JP2017104292A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enhance amusement of a game machine by using a presentation part.SOLUTION: A Pachinko game machine includes: an image display part 114 for displaying in a screen 114a a presentation images related to presentations; and a second image display part 5 for displaying in a second screen 51 presentation images related to presentations and including an opening/closing part 52 movable on a front side of the second screen 51. Corresponding to a motion mode of an image displayed in the screen 114a, the opening/closing part 52 of the second image display part 5 can be moved.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 42

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

In a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine, for example, an effect is provided by using an effect unit provided so as to be movable.
For example, in Patent Document 1, in the process of opening and closing each opening and closing member supported by the drive mechanism, the lower part of each opening and closing member is configured to move in each direction ahead of the upper part, When the inner edges of the opening and closing members are separated from each other, the inner edges are held in a non-parallel state of an eight-letter shape or an inverted eight-letter shape, and the inner edges are initially in the process of moving the opening and closing members in the closing direction. At the end of the approaching process in which the upper end portions (lower end portions) of the two are in contact with each other and moving in the closing direction, the lower and upper portions of each opening and closing member are supported so that the inner end edges are in contact with each other over the entire length. A configuration is disclosed.

JP 2012-228363 A

  By the way, the entertainment of the game is further enhanced by the operation of the director. An object of this invention is to improve the interest property of a gaming machine using a production | presentation part.

The present invention that achieves the above object is realized as the following gaming machine. The gaming machine (for example, the pachinko gaming machine 100) includes a first image display unit (for example, the image display unit 114) that displays an effect image related to the effect on a first display screen (for example, the screen 114a), and the effect. An effect image is displayed on a second display screen (for example, second screen 51), and a movable portion (for example, opening / closing portion 52) that is movable on the front side of the second display screen (for example, second screen 51). A second image display unit (for example, the second image display unit 5), and the second image display corresponding to the operation mode of the image displayed on the first display screen (for example, the screen 114a). A gaming machine (for example, a pachinko gaming machine 100) that is capable of moving the movable section (for example, the opening / closing section 52) of a section (for example, the second image display section 5).
In addition, the said code | symbol in this column is attached | subjected illustratively in the description of this invention, and this invention is not reduced by this code | symbol.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to enhance the interest of the gaming machine using the production unit.

It is a schematic front view of the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment. (A) is an enlarged view showing an example of a display device arranged on the game board, (b) is a partial plan view of the pachinko gaming machine. It is a figure which shows the internal structure of the control unit of the pachinko game machine of this Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of the game control part of this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the basic process by a game control part. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the process at the time of the power supply cutoff by a game control part. It is a flowchart which shows the main control processing of a game control part. It is a flowchart which shows the content of a start port switch process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the gate switch process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the special symbol process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the jackpot determination process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the fluctuation pattern selection process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the process during a stop. It is a flowchart which shows the content of a customer waiting | standby setting process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of normal symbol processing. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the big prize opening process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the game state setting process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of an electric tulip process. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the random number used by this Embodiment, (a) is a figure which shows the structural example of jackpot random number, (b) is a figure which shows the structural example of jackpot symbol random number, (c ) Is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a reach random number, and (d) is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a hit random number. It is a figure which shows the example of a setting of the fluctuation pattern and table used in a fluctuation pattern selection process. It is a figure which shows the structure of a command, (a) is a figure which shows the data structure of a command, (b) is a figure which shows the structure as a bit string of a command. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the command storage area in RAM. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the output process by an output control part. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of an effect control part, (a) is a figure which shows a main process, (b) is a figure which shows an interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of command reception processing. It is a figure which shows the example of a setting of a mode flag. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the production | presentation selection process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the process during completion | finish of the fluctuation effect of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the big hit effect selection process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the ending effect selection process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the customer waiting command reception process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the content of effect button processing. It is a block diagram explaining the structural example of RAM of a game control part, (a) is a block diagram which shows the structure of a storage area, (b) is a block diagram which shows each structure of the memory | storage part shown to (a) It is. It is a block diagram explaining the structural example of RAM of an effect control part, (a) is a block diagram which shows the structure of a storage area, (b) is a block which shows each structure of the memory | storage part shown to (a) FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the prior determination process. It is a whole figure of the 2nd image display part of this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the opening / closing aspect of an opening-and-closing part. It is a general view of the opening-and-closing mechanism part of this Embodiment. It is a rear view of the 2nd image display part of this Embodiment. It is a side view of the 2nd image display part of this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the raising / lowering operation | movement of a 2nd image display part. It is explanatory drawing of the raising / lowering operation | movement of a 2nd image display part. It is a disassembled perspective view of the mainspring gear part of this Embodiment. It is a top view of the gear of this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of attachment of a mainspring gear part. It is explanatory drawing of the joint production by a center role and a side role. It is explanatory drawing of the synchronous production of this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the synchronous production of this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the synchronous production of a modification. It is explanatory drawing of the modification of the joint effect of this Embodiment. It is the schematic of the slot machine provided with the movable accessory, the image display part, and the 2nd image display part.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[Basic configuration of gaming machine]
FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment.
In the following description, the direction between the upper side and the lower side of the paper surface of the pachinko gaming machine 100 shown in FIG. Further, the side on which the player plays the game with respect to the pachinko gaming machine 100 shown in FIG. 1 is called the front side, the opposite side is called the rear side, and the direction between the front side and the rear side is called the “front-rear direction”.

  A pachinko gaming machine 100 as an example of the gaming machine shown in FIG. 1 is configured to pay out a prize ball when a gaming ball launched by an instruction operation by a player wins. The pachinko gaming machine 100 includes a game board 110 on which game balls are launched, and a frame member 150 surrounding the game board 110. The game board 110 is detachably attached to the frame member 150.

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

As shown in FIG. 1, a movable accessory 115 and a board lamp 116 used for various effects are provided on the front side of the game board 110. The movable combination 115 according to the present embodiment has a center combination 6 and a side combination 9. As will be described later, the movable accessory 115 performs various effects by operating in a variable effect or the like. The panel lamp 116 performs various effects by emitting light.
The movable combination 115 (center combination 6, side combination 9) will be described in detail later.

Furthermore, in this Embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the 2nd image display part 5 which displays the various images for production is provided. The second image display unit 5 is arranged behind the game board 110 and in front of the image display unit 114 in the front-rear direction of the pachinko gaming machine 100. Further, the second image display unit 5 is arranged on the rear side of the side accessory 9. In the present embodiment, the second image display unit 5 and the side accessory 9 are arranged at positions that do not interfere with each other.
Moreover, the 2nd image display part 5 is comprised so that a movement along an up-down direction is possible. In the present embodiment, the second image display unit 5 moves from the origin position located below the image display unit 114 toward the upper side from the origin position as indicated by the broken line in FIG. It is possible to move to any position between the production positions located on the front side of 114.

  Note that the origin position of the second image display unit 5 may be any position in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction. Further, the moving direction of the second image display unit 5 may be either the vertical direction or the horizontal direction. Further, the second image display unit 5 is configured to be rotatable about a rotation axis along a direction (front-rear direction) perpendicular to the game board 110 and a rotation axis along a direction parallel to the board surface of the game board 110. You may do it.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Furthermore, the display device 130 includes a state display device 224 that displays the state of the pachinko gaming machine 100. In the present embodiment, the status indicator 224 is configured by a display device in which three LEDs are arranged. One of the three LEDs notifies whether or not the state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in a high probability state where the winning probability of the special symbol lottery is high. The other one is to notify by lighting whether the state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in a short time state in which it is easy to win a prize at the second start port 122. Still another one is to notify by lighting whether or not the player is in a state advantageous to the player by making a right strike (by changing the hitting force of the game ball).

  The state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 displayed by the state display 224 is not limited to the above example, and other states can be displayed. For example, when the state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is set to a medium probability state in which the winning probability is higher than the low probability state and the winning probability is lower than the high probability state, the state indicator 224 indicates whether or not the state indicator 224 is in the medium probability state. May be notified by lighting.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Configuration / Function of Image / Sound Control Unit]
The image / sound control unit 310 is a CPU 311 that performs arithmetic processing for controlling the image and sound representing the content of the effect, a ROM 312 that stores programs executed by the CPU 311, various data, and the like. A RAM 313 used as a memory, a VDP (Video Display Processor) 314, a CGROM 315, and an SNDROM 316 are provided.

Then, the image / sound control unit 310 controls the image displayed on the image display unit 114 and the sound output from the speaker 156 based on the command sent from the effect control unit 300.
Specifically, the CGROM 315 has a symbol image or background image displayed during the game on the image display unit 114, a decorative symbol for notifying the player of the lottery result, a character for displaying a notice effect to the player, Image data such as items is stored. The SND ROM 316 stores various types of acoustic data such as music and sound output from the speaker 156 in synchronization with the image data or independently of the image data, and sound effects such as jingles.
The CPU 311 performs analysis of the animation pattern, creation of a display list in which commands related to drawing are created, transmission of the display list to the VDP 314, and the like based on the hold number command or the change start command sent from the effect control unit 300 .

Based on the display list received from the CPU 311, the VDP 314 reads image data and acoustic data stored in the CGROM 315 and SNDROM 316, respectively. Furthermore, the VDP 314 performs drawing processing for background image display, symbol image display, symbol image variation, character / item display, and the like, and audio processing using the read acoustic data, using the read image data. . The VDP 314 controls screen display on the image display unit 114 based on the image data subjected to the drawing process. The VDP 314 controls the sound output from the speaker 156 based on the sound data that has been subjected to sound processing.
In the present embodiment, the VDP 314 is configured to perform audio processing in addition to the drawing processing. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a processor that performs dedicated audio processing may be provided separately.

[Configuration and function of lamp control unit]
The lamp control unit 320 stores a CPU 321 that performs arithmetic processing when controlling the light emission of the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 and the operation of the movable accessory 115, and programs executed by the CPU 321 and various data. A ROM 322 and a RAM 323 used as a working memory for the CPU 321 are provided.
The lamp control unit 320 controls lighting / flashing of the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157, the emission color, and the like based on the command sent from the effect control unit 300. Further, the operation of the movable accessory 115 is controlled.

Specifically, the ROM 322 of the lamp control unit 320 stores lighting / flashing pattern data and emission color pattern data (emission pattern) for the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 according to the production contents set by the production control unit 300. Data) is stored. The CPU 321 selects and reads out the light emission pattern data stored in the ROM 322 corresponding to the command sent from the effect control unit 300. The lamp controller 320 controls the light emission of the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 based on the read light emission pattern data.
The ROM 322 of the lamp control unit 320 stores operation pattern data of the movable accessory 115 corresponding to the production content set by the production control unit 300. The CPU 321 controls the operation of the movable accessory 115 based on the read operation pattern data.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Modified example of basic operation of gaming machine]
In the operation example described with reference to FIGS. 5A to 5C, the interrupt is permitted in the loop process portion of the basic process, and the main control process including a series of processes is executed as the interrupt process. However, the main control process only needs to be configured to be repeatedly executed at regular intervals, and specific implementation means (execution procedure) is not limited to the examples shown in FIGS. It is not limited. For example, the main control process may be incorporated in a series of operations of the basic process, the elapsed time may be measured at a predetermined timing, and the process may return to the main control process every certain time (for example, 4 milliseconds). In addition, while incorporating the main control process in the series of operations of the basic process, as in the operation described with reference to FIG. 5A to FIG. If it occurs, it may be configured to return to the main control process incorporated in the basic process.

  When a command generated by basic processing is output, in principle, every time a command is generated, the command is stored in the command storage area of the RAM 203, and the function of the output control unit 240 as the second processing means is called. Output. Unlike the main control process related to the progress of the game, the basic process is a special process such as an initial operation performed only when the power is turned on. In addition, since the processing procedure may vary depending on the branching based on conditions such as the state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 when the power is turned on, the generated command is promptly output so that there is no omission in the output processing. It is processing. In addition, when a command is continuously generated by a plurality of related processes, a process procedure for storing a plurality of commands in the command storage area of the RAM 203 and outputting them in response to a specific process request is adopted. May be.

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

On the other hand, when the hold number U1 is less than the upper limit value (Yes in S602), the random number acquisition unit 231 of the game control unit 200 acquires a random number value for determination by the current winning and stores it in the RAM 203 (S603). . Here, since the first starting port 121 is won, a random number value for special symbol lottery is acquired. The random value acquired at this time is a value updated by the random number update process of S501. Then, the result of the special symbol lottery is determined in the later special symbol processing by this random number value. The random value (game information) here is a jackpot random number value that determines jackpot, jackpot or outage, jackpot type (time-short state or time-short state after the end of jackpot game, high probability state and low probability state, Symbol random number value (big hit symbol random value) that determines long hit, short hit), variation pattern random value for specifying the variation pattern in symbol variation, reach to determine whether or not to perform with reach Random number, etc. are included.
Then, the game control unit 200 adds 1 to the value of the holding number U1 (S604).

Next, the game control unit 200 performs a prior determination process (S605).
Here, the pre-determination process is a special symbol process for a winning ball (holding ball) for which a random number has already been acquired by winning at the start opening, but has not yet been determined by a special symbol process described later. The random number is determined before the random number is determined by (preliminary determination).

