a predetermined operating condition is satisfied (when a normal symbol is stopped and displayed for a predetermined stop display time in a winning manner), and accordingly. It is possible to enter the winning (winning) into the start winning opening 28a (ordinary electric accessory, variable entering means). The variable start winning device 28 has, for example, one open / close member 28b, and this open / close member 28b reciprocates in the front-rear direction with respect to the board surface by the action of a link mechanism using a solenoid (not shown), for example. As shown in the drawing, the opening / closing member 28b is in the closed position (closed state) along the board surface, and at this time, it is impossible to enter the start winning opening 28a (the starting winning opening 28a is closed). When the variable start winning device 28 is actuated, the opening / closing member 28b is displaced so as to fall forward with its lower end edge as a hinge, thereby opening the start winning port 28a (open state). During this time, the variable start winning device 28 is in a state in which the inflow of game balls is not impossible, that is, in an open state in which it is possible to enter a ball, and can generate an event (lottery opportunity) of winning in the start winning port 28a (variable winning). means). At this time, the opening / closing member 28a also functions as a member for guiding the inflow of the game ball to the start winning opening 28a. In addition, the arrangement of the obstacle nails installed in the game board unit 8 is basically a mode that does not extremely impede the flow of the game ball toward the variable start winning device 28 (start winning port 28a during operation). However, the game ball does not necessarily flow into the variable start winning device 28 at the time of operation, but the flow is generated randomly.

  The variable winning device 30 operates when the specified condition is satisfied (when the special symbol is stopped and displayed for the specified stop display time in a mode other than non-winning) and enters the big winning opening 30b. Enables a ball (winning) (special electric accessory). The variable winning device 30 has, for example, a pair of left and right opening / closing members 30a, and these opening / closing members 30a also reciprocate in the left-right direction along the board surface by the action of a link mechanism using a solenoid (not shown), for example. That is, as shown by the solid line in FIG. 3, the left and right opening / closing members 30a are in the closed position with their tips facing upwards, and at this time, it is impossible to enter (win) the big winning opening 30b (game). (There is no gap through which the sphere can flow). On the other hand, when the variable winning device 30 is activated, the left and right opening / closing members 30a are displaced (expanded) from the closed position toward the open position, and the opening width is enlarged to the left and right to open the large winning opening 30b. During this time, the variable winning device 30 is in a state in which game balls can flow in, and can generate a winning (winning) to the big winning opening 30b (variable winning means). Here, similarly, the arrangement of the obstacle nails installed in the game board unit 8 is basically an aspect that does not extremely impede the flow of the game ball toward the variable winning device 30 (the large winning opening 30b at the time of opening). However, the game ball does not necessarily flow into the variable winning device 30 (large winning port 30b) at the time of the opening operation, and the inflow is generated randomly.

  In addition, an out port 32 is formed in the game area 8 a, and game balls that have not won a prize are finally collected to the back side of the game board unit 8 through the out port 32. In addition, the game areas 8a including the game balls that have entered the normal winning holes 22, 24, 25, the variable start winning device 28 (start winning port 28a), and the variable winning device 30 (large winning port 30b) are driven into the game area 8a. All the game balls are collected to the back side of the game board unit 8. The collected game balls are discharged out of the frame from the back side of the pachinko machine 1 through an out passage assembly (not shown), and further join a supply path of an island facility (not shown).

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

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

  Further, the special symbol display device 34 can display the variation state and the stopped state of the special symbol by, for example, a 7-segment LED (with dots) (symbol display means, second symbol display means). Since one special symbol is used in this embodiment, it is sufficient to provide one 7-segment LED as the special symbol display device 34. However, as shown in FIG. By mounting, the same hardware configuration (integrated display substrate 89) can be applied to other models using two special symbols. In the present embodiment, the working memory lamp and the working memory number display device corresponding to the special symbol are not provided. One special symbol may be displayed by two 7-segment LEDs. In addition, the special symbol display device 34 may have a form in which a plurality of dot LEDs are arranged geometrically (for example, in a circular shape).

  The game state display device 38 includes, for example, three LEDs respectively corresponding to a high probability state display lamp 38c, a time-short state display lamp 38d, and a launch position designation display lamp 38e (launch position designation display means). In FIG. 4, other lamps (LEDs) not particularly denoted by reference numerals are unused (blank). In the present embodiment, the normal symbol display device 33, the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, the special symbol display device 34, and the game state display device 38 described above are mounted on the game board unit 8 in a state where they are mounted on one integrated display board 89. It is attached.

[Other configuration of game board unit: see FIG. 3]
The effect unit 40 has an upper edge portion 40a that functions as a guide member that changes the flow direction of the game ball, and includes various decorative parts 40b, 40c, 40k, 40m, and the like inside. The decorative parts 40b, 40c, 40k, and 40m improve the decorativeness of the game board unit 8 by three-dimensional modeling and, for example, emit transmitted light by a built-in light emitter (LED or the like), thereby performing a stunning operation. can do. A liquid crystal display 42 (image display) is installed inside the effect unit 40, and various effect images including an effect symbol corresponding to the normal symbol are displayed on the liquid crystal display 42. In this way, the game board unit 8 impresses the player with the characteristics of the pachinko machine 1 based on the configuration of the board surface (design of a cell plate (not shown)) and the decoration of the effect unit 40.

  A ball guide passage 40d is formed at the left edge of the effect unit 40, and a rolling stage 40e is formed at the lower edge thereof. The ball guide passage 40d is opened obliquely upward to the left in the game area 8a. When a game ball flowing down in the game area 8a randomly flows into the ball guide path 40d, it passes through the inside and rolls. Released onto the stage 40e. The rolling stage 40e is formed, for example, in two upper and lower stages, of which the upper stage is located at the back as viewed from the player and the lower stage is located at the front as viewed from the player. In both the upper and lower stages, the upper surface of the rolling stage 40e has a smooth curved surface. Here, the game ball can roll in the left-right direction. The game ball that rolls on the rolling stage 40e eventually flows down from the lower stage into the lower game area 8a.

  An inflow passage 40g is formed at a substantially central position of the rolling stage 40e, and game balls can randomly flow into the inflow passage 40g from the upper rolling stage 40e. The inflow passage 40g is formed by extending the lower edge portion of the effect unit 40 downward and then bent in an L shape toward the front side, and a ball discharge port 40h is formed at the end thereof. The ball discharge port 40h is opened toward the front surface, and the opening position is located directly above the middle start gate 20. For this reason, the game ball that has flowed into the inflow passage 40g from above the rolling stage 40e is released from the ball discharge port 40h and easily passes through the middle start gate 20 directly below it (however, it does not always pass). .)

  In addition, the effect unit 40 is provided with a drive source (for example, a motor, a solenoid, and the like) (not shown) together with a movable body 40f (for example, a heart-shaped ornament) for effect. The effect movable body 40f can execute an effect accompanied by an operation of a tangible object in addition to an effect using an image by the liquid crystal display 42 and an effect by a light emitter. Due to such an effect using the movable body 40f, an appealing power different from the effect using a two-dimensional image can be exhibited. A production example using the movable body 40f will be described later.

[Control configuration]
Next, a configuration related to control of the pachinko machine 1 will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing various electronic devices equipped in the pachinko machine 1. The pachinko machine 1 includes a main control device 70 that serves as the center of the control operation. The main control device 70 mainly has a function of controlling the progress of the game in the pachinko machine 1. The main controller 70 is built in the main control board unit 170 described above.

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

  The middle start gate 20 and the right start gate 21 described above are integrally provided with a middle gate switch 78 and a right gate switch 80 for detecting the passage of a game ball, respectively. In addition, the game board unit 8 is provided with a start winning port switch 82 (detection means) and a count switch 84 (detection means) corresponding to the variable start winning device 28 and the variable winning device 30, respectively. Among these, the start winning port switch 82 is for detecting a winning of a game ball to the variable start winning device 28 (start winning port 28a). The count switch 84 is for detecting the winning of a game ball to the variable winning device 30 (large winning opening 30b) and counting the number. Similarly, the game board unit 8 is equipped with a winning port switch 86 for detecting a winning of a game ball to the normal winning ports 22, 24, 25. In addition, a common winning opening switch 86 may be used for all the normal winning openings 22, 24, and 26, or separate winning opening switches 86 may be provided for the normal winning openings 22, 24, and 25, respectively. Good. For example, separate winning port switches 86 are installed on the left and right and center of the board, respectively, and the left winning port switch 86 detects the winning of a game ball with respect to the normal winning port 22 located on the left side of the board, and the center winning port switch In 86, the winning of the game ball to the normal winning port 24 located in the center of the board surface is detected, and in the right winning port switch 86, the winning of the game ball to the normal winning port 25 located on the right side of the board is detected. Good.

  In any case, the winning detection signals of these switches 78 to 86 are input to the main control CPU 72 via an input / output driver (not shown). In the present embodiment, the winning board detection signal from the middle gate switch 78, the right gate switch 80, the count switch 84, and the winning opening switch 86 is transmitted via the panel relay terminal board 87 due to the configuration of the game board unit 8. It has become a thing. The panel relay terminal board 87 is provided with a wiring pattern, a connection terminal, and the like for relaying each winning detection signal.

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

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

  Although not specifically shown, the game board unit 8 is also provided with a magnetic sensor and a vibration sensor. Among these sensors, the magnetic sensor detects a magnetic flux flying to the game board unit 8 at the installation position, and A detection signal corresponding to the density (magnetic intensity) is output. The vibration sensor detects an acceleration (vibration) applied to the game board unit 8 at the installation position, and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the magnitude. The detection signals of these magnetic sensors and vibration sensors are input to the main controller 70 (main control CPU 72) through the panel relay terminal board 87, for example.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  The tray unit 6 includes a frequency display board 122 and a rental / return switch board 123. Of these, the frequency display board 122 is provided with the display of the frequency display unit (7-segment LED for 3 digits). The lending / return switch board 123 has switch modules connected to the ball lending button 10 and the return button 12, respectively. When the ball lending button 10 or the return button 12 is operated, the operation signal is lended and It is transmitted from the return switch board 123 to the CR unit via the game ball rental device connecting terminal board 120. Further, a frequency signal indicating the remaining frequency of the valuable medium is transmitted from the CR unit to the frequency display board 122 via the game ball lending device connection terminal board 120. A display circuit (not shown) on the frequency display board 122 drives the display unit based on the frequency signal, and displays the remaining frequency of the valuable medium as a numerical value. If no valuable medium is inserted in the CR unit or the remaining frequency of the inserted valuable medium becomes zero, the display circuit of the frequency display board 122 drives the display device to display a demonstration (of the valuable medium). (Display for prompting input) can also be performed.

  The pachinko machine 1 includes an effect control device 124 as a control configuration. The effect control device 124 controls the effect accompanying the progress of the game in the pachinko machine 1. The effect control device 124 is also equipped with a circuit board (composite sub-control board) on which an effect control CPU 126 that is a central processing unit is mounted. The effect control CPU 126 includes a CPU core (not shown) and a semiconductor memory such as a ROM 128 and a RAM 130 as a main memory. The effect control CPU 126 can be of a type that is faster (high clock frequency) than the main control CPU 72 and has a wide data bus width (for example, 64 bits). The production control device 124 is provided at a position covered by the back cover unit 178 on the back side of the pachinko machine 1.

  The effect control device 124 is equipped with an input / output driver (not shown) and various peripheral ICs, as well as a lamp driving circuit 132 and an acoustic driving circuit 134. The production control CPU 126 performs production control based on the production command transmitted from the main control CPU 72, gives a command to the lamp driving circuit 132 and the acoustic driving circuit 134, and various lamps 46, 48, 50, 52 and the board surface. Processing is performed to cause the lamp 53 to emit light or to actually output sound effects, voices, or the like from the speakers 54, 55, and 56.

  The lamp driving circuit 132 includes a switching element such as a PWM (pulse width modulation) IC or a MOSFET (not shown). The lamp driving circuit 132 switches driving voltages (or duty switching) applied to various lamps including LEDs. ) And manage the operation such as light emission and flashing. In addition to the glass frame top lamp 46 and the glass frame decoration lamps 48, 50, 52, the various lamps include a decoration / production board lamp 53 installed in the game board unit 8. The panel lamp 53 corresponds to an LED incorporated in the above-described effect unit, or an LED incorporated in the variable start winning device 28, the variable winning device 30, or the like.

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

  In the present embodiment, a glass frame lighting board 136 is installed on the inner surface of the integrated door unit 4, and drive signals from the lamp driving circuit 132 and the acoustic driving circuit 134 pass through the glass frame lighting board 136 and various lamps 46. , 48, 50, 52 and speakers 54, 55, 56. In addition, the above-described effect switching button 45 is connected to the glass frame electric decoration board 136, and when the player pushes or rotates the effect switching button 45, a contact signal (during the push operation) or a rotation angle signal ( (At the time of rotation operation) is input to the effect control device 124 through the glass frame lighting board 136.

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

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

  The ROM 128 of the effect control CPU 126 stores a basic program related to effect control, and the effect control CPU 126 executes effect control according to this program. The production control includes production control using the various lamps 46 to 53, the speakers 54, 55, and 56, and the movable body 40f as described above, and the production by the image display using the liquid crystal display 42. Control is included. The effect control CPU 126 transmits basic information (for example, effect number) related to the effect to the display control CPU 146, and the display control CPU 146 that receives the information transmits a specific effect image based on the basic information. Control the display.

  The display control CPU 146 outputs a more detailed control signal to the VDP 152. Receiving this, the VDP 152 accesses the image ROM 154 based on the control signal, reads necessary image data therefrom, and transfers it to the VRAM 156. Further, the VDP 152 expands the image data in the frame buffer for each frame (still image per unit time) on the VRAM 156, and each pixel (for example, 24-bit color pixel) of the liquid crystal display 42 based on the buffered image data. ) Individually.

  In addition, a power supply control unit 162 is provided on the back side of the inner frame assembly 7. The power supply control unit 162 has a built-in switching power supply circuit. When external power (for example, AC24V) is taken from the island facility through the power cord 164, necessary power (for example, DC + 34V, + 12V, etc.) can be generated therefrom (for example). Power control means). The electric power generated by the power supply control unit 162 is distributed to the main control device 70, the payout control device 92, the effect control device 124, and the inverter board 158. Furthermore, power is supplied to the launch control board 108 via the payout control device 92, and power is supplied to the CR unit via the game ball rental device connection terminal board 120. The low voltage power for logic (for example, DC + 5V) is generated by a power supply IC (3-terminal regulator or the like) built in each device. Further, as described above, the power supply control unit 162 is grounded (grounded) to the island facility through the ground wire 166.

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

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

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

  6 and 7 are flowcharts showing a procedure example of the reset start process. Hereinafter, the process performed by the main control CPU 72 will be described step by step.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Step S111: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes an effect control return process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sends a command for returning to the effect control device 124 (for example, a model designation command, a time shortening state designation command, a special symbol probability state designation command, a normal symbol operation memory count command, a remaining number cut counter remaining number). Command, special gaming state designation command, launch position designation command, power-off recovery command, etc.). In response to this, the effect control device 124 performs the effect state that was being executed at the time of the previous power shutdown (for example, the effect state corresponding to the time reduction state, the effect state corresponding to the internal probability state, the display mode of the effect symbol, and the operation It is possible to restore the stored number of effect display modes, sound output contents, light emission states of various lamps, etc. (game state return means).

  Here, the launch position designation command is generated based on the back-up launch position status value. Specifically, when the value of the firing position status is a value (0) indicating left-handed, the main control CPU 72 generates a firing position designation command indicating left-handed. On the other hand, when the value of the launch position status is a value (1) indicating a right strike, the main control CPU 72 generates a launch position designation command indicating a right strike. The power-off recovery command is a command indicating that the standby time in the reset standby process has elapsed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  When the above procedure is executed in the reset start process, the main control CPU 72 shifts to the main loop shown in FIG. 7 (connection symbol A → A).

  Step S118, Step S119: The main control CPU 72 executes the power interruption occurrence check process after prohibiting interruption. In this process, the main control CPU 72 performs bit check on the input port of the main power-off detection signal and monitors the occurrence of power-off (decrease in supply voltage). When the power cut-off occurs, the main control CPU 72 clears the output port buffers corresponding to the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 88 and the special winning opening solenoid 90, and the whole of the work area of the RAM 76 excluding the backup validity determination flag and the sum check buffer. Back up the contents and save the sum result value in the sum check buffer. Then, the main control CPU 72 stores the valid value (for example, “A55AH”) in the backup validity determination flag area, prohibits access to the RAM 76, and stops (NOP) the process. As a result, when the power-off state occurs, the main control CPU 72 at least information on the operating states of the variable start winning device 28 and the variable winning device 30 (such as the value of the release timer) and the firing position status (details will be described later). Can be stored (game information storage means). On the other hand, if the power shutoff does not occur, the main control CPU 72 next executes step S120. There is also a known programming example in which the CPU executes the process at the time of the occurrence of power interruption as a non-maskable interrupt (NMI) process.

  Step S120: The main control CPU 72 executes an initial value update random number update process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 increments random numbers for updating (changing) initial values of various software random numbers. In the present embodiment, various random numbers (for example, a winning symbol random number, a jackpot symbol random number, a reach group) excluding a bonus symbol random number (hardware random number) corresponding to a special symbol and a winning symbol random (hardware random number) corresponding to a normal symbol. (Determined random number, reach mode determined random number, variation pattern determined random number, etc.) are generated on the program. Note that the reach group determination random number and the reach mode determination random number corresponding to the special symbol can be generated as necessary, and if not used, the random number generation process can be omitted. In any case, these software random numbers are updated by a loop counter within a predetermined range in another interrupt process (step S201 in FIG. 8), but each time the random number value makes one round in this process, the loop counter The initial value (not all random numbers need to be targeted) is changed. The initial value updating random number is used to randomly change the initial value, and in step S120, the initial value updating random number is updated. Note that the reason why step S120 is executed after the interruption is prohibited in step S118 is that the same process is executed in another interrupt management process (step S202 in FIG. 8), and therefore overlap (conflict) ) To prevent the above). As described above, in the present embodiment, the big hit decision random number and the hit decision random number are hardware random numbers generated by the random number generator 75, and the update cycle is faster than the timer interrupt cycle (for example, several ms) ( For example, it is not necessary to update the big hit determined random number and the initial value of the hit determined random number.

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

[Interrupt management processing (timer interrupt processing)]
Next, interrupt management processing (timer interrupt processing) will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary procedure of interrupt management processing. The main control CPU 72 executes an interrupt management process every predetermined time (for example, several ms) based on the interrupt request signal from the counter / timer circuit. Each procedure will be described below.

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

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

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

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

  Step S204: Here, the main control CPU 72 executes a security management process. In this processing, the main control CPU 72 determines whether or not to treat the ball as valid based on the input state (ON / OFF) of the winning detection signal read in the previous input processing (step S203) (the winning is valid). Whether or not there is) is determined (winning validity determination means). When the main control CPU 72 determines that the winning is valid, the main control CPU 72 retains a winning detection signal. However, when the main control CPU 72 determines that the winning is invalid, the main control CPU 72 generates an illegal winning error command or due to an illegal winning. The bit of the winning detection signal is rewritten from ON to OFF. In the security management process, the main control CPU 72 monitors for illegal acts by the above magnetic sensor and vibration sensor (not shown), and excessive winning or passing through the middle start gate 20 or the right start gate 21 occurs. It is determined whether or not. The details of the security management process will be described later using another flowchart.

  Step S205: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes switch input event processing. In this process, among the switch signals input in the previous input process, events that occurred during the game based on the passage detection signal from the middle gate switch 78 or the right gate switch 80 and the winning detection signal from the start winning opening switch 82 And further processing is executed in accordance with each event that has occurred. The specific contents of the switch input event process will be described later with reference to another flowchart.

  In this embodiment, when a winning detection signal (ON) is input from the start winning opening switch 82, the main control CPU 72 determines that an event serving as an internal lottery trigger (lottery trigger) corresponding to the special symbol has occurred. When a passage detection signal (ON) is input from the middle gate switch 78 or the right gate switch 80, the main control CPU 72 determines that an event that becomes a lottery trigger corresponding to the normal symbol has occurred. If it is determined that any event has occurred, the main control CPU 72 executes a process corresponding to each event. The processing executed when the passage detection signal is input from the middle gate switch 78 or the right gate switch 80 and the processing executed when the winning detection signal is input from the start winning port switch 82 are further different. This will be described later with reference to the flowchart.

  Step S206, Step S207: The main control CPU 72 executes a special symbol game process and a normal symbol game process during the interrupt management process. These processes are for specifically proceeding with the game in the pachinko machine 1. Among these, in the special symbol game process (step S206), the main control CPU 72 controls the execution of the internal lottery corresponding to the special symbol described above, controls the variable display and stop display by the special symbol display device 34, The operation of the variable winning device 30 is controlled according to the display result. Details of the special symbol game process will be described later with reference to another flowchart.

  In the normal symbol game process (step S207), the main control CPU 72 controls the variable display and stop display by the normal symbol display device 33 described above, and controls the operation of the variable start winning device 28 according to the display result. To do. For example, the main control CPU 72 stores a random number (determined random number per normal symbol) acquired in response to the passage of the middle start gate 20 or the right start gate 21 in the previous switch input event process (step S205). In the normal symbol game process, a random number value is read from the memory, and it is determined whether or not it falls within a predetermined hit range (operation lottery execution means, lottery execution means, first stage lottery execution means). When the random number value falls within the hit range, the normal symbol display device 33 displays the normal symbol in a variable manner, and after stopping the normal symbol in a predetermined hit state, the main control CPU 72 switches the normal electric accessory solenoid 88 on. Excitingly activates the variable start winning device 28 (lottery trigger generation operation means). On the other hand, if the random number value is out of the hit range, the main control CPU 72 performs a normal symbol stop display in a manner of deviation after the variable display. The details of the normal symbol game process will be described later with reference to another flowchart.

  Step S208: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes prize ball payout processing. In this process, based on the winning detection signals input from the various switches 80, 84, 86 in the previous input process (step S203), a prize ball instruction command for instructing the number of prize balls is output to the payout control device 92. .

  Step S209: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes external information processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sends the above-mentioned external information signals (for example, prize ball information, door opening information, symbol determination number information, jackpot information, start port information, etc.) to the hall computer of the game hall through the external terminal board 160. Store in port output request buffer.

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

  Step S210: The main control CPU 72 executes test signal processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 generates various test signals representing its internal state (for example, normal symbol game management state, special symbol game management state, jackpot, probability variation function in operation, time reduction function in operation). These are stored in the port output request buffer. With this test signal, for example, the internal state of the main control CPU 72 can be tested outside the main controller 70.

  Step S210a: The main control CPU 72 executes a launch position management process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 executes a process of determining the launch position of the game ball in accordance with the progress of the game (launch position determining means). Details of the launch position management process will be described later using another flowchart.

  Step S211: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a display output management process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 controls the lighting state of the normal symbol display device 33, the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, the special symbol display device 34, the game state display device 38, and the like. Specifically, the drive signal stored in the port output request buffer is output to the port in the previous special symbol game process (step S206) or the normal symbol game process (step S207). The drive signal is stored in the port output request buffer as byte data to be applied to each LED. As a result, each LED is driven in a predetermined display mode (a mode of performing symbol variation display, stop display, working memory number display, game state display, etc.).

  Step S212: The main control CPU 72 executes output management processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 outputs the external information signal (byte data) stored in the port output request buffer in the previous external information processing (step S209) to the port. Further, the main control CPU 72 outputs the drive signals, test signals, and the like of the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 88 and the special prize opening solenoid 90 stored in the port output request buffer together.

  Step S213: The main control CPU 72 executes effect control output processing. In this processing, it is confirmed whether or not there is a command (command necessary for presentation control) that the main control CPU 72 should transmit to the presentation control device 124 in the command buffer. Output port.

  Step S214: The main control CPU 72 clears the port output request buffer stored by the current CTC interrupt.

  In the present embodiment, an example is given in which the processing (game control program module) of step S206 to step S213 is executed as a timer interrupt processing. However, these processings are incorporated and executed in the main loop of the CPU. There is also a programming example.

  Step S215: When the above processing is completed, the main control CPU 72 stores a value (01H) for designating the end of interrupt in the interrupt program counter, and ends the CTC interrupt.

  Step S216, Step S217: The main control CPU 72 restores the saved values of the registers (A to L) and permits the next CTC interrupt. Thereafter, the main control CPU 72 returns to the main loop (program address indicated by the stack pointer).

[Security management processing]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the security management process executed in the interrupt management process. The contents of the security management process will be described below along with an example procedure.

  Step S220: First, the main control CPU 72 executes a winning validity determination process. In this process, for example, it is determined whether or not the winning is valid for the case where the input state of the winning detection signal read in the previous input process is “ON” (winning validity determining means). The validity determination is made for each of the start winning opening 28a and the big winning opening 30b.

