JP2020074850A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a technique which can execute a characteristic performance.SOLUTION: A ratio for making a player win a big winning without using a reserved continuation coin in a state that the player acquires the reserved continuation coin is increased, and a sense of superiority still having a possibility of a big wining in future is imparted to the player. Concretely, a lottery probability for winning a reserved continuation performance with respect to a succeeding winning reservation is changed depending on the presence or absence of the reserved continuation performance. When the reserved continuation performance can be executed, but not executed at a lottery of the performance execution, the lottery in which the reserved continuation performance is easily selected is executed with respect to a succeeding winning, and an appearance ratio of the reserved continuation performance is increased. By this constitution, when the reserved continuation performance is executed, a ratio of the generation of reserved continuation can be increased at this side rather than the execution of the reserved continuation performance, (a ratio of the winning of a big winning without using the reserved continuation coin can be intentionally increased), and as a result, a new game performance can be exhibited.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 62

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that executes a game.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as this type of gaming machine, there is known a gaming machine that determines, by lottery, whether it is necessary to execute an in-hold consecutive rendition effect when a special game is started (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP, 2016-32507, A

  In the above-mentioned prior art, the contents of the production of the held continuous production (the production of continuous Chang in the held production) are devised, but the production contents of the continuous production for holding have room for improvement. Further, there is room for improvement in the effect contents other than the continuous holding effect.

  Then, this invention makes it a subject to provide the technique which can perform a characteristic production.

  The present invention adopts the following means for solving the above-mentioned problems. Note that the wording in the following parentheses is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to this. Further, the present invention can be an invention including at least one item for specifying each invention shown in the following solving means. Further, to each invention specifying matter shown in the following means for solving, an element limiting the invention specifying matter can be added to make a subordinate conception, and an element limiting the invention specifying matter can be deleted to make a higher conception. ..

  Solving means 1: The gaming machine of the present solving means uses a lottery element obtaining means for obtaining lottery elements for a predetermined lottery, a lottery element storage means for storing the lottery elements, and a predetermined lottery using the lottery elements. The lottery execution means to be executed, and when the predetermined lottery is executed, after the symbols are variably displayed for a predetermined variation time, the symbol display means for stopping and displaying the symbols in a mode according to the result of the predetermined lottery And, when the lottery element is acquired, a pre-reading process executing means for executing a pre-reading process for generating pre-reading information on the acquired lottery element, and an executability lottery for executing a specific effect , When the execution feasibility lottery is won, the special production execution means that can execute the specific production, and the pre-fetch information regarding the previously acquired lottery element are not won in the execution feasibility lottery, and are acquired later. If the content of the prefetch information related to a lottery element is a content capable of executing the specific effect, a special process via specific effect executing means that executes a special process different from the executability lottery and makes the specific effect executable. It is a game machine characterized by comprising.

The gaming machine of the present solving means has the following configuration.
(1) Obtain a lottery element (a big hit random number of a special symbol, a variation pattern determination random number, etc.) related to a predetermined lottery (special symbol lottery).
(2) The lottery element in (1) above is stored. The lottery elements can be stored, for example, up to a predetermined upper limit number (up to four per one symbol).
(3) A predetermined lottery is executed using the lottery element in (2) above.

(4) When the predetermined lottery of (3) above is executed, after the symbols (special symbols) are variably displayed for a predetermined change time, the symbols are displayed in a mode according to the result of the predetermined lottery of (3) above. Stop display.
(5) When the lottery element of (1) above is acquired, a pre-reading process for generating pre-reading information (such as a variation pattern pre-determination command) regarding the acquired lottery element is executed. The look-ahead information can include not only the result of the predetermined lottery, but also the winning symbol at the time of winning, the variation pattern, the content of the variation display effect, the content of various notice effects, and the like.

(6) If the execution possibility lottery (for example, the effect lottery that wins with a probability of 100/250) regarding whether or not to execute the specific effect is executed and the execution possibility lottery is won, the specific effect can be executed. The specific effect is, for example, a holding continuous effect, a big hit confirmation effect, a small hit confirmation effect, a reach effect, a predetermined effect using a character or a background, an effect which suggests that a predetermined situation occurs, and the like.
The execution feasibility lottery regarding whether or not to execute the specific effect is performed when the content of the prefetch information in (5) above is the content capable of executing the specific effect (for example, a variation pattern or reach effect corresponding to the winning in the variation). May be performed regardless of the contents of the prefetch information of (5) above.

(7) Regarding pre-reading information regarding the previously acquired lottery element If the pre-reading information regarding the pre-reading information regarding the lottery element acquired later does not win the execution feasibility lottery, the execution feasibility lottery is Different special processing is executed so that a specific effect can be executed.
The special process is, for example, a process of executing an effect lottery that wins with a probability of 240/250, a process of executing an effect lottery that wins with a probability of 5/250, a process of executing a specific effect without executing an effect lottery, or the like. Is.

  According to this solving means, a special process different from the executability lottery is executed and the specific effect can be executed. Therefore, the appearance probability of the specific effect can be increased or decreased by the special process, and as a result, , It is possible to execute a characteristic production.

  Solving means 2: In the gaming machine of the present solving means, in any one of the solving means described above, the special process via specific effect executing means executes, as the special processing, a special lottery having a winning probability different from that of the executability lottery. If the special lottery is won, the specific effect can be executed.

  According to this solving means, as a special process, a special lottery with a winning probability different from the execution possibility lottery is executed, and when the special lottery is won, the specific effect can be executed, so that the specific effect is executed with the same winning probability each time. The appearance probability of the specific effect can be increased or decreased as compared with the method of determining whether or not to perform, and as a result, a characteristic effect can be executed.

  Other solving means: The gaming machine of the present solving means is the gaming machine according to any one of the solving means described above, wherein the special lottery is a lottery that is easier to win than the executability lottery.

  In the present solution means, the special lottery (for example, the effect lottery that wins with a probability of 240/250) is a lottery that is easier to win than the execution possibility lottery (for example, the effect lottery that wins with a probability of 100/250).

  According to this solving means, the special lottery is a lottery that is easier to win than the executability lottery. Therefore, although the situation in which the specific effect can be executed occurs, the situation in which the specific effect is not executed occurs. In this case, if a situation in which the specific effect can be executed subsequently occurs, the specific effect is likely to be executed.

  This can reduce the player's disappointment when the specific effect is not executed. In other words, if a situation occurs in which the specific effect is being executed, the same effect as the specific effect is exhibited before the specific effect being executed, even though the specific effect is not being executed. It is possible to increase the ratio of occurrence of situations, and when the same effect as the specific effect is exhibited, it is possible to give the player a sense of superiority that there is still a scene where the specific effect is executed. it can.

  Other solving means: The gaming machine of the present solving means is provided with special game executing means for executing a special game when a special condition is satisfied in any of the above-mentioned solving means, and the specific effect is the prefetching. When the content of the information is such that there is a lottery element that is won within a predetermined number of fluctuations after the end of the special game, it is a production that may be executed. It is a machine.

In this solution, the following features are added.
(1) When a special condition is satisfied (when a symbol is stopped and displayed in the form of a big hit or a small hit, when a game ball passes through a specific area during the execution of a small hit game), a special game is executed .. The special game may be a big hit game or a small hit game.

(2) There is a lottery element in the specific effect in which the content of the look-ahead information is a winning (big hit or small hit) within a predetermined number of fluctuations (for example, within several tens of fluctuations) after the end of the special game. This is an effect (holding continuous effect) that may be executed when the content is such that there is a pending serialization (for example, the content that a pending serialization occurs). The hold continuous effect is an effect that suggests a situation in which a big hit or a small hit occurs due to the memory (for example, remaining hold at the time of a big hit) existing at the start or end of the special game.

  According to the solving means, the specific effect may be executed when the content of the look-ahead information is such that there is a lottery element that is won within a predetermined variation number after the end of the special game. Since it is a certain effect, the specific effect functions as a holding continuous effect, and when the specific effect is executed, it is possible to give a great joy that a holding continuous occurs.

  Further, according to the present solving means, it is possible to increase the ratio of occurrence of the hold-up sequence before reaching the lottery element (storage, hold) that is the target of the specific effect, and thus the lottery element that is the target of the specific effect. It is possible to increase a player's expectation that a holding sequence may occur before that.

  Other solving means: In the game machine of the present solving means, in any one of the above solving means, the specific effect acquires a predetermined effect element, stores the acquired predetermined effect element, and stores the predetermined effect. Is an effect using the effect element of, and is an effect in which the effect of the specific effect is exhibited when the predetermined effect element is used.

  In the present solving means, the specific effect is an effect of acquiring a predetermined effect element (holding consecutive coins), storing the acquired predetermined effect element, and using the stored predetermined effect element. It is an effect in which the effect of the specific effect is exhibited when the coin is used (a holding string is generated when the holding string coin is used).

  According to the solving means, since the specific effect is an effect of acquiring a predetermined effect element, storing the acquired predetermined effect element, and using the stored predetermined effect element, “acquisition → storage → use” It is possible to execute a flowable effect such as.

  Further, according to the present solving means, since the specific effect is an effect in which the effect of the specific effect is exhibited when a predetermined effect element is used, an intuitively easy-to-understand effect such as “use = effect effect” is executed. In addition to being able to do it, if the same effect as the specific effect is exhibited before consuming the predetermined effect element, a sense of superiority that there is still a scene where the predetermined effect element is used still remains. Can be given to players.

  According to the gaming machine of the present invention, it is possible to execute a characteristic effect.

It is a front view of a pachinko machine. It is a rear view of a pachinko machine. It is a front view showing the game board unit alone. It is a figure showing the details of the 2nd variable winning device 31. It is a figure showing the details of the 2nd variable winning device 31. It is a front view which expands and shows a part of game board unit. It is a block diagram which shows various electronic devices with which a pachinko machine was equipped. It is a flowchart (1/2) which shows the example of a procedure of a reset start process. It is a flowchart (2/2) which shows the example of a procedure of a reset start process. It is a flow chart which shows an example of a procedure of power failure occurrence check processing concretely. It is a flow chart which shows the example of a procedure of interruption management processing. It is a flow chart which shows the example of a procedure of switch input event processing. It is the flowchart which shows the procedure example of the 1st special design memory renewal processing. It is the flowchart which shows the procedure example of 2nd special design memory renewal processing. It is a flow chart which shows the example of a procedure of production judgment processing at the time of acquisition. It is the flowchart which shows the constitution example of special design game processing. It is the flowchart which shows the procedure example of the special design fluctuation pretreatment. It is a flow chart which shows the example of a procedure of special symbol storage area shift processing. It is the figure which shows the constitution line of 1st special design big hit stop design selection table. It is a diagram showing a configuration column of the second special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table. It is a diagram showing an example of a second special symbol small hit stop symbol selection table. It is a flow chart which shows the example of a procedure of processing during special symbol stop display. It is a flowchart which shows the structural example of a display output management process. It is a flow chart which shows the example of composition of variable winning a prize device management processing. It is a flow chart which shows the example of a procedure of special winning opening opening pattern setting processing. It is a flow chart which shows the example of a procedure of big winning opening opening pattern setting processing at the time of a big hit. It is a diagram showing an example of a big hit time symbol-specific open pattern setting table. It is a flow chart which shows the example of a procedure of large winning a prize mouth opening pattern setting processing at the time of a small hit. It is a figure showing an example of a small hit time opening pattern setting table. It is a flow chart which shows the example of a procedure of special winning opening opening and closing operation processing. It is a flow chart which shows the example of a procedure of the 2nd special winning opening opening and closing operation processing. It is a flow chart which shows the example of a procedure of specific field opening-and-closing operation processing. It is a flow chart which shows the example of a procedure of processing at the time of passage of a specific field. It is a figure which shows an example of the opening pattern setting table classified by symbol at the time of specific region passage. It is a flow chart which shows the example of a procedure of the 1st special winning opening opening and closing operation processing. It is a flow chart which shows the example of a procedure of special winning opening closing processing. It is a flow chart which shows the example of a procedure of termination processing. It is a figure explaining the game flow developed when the 1st special symbol changes in normal mode. It is a figure explaining the game flow developed when the 2nd special symbol changes in normal mode. It is a figure explaining the game flow developed when the 1st special symbol changes in drive mode. It is a figure explaining the game flow developed when the 2nd special symbol changes in drive mode. It is a continuous view showing an example of the effect image corresponding to the variable display and the stop display of the special symbol (1/2). It is a continuous view showing an example of the effect image corresponding to the variable display and the stop display of the special symbol (2/2). It is a continuous diagram showing a flow of reach production executed at the time of a big hit (1/3). It is a continuous diagram showing a flow of reach production executed at the time of a big hit (2/3). It is a continuous diagram showing a flow of reach production executed at the time of a big hit (3/3). It is a continuation view partially showing an example of a big winning performance performed during a big hit game (1/2). It is a continuation view partially showing an example of a big winning effect executed during a big hit game (2/2). It is a continuous view showing an example of the effect of the drive mode (1/3). It is a continuous view showing an example of the effect of the drive mode (2/3). It is a continuous view showing an example of the effect of the drive mode (3/3). It is a continuous view showing a production example when the second special symbol changes in the drive mode in the non-time shortened state (1/2). It is a continuous view showing an example of production when the second special symbol changes in the drive mode in the non-time shortened state (2/2). It is the figure which shows the 1st production example of forecast profit indicatory production (1/3). It is a diagram showing a first example of the expected profit display effect (2/3). It is a diagram showing a first example of the expected profit display effect (3/3). It is a diagram showing a second example of the expected profit display effect (1/5). It is a diagram showing a second example of the expected profit display effect (2/5). It is a diagram showing a second example of the expected profit display effect (3/5). It is a diagram showing a second example of the expected profit display effect (4/5). It is a diagram showing a second example of the expected profit display effect (5/5). It is the figure which shows the production example when the reservation consecutive occurs without using the “sustaining consecutive coin”. It is the flowchart which shows the procedure example of production control processing. It is a flow chart which shows the example of a procedure of operation memory production management processing. It is the flowchart which shows the procedure example of production design management processing. It is the flowchart which shows the procedure example of production design fluctuation pre-processing. It is a flow chart which shows the example of a procedure of processing during production design stop display. It is a flow chart which shows the example of a procedure of processing at the time of operation of a variable winning device. It is a flow chart which shows the example of the procedure of the time saving, the pseudo time saving, and other effect processing. It is a flow chart which shows the example of a procedure of drum unit production management processing. It is a flow chart which shows the example of a procedure of forecast profit display production management processing. It is a flow chart which shows the example of a procedure of suspension consecutive production lottery processing. It is a figure which shows a reservation consecutive coin normal lottery table and a reservation consecutive coin special lottery table. It is a figure which shows the production content determination table (for 10 round big hits) of an expected profit display production.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter abbreviated as “pachinko machine”) 1. FIG. 2 is a rear view of the pachinko machine 1. The pachinko machine 1 uses a game ball as a game medium, and the player borrows the game ball from the game hall operator to perform a game with the pachinko machine 1. In the game on the pachinko machine 1, each game ball is a medium in which each one has a game value, and the privilege (profit) that the player enjoys as a result of the game is, for example, the game that the player has acquired. It can be converted into a game value based on the number of balls. The overall configuration of the gaming machine will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

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

  The outer frame unit 2 is a structure in which wood and metal materials are combined in a vertically long rectangular shape, and the outer frame unit 2 has fasteners such as screws for island equipment (not shown) in the game arcade. It is fixed by using. In the vertically long outer frame unit 2, wood is used for the parts corresponding to the upper and lower short sides, and a metal material is used for the parts corresponding to the left and right long sides.