And the production | generation control part 300 of this Embodiment determines a random number by a special symbol process based on the determination result (predetermined result) of the random number determined by the prior determination process so that it may mention later, The determination result Before the (lottery result) is notified, a notice effect that suggests the determination result can be performed.
As a notice effect based on prior determination, for example, an example can be given in a hold display. In the present embodiment, as will be described later, random numbers have already been acquired by winning at the start opening. The image display unit 114 performs hold display. Then, the result of prior determination is reflected on the hold display, and the determination result when the random number is determined by special symbol processing for the hold ball is suggested to the player. Thereby, the player can play a game while expecting the reserved ball.
In addition, the notice effect using the pre-determined result is not limited to the hold display, but by reflecting it in various effect contents performed before the determination result (lottery result) of the random number by special symbol processing is notified, It becomes possible to perform various notice effects.

Thereafter, the game control unit 200 sets a pre-determination result command including pre-determination information by the pre-determination process in S605 in the RAM 203 in order to notify the effect control unit 300 of the pre-determination result (S606).
Further, the game control unit 200 sets a hold number increase command for notifying the effect control unit 300 of the increase in the hold number U1 in S604 in the RAM 203 (S607), and ends the process for winning in the first start port 121. .

  Next, a process for winning in the second start port 122 is performed. Referring to FIG. 6, next, the game control unit 200 determines whether or not the game ball has won the second start port 122 and the second start port switch 212 is turned on (S608). If the second start port switch 212 is turned ON, the game control unit 200 next determines whether or not the number of unreserved hold numbers U2 in the winning of the second start port 122 is less than the upper limit value (S609). ). In the example shown in FIG. 6, the upper limit value is four. If the number of holds U2 has reached the upper limit (No in S609), it is not possible to hold any more unchanging winnings, and the process for winning at the second start port 122 is terminated.

On the other hand, if the hold number U2 is less than the upper limit value (Yes in S609), the random number acquisition unit 231 of the game control unit 200 acquires a random number value for the lottery by the current winning and stores it in the RAM 203 (S610). . Here, since the winning of the second start port 122 is won, random numbers for special symbol lottery (big hit random number value, big hit symbol random number value, reach random number value, fluctuation pattern random number value, etc.) are acquired as in S603 above. Is done. The random value acquired at this time is a value updated by the random number update process of S501. Then, the result of the special symbol lottery is determined in the later special symbol processing by this random number value.
Then, the game control unit 200 adds 1 to the value of the holding number U2 (S611).

Next, the game control unit 200 performs a prior determination process (S612). The content of this pre-determination process is the same as that of said S605.
Thereafter, the game control unit 200 sets a pre-determination result command including pre-determination information by the pre-determination process of S612 in the RAM 203 in order to notify the effect control unit 300 of the pre-determination result (S613).
Furthermore, the game control unit 200 sets a hold number increase command for notifying the effect control unit 300 of the increase in the hold number U2 in S611 in the RAM 203 (S614), and ends the process for winning at the second start port 122. .

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

  On the other hand, when the number of holdings G is less than the upper limit value (Yes in S702), the game control unit 200 acquires the random number value for the lottery by the current winning, and the RAM 203 (S703). Here, since the gate 124 is won, a random number value (such as a winning random number value) for normal symbol lottery is acquired.

Next, the game control unit 200 adds 1 to the value of the holding number G (S704).
After the value of the holding number G is added in S704, the game control unit 200 sets a holding number G increase command for notifying the effect control unit 300 of the increase in the holding number G in S704 in the RAM 203 (S705). The process for winning in the gate 124 is terminated.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Big hit judgment processing by game control unit]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the contents of the jackpot determination process (S808 in FIG. 8).
In this jackpot determination process, the special symbol determination unit 234 of the game control unit 200 first determines a jackpot random number value in the current special symbol lottery (S901), and determines whether or not the jackpot or small hit is made (S902). , S905). Whether or not the jackpot or the jackpot is determined is whether or not the value of the jackpot random number acquired in S603 or S610 of FIG. 6 matches the value set as the jackpot winning value or the value set as the jackpot winning value It is determined by judging whether or not (see FIG. 17A).

  If the result of the random number determination in S901 is a big hit (Yes in S902), then the special symbol determination unit 234 determines a big hit symbol random number value (S903). Depending on the result of this determination, the type of jackpot (high or low probability state, short or short state, short or short state, long or short hit) is determined. Which jackpot is determined is determined by whether the value of the jackpot symbol random number acquired in S603 or S610 in FIG. 6 matches a preset value for each jackpot type (FIG. 17 ( b)).

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

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

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

[Change pattern selection process by game control unit]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the contents of the variation pattern selection process (S809 in FIG. 8).
In this variation pattern selection process, the variation pattern selection unit 235 of the game control unit 200 first refers to the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 (whether it is a short time state or a short time state, and a high probability state or a low probability state). (S1001). Then, using the determination result of S902 in the jackpot determination process (FIG. 9), it is determined whether or not the jackpot was won in this special symbol lottery (S1002). If it is a big hit (Yes in S1002), the fluctuation pattern selection unit 235 reads the big hit fluctuation pattern table from the ROM 202 and sets it in the RAM 203 (S1003).

On the other hand, if the jackpot has not been won (No in S1002), the variation pattern selection unit 235 then determines a random value for determining whether or not to perform a so-called reach effect for causing the player to expect a jackpot. (S1004). Whether or not the reach effect is performed is determined by determining whether or not the reach random number value acquired in S603 or S610 in FIG. 6 matches a preset value (see FIG. 17C). .
As a result of the determination using the random number value, when the reach effect is performed (Yes in S1005), the variation pattern selection unit 235 reads the variation pattern table for reach from the ROM 202 and sets it in the RAM 203 (S1006). When the reach effect is not performed (No in S1005), the variation pattern selection unit 235 reads the variation pattern table for loss from the ROM 202 and sets it in the RAM 203 (S1007).
Here, the fluctuation pattern table includes a plurality of fluctuation patterns prepared in advance (fluctuation time 3 seconds, 7 seconds, 13 seconds, 15 seconds, 30 seconds, 60 seconds, 90 seconds, etc.) and values of fluctuation pattern random numbers. Is a table in which

  Next, the variation pattern selection unit 235 determines the variation pattern random value using the variation pattern random value acquired in S603 or S610 of FIG. 6 and the variation pattern table set in S1003, S1006, and S1007 (S1008). ). That is, the fluctuation pattern selection unit 235 refers to the fluctuation pattern table set in the RAM 203 and selects a fluctuation pattern corresponding to the random value of the fluctuation pattern random number. Therefore, even if the same random number value is acquired, the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 (whether it is a short-time state or no-short-time state, and a high-probability state or a low-probability state), the result of a special symbol lottery (whether or not it is a big hit When there is no big hit, the variation pattern table to be referred to differs depending on the difference in whether or not the reach effect is performed.

  Thereafter, the fluctuation pattern selection unit 235 sets the fluctuation pattern selected in S1008 in the RAM 203 as setting information (S1009). The variation pattern setting information set in S1009 is included in the variation start command set in S811 of FIG. 8, and is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 by the output process shown in S506 of FIG. 5-3. Details of the variation pattern selected in this embodiment and its setting will be described later.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  On the other hand, when the reserved number G is 1 or more (Yes in S1303), the normal symbol variation control unit 236 decrements the value of the reserved number G by 1 (S1304), and determines the winning random number in the current normal symbol lottery. To determine whether or not the normal symbol lottery is won (S1305). Whether or not the winner has been won is determined by determining whether or not the value of the winning random number acquired in S703 of FIG. 7 matches the value set as the winning value in a table or the like shown in FIG. It is determined.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Referring to FIG. 17 (a), as the jackpot random number determination value, the jackpot when the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 at the time of jackpot determination is a low probability state and the jackpot when the game state at the time of jackpot determination is a high probability state 2 types and small hits are set. The range of values of random numbers (big hit random numbers) is 300 from 0 to 299 in all cases. In the case of a special symbol lottery in a low probability state (a jackpot lottery), only one winning value is set, and the winning probability is 1/300. In the case of a special symbol lottery in a high probability state, 10 winning values are set, and the winning probability is 10/300 (= 1/30). That is, in the example shown in the figure, if the winning symbols 121 and 122 are won in the high probability state and the special symbol lottery is performed, the winning probability is 10 times that in the case where the special symbol lottery is performed in the low probability state. Further, three winning values are set regardless of the low probability state or the high probability state, and the winning probability is 3/300 (= 1/100).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  It should be noted that the effect with reach and the effect without reach determined by the reach random number indicate a mode of effect performed in the image display unit 114. That is, during the variation display of special symbols, for example, three columns of symbols consisting of a number sequence in which numbers 1 to 9 are continuously written in the vertical direction are displayed, and the variation display of special symbols is started. At the same time, these symbols start to scroll.

  Then, in the effect with reach, when the scrolling is stopped and the symbols are stopped and displayed after elapse of a predetermined time after the start of the scrolling, any two symbols (sequences) are stopped first. At this time, the same number is stopped and displayed on a straight line extending horizontally or diagonally, and the last one row gradually decreases the scrolling speed, and there is a sense of expectation that three identical numbers will be aligned on the straight line. Give to the player.

Such an effect with reach includes a normal reach effect that simply shows that the last line is aligned before the last line of scrolling stops. In addition, in the production with reach, before the last one row of scrolling stops, various characters appear and the story develops, and the so-called SP (super) where the production time is longer than the normal reach production. Includes reach production. Furthermore, in the production with reach, various characters appear and the story develops before the last one row of scrolling stops, and the so-called SP / SP where the production time is longer than the SP reach production. Reach production is included.
In some cases, after the normal reach effect, the SP reach effect is executed, or the SP / SP reach is executed, and the variable effect is performed by combining a plurality of the above-mentioned effects with reach. In addition, in the description in this Embodiment, it will call changing to the production | presentation with reach with longer production time.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 18 described later, in this embodiment, when the variation time is longer (for example, 90 seconds or 60 seconds), the SP reach effect or the SP / SP reach effect with the longer effect time is changed. It is set to be selected as a pattern. As will be described later, when the determination result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit, the variation pattern having a longer variation time is selected. Therefore, in the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment, when the SP reach effect or the SP / SP reach effect is executed, the expectation level for winning the jackpot is increased.

  On the other hand, unlike the effect with reach, the effect without reach does not produce an effect that gives the player a sense of expectation, and the symbols stop and display in a state where the same numbers are not aligned on a straight line extending horizontally or diagonally. Is.

As described above, the reach random number is used to determine whether to perform an effect with reach or an effect without reach in the image display unit 114 when the determination result of the jackpot random number is a loss. A reachable effect appears with a probability, so that the player is appropriately expected.
In addition, when a big win is won, a reachable effect is always performed, and finally the decorative symbols are stopped and displayed in a state where the same numbers are aligned on a straight line extending horizontally or diagonally. On the other hand, in the case of winning with a small win or loss, the decorative symbols are stopped and displayed in a state where the same numbers are not aligned on the straight line.

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

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

[Setting example of fluctuation pattern]
Next, an example of setting the variation pattern and table used in the variation pattern selection process shown in FIG. 10 will be described.
FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a setting example of a variation pattern and a table used in the variation pattern selection process illustrated in FIG. FIG. 18 shows a setting example that is selected when a game ball is won at the first start port 121 and the gaming state is a low probability short time non-game state or a high probability short time no state. .
Although not shown in the present embodiment, as the setting of the variation pattern used for the variation pattern selection process, the variation selected when the gaming state is the low probability short gaming state or the high probability short gaming state. There are also patterns, and a table for a short time state which is referred to when selecting these variation patterns is also provided. In addition, the setting contents of each table are different in the present embodiment. Further, regarding the case where a game ball wins at the second start port 122, similarly, a table for setting a variation pattern selected in the variation pattern selection process may be provided, or a game ball may be provided at the first start port 121. It may be possible to share and refer to a table that is referred to when winning a prize.

  As illustrated in FIG. 18, the variation patterns A to D are variation patterns that are selected when the determination result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit (in the case of Yes in S1002 in FIG. 10). The variation patterns E to H are variation patterns that are selected when a reach effect is performed (Yes in S1005 in FIG. 10). The variation patterns I to K are set as variation patterns that are selected when the reach effect is not performed (No in S1005 in FIG. 10). Since the reach effect is always performed when the determination result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit, the presence or absence of the reach effect is not referred to when the variation patterns A to D are selected.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 18, four types of variation patterns A to D are set as variation patterns when the determination result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit (in the case of Yes in S1002 in FIG. 10). Also, seven types of variation patterns E to K are set as variation patterns when the determination result of the special symbol lottery is out of place (in the case of No in S1002 in FIG. 10). The fluctuation time is 90 seconds for fluctuation pattern A, 60 seconds for fluctuation pattern B, 30 seconds for fluctuation pattern C,
Fluctuation pattern D is 15 seconds, fluctuation pattern E is 90 seconds, fluctuation pattern F is 60 seconds, fluctuation pattern G is 30 seconds, fluctuation pattern H is 15 seconds, fluctuation pattern I is 13 seconds, fluctuation pattern J is 7 seconds, fluctuation Pattern K is set to 3 seconds.

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 18, the range of the value of random numbers (variation pattern random numbers) is 250 from 0 to 249.
When the determination result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit, 100 random numbers are assigned to the variation pattern A, and a variation time of 90 seconds is set with a probability of 100/250. Also, 75 random numbers are assigned to the fluctuation pattern B, and a fluctuation time of 60 seconds is set with a probability of 75/250. Furthermore, 50 random numbers are assigned to the variation pattern C, and a variation time of 30 seconds is set with a probability of 50/250. Then, 25 random numbers are assigned to the variation pattern D, and a variation time of 15 seconds is set with a probability of 25/250.
That is, among the variation patterns A to D selected when the determination result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit, the variation pattern A is selected at the highest rate, the variation pattern B is selected at the next highest rate, and the next It is possible to set so that the variation pattern C is selected at a higher rate and the variation pattern D is selected at the lowest rate. And, when winning the jackpot, it is easy to execute the variation effect over a relatively long time.