[Significance of “entering ball” and “winning”]
Here, the meaning of “entering ball” and “winning” in the present embodiment will be described.
With respect to the variable start winning device 28 and the variable winning device 30, each “open ball” means that the game ball flows into the start winning port 28a or the big winning port 30b in an open state.

  When the game ball that has entered the ball passes through the through hole (detection unit) of the start winning opening switch 82 or the count switch 84, the winning detection signal of each switch 82, 84 is turned "ON", and the starting winning opening 28a or large This means that “entering ball” into the winning opening 30b is detected.

  However, some detected “entrance balls” are not appropriate. As an example in which the detected “pitch” is not appropriate, there is a case where a game ball flows into the variable start winning device 28 or the variable winning device 30 by some unauthorized means. For this reason, in the winning validity determination process (step S220), it is determined whether or not the detected “entering ball” is treated as effective for security.

  Then, when the main control CPU 72 determines in the winning validity determination process that the “winning” is treated as valid, the “winning” is generated for the first time, and the winning detection signals of the switches 82 and 84 are the following. It is still used as effective in the control process. On the other hand, if “entry” is detected, but the main control CPU 72 determines that the “entry” is not treated as valid (invalid), no “winning” has occurred in the first place. . In this case, the winning detection signals of the switches 82 and 84 are invalidated and are not used for subsequent control processing (lottery or prize ball processing).

  In this embodiment, for the sake of convenience, “determining that the detected“ pick ”” is treated as valid ”in the winning validity determination process is also expressed as“ determining that the winning is valid ”, and“ detected “ “Determining that“ entering ball ”is not treated as valid” is also expressed as “determining that the winning is invalid (invalid)”.

[Criteria]
In the winning validity determination process, the main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the winning is valid based on the following conditions.

[Effectiveness determination for the start winning award 28a]
(1) To the start winning port 28a detected during a series of operations related to the variable start winning device 28 (ordinary electric accessory) and during a period other than a period until a predetermined time (for example, about 4 seconds at the longest) elapses after the operation ends. It ’s not a ball.

[Validity determination for the big prize opening 30b]
(2) Entering the prize winning opening 30b detected during a series of operations related to the variable prize winning device 30 (special electric accessory) and during a period other than a period until a predetermined time (for example, about 15 seconds) elapses after the operation ends. It must not be a sphere.

  In the determination using the above condition (1), for example, the value of the normal game management status and the values of various winning valid timers are obtained in the interruption period in which the winning detection signal (ON) from the start winning opening switch 82 is input. Can be done with reference. When the condition (1) is satisfied, the main control CPU 72 determines that the “winning” to the start winning opening 28a is treated as valid, and the winning detection signal from the start winning opening switch 82 is also valid in the subsequent control processing. Used for. On the other hand, when the condition (1) is not satisfied, the main control CPU 72 determines that the ball entering the start winning port 28a is not treated as valid, and performs a process of invalidating the winning detection signal from the start winning port switch 82. Do. The normal game management status is internal information that is set on the control by the main control CPU 72 in accordance with the progress of the game corresponding to the normal symbol. The value of the winning valid timer is set in consideration of stagnation of the game ball (so-called ball biting) after the closing time of the variable start winning device 28 has elapsed (for example, about 2 to 4 seconds).

  The determination using the condition (2) is performed with reference to the value of the special game management status or the value of the winning valid timer in the interruption cycle in which the winning detection signal (ON) from the count switch 84 is input, for example. be able to. When the condition (2) is satisfied, the main control CPU 72 determines that the “winning” to the big winning opening 30b is treated as valid and effectively uses the winning detection signal from the count switch 84 in the subsequent control processing. To do. On the other hand, when the condition (2) is not satisfied, the main control CPU 72 determines that the winning ball 30b is not treated as valid and performs a process of invalidating the winning detection signal from the count switch 84. The special game management status is internal information that is set on the control by the main control CPU 72 in accordance with the progress of the game corresponding to the special symbol. The winning valid timer here is also set in consideration of the ball biting after the closing time of the variable winning device 30 has elapsed (for example, about 2 to 4 seconds).

  In the process of invalidating the winning detection signal, determination is made for each of the conditions (1) and (2) for each interrupt cycle, and the value of the invalid winning counter is incremented each time the winning detection signal is invalidated. When the value of the invalid prize counter reaches a specified value (for example, five) for each condition (1) and (2), the main control CPU 72 turns the illegal prize error flag ON (= 1) as internal information. As a result, an “illegal prize error” occurs in the pachinko machine 1.

  Step S222: When the above winning validity determination process is completed, the main control CPU 72 then executes a magnetic detection process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines whether or not there is an illegal act (so-called “magnet goto”) based on a detection signal from the magnetic sensor (not shown). As a result, when a magnetic flux corresponding to an illegal act is detected, the main control CPU 72 sets the security error flag to ON (= 1). As a result, another “security error” occurs in the pachinko machine 1.

  Step S224: The main control CPU 72 executes vibration detection processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines whether or not there is an illegal act (so-called “drilling”) based on a detection signal from the vibration sensor (not shown). As a result, when a vibration that is recognized as an illegal act is detected, the main control CPU 72 also turns on the security error flag.

  Step S226: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a winning excess detection process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 counts the number of winning occurrences per fixed time (for example, 1 minute), and determines whether or not an excessive winning amount equivalent to an illegal act has occurred. If it is determined that the winning is exceeded, the main control CPU 72 also turns on the security error flag.

  Step S228: The main control CPU 72 executes a passage excess detection process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 counts the number of occurrences of passage of the start gate 20 per fixed time (for example, 1 minute), and determines whether or not an excess corresponding to an illegal act has occurred. If it is determined that it exceeds the limit, the main control CPU 72 also turns on the security error flag.

  Step S230: The main control CPU 72 checks the values of the “illegal prize error flag” and the “security error flag”. When any error flag is set to ON (= 1) (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes the next step S232. If none of the error flags is set to ON (No), the main control CPU 72 does not execute step S232.

  Step S232: In this case, the main control CPU 72 executes error command processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 generates an error command (error state designation command) to be transmitted to the effect control device 124 (effect control CPU 126), and transfers the value to the command transmission buffer. The error command can set a different value for each error that has occurred. For example, when the “illegal prize error flag” is ON, a value that can be identified as “illegal prize error” is set in the error command, and when the “security error flag” is ON, a value that can be identified as “security error”. Set to error command. The error command generated here is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the subsequent effect control output process (step S213 in FIG. 11).

Step S234: Further, the main control CPU 72 executes an illegal winning mask process here. In this process, the main control CPU 72 rewrites all the winning detection signals determined to be invalid from ON to OFF, regardless of whether or not it is determined that the illegal winning error is determined in the previous winning validity determination process (step S220). As a result, the winning detection signal is treated as “OFF (no winning has been generated)” within the same interruption period, and the special symbol change, winning ball payout, etc. are not performed.
When the above procedure is executed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the interrupt management process.

[Switch input event processing]
Next, FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the switch input event process (step S205 in FIG. 8). Each procedure will be described below.

  Step S10: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not a winning detection signal is input from the start winning port switch 82 corresponding to the special symbol. When the input of the winning detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S11 and executes a special symbol storing process. The specific contents of the special symbol storage process (step S11) will be further described later using another flowchart. On the other hand, when no winning detection signal is input (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S12.

  Step S12: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not a winning detection signal is input from the count switch 84 corresponding to the big winning opening. When the input of this winning detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S13 and executes a large winning mouth count process. In the big winning opening counting process, the main control CPU 72 counts the number of winning balls to the variable winning device 30 every round during the big hit game. On the other hand, when no winning detection signal is input (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S14.

  Step S14: The main control CPU 72 checks whether or not a passage detection signal is input from the middle gate switch 78 or the right gate switch 80 corresponding to the normal symbol. When the input of the passage detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S16 and executes the normal symbol memory update process. Specific contents of the normal symbol memory update process (step S16) will be further described later using another flowchart. On the other hand, when there is no input of the passage detection signal (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the interrupt management process (FIG. 8).

[Normal symbol memory update processing]
Next, the normal symbol memory update process (step S16 in FIG. 10) will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure of the normal symbol storage update process. Hereinafter, the procedure of the normal symbol memory update process will be described in order.

  Step S20: Here, first, the main control CPU 72 refers to the value of the normal symbol operating memory number counter to check whether or not the operating memory number is less than the maximum value of 4. The working memory number counter represents the number (number of sets) of random numbers determined per ordinary symbol stored in the random number storage area of the RAM 76. That is, the random number storage area of the RAM 76 is divided into four sections (for example, 1 byte each) for the normal symbols, and one random number determined per normal symbol can be stored in each section. At this time, if the value of the working memory number counter reaches the upper limit value (maximum value) (Yes), the main control CPU 72 returns to the switch input event process (FIG. 10). On the other hand, if the value of the working memory number counter is less than the upper limit value (maximum value) (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S21.

  Step S21: The main control CPU 72 adds one normal symbol operation memory number. The normal symbol operation memory number counter is stored in the operation memory number area of the RAM 76, for example, and the main control CPU 72 increments (+1) the value. Based on the counter value added here, the lighting state of the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a is controlled by the display output management process (step S211 in FIG. 8).

  Step S22: Then, the main control CPU 72 acquires a determined random number value per ordinary symbol from the random number generator 75 through the sampling circuit 77 described above. The random value is acquired by specifying the pin address of the random number generator 75. When the main control CPU 72 has a data bus width of 8 bits, the address designation is performed twice for each upper byte and lower byte. When the main control CPU 72 reads the determined random number value per ordinary symbol from the designated address, it saves it as the determined random number per ordinary symbol in the address of the transfer destination (random number storage area). Note that the determined random number value per symbol may be acquired from the hit random number counter area of the RAM 76, for example. In this case, when the main control CPU 72 reads the determined random number value per ordinary symbol from the designated address, the main control CPU 72 saves it at the transfer destination address as a per-decided random number corresponding to the ordinary symbol.

  Step S23: The main control CPU 72 transfers the saved determined random number per normal symbol to a random number storage area corresponding to the normal symbol, and stores it in an empty section in the area. The order (for example, first to fourth) is set in the plurality of sections. If all the first to fourth sections are empty at this stage, the determined random numbers are stored in order from the first section. . Alternatively, if the first section is already filled and the other second to fourth sections are empty, the determined random numbers are stored in order from the second section. Note that the random number storage area is read in the FIFO format.

  Step S24: The main control CPU 72 executes a normal symbol effect command output setting process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 performs a setting for transmitting, for example, a normal design start sound control command to the effect control device 124. The main control CPU 72 may perform, for example, a prefetch determination process before this process. In this case, the main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the lottery is successful in the pre-reading determination process, and generates a normal destination determination effect command based on the result. And main control CPU72 can perform the setting for transmitting a universal destination determination production | presentation command with respect to the production | presentation control apparatus 124 by step S24.

  When the above procedure is completed or the normal symbol operation memory number has reached 4 (maximum value) (step S20: Yes), the main control CPU 72 returns to the switch input event process (FIG. 10).

[Normal design game processing]
Next, the details of the normal symbol game process (step S207 in FIG. 8) executed during the interrupt management process will be described.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a configuration example of the normal symbol game process. Normal symbol game processing includes execution selection processing (step S1001), normal symbol variation pre-processing (step S2001), normal symbol variation processing (step S3001), normal symbol stop display processing (step S4001), variable start winning device management. This is a configuration including a subroutine group of processing (step S5001). First, the basic flow of the normal game management process will be described along each process.

  Step S1001: In the execution selection process, the main control CPU 72 selects a jump destination of a process to be executed next (any one of steps S2001 to S5001). For example, the main control CPU 72 sets the program address of the process to be executed next as the jump destination address and sets the end of the normal symbol game process in the “jump table” as the return destination address. Which process is selected as the next jump destination differs depending on the progress of the process performed so far (the value of the normal game management status). For example, if the normal symbol has not yet started to be changed, the main control CPU 72 selects the normal symbol change pre-process (step S2001) as the next jump destination. On the other hand, if the normal symbol variation pre-processing has already been completed, the main control CPU 72 selects the normal symbol variation processing (step S3001) as the next jump destination, and if the normal symbol variation processing has been completed, For example, the normal symbol stop display process (step S4001) is selected as the jump destination. In this embodiment, the jump destination address is specified by the “jump table” and the process is selected. However, apart from such a selection method, a “process flag”, a “process selection flag”, or the like is used. There is also a known programming example in which the CPU selects a process to be executed next. In such a programming example, the CPU CALLs each process in a single way, and at the top step, the conditional branch (continuation / return) is performed by referring to the flag one by one. However, in the selection method of this embodiment, the main control There is no need for the CPU 72 to call each process one by one.

  Step S2001: In the normal symbol variation pre-processing, the main control CPU 72 performs an operation for preparing conditions for starting the variation display of the regular symbol. The specific processing content will be described later using another flowchart.

  Step S3001: In the normal symbol changing process, the main control CPU 72 controls the normal symbol display device 33 while counting the change timer. Specifically, an ON or OFF drive signal is output to each of the two LEDs constituting the normal symbol display device 33. The pattern of the drive signal changes with the passage of time, whereby a normal symbol variation display is performed. In this embodiment, since the two symbols are alternately lit and extinguished to perform normal symbol variation display, the drive signal pattern can be configured simply (for example, in two patterns), and the main control accordingly. The load on the CPU 72 can be reduced.

  Step S4001: In the normal symbol stop display process, the main control CPU 72 controls the driving of the normal symbol display device 33. Similarly, an ON or OFF drive signal is output to each of the two LEDs, but the pattern of the drive signal is constant, whereby a normal symbol stop display is performed. In the present embodiment, among the two upper and lower LEDs, for example, a stop display at the time of winning is performed with the upper LED lit, and a stop display at the time of non-winning is performed with the lower LED lit. Yes (upper and lower logic may be reversed).

  Step S5001: The variable start winning device management process is selected when the normal symbol is stopped and displayed in the winning manner (for example, the upper LED is lit) in the previous normal symbol stop display process. When the normal symbol is stopped and displayed in a winning manner, in this process, the main control CPU 72 operates the variable start winning device 28 on the assumption that the operation condition is satisfied. The operating conditions for the variable start winning device 28 will be described later.

  While the variable start winning device 28 is in operation, the jump destination is set in the variable start winning device management process (step S5001) in the previous execution selection process (step S1001), and the normal symbol variation display is not performed. In the variable start winning device management process, the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 88 is energized a predetermined number of times (for example, once) so that the variable start winning device 28 operates in a set pattern, and the start winning port is set. It is possible to generate a prize for 28a (lottery opportunity generation operation means). In the present embodiment, the special symbol game process also proceeds with the occurrence of the winning at the start winning opening 28a. However, for the sake of convenience, the normal symbol game process will be explained in advance below. .

[Normal pattern change pre-processing]
Next, FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of normal symbol variation pre-processing. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along each procedure.

  Step S6100: First, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the normal symbol operation memory number remains (is greater than 0). This confirmation can be made with reference to the value of the normal symbol operation memory number counter stored in the RAM 76. When the number of working memories is 0 (No), the main control CPU 72 executes a demo setting process in step S6500.

  Step S6500: In this process, the main control CPU 72 generates a demonstration effect command. The demonstration effect command is output to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S213 in FIG. 8). When the demo setting process is executed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the normal symbol game process.

  On the other hand, if the value of the normal symbol operation memory number counter is greater than 0 (Yes), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S6200.

  Step S6200: The main control CPU 72 executes a normal symbol storage shift process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 reads a random number for lottery (normal random number determined per symbol) stored in the random number storage area of the RAM 76 and stores it in, for example, another common storage area. At this time, if random numbers are stored in two or more sections, the main control CPU 72 sequentially reads the random numbers from the first section, and moves (shifts) the remaining random numbers one by one to the previous section. Each random number stored in the common storage area is used for the operation lottery in the subsequent hit determination process.

  Step S6250: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a normal symbol operating memory number subtraction process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 subtracts one value of the normal symbol operation memory number counter stored in the RAM 76, and sets the value after subtraction to the “normal symbol fluctuation start operation memory number”. As a result, the display mode of the number stored by the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33 changes (decreases by 1) in the display output management process (step S213 in FIG. 8). When the procedure so far is completed, the main control CPU 72 next executes step S6300.

  Step S6300: The main control CPU 72 executes a hit determination process (operation lottery). In this process, the main control CPU 72 sets a range of normal symbol value and determines whether or not the read random number value is included in this range (operation lottery execution means). The range of normal symbol values set at this time is different between the non-time shortened state (when the time shortening function is not activated) and the time shortened state (when the time shortening function is activated). In addition, since the range of the winning value is expanded, the winning probability of the operation lottery is set extremely high as compared with the non-time shortened state. If the random value read at this time is included in the range of the winning value, the main control CPU 72 sets the normal symbol winning flag (01H), and then proceeds to step S6400. In the present embodiment, the hit determination is performed by setting a range of the hit value on the program. However, the hit determination table is written in the ROM 74 in advance, and the hit determination is read and compared with the random number value. There are also programming examples. Further, the specific winning probability for each state will be further described later using another drawing.

  Step S6400: The main control CPU 72 determines whether or not a value (01H) is set for the hit flag in the previous hit determination process. If the value (01H) is not set in the hit flag (No), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S6404.

  Step S6404: The main control CPU 72 executes a stop symbol determination process upon disconnection. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sets stop symbol number data at the time of disconnection by the normal symbol display device 33. Further, the main control CPU 72 generates a stop symbol designation command and a lottery result command (at the time of loss) to be transmitted to the effect control device 124. These commands are transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S213 in FIG. 8).

  In this embodiment, since two LEDs are used for the normal symbol display device 33, for example, as described above, the display mode of the stop symbol at the time of disconnection is only the lighting display of one of the LEDs (lower side). The stop symbol number data can be fixed to one value. In this case, the storage capacity used in the program can be reduced, the processing load on the main control CPU 72 can be reduced, and the processing speed can be improved. Such a way of thinking can be similarly applied to a case where a 7-segment LED is used for the normal symbol display device 33.

  Step S6406: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a deviation variation pattern determination process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the fluctuation pattern number at the time of deviation for the normal symbol. The variation pattern number is used to distinguish the type of variation pattern or to define the variation time at that time, and is determined, for example, by random number lottery by the main control CPU 72. That is, in this process, the main control CPU 72 refers to, for example, a later-described variation pattern determination table and selects a variation pattern number corresponding to a random number per symbol (non-winning one) on this table. In the table, the variation time corresponding to the variation pattern number (for example, 6.0 seconds to 180 seconds) is preset, and the main control CPU 72 acquires the variation time corresponding to the selected variation pattern number from the table. Can do.

  In the present embodiment, except for the case where the deviation reach fluctuation is performed, the fluctuation time at the time of deviation is set based on, for example, “the number of operation memory at the time of start of fluctuation display (0 to 3)” set in step S6250. . The variation time is set differently in the non-time shortened state and the time shortened state. In the non-time shortened state, the variable time is set based on the variation pattern number selected as described above, but is fixed in the time shortened state. A value (for example, 0.6 seconds) is set. The setting of the variation time for each state will be further described later using another drawing.

  Further, in the present embodiment, when the result of the internal lottery is a non-winning result, for example, a control that causes a “reach effect” to be generated and a “reach effect” to occur without causing a “reach effect” is performed. To do. The “variation pattern selection table at the time of loss” preliminarily defines variation patterns corresponding to a plurality of types of effects such as “non-reach effect” and “reach effect”. One of the fluctuation patterns is selected from the inside. The reach production includes various reach production such as normal reach production, long reach production, super reach production, story reach production, and the like.

[Example of variation pattern selection table for loss]
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of the deviation variation pattern selection table.
This selection table is a table to be used at the time of a loss (when it corresponds to non-winning) (variation pattern defining means, varying time defining means). In addition, this selection table has a structure in which, for example, “comparison value” and “variation pattern number” are stored as a set of 1 byte each in order from the head address. The “comparison value” includes, for example, eight different values “101”, “201”, “211”, “221”, “231”, “241”, “251”, “255 (FFH)”. “1” to “8” of “variation pattern number” are assigned to each “comparison value”.

  Fluctuation pattern numbers “1” to “5” correspond to fluctuation patterns that are out of reach without performing a reach effect, and fluctuation pattern numbers “6” to “8” are fluctuation patterns that are out of reach after reaching. It corresponds. Among these, for variation patterns 7 and 8 (variation pattern numbers “7” and “8”), a relatively long variation time (for example, 1 minute or more) is set, and is defined as “a specific type of variation pattern”. For example, a super reach effect that is relatively longer than a normal reach effect is executed. Note that such a variation pattern selection table is not used at the time of this process, but also in a prior determination process for determining whether or not to hit in advance before the variation (for example, when a game ball passes through the start gate 20). Used (same for big hits).

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

[See Figure 13: Normal symbol variation pre-processing]
The above steps S6404 and S6406 are control procedures when the hit determination result is out of order, but when the determination result is hit (step S6400: Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes the following procedure.

  Step S6410: The main control CPU 72 executes a hit stop symbol determination process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines a winning stop symbol number. However, in this embodiment, since a plurality of winning symbols are not provided for the normal symbol, the main control CPU 72 basically selects one type of stop symbol number at all times.

  Step S6412: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a hit variation pattern determination process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 refers to a hit fluctuation pattern selection table to be described later, and acquires, for example, a reach group determination random number, a reach mode determination random number, and a fluctuation pattern determination random number from the counter area of the RAM 76, and based on those values. To determine the variation pattern (variation time) of the normal symbol. In the game by the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, basically, the hit reach variation pattern including the symbol effect is performed at the time of hitting the normal symbol, so the hit reach change pattern is finally selected here. In general, in the case of the reach fluctuation at the time of hit, the fluctuation time longer than that at the time of the normal fluctuation is determined. In addition to the acquisition of the reach group determination random number, the reach mode determination random number, and the variation pattern determination random number in step S6412, for example, the reach group determination random number, the reach mode determination random number, and the variation pattern determination random number may be acquired in the normal symbol memory update process (FIG. 11). In this case, the main control CPU 72 stores the acquired normal symbol variation random number as a set with the winning random number in step S23 of the normal symbol memory update process. In addition, if the reach group determination random number, the reach mode determination random number, and the variation pattern determination random number are stored, it is possible to generate a notice effect based on the prefetching of the variation pattern before the variation using the stored contents. Is possible.

[Example of the variation pattern selection table for hits]
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hit variation pattern selection table.
This selection table is a table used when winning in a win. In addition, this selection table has a structure in which, for example, “comparison value” and “variation pattern number” are stored as a set of 1 byte each in order from the head address. The “comparison value” includes, for example, eight different values “101”, “201”, “211”, “221”, “231”, “241”, “251”, “255 (FFH)”. “13” to “20” of “variation pattern number” are assigned to each “comparison value”.

  The variation pattern numbers “13” to “20” all correspond to the variation pattern that is a hit when the reach effect is performed.

  The main control CPU 72 sequentially compares the obtained variation pattern determination random value with the “comparison value” in the variation pattern selection table, and if the random value is equal to or less than the comparison value, the main control CPU 72 corresponds to the comparison value. A variation pattern number is selected (variation pattern determination means). For example, if the variation pattern determination random value at that time is “190”, the main control CPU 72 determines that the random value exceeds the comparison value when compared with the first comparison value “101”. 201 "is compared with the random value. In this case, since the random value is equal to or smaller than the comparison value, the main control CPU 72 selects “14” as the corresponding variation pattern number.

[See Figure 13: Normal symbol variation pre-processing]
Step S6413: The main control CPU 72 executes a hit and other setting process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the display mode of the stop symbol (win symbol) by the normal symbol display device 33 based on the hit symbol number. However, as described above, since the stop symbol number is always one type in the present embodiment, the main control CPU 72 always determines one display mode (lights the upper LED on). The main control CPU 72 generates a stop symbol command and a lottery result command (winning time) to be transmitted to the effect control device 124. These stop symbol commands and lottery result commands are also transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S213 in FIG. 8).

  Step S6414: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes normal symbol variation start processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 selects the fluctuation pattern data based on the fluctuation pattern number (out of time / hit), and sets the fluctuation time value corresponding to the fluctuation pattern in the fluctuation timer. At the same time, the main control CPU 72 sets a normal symbol variation start flag in the flag area of the RAM 76. Then, the main control CPU 72 generates a change start command to be transmitted to the effect control device 124. This variation start command is also transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process. When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the normal symbol game process.