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

  A unified lock unit 9 is provided inside the right edge portion (left edge portion in FIG. 2) of the inner frame assembly 7 when viewed from the front in FIG. Corresponding to this, locking tools (not shown) are also provided on the right edge (back side) of the integrated door unit 4 and the outer frame unit 2, respectively. As shown in FIG. 1, in a state where the integrated door unit 4 and the inner frame assembly 7 are closed with respect to the outer frame unit 2, the unified lock unit 9 on the back side of the integrated door unit 4 and the inner frame assembly 7 together with the locking tool. The opening of 7 is disabled.

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

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

  Further, the pachinko machine 1 includes the above-mentioned game board unit 8 as a game unit. The game board unit 8 is supported by the inner frame assembly 7 behind (inside) the integrated door unit 4. The game board unit 8 is attachable to and detachable from the inner frame assembly 7 in a state where the integrated door unit 4 is opened to the front side, for example. The integrated door unit 4 has a vertically elongated circular window 4a formed in the center thereof, and a glass unit (no reference numeral) is attached in the window 4a. The glass unit is, for example, a combination of two transparent plates (glass plates) cut according to the shape of the window 4a. The glass unit is attached to the back side of the integrated door unit 4 via an attachment tool (not shown). A game area 8a (board surface) is formed on the front surface of the game board unit 8, and this game area 8a is visible to the player from the front surface side through the window 4a. When the integrated door unit 4 is closed, a space where the game ball can flow down is formed between the inner surface of the glass unit and the board surface.

  The pan unit 6 has a shape that protrudes from the integrated door unit 4 to the front side as a whole, and an upper plate 6b is formed on the upper surface thereof. In this upper plate 6b, game balls (rental balls) lent to the player and game balls (prize balls) obtained by winning can be stored. Further, in the tray unit 6, a lower tray 6c is formed at a lower position of the upper tray 6b. In the lower plate 6c, the game balls further paid out in a state where the upper plate 6b is full are stored. Note that the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment is a model that is connected to a CR unit, and the game balls borrowed by the player are different from the prize balls from the payout device unit 172 on the back side to the saucer unit 6 (the upper plate 6b or the lower plate 6b). It is dispensed to dish 6c).

  A lending operation unit 14 is provided on the upper surface of the tray unit 6, and a ball lending button 10 and a return button 12 are arranged on the lending operation unit 14. When a player operates the ball lending button 10 with a valuable medium (for example, a magnetic recording medium, a storage IC built-in medium, etc.) inserted in a CR unit (not shown), the number corresponding to a predetermined frequency unit (for example, 5 degrees) (For example, 125) game balls are rented. Therefore, a frequency display section (not shown) is arranged on the upper surface of the lending operation section 14, and the frequency display section displays the remaining frequency of the valuable medium loaded in the CR unit. The player can operate the return button 12 to return the valuable medium with the remaining frequency. Although the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment has exemplified the model connected to the CR unit, it may be a cash machine (model not connected to the CR unit).

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

  A grip unit 16 is installed in the lower right part of the saucer unit 6. By operating the grip unit 16, the player can operate the launch control board set 174 to launch (drive) a game ball toward the game area 8a (ball launch device). The launched game ball rises from the lower edge of the game board unit 8 along the left edge, is guided by an outer band (not shown), and is thrown into the game area 8a. A large number of obstacle nails and windmills (without reference numerals in the figure) are arranged in the game area 8a, and the thrown game balls flow down in the game area 8a while being guided and guided by the obstacle nails and windmills. The structure of the game area 8a (board surface) will be described later with reference to another drawing.

[Structure of front of frame]
In the integrated door unit 4, a left top lens unit 47 and an upper right lighting unit 49 are installed as components for performance. Among them, the left top lens unit 47 has a glass frame top lamp 46 and a left glass frame decoration lamp 48 incorporated therein, and the right top illumination unit 49 has a right glass frame decoration lamp 50 incorporated therein. In addition, the integrated door unit 4 is provided with left and right glass frame decoration lamps 52 so as to be continuous below the left top lens unit 47 and the upper right electric decoration unit 49, respectively. It extends so as to wrap around from the left and right edges of the integrated door unit 4 to the front surface of the tray unit 6. In the integrated door unit 4, the glass frame top lamp 46, the left and right glass frame decoration lamps 48, 50, 52, etc. are arranged so as to surround the glass unit (no reference numeral).

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

  In addition, in the center of the tray unit 6, an effect switching button 45 (operation input receiving means) is installed in front of the upper tray 6b. The effect switching button 45 is, for example, a combination of a push-in circular button and a rotary jog ring (jog dial) around the push-in circular button. The player switches the content of the effect (for example, the background screen displayed on the liquid crystal display 42) by pushing or rotating the effect switching button 45, or some effect during, for example, the fluctuation of the symbol or the big hit game ( A notice effect, a probabilistic change promotion effect, a promotion effect during a major role, etc.) can be generated.

[Backside configuration]
As shown in FIG. 2, on the back side of the pachinko machine 1, the power supply control unit 162, the main control board unit 170, the payout device unit 172, the flow path unit 173, the firing control board set 174, and the payout control board unit 176. , A back cover unit 178 and the like are installed. In addition to this, on the back side of the pachinko machine 1, various electronic devices (including a control computer (not shown)) that make up the power supply system and control system of the pachinko machine 1, an external terminal board 160, a power cord (power plug) 164, A ground wire (ground terminal) 166, connection wiring (not shown), etc. are installed. Note that electronic devices will be described later based on another block diagram (FIG. 7).

  The above-mentioned payout device unit 172 has, for example, a prize ball tank 172a and a prize ball case (no reference numeral), of which the prize ball tank 172a is installed at the upper edge (back side) of the inner frame assembly 7. In this state, it is possible to store the game balls supplied from the supply route (not shown). The game balls stored in the prize ball tank 172a are guided to the prize ball case through an upper prize ball gutter (not shown). The flow path unit 173 guides the game balls sent from the payout device unit 172 toward the saucer unit 6 on the front surface side.

  Further, the external terminal board 160 is for connecting the pachinko machine 1 to an external electronic device (for example, a data display device, a hall computer, etc.), and from this external terminal board 160, the game of the pachinko machine 1 is played. Various external information signals (for example, prize ball information, door opening information, symbol confirmation number information, big hit information, starting opening information, etc.) indicating the progress status and maintenance status, etc. are output to the external electronic device. ing.

  The power cord 164 secures a power source (electric power) necessary for the operation of the pachinko machine 1 by being connected to, for example, a power source device (for example, AC24V) installed in an island facility of a game arcade. The ground wire 166 is also connected to a ground terminal similarly installed in the island facility to secure the ground (ground) of the pachinko machine 1.

[Structure of board]
FIG. 3 is a front view showing the game board unit 8 alone. A relatively large effect unit 40 is arranged in the center of the game area 8a, and the game area 8a is largely divided into a left part, a right part and a lower part with the effect unit 40 as the center. Further, in the game area 8a, a medium start winning opening 26, a starting gate 20, ordinary winning openings 22 and 25, a variable starting winning device 28, a first variable winning device 30, a second variable winning device around the effect unit 40. 31 etc. are distributed and installed. Of these, the middle start winning hole 26 is located in the center of the lower portion of the game area 8a. On the right side of the game area 8a (so-called right hitting area), a starting gate 20, a normal winning opening 25, a variable starting winning device 28, a first variable winning device 30, and a second variable winning device 31 are arranged in this order from the top. Has been done.

  The game ball thrown into the game area 8a passes through the starting gate 20 in the process of flowing down, enters the middle start winning opening 26, the normal winning openings 22 and 25 (wins), or opens. The player may enter the variable start winning device 28 at the time, the first variable winning device 30 at the opening operation, or the second variable winning device 31 at the opening operation. Here, the game ball flowing down the left side area of the game area 8a may enter the middle start winning opening 26 or the normal winning opening 22. The game ball flowing down the right side area of the game area 8a passes through the starting gate 20, enters the normal winning opening 25, enters the variable start winning device 28 during the opening operation, and opens during the opening operation. There is a possibility of entering the first variable winning device 30 or entering the second variable winning device 31 during the opening operation. The game balls that enter the middle starting winning opening 26, the normal winning openings 22 and 25, the variable starting winning device 28, the first variable winning device 30, and the second variable winning device 31 are game plates (when the game board unit 8 is configured). It is collected to the back side of the game board unit 8 through a through hole formed in a plate material, a transparent plate, etc.

  In the present embodiment, the variable start winning device 28 operates when a predetermined operating condition is satisfied (when a normal symbol is stopped and displayed in a winning manner), and accordingly, the right starting winning opening 28b is entered. Enables a ball (normal electric accessory). The variable start winning device 28 has, for example, a pair of left and right opening / closing members 28a, and these opening / closing members 28a reciprocate in the left-right direction along the board surface by the action of a link mechanism using a solenoid (not shown). That is, as shown in FIG. 3, the left and right opening / closing members 28a are in the closed position with their tips facing upward, and at this time, it is difficult to enter the right starting winning opening 28b (the game ball enters the ball. There is no gap that can be created). On the other hand, when the variable start winning device 28 operates, the left and right opening / closing members 28a are respectively displaced (opened) from the closed position toward the open position, and the opening width is expanded left and right to open the right starting winning opening 28b. In the meantime, the variable start winning device 28 is in a state where the game balls can be entered, and the right starting winning port 28b can be entered (variable starting winning means). At this time, the opening / closing member 28a also functions as a member for guiding the entry of the game ball into the right start winning opening 28b. Further, the arrangement of the obstacle nails installed in the game board unit 8 is basically a mode that does not extremely hinder the flow of the game balls toward the variable start winning device 28 (the right starting winning opening 28b when opened). However, the game balls do not necessarily enter the variable start winning device 28 (right starting winning opening 28b) at the time of opening operation, and the balls are randomly generated.

  The variable start winning device 28 is a condition that is difficult to be satisfied in the non-time shortened state (predetermined game state), and is a condition that is more easily satisfied in the non-time shortened state (advantageous game state) than the non-time shortened state. If the operating condition (the condition that the normal symbol is stopped and displayed in the winning mode and the normal electric accessory is opened for a long time) is not satisfied, it is difficult to enter the game ball into the right start winning opening 28b. On the other hand, when the predetermined operating condition is satisfied, the state shifts to the easy entry state in which it is easier to enter the game ball into the right starting winning opening 28b than the difficult entry state. The variable start winning device 28, when the normal symbol is stopped and displayed in the winning mode in the non-time shortened state, short-opens (0.1 second is opened), and in the time shortened state, the normal symbol is stopped and displayed in the winning mode. If it is done, it is opened long (1.0 to 6.0 seconds).

  The first variable winning device 30 operates when prescribed conditions are satisfied (when a special symbol is stopped and displayed in the form of a big hit, or when a game ball passes a specific area during a small hit game). , It is possible to enter the first big winning opening 30b (special electric accessory, special winning event generating means). The first variable winning device 30 has, for example, one opening / closing member 30a. The opening / closing member 30a is displaced from the closed position to the open position by the action of a link mechanism using a solenoid (not shown), for example. As shown in the drawing, the opening / closing member 30a is in the closed position (closed state) with the tip facing upward, and at this time, it is difficult to enter the first big winning opening 30b (the first big winning opening 30b is closed). Is. When the first variable winning device 30 is operated, the opening / closing member 30a is displaced so as to fall to the right with the lower end edge portion thereof serving as a hinge, and the first big winning opening 30b is opened (open state). During this time, the first variable winning device 30 is in a state in which the game balls can flow in, and an event of entering the first special winning opening 30b can be generated. At this time, the opening / closing member 30a also functions as a member for guiding the inflow of the game balls into the first special winning opening 30b. The arrangement of the obstacle nails installed in the game board unit 8 is basically a mode that does not extremely hinder the flow of the game balls toward the first variable winning a prize device 30 (the first special winning opening 30b during operation). However, the game balls do not always enter the first variable winning device 30 at the time of operation, and the balls are randomly generated.

  The second variable winning device 31 operates when a special condition is satisfied (when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the form of a small hit), and allows a ball to enter the second big winning opening 31b ( Special electric accessory, second special prize event generating means). The second variable winning device 31 may be operated when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a big-hit mode.