Also, when the determination result of the special symbol lottery is out of order and an effect with reach is performed, 25 random numbers are assigned to the variation pattern E, and a variation time of 90 seconds is set with a probability of 25/250. The Further, 50 random numbers are assigned to the variation pattern F, and a variation time of 60 seconds is set with a probability of 50/250. Furthermore, 75 random numbers are assigned to the fluctuation pattern G, and a fluctuation time of 30 seconds is set with a probability of 75/250. Then, 100 random numbers are assigned to the variation pattern H, and a variation time of 15 seconds is set with a probability of 100/250.
In other words, the variation pattern H is selected at the highest rate among the variation patterns E to H selected when the determination result of the special symbol lottery is out of order and the effect with reach is performed, and the variation pattern at the next highest rate. It can be set such that G is selected, the variation pattern F is selected at the next highest rate, and the variation pattern E is selected at the lowest rate. When the effect with reach and the effect with reach is performed, the variation effect over a relatively short time is easily executed.

  When the determination result of the special symbol lottery is out of order and a reachless effect is performed, 250 random numbers are assigned to the variation patterns I to K. The variation pattern I is selected when the number of holdings is 0, the variation pattern J is selected when the number of holdings is 1 or 2, and the variation pattern K is selected when the number of holdings is 3 or 4. It is set as a fluctuation pattern. That is, in the case where an effect without reach and a reachless effect is performed, the average time of symbol variation is set to be shorter as the number of pending determinations in the special symbol lottery is larger.

  The game control unit 200 determines the variation pattern random number value (see S603 and S610 in FIG. 6) acquired when the game ball wins the start openings 121 and 122, the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100, presence / absence of reach effect, The variation pattern of the special symbol is determined based on the condition such as the number. Then, the information of the determined variation pattern of the special symbol is included in the variation start command and is sent from the game control unit 200 to the effect control unit 300. As will be described later, in the effect control unit 300, an effect corresponding to a change time specified based on information of a change pattern included in the change start command (executable during the change time) as an effect when the special symbol changes Is selected and executed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Configuration Example for Command Output in RAM of Game Control Unit]
FIG. 19B is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a command storage area in the RAM 203.
19-2, the RAM 203 of the game control unit 200 has a command storage area (storage area) to which individual commands generated by various processes such as the main control process shown in FIG. 5-3 are allocated. Have In the example shown in FIG. 19B, 31 command storage areas from area 1 to area 31 are set in the RAM 203. Here, the command allocation to each command storage area does not necessarily have a one-to-one correspondence. For example, a plurality of commands that are not generated at the same time can be assigned to the same command storage area. In the example shown in FIG. 19-2, a plurality of commands are assigned to area 1, area 9, area 12, area 19, area 20, area 21, area 22, area 23, and area 30, and other commands. One command is assigned to each storage area.

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 19B, a command relating to power-on is assigned to the area 1. Commands relating to power-on include a command for controlling power-on at the time of RAM clear and a command for controlling power-on at the time of recovery. Since these commands are generated in different scenes, they are not generated at the same time, and are all assigned to the area 1.

  In the areas 2 to 4, three commands related to winning at the first starting port 121 (described as “starting port 1 winning” in the figure) are assigned. One of the commands related to winning at the first starting port 121 is a command (in the figure, "Special Fig. 1") showing a determination (prefetching) result in advance determination (see S605 in FIG. 6) based on winning at the first starting port 121. "Design pre-read"), and is assigned to region 2. The other one is a command (denoted as “Special Figure 1 Variation Pattern Prefetch” in the figure) indicating the variation pattern prefetching (preliminary determination) result specified together with the determination result, and is assigned to the region 3. Another one is a command ("Special figure 1 hold (+1)" in the figure) indicating that the number of special symbol lottery reservations has been updated (in this case, the value is increased by 1) based on the winning at the first starting port 121. And is assigned to the area 4.

  In the areas 5 to 7, three commands related to winning at the second start port 122 (described as “start port 2 winning” in the figure) are assigned. One of the commands related to winning in the second starting port 122 is a command (in the figure, “special figure 2 pattern look-ahead”) indicating the determination result in the prior determination based on winning in the second starting port 122 (see S612 in FIG. 6). And is assigned to the area 5. The other one is a command (shown as “special figure 2 variation pattern prefetch” in the figure) indicating the prefetch result of the variation pattern specified together with the determination result, and is assigned to the region 6. Another one is a command ("Special figure 2 hold (+1)" in the figure) indicating that the number of special symbol lottery reservations has been updated (in this case, the value is increased by 1) based on the winning at the second starting port 122. And is assigned to the area 7.

  In the areas 8 to 10, five commands related to the normal symbol lottery (in the figure, “Temporary Map Hold”, “Typical Map Type”, “Typical Map Confirmation”, “Typical Map Open / Close”, and “Typical Map Hold” are described. ) Is assigned. Of the normal symbol lottery commands, one of the “general symbol hold” commands indicates that the number of normal symbol lotteries has been updated (in this case, the value is increased by 1) based on the fact that the game ball has passed through the gate 124. It is a command (denoted as “general map hold (+1)” in the figure) and is assigned to area 8. The “ordinary symbol type” command designates a normal symbol representing the determination result in the normal symbol lottery, and indicates that the variable symbol display on the normal symbol indicator 223 is started (denoted as “normal symbol variation start” in the diagram). And is assigned to area 9. The “general symbol confirmation” command is a command that indicates that the normal symbol display 223 is stopped and displayed in the normal symbol lottery and the normal symbol representing the determination result of the normal symbol lottery is fixed (“normal symbol confirmation” in the figure). And is assigned to the area 9. The “open / close map” command is a command (indicated as “open / close of normal train”) indicating that the electric tulip 123, which is a normal electric accessory, is operated (auxiliary game) based on the determination result of the normal symbol lottery. Yes, assigned to area 9. Another one of the “pending custom map” commands is a command indicating that the number of holdings has been updated (in this case, the value is decreased by 1) due to the normal symbol lottery process (in the figure, “pending general drawing (- 1) ”and assigned to the area 10.

  Here, in the normal symbol lottery process, the normal symbol variation display, the normal symbol stop display, and the operation of the electric tulip 123 by the auxiliary game are sequentially executed as a series of operations. Then, the normal symbol variation display based on the fact that another game ball has passed through the gate 124 during the operation of the electric tulip 123 is not started (see FIG. 13). For this reason, the above three types of commands “general map type”, “general map confirmation”, and “general power open / close” are not generated at the same time. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 19-2, these three types of commands are assigned to the same command storage area (area 9).

  In the areas 11 to 14, nine commands related to special symbol lottery (in the figure, described as “special figure variation” and “special figure special electricity”) are assigned. Of the commands related to the special symbol lottery, one of the “special diagram change” commands is a command (indicating whether the current gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 (high probability state or low probability state, short time state or short time state). In the figure, it is described as “gaming state”) and is assigned to the area 11. Another one of the “special symbol change” commands is a command (specifying a special symbol representing the determination result of the special symbol lottery in the special symbol lottery and indicating that the special symbol display units 221 and 222 have started the variable display ( In the figure, it is described as “special drawing designation”) and is assigned to the area 12. Still another special symbol variation command is a command for specifying a variation pattern of special symbol variation performed in the special symbol lottery (described as “variation pattern” in the figure), and is assigned to the region 13. Still another of the “special figure change” commands is a command (in the figure, “special figure hold (in the figure) indicating that the number of holds has been updated (here, the value is decreased by 1) due to the special symbol lottery process being performed. -1) "), and is assigned to the area 14.

  On the other hand, one of the “special drawing special electric power” commands is a command indicating that the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in a customer waiting state (denoted as “customer waiting” in the figure), and is assigned to the area 12. Another one of the “Special Figure Special Electric” commands is a command (in the figure, “Special Electric, Special Bonus Games”) indicating that the special winning combination 125 is operated based on the determination result of the special symbol lottery. And is assigned to the area 12. Still another special command special command is a command (denoted as “big jack OP” in the figure) indicating that the opening operation of the jackpot game has been started, and is assigned to the area 12. Still another special command special command is a command (denoted as “big jack ED” in the figure) indicating that the jackpot game ending operation has started, and is assigned to the area 12. Still another one of the “special symbol special power” commands is a command that indicates that the special symbol indicators 221 and 222 are stopped and the special symbol representing the determination result of the special symbol lottery is confirmed (“special symbol” in the figure). “Determined” and assigned to the area 12.

  Here, in the special symbol lottery process, the change display of the special symbol, the special symbol stop display, and the operation of the special winning opening 125 by the special game are sequentially executed as a series of operations. Then, during the execution of the special game, the special symbol variation display based on the winning of another game ball is not started (see FIG. 8). In the jackpot game, the opening operation, the operation of the big prize opening 125, and the ending operation are sequentially executed as a series of operations. Therefore, the “special drawing designation” command and the five types of “special drawing special electricity” commands in the above “special figure change” command are not generated at the same time. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 19-2, these six types of commands are assigned to the same command storage area (area 12).

  In the areas 15 to 18, four commands related to switch detection (described as “switch passing” in the figure) are assigned. One of the commands related to the switch detection is a command indicating that the game ball has passed through the left gate 124 </ b> L of the game area 111 (described as “pass left gate” in the figure), and is assigned to the area 15. Another command related to the switch detection is a command indicating that the game ball has passed through the gate 124R on the right side of the game area 111 (denoted as “pass right gate” in the figure), and is assigned to the area 16. . Still another command related to the switch detection is a command (denoted as “passing through the start port SW2 (electric chew)” in the figure) indicating that a game ball has won the second start port 122, and is assigned to the area 17 It has been. Still another command related to the switch detection is a command indicating that a game ball has won the big winning opening 125 (denoted as “big winning opening winning” in the figure), and is assigned to the area 18.

  In the areas 19 to 30, a command related to an error (described as “error” in the figure) is assigned. As an error detected by the game control unit of the pachinko gaming machine 100, for example, a full error indicating that the payout ball is full in the tray 153 (see FIGS. 1 and 2B), the front frame of the frame member 150, Door open error indicating that is in an open state, payout error indicating that it is no longer possible to pay out game balls by the payout unit, and various detection switches such as the gate switch 214 and the start port switches 211 and 212 are not connected There is a switch disconnection error or the like indicating that In the example shown in FIG. 19B, these errors are assigned to areas 19 to 23, respectively. In addition, for each error, a command indicating that each error has occurred (described as “˜error start” in the figure) and a command indicating that each error has been resolved (described as “˜error end” in the figure). Are assigned to the same command storage area.

  In addition, various control items and error items are set in accordance with the specifications and functions of the pachinko gaming machine 100, and the error is resolved depending on the command according to the control item, the command indicating that an error has occurred, and the type of error. A command or the like indicating that may be generated. These commands can be appropriately assigned to the command storage area. In the example illustrated in FIG. 19B, commands relating to various errors are individually assigned to the areas 24 to 30. Further, a command (denoted as “winning notification designation” in the figure) for detecting and notifying a specific winning is assigned to the area 31.

As described above, in the command storage area provided in the RAM 203 of the game control unit 200, one or more types of commands are associated with one command storage area. In the main control process shown in FIG. 5C, the game control unit 200 stores the generated command in the command storage area associated with the command.
Here, in the main control process, not every command is necessarily generated every time one cycle of the process is executed. For example, when there is no winning at the first starting port 121 or the second starting port 122, the above-mentioned commands relating to winning at the starting ports 121 and 122 and the “special figure change” command are not generated. Of the commands related to the normal symbol lottery, the “open / close map” command and the “special drawing special electricity” command are not generated unless it is time to operate these electric accessories. In addition, a command related to the occurrence of an error is not generated unless an error has occurred.
Therefore, when the output process of the main control process (see S506 in FIG. 5-3) is performed, commands are usually stored in some command storage areas of the command storage area provided in the RAM 203. In other command storage areas, no commands are stored.

[Command output operation]
FIG. 19C is a flowchart illustrating the contents of output processing by the output control unit 240.
In the present embodiment, the output control unit 240 pays attention to the command storage areas of the RAM 203 shown in FIG. 19-2 in order from the top (in order of area numbers), and outputs the commands stored in the command storage areas. .

  As shown in FIG. 19-3, the output control unit 240 of the game control unit 200 firstly, among the command storage areas provided in the RAM 203, the head command storage area (area 1 in the example shown in FIG. 19-2). (S221), it is checked whether a command is stored (S222). If a command is stored (Yes in S222), the output control unit 240 reads out the stored command and outputs it to the effect control unit 300 (S223).

  If no command is stored in the focused command storage area (initially area 1) (No in S222), or after outputting the command stored in the command storage area in S223, the output control unit 240 Then, it is checked whether there is a command storage area of the next area number (S224). When there is a next command storage area (Yes in S224), the output control unit 240 pays attention to the command storage area (S225), returns to S222, confirms the presence / absence of a command (S222), and outputs (S223). repeat. Then, if the last command storage area (area 31 in the example shown in FIG. 19-2) has been processed, there is no command storage area of the next area number (No in S224), and the output process ends. To do.