[Figure 12: Normal symbol change processing, normal symbol stop display processing]
When returning to the normal symbol game process, the main control CPU 72 sets the normal symbol changing process (step S3001) as the next jump destination. In the normal symbol fluctuation processing, the main control CPU 72 loads the value of the fluctuation timer from the register to the timer counter as described above, and thereafter, according to the passage of time (clock pulse count number or interrupt counter count number). Decrement the timer counter value. Then, the main control CPU 72 refers to the value of the timer counter and controls the normal symbol fluctuation display as described above until the value becomes zero. When the value of the timer counter becomes 0, the main control CPU 72 sets the normal symbol stop display process (step S4001) as the next jump destination.

  In the normal symbol stop display process, the main control CPU 72 controls the stop display of the normal symbol based on the stop symbol determined in the hit stop symbol determination process (steps S6404 and S6410 in FIG. 13). The main control CPU 72 generates a symbol stop command to be transmitted to the effect control device 124. The symbol stop command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process. If the stop symbol is displayed for a predetermined time in the normal symbol stop display processing, the main control CPU 72 deletes the symbol changing flag.

[Variable winning device management process]
Next, the variable start winning device management process will be described.
FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a configuration example of the variable start winning device management process. The variable start winning device management process includes a subroutine group of a game process selection process (step S5101), an opening pattern setting process (step S5201), an opening / closing operation process (step S5301), a closing process (step S5401), and an end process (step S5501). It is the structure containing.

  Step S5101: In the game process selection process, the main control CPU 72 selects a jump destination of a process to be executed next (any one of steps S5201 to S5501). That is, the main control CPU 72 selects the program address of the process to be executed next from the jump table as the jump destination address, and sets the end of the variable start winning device management process in the stack pointer as the return destination address. Which process is selected as the next jump destination depends on the progress of the processes performed so far. For example, if the operation of the variable start winning device 28 has not been started yet, the main control CPU 72 selects an opening pattern setting process (step S5201) as the next jump destination. On the other hand, if the opening pattern setting process has already been completed, the main control CPU 72 selects the opening / closing operation process (step S5301) as the next jump destination, and if the opening / closing operation process has been completed, it closes as the next jump destination. A process (step S5401) is selected. When the opening / closing operation process and the closing process are executed, the main control CPU 72 selects an end process (step S5501) as the next jump destination. Hereinafter, each process will be described in more detail.

[Open pattern setting process]
Step S5201: In the opening pattern setting process, the main control CPU 72 sets, for example, an operating time (opening time) and the number of operations (opening frequency) as the opening pattern of the variable start winning device 28. In the present embodiment, the operating time and the number of operations of the variable start winning device 28 are set in common in both the non-time shortening state and the time shortening state. The main control CPU 72 sets an opening / closing operation process (step S5301) as the next jump destination.

  Step S5301: In the next opening / closing operation process, the main control CPU 72 drives the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 212 based on the operation time set in the previous step S5201. Thus, the variable start winning device 28 is actually actuated (opened). The main control CPU 72 sets a closing process (step S5401) as the next jump destination.

  Step S5401: In the closing process, the main control CPU 72 counts the elapsed operating time based on the timer counter value. When the value of the timer counter becomes 0 or less, the main control CPU 72 switches the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 212 to the non-operating state (OFF). Then, the main control CPU 72 sets an end process (step S5501) as the next jump destination.

  Step S5501: In the end process, the main control CPU 72 sets conditions for ending the operation of the variable start winning device 28. For example, the main control CPU 72 resets the value (01H) of the ordinary electric accessory operation flag. The main control CPU 72 sets the jump destination in the execution selection process (step S1001 in FIG. 12) in the normal symbol game process to the normal symbol change pre-process. When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the variable start winning device management process.

[Normal symbol operating condition setting table]
FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a normal symbol operating condition setting table. In this normal symbol operating condition setting table, the normal symbol hit probability and variation time are set differently in the non-time shortened state (during normal time) and the time shortened state (during time short), and the variable start winning device 28 for hitting is set. This is for setting an opening pattern (operation time and number of operations).

  As shown in the upper part excluding the heading line in FIG. 17, in this embodiment, in the operation lottery performed in the non-time shortening state (when the time shortening function is not operated), a normal hit probability (for example, 1 / 99) applies. In addition, for the normal symbol variation display performed in the non-time shortened state, the variation time set using the normal symbol variation random number as described above is applied.

  On the other hand, as shown in the lower part excluding the heading row in FIG. 17, in the operation lottery performed in the time shortening state (when the time shortening function is activated), a higher hit probability (for example, 98 / 99≈1 / 1.01) applies. Thereby, in the time shortening state, the operation lottery is won (the operation condition is satisfied) more frequently than in the non-time shortening state, so that the variable start winning device 28 is more likely to be won. Further, for the normal symbol variation display performed in the time shortening state, a fixed variation time (for example, 0.6 seconds) set in advance as described above is applied. However, in this embodiment, the operating time is set to be common (for example, 6.0 seconds) in both the non-time shortened state and the time shortened state, and the number of times of operation (one time) is also set in common. ing.

  The above is the outline of the control method for operating the operation lottery and variable start winning device 28 performed through the normal symbol game process (step S207 in FIG. 8). Next, a special symbol storing process (step S11 in FIG. 10) accompanying the winning to the variable start winning device 28 (start winning port 28a) and a special symbol game process (in FIG. 8) that proceeds with the occurrence of the winning. The contents of step S206) will be described.

[Special symbol memory processing]
FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the special symbol storing process. Hereinafter, the special symbol storage process will be described along with a procedure example.

  Step S30: First, the main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the value of the special game management status is “00H”. The special game management status is separately set by the main control CPU 72 as follows according to the progress of the game corresponding to the special symbol.

[Special Game Management Status]
That is, the main control CPU 72 sets the value of the special game management status (in the brackets) according to the game progress statuses (1) to (8) corresponding to the special symbol as follows, for example.
(1) Special symbol change waiting state: “00H”
(2) Special symbol fluctuation display state: “01H”
(3) Special symbol stop symbol display state: “02H”
(4) Variable winning device (special electric accessory) waiting to be opened: “03H”
(5) Variable winning device (special electric accessory) open state: “04H”
(6) Variable winning device (special electric accessory) Closed after opening: “05H”
(7) Variable winning device (special electric accessory) closed state: “06H”
(8) Variable winning device (special electric accessory) during operation end state: “07H”

  When the value of the special game management status is other than “00H”, that is, when the current game progress status is other than the special symbol change waiting state (00H) (step S30: No), the main control CPU 72 performs switch input event processing (FIG. Return to 10). On the other hand, if the value of the special game management status is “00H” (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S32.

  Step S32: The main control CPU 72 obtains the jackpot determined random number value from the random number generator 75 through the sampling circuit 77 described above. The random value is acquired by specifying the pin address of the random number generator 75. When the main control CPU 72 has a data bus width of 8 bits, the address designation is performed twice for each upper byte and lower byte. When the main control CPU 72 reads the jackpot determined random number value from the designated address, it saves it as a jackpot determined random number at the address of the transfer destination (random number storage area).

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

  Step S34: Further, the main control CPU 72 acquires, for example, a variation pattern determination random number from the variation random number counter area of the RAM 76 as a random value related to the variation condition of the special symbol. Similarly, the acquisition of the random number value is performed by designating the address of the random number counter area for variation. When the main control CPU 72 acquires the variation pattern determination random number from the designated address, the main control CPU 72 saves it in the transfer destination address.

  Step S36: The main control CPU 72 transfers the saved jackpot determined random number, jackpot symbol random number, and variation pattern determined random number to the random number storage area corresponding to the special symbol (at this time, the free state), and stores these random numbers as a set. .

  Step S38: The main control CPU 72 executes a production command output setting process for the special symbol. This process is for performing setting for transmitting a start opening winning tone control command to the effect control device 124, for example.

  When the above procedure is completed or the special symbol operation memory has already been stored (step S30: Yes), the main control CPU 72 returns to the switch input event process (FIG. 10).

[Special design game processing]
Next, the details of the special symbol game process executed in the interrupt management process (FIG. 8) will be described.
FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a configuration example of the special symbol game process. The special symbol game process includes an execution selection process (step S1000), a special symbol change pre-process (step S2000), a special symbol change process (step S3000), a special symbol stop display process (step S4000), and a variable winning device management process. This is a configuration including a subroutine (program module) group of (Step S5000). First, the basic flow of the special symbol game process will be described along each process.

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

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

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

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

  Step S4000: In the special symbol stop display process, the main control CPU 72 controls the drive of the special symbol display device 34. Similarly, an ON or OFF drive signal is output for each segment and dot of the 7-segment LED. However, the pattern of the drive signal is constant, whereby a special symbol is stopped and displayed. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sets the “limiter count” for the probability variation function or performs a subtraction process. The specific contents of the process and the significance of the “limiter count” will be further described later.

  Step S5000: The variable winning device management process is selected when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the winning mode (a mode other than non-winning) in the previous special symbol stop display process. For example, when a special symbol is stopped and displayed in a big hit mode, an opportunity to shift to a big hit gaming state (a special gaming state advantageous to the player) occurs. During the big hit game, the jump destination is set in the variable winning device management process in the previous execution selection process (step S1000), and the special symbol variation display is not performed. In the variable winning device management process, the large winning opening solenoid 90 is excited for a certain period of time (for example, up to 6.0 seconds or until one winning is counted) for a predetermined number of continuous operations (for example, twice). As a result, the variable winning device 30 is opened and closed in a predetermined pattern (variable winning means). During this period, the game ball is entered (winned) into the variable prize winning device 30, thereby giving the player an opportunity to win a prize ball (for example, 6 prize balls are paid out for one prize). (Winning privilege grant means). Note that the opening / closing operation of the variable winning device 30 at the time of a big hit is referred to as “round”, and if the number of continuous operations is two, these may be collectively referred to as “2 rounds”. However, in this embodiment, since the opening time per time is relatively short (6.0 seconds) and the number of counts in one round is the minimum (for example, one), the general 15 rounds Compared with big hits (for example, 1 round 29 seconds open, number of counts 9), the number of prize balls that can be obtained with one big hit (2 rounds) is smaller.

  In any case, when the main control CPU 72 sets the large winning opening opening pattern (number of rounds, number of opening operations per round, opening time, etc.) in the variable winning device management process, the variable winning device 30 for one round Each time the release operation is completed, the value of the round number counter is incremented by one. The value of the round number counter is stored in the count area of the RAM 76 with an initial value of 0, for example. Further, the main control CPU 72 generates a round number command representing the value of the round number counter. The round number command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S212 in FIG. 8). When the value of the round counter reaches the set number of continuous operations (in this example, 2 times), the main control CPU 72 ends the big hit game (main role) only for that round.

  When the big hit game (opening operation of the variable winning device 30) is finished, the main control CPU 72 determines the state (high probability state) after the big hit game based on the game state flag (probability changing function operating flag or time shortening function operating flag). , Change the time reduction state). In the “high probability state”, the probability variation function operates, and the winning probability in the internal lottery becomes higher than usual (high probability state transition means). In the present embodiment, even if the probability variation function is in a “low probability state” in which the probability variation function is not activated, the winning probability in the internal lottery is set to a high value of about one half (for example, about 32768/65536). When shifting to the “high probability state” from here, the winning probability is set to a higher probability (for example, about 65535/65536).

  Also, in the “time reduction state”, the time reduction function is activated and the normal symbol operation lottery has a high probability (for example, 1/99 → 98/99), and the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is reduced. It is set (for example, fixed at about 0.6 seconds). In addition, the variation time of the special symbol is also set to be shorter than the non-time shortened state (for example, fixed at about 0.6 seconds). Note that the “high probability state” and the “time reduction state” may be transferred to only one of them in terms of control, or may be transferred in accordance with both of them. Also, regarding the mechanism of internal state change such as “low probability state” or “high probability state”, “non-time shortening state” or “time shortening state”, the winning symbol (winning type) of the special symbol or the pachinko machine 1 This will be further described later together with the game system.

[Special symbol change pre-treatment]
FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the special symbol variation pre-processing. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along each procedure.

  Step S2100: First, the main control CPU 72 checks whether or not there is a special symbol operation memory in the random number storage area of the RAM 76. Alternatively, the main control CPU 72 may refer to the value of the working memory number counter to confirm whether the working memory number corresponding to the special symbol is other than 0 (= 1). Note that the operation memory of the special symbol is generated when a winning is made to the variable start winning device 28 (start winning port 28a) in the switch input event process as described above. At this time, if it is confirmed that there is no working memory of the special symbol that should start changing (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol game process (FIG. 19). On the other hand, when it is confirmed that there is a special symbol working memory (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S2300.

  Step S2300: The main control CPU 72 executes a big hit determination process (internal lottery). In this process, first, the main control CPU 72 reads a lottery random number (a jackpot determined random number, a jackpot symbol random number) stored in a random number storage area of the RAM 76. The read random number is stored, for example, in another temporary storage area, and the working memory is erased (consumed) from the random number storage area. Next, the main control CPU 72 sets a range of the big hit value, and determines whether or not the read random number value is included in this range (internal lottery execution means, lottery execution means, second stage lottery execution means). The range of the jackpot value set at this time is different between the low probability state and the high probability state (when the probability variation function is activated). In any case, if the random value read at this time is included in the range of the big hit value, the main control CPU 72 sets the big hit flag (01H), and then proceeds to step S2400.

  Step S2400: The main control CPU 72 determines whether or not a value (01H) is set for the big hit flag in the previous big hit determination process. If the value (01H) is not set in the jackpot flag (No), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S2404.

  Step S2404: The main control CPU 72 executes an off-time stop symbol determination process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sets stop symbol number data at the time of disconnection by the special symbol display device 34. Further, the main control CPU 72 generates a stop symbol command and a lottery result command (at the time of loss) to be transmitted to the effect control device 124. These commands are transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S213 in FIG. 8).

  In this embodiment, since the 7-segment LED is used for the special symbol display device 34, for example, the display pattern of the stop symbol at the time of disconnection is always set to display only one segment (center bar “-”). The stop symbol number data can be fixed to one value (for example, 64H). In this case, the storage capacity used in the program can be reduced, the processing load on the main control CPU 72 can be reduced, and the processing speed can be improved.

  Step S2406: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a deviation variation pattern determination process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the fluctuation pattern number at the time of deviation for the special symbol. The variation pattern number is used to distinguish the variation display type (pattern) of the special symbol or to correspond to the variation time required for the variation display. Since the fluctuation time at the time of loss differs depending on whether or not it is the above “time reduction state”, in this process, the main control CPU 72 loads the gaming state flag and the current state is “time reduction state”. Check if it exists. In the “time shortening state”, the fluctuation time at the time of deviation is basically set to a shortened time (for example, about 0.6 seconds). If it is not “time shortening state”, the fluctuation time at the time of disconnection is determined based on, for example, a fluctuation pattern determination random number. Then, the main control CPU 72 sets the value of the determined variation time (at the time of disconnection) in the variation timer, and sets the value of the stop display time at the time of disconnection in the stop symbol display timer.

  The above steps S2404 and S2406 are control procedures when the big hit determination result is out of place (in the case other than non-winning), but when the determination result is big hit (step S2400: Yes), the main control CPU 72 performs the following procedure. Run. In this embodiment, even in the low probability state, the winning probability is a high value of 1/2, and even in the low probability state, the following processing is selected once every two times at the time of change.

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

  Step S2412: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a big hit hour variation pattern determination process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the variation pattern (variation time and stop display time) of the special symbol based on the variation pattern determination random number read in the previous step S2300. The main control CPU 72 sets the determined variation time value in the variation timer, and sets the stop display time value in the stop symbol display timer. The fluctuation time at the time of big hit also differs depending on whether or not the above-mentioned “time reduction state”. Therefore, the main control CPU 72 loads the gaming state flag and checks whether or not the current state is the “time reduction state”. In the “time shortening state”, the fluctuation time is basically set to a shortened time (for example, about 0.6 seconds) even at the big hit time. If it is not “time shortening state”, a variation pattern corresponding to a certain long variation time (for example, about 30 seconds to 90 seconds) is set in order to secure a time for performing the effect during variation at the time of big hit. Further, in this embodiment, even when the “non-time shortened state” is off, the fluctuation pattern corresponding to a certain long fluctuation time is set in order to execute “out of reach reach” during the fluctuation of the special symbol. The In any case, the main control CPU 72 sets the value of the determined fluctuation time (at the time of big hit) in the fluctuation timer, and sets the value of the stop display time at the time of big hit in the stop symbol display timer.

  Step S2413: The main control CPU 72 executes a big hit other setting process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the value of the probability variation function activation flag (for example, as a gaming state flag) when the type of winning symbol (hit stop symbol number) determined in the previous step S2410 corresponds to any probability variation symbol, for example. 01H) is set in the flag area of the RAM 76, and a count counter value (for example, 10,000 times) is set together. Further, the main control CPU 72 sets the value (01H) of the time shortening function operation flag as the gaming state flag in the flag area of the RAM 76 when the time shortening function operation count corresponding to the winning symbol determined at that time is added. At the same time, the count counter value (100 times or 10,000 times) is set. Further, the main control CPU 72 generates a time shortening function operation number command (or a count cut counter number command) based on the value of the time shortening function operation number added corresponding to the winning symbol. The time reduction function activation number command generated here is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process. The addition of the type of winning symbol and the number of times the time shortening function is activated will be described later with a specific example.

  In step S2413, the main control CPU 72 determines the display mode of the stop symbol (big hit symbol) by the special symbol display device 34 based on the big hit time stop symbol number. At the same time, the main control CPU 72 generates a lottery result command (at the time of the big hit) together with the stop symbol command (at the time of the big hit). The stop symbol command and the lottery result command are also transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process.

  Step S2414: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes special symbol variation start processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 selects the fluctuation pattern data based on the fluctuation pattern number (out of time / hit), and sets the fluctuation time value corresponding to the fluctuation pattern in the fluctuation timer. The main control CPU 72 sets the value of the stop symbol display time corresponding to the variation pattern in the display timer. At the same time, the main control CPU 72 sets a special symbol variation start flag in the flag area of the RAM 76. Then, the main control CPU 72 generates a change start command to be transmitted to the effect control device 124. This variation start command is also transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process. When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 sets the special symbol changing process (step S3000) as the next jump destination and returns to the special symbol game process.

[Fig. 19: Special symbol change processing, special symbol stop display processing]
In the special symbol fluctuation processing, the main control CPU 72 loads the value of the fluctuation timer from the register to the timer counter as described above, and then the timer according to the passage of time (clock pulse count number or interrupt counter value). Decrement the counter value. The main control CPU 72 controls the special symbol variation display as described above until the value becomes 0 while referring to the value of the timer counter. When the value of the timer counter becomes 0, the main control CPU 72 sets the special symbol stop display in-progress process (step S4000) as the next jump destination.

  In the special symbol stop display process, the main control CPU 72 controls the special symbol stop display based on the stop symbol determined in the stop symbol determination process (steps S2404 and S2410 in FIG. 20). The main control CPU 72 generates a symbol stop command to be transmitted to the effect control device 124. The symbol stop command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process. When the stop symbol is displayed for a predetermined time in the special symbol stop display process, the main control CPU 72 deletes the symbol changing flag. The special symbol stop display in-progress process will be described later with reference to another flowchart.

[Winning pattern at the time of big hit]
Next, the types of winning symbols determined in the previous big hit stop symbol determination process (step S2410 in FIG. 20) will be described. In this embodiment, the following three types are roughly prepared as winning symbols that are selectively determined at the time of a big hit. The three types of breakdown are, for example, “2-round normal symbol 1”, “2-round probability variable symbol 1”, and “2-round probability variable symbol 2”. In the present embodiment, since winning symbols having different numbers of rounds are not provided, hereinafter, the number of rounds is not described, and “normal symbol 1”, “probability variation symbol 1”, “probability variation symbol 2”, and the like are appropriately omitted. . Moreover, these are only preferable examples, and the above three types of winning symbols are not exhaustive.

  FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a configuration column of the big hit stop symbol selection table. The main control CPU 72 can determine the type of winning symbol with reference to the big hit stopping symbol selection table shown in FIG. 21 in the previous big hit stopping symbol determination process (step S2410 in FIG. 20) (winning type) Decision means). Further, the main control CPU 72 can determine the number of times the time shortening function is activated according to the determined gaming state (non-time shortening state, time shortening state, low probability state, high probability state) for each determined winning symbol.

  In the big hit stop symbol selection table shown in FIG. 21, the leftmost column shows the distribution value for each winning symbol, and each of the distribution values “2”, “55”, and “43” indicates the denominator. This corresponds to a ratio (selection ratio) when 100 is set. In the second column from the left, “normal symbol 1”, “probability variation symbol 1” and “probability variation symbol 2” corresponding to each distribution value are shown. That is, at the time of the big win in the internal lottery, the ratio that “normal symbol 1” is selected is 2/100 (= 2%), and the rate that “probable variation 1” is selected is 55/100 ( = 55%), and the rate at which “probability pattern 2” is selected is 43/100 (= 43%). The size of each distribution value corresponds to the selection ratio for each winning symbol using a jackpot symbol random number. Here, “normal symbol 1” is a winning symbol (non-probable variation symbol) that does not activate the probability variation function after the big hit. Therefore, in this embodiment, the selection ratio of the probability variation symbol is 98% as a whole, and the “probability variation symbol” is selected at a very high ratio at the time of big hit.

[First-time limiter]
Next, in the table shown in FIG. 21, the third column from the left shows the number of times (upper limit number) of “first limiters” set for each winning symbol at the time of big hit. “Initial limiter” is set when it corresponds to either “probability variation symbol 1” or “probability variation symbol 2”. In this embodiment, for “probability variation symbol 1” and “probability variation symbol 2” Is also “17 times”. Of course, the “first limiter” is not set for “normal symbol 1” (indicated as “none” in the figure).

[Time reduction function operation count (time reduction count)]
Next, a description will be given of the difference in the number of times the time shortening function is activated, which is added for each winning symbol (winning type) and each winning state. In the present embodiment, the three types of winning symbols described above differ in the number of times the time shortening function is activated depending on the state at the time of winning. This will be specifically described below.

(1) Low probability non-short-time medium As shown in the third column from the left in FIG. 21, the special symbol (internal lottery) is “low probability state” and the normal symbol (operation lottery) is “non-probable”. It is assumed that the time is in a “time shortening state” (normal time that is neither probabilistic nor time-saving). In this case, when the winning symbol corresponds to “normal symbol 1”, 100 times of the time shortening function activation number are added. In addition, when it corresponds to "normal symbol 1", the state after the big hit ends becomes a "low probability state".

  Further, when the winning symbol corresponds to either “probability variation symbol 1” or “probability variation symbol 2”, 10,000 times of time reduction function activation times are added. It should be noted that the state after the jackpot is a “high probability state” regardless of whether the “probability variation symbol 1” or “probability variation symbol 2” is met.

  As described above, in this embodiment, when winning in the internal lottery corresponding to the special symbol from the low probability non-short time (probability of 1/2), it becomes “time reduction state” after the end of the big hit game regardless of the winning symbol. . Therefore, the state does not shift to the “high probability non-short-to-medium” state, and is always in the “time reduction state” after the big hit. Further, the difference in the number of time reductions added in the “time reduction state (short time and medium)” is set as follows.

[Limiter count setting]
First, in the present embodiment, with respect to the special symbol (internal lottery), the internal state at the time of winning is “low probability state”, and from there, winning either “probability variation symbol 1” or “probability variation symbol 2” (first winning) Then, as described above, the “limiter count (initial limiter)” is set (continuous count setting means, remaining count setting means). This “limiter count” is a limit (continuous count) that can be determined continuously when the main control CPU 72 corresponds to either “probability variation 1” or “probability variation 2” when winning in the “high probability state”. Means.

[Selection of initial limiter count]
Furthermore, in the present embodiment, “17 times” is selected as described above when setting the “number of limiters (initial limiter)”. This selection can be determined depending on whether the “probability variation symbol 1” or “probability variation symbol 2” is met when winning from the “low probability state”. That is, when winning (first winning) with either “probability changing symbol 1” or “probability changing symbol 2” from “low probability state”, in the special symbol stop display processing (step S4000 in FIG. 19), When setting “limiter (limiter number)”, 17 times (including the first time) are selected (continuous number setting means, remaining number setting means).

[Subtraction of limiter count]
In any case, the “limiter count (first limiter)” set at the first hit from the “low probability state” is the “probability pattern 1” or “probability pattern 2” following the winning in the “high probability state”. 1 (other than “normal symbol 1”), one is subtracted each time, and the remaining number decreases. However, while the “limiter count” does not reach the remaining zero (there is one or more remaining), the main control CPU 72 performs the “high probability state” in the previous big hit stop symbol determination process (step S2410 in FIG. 20). It is possible to determine that it corresponds to either “probability variation symbol 1” or “probability variation symbol 2” continuously when winning. Therefore, first, a case where there is one or more remaining “limiter count” (before reaching the limiter) will be described.