  The second variable winning device 31 is a device arranged on the right side of the effect unit 40, and has, for example, one opening / closing member 31a. The first variable winning device 30 employs a device (a single-wing tulip-type attacker) in which the opening / closing member 30a falls to the right, but the second variable winning device 31 has an opening / closing member 31a. A device that slides inside the board is used (sliding attacker). Then, the opening / closing member 31a reciprocates in the front-back direction with respect to the board surface by the action of a link mechanism using a solenoid (not shown), for example. The opening / closing member 31a is in a closed position (closed state) in a state of protruding from the board surface to the player side, and at this time, the game ball rolls on the upper surface of the opening / closing member 31a, so to the second big winning opening 31b. Is difficult (the second big winning opening 31b is closed). Then, when the second variable winning device 31 operates, the opening / closing member 31a is pulled into the inside of the board surface to open the second special winning opening 31b (open state). During this time, the second variable winning device 31 is in a state where it is not difficult for the game balls to flow in, and an event of entering the second special winning opening 31b can be generated.

[Specific area]
In addition, a specific area 31x is provided inside the second variable winning device 31. The specific area 31x is an area in which the game ball is difficult to pass when the second variable winning device 31 is in the closed state, and the specific area slide member 31c is when the second variable winning device 31 is in the open state. This is an area through which the game ball can pass when it is pulled into the inside of the board. The details of the second variable winning device 31 will be described later.

  Although not particularly shown, the second variable winning device 31 (opening / closing member 31a) may be formed with a game ball rolling speed lowering unit that lowers the speed at which the game ball rolls. The game ball rolling speed lowering portion is formed by gently sloping the opening / closing member 31a or forming protrusions alternately protruding in a zigzag manner at the position on the opening / closing member 31a where the game ball passes. Can be realized. As a result, a large number of game balls can be inserted into the second variable winning device 31 during the small hit game.

  In addition, an outlet 32 is formed in the game area 8a, and the game balls that have not won are finally collected to the back side of the game board unit 8 through the outlet 32. Further, the medium starting winning opening 26, the normal winning openings 22 and 25, the variable starting winning device 28 (right starting winning opening 28b), the first variable winning device 30 (first big winning opening 30b), the second variable winning device 31 ( All the game balls hit in the game area 8a, including the game balls that have entered the second special winning opening 31b and the specific area), are collected on the back side of the game board unit 8. The collected game balls are discharged to the outside of the frame from the back side of the pachinko machine 1 through an out passage assembly (not shown), and join the supply route of the island facility (not shown).

4 and 5 are diagrams showing the details of the second variable winning device 31.
In the second variable winning a prize device 31, the second special winning opening 31b is arranged below the sliding type opening / closing member 31a. The inside of the second special winning opening 31b is inclined downward to the left, and the passage extends downward at the left end. A second count switch 85 is arranged in the passage extending downward, and the second count switch 85 counts the number of game balls that have entered the second variable winning device 31.

Then, the passage extending downward is divided into two routes. One first passage 31d extends downward as it is, and the other second passage 31e branches to the left.
The specific region slide member 31c is arranged in the first passage 31d, and the specific region 31x is arranged downstream of the first passage 31d. A specific area switch (not shown) is arranged inside the specific area 31x.
On the other hand, no special member is arranged in the second passage 31e, and a discharge hole 31y is arranged downstream of the second passage 31e.

  The specific area slide member 31c operates when a special condition is satisfied (between the first time after the second variable winning device 31 operates and before the second time elapses), and moves to the specific area 31x. Allows the passage of game balls. The specific area slide member 31c slides along the front-rear direction of the board surface by the action of a link mechanism using a specific area solenoid (not shown), for example. For example, after the lapse of the first time, 0.2 seconds has elapsed after the second variable winning a prize device 31 has been activated, and after the second time has elapsed, 1.8 seconds after the operation of the second variable award winning device 31. After the passage.

  When the specific area solenoid is in the OFF state, the specific area slide member 31c blocks the first passage 31d, so that it is difficult for the game ball to pass through the specific area 31x. On the other hand, when the specific area solenoid is turned on, the specific area slide member 31c is pulled inside the board surface, so that the game ball can easily pass through the specific area 31x.

Next, the operation of the second variable winning device 31 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 4 (A), the slide-type opening / closing member 31a is pulled inside the board surface, and the game ball has entered the second big winning opening 31b. In the illustrated example, four game balls are proceeding toward the second special winning opening 31b. Here, it is in a state immediately before the first game ball is detected by the second count switch 85.

  As shown in FIG. 4B, the first game ball has reached the specific area slide member 31c. The second and third gaming balls are moving toward the second count switch 85. The fourth game ball is about to enter the second special winning opening 31b.

  As shown in FIG. 4 (C), at this point, the specific area slide member 31c is not pulled inward (because it is not in operation), so the first game ball is the specific area slide. The traveling direction is changed to the left by the member 31c and the traveling through the second passage 31e. In this case, the first game ball is collected by the discharge hole 31y.

  As shown in (D) of FIG. 5, it is assumed that the specific area slide member 31c has been pulled into the inside of the board at this point (during operation). In this case, the second game ball passes through the front side of the specific region slide member 31c and proceeds to the first passage 31d. Then, the second game ball passes through the specific area 31x and is detected by the specific area switch.

  As shown in (E) in FIG. 5, the third game ball also passes through the front side of the specific region slide member 31c and proceeds to the first passage 31d. In this case, the third game ball passes through the specific area 31x and is detected by the specific area switch.

  As shown in (F) of FIG. 5, at this time, the operation of the specific region slide member 31 c is finished, and the specific region slide member 31 c is projected to the front side of the board. In this case, the fourth game ball is guided to the left by the specific area slide member 31c and advances to the second passage 31e. Then, the fourth game ball is collected by the discharge hole 31y.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged front view showing a part of the game board unit 8 (lower left position in the window 4a).
In the game board unit 8, for example, a normal symbol display device 33 (normal symbol display means) and a normal symbol working memory lamp 33a are provided at the lower right position in the window 4a, and a first special symbol display device 34 (first 1 symbol display means), the second special symbol display device 35 (second symbol display means), the first special symbol working memory lamp 34a, the second special symbol working memory lamp 35a and the game state display device 38 are provided.

  Of these, the normal symbol display device 33, for example, alternately lights two lamps (LEDs) to display the normal symbol in a variable manner, and stops and displays the normal symbol by turning on or off the lamp. The normal symbol working memory lamp 33a displays a memory number of 0 to 4 by a combination of turning off or lighting and blinking of two lamps (LEDs), for example. For example, in the display mode in which both the two lamps are turned off, the number of storages is 0, in the display mode in which one lamp is turned on, the storage number is 1 and in the display mode in which the same one lamp is blinked. Two memory numbers are displayed, three memory numbers are displayed in the display mode in which one lamp is blinked and another lamp is turned on, and four memory numbers are displayed in the display mode in which two lamps are both blinked. For example, displaying individual pieces. Although two lamps (LED) are used here, four lamps (LED) may be used to configure the normal symbol working memory lamp 33a. In this case, the number of working memories can be displayed by the number of lamps that are turned on.

  The normal symbol working memory lamp 33a is changed to a display mode after being increased by one in order to remember that each time the game ball passes through the above-mentioned starting gate 20, each time the gaming ball passes, which triggers the working lottery. Then (up to a maximum of four), the display mode after the reduction is reduced by one each time the variation of the normal symbol is started with the passage as a trigger. In the present embodiment, when the normal symbol working memory lamp 33a is not lit (the number of memories is 0), the game ball passes through the starting gate 20 in a state where the normal symbol can already start changing (at the time of stop display). However, the display mode does not change. That is, the memory number (maximum four) represented by the display mode of the normal symbol working memory lamp 33a represents the number of passages at which the fluctuation of the normal symbol has not yet started.

  Further, the first special symbol display device 34 and the second special symbol display device 35 can display the changing state and the stopped state of the special symbol by, for example, 7-segment LED (with a dot) (symbol display means, first). Symbol display means, second symbol display means). In addition, the first special symbol display device 34 and the second special symbol display device 35 may have a form in which a plurality of dot LEDs are geometrically (for example, circular) arranged.

  Further, the first special symbol working memory lamp 34a and the second special symbol working memory lamp 35a are, for example, 0 to 4 pieces each according to a display mode configured by a combination of two lamps (LEDs) being turned off or turned on and blinking. The memory number of is displayed (memory number display means). For example, in the display mode in which both of the two lamps are turned off, the number of memories is 0, in the display mode in which one lamp is turned on, the number of memories is 1 is displayed, and in the display mode in which the same one lamp blinks. Two memory numbers are displayed, three memory numbers are displayed in the display mode in which one lamp is lit and the other lamp is lit, and three memory numbers are displayed in the display mode in which two lamps are both blinked. For example, 4 pieces are displayed.

  The first special symbol working memory lamp 34a is changed to a display mode after being increased by one in order to remember that a game ball has been generated each time a game ball has entered the middle start winning port 26. It goes up (up to 4 pieces), and each time the variation of the special symbol is triggered by the entry, the display pattern is changed to one after the reduction. Further, the second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a, one by one in the sense that the game ball is entered into the variable start winning device 28 (right start winning opening 28b), each time the game ball is stored It changes to the display mode after the increase (up to a maximum of 4), and the change to the display mode after the decrease by one each time the variation of the special symbol is triggered by the entry. In the present embodiment, when the first special symbol working memory lamp 34a is not lit (the number of memories is 0), the first special symbol (first symbol) can already start changing (at the time of stop display). Even if a game ball enters the middle start winning hole 26, the display mode does not change. In addition, when the second special symbol working memory lamp 35a is not lit (the number of memory is 0), the second special symbol (second symbol) is already in a variable startable state (at the time of stop display) the variable start winning device 28. Even if a game ball enters the (right start winning opening 28b), the display mode does not change. That is, the number of memories (maximum 4) represented by the display mode of each special symbol working memory lamp 34a, 35a is the number of entered balls at which the fluctuation of the first special symbol or the second special symbol has not started yet. It represents the number of times.

  Further, the game state display device 38 includes, for example, six LEDs corresponding to the big hit type display lamps 38a, 38b, 38c, the time saving state display lamp 38e, and the firing position designation display lamp 38f. In the present embodiment, the above-mentioned normal symbol display device 33, normal symbol working memory lamp 33a, first special symbol display device 34, second special symbol display device 35, first special symbol working memory lamp 34a, second special symbol The symbol working memory lamp 35a and the game state display device 38 are mounted on the game board unit 8 in a state of being mounted on one integrated display board 89.

[Other structure of game board: see FIG. 3]
The effect unit 40 has the upper edge 40a functioning as a guide member for changing the flow direction of the game ball, and is provided with various decorative parts 40b, 40c inside thereof. The decorative parts 40b and 40c can enhance the decorativeness of the game board unit 8 by their three-dimensional modeling, and can perform a dramatic operation by emitting transmitted light by a built-in light emitting device (LED or the like), for example. .. Further, a liquid crystal display 42 (image display) is installed on the upper inside of the effect unit 40, and the liquid crystal display 42 has a design symbol (present symbol) corresponding to a special symbol and a fourth symbol, Various effect images including the memory marker (hold display) are displayed. In this way, the game board unit 8 impresses the player with the characteristics of the pachinko machine 1 based on the configuration of the board surface (the design of the cell plate (not shown)) and the decorativeness of the effect unit 40.

Further, a drum unit 200 is installed in the lower inside of the effect unit 40.
The drum unit 200 includes a left reel 201, a middle reel 202, and a right reel 203, and pseudo effect symbols (7 symbols, panda symbols, cherry symbols, etc.) are displayed on each reel. For example, when 7 symbols of the same color are displayed on the middle line which is an effective line, it indicates that the result of the big hit is obtained in the special symbol lottery. Each reel of the drum unit 200 is a movable body that is movable at a plurality of movable speeds.

  A ball guide passage 40d is formed at the left edge of the effect unit 40. The ball guide passage 40d passes through the back side of the effect unit 40 and is connected to the rolling stage 40e below. The ball guide passage 40d opens diagonally upward to the left in the game area 8a, and when a game ball flowing down in the game area 8a flows into the ball guide passage 40d at random, the ball guide passage 40d rolls through it. It is discharged onto the stage 40e. The upper surface of the rolling stage 40e has a smooth curved surface, and here the game ball can roll in the left-right direction. The game ball rolling on the rolling stage 40e eventually flows down into the lower game area 8a. A ball discharge path 40k is formed at the center of the rolling stage 40e, and the game ball guided from the rolling stage 40e to the ball discharge path 40k easily flows into the middle start winning opening 26 located therebelow. ..

  In addition, inside the upper center of the rendering unit 40, a drive source (for example, motor, solenoid, etc.) not shown is attached together with a movable body 40f for rendering (for example, a heart-shaped ornament). The movable body 40f for effect can perform, in addition to the effect using the image on the liquid crystal display 42 and the effect by the light emitter, an effect involving the operation of a tangible object. By the effect using the movable body 40f, an appealing power different from the effect using the two-dimensional image can be exerted.

[Control configuration]
Next, a configuration related to control of the pachinko machine 1 will be described. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing various electronic devices mounted on the pachinko machine 1. The pachinko machine 1 is provided with a main control device 70 (main control computer) which is the center of the control operation, and the main control device 70 mainly has a function of controlling the progress of the game in the pachinko machine 1. There is. The main controller 70 is built in the main control board unit 170.

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

  The starting gate 20 described above is integrally provided with a gate switch 78 for detecting passage of a game ball. Further, in the game board unit 8, a medium starting winning opening switch 26, a variable starting winning device 28, a first variable winning device 30 and a second variable winning device 31, respectively corresponding to a middle starting winning opening switch 80 and a right starting winning opening. The switch 82, the first count switch 84, and the second count switch 85 are provided. Each of the starting winning opening switches 80 and 82 is for detecting a winning of a game ball to the starting winning opening 26 and the variable starting winning device 28 (right starting winning opening 28b). Further, the count switch 84 is for detecting the winning of the game ball into the first variable winning device 30 (first big winning opening 30b) and counting the number thereof. Further, the second count switch 85 is for detecting the winning of the game ball into the second variable winning device 31 (the second big winning opening 31b) and counting the number thereof.