[Set command output order]
In the main control process, when a command is generated in each process described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 16, the generated command is usually stored in a corresponding command storage area of the RAM 203. That is, commands are generally stored in the command storage area in the order in which the commands are generated.
On the other hand, as described with reference to FIG. 19C, in the output process by the output control unit 240, the command storage areas are stored in a fixed order (in the order of area numbers in the above example). Output the command. In other words, the commands are output in a predetermined specific order regardless of the order in which the commands are generated. This is because it may be desirable to transmit specific commands to the effect control unit 300 in a specific order in order to prevent confusion in the effect control of the effect control unit 300 based on the command. That is, as will be described in detail later, the effect control unit 300 executes effect control based on commands in the order received from the game control unit 200, and therefore, the confusion such as inconsistency in effect control due to the difference in the order of receiving commands. This may need to be prevented.

[Operation of production control unit]
Next, the operation of the effect control unit 300 will be described.
FIG. 19-4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the effect control unit 300.
The operation of the effect control unit 300 includes a main process shown in FIG. 19-4 (a) and an interrupt process shown in FIG. 19-4 (b). Referring to FIG. 19-4 (a), the production control unit 300 first performs initial setting at the time of activation (S1901), sets the cycle of the CTC (Counter / Timer Circuit) (S1902), and then sets the cycle. Accordingly, the interrupt process is accepted while updating the random number used in the production control (S1903).

  The interrupt process is periodically performed according to the cycle set in S1902. Referring to FIG. 19-4 (b), in this interruption process, the effect control unit 300 receives a command from the game control unit 200 and performs a command reception process (S1911). In this command reception process, an effect pattern is selected. In addition, the effect control unit 300 performs effect button processing for accepting an operation of the effect button 161 and the like by the player (S1912). Thereafter, the effect control unit 300 performs command transmission processing for transmitting a command including information on the selected effect pattern to the image / sound control unit 310 and the lamp control unit 320 (S1913). As a result, effects such as image display on the image display unit 114, sound output, operation of the movable accessory 115, light emission of the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 are performed.

[Command reception processing by the production control unit]
FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the contents of the command reception process (S1911 in FIG. 19-4 (b)).
In this command reception process, the production control unit 300 first determines whether or not a prior determination result command has been received (S2001), and if a prior determination result command has been received (Yes in S2001), further holds. It is determined whether or not a number increase command is received (S2002). Note that the advance determination result command and the hold number increase command are set in the start port switch process shown in FIG. 6 in the game control unit 200 (S606, S607, S613, S614), and the output process shown in FIG. 5-3. This is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in (S506).
Then, when it is determined that the hold number increase command has been received (Yes in S2002), the effect control unit 300 adds 1 to the value of the hold number held in the RAM 303 (S2003). Further, the effect control unit 300 performs an effect selection process based on the prior determination result command and the hold number increase command (S2004). The contents of the effect selection process will be described later.

When the received command is not the advance determination result command and the pending number increase command (No in S2001 and S2002), the effect control unit 300 determines whether the received command is a change start command (S2005). This variation start command is set in the special symbol process shown in FIG. 8 in the game control unit 200 (S811), and transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output process (S506) shown in FIG. 5-3.
When the received command is a change start command (Yes in S2005), the effect control unit 300 executes an effect selection process (S2006). Details of the effect selection process will be described later.

When the received command is not a prior determination result command, a pending number increase command, or a change start command (No in S2001, S2002, and S2005), the effect control unit 300 determines whether the received command is a change stop command (S2007). ). This variation stop command is set in the special symbol process shown in FIG. 8 in the game control unit 200 (S814), and transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output process (S506) shown in FIG. 5-3.
When the received command is a change stop command (Yes in S2007), the effect control unit 300 executes a process during the end of the change effect (S2008). Details of the process during the end of the variation effect will be described later.

When the received command is not a pre-judgment result command, a pending number increase command, a change start command, or a change stop command (No in S2001, S2002, S2005, S2007), the effect control unit 300 performs an opening in the jackpot effect. It is determined whether or not it is an opening command for starting (S2009). This opening command is set in the stop process shown in FIG. 11 (S1118), and transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output process (S506) shown in FIG. 5-3.
When the received command is an opening command (Yes in S2009), the effect control unit 300 executes a jackpot effect selection process (S2010). Details of the jackpot effect selection process will be described later.

When the received command is not a prior determination result command, a pending number increase command, a fluctuation start command, a fluctuation stop command, or an opening command (No in S2001, S2002, S2005, S2007, and S2009), the effect control unit 300 determines that the received command is It is determined whether it is an ending command for starting the ending in the jackpot effect (S2011). This ending command is set in the special winning opening process shown in FIG. 14 (S1413), and transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output process (S506) shown in FIG. 5-3.
When the received command is an ending command (Yes in S2011), the effect control unit 300 executes an ending effect selection process (S2012). Details of the ending effect selection process will be described later.

  If the received command is not a prior determination result command, a pending number increase command, a change start command, a change stop command, an opening command, or an ending command (No in S2001, S2002, S2005, S2007, S2009, and S2011), then the production control unit 300 executes a customer waiting command reception process for shifting the received command to the customer waiting state (S2013). Details of the customer waiting command reception process will be described later.

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a setting example of the mode flag.
When an effect is performed by the effect control unit 300, various effect patterns are selected and executed based on the set effect mode. This effect mode is determined by a mode flag set in the RAM 303. Here, the mode flag is set to any value from 0 to 4, and five types of effect modes from A mode to E mode are assigned to each mode flag. The mode flag is set according to the lottery result of the special symbol lottery or the number of lotteries of the special symbol lottery.
Mode flag 1 for jackpot of high probability symbol A, mode flag 2 for jackpot of low probability symbol A, mode flag 3 for jackpot of high probability symbol B and low probability symbol B, jackpot of latent symbol symbol and A mode flag 4 is assigned to each small hit. Here, the types of these symbols are the same as those shown in FIG. The mode flag 0 is not assigned to any jackpot. In mode flags 1 to 4, mode flag 0 is set by executing special symbol lottery a predetermined number of times.
Further, in the example shown in FIG. 21, the parameter M (M value) used in the process during the end of the changing effect is set individually for each mode except the A mode.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the contents of the effect selection process (S2004, S2006) of FIG.
In this effect selection process, the effect control unit 300 first analyzes the prior determination result command received from the RAM 203 of the game control unit 200 (S2201). Further, the advance determination information in the effect control unit 300 analyzes the pending number increase command received from the RAM 203 of the game control unit 200 (S2202). Then, the effect control unit 300 selects a prior determination effect pattern based on the prior determination result command and the pending number increase command (S2203).

  Here, as the pre-determined effect pattern, it is possible to provide various effect patterns for announcing the random number determination result by the special symbol process before the notification of the random number determination result by the special symbol process. For example, when the prior determination result is reflected in the hold display, a hold display effect for performing the hold display based on the determination result of the jackpot random number can be provided as the prior determination effect pattern. In addition, it is also possible to provide an effect pattern such as a so-called continuous notice that continuously effects so as to straddle a plurality of symbol variations as a prior determination effect pattern.

  Then, the effect control unit 300 sets a hold number command including the value of the hold number after the addition and information on the pre-determined effect pattern selected in the effect selection process in the RAM 303 (S2204). Note that the number-of-holds command includes information indicating the pattern in order to notify the CPU 311 of the selected pre-decision effect pattern. By receiving the hold number command, the CPU 311 creates a display list or the like for drawing and outputting the image and sound corresponding to the selected pre-decision effect pattern on the VDP 314. Based on the display list or the like, the VDP 314 reads image data and sound data for representing the selected pre-decision effect pattern from the CGROM 315 or SNDROM 316 and expresses the pre-determination effect using the image display unit 114 or the speaker 156. .

  In the effect selection process, if the received command is neither the prior determination result command nor the pending number increase command, the processes of S2201 to S2204 are not performed.

  Then, the effect control unit 300 analyzes the received variation start command (S2205). Further, the effect control unit 300 refers to the current mode flag of the pachinko gaming machine 100 from the setting of the RAM 303 (S2206), and subtracts 1 from the value of the number of reservations held in the RAM 303 (S2207). Then, the effect control unit 300 is based on various setting information (information about jackpot type, gaming state after jackpot game, variation pattern, etc.) obtained from the analysis result of the change start command and the effect mode determined by the mode flag. Then, the variation effect pattern of the symbol variation by the image displayed on the image display unit 114 in the effect mode is selected (S2208).

  Finally, the effect control unit 300 sets a change effect start command for instructing the execution start of the selected effect in the RAM 303 (S2209). Note that the change effect start command includes information indicating the selected change effect pattern to notify the CPU 311 of the selected change effect pattern. Upon receiving the hold number command, the CPU 311 draws an image or sound corresponding to the selected variation effect pattern on the VDP 314 and creates a display list or the like for output processing. Based on the display list or the like, the VDP 314 reads image data and acoustic data for representing the selected variation effect pattern from the CGROM 315 and the SNDROM 316, and expresses the variation effect using the image display unit 114 and the speaker 156.

  Although not described in detail, in the variation effect pattern selection process of symbol variation in S2208, the effect mode, the variation pattern, and the effect random number (one of the random numbers updated in S1903 in FIG. 19-4, when the variation start command is received) The random production pattern is determined based on the production random number value). Based on the determined variation effect pattern, the decorative symbol variation display, the background effect, and the notice effect are determined. The decorative symbol variation display is an effect display performed by the image display unit 114 in accordance with the special symbol variation display performed by the first special symbol display 221 or the second special symbol display 222. In this variable display of decorative symbols, a reach effect or the like is executed.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the contents of the changing effect end process (S2008) of FIG.
In this variation effect end process, the effect control unit 300 first analyzes the received variation stop command (S2301). Further, the effect control unit 300 refers to the current mode flag of the pachinko gaming machine 100 from the setting of the RAM 303 (S2302). Then, the production control unit 300 determines whether or not the lottery result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit or a small hit based on the information indicating the type of the symbol when the special symbol fluctuation is obtained from the analysis result of the fluctuation stop command. Judgment is made (S2303). If it is a big hit or a small hit (Yes in S2303), the mode flag set in the RAM 303 is changed based on the setting example shown in FIG. 21 according to the type or the big hit (S2304).

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

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

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the contents of the jackpot effect selection process (S2010) of FIG.
In this jackpot effect selection process, the effect control unit 300 first analyzes the received opening command (S2401), and selects an effect pattern (a jackpot effect pattern) according to the contents of the effect mode based on the mode flag (S2402). . Then, the effect control unit 300 reads image data and sound data used for the effect by the selected jackpot effect pattern from the ROM 302, and sets a jackpot effect start command for instructing the selected effect in the RAM 303 together with these data. The jackpot effect selection process is terminated (S2403). As a result, the performance during the big hit is determined.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the contents of the ending effect selection process (S2012) of FIG.
In this ending effect selection process, the effect control unit 300 first analyzes the received ending command (S2501), and selects an effect pattern (ending effect pattern) according to the contents of the effect mode based on the mode flag (S2502). . Then, the effect control unit 300 reads image data and sound data used for the effect by the selected ending effect pattern from the ROM 302, and sets an ending effect start command instructing the selected effect in the RAM 303 together with these data. The ending effect selection process is terminated (S2503).

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the contents of the customer waiting command reception process (S2013) of FIG.
The effect control unit 300 determines whether or not a customer waiting command for shifting to the customer waiting state has been received (S2601). When the customer waiting command is received (Yes in S2601), the effect control unit 300 starts measuring the elapsed time (S2602), and turns on the measurement flag in the RAM 303 (S2603). On the other hand, when the received command is not a customer waiting command (No in S2601), the effect control unit 300 determines whether or not the measurement flag held in the RAM 303 is ON (S2604). If the measurement flag is OFF (No in S2604), the customer waiting command reception process is terminated.

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

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

FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the contents of the effect button process (S1912 in FIG. 19-4 (b)).
In this effect button process, the effect control unit 300 first determines whether or not an operation means such as the effect button 161 by the player has been operated (S2701). Here, the operation of the operation means includes turning on the effect button 161 and turning it on when the center key and the surrounding keys of the effect key 162 are pressed. In addition, when an operation device other than the effect button 161 and the effect key 162 such as a touch panel is provided in the pachinko gaming machine 100, this includes detecting the operation of the device. The effect control unit 300 receives an operation signal from the controller of these devices and detects that an operation has been performed.

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

  Thereafter, the effect control unit 300 performs a command transmission process (S1913) of FIG. 19-4 (b), and the command set in the RAM 303 by the command reception process and the effect button process described above is displayed in the image / sound control unit 310. And transmitted to the lamp controller 320. Then, the image / sound control unit 310 and the lamp control unit 320 display an image on the image display unit 114, sound output, operation of the movable accessory 115, light emission of the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 based on the received command. Is controlled to execute the set effect.

[Advance notice based on prior judgment]
Next, a notice effect based on prior determination according to the present embodiment will be described.
In the present embodiment, as described with reference to FIG. 6, the game ball wins the first start port 121 (see FIG. 1 or 3) and the first start port switch 211 (see FIG. 3) is turned on. And when the game ball is won at the second start port 122 (see FIG. 1 or 3) and the second start port switch 212 (see FIG. 3) is turned ON (see FIG. 8 is performed by prior determination processing (see S605 and S612 in FIG. 6).