(2) High probability before and after reaching the limiter For example, as shown in the third column from the right in FIG. 21, the special symbol (internal lottery) is “high probability state” and the normal symbol ( It is assumed that the “operating lottery” is in the “time reduction state”. That is, when the probability probability symbol 1 or the probability variation symbol 2 is met during the low probability non-time reduction in (1) above, the high probability time reduction state is reached after the big hit. Even in this case, the number of times the time shortening function is activated is added regardless of the winning symbol. Specifically, when the winning symbol corresponds to “normal symbol 1”, 100 times of the time shortening function operation are added. In addition, when the winning symbol corresponds to either “probability variation symbol 1” or “probability variation symbol 2”, in any case, the time reduction function operation count of 10,000 times is added. In this case, since either “probability variation symbol 1” or “probability variation symbol 2” is continuously won in the “high probability state”, “limiter count” is decremented by 1 as described above. In addition, regardless of whether it is “probability variation 1” or “probability variation 2”, the state after the big hit is a “high probability state” and a “time reduction state”. On the other hand, in the case of “normal symbol 1”, the state after the big hit ends returns to the “low probability state” with respect to the special symbol (internal lottery), but the “time reduction state” is maintained with respect to the normal symbol (operation lottery). The following is “(3) Low probability time short and medium”.

(3) Low probability during short time For example, as shown in the second column from the right in FIG. 21, the special symbol (internal lottery) is “low probability state” and the normal symbol (operation lottery) Assuming the case of “time reduction state”. If it falls under “Normal Symbol 1” during the low probability non-time reduction in (1) above, or if it falls under “Normal Symbol 1” during the high probability time short before reaching the limiter in (2) above, It becomes a state. In this case as well, the number of times the time reduction function is activated is always added to any of the three types of winning symbols (second stage lottery result limiting means). Specifically, when the winning symbol corresponds to “normal symbol 1”, 100 times of the time shortening function operation are added. In addition, when the winning symbol corresponds to either “probability variation symbol 1” or “probability variation symbol 2”, in any case, the time reduction function operation count of 10,000 times is added. In this case, since “low probability state” to “probability variation symbol 1” or “probability variation symbol 2” is selected first, “limiter count” is reset. In this resetting, if the winning symbol is “probability variation symbol 1” or “probability variation symbol 2”, 17 times is selected. And even if it corresponds to either "probability variation symbol 1" or "probability variation symbol 2", since the state after the big hit is a "high probability state" and a "time reduction state", as a result, the above (2) The high probability before and after reaching the limiter will be resumed. On the other hand, in the case of “normal symbol 1”, the state after the big hit ends returns to the “low probability state” with respect to the special symbol (internal lottery), but the “time reduction state” is maintained with respect to the normal symbol (operation lottery). The

[When reaching the limiter]
In the “high probability state”, either “probability variation 1” or “probability variation 2” is won (selection ratio 98%), and “limiter count” is subtracted each time. Assume that the “limiter count” reaches the remaining zero.

  When the “limiter count” reaches the remaining 0, the main control CPU 72 cannot determine that either of the “probability variation symbol 1” or “probability variation symbol 2” is met when winning in the “high probability state”. . Specifically, even if the jackpot symbol random number corresponds to either “probable symbol 1” or “probable symbol 2”, the final winning symbol is “normal symbol 1” or “normal symbol 2”. (For example, winning type restricting means, second stage lottery result restriction releasing means).

(4) High probability when the limiter is reached Short and medium The forced change of the winning symbol is shown in the rightmost column in FIG. That is, when the remaining “limiter count” reaches 0 in the “high probability state” and the “time shortening state”, even if it corresponds to “probability variation 1” (selection ratio 55%) on the table, The final winning symbol is forced to “normal symbol 1” (composite selection ratio is 57%). Or even if it is a case corresponding to "probability variation 2" (selection ratio 43%) on the table, the final winning symbol will be forced to "normal symbol 2". As a result of the forced (restriction) of the winning symbol, the “high probability state” after the remaining “limiter count” reaches zero is not continued, and once the big hit ends, it becomes “low probability state”. It will be forcibly restored. In addition, when “normal symbol 1” is normally selected as the winning symbol and when “normal symbol 1” is forcibly selected (composite selection ratio 57%), the time reduction function is 100 times. The number of times of operation is added, but when “normal symbol 2” is forcibly selected (selection ratio 43%), the number of times of time shortening function operation is not added (0 time = no time reduction). This means that when the “limiter count” reaches zero, it always returns to the “low probability state” with respect to the special symbol (internal lottery). This means that the rate of return is 43% of the total, and the remaining 57% is maintained in the “time reduction state” (second stage lottery result restriction canceling means).

  As described above, in the present embodiment, it can be seen that the number of times the time shortening function is added is different depending on the state at the time of winning and the number of remaining limiters (before arrival / when reaching). In particular, in the present embodiment, “(4) High probability when the limiter is reached” becomes “non-time shortened state” only when “normal symbol 2” is forcibly selected, and otherwise “ It turns out that it becomes a "time shortening state". In the present embodiment, the case where the number of times the time shortening function is activated is added is “normal symbol of the first category (normal winning type)”, and the case where the number of times of time shortening function is activated is not added is the “normal symbol of the second category ( Normal winning type) ”. In the present embodiment, the lottery result indicating that a specific condition is applied when the state is shifted to the “time reduction state” regardless of the state at the time of winning or the remaining number of limiters (before arrival or at the time of arrival). Is obtained, and the case where the process is not shifted to the “time reduction state” is obtained when a lottery result indicating that the specific condition is not applied is obtained.

[Special symbol stop display processing]
Next, FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the special symbol stop display process (step S3000 in FIG. 19). A method for setting the above “limiter count” (selecting the first limiter 17 times) and performing a subtraction process will be described below along with a specific procedure for the special symbol stop display process.

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

  Step S4200: The main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the stop display time has ended based on the value of the stop symbol display timer subtracted this time. Specifically, if the value of the stop symbol display timer is not 0 or less, the main control CPU 72 determines that the stop display time has not yet ended (No). In this case, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol game process, jumps from the execution selection process (step S1000 in FIG. 19), and repeatedly executes the special symbol stop display process in the next interrupt cycle.

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

  Step S4250: The main control CPU 72 generates a symbol stop command. The symbol stop command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process. Further, the main control CPU 72 deletes the symbol changing flag here.

  Step S4300: Here, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the value of the big hit flag (01H) is set. When the value of the big hit flag (01H) is set (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S4310.

  Step S4310: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the current winning symbol is a probability variation symbol. This confirmation can be made based on the big hit stop symbol number. That is, if the current big hit stop symbol number corresponds to either “probability variation symbol 1” or “probability variation symbol 2” (Yes), the main control CPU 72 then proceeds to step S4320.

[When probability variation is selected]
Step S4320: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the current winning time is the “high probability state”. When the current winning time is the “low probability state” (No), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S4332.

  Step S4332: When the winning symbol is either “probability variation symbol 1” or “probability variation symbol 2”, the main control CPU 72 sets 17 as the “limiter count (first limiter)” (continuous count setting means and continuous count) Processing as setting means, remaining number setting means). Specifically, the main control CPU 72 saves 17 times (remaining limiter number = 17) as the value of the “limiter count”, for example, in the remaining number counter area of the RAM 76.

  Step S4340: The main control CPU 72 subtracts 1 from the first “limiter count” set in the previous step S4332. This is because the “limiter count” includes the time of the first chance variation winning from the “low probability state”. In this embodiment, the “limiter count” including the first chance variation winning (first time) is set. However, when the “limiter count” is set not to include the first limit (for example, 16 times), step S4340 is performed. You may adopt the logic which skips.

  The above is an example of the procedure when the current winning time is the “low probability state”, but when the current winning time is the “high probability state” (step S4320: Yes), the main control CPU 72 Perform the procedure.

[Subtraction of 17 initial limiters]
Step S4340: When the initial limiter is 17 times, the main control CPU 72 subtracts (-1) the "limiter count" and saves (updates) the value after the subtraction in the remaining number counter area. That is, when the “high probability state” after the “limiter count” is set to 17 times for the first time, and the current winning is the second consecutive of “probability variation symbol 1” or “probability variation symbol 2”, Since the “limiter count” has already been subtracted to 16 at the time of the first winning, the main control CPU 72 subtracts one more “limiter count” at the second time and updates the “limiter count” to the remaining 15 times. To do. Or, if this time's winning is “Continuous Variation 1” or “Continuous Variation 2”, the “Limiter Count” subtracted 15 times in the 2nd time is subtracted by 1 in the 3rd time. The “limiter count” is updated with the remaining 14 times. As a result, when the first “limiter count” is set to 17 and the “high probability state” is a big hit, if either of the “probability variation symbol 1” or “probability variation symbol 2” is consecutively met, Each time the “limiter count” is decreased, the continuous count subtraction means.

  After this, if it falls under either “probability variation symbol 1” or “probability variation symbol 2” up to the 17th time every winning, the “limiter count” subtracted to the remaining one time in the 16th time is further increased to 17 If one is subtracted at the second time, the rest reaches zero. In this case, when the main control CPU 72 executes the previous jackpot stop symbol determination process (step S2410 in FIG. 20) at the next winning, the “limiter count” remains 0 when determining the winning symbol using the table of FIG. Since the number of times has been reached, “probability pattern 1” is forced to “normal pattern 1” and “probability pattern 2” is forced to “normal pattern 2” as described above.

[Normal design selected]
On the other hand, in the previous step S4310, the current big hit stop symbol number corresponds to the above-mentioned “normal symbol 1”, or “normal symbol 1” or “normal symbol 2” forcibly determined. If this is the case (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S4345.

  Step S4345: In this case, the main control CPU 72 clears the value of “the number of limiters” to 0 (remaining number of limiters = 0). Note that the main control CPU 72 selects “normal symbol 1” or “normal symbol 2” as the current winning symbol in the previous big hit stop symbol determination process (step S2410 in FIG. 20) (including forcing). Therefore, the value of “the number of limiters” may be cleared.

  Step S4346: In any case, when the above procedure is executed, the main control CPU 72 next generates a limiter remaining number command based on the current “number of limiters”. The limiter remaining number command generated here is output to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S213 in FIG. 8).

  Step S4350: Next, the main control CPU 72 sets the jump destination of the jump table to “variable winning device management processing”.

  Step S4355: Further, the main control CPU 72 resets the flag at the time of cut-off function operation. Thereby, when at least one of the time reduction function or the probability variation function is activated before the big hit game is started, the function is deactivated.

Step S4400: The main control CPU 72 sets “start of big role (during big hit game)” as an internal state flag for control. At the same time, the main control CPU 72 generates a status command representing a big hit. The state command representing the big hit is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process.
When the above procedure is completed at the time of the big hit, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol game process.

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

  Step S4600: The main control CPU 72 sets the special symbol variation pre-processing address as the jump destination address of the jump table.

  Step 4610: Next, the main control CPU 72 loads the value of the count-down counter. In the “counting counter”, the counter value is set in the probability variation count area or the time-short count area of the RAM 76 in the “high probability state” and the “time reduction state”. Here, although “number of times cut” is used, the value of the number of times counter in the “high probability state” is set to an extremely large value (for example, 10,000 times or more). Also, in the case of the “time reduction state”, the number of times of operation may be added 10,000 times depending on the winning symbol as described above. By setting such an enormous value, it is possible to probabilistically guarantee that the “high probability state” and the “time reduction state” will continue until the next winning is substantially obtained. In addition, when 100 times is added as the number of times of operation in the “time reduction state”, the value of the count cut counter is set to 100 times, but in this embodiment, the normal symbol in the “time reduction state” (operation lottery) Since the winning probability is approximately one-tenth (98/99), it is probabilistically guaranteed that the “time reduction state” will continue until the next time even 100 times.

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

Step S4630: The main control CPU 72 decrements (subtracts 1) the count-down counter value.
Step S4640: Then, the main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the subtraction result is not zero. As a result of the subtraction, when the value of the number cut counter is not 0 (Yes), the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol game process. On the other hand, if the value of the number cut counter becomes 0 (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S4650.

  Step S4650: Here, the main control CPU 72 erases the flag at the time of turning off the number of times function. The probability variation function activation flag or the time shortening function activation flag is erased, but the value of the count-down counter is not substantially zero in the “high probability state” as described above, and similarly In the “time shortening state”, the value of the count-down counter is substantially zero. However, since it may occur theoretically, if the value of the count-down counter actually becomes 0, the corresponding probability variation function activation flag or time reduction function activation flag is deleted. As a result, the “high probability state” or the “time reduction state” ends after the special symbol stop display. When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol game process.

(Launch position management process)
FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the launch position management process. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along each procedure.

  Step S1100: The main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the value of the normal game management status is “03H” to “07H”.

[Normal game management status]
The main control CPU 72 sets the value of the normal game management status (in the brackets) according to the game progress statuses (1) to (8) corresponding to the normal symbol as follows.
(1) Normal symbol variation waiting state: “00H”
(2) Normal symbol fluctuation display state: “01H”
(3) Normal symbol stop symbol display state: “02H”
(4) Variable start winning device (ordinary electric accessory) waiting to be opened: “03H”
(5) Variable start winning device (ordinary electric accessory) open state: “04H”
(6) Variable start winning device (ordinary electric equipment) Closed after opening: “05H”
(7) Variable start winning device (ordinary electric accessory) closed state: “06H”
(8) Variable start winning device (ordinary electric accessory) during operation end time: “07H”

  As a result, when it is confirmed that the value of the normal game management status is “03H” to “07H” (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes Step S1140. On the other hand, when it is not possible to confirm that the value of the normal game management status is “03H” to “07H” (No), the main control CPU 72 executes Step S1110.

  Step S1110: The main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the value of the special game management status is “03H” to “07H”.

  As a result, when it is confirmed that the value of the special game management status is “03H” to “07H” (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes Step S1140. On the other hand, when it cannot be confirmed that the value of the special game management status is “03H” to “07H” (No), the main control CPU 72 executes Step S1120.

Step S1120: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the internal state is a time reduction state. Whether or not it is a time shortening state can be confirmed by a time shortening function operation flag.
As a result, when it is confirmed that the internal state is the time shortening state (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes Step S1140. On the other hand, when it cannot be confirmed that the internal state is the time shortening state (No), the main control CPU 72 executes Step S1130.

Step S1130: The main control CPU 72 sets a value (0) corresponding to left-handed to the firing position status. Here, the “launch position status” is a variable that holds whether the current gaming state is a gaming state corresponding to left-handed or a gaming state corresponding to right-handed.
Specifically, if “0” is set in the firing position status, it indicates that the current gaming state is a gaming state corresponding to left-handed, and if “1” is set in the firing position status. It shows that the current gaming state is a gaming state corresponding to right-handed. Therefore, the main control CPU 72 can confirm whether the current gaming state is a gaming state corresponding to left-handed or a gaming state corresponding to right-handed by referring to the value of the launch position status. .
Further, the value of the launch position status is stored in the RAM 76, and when the power is cut off, the value is backed up.

  Step S1140: The main control CPU 72 sets a value (1) corresponding to right-handed in the launch position status.

Step S1150: When the launch position status is set in step S1130 or step S1140, the main control CPU 72 next generates a launch position designation command (launch position designation information notifying means). Here, the main control CPU 72 generates a command reflecting the value of the launch position status as the launch position designation command. Specifically, when the value of the firing position status is a value (0) indicating left-handed, the main control CPU 72 generates a firing position designation command indicating left-handed. On the other hand, when the value of the launch position status is a value (1) indicating a right strike, the main control CPU 72 generates a launch position designation command indicating a right strike. The firing position designation command generated here is output to the production control device 124 in the production control output process (step S213 in FIG. 8) (launch position designation information notification means).
When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the interrupt management process (FIG. 8).

[Display output management processing]
Next, FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing a configuration example of the display output management process (step S213 in FIG. 8) executed in the interrupt management process. The display output management process includes a subroutine group of a special symbol display setting process (step S1200), a normal symbol display setting process (step S1210), a state display setting process (step S1220), and an operation memory display setting process (step S1230). It is.

  Of these, the special symbol display setting process (step S1200), the normal symbol display setting process (step S1210), and the operation memory display setting process (step S1230) are, as already described, the special symbol display device 34, the normal symbol display device. 33 and a process of generating and outputting a drive signal applied to each LED of the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a.

  The state display setting process (step S1220) is a process for generating and outputting a drive signal to be applied to each LED of the gaming state display device 38. Details of the state display setting process will be described later using another flowchart.

[Status display setting processing]
FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the status display setting process. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along each procedure.

  Step S1221: The main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the probability variation function operation flag is ON when the power is turned on.

  As a result, when it is confirmed that the probability variation function operation flag is ON when the power is turned on (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes step S1222. On the other hand, when it is not possible to confirm that the probability variation function operation flag is ON when the power is turned on (No), the main control CPU 72 executes step S1223.

  Step S1222: The main control CPU 72 outputs a lighting signal to the LED corresponding to the probability variation state display lamp 38c. The probability variation state display lamp 38c continues to be lit until the big hit game related to the special symbol is started, or until the probability variation function is turned off (inactivated) after the special symbol variation display is performed a specified number of times. Thereafter, it is switched to non-display (turned off).

  Step S1223: The main control CPU 72 outputs a turn-off signal to the LED corresponding to the probability variation state display lamp 38c.

  Step S1224: The main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the time reduction function operation flag is ON.

  As a result, when it is confirmed that the time reduction function operation flag is ON (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes Step S1225. On the other hand, when it cannot be confirmed that the time shortening function operation flag is ON (No), the main control CPU 72 executes Step S1226.

  Step S1225: The main control CPU 72 outputs a lighting signal to the LED corresponding to the time reduction state display lamp 38d. The time-short state display lamp 38d is lit regardless of whether or not the power is turned on.

  Step S1226: The main control CPU 72 outputs a turn-off signal to the LED corresponding to the time reduction state display lamp 38d.

  Step S1227: The main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the value of the launch position status is “1”.

  As a result, when it is confirmed that the value of the launch position status is “1” (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes step S1228. On the other hand, when it is not possible to confirm that the value of the launch position status is “1” (No), the main control CPU 72 executes step S1229.

  Step S1228: The main control CPU 72 outputs a lighting signal to the LED corresponding to the launch position designation display lamp 38e. The launch position designation display lamp 38e is also lit regardless of whether or not the power is turned on.

Step S1229: The main control CPU 72 outputs a turn-off signal to the LED corresponding to the launch position designation display lamp 38e.
When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the display output management process (FIG. 24).

[Variable winning device management process]
Next, details of the variable winning device management process will be described.
FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating a configuration example of the variable winning device management process. The variable winning device management process includes a gaming process selection process (step S5100), a special winning opening opening pattern setting process (step S5200), a special winning opening / closing operation process (step S5300), a special winning opening closing process (step S5400), and an end. This is a configuration including a subroutine group of processing (step S5500).

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

  Step S5200: In the special winning opening opening pattern setting process, the main control CPU 72 sets the opening pattern for each opening time, closing time, interval and number of rounds in one round. In the present embodiment, the maximum open time of one round is, for example, “6.0 seconds”, the closing time is, for example, “about 0.5 seconds”, and the number of rounds is fixed to “2 rounds”. As a result, values are set in the open timer, the close timer, the interval timer, and the round number counter, respectively. Then, the main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination in the big winning opening / closing operation process. However, the above opening pattern is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to this.

  Step S5300: Next, in the big winning opening / closing operation processing, the main control CPU 72 controls the opening / closing operation (opening operation) of the variable winning device 30. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 outputs a drive signal to be applied to the special winning opening solenoid 90. As a result, the opening / closing member 30a of the variable winning device 30 is displaced from the closed position to the open position, and it becomes possible to generate a winning (winning) at the big winning opening 30b. Further, the main control CPU 72 executes a countdown of the release timer, and if the value of the release timer is not less than or equal to 0, then the main control CPU 72 executes the counting of the number of winning balls. When it is confirmed that the opening time has ended or the count number has reached a predetermined number (for example, one), the main control CPU 72 closes the special winning opening. Specifically, the output of the drive signal applied to the special winning opening solenoid 90 is stopped. As a result, the variable winning device 30 returns from the open state to the closed state.

  Thereafter, the main control CPU 72 executes the count-down of the closing timer. When the value of the closing timer becomes 0 or less, the main control CPU 72 subsequently executes the count-down of the interval timer (only the first round). When the value of the interval timer becomes 0 or less, the next jump destination is set to the big prize closing process. In the second round, when the value of the closing timer becomes 0 or less, the main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination to the big prize closing process.

  Step S5400: In the special winning opening closing process, the main control CPU 72 continues the operation of the variable winning device 30 or ends the operation. That is, if the current gaming state is a big hit (a big game), the main control CPU 72 increments the round number counter. Thereby, for example, the first round ends, and the value of the round number counter increases at the stage toward the second round. The main control CPU 72 resets the winning ball counter when the next jump destination is set to the large winning opening / closing operation processing.

  When the main control CPU 72 next executes the variable winning device management process, the main control CPU 72 executes a big winning opening / closing operation process as the next jump destination in the game process selection process (step S5100). Then, the variable winning device until the actual number of rounds reaches the set number of execution rounds (2 times) by the main control CPU 72 executing the special prize opening closing process again after the special prize opening opening / closing operation process is executed. 30 opening and closing operations are executed continuously. When the actual round number reaches the set execution round number, the main control CPU 72 resets the round number counter (= 0), and sets the next jump destination to the end process. Further, the main control CPU 72 resets the winning ball counter and returns to the variable winning device management process. As a result, when the main control CPU 72 next executes the variable winning device management process, the end process is selected this time.

〔End processing〕
FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure of termination processing. This end process is for preparing conditions for ending the operation of the variable prize apparatus 30. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along a procedure.

Step S5502: The main control CPU 72 resets the big hit flag (00H). As a result, the big hit gaming state ends on the control processing of the main control CPU 72.
Step S5504: Also, the main control CPU 72 ends the state of being a big player internally here.

  Step S5505: Next, the main control CPU 72 refers to the flag area of the RAM 76 and checks whether or not the value (01H) of the probability variation function operation flag is set. This flag is set in the big hit other setting process (step S2413 in FIG. 20) during the previous special symbol fluctuation pre-process.

  Step S5506: When the value of the probability variation function activation flag is set (step S5505: Yes), the main control CPU 72 sets the number-of-times cut function activation flag corresponding to the probability variation function. Thereby, the internal state after the end of the big hit game is set to the “high probability state”.

  Step S5507: The main control CPU 72 sets the number of probability fluctuations (for example, about 10,000). The set value of the probability variation number is stored, for example, in the probability variation counter area of the RAM 76 and becomes the above-described number cut counter value. The probability variation number set here is the upper limit number of times that the variation of the special symbol (internal lottery) is performed in a high probability state in the subsequent games. However, with a high probability (about 65,535,65536), the non-winning will hardly continue 10,000 times, so the high probability state will continue substantially until the next winning. If the value of the probability variation function operation flag is not set (step S5505: No), the main control CPU 72 does not execute steps S5506 and S5507.

  Step S5510: Next, the main control CPU 72 refers to the flag area of the RAM 76 and checks whether or not the value of the time reduction function operation flag (01H) is set. This time reduction function operation flag is also set in the big hit other setting process (step S2413 in FIG. 20) during the previous special symbol fluctuation pre-processing. If the time reduction function operation flag is set (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S5511.

  Step S5511: When the value of the time shortening function operation flag is set (step S5510: Yes), the main control CPU 72 sets the time cut function operating flag corresponding to the time shortening function. As a result, the internal state after the end of the big hit game is set to the “time reduction state” (processing as the time reduction state transition means or the time reduction state maintenance means).

  Step S5512: Also, the main control CPU 72 sets the value of the count-down counter corresponding to the time shortening function based on the number of times the time shortening function is activated (100 times or 10,000 times) corresponding to the current winning symbol. The set number-of-times counter value is stored in the above-mentioned time count area of the RAM 76. If the time reduction function operation flag is not set (step S5510: No), the main control CPU 72 does not execute steps S5511, S5514. In this case, it does not shift to the “time reduction state” after the big hit ends (processing as a non-time reduction state return means).

  Step S5514: The main control CPU 72 generates a state designation command here. Specifically, with the reset of the big hit flag, a state designation command that represents “normally” as the gaming state is generated. In addition, when the value of the count-off counter is set based on the number of times the probability variation function is activated, a state designation command indicating “high probability” is generated as the internal state, and the value of the count-off counter is calculated based on the number of times the time shortening function is activated. When “” is set, a state designation command indicating “time reduction state” is generated as an internal state. These state designation commands are transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S213 in FIG. 8).

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

  Step S5518: The main control CPU 72 sets the jump destination in the execution selection process (step S1000 in FIG. 19) in the special symbol game process to the special symbol change pre-process. When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the variable winning device management process.