  Besides, a specific area switch 83 is provided corresponding to the specific area 31x. A specific area switch 83 is provided at a position corresponding to the specific area 31x inside the second special winning opening 31b, and the specific area switch 83 detects that the game ball has passed through the specific area 31x.

  Similarly, the game board unit 8 is equipped with a winning opening switch 86 for detecting the winning of the game balls into the normal winning openings 22 and 25. In addition, here, the configuration using the common winning opening switch 86 for all of the normal winning openings 22 and 25 is taken as an example, but, for example, separate winning opening switches 86 are provided on the left and right sides of the board, and the winning opening on the left side is provided. The switch 86 detects the winning of the game ball to the normal winning openings 22 and 25 located on the left side of the board, and the right winning opening switch 86 detects the winning of the game ball to the normal winning opening 25 located on the right side of the board. May be

  In any case, the winning detection signals and passage detection signals of these switches 80, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86 are input to the main control CPU 72 via an input / output driver (not shown). It should be noted that, in the configuration of the game board unit 8, in the present embodiment, winning detection signals and passage detection signals from the gate switch 78, the specific area switch 83, the count switch 84, and the winning opening switch 86 are passed through the panel relay terminal board 87. The panel relay terminal board 87 is provided with wiring patterns and connection terminals for relaying the respective winning detection signals.

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

  In addition, in the game board unit 8, the variable starting winning device 28, the first variable winning device 30, the second variable winning device 31, and the specific region 31x respectively corresponding to the normal electric prize solenoid 88, the first big winning opening solenoid. 90, a second special winning opening solenoid 97 and a specific area solenoid 99 are provided. These solenoids 88, 90, 97, 99 are operated (excited) based on control signals from the main control CPU 72, and the variable start winning device 28, the first variable winning device 30, the second variable winning device 31, and the specific area 31x, respectively. Open and close. It should be noted that these solenoids 88, 90, 97, 99 are also relayed through the panel relay terminal plate 87, and control signals are transmitted from the main control CPU 72.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Further, the saucer unit 6 includes a frequency display board 122 and a lending / returning switch board 123. Of these, the frequency display substrate 122 is provided with a display device (7-segment LED for 3 digits) of the frequency display unit. Further, switch modules connected to the ball lending button 10 and the return button 12 are mounted on the lending / returning switch board 123, and when the ball lending button 10 or the return button 12 is operated, the operation signal thereof is lent. And it is transmitted from the return switch substrate 123 to the CR unit via the lending device connection terminal board 120 for gaming balls and the like. In addition, from the CR unit, a frequency signal indicating the remaining frequency of the valuable medium is transmitted to the frequency display board 122 via the game ball and other lending device connection terminal board 120. A display circuit (not shown) on the frequency display substrate 122 drives the display device based on the frequency signal to numerically display the remaining frequency of the valuable medium. Further, when the valuable medium is not loaded into the CR unit or the remaining frequency of the loaded valuable medium becomes 0, the display circuit of the frequency display substrate 122 drives the display unit to display a demo display (the valuable medium). Can also be displayed.

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

  Further, the effect control device 124 is equipped with an input / output driver (not shown) and various peripheral ICs, as well as a lamp drive circuit 132 and a sound drive circuit 134. The effect control CPU 126 controls the effect based on the command for effect transmitted from the main control CPU 72, gives a command to the lamp drive circuit 132 and the sound drive circuit 134, and emits various lamps 46 to 52 and the panel lamp 53. The process of causing the speakers 54, 55, 56 to actually output sound effects, voice, and the like is performed.

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

  The lamp drive circuit 132 includes, for example, a switching element such as a PWM (pulse width modulation) IC or MOSFET (not shown), and the lamp drive circuit 132 switches (or switches duty) drive voltages applied to various lamps including LEDs. ) And manage the operations such as light emission and blinking. In addition to the glass frame top lamp 46 and the glass frame decoration lamps 48, 50 and 52, the various lamps include a board lamp 53 for decoration and effect installed in the game board unit 8. The board lamp 53 corresponds to the LED built in the above-mentioned effect unit, the LED built in the variable start winning device 28, the first variable winning device 30, the second variable winning device 31, and the like. Although the glass frame decorative lamp 52 is connected to the glass frame decorative substrate 136 here, a saucer decorative substrate is installed in the saucer unit 6, and the glass frame decorative lamp 52 is provided with a saucer decorative lamp. It may be configured to be connected to the lamp drive circuit 132 via a substrate.

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

  In the present embodiment, a glass frame electric decoration substrate 136 is installed on the inner surface of the integrated door unit 4, and drive signals from the lamp drive circuit 132 and the acoustic drive circuit 134 pass through the glass frame electric decoration substrate 136 and various lamps 46. To 52 and speakers 54, 55, 56. In addition, the above-mentioned production change button 45 is connected to the glass frame electric circuit board 136, and when the player operates the production switching button 45, the contact signal is sent to the production control device 124 through the glass frame electric circuit board 136. Is entered. Here, an example in which the effect switching button 45 is connected to the glass frame decorative board 136 is given, but when the above saucer decorative board is installed, the effect switch button 45 is connected to the decorative saucer board. Good. In addition, a panel lighting board 138 is installed in the game board unit 8, and a movable body motor 57 is connected to the panel lighting board 138 in addition to the board lamp 53. The movable body motor 57 drives the movable body 40f via a link mechanism (not shown), for example. The drive signal from the lamp drive circuit 132 is applied to the panel lamp 53 and the movable body motor 57 via the panel illumination board 138, respectively. The movable body motor 57 may be a solenoid.

[Drum unit]
Further, the drum unit 200 is connected to the effect control device 124.
The drum unit 200 includes a left reel 201, a center reel 202, and a right reel 203 that are coaxially arranged.
The left reel 201, the middle reel 202, and the right reel 203 are each formed in an annular shape, and a plurality of pseudo effect symbols are wound around the reel band and arranged in a line. .. The left reel 201, the center reel 202, and the right reel 203 have a rotation axis at their centers, and can be rotated or reversely rotated about the rotation axis.

  Further, the drum unit 200 is provided with a stepping motor (not shown) corresponding to each reel (hereinafter also simply referred to as a motor) and a position detection mechanism not shown corresponding to each reel. The position detection mechanism may be arranged inside the stepping motor or may be arranged outside the stepping motor. The position detection mechanism can be configured by, for example, a light shielding plate and a photo sensor.

  The stepping motor is driven by a drum unit control device (driver, IC) (not shown) that controls the drum unit 200. The drum unit control device drives each reel according to the movable body data transmitted from the effect control device 124. Further, the drum unit control device transmits a detection signal to the effect control device 124 in response to the detection of the position of each reel (for example, the origin position) detected by the position detection mechanism.

  Then, the effect control device 124 generates movable body data to be transmitted to the stepping motor corresponding to each reel based on the detection signal transmitted from the drum unit control device, and controls the operation of each reel.

  The stepping motor is a motor that drives each reel (movable body) by alternately repeating one-phase excitation and two-phase excitation (1-2-phase excitation drive). The stepping motor has four coils (coil 1 to coil 1). The coil 4) is included.

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

  A basic program relating to the effect control is stored in the ROM 128 of the effect control CPU 126, and the effect control CPU 126 executes the effect control according to this program. The control of the effect includes the control of the effect using the various lamps 46 to 53 and the speakers 54, 55, 56 as described above, and the control of the effect by the image display using the liquid crystal display 42. .. The effect control CPU 126 transmits basic information (for example, effect number) related to the effect to the display control CPU 146, and the display control CPU 146 which has received the information specifically generates an image for effect based on the basic information. Control to display.

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

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

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

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

[Reset start (main) processing]
When the pachinko machine 1 is powered on, the main control CPU 72 starts a reset start process. The reset start process restores the game state based on the backup information saved at the previous power-off time (so-called power restoration), and conversely clears the backup information to prepare the initial state of the pachinko machine 1. This is processing for. Further, the reset start process is positioned as a main process (main control program) for ensuring stable game operation of the pachinko machine 1 after the adjustment of the initial state.

  8 and 9 are flowcharts showing an example of the procedure of the reset start process. Hereinafter, the processing performed by the main control CPU 72 will be described step by step.

  Step S101: The main control CPU72 first sets the top address of the stack area in the stack pointer.

  Step S102: Subsequently, the main control CPU72 sets the vector type interrupt mode (mode 2) and corrects the default RST type interrupt mode (mode 0). Thereby, thereafter, the main control CPU 72 can execute an assigned interrupt handler by referring to an arbitrary address (however, the least significant bit is 0) as an interrupt vector.

  Step S103: The main control CPU72 executes a reset standby process here. This process is to secure a certain waiting time (for example, about several thousand ms) at the time of reset start (for example, power-on) and check the main power-off detection signal during that time. Specifically, when the main control CPU 72 sets the loop counter for the waiting time, the main control CPU 72 bit-checks the input port of the main power-off detection signal while decrementing the value of the loop counter. The main power-off detection signal is input from, for example, a power supply monitoring IC that is a peripheral device. Then, when the input of the main power-off detection signal is confirmed before the loop counter becomes 0, the main control CPU 72 restarts the process from the beginning. This makes it possible to protect the system when, for example, the operation of turning on and off the main power switch (not shown) is repeatedly performed within a short time (about 1 to 2 seconds).

  Step S104: Next, the main control CPU72 permits access to the work area of the RAM76. Specifically, the RAM protection setting value of the work area is reset (00H). As a result, after that, access to the work area of the RAM 76 is permitted.

  Step S105: Further, the main control CPU 72 initializes the mask register for setting the interrupt mask. Specifically, the value that enables the CTC interrupt is stored in the mask register.

  Step S106: The main control CPU72 refers to the input signal from the RAM clear switch saved previously, and confirms whether or not the RAM clear switch is operated (switch ON). If the RAM clear switch is not operated (No), then step S107 is executed.

  Step S107: Next, the main control CPU72 confirms whether or not the backup information is stored in the RAM76, that is, whether or not the backup validity determination flag is set. If the backup is normally completed in the previous power-off process and the backup validity determination flag (for example, “A55AH”) is set (Yes), then the main control CPU72 executes step S108.

  Step S108: The main control CPU72 performs a sum check on the backup information in the RAM76. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 performs a thumb check on all areas of the work area of the RAM 76 (user work area including a use prohibited area and a stack area) except for the backup validity determination flag and the sum check buffer. If the result of the sum check is normal (Yes), then the main control CPU72 executes step S109.

Step S109: The main control CPU72 resets the backup validity determination flag (for example, "0000H").
Step S110: Further, the main control CPU72 clears the command waiting for transmission immediately before the occurrence of the previous power failure.

  Step S111: Next, the main control CPU72 executes the effect control return processing. In this processing, the main control CPU72 instructs the effect control device 124 to return a command (for example, a model designation command, a special symbol probability state designation command, a working command when the number of working memories is increased, a working command when the working memory is decreased, a cut-off count). Counter command, special game state designation command, etc.) is transmitted. In response to this, the performance control device 124 is in the performance state that was being executed at the time of the last power-off (for example, the internal probability state, the display mode of the effect symbol, the effect memory number effect display mode, the sound output content, various lamps). It is possible to restore the light emitting state, etc.).

  Step S112: The main control CPU72 executes a state restoration process. In this processing, the main control CPU72 sets various values in the work area of the RAM76 based on the backup information, and the game state that was being executed at the time of the previous power-off (for example, the display mode of the special symbol, the internal probability state, The contents of working memory, various flag states, random number update states, etc.) are restored. Further, the main control CPU72 restores the backed-up value of the PC register.

  On the other hand, when the RAM clear switch is operated when the power is turned on (step S106: Yes), the backup valid determination flag is not set (step S107: No), or the backup information is not normal. (Step S108: No), the main control CPU72 shifts to step S113.

Step S113: The main control CPU72 clears the stored contents of the RAM76 other than the prohibited area. As a result, the work area and stack area of the RAM 76 are all initialized, and even if valid backup information is saved, its contents are erased.
Step S114: Further, the main control CPU72 initializes the RAM76.

  Step S115: The main control CPU72 executes effect control output processing. In this processing, the main control CPU72 outputs a command to be transmitted to the effect control device 124 after initialization (command necessary for effect control).

  Step S116: The main control CPU72 executes a payout control output process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 outputs to the payout control device 92 an instruction command for starting payout of prize balls.

  Step S117: The main control CPU72 executes a CTC initialization process to initialize the CTC (counter / timer circuit) which is a peripheral device. In this processing, the main control CPU72 sets an interrupt vector register, and also sets an interrupt count value (for example, 4 ms) in CTC. As a result, when the CTC interrupt occurs next time, the main control CPU72 can continue the process from the program address of the PC register that was backed up.

  When the above procedure is executed in the reset start processing, the main control CPU72 shifts to the main loop shown in FIG. 9 (connection symbol A → A).

  Step S118, Step S119: The main control CPU72 prohibits an interrupt and then executes a power-off occurrence check process. In this processing, the main control CPU 72 bit-checks the input port of the main power-off detection signal and monitors the occurrence of power-off (driving voltage drop). When the power is cut off, the main control CPU 72 clears the output port buffer corresponding to the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 88, the special winning opening solenoid 90, etc., and the whole work area of the RAM 76 excluding the backup valid determination flag and the sum check buffer. Back up the contents of and store the sum result value in the sum check buffer. Then, the main control CPU72 stores the above-mentioned effective value (for example, "A55AH") in the backup effective judgment flag area, prohibits the access to the RAM76, and stops the processing (NOP). On the other hand, if the power is not cut off, the main control CPU72 next executes step S120. Note that there is also a known programming example in which the CPU is caused to execute the processing at the time of occurrence of the power failure as a non-maskable interrupt (NMI) processing.