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

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

  As shown in FIG. 28A, the RAM 203 includes a storage area 204 as a special symbol holding storage area for storing the jackpot random number acquired by the jackpot random number lottery. This storage area 204 has eight storage units corresponding to the maximum number of reservations of the first start port 121 and the number of reservations of the second start port 122 (when the upper limit value of each reservation number is 4). . Specifically, the storage area 204 includes a first storage unit 204a, a second storage unit 204b, a third storage unit 204c, a fourth storage unit 204d, a fifth storage unit 204e, a sixth storage unit 204f, and a seventh storage. Part 204g and eighth storage part 204h.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 28 (b), each of these storage units 204a to 204h is an area in which information indicating the winning start port (the first start port 121 or the second start port 122) is stored. And an area for storing the acquired jackpot random number, an area for storing the design random number, an area for storing the reach random number, and an area for storing the variation pattern random number. That is, the jackpot random number, the design random number, the reach random number, and the variation pattern random number are stored in each of the storage units 204a to 204h.

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

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

  As shown in FIG. 29 (b), each of these storage units 305a to 305d and 306a to 306d has a hold flag storage area for turning ON / OFF the hold flag, and a notification flag storage for turning ON / OFF the notification flag. And a region. The hold flag is a flag for identifying the presence or absence of a hold ball for each of the storage units 305a to 305d and 306a to 306d. That is, for example, when the number of holds due to winning at the first start port 121 is 3, the hold flag is turned ON in the three hold flag storage areas of the first to third storage units 305a, 305b, and 305c. The notification flag is a flag for identifying that it has been determined that the notice effect is to be performed based on the result of the prior determination for each reserved ball. That is, for example, when it is determined that a pre-determination process (see S605 and S612 in FIG. 6 and FIG. 30 described later) is performed on the three reserved balls and a notice effect is performed on the third reserved ball, In the notification flag storage area of the third storage unit 305c, the notification flag is turned ON.

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

  Although not particularly illustrated, the RAM 203 has an area for storing prior determination information (hereinafter referred to as a prior determination information storage area) separately from the configuration illustrated in FIG. The advance determination information is information obtained by the advance determination process (see S605 and S612 in FIG. 6) based on each of the above random numbers. The contents of the prior determination information are the same as the information obtained as various determination results in the special symbol processing (see FIG. 8), and specifically, the type of jackpot (big hit, small hit, off) and big hit In this case, the type of the jackpot and the content of the production are information for indicating whether the production is a reachable or non-reach production or the content of the variation pattern (variation time).

[Preliminary judgment processing]
Next, the prior determination process (see S605 and S612 in FIG. 6) will be described in detail.
In the pre-determination process in the present embodiment, the game control unit 200 makes a pre-determination using a random number table similar to the random number configuration example described with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18 as follows.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing the contents of the pre-determination process (S605 and S612 in FIG. 6) according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 30, the game control unit 200 first determines whether or not the gaming state is a high probability state (S3001). A table is selected, and a jackpot random number and a jackpot symbol random number are pre-determined (S3002). On the other hand, if it is determined No in S3001, the table for the low probability state is selected, and the jackpot random number and the jackpot symbol random number are determined in advance (S3003).

After pre-determination of the jackpot random number and jackpot symbol random number in S3002 or S3003, the game control unit 200 determines whether or not the gaming state is a short-time state (S3004), and determines that it is a short-time state (Yes in S3004), The table for the short time state is selected, and the reach random number is determined in advance (S3005). Further, the table for the short time state is selected, and the change pattern random number is preliminarily determined (S3006).
On the other hand, if it is determined No in S3004, a table for short time and no state is selected and a reach random number is determined in advance (S3007). Further, a table for timelessness and no-time state is selected, and a change pattern random number is preliminarily determined (S3008).

  Thereafter, the game control unit 200 obtains the results of the jackpot random number prior determination obtained as described above, the results of the jackpot symbol random number prior determination, the reach random number prior determination result, and the variation pattern prior determination result. The information is stored in the advance determination information storage area as advance determination information (S3109). Furthermore, in order to transmit prior determination information to the production control unit 300, a prior determination result command including prior determination information is set in the RAM 203 (S3010).

  Here, the above-described prior determination includes a random number value (see S603 and S610 in FIG. 6) acquired according to the winning of a game ball to the start ports 121 and 122, and a determination table used in the jackpot determination process (FIG. 17). And a determination table having the same configuration as that of the reference). That is, the determination itself after selecting the determination table to be used is the same as the determination in the jackpot determination process (see S901 in FIG. 9). Therefore, in this embodiment, the jackpot determination process subroutine (see S808 in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9) used in the special symbol process (see FIG. 8) is called to determine the random number in the above-described prior determination.

  With this configuration, in the present embodiment, it is not necessary to prepare a processing function (subroutine) for determining a random number separately from the jackpot determination process in order to determine a random number in the prior determination process. Therefore, the number of control instructions can be reduced, and an increase in the size of the program related to the jackpot determination process and the prior determination process can be suppressed. Further, as described above, when the determination table used for the pre-determination is configured similarly to the determination table used for the jackpot determination, the determination table used for the jackpot determination may also be used for the pre-determination.

  Further, here, only the prior determination (whether or not a big win) related to the special symbol lottery has been described, but in the present embodiment, the variation pattern when the special symbol variation display and stop display are performed is also pre-read (preliminary determination). I do. The selection of the variation pattern in the special symbol lottery is performed by selecting a variation pattern selection random number (see S603 and S610 in FIG. 6) and a variation pattern table (see FIG. 18) obtained in accordance with the winning of the game ball to the start ports 121 and 122. (See S809 in FIG. 8 and FIG. 10). Therefore, even in the prefetching of the variation pattern, it is selected using the random number value for variation pattern selection acquired at the time of winning and the prefetch table having the same configuration as the variation pattern table used in the variation pattern selection processing of the special symbol processing. The variation pattern can be prefetched.

  In this case, in order to prefetch the variation pattern selected in the variation pattern selection processing, the variation pattern selection processing subroutine (see S809 in FIG. 8 and FIG. 10) used in the special symbol processing (see FIG. 8) is called and used. be able to. Further, regarding the prefetch table used for prefetching of the variation pattern selection, the variation pattern table used in the variation pattern selection processing of the special symbol processing may be used. With this configuration, it is possible to reduce the number of control instructions relating to the prefetching of the variation pattern selection and to suppress an increase in the program size.

  Note that if the pre-determination process and the jackpot determination process at the time of special symbol change are performed in the same subroutine using the same determination table group, the execution time of each process is different, so the pre-determination result and the special symbol change time There is a case where the determination result by the jackpot determination process is different. That is, it is a case where the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 (high probability state or low probability state, short time state or short time state) changes after the execution of the pre-determination process until the start of the special symbol change. In this case, since different types of determination tables are used depending on the gaming state, the specific determination table used for determination differs between the execution of the pre-determination process and the execution of the jackpot determination process. . Therefore, even if the same random number value acquired at the time of winning the start openings 121 and 122 is used, the prior determination result and the determination result of the jackpot determination process may be different. In such a case, in the effect control unit 300, if the game state changes before the start of the special symbol variation after the execution of the pre-determination process, the control based on the pre-determination result is not executed (prohibition). You may do.

[Direction]
Next, an effect executed in the pachinko gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, based on the variation effect pattern, a variation effect using the image display unit 114, the second image display unit 5, the movable accessory 115, and the like is executed.

Then, the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment is related to the image display unit 114 (an example of the first image display unit) that displays an effect image related to the effect on the screen 114a (an example of the first display screen). The effect image is displayed on a second screen 51 (an example of a second display screen) described later, and a second image display having an opening / closing unit 52 (an example of a movable unit) described later that is movable on the front side of the second screen 51. Unit 5 (an example of a second image display unit). Then, a “synchronous effect” is performed in which the opening / closing unit 52 of the second image display unit 5 is moved in accordance with the operation mode of the image displayed on the screen 114a.
In the following, the configuration and operation of the second image display unit 5 which is a premise in describing the synchronized effect will be described in detail.

[Outline of Second Image Display Unit 5]
FIG. 31 is an overall view of the second image display unit 5 of the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 31, the second image display unit 5 includes a moving unit 50 that is movable in the vertical direction, a lifting mechanism unit 60 that is a mechanism for moving the moving unit 50 in the vertical direction, and a lifting mechanism unit 60. And a decorative portion 80 for applying decoration on the front side.

(Moving unit 50 of second image display unit 5)
The moving unit 50 includes a second screen 51, an opening / closing unit 52 that opens and closes on the front side of the second screen 51, and an opening / closing mechanism unit that is provided on the rear side of the second screen 51 and opens and closes the opening / closing unit 52. 53 and a guided convex portion 54 which is a convex portion.

In the present embodiment, the second screen 51 is an image related to a variation effect that is performed while the special symbol is variably displayed under the display control by the image / sound control unit 310 (see FIG. 3), or a pre-determination effect. Various images such as images related to the image can be displayed.
For example, on the second screen 51, the decorative pattern 41 may be displayed in a variable manner or a reach effect may be performed. Moreover, you may display the image which suggests the content of the reach production performed in the image display part 114 (for example, the content of the reach production to be developed) on the second screen 51.
Further, a hold display image related to the hold display effect may be displayed on the second screen 51. Furthermore, as one of the pre-decision effects, a change effect that changes the display mode of the hold display image in the hold display effect is performed, and if the player is informed or suggests the expectation of winning the jackpot, the change An image related to the performance may be displayed on the second screen 51.

  Furthermore, during the jackpot game, an image related to the jackpot game may be displayed on the second screen 51. For example, the second screen 51 may display the name and lyrics of the music that flows during the jackpot game, the number of rounds, the number of prize balls that have been paid out, and the like.

The opening / closing part 52 includes a right opening / closing part 52 </ b> R provided on the right side in the left-right direction of the second screen 51 and a left opening / closing part 52 </ b> L provided on the left side in the left-right direction of the second screen 51. In the following description, the right opening / closing portion 52R and the left opening / closing portion 52L are collectively referred to as “opening / closing portion 52” unless otherwise distinguished.
The opening / closing part 52 has a shape simulating a lattice door. Moreover, in this Embodiment, the inner side of a grating | lattice is transparent in the opening / closing part 52. FIG. Therefore, the opening / closing part 52 can transmit the light (image) of the second screen 51 on the rear side and show it to the player.

In the present embodiment, when the opening / closing part 52 is in a fully closed state or a half-opened state as will be described later, for example, some information is notified to the player behind the right opening / closing part 52R and the left opening / closing part 52L. A background image such as a white color is displayed instead of an image to be displayed. Thus, in the present embodiment, the second screen 51 is shown to be hidden by the opening / closing part 52.
However, depending on the content of the effect, for example, information related to the game may be notified or suggested to the player through the opening / closing unit 52. In this case, for example, a display example in which an image that informs or suggests the degree of expectation for winning the jackpot is displayed through the opening / closing unit 52 can be given.

  As described above, the moving unit 50 of the second image display unit 5 is provided to be movable in the vertical direction. And the moving part 50 of the 2nd image display part 5 can move the opening-and-closing part 52 in the left-right direction in the origin position, an effect position, or the position in the middle from an origin position to an effect position. .

(Outline of opening / closing operation of the opening / closing part 52)
FIG. 32 is an explanatory diagram of an opening / closing mode of the opening / closing unit 52.
The opening / closing part 52 can take three states depending on the position of the right opening / closing part 52R and the position of the left opening / closing part 52L.
First, as shown in FIG. 32A, the opening / closing unit 52 opens the second screen 51 with the right opening / closing unit 52R positioned on the right side of the second screen 51, and the left opening / closing unit 52L from the second screen 51. Also, the “full open state”, which is a state where the second screen 51 is opened on the left side, can be formed.
Next, as shown in FIG. 32 (b), in the opening / closing unit 52, the right opening / closing unit 52 </ b> R is positioned on the front side of the second screen 51 to close the second screen 51, and the left opening / closing unit 52 </ b> L is in the second screen 51. It is possible to form a “fully closed state” that is located on the front side and in which the second screen 51 is closed.
Further, as shown in FIG. 32 (c), the opening / closing unit 52 is configured such that the right opening / closing unit 52 </ b> R is positioned on the front side of the second screen 51 to close the second screen 51, and the left opening / closing unit 52 </ b> L is more than the second screen 51. A “half-open state”, which is a state in which the second screen 51 is opened on the left side, can be formed.

(Description of the opening / closing mechanism 53)
FIG. 33 is an overall view of the opening / closing mechanism 53 of the present embodiment. FIG. 33 is a view of the second image display unit 5 as viewed from the rear side.
As shown in FIG. 33A, the opening / closing mechanism 53 includes a first pinion gear 531 connected to a drive motor (not shown), a first rack gear 532 connected to the first pinion gear 531, and a first rack gear 532. A second pinion gear 533 connected to the second pinion gear 533, and a second rack gear 534 connected to the second pinion gear 533. Further, the opening / closing mechanism 53 includes a first arm 535 connected to the right opening / closing portion 52R (see FIG. 31) and a second arm 536 connected to the left opening / closing portion 52L (see FIG. 31).

The first pinion gear 531 is rotationally driven by a drive motor (not shown). In the present embodiment, the first pinion gear 531 linearly moves the first rack gear 532 in the left-right direction.
The first rack gear 532 has a first protrusion 532a that protrudes toward the first arm 535 (rear side). The first protrusion 532a is disposed on the right side (outside) of the first arm 535 in the left-right direction. The first protrusion 532a can come into contact with the first arm 535 according to the position of the first rack gear 532 in the left-right direction. The first rack gear 532 rotates the second pinion gear 533 by moving linearly.
The second pinion gear 533 rotates to move the second rack gear 534 linearly.