  The above is the contents of various control processes performed by the main controller 70 (main control CPU 72). When the main control CPU 72 executes these processes, the game by the pachinko machine 1 is specifically progressed.

[Game Flow]
Next, FIG. 28 is a game flow diagram showing an example of a game flow by the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment. A game by the pachinko machine 1 proceeds by driving (launching) a game ball into the game area 8a in accordance with the player's operation. Hereinafter, the flow of the game on the premise that the game ball is launched will be described. In the following description, reference numerals F1 to F47 and the like in the drawings are indicated with parentheses as appropriate. Further, “winning” used in the following description means that “the detected ball is treated as valid”.

[F1] During normal game For example, when a player starts a game with the pachinko machine 1, it is assumed that the internal state of the pachinko machine 1 is in a "normal game" state. In the present embodiment, the state of “normally playing” is “non-time shortened state (ordinary drawing low probability)” with respect to the normal symbol (operating lottery), and “low probability state (special feature) with respect to the special symbol (internal drawing). Means low probability).

[F2] Normal symbol non-winning [F1] During normal game, when the game passes through the middle start gate 20 (or the right start gate 21), the above-described operation lottery is executed. When the result of the operation lottery is non-winning, no internal state change occurs, and [F1] normal game is continued as it is.

[F3] Per normal symbol in normal game On the other hand, [F1] If the game lottery is won during normal game, the game flow proceeds to the next stage.

[F4] Variable Start Winning Device Operation In this case, the variable start winning device 28 is operated, and it becomes possible to generate a winning at the start winning port 28a as described above. Due to the configuration of the game area 8a (board surface), it is necessary to drive a game ball toward the right side in the game area 8a after winning the normal symbol (action lottery).

[F5] No winning When the variable starting winning device 28 is in operation (operating time 6.0 seconds) and no winning is made to the starting winning port 28a, the game flow returns to [F1] normal game. In this case, the game flow is resumed from the operation lottery.

[F6] Starting Port Winning In contrast, when a winning to the starting winning port 28a occurs while the variable start winning device 28 is operating (operating time 6.0 seconds), the game flow further proceeds to the next stage. In addition, although the winning that triggers the internal lottery is valid only once, each time a plurality of winnings (on average, 7 to 8 winnings) occur during operation of the variable start winning device 28, A prize bonus (for example, 12 prize ball payouts per prize ball) is given to the player.

[F7] Special symbol variation A special symbol (internal lottery) is performed in response to the occurrence of a winning at the start winning port 28a. As a result, the special symbol display device 34 displays the variation of the special symbol. Further, when the fluctuation time has elapsed, the special symbol is stopped and displayed according to the result of the internal lottery.

[F8] Non-winning When the internal lottery is not won, the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a non-winning manner. In this case, the game flow returns to [F1] normal game and is resumed from the operation lottery.

[F11] Normal symbol 1 winning When the winning symbol is an internal lottery and the current winning symbol corresponds to the above-mentioned “normal symbol 1”, the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner representing “normal symbol 1”. In this case, the game flow further proceeds to the next stage.

[F12] Variable winning device operation
The variable winning device 30 is opened by winning in the special symbol (internal lottery), and the number of times of opening is 2 (2 rounds). In the case of “normal symbol 1”, the probability variation function operation flag is not set, but the time reduction function operation count is set to 100 times. For this reason, the game flow after the opening operation of the variable winning device 30 is not [F1] during normal game, but proceeds to the stage of [F31] time reduction. In addition, the game flow from [F31] time is described later.

[F16] Probability Variation 1, 2 Winning On the other hand, if the winning symbol corresponds to the above-mentioned “probability variation 1”, the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner representing “probability variation 1”. Alternatively, when the winning symbol corresponds to the “probability variation 2”, the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner representing the “probability variation 2”. In either case, the game flow proceeds to the following stage.

[F14] Limiter remaining number set [F1a] In the case of normal winning, the “limiter count” is internally set to the remaining 16 times (the value obtained by subtracting 1 from the initial limiter 17 times) (limiter remaining) Number = 16).

[F18] Variable prize-winning device operation (during big role)
By winning the special symbol (internal lottery), the variable winning device 30 performs a two-round opening operation. In addition, when either of the “probability variation symbol 1” or “probability variation symbol 2” is met, the probability variation function operation flag is set and the time reduction function operation frequency is set to 10,000 times. The game flow after the opening operation of 30 proceeds to the probability change (high probability, short time: F19).

[F19] Probability change (high probability, short time)
In the present embodiment, once the game flow enters [F19] probability change, it is easy to continue [F19] probability change in terms of probability. Hereinafter, this point will be specifically described.

[F20] Normal symbol non-winning [F19] During probability change, the winning probability of the normal symbol (working lottery) is set to approximately one-tenth (98/99), so it is probable that it will not win rare. However, in theory, there is a possibility of non-winning, and if it is not won, the game in [F19] probability change will be continued.

[F21] Per normal symbol during probability change In the present embodiment, due to the configuration of the game area 8a (board surface), [F19] During the probability change, a game ball is shot into the right side portion in the game area 8a (so-called "right hit"). Is assumed. As a result, when the game ball passes through the right start gate 21, it is won with almost one change of the normal symbol. Since the variation time is shortened (0.6 seconds) as described above, the game flow proceeds to the next stage within a very short time.

[F22] Variable start winning device operation The variable start winning device 28 is activated by winning the normal symbol (actuation lottery), and the start winning port 28a is ready for winning. In the present embodiment, the operating time of the variable start winning device 28 is constant (6.0 seconds) even in the “time reduction state”. However, if a game ball is driven into the right side portion in the game area 8a, the game ball flows down toward the variable start winning device 28 that is operating as it is.

[F23] No winning Even if no winning is made to the starting winning opening 28a during operation of the variable starting winning device 28 for some reason (out of ball, clogged ball, defective firing operation, etc.), the game flow is [F19] Since the probability change is continued, there is no extreme disadvantage for the player.

[F24] Start opening prize [F19] If a winning to the start winning opening 28a occurs during the operation of the variable start winning apparatus 28 due to the "right-handed" flow during the probability change, the game flow proceeds to the next stage.

[F25] Special Symbol Variation Similarly, a special symbol (internal lottery) is performed in response to the occurrence of a winning at the start winning port 28a. As a result, the special symbol display device 34 displays the variation of the special symbol. Further, when the fluctuation time has elapsed, the special symbol is stopped and displayed according to the result of the internal lottery.

[F26] Non-winning With regard to the special symbol (internal lottery), the winning probability in the “high probability state” is approximately one-tenth (65535/65536), and therefore, almost no non-winning occurs probabilistically. However, in the rare event that the internal lottery is not won, the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a non-winning manner. In this case, since the game flow continues during [F19] probability change, there is no extreme disadvantage for the player. Moreover, since the maximum number of times the time shortening function is activated is set to 10,000 times, even if one non-winning event occurs, the number of time reductions still remains.

[F27] Probability Variation 1, 2 Winning In this embodiment, since the probability variation ratio is 98% of the total as described above, the probability variation symbol is selected at a high frequency when winning. [F19] If the winning symbol corresponds to either “probability variation symbol 1” or “probability variation symbol 2” during probability variation, as described above, 10,000 times are added as the number of times the time reduction function is activated. In [F19], the continuation during the probability change is confirmed internally.

[F28] Limiter remaining number -1
In this case, since the positive variation is continuously selected in the “high probability state”, the “limiter count” is subtracted internally (limiter remaining number−1).

[F18] Variable prize-winning device operation (during big role)
Similarly, the variable winning device 30 performs a two-round opening operation by winning a special symbol (internal lottery). The probability variation function activation flag is set and the time shortening function activation count is set to 10000 times for both cases of “probability variation symbol 1” and “probability variation symbol 2”. In addition, the game flow after the opening operation of the variable winning device 30 continues to be in the process of being probabilistic (high probability, short time: F19).

[Chance zone due to certain change]
As described above, once the game flow shifts to [F19] during certain change, [F21] from the normal symbol [F22] variable start winning device operation, [F24] start opening winning, [F25] special symbol fluctuation, [F27 ) Probability symbol 1, 2, winning, [F28] Limiter remaining -1, and [F18] Variable winning device activated, [F19] Looping during probability change is most frequent (or probability, rate, ratio) It becomes easy to occur. In this case, since the variable start winning device 28 is operated once in one loop and the variable winning device 30 performs the two round opening operation, the game ball is basically driven into the right portion in the game area 8a. If it is, the winning ball is paid out in response to the occurrence of the winning at the start winning opening 28a and the occurrence of the winning at the large winning opening 28b.

  Each time the above loop is performed once, [F28] Limiter remaining number -1 decreases the remaining "limiter count", but the same frequency remains high until the remaining zero is reached. The loop will be repeated.

[F29] Normal Symbol 1 Winning during Probability On the other hand, if [F19] Winning Symbol corresponds to “Normal Symbol 1” during Probability Change, the game flow is as follows. In this case, since it is not a probabilistic symbol, the “high probability state” is not maintained, but since 100 times is added as the number of times the time shortening function is activated, the continuation of the “time shortening state” is promised internally at this point. .

[F30] Variable winning device activated
Similarly, the variable winning device 30 performs a two-round opening operation by winning a special symbol (internal lottery). Although not shown, the remaining limiter count is cleared to 0 after the special symbol is stopped and displayed on the control process of the main control CPU 72 as described above (limiter reset).

[F31] Shorter time [F19] If “normal symbol 1” is met from the probability change, the probability variation function activation flag is cleared, but the time reduction function activation count is set to 100 times. The game flow after the release operation shifts to a short time (low probability short time) (continuous number resetting opportunity generating means).

[F20] Normal symbol non-winning [F31] During the short time, the winning probability of the normal symbol (working lottery) is set to about 1 (98/99), so it is almost impossible to win Absent. In theory, however, there is a possibility of non-winning, so if it is not won, the game in [F31] time is continued.

[F32] per normal symbol during time reduction [F31] Even during the time reduction, if the game ball passes through the right start gate 21 in the “right-handed” flow as it is, it is won with almost one normal symbol change. Since the variation time is shortened (0.6 seconds) as described above, the game flow proceeds to the next stage within a very short time.

[F33] Variable start winning device operation The normal start (operating lottery) winning operation activates the variable start winning device 28 so that a winning can be generated at the start winning port 28a.

[F34] No win Similarly, even if no winning is made to the start winning opening 28a during the operation of the variable start winning device 28 for some reason (out of ball, clogged ball, etc.), the game flow is [ F31] Since the time is continued, there is no extreme penalty for the player.

[F35] Start opening prize [F31] If the winning to the start winning opening 28a occurs during the operation of the variable start winning apparatus 28 due to the "right-handed" flow in the short time, the game flow proceeds to the next stage.

[F36] Special Symbol Variation Similarly, a special symbol (internal lottery) is performed in response to the occurrence of a winning at the start winning opening 28a. As a result, the special symbol display device 34 displays the variation of the special symbol. Further, when the fluctuation time has elapsed, the special symbol is stopped and displayed according to the result of the internal lottery.

[F37] Non-winning [F31] Regarding the special symbol (internal lottery) during the short time, the winning probability in the “low probability state” is one half (32768/65536), so there will be a chance of non-winning In that case, the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a non-winning manner. However, in this case, since the game flow continues for [F31], there is no extreme disadvantage for the player. In addition, since the number of times the time shortening function is activated is set to 100 times, even if one non-winning event occurs, the number of time reductions (99 times) still remains. Therefore, during [F31] time reduction, it is relatively easy to win a prize by internal lottery.

[F38] Probability change symbol 1 and 2 winning in short time And since the probability change ratio is 98% of the whole as described above, the probability change symbol is also selected with high frequency at the time of winning. [F31] When the winning symbol corresponds to either “probability variation symbol 1” or “probability variation symbol 2” from the time shortening, 10,000 times are added as the number of times of the time reduction function operation as described above.

[F39] Number of remaining limiters = 16
In this case, since [F31] the “low probability state” during the time reduction corresponds to the first probability variation winning, the “limiter count” is internally reset here (the limiter remaining) Number = 16). Furthermore, in this case, since it is a chance variation winning game, the following game flow will proceed.

[F18] Variable prize-winning device operation (during big role)
By winning the special symbol (internal lottery), the variable winning device 30 performs a two-round opening operation. [F31] The probability variation function activation flag is set and the time shortening function activation count is set to 10000 times for any of the cases where “probability variation symbol 1” or “probability variation symbol 2” falls under time reduction. Therefore, the game flow after the opening operation of the variable winning device 30 is actually changed (high probability time short: F19) is resumed (re-entry, return).

[Addition of a limiter by normal winning during a certain change]
In the above game flow, even if the “limiter count” is subtracted to some extent while repeating the loop of [F19] probability change, if “normal symbol 1” is won in the middle, the “limiter count” is thereby determined. Is reset, and the “limiter count” is reset to the maximum value again by winning “probability variation symbol 1” or “probability variation symbol 2” (continuous count resetting trigger generation means).

  As a result, even if [F19] “Limiter count” during probability change is reaching the remaining 0, if “Normal design 1” is elected before that (selection ratio 2%), “Limiter” Since the “number of times” is reset, the game characteristic that the number of loops during [F19] probability change can be extended accordingly is realized.

[F40] Normal symbol 1 winning in time reduction Note that when the winning symbol corresponds to "normal symbol 1" following [F31] time reduction, 100 times is added as the number of times of the time shortening function operation. Accordingly, the game flow continues for [F31] time reduction after [F30] variable winning device operation.

  The above is the game flow that can occur before [F19] “Limiter count” reaches 0 remaining during [F19] probability change. On the other hand, as a result of repeating the above loop during [F19] probability change, when the remaining "limiter count" reaches zero, the following game flow is performed.

[Game flow when reaching the limiter]
FIG. 29 is a game flow diagram showing a game flow when the “limiter count” reaches the remaining zero. For example, in the case where [F19] variable start winning device is activated and [F24] start opening winning is generated per [F21] normal symbol in a state where [F19] “limiter count” reaches 0 remaining during [F19] probability change. Suppose.

[F41] Special Symbol Variation Similarly, a special symbol (internal lottery) is performed in response to the occurrence of a winning at the start winning opening 28a. As a result, the special symbol display device 34 displays the variation of the special symbol. Further, when the fluctuation time has elapsed, the special symbol is stopped and displayed according to the result of the internal lottery.

[F42] Non-winning Regardless of the “limiter count”, the winning probability of the “high probability state” with respect to the special symbol (internal lottery) is about one-tenth (65535/65536). Does not occur. However, in the rare event that the internal lottery is not won, the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a non-winning manner. In this case, the game flow continues during [F19] probability change, but the “limiter count” remains 0. In addition, since the maximum number of times the time shortening function is activated is set to 10,000 times, the number of time reductions still remains even if a non-winning event occurs.

[F43] Normal symbol 1 winning [F19] The game flow is as follows when the winning symbol corresponds to “normal symbol 1” while the remaining “limiter count” reaches 0. In this case, since it is not a probability variable symbol, the remaining number of “limiter times” is not particularly related, and 100 times is added as the number of times the time shortening function is activated as it is.

[F44] Variable winning device activated
The variable winning device 30 performs a two-round opening operation by winning a special symbol (internal lottery). At this time, the remaining “limiter count” has reached 0, but the remaining limiter is cleared to 0 after the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the control process of the main control CPU 72 as described above.

[Chance zone continuation]
In this case, the game flow returns to [F31] time shortening, and from there, again in the “time shortened state”, [F32] per normal symbol, [F33] variable start winning device operation, [F35] start opening winning, [F36] special A game flow such as symbol variation proceeds. Then, [F38] Probability change symbol 1 and 2 wins, [F39] Limiter remaining number = 16, the “limiter count” is reset, and the game flow again proceeds to [F19] Probability change.

[F45] Probability symbol 1 winning → Forced normal symbol 1
[F19] The game flow is as follows when the winning symbol corresponds to “probability symbol 1” with the remaining “limiter count” during probability variation reaching zero. In this case, since the remaining “limiter count” has already reached 0, it is not possible to select the probability variation symbol on the control process of the main control CPU 72, and the “normal symbol 1” is forcibly set as described above. Will be selected. In this case, the probability variation function activation flag is cleared, but 100 times is added as the number of times the time shortening function is activated, so the “time shortening state” continues.

[F44] Variable winning device activated
The variable winning device 30 performs a two-round opening operation by winning a special symbol (internal lottery). Similarly, the remaining “limiter count” has reached 0 at this time, but the remaining limiter count is cleared to 0 after the special symbol is stopped.

[Chance zone continuation]
In this case as well, the game flow returns to [F31] time reduction, and from there, again in the “time reduction state”, [F32] per normal symbol, [F33] variable start winning device operation, [F35] start opening winning), [F36] A game flow such as special symbol variation proceeds. Then, [F38] Probability change symbol 1 and 2 wins, [F39] Limiter remaining number = 16, the “limiter count” is reset, and the game flow again proceeds to [F19] Probability change.

[F46] Probability symbol 2 winning → Forced normal 2
On the other hand, if the winning symbol is “probability variation 2” in the state where [F19] “limiter count” during probability variation has reached 0, the game flow is as follows. Also in this case, since the “limiter count” has already reached 0, it is not possible to select the probability variation symbol on the control process of the main control CPU 72. Then, “probability variation 2” is forcibly changed to “normal symbol 2” as described above. In this case, since the probability variation function operation flag is cleared and 0 (= no time reduction) is set as the time shortening function operation count, the time shortening function operation flag is also cleared.

[F47] Variable winning device operation
The variable winning device 30 performs a two-round opening operation by winning a special symbol (internal lottery). Similarly, the remaining “limiter count” has reached 0 at this time, but the remaining limiter count is cleared to 0 after the special symbol is stopped.

[End of Chance Zone]
In this case, the game flow returns to [F1] normal game (normal game), and becomes a “non-time shortened state” and a “low probability state”.

[Summary of game flow]
As described above, in the present embodiment, when the game flow is once changed during [F19] probability change, the following features are clarified.
30 and 31 are conceptual diagrams showing the classification of game flow patterns in the present embodiment. In the following, description will be given in order.

(1) Basic pattern (A) in FIG. 30: When the game flow is once changed to [F19] through the winning of “probability variation 1” or “probability variation 2”, basically a very high rate ( With a selection ratio of 98%), positive variation wins occur continuously. Therefore, if the “limiter count” before the first (first) chance of winning the change is considered as 17 times (up to 17 consecutive times including the first) for convenience, the remaining 16 “limiter count” will remain in the second consecutive win. 1 time is subtracted from the next consecutive 3rd chance change win, and it is 15 times. Further, in the fourth consecutive positive variation winning, 1 is further subtracted to 14 times (not shown).

  After this, the “Limiter Count” is subtracted every time the chance variation wins continuously, and when the 17th consecutive chance change winning count occurs from the first count, 1 is subtracted there and the “Limiter Count” remains. Reach 0 times. In this case, since the winning of the normal symbol is compulsory at the next winning, the probability variation winning is forcibly terminated up to 17 consecutive times.

(2) Limiter addition pattern In FIG. 30 (B): In the basic pattern of (1) above, before the “limiter count” reaches the remaining 0, for example, the first limit is passed through the correct variation selection n times, Consider a case where “number of times” corresponds to “normal symbol 1” with (17−n) remaining (selection ratio 2%). In this case, 100 times are added as the number of times the time shortening function is activated.

  In FIG. 30 (C): Then, after the completion of the major role, it shifts to the above [F31] time shortening, so after passing the normal symbol (actuation lottery) winning, the next special symbol (internal lottery) “probability symbol 1” or “ By winning (combination selection ratio 98%) with “probable variation 2”, the “number of limiters” is reset. In this case, the probability variation winning corresponds to the first time after the normal winning, and therefore the possibility of further 17 consecutive chances of winning the probability variation including the first time is newly generated. In this case, the “number of limiters” is the sum of the newly generated 17 times (excluding the remaining (17−n) times) (ie, n times).

  Such addition can be repeated, and even if the “limiter count” is reset, if the “limiter count” reaches “0” again after the reset, 100 times are added as the number of shortening function operations.

  In FIG. 30, (D): Then, after the completion of the major role, the time shifts to the above [F31] time, so the normal symbol (operating lottery) wins and the next special symbol (internal lottery) wins the “probable variation symbol 1”. ”Or“ Probability variation 2 ”and winning (combination selection ratio 98%), the“ limiter count ”is reset there. Similarly, the probability variation winning in this case corresponds to the first time after the normal winning, so that the possibility of further 17 consecutive chance variation winnings including the first time has newly occurred.

  As described above, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, if the normal winning is performed before reaching the limiter during the [F19] accuracy change after selecting the first time limiter 17 times, the “limiter count” is reset (limiter) at the next time the accuracy change is selected. [F19] As a result of resuming the probability change, it is possible to realize a game as if the “limiter count” is added one after another. However, the “limiter count” is not increased in game control, and the normal symbol winning is always sandwiched between them, so that the gambling of the game is not extremely enhanced. Further, the number of times of addition is “17 times—the current number of remaining times”, and when the addition occurs, the number of remaining times is discarded.

(3) Continuation pattern after reaching the limiter (addition pattern after reaching the limiter)
In FIG. 31, (E): On the other hand, after selecting the first limiter 17 times, no additional increase before reaching the limiter occurs, and the “limiter count” reaches 0 times according to the basic pattern of (1) above. Even if it corresponds to the “probable variation 1” at the 18th time, it is forcibly changed to “normal design 1”.

  In FIG. 31, (F): However, since the forced “normal symbol 1” in this case is added 100 times as the number of times the time shortening function is activated, it shifts to the above [F31] time shortening after the end of the major role . Then, after winning the normal symbol (working lottery) and winning the “special variation symbol 1” or “probability variation symbol 2” in the next special symbol (internal lottery) (combination selection ratio 98%), the “limiter count” will be changed again. Is set. The probability variation winning in this case corresponds to the first time after the end of the probability variation, and therefore, the possibility of 17 consecutive chance variation winnings including the first time is added.

  In this case, as the game flow, [F19] during the probability change ends once reaching the limiter, but if the winning symbol at the time of reaching the limiter is forced to “normal symbol 1 (100 times short)”, [F31] short The “limiter count” is newly set during the next chance of winning the probability change from the inside, and [F19] is being resumed during the probability change. In addition, if it happens to correspond to “normal symbol 1” after reaching the limiter, 100 times is added as the number of times the time shortening function is activated, and the time shifts to [F31] time reduction after the end of the major role. Therefore, the rate of shifting to [F31] time reduction after reaching the limiter is 57%, which combines the selection ratios of “normal symbol 1” and “probability variation 1”.

  In any case, by winning the “normal symbol with short time” after reaching the limiter, it is possible to realize a game characteristic as if the “number of limiters” seemed to be added (in this case, +17 times). Here too, the “variable number of limiters” is not increased in game control, but a forced normal symbol win (or pure normal symbol win) due to reaching the limiter in the meantime is generated. There is no increase in gambling.

(4) End pattern (G) in FIG. 31: On the other hand, if it is “probable variation 2” at the 18th consecutive time after reaching the limiter, it is forcibly changed to “normal symbol 2”. In this case, the number of times the time shortening function is activated is not added to the compulsory “normal symbol 2” (0 time = no time reduction). The game inside ends.

  FIG. 32 is a timing chart showing a situation in which a power-off state occurs when the variable start winning device 28 is activated, along with a temporal change in the game progress status corresponding to the normal symbol. Hereinafter, a description will be given along a time series.

[Initial]
In FIG. 32 (B): For example, at the beginning (before time t0), the normal symbol is changing.
In FIG. 32 (A): At this time, the value of the normal game management status is “01H”.

[Time t1]
FIG. 32 (B): When the winning result is obtained in the normal symbol lottery, the normal symbol is stopped and displayed in the winning manner after the normal symbol variation time has elapsed.
FIG. 32 (A): As a result, the value of the normal game management status becomes “02H”.
In FIG. 32, (F): As the contents of the effect, a hit effect (for example, reach effect at the time of the first hit, etc.) is executed using the normal symbol change time and stop display time (time until time t2). .

[Time t2]
32 (A): When the normal symbol stop display time (determined stop time) has elapsed, the variable start winning device 28 (ordinary electric accessory) is waiting to be released, so the value of the normal game management status is “03H”. "
In FIG. 32 (F): As the content of the effect, a right-handed effect (for example, an effect of displaying character information of “right-handed”, etc.) is executed using the opening waiting time from time t2 to time t3. .