  Step S120: The main control CPU72 executes an initial value updating random number updating process. In this processing, the main control CPU72 increments the random number for updating (changing) the initial values of various software random numbers. In the present embodiment, various types of random numbers except jackpot determination random numbers (hardware random numbers) and hit determination random numbers (hardware random numbers) corresponding to ordinary symbols (for example, jackpot symbol random numbers, reach determination random numbers, fluctuation pattern determination random numbers, etc.) Is generated in the program. These software random numbers are updated by a loop counter within a predetermined range in another interrupt process (step S201 in FIG. 11), but the initial value of the loop counter (all Random number does not have to be the target) has been changed. The random number for initial value update is used to randomly change the initial value, and in step S120, the random number for initial value update is updated. It should be noted that the reason why step S120 is executed after prohibiting the interrupt in step S118 is that the same process is executed in another interrupt management process (step S202 in FIG. 11), and therefore, duplication (competition) with this is performed. ) Is to prevent. As described above, in the present embodiment, the big hit determination random number and the hit determination random number are hardware random numbers generated by the random number generator 75, and the update cycle thereof is faster than the timer interrupt cycle (for example, several ms). Since it is (for example, several μs), it is not necessary to update the big hit determination random number and the initial value of the hit determination random number.

  Step S121, Step S122: The main control CPU72 permits the interrupt and executes other random number update processing. The random numbers updated in this process are random numbers (reach determination random numbers, fluctuation pattern determination random numbers, etc.) that do not relate to the determination of the winning type (winning type) among the software random numbers. This process is performed in the remaining time when a timer interrupt occurs during execution of the main loop and the main control CPU 72 executes another interrupt management process (FIG. 11). The details of the interrupt management process will be described later.

[Power failure occurrence check processing]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart specifically showing a procedure example of the above-described power failure occurrence check process.
Step S130: Here, first, the main control CPU72 sets the condition for power failure occurrence check. This check condition can be set as, for example, an on-counter value for confirming that the main power-off detection signal is continuously output.

  Step S132: Next, the main control CPU72 reads the main power supply cutoff detection switch input port and confirms whether or not the main power supply cutoff detection signal is output (checks a specific bit). Although not particularly shown, the main power-off detection switch is mounted in, for example, the main control device 70. The main power-off detection switch monitors the drive voltage supplied from the power supply control unit 162, and its voltage level is When the voltage drops below the reference voltage, the main power disconnection detection signal is output. The main power-off detection switch may be built in the power supply control unit 162. If the main control CPU 72 confirms that the main power-off detection signal is not output at this time (No), the main control CPU 72 exits this process and returns to the reset start process. On the other hand, when confirming that the main power-off detection signal is output (Yes), the main control CPU72 proceeds to the next step S134.

  Step S134: The main control CPU72 confirms whether or not the above check condition is satisfied. Specifically, the on-counter value set in the previous step S130 is decremented by 1, for example, and it is confirmed whether or not the result has become 0. If the on-counter value is not 0 at this time (No), the main control CPU72 returns to step S132 to reconfirm the main power-off detection switch input port. Then, when the check condition is satisfied by repeating the loop from step S134 to step S132 (step S134: Yes), the main control CPU72 proceeds to step S136.

  Step S136: The main control CPU72 clears the output port buffer corresponding to the test signal terminal and the command control signal in addition to the output port corresponding to the normal electric accessory solenoid 88 and the special winning opening solenoid 90 as described above.

Step S138, Step S140: Next, the main control CPU72 adds the entire contents of the work area of the RAM76 excluding the backup validity determination flag and the sum check buffer in 1-byte units, and repeats until the addition is completed for all areas. ..
Step S142: When the sum calculation is completed for all the areas (step S140: Yes), the main control CPU72 stores the sum result value in the sum check buffer.

Step S144: Next, the main control CPU72 stores a valid value in the backup validity determination flag area as described above.
Step S146: Further, the main control CPU72 stores "01H" indicating access prohibition in the protect value of the RAM76, and prohibits access to the work area (including the use prohibition area and the stack area) of the RAM76.
Step S148: Then, the main control CPU72 enters a standby loop and stops all other processing in preparation for shutting off the main power supply cutoff. After the main power supply is cut off, backup power is supplied from a backup power supply circuit (not shown) (for example, a circuit including a capacitive element mounted in the main control device 70), so that the contents stored in the RAM 76 are lost even after the main power supply is cut off. Retained without doing. The backup power supply circuit may be incorporated in the power supply control unit 162, for example.

  Through the above processing, all information stored in the work area of the RAM 76 to be backed up (sum addition target) is retained in the RAM 76 as storage even after the main power is turned off. Further, the retained memory is restored as backup information at the time of power failure after confirming the normal checksum in the reset start process (FIG. 8).

[Interrupt management process (timer interrupt process)]
Next, the interrupt management process (timer interrupt process) will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of interrupt management processing. The main control CPU 72 executes an interrupt management process every predetermined time (for example, several ms) based on the interrupt request signal from the counter / timer circuit. Each step will be described below.

  Step S200: First, the main control CPU72 saves the values of the registers (the pairs of accumulator A and flag register F and general-purpose registers B to L) used during the execution of the main loop to the save area of the RAM76. Another value can be written in the registers (AL) after saving the value in the interrupt management process.

  Step S201: Next, the main control CPU72 executes a lottery random number updating process. In this processing, the main control CPU72 updates the value of the counter for generating various random numbers for lottery. The value of each counter is incremented in the counter area of the RAM 76 and each loops within a specified range. Various random numbers include, for example, a big hit symbol random number.

  Step S202: The main control CPU72 also executes the initial value updating random number updating process here. The content of the processing is the same as that described above.

  Step S203: The main control CPU72 executes an input process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 inputs various switch signals from the input / output (I / O) port 79. Specifically, a passage detection signal from the gate switch 78, a middle start winning opening switch 80, a right starting winning opening switch 82, a first count switch 84, a second count switch 85, a winning opening switch 86, and a specific area switch 83. Read the input state (ON / OFF) of the winning detection signal from.

  Step S204: Next, the main control CPU72 executes a switch input event process. In this processing, of the switch signals input in the previous input processing, the gate switch 78, the middle start winning opening switch 80, the right starting winning opening switch 82, the first count switch 84, the second count switch 85, the specific area switch 83. The event occurring during the game is determined based on the passage detection signal from, and further processing is executed according to the event occurring respectively. The specific contents of the switch input event process will be described later with reference to another flowchart.

  In the present embodiment, when a winning detection signal (ON) is input from the middle start winning opening switch 80 or the right starting winning opening switch 82, the main control CPU 72 causes the internal lottery corresponding to the first special symbol or the second special symbol, respectively. It is determined that an event that is an opportunity (lottery opportunity, first lottery opportunity, second lottery opportunity) has occurred. Further, when the passage detection signal (ON) is input from the gate switch 78, the main control CPU 72 determines that an event that triggers the lottery corresponding to the normal symbol has occurred. When determining that any of the events has occurred, the main control CPU72 executes processing according to each of the occurring events. The processing executed when a winning detection signal is input from the middle start winning opening switch 80 or the right starting winning opening switch 82 will be described later with reference to another flowchart.

  Step S205, Step S206: The main control CPU72 executes the special symbol game process and the normal symbol game process during the interrupt management process. These processes are for specifically progressing the game in the pachinko machine 1. Among them, in the special symbol game processing (step S205), the main control CPU72 controls the execution of the internal lottery corresponding to the first special symbol or the second special symbol described above, the first special symbol display device 34 and the It controls the variable display and the stop display by the 2 special symbol display device 35, and controls the operations of the first variable winning device 30 and the second variable winning device 31 according to the display result. The details of the special symbol game process will be described later using another flowchart.

  Further, in the normal symbol game processing (step S206), the main control CPU72 controls the variable display and the stop display by the above-mentioned normal symbol display device 33, and operates the variable start winning device 28 according to the display result. To control. For example, the main control CPU72 stores the random number (determined random number per ordinary symbol) acquired by the passage of the starting gate 20 in the previous switch input event process (step S204), and in this ordinary symbol game process Then, the random number value is read from the memory and it is determined whether or not it falls within a predetermined hit range (normal symbol lottery execution means). When the random number value falls within the hit range, the normal symbol display device 33 variably displays the normal symbol to perform a stop display of the normal symbol in a predetermined hit mode, and then the main control CPU 72 turns on the normal electric accessory solenoid 88. The variable start winning device 28 is excited to operate (movable piece operating means). On the other hand, if the random number value is out of the hit range, the main control CPU72 performs the stop display of the normal symbol in a mode that is out of alignment after the variable display.

  Step S207: Next, the main control CPU72 executes a prize ball payout process. In this process, based on the winning detection signals input from the various switches 80, 82, 84, 85, 86 in the previous input process (step S203), a prize ball instruction for instructing the number of prize balls to the payout controller 92. Output the command.

[About the number of prize balls and the number of game balls acquired]
The number of prize balls in the starting opening of the first special symbol and the number of prize balls in the starting opening of the second special symbol are each set to one or more specified numbers. Further, the number of prize balls may be different between the starting opening of the first special symbol and the starting opening of the second special symbol. Furthermore, based on the winning probability of the special symbol and the expected value of the total number of game balls (the average number of balls that can be obtained during the series from the first hit to the end of the time reduction state), the minimum number of prize balls is set. You may. Furthermore, the winning probability of the special symbol, the expected value of the total number of game balls acquired, the number of times the special winning opening is opened, the opening time of the special winning opening, the maximum number of winnings of the special winning opening, and the number of prize balls of the special winning opening are predetermined. If the conditions are met, a big hit may be set in which the number of game balls obtained by one big hit is less than 1/4 of the maximum number of game balls obtained.

  Step S208: Next, the main control CPU72 executes external information processing. In this process, the main control CPU72 through the external terminal board 160 to the hall computer (external device) of the game hall, the above-mentioned external information signal (for example, prize ball information, door opening information, symbol determination frequency information, big hit information, starting opening) Information, etc.) in the port output request buffer.

  In this embodiment, by outputting, for example, “big hit 1” to “big hit 5” among the various external information signals to the outside, the external electronic device (data display) connected to the pachinko machine 1 is displayed. Equipment and hall computer) can provide various jackpot information (external information signal output means). That is, the jackpot information is divided into a plurality of “jackpots 1” to “jackpots 5” and output, so that the types (winning types) of jackpots can be totalized and managed by a hall computer (not shown) from these combinations, or internally. Recognize changes in probability state (low probability state or high probability state) or shortened state of symbol fluctuation time, or generate a small hit (a condition device does not work) that is not classified as a "big hit" even if not winning It is possible to aggregate and manage. Further, based on the jackpot information, for example, a data display device (not shown) counts and displays the number of jackpot occurrences within the past few business days for each pachinko machine 1, and recognizes whether or not each jackpot is currently in the jackpot. Or, it is possible to recognize whether or not each symbol is currently in a shortened symbol variation time. In this external information processing, the main control CPU 72 controls in detail the output states (ON or OFF set) of "big hit 1" to "big hit 5".

  Step S209: Further, the main control CPU72 executes the test signal processing. In this process, the main control CPU72 generates various test signals indicating its own internal state (for example, a normal symbol game management state, a special symbol game management state, a big hit, a probability variation function operation, a time reduction function operation). Then, these are stored in the port output request buffer. With this test signal, the internal state of the main control CPU 72 can be tested outside the main control device 70, for example.

  Step S210: Next, the main control CPU72 executes a display output management process. In this process, the main control CPU72 is a normal symbol display device 33, the normal symbol working memory lamp 33a, the first special symbol display device 34, the second special symbol display device 35, the first special symbol working memory lamp 34a, the second special symbol The lighting state of the operation memory lamp 35a, the game state display device 38, etc. is controlled. Specifically, the drive signal stored in the port output request buffer in the special symbol game process (step S205) or the normal symbol game process (step S206) is output to the port. The drive signal is stored in the port output request buffer as byte data applied to each LED. As a result, each LED is driven in a predetermined display mode (a mode in which variable display or stop display of symbols, operation memory number display, game state display, etc. are performed).

  Step S211: Moreover, the main control CPU72 executes an output management process. In this processing, the main control CPU 72 outputs the external information signal (byte data) stored in the port output request buffer in the external information processing (step S208) described above. Further, the main control CPU72, the drive signal of each of the ordinary electric auditors solenoid 88, the first special winning opening solenoid 90, the second special winning opening solenoid 97 and the specific area solenoid 99 stored in the port output request buffer, the test signal. Etc. are combined and output to the port.

  Step S212: The main control CPU72 executes effect control output processing. In this processing, it is confirmed whether or not there is a command (command required for effect control) that the main control CPU 72 should send to the effect control device 124 in the command buffer, and if there is an untransmitted command, the command to be output is selected. Output to port.

  Step S213: Then, the main control CPU72 clears the port output request buffer stored at this CTC interrupt.

  In the present embodiment, an example in which the processing (game control program module) of steps S205 to S212 is executed as the timer interrupt processing is described, but these processing are executed by being incorporated in the main loop of the CPU. There are also known programming examples.

  Step S214: When the above processing is completed, the main control CPU72 stores a value (01H) designating the end of interrupt in the interrupt program counter, and ends the CTC interrupt.

  Step S215, Step S216: Then, the main control CPU72 restores the saved values of the registers (AL) and permits the next CTC interruption. After that, the main control CPU72 returns to the main loop (the program address designated by the stack pointer).

[Switch input event processing]
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the switch input event process (step S204 in FIG. 11). Each step will be described below.

  Step S10: The main control CPU72 confirms whether or not the winning detection signal is input (the lottery trigger is generated) from the middle start winning opening switch 80 corresponding to the first special symbol. When the input of this winning detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU72 proceeds to the next step S12 and executes the first special symbol memory updating process. The specific content of the process will be described later with reference to another flowchart. On the other hand, if the winning detection signal is not input (No), the main control CPU72 proceeds to step S14.

  Step S14: Next, the main control CPU72 confirms whether or not the winning detection signal is input (the lottery trigger is generated) from the right start winning opening switch 82 corresponding to the second special symbol. When the input of this winning detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU72 proceeds to the next step S16 and executes the second special symbol memory updating process. In this case as well, the details of the specific processing will be described later using another flowchart. On the other hand, when the winning detection signal is not input (No), the main control CPU72 proceeds to step S18.