  The second rack gear 534 has a second protrusion 534a and a third protrusion 534b that protrude toward the first arm 535 (rear side) or the second arm 536 (rear side). The second protrusion 534a is disposed on the right side (outside) of the first arm 535 in the left-right direction. The third protrusion 534b is disposed on the left side (outside) of the second arm 536 in the left-right direction. The second protrusion 534a and the third protrusion 534b can contact the first arm 535 or the second arm 536, respectively, according to the position of the second rack gear 534 in the left-right direction.

The first arm 535 is disposed on the rear side of the first rack gear 532 and the second rack gear 534. The first arm 535 has a rotation shaft 535s on one end side and a connection portion 535j connected to the right opening / closing portion 52R on the other end side.
The first arm 535 can swing (swing) about the rotation shaft 535 s as the rotation center. A first coil spring 537 is attached to the rotation shaft 535s. The first arm 535 is always given a force from the first coil spring 537 toward the right side (outside) with the rotation shaft 535 s as the rotation center.
The connecting portion 535j is connected to a guide shaft 538 provided extending in the left-right direction so as to be movable in the left-right direction. The connecting portion 535j is provided with a hinge 535h and a long hole 535t into which the hinge 535h is fitted. Therefore, when the first arm 535 swings, a change in the rotation radius from the rotation shaft 535s to the guide shaft 538 is absorbed by the hinge 535h and the long hole 535t.

The second arm 536 is disposed on the rear side of the first rack gear 532 and the second rack gear 534. The second arm 536 has a rotating shaft 536s on one end side, and a connecting portion 536j connected to the left opening / closing portion 52L on the other end side.
The second arm 536 can swing (swing) around the rotation shaft 536s. A second coil spring 539 is attached to the rotation shaft 536s. The second arm 536 is always given a force from the second coil spring 539 toward the left side (outside) about the rotation shaft 536s as the rotation center.
The connecting portion 536j is connected to a guide shaft 538 provided extending in the left-right direction so as to be movable in the left-right direction. Similarly to the first arm 535, the connecting portion 536j is provided with a hinge 536h and a long hole 536t into which the hinge 536h is fitted.

(Operation of the opening / closing mechanism 53)
Next, the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing part 52 by the opening / closing mechanism part 53 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
First, as shown in FIG. 33A, the first rack gear 532 is located at the center in the left-right direction, which is the origin position. Similarly, the second rack gear 534 is located at the center in the left-right direction. The first protrusion 532a and the second protrusion 534a are located on the right side (outside) with respect to the first arm 535, respectively. On the other hand, the third protrusion 534 b is located on the left side (outside) with respect to the second arm 536.
And the 1st arm 535 will be in the state which the connection part 535j moved toward the right side (outside). Further, the second arm 536 is in a state in which the connecting portion 536j has moved toward the left side (outside). That is, a fully open state in which the right opening / closing portion 52R and the left opening / closing portion 52L are opened is formed (see FIG. 32A).

Next, as shown in FIG. 33B, the first rack gear 532 is moved toward the left side in the left-right direction. At this time, when the first rack gear 532 moves to the left side, the second rack gear 534 moves to the right side via the second pinion gear 533.
When the first protrusion 532a moves to the left (inside), the first arm 535 moves toward the left (inside) by the contact of the first protrusion 532a. As a result, the right opening / closing part 52R moves to the left (inside).
On the other hand, when the third protrusion 534b moves to the right (inside), the second arm 536 moves toward the right (inside) by the contact of the third protrusion 534b. As a result, the left opening / closing part 52L moves to the right (inside).
As a result, a fully closed state in which the right opening / closing portion 52R and the left opening / closing portion 52L are closed is formed (see FIG. 32B).

Further, as shown in FIG. 33C, the first rack gear 532 is moved toward the right side in the left-right direction. At this time, when the first rack gear 532 moves to the right side, the second rack gear 534 moves to the left side via the second pinion gear 533.
Then, when the second protrusion 534a moves toward the left side (inside), the first arm 535 moves toward the left side (inside) by the contact of the second protrusion 534a. As a result, the right opening / closing part 52R moves to the left (inside).
On the other hand, as the second rack gear 534 moves to the left side, the third protrusion 534b moves toward the left side. Then, the second arm 536 released from the third protrusion 534 b moves toward the left side (outside) by the action of the second coil spring 539. As a result, the left opening / closing part 52L moves to the left (outside).
Thus, a half-open state is formed in which the right opening / closing portion 52R is closed and the left opening / closing portion 52L is open (see FIG. 32C).

When shifting from the fully closed state (see FIG. 33B) to the fully open state (see FIG. 33A), the first rack gear 532 and the second rack gear 534 are moved to the origin position. At this time, in the present embodiment, the moving speed of the first rack gear 532 and the second rack gear 534 is changed, the moving speed at which the first coil spring 537 moves the first arm 535, and the second coil spring 539 moves the second arm 536. It is set faster than the moving speed. That is, when the first arm 535 is opened, the first arm 535 is moved only by the action of the first coil spring 537 without being interfered with the first protrusion 532a and the second protrusion 534a. Further, when the second arm 536 is opened, the second arm 536 is moved only by the action of the second coil spring 539 without being interfered with the third protrusion 534b.
In the present embodiment, when the right opening / closing part 52R and the left opening / closing part 52L are opened, the spring force of the coil spring that does not require electrical control is used, thereby the right opening / closing part 52R and the left opening / closing part 52L. The opening timing is matched.

  In the present embodiment, the guided convex portion 54 is provided at the lower end of the moving portion 50 in the vertical direction, as shown in FIG. Further, one guided convex portion 54 is provided at each of both ends in the left-right direction. The guided convex portion 54 is guided to move by a guide groove 742C of a movement guide portion 742, which will be described later.

(Elevation mechanism 60 of second image display unit 5)
FIG. 34 is a rear view of the second image display unit 5 of the present embodiment. FIG. 34 is a view of the second image display unit 5 as seen from the rear side.
FIG. 35 is a side view of the second image display unit 5 of the present embodiment. FIG. 35 is a diagram of the second image display unit 5 as viewed from the right side.

  As shown in FIG. 34, the elevating mechanism 60 includes a base member 61, a drive motor 62, a first gear 63, a second gear 64, a first belt 65, a second belt 66, and a pinion gear 67. A support member 68, a third gear 69, and a mainspring gear portion 70. Further, the elevating mechanism 60 has a slide rail 71, a right guide 72, and a left guide 73.

The base member 61 is fixed to a fixing member (not shown) provided on the lower side of the game board 110. The base member 61 serves as a basis for supporting various members provided in the lifting mechanism unit 60.
The drive motor 62 directly rotates the first gear 63. The drive motor 62 serves as a drive source for moving the moving unit 50 up and down.
The first gear 63 transmits the driving force of the driving motor 62 to the second gear 64 via the first belt 65. The second gear 64 transmits the rotation of the first gear 63 to the pinion gear 67 via the second belt 66. The first belt 65 is wound around the first gear 63 and the second gear 64. Further, the second belt 66 is wound around the second gear 64 and the pinion gear 67.

  The pinion gear 67 is connected to a rack gear 681 described later provided on the support member 68. The pinion gear 67 is also connected to the third gear 69.

In the present embodiment, the support member 68 is connected to the moving unit 50 on the upper side and supports the moving unit 50. Further, the slide rail 71 is attached to the support member 68. Furthermore, the support member 68 has a rack gear 681 formed along the vertical direction and a support shaft 682 provided at the upper end.
The rack gear 681 is connected to the pinion gear 67 and generates a straight movement in the vertical direction based on the rotational movement of the pinion gear 67. The support shaft 682 is a rotation shaft that extends in the left-right direction. The support member 68 supports the moving unit 50 via the support shaft 682. That is, the moving unit 50 can swing (swing) in the front-rear direction with the support shaft 682 provided at the upper end as the rotation center.

The third gear 69 is connected to the mainspring gear unit 70 and the pinion gear 67. The third gear 69 transmits the rotational driving force of the mainspring gear unit 70 to the pinion gear 67.
The mainspring gear unit 70 is a gear in which a mainspring spring is provided. In the present embodiment, when the moving portion 50 moves in the downward direction, the mainspring gear portion 70 is wound with an internal spring spring and stores energy. On the other hand, the mainspring gear unit 70 rotates the pinion gear 67 using the stored energy when the moving unit 50 moves in the upward direction.

The slide rail 71 is disposed behind the moving unit 50 in the front-rear direction. In addition, the slide rail 71 is provided in a direction extending along the vertical direction at the central portion in the left-right direction of the second image display unit 5. The slide rail 71 is connected to the base member 61 on one end side (lower side) and is connected to the support member 68 on the other end side (upper side).
Further, the cross section of the slide rail 71 (a plane perpendicular to the long extending direction (vertical direction) of the slide rail 71) is rectangular. And the slide rail 71 is provided so that the longitudinal side in a cross section may follow a left-right direction. Accordingly, the slide rail 71 is configured such that the short side in the cross section faces the front-rear direction and the thickness of the second image display unit 5 in the front-rear direction is reduced.

The right guide part 72 is provided on the right side in the left-right direction of the second image display part 5. And the right side guide part 72 guides the raising / lowering movement of the moving part 50 on the right side.
The left guide part 73 is provided on the left side in the left-right direction of the second image display part 5. And the left side guide part 73 guides the raising / lowering movement of the moving part 50 on the left side.
The right guide part 72 and the left guide part 73 have a symmetrical arrangement and structure in the left-right direction.
In the present embodiment, in describing the right guide 72 and the left guide 73, the right guide 72 will be described as a representative example, and the detailed description of the left guide 73 will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 35, the right side guide part 72 includes a fixed guide part 741 having a substantially plate-like outline, a movement guide part 742 having a substantially plate-like outline, and a coil spring 743, respectively.
The fixed guide portion 741 is fixed to the base member 61. And the fixed guide part 741 has the fixed groove 741A which is a groove | channel, the 1st fixed convex part 741p1 which is a convex part, and the 2nd fixed convex part 741p2 which is a convex part.
The fixing groove 741A is formed along the vertical direction from the lower end A1 to the upper end A2. Then, the fixed groove 741A guides the movement of the moving projection 742p3 described later.
The first fixed protrusion 741p1 protrudes outward in the left-right direction. Similarly, the second fixed protrusion 741p2 protrudes outward in the left-right direction. The second fixed convex portion 741p2 is provided on the upper side in the vertical direction with respect to the first fixed convex portion 741p1 and separated by a predetermined distance.

The movement guide part 742 includes a movement groove 742B that is a groove, a movement convex part 742p3 that is a convex part, and a guide groove 742C that is a groove.
The moving groove 742B is provided along the vertical direction from the lower end B1 to the upper end B2. Then, the first fixed convex portion 741p1 and the second fixed convex portion 741p2 are fitted into the moving groove 742B so as to be movable in the groove direction.
The moving convex portion 742p3 protrudes inward (center side) in the left-right direction. And the movement convex part 742p3 fits in the state which can move with respect to the fixed groove 741A of the fixed guide part 741 in a groove direction.
The guide groove 742C is formed in a curved shape. Specifically, the guide groove 742C has a shape in which the lower end C1 is positioned on the front side in the front-rear direction and the upper end C2 is positioned on the rear side in the front-rear direction while being formed to extend substantially in the vertical direction. ing. And the guided convex part 54 of the moving part 50 fits in the guide groove 742C in the state which can move to a groove direction.

  Further, each of the fixed guide portion 741 and the movement guide portion 742 configured as described above has a rectangular cross section (a plane perpendicular to the long extending direction (vertical direction) of the fixed guide portion 741 and the movement guide portion 742). It is in the shape. And the fixed guide part 741 and the movement guide part 742 are provided so that the longitudinal side in a cross section may follow a front-back direction.

  The coil spring 743 has a lower end attached to the fixed guide portion 741 and an upper end attached to the movement guide portion 742. The coil spring 743 is a compression spring. Therefore, the coil spring 743 tries to return to the original long state in a state where the coil spring 743 is compressed more than the free length. The coil spring 743 shown in FIG. 35 is in a compressed state. Therefore, a downward force is always applied to the movement guide portion 742 by the coil spring 743.

(Decoration unit 80 of second image display unit 5)
The decoration part 80 is arrange | positioned in the front side of the raising / lowering mechanism part 60, as shown in FIG. And the decoration part 80 hides the various components which comprise the raising / lowering mechanism part 60 mentioned above.
Further, the decoration unit 80 includes a wiring cable 81 that is electrically connected to the image / sound control unit 310 and the lamp control unit 320 (see FIG. 3), and an LED (light emitting diode) 82. The wiring cable 81 is electrically connected to a drive motor in the second screen 51 of the moving unit 50 and the opening / closing mechanism unit 53. The LED 82 emits light toward the player side, and decorates the decoration unit 80 with light.

FIG. 36 is an explanatory diagram of the lifting / lowering operation of the second image display unit 5.
FIG. 37 is an explanatory diagram of the lifting / lowering operation of the second image display unit 5.
FIG. 36A shows the second image display unit 5 in which the moving unit 50 is located at the origin position. The guided convex portion 54 of the moving portion 50 is located at the lower end C1 of the guide groove 742C. Accordingly, the second screen 51 of the moving unit 50 is inclined obliquely in the vertical direction. In the present embodiment, the second image display unit 5 is provided on the lower side of the game board 110 (see FIG. 1). Therefore, the second screen 51 is inclined toward the upper side at the lower origin position so that the player can easily see the second screen 51.
Further, the upper end B2 of the moving groove 742B is in contact with the second fixed convex portion 741p2. Further, the moving convex portion 742p3 is located at the lower end A1 (see FIG. 35) of the fixed groove 741A.