[Time t3]
In FIG. 32 (C): when the opening waiting time elapses, the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 88 is turned on, and the variable start winning device 28 changes from the closed state to the opened state.
In FIG. 32A, the value of the normal game management status is “04H”.
In FIG. 32 (F): As the contents of the effect, an effect during release (for example, an effect of displaying character information explaining the progress of the subsequent game, etc.) is executed using the opening time of the variable start winning device 28. The

[Time t4]
In FIG. 32, (A): The variable start winning device 28 is normally opened for a predetermined opening time (about 6 seconds), but here, a power-off state occurs while the variable start winning device 28 is opened. Shall be.
In FIG. 32 (C): Then, since the supply of electric power to each device of the pachinko machine 1 is cut off, the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 88 is turned OFF, and the variable start winning device 28 is closed.
In FIG. 32 (F): While the power-off state continues (from time t4 to time t5), the power supply to the liquid crystal display 42 is also cut off, so that no effect is performed on the liquid crystal screen. No (no production).

[Time t5]
(A) in FIG. 32: Here, it is assumed that the power-off state is resolved at time t5. In this case, the return waiting process (reset standby process) is executed using the period from time t5 to time t6. The return waiting process is a process for securing a certain waiting time when the power-off state is resolved.
In FIG. 32 (F): During the execution of the return waiting process (from time t5 to time t6), the supply of power to the liquid crystal display 42 is also resumed, so that the return waiting effect corresponding to the return waiting process is executed. . The return waiting effect is an effect of displaying a color bar or the like on the display screen, for example.

[Time t6]
In FIG. 32 (C): With the completion of the return waiting process, the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 88 is turned ON, and the variable start winning device 28 changes from the closed state to the open state. Since the remaining opening time of the variable start winning device 28 is backed up, the variable start winning device 28 is opened for the remaining opening time (time t6 to time t8). For example, when the entire opening time is 6 seconds and the power-off state occurs after opening for 2 seconds, the variable start winning device 28 opens again for 4 seconds which is the remaining opening time.

In FIG. 32 (A): The value of the normal game management status returns to “04H”.
In FIG. 32 (F): The effect content here is a return effect in which the effect image is being restored. In this embodiment, a right-handed effect (launching suggestion effect) is executed along with the return effect. Thereby, the player can be made aware of the launch of the game ball from an early stage such as during execution of the return effect. In response to this, it is assumed that the player operates the handle unit 16 and starts right-handed.

[Time t6 to Time t8]
In FIG. 32 (D): During the remaining opening time of the variable start winning device 28, a plurality (two in this example) of game balls are entering the start winning port 28a. In this case, a winning detection signal is input to the main control CPU 72 from the start winning opening switch 82 each time (waveforms with (1) and (2) in parentheses in the figure).

[Time t7]
In FIG. 32 (E): A special symbol lottery trigger occurs when a game ball enters the variable start winning device 28, and the special symbol starts to change.
In FIG. 32, (F): When the special symbol starts to change, a change pattern command is transmitted. Therefore, the special symbol change effect is executed based on the change pattern command. Thereby, the return effect is switched to the special symbol variation effect. After that, the special symbol variation effect is continued until the special symbol variation stops.

[Time t8]
In FIG. 32 (A): When the remaining opening time of the variable start winning device 28 elapses, the variable start winning device 28 ends the releasing operation, and the value of the normal game management status becomes “05H”.
In FIG. 32 (C): As a result, the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 88 is turned OFF, and the variable start winning device 28 returns from the open state to the closed state.

[Time t9]
In FIG. 32 (A): When the closing time (for example, about 2 seconds) of the variable start winning device 28 ends, the value of the normal game management status becomes “06H”.

[Time t10]
In FIG. 32 (A): When the closing effective time (for example, about 2 seconds) of the variable start winning device 28 ends, the value of the normal game management status becomes “07H”.

[Time t11]
In FIG. 32 (A): When the end time (for example, about 2 seconds) of the variable start winning device 28 ends, the value of the normal game management status becomes “00H”, and the start of the variation of the next normal symbol is allowed.

[Time t12]
FIG. 32 (A): For example, when a lottery opportunity (passage of the start gate) occurs at time t12, the normal symbol lottery is executed, and the normal symbol variation display is started. Further, during the change of the normal symbol, the value of the normal game management status is “01H”. If the operation memory corresponding to the operation lottery already exists, the next normal symbol change is started, and the value of the normal game management status becomes “01H”.

  FIG. 33 is a timing chart showing a situation in which a power-off state occurs when the variable winning device 30 is operated, along with a temporal change in the progress of the game corresponding to the special symbol. Hereinafter, a description will be given along a time series.

[Initial]
In FIG. 33 (B): For example, at the beginning (before time t0), the special symbol is changing.
In FIG. 33 (A): At this time, the value of the special game management status is “01H”.

[Time t1]
In FIG. 33 (B): When the winning result is obtained in the special symbol lottery, the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a winning manner when the variation time of the special symbol elapses thereafter.
33 (A): Thereby, the value of the special game management status becomes “02H”.
In FIG. 33 (E): As the contents of the effect, using a special symbol change time and stop display time (time until time t2), a big hit effect (for example, a Janken battle effect at the time of the first hit or during a big hit loop) The chance zone production etc.) is executed.

[Time t2]
In FIG. 33 (A): When the special symbol stop display time (definite stop time) has elapsed, the variable winning device 30 (special electric accessory) is waiting to be released, so the value of the special game management status is “03H”. It becomes.
In FIG. 33 (E): As the effect contents, a right-handed effect (for example, an effect of displaying character information of “right-handed”, etc.) is executed using the opening waiting time from time t2 to time t3. .

[Time t3]
(C) in FIG. 33: After the elapse of the opening waiting time from time t2, the special electric accessory solenoid 90 is turned on, and the variable winning device 30 is changed from the closed state to the opened state. Since the variable winning device 30 is opened twice corresponding to the big hit of 2 rounds, the first round is opened here.
In FIG. 33 (A): The value of the special game management status is “04H”.
In FIG. 33 (E): As the content of the effect, a big-time effect (for example, an effect corresponding to the big hit round) is executed by using the opening time of the variable winning device 30.

[Time t4]
In FIG. 33, (A): The variable winning device 30 is normally opened for a predetermined opening time (about 6 seconds) unless a game ball enters, but here, the variable winning device 30 is opened. Assume that a power-off condition has occurred.
In FIG. 33 (C): Then, since the supply of electric power to each device of the pachinko machine 1 is cut off, the special electric accessory solenoid 90 is turned OFF, and the variable winning device 30 is closed.
In FIG. 33 (E): While the power-off state continues (from time t4 to time t5), the power supply to the liquid crystal display 42 is also cut off, so that no effect is performed on the liquid crystal screen. No (no production).

[Time t5]
(A) in FIG. 33: Here, it is assumed that the power-off state is resolved at time t5. In this case, the return waiting process (reset standby process) is executed using the period from time t5 to time t6. The return waiting process is a process for securing a certain waiting time when the power-off state is resolved.

Here, the details of the return waiting process are as follows.
First, when the power is turned on in the states 46 (D) and 49 (D) described later, the effect control device 124 displays an image such as a color bar (46 (F) and 49 in the drawing) after the operation starts. Medium (F) etc. is displayed. However, during this time, main controller 70 is in a wait state for several seconds.
Next, after the wait state for several seconds is completed and the wait state is released, a power-on command is transmitted from the main control device 70 to the effect control device 124.
Then, the production control device 124 displays an image of the returning screen (see (G) in FIG. 46, (G) in FIG. 49) upon reception of the power-on command.

That is, as a specific flow of the return waiting process, when the power is turned on, the effect control device 124 displays an image such as a color bar, and the effect control device 124 receives the power-on command and the returning screen The image of is displayed. In the main control device 70, a wait time (for example, about 2 seconds) in anticipation of several seconds that the processing in the effect control device 124 will be completed is previously stored in the process before transmitting the power-on command after returning. This is incorporated in the configuration of the return program of the main controller 70.
In the present embodiment, since such a configuration is adopted, it is possible to reduce the time lag in the main control device 70 related to the return processing while giving the return time to the effect control device 124.

  In FIG. 33 (E): While the return waiting process is being executed (from time t5 to time t6), the supply of power to the liquid crystal display 42 is also restarted, so a return waiting effect corresponding to the return waiting process is executed. . The return waiting effect is an effect of displaying a color bar or the like on the display screen, for example.

[Time t6]
In FIG. 33 (C): When the return waiting process is completed, the special electric accessory solenoid 90 is turned on, and the variable winning device 30 is changed from the closed state to the open state. Since the remaining opening time of the variable winning device 30 is backed up, the variable winning device 30 is opened for the remaining opening time (after time t6). For example, if the power-off state occurs 3 seconds after the start of the first round, the variable prize winning device 30 opens the first round again for the remaining opening time of 3 seconds, and then releases the second round. I do. However, if a game ball enters the variable winning device 30 during the remaining 3 seconds, which is the remaining opening time, the variable winning device 30 is closed at that time.

In FIG. 33 (A): Also, the value of the special game management status returns to “04H”.
In FIG. 33 (E): As for the effect contents here, the return effect of the contents in which the effect image is being restored is executed. In this embodiment, a right-handed effect (launching suggestion effect) is executed along with the return effect. Thereby, the player can be made aware of the launch of the game ball from an early stage such as during execution of the return effect. In response to this, it is assumed that the player operates the handle unit 16 and starts right-handed.

[Time t6 to Time t8]
In FIG. 33 (D): Then, during the execution of the first opening operation by the variable winning device 30 (during execution of the resumed first round), one game ball enters the big winning opening 30b. During the execution of the second releasing operation by the variable winning device 30 (during execution of the second round), one game ball has entered the big winning opening 30b. In this case, a winning detection signal is input from the count switch 84 to the main control CPU 72 each time (waveforms with (1) and (2) in parentheses in the figure).

[Time t7]
In FIG. 33 (C): when the game ball has entered the variable winning device 30, the first round of the big hit game is completed, and when the interval time between the rounds thereafter elapses, the special electric accessory The solenoid 90 is turned on, and the second round of the big hit game is started.
In FIG. 33, (E): When the second round of the big hit game is started, a round number command corresponding to the second round is transmitted, so that the big role effect is executed based on the round number command. Thereby, the return effect is switched to the active role effect. From then on, the big-game production continues until the end time of the special symbol ends (until time t11).

[Time t8]
In FIG. 33 (A): When the opening time of the second round of the variable winning device 30 elapses or when one game ball has entered in the second round, the variable winning device 30 releases the second round. The operation is terminated, and the value of the special game management status becomes “05H”.
33 (C): As a result, the special electric accessory solenoid 90 is turned OFF, and the variable winning device 30 returns from the open state to the closed state.

[Time t9]
In FIG. 33 (A): When the closing time (for example, about 2 seconds) of the variable winning device 30 ends, the value of the special game management status becomes “06H”.

[Time t10]
In FIG. 33 (A): When the closing effective time (for example, about 2 seconds) of the variable winning device 30 ends, the value of the special game management status becomes “07H”.

[Time t11]
33 (A): When the end time (for example, about 2 seconds) of the variable winning device 30 ends, the value of the special game management status becomes “00H”, and the start of the next special symbol variation is allowed.
In FIG. 33 (E): During the period from time t11 to time t12, a special symbol variation waiting effect (a demonstration effect or the like) is executed. However, if the normal symbol has started to change, the normal symbol changing effect is executed.

[Time t12]
In FIG. 33A, for example, when a special symbol lottery opportunity occurs at time t12, the special symbol lottery is executed and the variation display of the special symbol is started. Further, during the change of the special symbol, the value of the special game management status is “01H”.
In FIG. 33 (E): After time t12, a special symbol changing effect corresponding to winning or non-winning is executed.

  Thus, in this embodiment, since the right-handed effect is executed during the execution of the return effect, the player not only simply watches the return effect, but also by the right-handed effect executed together with the return effect, You can start right-handing right away. Then, by immediately starting the right strike, it is possible to enter the game ball using the remaining opening time of the variable start winning device 28 and the variable winning device 30.

In this regard, when the right-handed effect is executed after the return effect is executed, the game ball may not be launched in time, and there is a possibility that the opportunity to enter the game ball into the variable start winning device 28 or the variable winning device 30 may be missed. .
On the other hand, in this embodiment, since the right-handed effect is executed during the execution of the return effect, it is possible to suggest the player to make a right-hand strike while the return effect is being executed. On the other hand, right-handed consciousness can be given from an earlier stage.
For this reason, it is possible to make the player aware of the right-hand strike from an early stage such as during the execution of the return effect, so that it is possible to prevent the player from being disadvantaged after the power is restored. Can do.

  The outline of the prominent patterns (1) to (4) of the game flow by the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment is as described with reference to FIGS. 30 and 31, and in particular, the limiter addition pattern (2) above ( Regarding the continuation pattern after reaching the limiter of 3), the profit of the player increases due to the occurrence of each game flow. However, the above patterns (2) and (3) are only performed on the control processing by the main control CPU 72, and it is difficult for the player to perceive the flow directly.

  Of course, if the display mode of the special symbol display device 34 is carefully observed, it is possible for the player to confirm what winning symbol the game corresponds to during the game. However, the special symbol display device 34 itself is a 7-segment LED, and the display mode of any winning symbol is somewhat symbolic (for example, “巳”, “self”, “L”, “¬”, “Γ”). Therefore, it is difficult to instantaneously determine the type of winning symbol from such a display mode.

  Further, the “limiter count” is an internal control variable, and is not displayed on the game state display device 38 in particular, so that the “limiter count” is added during the game, It is difficult for the player to directly know the control information such as that the “limiter count” has reached the remaining 0, or that the time limit has been reached and the normal symbol has been won.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, an effect technique is used to easily convey to the player that the game flow is progressing along the patterns (1) to (4). Hereinafter, the production technique employed in the present embodiment will be described with some examples. Note that these are merely examples, and there is no particular limitation on the contents of the effect design and the effect image.

[Normal design off-line production]
First, FIG. 34 is a continuous diagram showing an example of an effect executed when [F2] normal symbol is not won. This effect example corresponds to normal symbol variation display and stop display, and is specifically an example of a variation display effect and a result display effect based on the effect symbol. Of these, the variable display effect corresponds to a series of effects that are performed during the period from when the normal symbol starts variable display to when it is stopped and displayed (including the fixed stop). The result display effect is an effect that represents that the normal symbol is stopped and displayed and the result of the operation lottery at that time is a combination of the effect symbols. As described above, since the normal symbol display device 33 itself is a lighting / flashing display using two LEDs, it does not have an appealing appearance. Therefore, the pachinko machine 1 basically performs a variable display effect and a result display effect using the effect symbols. In addition, since the normal symbol is only displayed in a simple manner (for example, one upper lamp is lit), the player can determine whether or not the winning symbol is selected unless the result is a result display by the effect symbol. Hard to notice. On the contrary, this means that the player basically has a tendency to judge the result of the operation lottery from the contents of the production, and it can be said that the production plays an important role in the game flow.

  The effect symbols include, for example, a left effect symbol, a middle effect symbol, and a right effect symbol, which are displayed side by side on the left, middle, and right on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42. Of these, the medium effect design is smaller in size than the other left and right effect designs. In addition, the left and right effect designs are designed with a picture card with some image (for example, a character not shown), for example, with the Chinese numerals “1” to “9”. Is a design in which some images are added together with the arithmetic numbers “1” to “9”. These left effect symbol, middle effect symbol, and right effect symbol potentially constitute a symbol sequence in which, for example, Chinese numerals are arranged in descending order of “9” to “1”. Such a symbol sequence is variably displayed so as to flow (scroll) in the vertical direction in the left region, middle region, and right region on the screen.

  FIG. 34 is a continuous diagram showing examples of effect images corresponding to the normal symbol variation display and stop display. In addition, here, an example of a change display effect and a stop display effect performed using the effect symbol is shown with respect to the variation of the normal symbol at the time of non-winning (loss). This variable display effect corresponds to a series of effects that are performed from the time when a normal symbol starts variable display to when it is stopped (including a fixed stop). Further, the stop display effect is an effect that represents that the normal symbol is stopped and displayed, and the result of the operation lottery at that time is a combination of the effect symbols. Here, before explaining the specific contents of the control processing, the basic flow of the change display effect and stop display effect for each change employed in the present embodiment will be described.

[Before change display]
34A: For example, in a state before the normal symbol starts to change (a state in which the demonstration effect is not being performed), a row of three effect symbols is displayed large on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42. . At this time, in accordance with the stop display of the normal symbol, the effect symbol is also stopped.

  In addition, a marker (indicated by reference numeral M1 in the figure) indicating the number of working memories of a normal symbol is displayed at the lower part of the screen of the liquid crystal display 42. This marker M1 represents the number of operating memories of the normal symbol corresponding to the number of each display (the number of operating memories by the normal symbol operating memory lamp 33), and the displayed number is linked to the change in the number of operating memories during the game. Increase or decrease. In addition, for the marker M1, the marker M1 corresponding to the normal symbol is displayed as, for example, a circle (◯) in order to facilitate visual discrimination. In the example of (A) in FIG. 34, all the four markers M1 are lit and displayed, indicating that the number of working symbols of the normal symbol is four (stored number display effect execution means).

[Fluctuating area]
In addition, the changing area HA is formed at the left end position of the band-like area at the bottom of the display screen. In the changing area HA, a marker image corresponding to the working memory consumed by the current change is displayed over a certain period of time. When the working memory is consumed by the start of the next fluctuation, the marker image displayed next to the changing area HA (the top) moves to the changing area HA, and there for a certain time (for example, about 1 to 2 seconds). )Is displayed. In this embodiment, if a marker image of the band-like region remains after the movement, a display is performed in which the marker image is sequentially moved (shifted) to the left so as to close after the leftmost marker image is missing. When the marker image is displayed in the changing area HA and a certain time elapses or the normal symbol is not changing, the changing area HA is grayed out as shown.

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

  Further, the fourth symbols Z1, Z2 are stopped and displayed in a mode (for example, white display color) corresponding to the dislocation. This is to objectively clarify that the result display effect is correctly performed and the pachinko machine 1 is operating normally. Therefore, if the result of the operation lottery is “winning” instead of “out of”, the fourth symbol Z1 is stopped and displayed in a corresponding manner (for example, blue display color or red display color). Similarly, if the result of the internal lottery corresponding to the special symbol is “big hit”, the fourth symbol Z2 is stopped and displayed in a mode (for example, blue display color or red display color) corresponding thereto.

[Variable display production start]
34B: For example, in synchronization with the start of the change of the normal symbol, the change display effect is started by scrolling the three effect symbols on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42. That is, in synchronization with the start of fluctuation of the normal symbol, the variable display effect is started such that the left effect symbol, the middle effect symbol, and the right effect symbol scroll in the vertical direction on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42. In the figure, the change display of the effect symbol is simply indicated by a downward arrow. Also, during the variable display, each effect symbol is displayed in a transparent state (transparent display), and at this time, an image (background image) that is the background of the effect symbol is displayed on the display screen in an easily visible state. Has been.

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

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

[Example of production when the number of working memories decreases]
Here, since the number of memory of the normal symbol is decreased by one with the start of the fluctuation, the number of displayed markers M1 is decreased by one in conjunction therewith. For example, if there are four operating memory numbers so far, only one of the oldest (oldest) memory number displays in the marker M1 is hidden, and an effect consumed by the operation lottery is also performed. As a result, the player can be informed of the fact that the number of working memories related to the normal symbol has decreased.

  Then, since the first working memory in the storage order is consumed and the remaining number becomes three, the three markers M1 remaining on the screen are shifted in one direction (here, leftward) by one each. Production is being performed. As a result, the context of the change in the number of working memories can be accurately expressed in the production, and the player can be intuitively and easily informed that the working memory has been consumed and decreased by one. it can.

[Left design stop]
In FIG. 34 (C): For example, when a certain amount of time (about half of the fluctuation time) has elapsed, the left effect design first stops changing. In this example, the effect design representing the Chinese numeral “eight” is stopped at the middle position of the screen. Here, illustration of the background image is omitted (the same applies to the following).

[Right production symbol stop]
In FIG. 34 (D): After the left effect symbol, the right effect symbol thereafter stops changing. In this example, the effect symbol representing the Chinese numeral “three” is stopped at the middle position of the screen. Since it has already been determined that the reach state does not occur at this point, it is almost clear on the appearance that the current fluctuation is a non-reach (normal) fluctuation. Here, reach fluctuations due to slip patterns and the like are excluded. “Slip pattern” means, for example, that once the production symbol representing the Chinese numeral “seven” stops, the production symbol representing the Chinese numeral “eight” stops by sliding the design row for one symbol, thereby reaching It is to develop into. Alternatively, once the production symbol representing the Chinese numeral “nine” stops, the design symbol slips one pattern in the opposite direction and the production symbol representing the Chinese numeral “eight” stops, thereby developing reach. There are also patterns. In addition, for example, when a production symbol representing a completely different number such as “five” is temporarily stopped and then a character appears on the screen and the right production symbol row is changed again, the Chinese numeral “eight” is displayed. There is also a pattern in which the directing design representing is stopped and developed into reach.

[Stop display effect]
In FIG. 34 (E): The last medium effect symbol stops in synchronization with the stop display of the normal symbol (not necessarily at the same time). When the result of the current operation lottery is non-winning, and the normal symbol is stopped and displayed in a non-winning (out of) manner, the stop display effect is similarly performed in the non-winning (out of) state. That is, in the example shown in the figure, the effect symbol representing the arithmetic number “1” is stopped at the middle position of the screen. In this case, the combination of effect symbols is “eight”-“1”-“three”. Since this is a gap of “”, it is expressed in the production that the variation this time corresponds to the normal “falling”. At this time, the fourth symbol Z1 is stopped and displayed in a mode (for example, white display color) corresponding to the dislocation.

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

  In addition, the above example is for the case of non-winning, but at the time of winning (winning), after the reach effect is executed during the variable display effect, the effect symbol is stopped and displayed in the winning manner in the result display effect.

[Normal design per design]
Next, FIG. 35 is a continuous diagram showing an example of effects executed at the time of [F3] normal symbol hitting. In FIG. 34, an example of an effect that is out of place has been described. In FIG. 35, an example of an effect that is won (winning) after a super reach effect is described.

[Variable display effects]
35 (A): Similarly, in this case, the lines of the left effect symbol, the middle effect symbol, and the right effect symbol are arranged in the vertical direction (for example, upward) on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42 substantially in synchronization with the start of fluctuation of the normal symbol. The scrolling display effect is started as if scrolling from the bottom to the bottom.

[Preliminary production before reach (first stage)]
FIG. 35B: Next, in a relatively early stage of the variable display effect, the first stage pre-reach notice effect using the character image (picture card) is performed. This pre-reach pre-announcement effect is a pre-announcement effect in which the change of the mode progresses in stages from one stage to a plurality of stages (for example, 2 to 5 stages) according to a predetermined order. The pattern image used in the pre-reach notice effect is located in front of the effect pattern that is displayed on the screen in a variable manner, for example, so as to appear suddenly from the left edge of the screen (other appearance modes) May be.) Note that the “pre-reach notice” means that a reach or a chance of winning is announced before any effect symbol is stopped and displayed. By executing such a “pre-reach announcement effect”, an effect can be obtained in which the player has a sense of expectation that “the possibility of winning may increase to reach”.

[Advance notice before the reach occurs (second stage)]
FIG. 35 (C): After the first stage of the pre-reach notice effect is executed, the change of the pre-reach notice effect proceeds to the second stage. Here, an effect using a character pattern image different from the previous one is performed as the notice effect before the occurrence of reach in the second stage. Specifically, another pattern image additionally appears from the right end of the screen, and is displayed so as to overlap the front of the previously displayed pattern image. The picture image displayed at this time is larger in size than the picture image displayed previously. And the effect by the sound output that the character expressed by the picture image emits a dialogue (for example, “I will reach” etc.) is also performed.

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

[Stop of left design]
In FIG. 35 (D): The middle stage of the variable display effect is approached, and then the variable display of the left effect symbol is stopped. At this point, the effect symbol representing the Chinese numeral “seven” is stopped at the left position of the screen.

[Occurrence of reach condition]
In FIG. 35 (E): Next to the left effect symbol, for example, the change display of the right effect symbol is stopped. At this point, since the production symbol representing the Chinese numeral “seven” is stopped at the right position of the screen, the Chinese numeral “seven”-“in a horizontal line (on one line) on the screen. Reach state of “Fluctuating”-“Seven” has occurred. On the screen, an image that emphasizes one line that is in a reach state is also displayed. In addition, an effect of outputting a voice such as “Reach!” Is performed.

  After the reach state occurs, the super reach effect is executed. In the super reach production, only the production symbols corresponding to the tempered numbers (here, the Chinese numeral “seven”) are displayed on the screen, and the others are not displayed. At this time, the effect design may be displayed in a reduced state at each corner of the screen.

[Preliminary notice after reach occurs (first time)]
FIG. 35 (F): After a reach state has occurred, for example, an image representing a “heart” shape forms a group, and a post-reach notice effect (first time) is performed that passes diagonally on the screen. . In this case, the image of the “heart group” is suddenly displayed on the screen so that the visual appeal to the player can be enhanced. By executing such a notice effect after the visually lively reach occurs, the player can have an even greater expectation.