  Step S18: The main control CPU72 confirms whether or not the winning detection signal is input from the first count switch 84 corresponding to the first big winning opening 30b of the first variable winning device 30. When the input of the winning detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU72 proceeds to the next step S19 to execute the first special winning hole counting process. In the first big winning opening counting process, the main control CPU 72 counts the number of winning balls to the first variable winning device 30 for each round during the big hit game. On the other hand, when the winning detection signal is not input (No), the main control CPU72 proceeds to step S20.

  Step S20: The main control CPU72 confirms whether or not the winning detection signal is input from the second count switch 85 corresponding to the second special winning opening 31b of the second variable winning device 31. When the input of the winning detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU72 proceeds to the next step S21 to execute the second special winning opening counting process. In the second big winning hole counting process, the main control CPU 72 counts the number of winning balls to the second variable winning device 31 during a big hit game (during a small hit game). On the other hand, when the winning detection signal is not input (No), the main control CPU72 proceeds to step S22.

  Step S22: The main control CPU72 confirms whether or not the passage detection signal is input from the gate switch 78 corresponding to the normal symbol. When the input of this passage detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU72 executes step S24. On the other hand, when the passage detection signal is not input (No), the main control CPU72 proceeds to step S26.

  Step S24: The main control CPU72 executes a normal symbol storage update process. In the normal symbol memory update process, the main control CPU72 confirms whether or not the current normal symbol working memory number is less than the upper limit number (for example, four), and if the upper limit number has not been reached, a normal random number per symbol is acquired. To do. Further, the main control CPU72 normally increments the symbol working memory number by one. Then, the main control CPU72 stores the obtained random number per normal symbol in the random number storage area of the RAM76. Next, the main control CPU72 executes step S26.

  Step S26: The main control CPU72 confirms whether or not the passage detection signal is input from the specific area switch 83 corresponding to the specific area 31x in the second special winning opening 31b. When the input of the passage detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU72 proceeds to the next step S28 and executes the process of turning on the specific area preliminary flag. On the other hand, when the passage detection signal is not input (No), the main control CPU72 returns to the interrupt management process (FIG. 11).

[First special symbol memory update process]
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure of the first special symbol memory update process (step S12 in FIG. 12). Hereinafter, the procedure of the first special symbol memory update processing will be described step by step.

  Step S30: Here, first, the main control CPU72 refers to the value of the first special symbol working memory number counter, and confirms whether the working memory number is less than the maximum value (for example, 4). The working memory number counter represents the number (group number) of the big hit determination random number, the big hit symbol random number, and the like stored in the random number storage area of the RAM 76. Here, the random number storage area of the RAM 76 is divided into eight sections (for example, 2 bytes each) that are commonly used by the first special symbol and the second special symbol, and each section has a jackpot determination random number and a jackpot symbol. It is possible to store one random number as a set. At this time, if the value of the working memory number counter corresponding to the first special symbol has reached the maximum value (No), the main control CPU72 returns to the switch input event process (FIG. 12). On the other hand, if the value of the working memory number counter is less than the maximum value (Yes), the main control CPU72 proceeds to the next step S31.

  Step S31: The main control CPU72 adds one to the first special symbol working memory number. The first special symbol working memory number counter is stored, for example, in the working memory number area of the RAM 76, and the main control CPU 72 increments (+1) the value. Based on the value of the counter added here, the lighting state of the first special symbol working memory lamp 34a is controlled in the display output management process (step S210 in FIG. 11).

  Step S32: Then, the main control CPU72 acquires the jackpot determination random number value corresponding to the first special symbol through the sampling circuit 77 from the random number generator 75 (first lottery element acquisition, lottery element acquisition means). The random number value is obtained by designating the pin address of the random number generator 75. When the main control CPU 72 performs 8-bit processing, address designation is performed twice, one byte for each of the upper and lower bits. When the main control CPU 72 reads the jackpot determination random number value from the designated address, it saves it as the jackpot determination random number corresponding to the first special symbol in the transfer destination address.

  Step S33: Next, the main control CPU72 acquires a jackpot symbol random number value corresponding to the first special symbol from the jackpot symbol random number counter area of the RAM76 (lottery element acquisition means). The acquisition of this random number value is also performed by designating the address of the jackpot symbol random number counter area. The main control CPU72, when reading the big hit symbol random number value from the specified address, saves this as the big hit symbol random number corresponding to the first special symbol in the transfer destination address.

  Step S34: Further, the main control CPU72 sequentially obtains the reach determination random number and the variation pattern determination random number from the variation random number counter area of the RAM76 as the random value related to the variation condition of the first special symbol (variation pattern determination element acquisition). Means, lottery element acquisition means). Similarly, the acquisition of these random number values is performed by designating the address of the variable random number counter area. Then, the main control CPU72, when each of the reach determination random number and the variation pattern determination random number is acquired from the designated address, saves these to the transfer destination address.

  Step S35: The main control CPU72 transfers the big hit determination random number, the big hit symbol random number, the reach judgment random number, and the variation pattern determination random number to the random number storage area corresponding to the first special symbol, and these random numbers are empty sections in the area. And store them as a set (first lottery element storage means, lottery element storage means). The plurality of sections are set in order (for example, first to fourth), and if all the first to fourth sections are empty at this stage, each random number is stored in order from the first section. Alternatively, if the first section is already filled and the other second to fourth sections are empty, each random number is stored sequentially from the second section. Note that the random number storage area is read in the FIFO (First In First Out) format.

  Step S36: Next, the main control CPU72 confirms whether or not the current special game management status (game state) is a big hit. If it is not during the big hit (No), the main control CPU72 executes the following steps S37, S38. If it is a big hit (Yes), the main control CPU72 skips steps S37 and S38 and proceeds to step S38a. The reason for making this determination in the present embodiment is that the effect by pre-reading is not performed for the ball entered during the big hit.

  Step S37: In the case other than during the big hit (step S36: No), the main control CPU72 executes the acquisition time effect determination process for the first special symbol (prefetch process execution means). This process is based on the jackpot determination random number, the jackpot symbol random number and the variation pattern determination random number of the first special symbol respectively obtained in the previous steps S32 to S34, in advance of the result of the special symbol lottery and the variation time (before the variation start). To determine the effect contents (so-called “prefetching”). In this process, the result of the preliminary determination of the first special symbol is set to the lower byte portion of the special symbol destination determination effect command (prefetch information).

  Step S38: After performing the production effect determination process at the time of acquisition, the main control CPU72 next sets the upper byte portion (for example, "B8H") of the special figure destination determination effect command for the first special symbol (prefetch processing executing means). This upper byte data describes that the command type is "for special figure destination determination effect regarding the first special symbol". In addition, since the lower byte portion of the special drawing destination determination effect command (information regarding win / fail or information regarding variation time) is set in the previous acquisition effect determination process (step S37), the upper byte is combined with the lower byte here. By doing so, for example, a command of 1 word length is generated.

  Step S38a: Next, the main control CPU72 sets the effect memory number increase effect command for the first special symbol. Specifically, with respect to the preceding value (for example, "BBH") of the upper byte indicating the type of command, the number of working memories after the increase (for example, "01H" to "04H") is added to the lower byte of one word length Generate a performance command. At this time, with respect to the lower byte, by setting the second digit to “0” by default, the value is “result (change information) due to increase in the number of working memories”. That is, if the lower byte is “01H”, it indicates that the current working memory number has become “01H” as a result of being increased by 1 from the previous working memory number “00H”. Similarly, if the lower byte is "02H" to "04H", it is increased by one from the previous number of working memory "01H" to "03H", and as a result, the number of working memory this time is "02H" to "03H". 04H ”is displayed. The preceding value “BBH” is a value indicating that the effect command this time is the operation memory number command for the first special symbol.

  Step S39: Then, the main control CPU72 executes the effect command output setting process for the first special symbol. In this process, the special figure destination determination effect command generated in the previous step S38, the operation memory number increase effect effect command generated in step S38a, and the starting mouth winning sound control command are transmitted to the effect control device 124 ( Memorized number notification means).

  When the above procedure is completed or the first special symbol working memory number has reached 4 (step S30: No), the main control CPU72 returns to the switch input event process (FIG. 12).

[Second special symbol memory update process]
Next, FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the second special symbol storage update process (step S16 in FIG. 12). Hereinafter, the procedure of the second special symbol memory update processing will be described step by step.

  Step S40: The main control CPU72 refers to the value of the second special symbol working memory number counter, and confirms whether the working memory number is less than the maximum value. Similarly to the second special symbol operation memory number counter, it also represents the number (group number) of the big hit determination random number, the big hit symbol random number, etc. stored in the random number storage area of the RAM 76. At this time, if the value of the second special symbol working memory number counter has reached the maximum value (for example, 4) (No), the main control CPU72 returns to the switch input event process (FIG. 12). On the other hand, if the value of the second special symbol working memory number counter is still less than the maximum value (Yes), the main control CPU72 proceeds to the next step S41 and subsequent steps.

  Step S41: The main control CPU72 increments the second special symbol working memory number by one (increments the value of the second special symbol working memory number counter). Similar to the previous step S31 (FIG. 13), the lighting state of the second special symbol working memory lamp 35a is controlled by the display output management process (step S210 in FIG. 11) based on the value of the counter added here. Will be.

  Step S42: Then, the main control CPU72 acquires the jackpot determination random number value corresponding to the second special symbol through the sampling circuit 77 from the random number generator 75 (acquisition of second lottery element, lottery element acquisition means). The method of obtaining the random number value is the same as step S32 (FIG. 13) described above.

  Step S43: Next, the main control CPU72 acquires a jackpot symbol random number value corresponding to the second special symbol from the jackpot symbol random number counter area of the RAM76 (lottery element acquisition means). The method of acquiring the random number value is the same as step S33 (FIG. 13) described above.

  Step S44: Further, the main control CPU72 sequentially obtains the reach determination random number and the variation pattern determination random number relating to the variation condition of the second special symbol from the variation random number counter area of the RAM76 (fluctuation pattern determination element acquisition means, lottery element). Acquisition method). The acquisition of these random number values is also performed in the same manner as step S34 (FIG. 13) described above.

  Step S45: The main control CPU72 transfers the big hit determination random number, the big hit symbol random number, the reach judgment random number, and the fluctuation pattern determination random number that are saved to the random number storage area corresponding to the second special symbol, and these random numbers are empty sections in the area. (2nd lottery element storage means, lottery element storage means). The storage method is the same as step S35 (FIG. 13) described above.

  Step S45a: Next, the main control CPU72 confirms whether or not the current game management status (game state) is a big hit. Then, when it is not during the big hit (No), the main control CPU72 executes the following steps S46 and S47. On the other hand, if it is a big hit (Yes), the main control CPU72 skips steps S46 and S47 and proceeds to step S48. The reason for making this determination in the present embodiment is that the effect due to the look-ahead is not performed for the ball entered during the big hit as well.

  Step S46: If it is not during the big hit (step S45a: No), then the main control CPU72 executes the acquisition time effect determination process for the second special symbol (prefetching process execution means). This process determines the result of the internal lottery in advance (before the start of fluctuation) based on the jackpot determination random number and the jackpot symbol random number of the second special symbol respectively acquired in the previous steps S42 to S44, and thereby the effect contents It is for judging. In this processing, the result of the preliminary determination of the second special symbol is set to the lower byte portion of the special symbol destination determination effect command.

  Step S47: When the acquisition effect determination process is executed, the main control CPU72 next sets the upper byte portion (for example, "B9H") of the special figure destination determination effect command (prefetch processing executing means). This upper byte data describes that the command type is "for special figure destination determination effect regarding the second special symbol". Similarly, the lower byte of the special figure destination determination effect command is set in the previous acquisition effect determination process (step S46), so here, by combining the lower byte with the upper byte, for example, one word length Command will be generated.

  Step S48: Next, the main control CPU72 sets the effect memory number increase effect command for the second special symbol. Here, a one-word-long production command in which the increased number of working memories (for example, "01H" to "04H") is added to the lower byte with respect to the preceding value (for example, "BCH") of the upper byte that indicates the type of command. To generate. Similarly for the second special symbol, by setting the second digit of the lower byte to "0" by default, that value can be expressed as "result (change information) due to an increase in the number of working memories". it can. The preceding value “BCH” is a value indicating that the effect command this time is the operation memory number command for the second special symbol.

  Step S49: Then, the main control CPU72 executes the effect command output setting process for the second special symbol. As a result, a special figure destination determination effect command, an operation memory number increase effect effect command, a start mouth winning sound control command, and the like are transmitted to the effect control device 124 with respect to the second special symbol (memory number notification means). When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the switch input event process (FIG. 12).

[Production determination process during acquisition]
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the acquisition effect determination process. The main control CPU72 executes this acquisition time production determination process in the first special symbol memory update process and the second special symbol memory update process (step S37 in FIG. 13, step S46 in FIG. 14) (preliminary determination). Means, prefetch processing execution means). As described above, this processing is executed for each of the first special symbol (when entering the medium starting winning opening 26) and the second special symbol (when entering the variable starting winning device 28). Therefore, the following description may correspond to a process relating to the first special symbol or a process relating to the second special symbol. The contents of the process will be described below according to each procedure.

  Step S50: The main control CPU72 sets the lower byte portion (for example, "00H") of the special figure destination determination effect command (destination determination information). The byte data set here represents the standard value of the command (at the time of deviation).

  Step S52: Next, the main control CPU72 loads the big hit determination random number as a random number value for the first determination. The random number to be loaded here is stored in the RAM 76 in the first special symbol memory update process (step S35 in FIG. 13) or the second special symbol memory update process (step S45 in FIG. 14). .

  Step S54: Then, the main control CPU72 determines whether or not the loaded random number is out of the range of the hit value (here, the lower limit value or less) (lottery result destination determination means, advance determination means). Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sets the comparison value (lower limit value) in the A register, and subtracts the loaded random number value from this comparison value. The comparison value (lower limit value) is defined in advance according to the jackpot probability of the special symbol lottery in the pachinko machine 1. Next, the main control CPU 72 determines whether the operation result is 0 or a positive value, for example, from the value of the flag register. As a result, if the loaded random number is outside the range of the hit value (Yes), the main control CPU72 proceeds to step S80.