  And as shown in FIG.36 (b), the moving part 50 moves toward a production | presentation position from the origin position by the raising / lowering mechanism part 60 mentioned above. At this time, in the second image display section 5, in addition to the rotational drive of the pinion gear 67 by the drive motor 62, the rotational force from the mainspring spring 77 of the mainspring gear section 70 is also applied (see FIG. 34). That is, since the mainspring gear unit 70 operates so as to assist the drive motor 62 when the moving unit 50 moves, the load on the drive motor 62 is reduced, and the moving unit 50 can move smoothly.

At this time, the guided convex portion 54 of the moving portion 50 moves along the guide groove 742C. The guide groove 742C is positioned on the rear side as the groove position in the front-rear direction increases from the lower side to the upper side. The moving unit 50 is supported at the upper end so as to be swingable back and forth about the support shaft 682 (see FIG. 35) as the rotation center. Accordingly, as the moving unit 50 moves upward, the lower side moves rearward in the front-rear direction. That is, the second screen 51 gradually turns in a direction parallel to the transparent plate (not shown) as the moving unit 50 moves upward.
In the state shown in FIG. 36B, the movement guide part 742 does not move relative to the fixed guide part 741.

Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 37A, the guided convex portion 54 of the moving portion 50 reaches the upper end portion C2 of the guide groove 742C. From this state, the moving unit 50 is further moved upward by the elevating mechanism unit 60.
Then, as shown in FIG. 37 (b), the movement guide portion 742 moves upward via the guided convex portion 54. At this time, the movement guide part 742 moves up while contracting the coil spring 743. The movement guide unit 742 is guided to move by the fixed guide unit 741. More specifically, the movement guide part 742 is guided to the fixed groove 741A via the movement convex part 742p3 (see FIG. 35), and is moved to the first fixed convex part 741p1 and the second fixed convex part 741p2 via the movement groove 742B. Guided.

  Here, paying attention to the relationship between the convex part and the groove part, as shown in FIG. 35, three convex parts (moving convex part 742p3, first fixed convex part 741p1 and second fixed convex part 741p2) are respectively fixed grooves. The fixed guide part 741 and the movement guide part 742 are connected by fitting in 741A and the movement groove 742B. Thus, the movement guide part 742 is stabilized by the three-point support because it is supported by the fixed guide part 741. Furthermore, the moving part 50 guided by the movement guide part 742 supported stably is also stable.

Finally, the moving unit 50 is located at the effect position. At this time, B1 of the moving groove 742B is in contact with the first fixed protrusion 741p1. Further, the moving convex portion 742p3 reaches a state A2 of the fixed groove 741A (see FIG. 35).
Further, the second screen 51 of the moving unit 50 is located at a position overlapping the screen 114 a on the front side of the screen 114 a of the image display unit 114.
In the state where the moving unit 50 is located at the effect position, the second screen 51 faces in a direction parallel to the screen 114 a of the image display unit 114. In the present embodiment, the second screen 51 can be overlaid on the screen 114a of the image display unit 114, and a variation effect can be performed in which the player can see an image in which the screen 114a and the second screen 51 are combined. Therefore, the screen 114a and the second screen 51 are made substantially parallel.

In addition, as above-mentioned, the slide rail 71 is provided so that the longitudinal side may follow a left-right direction in a cross section. Moreover, the slide rail 71 is provided so that the short side is along the front-back direction in a cross section (refer FIG. 34). If it does so, it will be easy to bend in the front-back direction from a viewpoint of the support of the moving part 50 by the slide rail 71. FIG.
On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the slide rail 71 is located at the center in the left-right direction, and is located at both ends thereof. And as for the fixed guide part 741 and the movement guide part 742, the longitudinal side in a cross section is provided along the front-back direction (refer FIG. 35). Therefore, even when the moving part 50 is about to bend in the front-rear direction, the moving guide part 501 is supported by the fixed guide part 741 and the movement guide part 742.
As shown in FIG. 36 (a), the right guide part 72 and the left guide part 73 are located outside the moving part 50 and the lifting mechanism part 60, respectively. Furthermore, the right side guide part 72 and the left side guide part 73 are provided approximately equal to the width in the front-rear direction of the moving part 50 and the lifting mechanism part 60. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the second image display unit 5 can be made compact.

  When the moving unit 50 shown in FIG. 37 (b) returns from the state where it is located at the production position to the origin position, basically, FIGS. 37 (b), 37 (a), 36 (b), The operation is performed in the order of FIG. At this time, for example, the movement of the moving unit 50 is guided by the right guide unit 72 and the left guide unit 73. For example, the movement guide part 742 is moved toward the fixed guide part 741 by the coil spring 743.

FIG. 38 is an exploded perspective view of the mainspring gear unit 70 of the present embodiment.
FIG. 39 is a top view of the gear 76 of the present embodiment.
(Spring gear section 70)
As shown in FIG. 38, the mainspring gear portion 70 includes a holder 75, a gear 76 provided on the holder 75, a mainspring spring 77 provided inside the gear 76, and a cover member 78 that covers the mainspring spring 77. Have.

The holder 75 has a base portion 751, a fixing portion 752, a pin 753, and a holder work hole 754.
The base part 751 is a part formed in a plate shape. The fixing portion 752 is a screw hole used when fixing the holder 75 itself to the base member 61. The pin 753 protrudes from the base portion 751 and has a hook portion 753h at the end. The hanging portion 753h is formed in a slit shape. The holder working hole 754 is formed at a predetermined position in the base portion. In the present embodiment, the holder working hole 754 is formed at a position corresponding to the base working hole 611 formed in the base member 61.

As shown in FIG. 39, the gear 76 includes a gear portion 761, a shaft hole 762, a mainspring accommodating portion 763, a mainspring end fixing portion 764, and a gear working hole 765.
The gear portion 761 is formed on the outer periphery in the radial direction. The shaft hole 762 is a hole through which the pin 753 passes, and has an inner diameter that allows the gear 76 to rotate with respect to the pin 753. The mainspring accommodating portion 763 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape so as to accommodate the mainspring spring 77 (see FIG. 38). The mainspring end fixing portion 764 has a shape in which an outer end portion 77e (described later) of the mainspring spring 77 is hooked. As shown in FIG. 39, the gear working hole 765 corresponds to the holder working hole 754 when the gear 76 is in a predetermined rotational position with the gear 76 attached to the holder 75. Yes.

As shown in FIG. 38, the mainspring 77 is obtained by winding a plate-shaped metal or the like in the surface direction. In the present embodiment, the mainspring 77 is provided with the central axis direction along the axis of the gear 76. And the mainspring spring 77 has the inner side edge part 77i which is an inner side edge part, and the outer side edge part 77e which is an outer side edge part.
The inner end 77i is formed in a straight line in the present embodiment. The inner end 77i is hooked on the hook 753h of the pin 753. The outer end 77e is formed in a circular shape. The outer end 77 e is caught by the mainspring end fixing portion 764 of the gear 76.

The cover member 78 has a disc part 781, a plate-like projecting part 782, and a recessed part 783. The cover member 78 is formed of a transparent resin member. Therefore, the rear mainspring 77 and the gear 76 can be visually recognized through the cover member 78.
The disc portion 781 is formed in a disc shape, and is a portion that serves as a basis for the plate-like protrusion 782 and the recess 783 described above. The plate-like protruding portion 782 protrudes toward the mainspring spring 77 in a state where the mainspring gear portion 70 is assembled. Further, the length of the plate-like protruding portion 782 is substantially the same as the width of the inner end portion 77i (the front-rear direction in the drawing). Further, the plate-like projecting portion 782 reaches the inside of the hook portion 753h in a state where the mainspring gear portion 70 is assembled. The recess 783 is formed on the outer periphery of the disc portion 781 and has a shape that is recessed toward the center of the disc portion 781. The recess 783 corresponds to the position of the gear work hole 765 in a state where the cover member 78 is assembled to the gear 76.

FIG. 40 is an explanatory diagram of attachment of the mainspring gear unit 70.
Here, in describing the attachment of the mainspring gear unit 70, the base working hole 611 and the screw receiver 612 formed in the base member 61 will be described. As shown in FIG. 40A, the base work hole 611 is formed at a predetermined position in the base member 61. The screw receiver 612 is provided at a position corresponding to the fixing portion 752 of the holder 75. A screw for fixing the holder 75 to the base member 61 is attached to the screw receiver 612.

  When attaching the mainspring gear portion 70, first, the mainspring gear portion 70 is assembled. Specifically, the shaft hole 762 of the gear 76 is passed through the pin 753 of the holder 75 (see FIG. 38). Then, the gear 76 is rotated to align the gear working hole 765 with the holder working hole 754. Thereafter, the inner end 77i of the mainspring spring 77 is fitted into the hook portion 753h, and the outer end 77e is fitted into the mainspring end fixing portion 764. Then, the cover member 78 is attached. As a result, the inner end 77i is sandwiched between the plate-like projecting portion 782 and the hooking portion 753h of the cover member 78, and the inner end 77i of the mainspring spring 77 is fixed.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 40A, the gear 76 is rotated in the present embodiment. At this time, the gear working hole 765 is rotated in a predetermined direction until the gear working hole 765 is aligned with the holder working hole 754. Then, for example, an elongated rod-shaped jig is passed through the gear work hole 765 and the holder work hole 754 as shown in FIG. As a result, the gear 76 is temporarily fixed to the holder 75 at a predetermined rotational position. That is, the mainspring spring 77 is wound up by a predetermined winding amount. The cover member 78 is also provided with a recess 783, so that a jig can be passed even when the cover member 78 is attached.

  Then, the mainspring gear portion 70 is attached to the base member 61. Although not shown, the moving unit 50 is located at the initial position, and accordingly, the pinion gear 67 and the third gear 69 are at a predetermined rotation angle. The gear 76 is connected to the third gear 69 while the jig passes through the base work hole 611 with respect to the base member 61 in this state. Then, the fixing portion 752 of the holder 75 is aligned with the screw receiver 612 of the base member 61 and fixed with screws or the like. And attachment is completed by pulling out a jig | tool.

  As described above, the mainspring gear portion 70 and the base member 61 of the present embodiment are used to set the winding amount of the mainspring spring 77 when the moving portion 50 is in the initial position to a predetermined winding amount. Work holes (base work hole 611, holder work hole 754, gear work hole 765) are provided. Therefore, in the mainspring gear unit 70 of the present embodiment, it is not necessary to measure the rotation amount of the gear 76, for example. In the present embodiment, for example, by using a hole through which a jig or the like can be passed, the rotational position of the gear 76 that is rotated by the reaction force of the mainspring spring 77 when the hand is released can be fixed. . Thus, according to the mainspring gear portion 70 of the present embodiment, the attachment work is facilitated.

  For example, if the operator knows the rotation position of the gear 76 relative to the holder 75 (the amount of winding of the mainspring spring 77), the worker is not limited to the gear working hole 765 described above, and a mark (seal, shape, color, etc.) is previously set on the gear. 76 or the holder 75 may be provided.

(Center feature 6 and side feature 9 of the movable feature 115)
Next, “joint production” performed jointly by the center combination 6 and the side combination 9 will be described in detail.
FIG. 41 is an explanatory diagram of joint production by the center combination 6 and the side combination 9.
The center accessory 6 moves downward from the origin position (upper position) shown in FIG. 41 (a) and can move to the effect position (lower position) shown in FIG. 41 (b). The center accessory 6 can be moved up (returned) from the effect position and moved to the origin position.

  The side accessory 9 includes a right side accessory 91 located on the right side with respect to the image display unit 114 and a left side accessory 92 located on the left side with respect to the image display unit 114. The right side accessory 91 and the left side accessory 92 are each slidable in the left-right direction. In other words, the right side accessory 91 and the left side accessory 92 are movable from the origin position shown in FIG. 41A to the effect position shown in FIG. 41B.

  Further, the center accessory 6 can be deformed from the first state shown in FIG. 41 (b) to the second state shown in FIG. 41 (c). In particular, in the present embodiment, the center accessory 6 in the second state is formed so as to have an outer shape larger than that in the first state. Further, the center accessory 6 has a decoration (a specific family crest in the example of FIG. 41) drawn in the first state shown in FIG. 41 (b) and a second state shown in the second state of FIG. 41 (c). The decoration to draw is the same or similar.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 41 (c), the side accessory 9 can produce an effect together with the center accessory 6. In the present embodiment, the side accessory 9 and the center accessory 6 are integrated so that the decoration drawn on the front side (see FIG. 41 (b)) of the center accessory 6 in the first state is It comes to form together. In this way, the movable accessory 115 performs an effect of shifting the same or similar decoration from a state where the outer shape is small to a state where it is large.

  In the present embodiment, for example, in the case of the variation pattern A, variation pattern B, variation pattern E, variation pattern F (see FIG. 18), the SP reach effect or the SP / SP reach effect selected as the variation effect pattern. The center role 6 and the side role 9 are made to appear at the production positions, respectively, and the joint production described above is executed. Therefore, when the center combination 6 and the side combination 9 appear at the production positions, the player is informed or suggested that the degree of expectation for winning the jackpot is high.

FIG. 42 and FIG. 43 are explanatory diagrams of the synchronization effect of the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 42A, the decorative symbol 41 is displayed in a variable manner on the screen 114a of the image display unit 114. Then, the two decorative symbols 41 are aligned and the normal reach state is reached. In this state, the opening / closing unit 52 of the second image display unit 5 is fully opened.