[Progress of reach production]
In FIG. 35 (G): Following the notice effect after the first reach, for example, images representing arithmetic numbers “1” to “8” are displayed in a three-dimensional sequence on the screen, There is an effect in which numerical images are erased from the screen in the order of “1”, “2”, “3”,. Such an effect is also performed for the purpose of suggesting (impliciting) or reminding the player that the arithmetic number “7” remains “unerased” until the end. Also, when the arithmetic number “6” is deleted and the arithmetic number “7” remains in front of the screen, it is “hit”, but when the arithmetic number “7” is deleted, it is “out of”. It means that there is. In this case, for example, “8” as the arithmetic number is displayed on the screen after the arithmetic number “7” is deleted. Therefore, during this period, the numbers “1”, “2”, “3”,... Are deleted in order, and as the order of the numbers “5” approaches, the player's Tension and expectation will also increase. After this, for example, if up to the arithmetic number “5” is erased on the screen, then the next time the Chinese numeral “6” is erased, the possibility of “winning” will increase, so there is a game there. A person's tension increases at a stretch.

[Preliminary notice after the occurrence of reach (second time)]
In FIG. 35 (H): When the reach production is approaching the final stage, the image of the character is suddenly displayed on the screen as if it was split into a close-up, and the content that the character emits some dialogue (or silently) (The content may be that of smiling). At this point, for example, the content of the reach production is “If the arithmetical number“ 6 ”is deleted, then“ seven ”-“ 7 ”-“ seven ”will increase the chance of a normal symbol” ” is there. Therefore, by causing a character image to appear large at this timing, it is possible to obtain an effect of giving the player a sense of expectation that “may be a hit”.

[Result display effect]
In FIG. 35 (I): The last medium effect symbol stops substantially in synchronization with the stop display of the normal symbol. In this example, since it corresponds to “winning” internally, the effect design representing the arithmetical number “7” is stopped and displayed at the center of the screen, so that the effect design is “seven”-“ 7 ”-“ Seven ”is stopped and displayed.

  In FIG. 35 (J): For example, the confirmed stop display is also performed for the result display effect as the effect symbol substantially in synchronization with the fixed stop display of the normal symbol. The effect design fixed stop display is performed, for example, in a state where the left, middle, and right effect symbols are restored to their initial sizes. By performing such a fixed stop display, it is possible to teach the player that “per normal symbol” has been fixed in the production. However, in the present embodiment, since the hit of the normal symbol (operation lottery) does not guarantee the above [F19] high probability or [F31] time shortage, it is the content that appeals “winning” too much. Not. In other words, the “three-piece” image is relaxed to some extent by setting the display pattern of the medium effect symbol to a numerical value different from the left effect symbol and the medium effect symbol.

[Direction when variable start winning device is activated]
Next, FIG. 36 is a diagram showing an example of effects executed when the [F4] variable start winning device is operated.

  36 (A): In this example, for example, a female character appears on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42, and a right-handed suggestion effect that produces a speech such as “Right-handed!” Is performed. In addition, a speech balloon image in which dialogue is written is displayed, and an arrow indicating the lower right direction of the board surface is displayed therein. By executing such an effect, it is possible to prompt the player to “right-hand” and to be aware that the operation of the variable start winning device 28 is started. At this time, sound may be generated from the speakers 54, 55, and 56 in accordance with the display of the dialogue as character information on the display screen.

  In FIG. 36 (B): After the right-handed suggestion effect, an effect is produced in which the female character emits a dialogue such as “If you win the Janken Battle, enter the chance zone !!”. As a result, the player can be instructed that the mode to be transferred is different depending on the victory or defeat of the “Janken Battle” that will be performed later, and when it wins, it will shift to an advantageous mode such as “Chance Zone”. This can be taught to the player.

  36 (C): After that, when a game ball enters the active variable start winning device 28 and the change of the special symbol is started, characters such as “Janken Battle Start!” Are displayed on the screen. An effect is displayed in which the displayed image is displayed.

[Direction when special symbol changes]
FIG. 37 and FIG. 38 are continuous diagrams showing examples of effects executed when the [F7] special symbol changes (within the fluctuation time). In this example, it is assumed that a game flow is won with a probability of 1/2 from the special symbol variation of [F7], and proceeds to either the probability variation symbol 1, 2 winning of [F16] or the normal symbol 1 winning of [F11]. doing.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 37 (D), at the beginning of this production, images of female characters (left side) and enemy characters (right side) of the allies are displayed side by side, A state where sparks are scattered in the middle is expressed stunningly by moving images. Further, by appropriately displaying characters such as “game” on the display screen, it is possible to remind the player that “the game of two players will finally begin”. Further, at this time, the dialogue of each character (for example, “absolutely win!”, “Please come!”, Etc.) may be output as sound. In this case, for example, the degree of expectation can be suggested by the content of the dialogue (the more the content of the dialogue is more positive, the higher the degree of expectation).

  In FIG. 37 (E): In the middle of the production, the two characters disappear from the display screen and the character information “Janken” is displayed large. As a result, it is possible to remind the player of the notion that “characters are fighting against each other”. In addition, it may be a mode in which a shout, sound effect, BGM, etc., such as “Janken de match” are output as sound.

  In FIG. 37 (F): In the middle stage of the production, two characters display a moving image with the contents “Janken's hand out”. In this example, a series of situations from the left side of the screen to the appearance of the friendly character's hand “Choki” and the appearance of the enemy character's hand “par” from the right side of the screen are represented. At this time, in accordance with the movement of each character, a mode in which a shout such as “Janken-pon!” Is output as sound.

  In FIG. 38 (G): At the end of the production, it is displayed that the ally character has won a brilliant victory as a result of the game. In this example, the ally-winning character is a close-up in the center of the display screen, and the appearance of showing the victory V-sign beside the face is expressed in a stunning manner. In addition, by displaying the characters “I won!” On the display screen, the player can be reminded of the idea of “winning Janken”.

  In FIG. 38 (H): After that, with the victory in the Janken Battle, a female character appears and an effect is displayed in which an image in which characters such as “Enter Chance Zone !!” are displayed. As a result, it can be taught that “the transition to probability change has been confirmed at this big hit”.

  In FIG. 38 (I): An effect in which a female character emits a dialogue such as “Please make a right strike as it is!” And an effect in which an arrow indicating the right direction on the board is displayed are executed. Thereby, when the mode is the “chance zone”, it can be taught that the game is progressed by causing the game ball to flow on the right side of the board surface. Therefore, the game method in the “chance zone” is a game method in which the game ball is passed through the right start gate 21 or the game ball is entered (winning) in the variable start winning device 28 or the variable winning device 30. The player can be taught.

[Examples of special symbols when not selected]
FIG. 39 is a continuous diagram showing an example of an effect executed when the special symbol changes (within the change time) when not entering the chance zone. Specifically, in the case of proceeding from [F7] special symbol variation to [F8] non-winning, for example, the following effects are executed.

  In FIG. 39 (J): In this example, a series of states from the left of the screen until the friendly character's hand “choki” appears, and from the right of the screen the enemy character's hand “goo” appears. It is expressed.

  In FIG. 39 (K): As a result of the game, it is unfortunately displayed that the ally character has been defeated. In this example, the defeated ally character becomes a close-up in the center of the display screen, and the state of disappointment is expressed in a stunning manner. In addition, by displaying the letters “Lose ...” in the display screen, the player is reminded of the idea that “Janken was defeated”. Can't be taught ".

  In FIG. 39 (L): After that, an effect in which a female character emits a dialogue such as “Please return to the left!” And an effect in which an arrow indicating the left direction of the board is displayed are executed. Thereby, it can be taught that the mode returns to the “normal mode” and the game method returns to the content that causes the game ball to flow on the left side of the board surface.

[Direction during certain change]
Next, FIG. 40 is a diagram showing an example of effects executed when the game flow proceeds during the probability change of [F19] from the operation of [F18] variable winning device. Here, although “probability changing effect” is used, it may be an example of an effect executed when the game flow progresses to a chance zone that combines [F19] probability change and [F31] time.

  In FIG. 40 (A): For example, when the variable winning device [F18] is operated, for example, the right-handed character information is displayed together with the background image on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42, and the game area 8a is displayed. An arrow symbol indicating the right side portion of is displayed. By executing such an effect, it is possible to prompt the player to “right-hand” and to be aware that a winning accompanying the opening operation of the variable winning device 30 occurs. At this time, the background image represents, for example, a state in which a female character who has won in the previous production example is sitting relaxed.

  In addition, a limiter remaining number meter (reference symbol M) corresponding to the remaining “limiter count”, for example, is displayed at the lower position in the screen. The limiter remaining number meter M displays the “limiter count” at the present time. Is displayed in a bar graph-like manner. In this example, in the rectangular frame of the limiter remaining number meter M, the number of “limiter times” is 17 (maximum 18 times) in the state where 17 vertically long blocks except one at the right end thereof are lit. Represents. After this, when the game flow progresses during [F19] variable change from [F18] variable winning device operation, the limiter remaining number meter M is decremented by 1 and becomes 16 times.

[Limiter remaining meter production]
In FIG. 40 (B): While the loop is repeated in the above [F19] probability change, the character information of “right-handed” is continuously displayed on the screen together with the background image, and the right portion in the game area 8a is also displayed. An arrow symbol is displayed. On the other hand, the limiter remaining number meter M is displayed in such a manner that the number of lighting blocks decreases one by one every time a probability variation winning occurs. With such a display mode of the limiter remaining number meter M, the player is reminded that the remaining number of limiters that are probably changing is gradually decreasing, and the internal information used in the actual game flow. ("Limiter count") can be transmitted (taught, suggested) to the player.

[Director on limiter]
Next, FIG. 41 is a diagram showing an example of an effect that is executed when a limiter addition due to normal winning during probability change occurs. However, the actual number of extra additions differs depending on the number of remaining limiters at the time of occurrence, and it is difficult for the player to visually determine at which stage the extra addition occurred. Various aspects can be considered for the presentation technique (how to show) when expressing this on the presentation.

  In FIG. 41 (A): For example, even if the “limiter count” is internally increased by 10 times, this can be divided into 5 times and the additional effect can be executed twice. In this case, an image simulating a relatively small heart shape is displayed on the screen, and information on the number of times of addition, for example, “+5” is displayed inside the image. In addition, an effect of increasing the display of the limiter remaining number meter M by 5 times is performed (not shown). Thereby, it can be transmitted to the player that “the remaining limiter count has been added five times”. After that, for example, when the limiter remaining number meter M becomes less displayed, an additional effect for five times is executed. Thereby, although the number of times of addition per production is reduced, it is possible to give the player a sense of surprise and surprise by generating a number of addition effects.

  In FIG. 41 (B): Alternatively, when the limiter remaining number meter M has already been displayed with a small remaining amount, an actual increase of 15 times can be expressed as an additional effect. In this case, an image simulating a relatively large heart shape is displayed on the screen, and information on the number of times of adding “+15” is displayed inside the image. In addition, an effect of increasing the display of the limiter remaining number meter M by 15 degrees at a stretch is performed (not shown). Thereby, it can be transmitted to the player that “the remaining limiter count has been added 15 times at a time”. Moreover, when the limiter remaining number meter M is displayed with a little remaining, an extra is generated, so that the tension of “the limiter may be lost” is released, and the feeling of relief and joy due to the extra is displayed. be able to.

[Director after reaching the limiter]
Next, FIG. 42 is a diagram illustrating an effect example executed after reaching the limiter. For example, when the remaining “limiter count” reaches 0 times in the game flow, the following example effects are executed.

[End production]
In FIG. 42, (A): In this case, for example, the character information of “chance zone end” is displayed on the screen, and the display number of the limiter remaining number meter M becomes zero. As a result, the player is instructed to “end during probability change” and contributes to maintaining motivation for the next probability change entry.

[Continuation (revival) production]
In FIG. 42 (B): On the other hand, when shifting to [F31] time reduction after reaching the limiter in the actual game flow, a continuous effect is executed following the above-mentioned end effect. In this case, an effect of dropping the movable body 40f to the front side of the liquid crystal display 42 is performed. In addition, the appearance as if the female character in the background image is surprised at the fall of the movable body 40f is expressed in a stunning manner. Then, at the lower position in the screen, for example, an effect is performed in which the display number of the limiter remaining number meter M returns to full (full) (18). Although not particularly illustrated, the movable body 40f may return to the original position after this, and a character such as “continuation of chance zone” may be displayed on the screen, for example. In any case, it is possible to give a big surprise to the player by executing such a continuous effect. Further, by using the movable body 40f, it is possible to enhance the visual appeal and maximize the effect of the presentation.

[Background change production]
In addition, in the present embodiment, for example, when the “limiter count” decreases in the game flow, an effect of changing the background image according to the remaining count is performed.
FIG. 43 is a diagram illustrating an example of a background image that changes as the game flow progresses.

[Initial stage production]
In FIG. 43 (A): For example, in the early stage of [F19] in the game flow, the background image is the “female character wearing a yukata” and this is the “initial stage”, for example. . In this case, since the content of the background image is relatively calm, it is possible to express a stable impression that has just shifted to the probability change. Although not shown here, it is assumed that the above-mentioned limiter remaining number meter M, “right-handed” character display, and the like are displayed on the display screen (the same applies hereinafter).

[Yukata stage production]
43B: When the remaining “limiter count” decreases to some extent as the game flow progresses (for example, the remaining 17 to 14 times), the background image is changed based on a lottery for effect control. Production is performed. In this example, for example, a large “female character wearing a yukata” is displayed on the display screen, and this is, for example, a “yukata stage”. In this way, by performing an effect (stage change effect) that changes from the “initial stage” to the “yukata stage”, the visual impact on the player is enhanced, and [F19] Can give a sense of continuity and a sense of tension.

[Fireworks stage production]
In FIG. 43 (C): When the game flow further progresses and the “limiter count” gradually decreases (for example, the remaining 8 to 5 times), the background image is further changed based on the lottery for effect control. Production is performed. In this example, for example, the display screen is changed to “Landscape of fireworks in the night sky”, and “Scenery of another female character looking up at fireworks” is displayed in a stunning manner. In the present embodiment, this is, for example, a “fireworks stage”. By executing such an effect of changing to the “fireworks stage”, it is possible to finally make the player feel that the game in the middle of [F19] probability change has reached the climax.

[Festival stage production]
In FIG. 43 (D): This example changes the background image to “festival scenery”, and in the present embodiment, this is referred to as “festival stage”. This “festival stage” represents that the remaining “number of limiters” is small (for example, 4 to 1 time). By executing such an effect to change to the “festival stage”, the player can realize that [F19] the game that is undergoing certain change is low, or add it when the limiter arrives (or before it reaches). It can make you feel nervous about whether continuation will occur.

[Director after reaching the limiter]
Next, FIG. 44 is a diagram showing an example of an effect that is executed when the player does not re-enter the chance zone after reaching the limiter (when returning to the normal game). For example, when the remaining “limiter count” reaches 0 times in the game flow, the following example effects are executed.

[End production]
In FIG. 44, (A): In this case, for example, character information of “chance zone end” is displayed on the screen, and the display number of the limiter remaining number meter M becomes zero. As a result, the player is instructed to “end during probability change” and contributes to maintaining motivation for the next probability change entry.

[Game description production]
In FIG. 44 (B): When transitioning to [F1] normal game after reaching the limiter in the actual game flow, the game explanation effect is executed following the above-mentioned end effect. In this example, for example, a female character appears on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42, and an effect of giving a speech such as “Please return to the left” is performed. In addition, an arrow symbol indicating the left portion in the game area 8a is displayed. By executing such an effect, it is possible to prompt the player to “left strike” and be aware that the chance zone has ended. At this time, sound may be generated from the speakers 54, 55, and 56 in accordance with the display of the dialogue as character information on the display screen.

[Example of production when power is cut off]
45 to 47 are continuous views showing examples of effects when a power-off state occurs during operation of the variable start winning device. In the following description, the form of the variable start winning device 28 (the shape of the opening / closing member 28b) is simplified. In addition, the following production examples show production examples after the winning result is obtained in the normal symbol lottery.

  45 (A): In the example shown in the figure, a female character appears on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42, and a right-handed suggestion effect that produces a speech such as “Please right-hand!” Is performed. In addition, a speech balloon image in which dialogue is written is displayed, and an arrow indicating the right direction of the board is displayed therein. By executing such an effect, it is possible to prompt the player to “right-hand” and to be aware that the operation of the variable start winning device 28 is started.

  In this case, the winning result is obtained in the normal symbol lottery, and the normal symbol is stopped and displayed in the winning mode. Therefore, the opening / closing member 28b of the variable start winning device 28 has its lower edge as a hinge toward the front side. As it falls down, it is displaced to the open position, and the start winning opening 28a is opened. Thereby, it is possible to generate a ball into the start winning opening 28a.

  In FIG. 45 (B): After the right-handed suggestion effect, an effect is produced in which the female character gives a speech such as “If you win the Janken Battle, enter the chance zone !!”. Thereby, it is possible to teach the player that the mode to be transferred is different depending on the victory or defeat of “Janken Battle” to be performed thereafter. Then, when winning, the player can be instructed to shift to an advantageous mode such as “chance zone”.

  Further, the player operates the handle unit 16 to start right-handed, and the variable start winning device 28 opens the start winning port 28a, but the game ball 300 is moved to the corner of the opening / closing member 28b. The ball has not entered the starting prize opening 28a.

[Power failure occurred]
(C) in FIG. 45: Here, it is assumed that there is a problem with the power supply system and a power-off state has occurred. In this case, since power is not supplied to the liquid crystal display 42, the display on the liquid crystal screen disappears.

  Further, since electric power is not supplied to the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 88 that operates the variable start winning device 28, the variable start winning device 28 cannot maintain the open state, and the variable start winning device 28 starts. The winning opening 28a is closed to be in a closed state. Therefore, in this state, the game ball 300 does not enter the start winning opening 28a.

[Continued power off]
In FIG. 46, (D): The power-off state is continued, and nothing is displayed on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42. Similarly, the variable start winning device 28 is also inactive. In this state, since no power is supplied to the launch control board 108 that controls the launch of the game ball, it is impossible to launch the game ball.

[Power recovery (waiting for recovery)]
(E) in FIG. 46: Here, it is assumed that the power-off state has been resolved and the supply of power has been resumed. In this case, the main controller 70 shifts to a return waiting state. On the other hand, the VDP 152 of the production control device 124 displays an image corresponding to the return waiting state under its own control (production during power-off preparation).

In the example shown in the figure, a status bar indicating the time until the return waiting state ends is displayed together with the character information “Please wait for a while.
Note that the image corresponding to the return waiting state may be displayed, for example, an image such as a color bar shown in FIG. 46F depending on the specifications of the gaming machine.
At this time, the variable start winning device 28 is in an inactive state.

[Returning state]
46 (G): In any case, when the return waiting state ends, the pachinko machine 1 shifts to the returning state this time. When transitioning to the returning state, a return effect and a launch suggestion effect are executed on the display screen.

Here, the return effect is an effect indicating that the return operation is being executed. In the example shown in the figure, character information “Please wait for a while. Image is being restored” is displayed.
In addition, the launch suggestion effect is an effect that suggests that a game ball is launched during execution of the return effect. In the example shown in the figure, in addition to the character information of “right strike”, the launch in the right direction is suggested. A triangular arrow is displayed. With this launch suggestion effect, the player can be aware of the right strike from an early stage such as during the execution of the return effect.

  At this time, with the transition to the returning state, the opening / closing member 28b of the variable start winning device 28 is displaced to the open position so that the lower end edge of the variable start winning device 28 is tilted to the front side with the hinge as a hinge, thereby opening the start winning port 28a. Thereby, it is possible to generate a ball into the start winning opening 28a.

Here, in this effect example, the launch suggestion effect is executed using an image having a higher display priority than the image displayed by the return effect. Specifically, the character image X1 used for the launch suggestion effect is bold, and the character image Y1 used for the return effect is thin.
In addition, the character image X1 used for the launch suggestion effect is displayed by displaying the character image X1 used for the launch suggestion in a color (for example, red) that draws attention to the player, and the character image Y1 used for the return effect is displayed. It is displayed in a color that does not call attention (for example, black).
Thereby, the launch suggestion effect can be emphasized more than the return effect, and the presence of the launch suggestion effect can be improved.

[Continue during recovery]
In FIG. 47 (H): On the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42, the return effect and the launch suggestion effect are continued.
Then, it is assumed that the player has operated the handle unit 16 and started right-handed. Then, the game ball is driven into the right-hand hit area, and in the example shown in the figure, the game ball 300 is still driven to the position where the start winning opening 28a enters.

[Continue during recovery]
(I) in FIG. 47: On the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42, the return effect and the launch suggestion effect are continued.
The opening / closing member 28b functions as a member that guides the game ball 300 in the opened state, and the game ball 300 that has flowed down from above the open variable start winning device 28 is received and guided by the opening / closing member 28b, and the start prize is received. A ball enters the mouth 28a. The game ball 300 that has entered the ball is detected by a start winning port switch 82 provided in the variable start winning device 28.

[Direction when special symbol changes]
In FIG. 47 (J): When the game ball 300 is detected by the start winning a prize opening switch 82, the change of the special symbol is started. Since the variation pattern command is transmitted when the variation of the special symbol is started, the special symbol variation effect is executed based on the variation pattern command. In the illustrated example, an effect is displayed in which an image in which characters such as “Janken Battle Start!” Is displayed on the screen is displayed.

  Then, the variable start winning device 28 is in a closed state when the remaining open time remaining at the time of the occurrence of power interruption has elapsed. After this, the special symbol changing effect (Janken battle effect) described above is executed.

[Example of production when power is cut off]
48 to 50 are continuous diagrams showing examples of effects when a power-off state occurs when the variable winning device is activated. In addition, the following production examples show production examples after the winning result is obtained in the special symbol lottery (during the big hit loop).

  48 (A): When the variable winning device 30 is in operation, the right-hand portion of the game area 8a is displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42 with, for example, “right-handed” character information together with the background image. An arrow symbol is displayed.

  When the winning result is obtained in the special symbol lottery, the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the winning mode, so that the pair of left and right opening / closing members 30a are displaced (expanded) from the closed position toward the open position, respectively. The opening width of the winning opening 30b is expanded to the left and right. In this case, the variable winning device 30 is in a state in which the gaming ball 300 can flow in, and can enter the gaming ball into the big winning opening 30b.

  In FIG. 48 (B): While the big hit loop is repeated, “right-handed” character information is continuously displayed on the screen together with the background image, and an arrow symbol indicating the right side portion in the game area 8a is also displayed. Is displayed. On the other hand, the limiter remaining number meter M is displayed in such a manner that the number of lighting blocks decreases one by one every time a probability variation winning occurs.

  Also, here, the winning result is obtained in the special symbol lottery, and since the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the winning mode, the pair of left and right opening / closing members 30a are displaced from the closed position toward the open position ( And widen the opening width of the special winning opening 30b to the left and right. In this case, the variable winning device 30 is in a state in which the gaming ball 300 can flow in, and can enter the gaming ball into the big winning opening 30b.

[Power failure occurred]
(C) in FIG. 48: Here, it is assumed that there is a problem with the power supply system and a power-off state has occurred. In this case, since power is not supplied to the liquid crystal display 42, the display on the liquid crystal screen disappears.

  In addition, since no power is supplied to the big prize opening solenoid 90 that operates the variable prize winning device 30, the variable prize winning device 30 cannot maintain the open state, and the variable prize winning device 30 opens the big prize winning opening 30b. Closed and closed. Therefore, in this state, the game ball 300 does not enter the big winning opening 30b.

[Continued power off]
In FIG. 49 (D): the power-off state is continued, and nothing is displayed on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42. Similarly, the variable winning device 30 is in an inactive state. In this state, since no power is supplied to the launch control board 108 that controls the launch of the game ball, it is impossible to launch the game ball.

[Power recovery (waiting for recovery)]
(E) in FIG. 49: Here, it is assumed that the power-off state has been resolved and the supply of power has been resumed. In this case, the main controller 70 shifts to a return waiting state. On the other hand, the VDP 152 of the effect control device 124 displays an image corresponding to the return waiting state under its own control.

In the example shown in the figure, a status bar indicating the time until the return waiting state ends is displayed together with the character information “Please wait for a while.
Note that the image corresponding to the return waiting state may be displayed, for example, an image such as a color bar shown in FIG. 49F depending on the specifications of the gaming machine.
At this time, the variable winning device 30 is in an inoperative state.

[Returning state]
FIG. 49 (G): In any case, when the return waiting state ends, the pachinko machine 1 shifts to the returning state this time. When transitioning to the returning state, a return effect and a launch suggestion effect are executed on the display screen.