  Step S80: Next, the main control CPU72 executes the deviation pattern variation pre-determination processing (variation pattern pre-determination means, pre-reading processing execution means). In this processing, the main control CPU72 generates a variation pattern ahead determination command (prefetch information) for the variation time at the time of the deviation. The variation pattern destination determination command generated here reflects in advance the determination information regarding the variation time (or variation pattern number) particularly when the "time reduction function" is activated. For example, when the current state is the operation of the "time shortening function", the main control CPU72 corresponds to the "out-of-range reach variation (non-shortening variation time)" based on the loaded reach determination random number. Determine if there is. As a result, when the variation time corresponds to “out-of-range reach variation (non-shortening variation time)”, the main control CPU 72 generates a variation pattern destination determination command corresponding to “time saving medium non-shortening variation time”. In the case of reach variation, the “reach group (reach type)” may be further determined from the reach mode random number, and the variation pattern destination determination command may be generated from the result. On the other hand, when the variation time does not correspond to the “outlier reach variation (non-shortening variation time)”, the main control CPU 72 generates a variation pattern destination determination command corresponding to the “time saving medium shortening variation time”. Alternatively, if the current state is the non-operation (low probability state) of the "time reduction function", the main control CPU 72 responds to the "normally out-of-range reach variation" based on the loaded reach determination random number. Or not. As a result, when the variation time corresponds to the “normally outreach variation”, the main control CPU 72 generates a variation pattern destination determination command corresponding to the “normally outreach variation time”. On the other hand, when the variation time does not correspond to the "normal deviation reach variation", the main control CPU72 generates a variation pattern destination determination command corresponding to the "normal deviation reach time". The variation pattern destination determination command generated here is set in the transmission buffer in the effect command output setting process (steps S39 and S49). In this process, the main control CPU72 may generate a variation pattern destination determination command for the variation pattern at the time of a small hit, similar to the process at the time of the above-mentioned deviation.

  When the above procedure is executed, the main control CPU72 ends the acquisition effect determination process, and returns to the calling first special symbol memory update process (FIG. 13) or the second special symbol memory update process (FIG. 14). On the other hand, if the loaded random number is within the range of the hit value in the determination of the previous step S54 (step S54: No), the main control CPU72 proceeds to step S74.

  Step S74: The main control CPU72 executes a big hit symbol type determination process. This process is to determine the jackpot type (winning type) at that time based on the jackpot symbol random number paired with the jackpot determination random number. For example, the main control CPU72 loads the big hit symbol random number for each symbol stored in the first special symbol memory update process (step S35 in FIG. 13) or the second special symbol memory update process (step S45 in FIG. 14). Then, similar to step S54, the calculation using the comparison value is executed, and it is determined from which result the winning symbol corresponds. The main control CPU72 stores the determination result at this time as a special symbol destination determination value, and proceeds to the next step S78.

  Step S78: The main control CPU72 sets the special symbol destination determination value stored in the previous step S74 as the lower byte of the special symbol destination determination effect command. The special symbol destination determination value is set to, for example, "00H" when it corresponds to "a symbol that does not shift to the time reduction state", and "01H" when it corresponds to "a symbol to shift to a time reduction state" .. In any case, by setting the lower byte data here, the standard lower byte data "00H" set in the previous step S50 is rewritten.

  Step S79: Next, the main control CPU72 executes the big hitting variation pattern information pre-determination processing (variation pattern destination determination means, pre-reading processing execution means). In this processing, the main control CPU72 generates the above-mentioned fluctuation pattern destination determination command for the fluctuation time at the time of a big hit. The variation pattern destination determination command generated here reflects, for example, advance determination information regarding the reach variation time (or variation pattern number) at the time of a big hit. The variation pattern destination determination command generated here is set in the transmission buffer in the effect command output setting process (steps S39 and S49).

  After completing the above procedure, the main control CPU72 returns to the first special symbol memory update process (FIG. 13) or the second special symbol memory update process (FIG. 14).

[Special symbol game processing]
Next, the details of the special symbol game process executed in the interrupt management process (FIG. 11) will be described. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a configuration example of special symbol game processing. Special symbol game processing, execution selection processing (step S1000), special symbol variation preprocessing (step S2000), special symbol variation processing (step S3000), special symbol stop display processing (step S4000), variable winning device management processing This is a configuration including a subroutine (program module) group of (step S5000). Here, first, the basic flow of the special symbol game process will be described along with each process.

  Step S1000: In the execution selection process, the main control CPU72 selects the jump destination of the process to be executed next (any one of steps S2000 to S5000) from the "jump table". For example, the main control CPU72 sets the program address of the process to be executed next as the jump destination address, and also sets the end of the special symbol game process as the return address in the stack pointer.

  Which process is selected as the next jump destination depends on the progress status of the process performed so far (special symbol game management status). For example, if the special symbol has not yet started the variable display (special symbol game management status: 00H), the main control CPU72 selects the special symbol variation preprocessing (step S2000) as the next jump destination. On the other hand, if the special symbol variation preprocessing is already completed (special symbol game management status: 01H), the main control CPU72 selects the special symbol variation process (step S3000) as the next jump destination, and the special symbol variation is in progress. If the processing is completed (special symbol game management status: 02H), the special symbol stop displaying process (step S4000) is selected as the next jump destination. In the present embodiment, the jump destination address is specified in the “jump table” to select the process. However, in addition to such a selection method, a “process flag” or a “process selection flag” is used. There is also a known programming example in which the CPU selects the process to be executed next. In such a programming example, the CPU CALLs each process once and performs a conditional branch (continuation / return) by referring to the flags one by one in the first step, but in the selection method of the present embodiment, the main control is performed. There is no need for the CPU 72 to call each process one by one.

  Step S2000: In the special symbol variation pre-processing, the main control CPU72 performs a work to prepare the conditions for starting the variable display of the special symbol. The details of the specific processing will be described later with reference to another flowchart.

  Step S3000: In the special symbol variation process, the main control CPU72 controls the drive of the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35 while counting the variation timer. Specifically, an ON or OFF drive signal (1 byte data) is output to each segment and dot (0th to 7th) of the 7-segment LED. The pattern of the drive signal changes with the passage of time, whereby the variable display of the special symbol is performed.

  Step S4000: In the special symbol stop displaying process, the main control CPU72 performs drive control of the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35. In this case as well, an ON or OFF drive signal is output for each segment and dot of the 7-segment LED, but the drive signal pattern is constant, whereby the stop display of the special symbol is performed.

  Step S5000: The variable winning device management processing is selected when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the manner of the big hit or the small hit (a manner other than non-winning) in the special symbol stop / display processing. In addition, the big hit game or the small hit game is started according to the mode in which the special symbol is stopped and displayed.

[Big hit game]
For example, when a special symbol is stopped and displayed in the form of a three-round big hit, a big hit game (a special game advantageous to the player) is executed. During the big hit game, the jump destination is set to the variable winning device management process in the previous execution selection process (step S1000), and the variable display of the special symbol is not performed. In the variable winning device management process, the first special winning opening solenoid 90 is excited for a predetermined time (for example, 29 seconds or until 10 winnings are counted) for a preset number of continuous operations (for example, 3 times), and Thus, the first variable winning device 30 opens and closes in a predetermined pattern (continuous operation of special electric auditors). By intensively winning the game balls to the first variable winning device 30 during this period, the player is given an opportunity to collectively collect a large number of prize balls (special game executing means). The opening / closing operation of the first variable winning device 30 at the time of a big hit is referred to as "round", and if the number of continuous operations is three in total, these may be collectively referred to as "three rounds". In this embodiment, a plurality of winning types (winning symbols) are provided for the three-round big hit. The type of jackpot is not limited to three round jackpots, and jackpots of other round numbers may be provided.

  Further, the main control CPU72, when setting the special winning opening opening pattern (the number of rounds, the number of opening and closing operations per round, opening time, etc.) in the variable winning device management processing, opening and closing of the first variable winning device 30 for one round. The value of the round number counter is incremented by 1 each time the operation is completed. The value of the round number counter is stored in the count area of the RAM 76 with an initial value of 0, for example. Further, the main control CPU72 generates a round number command indicating the value of the round number counter. The round number command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S212 in FIG. 11). When the value of the round number counter reaches the set number of continuous operations, the main control CPU 72 ends the big hit game (big win) for that round.

  When the big hit game is finished, the main control CPU 72 changes the state after the big hit game (time shortened state) based on the game state flag (time shortened function operation flag) (time shortened state transition means). In the "time-reduced state", the time-reduction function is activated, and the lottery probability of the operation lottery for normal symbols is set to high probability from normal probability (low probability). Also, the variation time of ordinary symbols is shortened and variable start prize The opening time of the device 28 is extended and the number of times of opening is increased (so-called electric power support is performed). In addition, the winning probability of a normal symbol can be set to a common winning probability in the non-time shortened state and the time shortened state.

[Small hits]
Further, in the present embodiment, a small hit is provided as a winning type other than non-winning. When the small hit is won, the small hit game is performed in addition to the big hit game, and the second variable winning device 31 is opened / closed (special game executing means). For example, when a special symbol is stopped and displayed in the form of a small hit, a small hit game (a special game advantageous to the player) is executed. During the small hit game, the jump destination is set to the variable winning device management process in the previous execution selection process (step S1000), and the variable display of the special symbol is not performed. In the variable winning device management process, the second special winning opening solenoid 97 is operated for a predetermined time (for example, 1.8 seconds or until 10 winnings are counted) over a preset number of times of operation (for example, one or more times). It is excited, and thereby the second variable winning device 31 opens and closes in a fixed pattern (operation of the special electric auditors' prize). In the meantime, by intensively winning the game balls to the second variable winning device 31, the player is given an opportunity to obtain a certain number of prize balls (special game executing means).

  Further, in the variable winning device management processing during the small hit game, the specific area solenoid 99 is excited for a predetermined time (for example, 1.6 seconds) for a preset number of times of operation (for example, once), and thereby, for the specific area. The slide member 31c opens and closes in a fixed pattern. By passing the game ball through the specific area 31x during this period, the player is given an opportunity to start the big hit game. That is, whether or not to start the big hit game in the variable winning device management processing is determined by whether or not the game ball passes through the specific area 31x during the small hit game. In the present embodiment, for the small hit, a plurality of winning types (winning symbols) are provided therein, and when the game ball passes through the specific area 31x, the big hit game according to the winning type is started.

  Further, even if the game of small hits is completed without the game ball passing through the specific area 31x, the "time-reducing function" does not operate, so that the privilege of shifting to the "time-reducing state" is not given (for that reason). Is not a prerequisite.) When the small hit is won in the "time reduction state", the "time reduction state" may be ended after the end of the small hit game.

[Multiple winning types]
In the present embodiment, "2 round jackpot", "3 round jackpot 1, 2", "4 round jackpot", "7 round jackpot", "10 round jackpot" are provided as a plurality of winning types. "2 round jackpot" and "3 round jackpot 1, 2" are started when the special symbols are stopped and displayed in the manner of jackpot, whereas "4 round jackpot", "7 round jackpot" and "10 round jackpot" The special symbol is stopped and displayed in a small hit mode, and is started when the game ball passes through the specific area 31x during the small hit game. In addition, the second variable winning a prize device 31 operates in the first round among the “4 round jackpot”, the “7 round jackpot” and the “10 round jackpot”, and the first variable winning device 30 operates in the remaining rounds.

  The above-mentioned winning type corresponds to the type of the first special symbol or the second special symbol which is stopped and displayed at the time of winning. For example, "3 round jackpot 1" corresponds to the "1st winning symbol" jackpot, "3 round jackpot 2" corresponds to the "2nd winning symbol" jackpot, and "2 round jackpot" is the 3rd winning symbol It corresponds to the jackpot of "design". In addition, "10 round big hit" corresponds to the small hit (big hit when the special area 31x passes) of "4th winning symbol", and "7 round big hit" the small hit of "5th winning symbol" (specific area 31x passed The "4 round big hit" corresponds to the "6th winning symbol" small hit (big hit when passing through the specific area 31x). Therefore, in the following, the “winning type” is appropriately referred to as the “winning symbol”.

[1st winning design]
In the special symbol stop display process, when the first special symbol is stopped and displayed in the form of the "first winning symbol", the big hit game is executed (special game execution means). In this case, the first special winning opening 30b is opened once for a sufficiently long time (for example, a maximum opening time of 29.0 seconds) from the first round, and this continues until the third round. Therefore, the big hit game of the "first winning symbol" is a big hit game in which three rounds of balls (prize balls) can be given to the player. Further, the first big winning opening 30b is closed without waiting for the elapse of the longest opening time when a predetermined number of times (for example, 10 times = 10 game balls) of winnings occur in one round (hereinafter the same). .. In this case, by operating the "time reduction function" after the jackpot game is over, the state shifts to the "time reduction state" (time saving number = 6 times).

[2nd winning design]
In the special symbol stop display process, when the first special symbol is stopped and displayed in the form of the "second winning symbol", the big hit game is executed (special game execution means). In this case, the first special winning opening 30b is opened once for a sufficiently long time (for example, a maximum opening time of 29.0 seconds) from the first round, and this continues until the third round. Therefore, the big hit game of the "second winning symbol" is a big hit game in which three rounds of balls (prize balls) can be given to the player. In this case, by operating the "time-reducing function" after the end of the big hit game, the "time-reducing state" is entered (the number of time-savings = 100 times).

[3rd winning design]
In the special symbol stop displaying process, when the second special symbol is stopped and displayed in the form of the "third winning symbol", the big hit game is executed (special game executing means). In this case, the first special winning opening 30b is opened once for a sufficiently long time (for example, a maximum opening time of 29.0 seconds) from the first round, and this continues until the second round. Therefore, the "third winning symbol" jackpot game is a jackpot game in which two rounds of balls (prize balls) can be given to the player. In this case, by operating the "time-reducing function" after the end of the big hit game, the "time-reducing state" is entered (the number of time-savings = 100 times).