Then, as shown in FIG. 42 (b), at a predetermined timing after the normal reach is established, a pair of first haze image 114G1 and second haze image 114G2 (hereinafter, unless particularly distinguished from each other) “Collectively referred to as“ the cocoon image 114G ”). Note that the wrinkle image 114G is an image imitating a wrinkle as shown in FIG.
Then, the first haze image 114G1 and the second haze image 114G2 start moving from the right side and the left side in the left-right direction toward the center. Then, an image display for closing the first haze image 114G1 and the second haze image 114G2 is performed.
In the second image display section 5, the right opening / closing section 52R and the left opening / closing section 52L start to move toward the fully closed state at a predetermined timing after the normal reach is established.
Further, in this example, the decorative symbol 41 is reduced and displayed on the screen 114a, and the display position is changed to a corner in the screen.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 42 (c), the right opening / closing portion 52R and the left opening / closing portion 52L of the second image display portion 5 are fully closed. Further, on the screen 114a of the image display unit 114, the first haze image 114G1 and the second haze image 114G2 are displayed in a closed state.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the first eyelid image 114G1 and the second eyelid image 114G1 on the screen 114a correspond to the movement of the right opening / closing portion 52R and the left opening / closing portion 52L from the fully open position to the fully closed position. The eyelid image 114G2 is moved from the opened position to the closed position.
Thus, in the present embodiment, the operation of the opening / closing unit 52 that is a mechanical structure in the second image display unit 5 with respect to the timing and positional relationship of the operation of the hail image 114G that is an image in the image display unit 114 The timing and the positional relationship are matched. Then, by synchronizing the operation of the bag image 114G with the operation of the opening / closing unit 52, in the present embodiment, the player is presented with a fluctuating effect having an impact.

Then, as shown in FIG. 43 (a), on the screen 114a, the variation effect develops from the normal reach effect to the SP reach effect. In this example, when the SP reach effect is being executed, the opening / closing unit 52 in the second image display unit 5 is maintained in the fully closed state.
In the present embodiment, the SP reach effect is a variable effect that is executed when the degree of expectation of the jackpot is high. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the opening / closing part 52 is fully closed so that the player can concentrate on the SP reach effect executed on the screen 114a.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 43 (b), in this example, the three decorative symbols 41 are arranged and the jackpot is won. At this time, an effect image 114E is displayed on the screen 114a as an image effect for emphasizing the three decorative patterns 41. More specifically, as the content of the effect image 114E, an image in which a light band extends radially from the center of the screen 114a can be used.

Further, as shown in FIG. 43 (b), at the timing when the three decorative symbols 41 are aligned, the opening / closing part 52 shifts to the fully open state in the second image display part 5. Then, the second effect image 51E is also displayed on the second screen 51 so as to match the effect image 114E displayed on the screen 114a. In the present embodiment, the second effect image 51E is the same as or similar to the effect image 114E. The effect image 114E displayed on the screen 114a and the second effect image 51E displayed on the second screen 51 are expressed with continuity.
Thus, in addition to the image display unit 114, the second image display unit 5 also displays the second effect image 51E, thereby further expanding the range for expressing the effect image beyond the range of the screen 114a. Yes.

As described above, in the present embodiment, after the normal reach is established, the right opening / closing portion 52R and the left opening / closing portion 52L of the opening / closing portion 52 are shifted to the fully closed state, and the bag image 114G is closed, thereby achieving the SP reach effect. Develop. Therefore, the player plays a game with the expectation that, for example, the opening / closing part 52 is fully closed to develop an SP reach effect that increases the degree of expectation.
Therefore, for example, after the normal reach is established, even if an effect that causes the player to expect to develop into an SP reach effect by shifting to the half-open state in which only the right opening / closing part 52R is moved, for example, is executed. I do not care. Similarly, as if the opening / closing part 52 is shifted from the fully open state to the fully closed state (or half-open state), the player performs an action of moving (swinging) in small increments to perform an effect that makes the player have expectation. It doesn't matter.

  When the right opening / closing unit 52R is operated to be in the half-open state, the position of the state in which only the first eyelid image 114G1 on the screen 114a is closed from the position in the open state corresponding to the movement of the position of the right opening / closing unit 52R. You may make it perform to a synchronous effect by moving to.

  In addition, what is actually selected as the variation effect pattern is not the content that develops from the normal reach effect to the SP reach effect as described above, but may be the content that the variation effect ends simply with the normal reach. In this case, the haze image 114G and the opening / closing unit 52 are operated, but the operation of the haze image 114G and the operation of the opening / closing unit 52 may not be intentionally synchronized. That is, after the normal reach is established, the haze image 114G is closed, but the opening / closing part 52 is not shifted to the fully closed state, or the opening / closing part 52 is half open. As described above, it is possible to perform an effect using the bag image 114G and the opening / closing unit 52 on the premise that the SP reach effect (or SP reach effect) is not developed.

Subsequently, a modified example of the synchronous effect will be described.
FIG. 44 is an explanatory diagram of a synchronous effect of a modification.
As shown in FIG. 44 (a), in the synchronous effect of the modification, a curtain image 114M simulating a curtain such as a theater is displayed on the screen 114a of the image display unit 114 so as to move in the vertical direction. Further, in the second image display unit 5, a shutter member 55 that opens and closes the second screen 51 while moving in the vertical direction is provided instead of the opening / closing unit 52 described above.

Then, as shown in FIG. 44A, after the normal reach is established, an image display is performed such that the curtain image 114M descends from the upper side to the lower side of the screen 114a. Further, in synchronization with the operation of the curtain image 114M, the shutter member 55 is moved downward on the second screen 51.
Finally, as shown in FIG. 44B, the curtain image 114M reaches the lower end of the screen 114a, and similarly, the shutter member 55 reaches the lower end of the second screen 51. And also in this example, a change production is advanced so that it may develop into SP reach production (refer to Drawing 43 (a)).

As described above, in the synchronous effect of the modification, a single element is used as the open / close image on the screen 114a, and a single element is also used as the open / close unit 52.
Note that three or more image elements and three or more open / close sections 52 in the second image display section 5 corresponding to the plurality of image elements may be used as the synchronized effect.

  In addition, as an operation example of the synchronized effect, for example, the movable part provided in the second image display unit 5 swings (swings) in synchronization with the display of the image that swings (swings) on the screen 114a, for example. ). In particular, as an operation mode of the image displayed on the screen 114a, the movable unit provided in the second image display unit 5 is slid and moved in synchronization with the operation of sliding in a predetermined direction. You can express how you are.

  Then, for example, the opening / closing unit 52 of the second image display unit 5 operates in synchronization with the image displayed on the screen 114a at a position different from the image display unit 114 with respect to the image display unit 114. It is possible to show an unprecedented performance operation to the player.

FIG. 45 is an explanatory diagram of a modified example of the joint effect according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 45A, after the two decorative symbols 41 are aligned and the normal reach state is established, the open / close unit 52 of the second image display unit 5 is shifted to the fully closed state.
Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 45B, the center accessory 6 and the side accessory 9 of the movable accessory 115 are moved to the effect position, and the joint effect using the center accessory 6 and the side accessory 9 is executed. To do. At this time, the opening / closing part 52 of the second image display part 5 is fully opened at the timing when the center accessory 6 and the side accessory 9 move to the effect position.
Then, the effect image 114E is displayed on the screen 114a in accordance with the joint performance by the center combination 6 and the side combination 9. At this time, the second effect image 51E is displayed on the second screen 51 of the second image display unit 5.
As described above, the effect image 114E displayed on the screen 114a and the second effect image 51E displayed on the second screen 51 are the same or similar images. The effect image 114E displayed on the screen 114a and the second effect image 51E displayed on the second screen 51 are expressed with continuity.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 45 (c), at the timing when the three decorative symbols 41 are aligned, the opening / closing part 52 shifts to the fully closed state in the second image display part 5. In this example, the open / close portion 52 is shifted to the fully closed state so that the three decorative symbols 41 are purely emphasized and shown to the player.

Note that as a synchronized effect, for example, the right opening / closing part 52R and the left opening / closing part 52L of the opening / closing part 52 move in response to the movement of the right side accessory 91 and the left side accessory 92 in the left-right direction in the side accessory 9. You may do it. As described above, the mechanical moving element as the movable accessory 115 and the moving element as the image in the second image display unit 5 may be associated with each other to perform a synchronized effect in which both are synchronized.
Further, in response to the operation of the haze image 114G on the screen 114a of the image display unit 114, an image element that opens and closes is displayed on the second screen 51 of the second image display unit 5, and a synchronous effect is performed to synchronize the two. May be.

FIG. 46 is a schematic diagram of a slot machine 900 provided with the movable accessory 115, the image display unit 114, and the second image display unit 5.
In the present embodiment described above, it has been described in detail that the movable accessory 115, the image display unit 114, and the second image display unit 5 are provided in the pachinko gaming machine 100, but are provided in gaming machines other than the pachinko gaming machine 100. May be.

As shown in FIG. 46, the slot machine 900 includes a reel 901 that displays a plurality of kinds of symbols while rotating, for example, from top to bottom, a medal slot 903 into which a medal is inserted, and a reel 901. Operation lever 905 operated to start rotation, stop button 907 operated to stop the rotation of reel 901, medal payout exit 909 from which medals are paid out, and presentation effects and information depending on the game The image display part 114 which performs a display, and the transparent plate 913 which covers the front surface of the image display part 114 are provided.
The slot machine 900 includes a center accessory 6, a side accessory 9, and a second image display unit 5.

In the slot machine 900, the center accessory 6 and the side accessory 9 are provided in a space in the front-rear direction between the image display unit 114 and the transparent plate 913. The second image display unit 5 is disposed on the front side of the image display unit 114.
In the slot machine 900 configured as described above, using the movable accessory 115, the image display unit 114, and the second image display unit 5, it is possible to execute the above-described variation effect and the like.

  In the lifting mechanism 60 of the second image display unit 5, the drive motor 62 is used as power for driving the moving unit 50, but a drive source such as a solenoid may be used instead of the drive motor 62. Also in this case, the driving source can be assisted using, for example, the mainspring gear unit 70.

  Further, in the mainspring gear portion 70 described above, in the present embodiment, a configuration in which the mainspring spring 77 is provided inside the gear 76 is adopted, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present embodiment, as long as a rotational force can be applied to the pinion gear 67 by the mainspring spring 77, it may be provided outside the gear 76. In this case, the mainspring spring 77 may be wound up as the pinion gear 67 rotates and release the energy.

  As described above, the various structures and controls in the movable accessory 115 and the second image display unit 5 have been described in this document, but it is possible to apply or combine all or part of the described contents to other structures and controls. Even if there is no mention in this book, it is possible. Although various modifications are also mentioned, it is possible to apply or combine the contents of such modifications to other structures, controls, and the like even when there is no mention in this document.

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

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

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

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

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

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

5 ... 2nd image display part (an example of a 2nd image display part)
51 ... 2nd screen (an example of a 2nd display screen)
52. Opening / closing part (an example of a moving part)
100 ... Pachinko machine 114 ... Image display unit (an example of a first image display unit)
114a ... screen (an example of a first display screen)

The present invention that achieves the above object is realized as the following gaming machine. The gaming machine (for example, the pachinko gaming machine 100) includes a first image display unit (for example, the image display unit 114) that displays an effect image related to the effect on a first display screen (for example, the screen 114a), and the effect. The effect image is displayed on the second display screen (for example, the second screen 51), and the second image display unit (for example, the second image ) provided on the back side of the movable unit (for example, the opening / closing unit 52) that is movable. Display unit 5), and corresponding to the operation mode of the image displayed on the first display screen (for example, the screen 114a), the image displayed on the first display screen (for example, the screen 114a). A play in which the movable part (for example, the opening / closing part 52) can be moved so as to overlap at least a part of the second display screen (for example, the second screen 51) while maintaining the state in which the operation mode is visible. Technical machines (eg A pachinko game machine 100).
In addition, the said code | symbol in this column is attached | subjected illustratively in the description of this invention, and this invention is not reduced by this code | symbol.

The present invention that achieves the above object is realized as the following gaming machine. The gaming machine (for example, the pachinko gaming machine 100) includes a first image display unit (for example, the image display unit 114) that displays an effect image related to the effect on a first display screen (for example, the screen 114a), and the effect. The effect image is displayed on the second display screen (for example, the second screen 51), and the second image display unit (for example, the second image) provided on the back side of the movable unit (for example, the opening / closing unit 52) that is movable. Display unit 5), and corresponding to the operation mode of the image displayed on the first display screen (for example, the screen 114a), the image displayed on the first display screen (for example, the screen 114a). The movable part (for example, the opening / closing part 52) is moved to a first position that overlaps at least a part of the second display screen (for example, the second screen 51) while maintaining the state in which the operation mode is visible , and Second display screen (example If, in response to the operation mode of the image displayed on the second screen 51), the movable portion to a second position that is different from that of the first position (e.g., capable of moving the closing part 52) A gaming machine (for example, a pachinko gaming machine 100).
In addition, the said code | symbol in this column is attached | subjected illustratively in the description of this invention, and this invention is not reduced by this code | symbol.

Claims (1)

A first image display unit that displays an effect image related to the effect on the first display screen;
A second image display unit that displays an effect image related to the effect on the second display screen and has a movable part movable on the front side of the second display screen;
With
A gaming machine characterized in that the movable portion of the second image display portion can be moved in accordance with an operation mode of an image displayed on the first display screen.

Images