Here, the return effect is an effect indicating that the return operation is being executed. In the example shown in the figure, character information “Please wait for a while. Image is being restored” is displayed.
In addition, the launch suggestion effect is an effect that suggests that a game ball is launched during execution of the return effect. In the example shown in the figure, in addition to the character information of “right strike”, the launch in the right direction is suggested. A triangular arrow is displayed.

  At this time, the left and right opening / closing members 30a of the variable winning device 30 are displaced from the closed position toward the open position, respectively, triggered by the transition to the returning state, thereby opening the big prize opening 30b. Thereby, it is possible to generate a ball into the special winning opening 30b.

[Continue during recovery]
In FIG. 50 (H): On the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42, the return effect and the launch suggestion effect are continued.
Then, it is assumed that the player has operated the handle unit 16 and started right-handed. Then, the game ball is driven into the right hit area, and in the example shown in the figure, the game ball is still driven to the position where the big winning opening 30b enters.

[Continue during recovery]
In FIG. 50 (I): On the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42, the return effect and the launch suggestion effect are continued.
The left and right opening / closing members 30a of the variable winning device 30 function as members that guide the game ball 300 in the opened state, and the gaming balls 300 flowing down from above the open variable winning device 30 are received by the opening / closing member 30a. To enter the grand prize opening 30b. The game ball 300 that has entered the ball is detected by a count switch 84 provided in the variable winning device 30.
Then, triggered by the fact that a game ball 30 has been entered, the currently running round (for example, the first round) is terminated, and the variable prize device 30 is closed.

[Directing resumed during major roles]
(J) in FIG. 50: When the next round (second round) is started, a round number command corresponding to the second round is transmitted, so that the big role effect is resumed based on the round number command. . In the illustrated example, “right-handed” character information is displayed together with a background image in the big hit loop on the screen, and an arrow symbol indicating the right side portion in the game area 8a is also displayed.
In this case, since the second round of the big hit game has started, the pair of left and right opening / closing members 30a are displaced from the closed position toward the open position, respectively, and the opening width of the big winning opening 30b is expanded to the left and right. Therefore, the variable winning device 30 is in a state where the game ball 300 can flow in, and can enter the game ball into the special winning opening 30b. After this, the big hit loop is continued until the limiter remaining number meter M reaches zero.

[Other examples of return and launch suggestions]
FIG. 51 is a diagram illustrating another example of the return effect and the launch suggestion effect.
In the above-described effect example, the example in which bold characters and red characters are used as the images used for the launch suggestion effect has been described, but the following effect examples are also possible.

[Other production examples (1)]
In FIG. 51 (A): the image Y2 used for the return effect is displayed in a narrow area (for example, about a quarter of the display screen), and the image X2 used for the launch suggestion effect is an area wider than the image Y2 ( For example, it is an effect that is displayed in an area of about three quarters of the display screen.

[Other production examples (2)]
FIG. 51 (B): This effect example is an effect example in which an image is displayed and executed at a position having a higher display priority than the image displayed by the return effect with respect to the launch suggestion effect. In the example shown in the figure, the image X3 used for the launch suggestion effect is displayed on a higher hierarchy (the front side as viewed from the player) than the image Y3 used for the return effect.

  In any case, according to each of the above-described production examples, the launch suggestion effect is more prominent than the return effect for the player, so that the launch suggestion effect is not buried in the return effect. For this reason, it is possible to clearly and emphasize the content of the launch suggestion effect to the player, increase the presence of the launch suggestion effect, and further reduce the risk of the player suffering a disadvantage. be able to.

[Other production examples (part 3)]
51 (C): This effect example is an effect example when the variable start winning device 28 and the variable winning device 30 are arranged in the left-handed region. In the case where the variable start winning device 28 and the variable winning device 30 are gaming machines arranged in the left-handed region, it is not necessary to execute the right-handed effect, and it is sufficient to simply suggest the launching of the game ball.
For this reason, in this effect example, a character image such as “Please start launching” is displayed as the launch suggestion effect. Upon receiving this effect, the player can start launching a game ball.

[Other production examples (4)]
In FIG. 51, (D): When there is no need to execute an effect suggesting a right-handed strike, for example, when a power-off state occurs in a normal state (normal mode), it is not necessary to execute a launch suggestive effect. Therefore, it is only necessary to execute a return effect indicating that the power-off state has been resolved. In the example shown in the drawing, only the character information “Please wait for a while. Image is being restored” corresponding to the return effect is displayed.

  Next, an example of a control method for specifically realizing the above effects will be described. Normal symbol effect (FIG. 35), variable start winning device operation effect (FIG. 36), special symbol change effect (FIGS. 37, 38 and 39), probability change effect (FIG. 40), limiter addition effect (FIG. 41), effects after reaching the limiter (FIGS. 42 and 44), background change effects (FIG. 43), return effects and launch suggestion effects (FIGS. 45 to 51) are controlled through the following control processing. .

[Production control processing]
FIG. 52 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure of the effect control process executed by the effect control CPU 126. This effect control process is executed, for example, in a timer interrupt process (interrupt management process) separately from a reset start (main) process (not shown). The effect control CPU 126 generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined interrupt cycle (for example, a period of several tens of μs to several ms) during execution of the reset start process, and executes the timer interrupt process.

  The production control process includes production management processing during power-off preparation (step S400a), command reception processing (step S400), production management processing during power-off recovery (step S401), production design management processing (step S402), and after normal symbol hit Subroutine of effect management process (step S404), display output process (step S405), lamp drive process (step S406), sound drive process (step S408), effect random number update process (step S410), and other processes (step S412) It is the structure containing a group. Hereinafter, the basic flow of the effect control process will be described along each process.

  Step S400a: In the effect management process during power-off preparation, the effect display control device 144 (VDP 152) executes the effect during power-off preparation. The power-off preparation effect is an effect executed by the control of the effect display control device 144 (VDP 152) when the power is turned on. Specifically, the effect display control device 144 (VDP 152) executes processing for displaying effect patterns shown in (E), (F), etc. in FIG. The production management process during power-off preparation may be executed in a reset start process (not shown). In addition, once the power-off preparation preparation effect management process is executed, it is a process that is not executed (skip) until the next power-on.

  Step S400: In the command receiving process, the effect control CPU 126 receives an effect command transmitted from the main control CPU 72. The effect control CPU 126 analyzes the received commands and stores them in the command buffer area of the RAM 130 according to type. The production commands transmitted from the main control CPU 72 include, for example, a start gate passage command, a normal operation memory number command, a start opening winning tone control command, a demonstration production command, a lottery result command, a variation pattern command, a variation Start command, stop symbol command, symbol stop command, state designation command, time shortening function activation count command (count cut counter count command), limiter remaining command, error notification command, round count command, launch position designation command, power off There is a returning command.

  Step S401: In the effect management process during the power-off recovery, the effect control CPU 126 controls the content of the effect during the power-off recovery (return effect execution means). In this process, the contents of the above-described launch suggesting effects (FIGS. 45 to 51) and the like are controlled. The details of the effect management process during power-off recovery will be described later using another flowchart.

  Step S402: In the effect symbol management process, the effect control CPU 126 controls the contents of the variable display effect and the result display effect using the effect symbol. In this process, the contents such as the above-mentioned normal symbol deviation effect (FIG. 34) and the normal symbol effect (FIG. 35) are controlled.

  Step S404: In the normal symbol after-effects management process, the effect control CPU 126 controls the effects after winning in the normal symbol lottery (operation lottery). For example, the effect control CPU 126 controls the contents of effects when the variable start winning device 28 is operated, and controls the contents of effects when the variable winning device 30 is opened and closed. In this process, the above-described variable start winning device operation effect (FIG. 36), special symbol change effect (FIGS. 37, 38, and 39), probability changing effect (FIG. 40), limiter addition effect (FIG. 41), The contents of the effect after reaching the limiter (FIGS. 42 and 44) and the background change effect (FIG. 43) are controlled. Note that the contents of the post symbol management processing for normal symbols will be further described later with reference to another drawing.

  Step S405: In the display output process, the effect control CPU 126 gives basic control information of the effect contents to the effect display control device 144 (display control CPU 146) (for example, the number of working memories of normal symbols, the variable effect pattern number, the notice effect) Number, effect mode number, limiter added effect pattern number, limiter remaining number meter display number pattern number, background change effect pattern number, revival effect pattern number, end effect pattern number, etc.). Thereby, the effect display control device 144 (the display control CPU 146 and the VDP 152) controls the display operation by the liquid crystal display 42 based on the instructed contents of the effect (acts as various effect executing means).

  Step S406: In the lamp driving process, the effect control CPU 126 outputs a control signal to the lamp driving circuit 132. In response to this, the lamp driving circuit 132 drives the various lamps 46, 48, 50, 52, the panel lamp 53, and the like (turns on or off, blinks, changes in luminance gradation, etc.) based on the control signal.

  Step S408: In the next acoustic drive process, the effect control CPU 126 instructs the sound drive circuit 134 about the effect contents (for example, BGM, audio data, etc. during various effects). Thereby, the sound according to the production content is output from the speakers 54, 55, and 56.

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

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

[Direction management processing during power-off recovery]
FIG. 53 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure of the effect management process during power-off recovery. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along each procedure.

  Step S420: The effect control CPU 126 confirms whether or not the internal state is a state where the power supply is being restored. This confirmation can be confirmed by accessing the command buffer area of the RAM 130 and checking whether or not the power-off recovery command is stored. When the power-off recovery command is stored in the command buffer area of the RAM 130, the effect control CPU 126 can determine that the internal state is a power-off recovery state. When a command for restoring power interruption is stored in the command buffer area of the RAM 130, a command for restoring an effect image thereafter (for example, a variation pattern command, a variation start command, a symbol stop command, a round number command, etc.) Until the command is received, the power-off recovery command is maintained without being erased.

  As a result, when it is confirmed that the internal state is a state where the power supply is being restored (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 executes S422. On the other hand, when it is not possible to confirm that the internal state is a state in which power supply is being restored (No), the effect control CPU 126 returns to effect control processing (FIG. 52).

  Step S422: The effect control CPU 126 loads a launch position designation command. The launch position designation command is stored in the command buffer area of the RAM 130.

Step S424: The effect control CPU 126 confirms whether or not the content of the launch position designation command indicates right-handed (whether or not it indicates that a game ball should be fired in the second game area).
As a result, when it is confirmed that the content of the launch position designation command indicates right-handed (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 executes step S426. On the other hand, when it cannot be confirmed that the content of the launch position designation command indicates right-handed (No), the effect control CPU 126 executes step S428.

  Step S426: The effect control CPU 126 executes a power-off return effect selection process including a right-hand suggesting effect (a launch suggesting effect executing means, a launch position designation effect executing means). Specifically, a process of selecting an effect pattern shown in FIG.

Step S428: The effect control CPU 126 executes a power-off recovery effect selection process that does not include a right-hand suggestion effect. Specifically, a process of selecting an effect pattern shown in FIG.
When the above process is completed, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the effect control process (FIG. 52).

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

[Direction design management processing]
FIG. 54 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the effect symbol management process. The effect symbol management process includes a subroutine group of an execution selection process (step S450), an effect symbol change pre-process (step S452), an effect symbol change process (step S454), and an effect symbol stop display process (step S456). It is the composition which includes. Hereinafter, the basic flow of the effect symbol management process will be described along each process.

  Step S450: In the execution selection process, the effect control CPU 126 selects the jump destination of the process to be executed next (any one of steps S452 to S456). For example, the effect control CPU 126 sets the program address of the process to be executed next as the jump destination address, and sets the end of the effect symbol management process in the “jump table” as the return address. Which process is selected as the next jump destination depends on the progress of the processes performed so far. For example, if the situation has not yet started the change display effect, the effect control CPU 126 selects the effect symbol change pre-process (step S452) as the next jump destination. On the other hand, if the effect symbol variation pre-processing has already been completed, the effect control CPU 126 selects the effect symbol variation processing (step S454) as the next jump destination, and if the effect symbol variation in-process has been completed, As a jump destination, the effect symbol stop display processing (step S456) is selected. When the variable start winning device is operating (opening / closing operation, end process, etc.), the effect control CPU 126 selects the jump destination of the process to be executed next (any one of steps S452 to S456). First, the effect symbol management process is terminated.

  Step S452: In the effect symbol variation pre-processing, the effect control CPU 126 performs an operation of preparing conditions for starting the variable display effect using the effect symbol. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 selects the contents of the reach effect according to various conditions (the lottery result, the variation pattern, etc.), or the effect pattern for the notice effect (the advance notice pattern before reach occurrence other than the pre-read notice effect pattern) , A notice pattern etc. after reach occurrence). In addition, the production control CPU 126 also performs demonstration production control when the pachinko machine 1 is in a so-called customer waiting state.

  Step S454: In the effect symbol variation processing, the effect control CPU 126 generates control information instructing the effect display control device 144 (display control CPU 146) as necessary. For example, when performing an effect using the effect switching button 45 during execution of the variable display effect using the effect symbol, the effect control CPU 126 monitors whether or not the player has operated the effect button, and an effect corresponding to the result is displayed. The control information on the contents (button effect) is instructed to the display control CPU 146.

Step S456: In the effect symbol stop display process, the effect control CPU 126 controls the contents of the stop display effect using the effect symbols and moving images in a manner corresponding to the result of the internal lottery. That is, the effect control CPU 126 instructs the effect display control device 144 (display control CPU 146) to end the variable display effect and execute the stop display effect. In response to this, the effect display control device 144 (display control CPU 146) ends the variable display effect that has been actually executed in the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42, and executes the stop display effect. Thereby, the stop display effect is executed substantially in synchronization with the stop display of the normal symbol, and the result of the internal lottery can be effectively taught (disclosure, notification, notification, etc.) to the player (design effect execution). means).
When the above process is completed, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the effect control process (FIG. 52).

[Normal presentation management processing per symbol]
FIG. 55 is a flowchart showing a configuration example of the after-effects management process for normal symbols. For example, the after-hit effect management process for the normal symbol is, for example, an execution selection process (step S500), an initial variable start winning device operation process (step S502), a special symbol change-time effect process (step S504), and a major role start effect process (step S506). ), A group of subroutines for the end effect process (step S508). Hereinafter, the basic flow of the effect control process will be described along each process.

  Step S500: In the execution selection process, the effect control CPU 126 selects the jump destination of the process to be executed next (any one of steps S502 to S508). For example, the effect control CPU 126 sets the program address of the process to be executed next as the jump destination address, and sets the end of the effect symbol management process in the “jump table” as the return address. Which process is selected as the next jump destination depends on the progress of the processes performed so far. For example, the effect control CPU 126 selects the first variable start winning device operating process (step S502) as the first jump destination. On the other hand, if the variable start winning device operation process (step S502) has already been completed and a special symbol variation pattern command (or a start opening winning tone control command) has been received, the effect control CPU 126 can execute the next jump. As a destination, the special symbol variation effect process (step S504) is selected. If the special symbol variation effect processing (step S504) is completed and the winning command for the special symbol (internal lottery) has been received, the effect control CPU 126 will perform the effect processing after starting the big role as the next jump destination (step S506). ) Is selected. Then, the effect control CPU 126 selects the end process (step S508) as the next jump destination when the end flag is set in the effect process after the start of the big role. Note that the first variable start winning device activation process (step S502) and the special symbol variation effect process (step S504) are not selected as jump destinations when a state designation command representing "time reduction state" is received. This is because, when the game flow is once shifted to the “time reduction state” ([F19] during probability change or [F31] time reduction), the center of the effect content is the above-described effect during change (FIG. 40) or limiter addition effect (FIG. 41), the effect after reaching the limiter (FIG. 42), the background change effect (FIG. 43), etc., during this time the variable start winning device operating effect (FIG. 36) and the special symbol change effect (FIG. 37, FIG. This is because it is not necessary to execute step 38).

  Step S502: In the first variable start winning device operation process, the effect control CPU 126 controls the effect when the variable start winning device 26 is operated after the first hit of the normal symbol (operation lottery). The contents of the effects controlled here are the same as the effects when the variable start winning device is activated (FIG. 36). For example, a message such as “Please turn right!” Is displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42. By displaying, the progress status in the game flow is guided to the player. By executing such an effect, it is possible to prevent the player from digesting the game indiscriminately and to reconfirm the purpose consciousness to prevent a decrease in gaming motivation.

  Step S504: In the special symbol variation production process, the production control CPU 126 can produce the content corresponding to the special symbol variation display or stop display. The contents of the effect controlled here are the same as those of the special symbol change effect described above (FIGS. 37 and 38). By performing such an effect, the player has a sense of expectation whether or not he / she can enter the chance change (chance zone) due to the special symbol (internal lottery) fluctuation after the first winning of the normal symbol (action lottery), It is possible to provide fun and fun.

  Step S506: In the effect processing after the start of the big role, the effect control CPU 126, as described above, the effect during probability change (FIG. 40), the limiter addition effect (FIG. 41), the effect after reaching the limiter (FIG. 42), and the background change effect (FIG. 43). Etc. are controlled. As a result, information on the flow and progress of the game after the game flow has changed to [F19] Probability Change or [F31] Time Shortening is communicated to the player, or the “limiter count” addition is strongly urged. Can be.

Step S508: In the end effect process, the effect control CPU 126 controls the content of the effect accompanying the end of [F19] probability change. The content of the effect controlled here is the same as the aspect ((A) in FIG. 42) representing the “end of chance zone” among the effects after reaching the limiter described above. By executing such an effect, once the [F19] probability change is completed, the player is informed in the game flow, and the game motivation is maintained for the next transition to [F19] probability change. Can be made.
When the above process is completed, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the effect control process (FIG. 52).

[Summary of production techniques]
According to the example of the production method described above, information useful to the player can be provided as production in accordance with the progress of the game flow in the pachinko machine 1. Specifically, (1) the necessity of “right-handed” has occurred per normal symbol, and (2) internal lottery (special figure fluctuation) due to winning at the variable start winning device 28 (start winning port 28a). (3) Winning in the internal lottery (with time reduction at the time of the first hit), (4) The game flow is changing to [F19] probability change or [F31] time reduction (rushing in) (5) [F19] The remaining “limiter count” decreases during certain changes, (6) “Limiter count” increases, (7) After reaching the limiter [F31] [F19] Information that the opportunity to return to the probability change has occurred, and (8) the fact that [F19] the probability change is ended by reaching the limiter and the game flow is returned to [F1] normal game, etc. Provide direct to the player by directing Teaching, it is possible to suggest). Further, regarding (3) above, it can be provided as information that the winning in the probable variation pattern was not obtained by the internal lottery.

  Thereby, the player can fully enjoy the game performance by the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment while preventing the game from being performed indiscriminately while the progress of the game flow is not understood by the player. In addition, by clearly realizing from the contents of the production that the “limiter count” has actually increased in the game flow, it is possible to give the player his own game outcome ([F19] 2% normal win during probability change) The player can feel a certain level of satisfaction and achievement. Alternatively, by clearly realizing from the contents that the resurgence occurred after reaching the limiter in the game flow, the player's own game achievement (57% after the limiter was reached and the normal win was assigned) ) Realize it, so that the player can have a certain level of satisfaction and achievement.

  In particular, in the internal game flow, the contents of the actual control processing are complicated for the mechanisms (6) and (7) above, but in the present embodiment, this is transmitted to the player in an easy-to-understand manner as performance information In that respect, not only the game flow but also the production technique is excellent.

[Usefulness in game flow]
In addition, in the present embodiment, the original game flow itself has the following utility.
(1) For example, [F16] The right (possibility) to generate a loop during [F19] probability change continuously 17 times including the first time by winning the [F16] probability change symbol 1 and 2 from the normal game To do. Accordingly, the player can be given an opportunity to obtain a winning ball through the [F22] variable start winning device operation and the [F18] variable winning device operation for each loop, and the profit can be increased.

(2) Furthermore, if [F19] normal symbol 1 winning is assigned in the middle of [F19] probabilistic change loop, [F38] probable symbol 1 and 2 winning (98% probable change ratio) occurs after [F31] time reduction. It is easy to re-loop into [F19] probability change. In this case, since the “limiter count” is reset (reset) as described above, a new “limiter count” is added to the amount that has been digested in the previous loop. Become. As a result, the player can be given an opportunity to obtain a winning ball through the [F22] variable start winning device operation and the [F18] variable winning device operation, and the profit can be further increased.

(3) Also, even if [F19] no extra occurrence occurs in the loop under certain probability and the remaining “limiter count” reaches 0, [F43] normal symbol 1 win or [F45] Probability change symbol 1 win → compulsory normal symbol 1 (synthetic selection ratio 57%), it is possible to resume the loop [F19] change in probability after passing [F31] time. Also in this case, since the “limiter count” is reset (reset), a new “limiter count” is added to the amount that has been digested during the loop before reaching the limiter. . As a result, the player can be given an opportunity to obtain a winning ball through the [F22] variable start winning device operation and the [F18] variable winning device operation, and the profit can be further increased.

(4) In addition, since the profit of (2) or (3) may occur randomly according to the result of the special symbol (internal lottery), the above (2) and (3) occur in a chain. By doing so, it is possible to realize a game property that can add a ball to the ball each time.

(5) In addition, in this type of pachinko game, drawing a probabilistic symbol basically generates continuity of profit (so-called continuous chain). The common sense of gaming is that sex ends. However, in this embodiment, [F19] Draws regular symbols during probability change to generate continuity of profits, which is significant in that it achieves game characteristics using the concept of reversal from the conventional one. It is useful.

(6) In addition, in this embodiment, since measures are taken at the time of power-off recovery, it is possible to flexibly cope with a power-off state that occurs depending on some accidental factors. The above-described game flow can be progressed without delay, and the player's profit can be protected.

  The present invention can employ various modifications without being limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, the images and operations given as examples of various production methods are merely examples, and these can be modified as appropriate.

  In addition, the conditions such as the probability of lottery and the variation time of the symbols, the opening time of the variable start winning device 28 and the variable winning device 30, the closing time, the number of times of opening, the number of winning balls, etc. mentioned in the embodiment are merely examples, You may deform | transform suitably. Further, the arrangement of the various start gates 20 and 21, the variable start winning device 28, the variable winning device 30 and the like in the game area 8 may be variously modified.

  In addition, the structure of the pachinko machine 1 and the board surface configuration are preferable examples including those shown in the drawings, and it goes without saying that these can be appropriately modified.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pachinko machine 8 Game board unit 8a Game area 20 Middle start gate 21 Right start gate 28 Variable start prize device 30 Variable prize device 33 Normal symbol display device 33a Normal symbol operation memory lamp 34 Special symbol display device 42 Liquid crystal display device 70 Main control Device 72 Main control CPU
74 ROM
76 RAM
124 Production control device 126 Production control CPU

Claims (1)

A first lottery execution means for executing the first lottery when the first lottery opportunity occurs during the game;
A second lottery execution means for executing a second lottery different from the first lottery when a second lottery opportunity different from the first lottery opportunity occurs during the game;
When the first lottery is executed, first symbol display means for stopping and displaying the first symbol in a manner representing the lottery result of the first lottery after the first symbol is displayed in a variable manner with the first lottery as an opportunity;
When the second lottery is executed, the second symbol is displayed in a manner representing the lottery result of the second lottery after the second symbol different from the first symbol is variably displayed. 2 symbol display means;
When the lottery result of the first lottery corresponds to winning, and the first symbol is stopped and displayed in a predetermined winning manner by the first symbol display means, the game ball is predetermined from the closed state where the ball cannot enter. Variable opening means for performing an opening / closing operation for changing to an open state in which a game ball can enter over the opening time of
Ball launching means for driving a game ball toward a game area formed on the game board surface;
Power control means connected to an external power source to generate drive power;
A game information storage means for storing game information including at least information relating to an operation state of the variable pitching means when a power-off state in which generation of drive power by the power supply control means is cut off occurs;
A gaming state in which when the generation of driving power by the power control means is resumed and the power-off state is resolved, a return state is executed for returning the gaming state based on the gaming information stored in the gaming information storage means Return means;
Return information display means for displaying return information indicating that the return operation is being executed during execution of the return action by the gaming state return means;
When the game information storage means stores that the variable ball entry means is in operation, the game launching means is used to launch a game ball while the return information is displayed by the return information display means. A launch suggestion information display means for displaying suggestive launch suggestion information,
The variable pitching means is
When changing from the closed state to the open state, a variable start winning device that generates the second lottery opportunity due to the occurrence of a game ball entering,
The gaming area is
Including a first game area and a second game area,
The ball launching means is
It is possible to drive a game ball toward the first game area or the second game area,
The variable pitching means is
The game balls flowing down the second game area are arranged at positions where they can enter,
The launch suggestion information display means includes
As the launch suggestion information, a game machine characterized by displaying information suggesting launching a game ball in the second game area using the ball launching means.