[4th winning design]
In the special symbol stop display processing, when the second special symbol is stopped and displayed in the form of the "fourth winning symbol", the small hit game is executed, and when the game ball passes through the specific area 31x during the small hit game, The small hit game state shifts to the big hit game state. In this case, the first special winning opening 30b is opened once for a sufficiently long time from the second round (for example, a maximum opening time of 29.0 seconds), and this is continued until the tenth round. Therefore, in the big hit game in the case where the "fourth winning symbol" is met, it is possible to give the player 9 balls (prize balls) for 9 rounds. In this case, by operating the "time reduction function" after the jackpot game is over, the state shifts to the "time reduction state" (time saving number = 6 times).

[Fifth winning design]
In the special symbol stop display processing, when the second special symbol is stopped and displayed in the form of the "fifth winning symbol", the small hit game is executed, and when the game ball passes through the specific area 31x during the small hit game, The small hit game state shifts to the big hit game state. In this case, the first special winning opening 30b is opened once for a sufficiently long time (for example, a maximum opening time of 29.0 seconds) from the second round, and this continues until the seventh round. For this reason, the big hit game in the case where the "fifth winning symbol" corresponds to, it is possible to give the player 6 balls (prize balls) for 6 rounds. In this case, by operating the "time reduction function" after the jackpot game is over, the state shifts to the "time reduction state" (time saving number = 6 times).

[Sixth winning design]
In the special symbol stop display process, when the second special symbol is stopped and displayed in the form of the "six winning symbol", the small hit game is executed, and when the game ball passes through the specific area 31x during the small hit game, The small hit game state shifts to the big hit game state. In this case, the first special winning opening 30b is opened once for a sufficiently long time (for example, a maximum opening time of 29.0 seconds) from the second round, and this continues until the fourth round. For this reason, the big hit game in the case where the "sixth winning symbol" corresponds, it is possible to give the player three balls (prize balls) for the round. In this case, by operating the "time reduction function" after the jackpot game is over, the state shifts to the "time reduction state" (time saving number = 6 times).

  In this way, in this embodiment, whichever the winning symbol corresponds to, after the big hit game is over, it shifts to the "time reduction state". In addition, you may make it shift to a "time shortening state" only in some winning symbols among a plurality of winning symbols.

  In this way, the small hit in the internal lottery is won, the big hit game is executed when the game ball passes through the specific area during the small hit game, and after the big hit game, the time shifts to a shortened state according to the type of winning symbol. The gaming machine is called a so-called 1 type / 2 type mixed type gaming machine.

[Special symbol fluctuation pretreatment]
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of special symbol variation preprocessing. Hereinafter, each procedure will be described.

  Step S2100: First, the main control CPU72 confirms whether the first special symbol working memory number or the second special symbol working memory number remains (is greater than 0). This confirmation can be performed by referring to the value of the working memory number counter stored in the RAM 76. When the number of operating memories of both the first special symbol and the second special symbol is 0 (No), the main control CPU72 executes the demo setting process of step S2500.

  Step S2500: In this process, the main control CPU72 generates a demonstration effect command. The demonstration effect command is output to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S212 in FIG. 11). When the demo setting process is executed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol game process. When returning, it returns to the end address as described above (same as above).

  On the other hand, if the value of the working memory number counter of either the first special symbol or the second special symbol is larger than 0 (Yes), the main control CPU72 next executes step S2200.

  Step S2200: The main control CPU72 executes a special symbol storage area shift process (second lottery priority execution means). In this process, the main control CPU72 preferentially reads out one of the lottery random numbers (big hit determination random number, big hit symbol random number, etc.) stored in the random number storage area of the RAM76, which corresponds to the second special symbol (so-called priority). digestion). At this time, if random numbers are stored in two or more sections (only the first special symbol applies), the main control CPU 72 reads out the random numbers in order from the first section and erases (consumes) the remaining random number 1 Move (shift) to the previous section one by one. The read random number is stored in another temporary storage area, for example. When the random number corresponding to the second special symbol is not stored, the main control CPU72 reads the random number corresponding to the first special symbol and stores it in the temporary storage area. Each random number stored in the temporary storage area is used for internal lottery in the next big hit determination process. As a result, in the present embodiment, the variable display of the second special symbol is preferentially performed over the first special symbol. The program may be one in which the random numbers are simply read in the order in which they are stored, without providing such a priority order for each special symbol. In this process, the main control CPU 72 subtracts one from the value of the working memory number counter (the first special symbol or the second special symbol, which has been shifted in random number) stored in the RAM 76, and subtracts it. The latter value is set as the "number of working memories at the start of fluctuation". Thereby, in the display output management process (step S210 in FIG. 11), the display mode of the number stored by the first special symbol working memory lamp 34a or the second special symbol working memory lamp 35a changes (decrease by 1). .. When the procedure up to this point is completed, the main control CPU72 next executes step S2300.

[Special symbol storage area shift processing]
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the special symbol storage area shift process. In the previous special symbol variation pre-processing, if the value of the working memory counter corresponding to the first special symbol or the second special symbol is greater than "0" (step S2100 in FIG. 17: Yes), the main control CPU72 Executes this special symbol storage area shift process. Hereinafter, each procedure will be described.

  Step S2210: The main control CPU72 confirms whether or not the operation memory corresponding to the second special symbol remains. This confirmation can be performed by referring to the value of the second special symbol working memory number counter stored in the RAM 76. When the value of the working memory number counter corresponding to the second special symbol is 1 or more (Yes), the main control CPU72 proceeds to step S2212.

  Step S2212: The main control CPU72 designates the second special symbol as the special symbol of the target for shifting the storage area. This designation is performed, for example, by setting "02H" as the target symbol designation value.

  Step S2214: On the other hand, when the value of the working memory number counter corresponding to the second special symbol is 0 (step S2210: No), the main control CPU72 designates the first special symbol as the special symbol of the target for shifting the storage area. To do. The designation in this case is performed by setting "01H" as the target symbol designation value, for example.

  Step S2216: The main control CPU72 shifts the random number storage area of the RAM76 for the special symbol of the object designated in either the above step S2212 or step S2214. The specific contents of the processing are as described above in the special symbol variation pre-processing.

  Step S2218: Next, the main control CPU72 subtracts the value of the working memory counter for the target special symbol. For example, if the target for shifting the storage area this time is the second special symbol, the main control CPU 72 subtracts the value of the working memory counter corresponding to the second special symbol (-1).

  Step S2220: Then, the main control CPU72 sets the "variation start time operation memory number" from the value of the operation memory counter after the subtraction. Note that, here, for both the first special symbol and the second special symbol, the value of the working memory counter may be added and then the "variation start time working memory number" may be set.

Step S2222: Further, the main control CPU72 confirms whether or not the special symbol of the target for shifting the storage area this time is the second special symbol.
Step S2224: If the target is the second special symbol (step S2222: Yes), the main control CPU72 sets the effect memory number reduction effect command for the second special symbol. The effect command set here is also generated as a command having a length of one word, but its configuration is in contrast to the above-described "effect command when the number of working memories increases". That is, the effect command when the number of operating memories decreases is the value of the lower byte (for example, “00H” to “03H” that indicates the number of operating memories after the decrease, with respect to the preceding value (for example, “BCH”) of the upper byte that indicates the command type. ]) Is added, and the value of the lower byte is further added (logical sum) with an added value (for example, “10H”) meaning “reduction in the number of working memory due to consumption”. Therefore, for the lower byte, the second place becomes "1" by logically adding the addition value "10H", and this value represents "the result (change information) due to the decrease in the number of working memories". Will be things. In other words, if the lower byte of the command is "13H", the number of working memories up to the previous time is "4" (command notation is "14H") is decreased by 1, and the number of working memories this time is "3" (command The notation represents "13H"). Similarly, if the lower byte is "12H" to "10H", it is the result of decreasing the number of working memories "3" to "1" (command notation is "13H" to "11H") by 1 each. , That the number of working memories this time has become “2” to “0” (command notation is “12H” to “10H”). The preceding value "BCH" is a value indicating that the effect command this time is the operation memory number command for the second special symbol.

  Step S2226: If the target this time is the first special symbol (step S2222: No), the main control CPU72 sets the working memory number reduction effect command for the first special symbol. The command in this case is the same as the above except that the preceding value is a value (for example, "BBH") indicating that it is a working memory number command for the first special symbol.

Step S2228: Then, the main control CPU72 executes effect command output processing. This processing is for transmitting the operation memory number reduction effect command set in the previous step S2224 or step S2226 to the effect control device 124 (memory number notification means).
After finishing the above procedure, the main control CPU72 returns to the special symbol variation preprocessing (FIG. 17).

[Refer to Fig. 17: Special symbol fluctuation preprocessing]
Step S2300: The main control CPU72 executes a big hit determination process (internal lottery). In this process, the main control CPU72 first sets the range of the jackpot value, and determines whether or not the read random number value is included in this range (first lottery execution means, second lottery execution means, lottery execution). means). If the random number value read at this time is within the range of the big hit value, the main control CPU72 sets the big hit flag (01H), and then proceeds to step S2400.

  When the above big hit flag is not set, the main control CPU 72 sets the range of the small hit value next in the same big hit determination process, and determines whether or not the read random number value is included in this range (first Lottery execution means, second lottery execution means, lottery execution means). The "small hit" here is something other than the non-win (miss), but has a different property from the "big hit". That is, the "big hit" causes an opportunity (a game turning point) to shift to the "time reduction state", but the "small hit" does not cause such an opportunity. "Small hit" is positioned as a condition for operating only the second variable winning device 31 (the condition for operating the condition device is not satisfied). Further, when the game ball passes through the specific area 31x during the "small hit", it is positioned as a "big hit" (a condition for operating the condition device is satisfied). In any case, if the read random number value is within the range of the small hit value, the main control CPU72 sets the small hit flag, and then proceeds to step S2400. As described above, in the present embodiment, the range of the big hit value and the small hit value is preliminarily defined on the program as the hit range corresponding to other than the non-win, but the big hit judgment table and the small hit judgment table for each state are previously set. It is also possible to write each in the ROM 74, read this and compare with the random number value to make a big hit determination.

  In the present embodiment, in the first special symbol lottery, the winning probability of the big hit is set to 1/319, and it is set not to win the small hit. Further, in the second special symbol lottery, the probability of winning the big hit is set to the same 1/319, and the probability of winning the small hit is set to 1/6. Therefore, in the second special symbol lottery, it is easier to win the small hit than the big hit. In order to satisfy the winning probability of the big hit and the winning probability of the small hit, the range of the big hit value and the range of the small hit value are set by the main control CPU 72 and compared with the read random number value.

  Step S2400: The main control CPU72 determines whether or not the value (01H) is set to the big hit flag in the previous big hit determination processing. If the value (01H) is not set in the jackpot flag (No), the main control CPU72 next executes step S2402.

  Step S2402: The main control CPU72 determines whether or not the value (01H) is set to the small hit flag in the previous big hit determination process. If the value (01H) is not set in the small hit flag (No), the main control CPU72 next executes step S2404. The main control CPU 72 may determine whether the big hit (for example, 01H is set) or the small hit (for example, 0AH is set) according to the value of the common hit flag without separately preparing the big hit flag and the small hit flag.

  Step S2404: The main control CPU72 executes the stop symbol determination process at the time of disengagement. In this processing, the main control CPU72 sets the stop symbol number data at the time of the disengagement by the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35. Further, the main control CPU72 generates a stop symbol command and a lottery result command (at the time of failure) to be transmitted to the effect control device 124. These commands are transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S212 in FIG. 11).

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

  Step S2405: Next, the main control CPU72 refers to a variation pattern selection table (variation pattern defining means) (not shown), and executes the off-time variation pattern determination processing (variation pattern determination means). In this processing, the main control CPU72 determines the variation pattern number when the special symbol is out (variation pattern selection means). The variation pattern number is used to distinguish the type (pattern) of the variation display of the special symbol and to correspond to the variation time required for the variation display. The fluctuation patterns include various fluctuation patterns such as normal fluctuations (non-reach fluctuations), reach fluctuations, and super-reach fluctuations (similarly during a big hit and a small hit). In addition, the information regarding the variation pattern of the selected special symbol is transmitted to the effect control device as a variation pattern command including the information as to whether or not it is a special variation (the same applies to the time of a big hit or the time of a small hit. ).

  Here, since the fluctuation time at the time of departure differs depending on whether or not the above-mentioned "time reduction state", the main control CPU72 loads the game state flag in this process, and the current state is "time reduction". Check whether it is "state". In addition, even if it is not in the "time shortening state", the variation time at the time of deviation is, for example, "variation display start operation memory number (0 to 3)" set in step S2200, except when performing variation for performing reach production. May be shortened based on "(for example, the number of working memories at the start of variable display → about 12.5 seconds, the number of working memories at the start of varying display 1 → about 8 seconds, the number of working memories at the beginning of variable display) (2 → about 5 seconds, number of working memory at the start of variable display 3 → about 2.5 seconds) In addition, the stop display time of the symbol at the time of deviation is constant (for example, about 0.5 seconds) regardless of the variation pattern. Then, the main control CPU72 sets the value of the determined fluctuation time (at the time of deviation) to the fluctuation timer, and sets the value of the stop display time at the time of deviation to the stop symbol display timer.

  Steps S2404 and S2405 described above are the control procedure when the big hit determination result is out of alignment (other than non-win), but when the determination result is big hit (step S2400: Yes) or small hit (step S2402: Yes) The main control CPU72 executes the following procedure. First, the case of a big hit will be described.

  Step S2410: The main control CPU72 executes a big hit stop symbol determination process (winning type determination means). In this process, the main control CPU72, based on the big hit symbol random number, for each special symbol (the first special symbol or the second special symbol) determines the type of the winning symbol of this time (big hit stop symbol number). The relationship between the jackpot random number value and the type of winning symbol is defined in advance in the special symbol determination data table (winning type determining means). Therefore, the main control CPU72 can refer to the big hit stop symbol selection table in the big hit stop symbol determination process, and determine the type of winning symbol based on the big hit symbol random number from the stored contents.

[Winning pattern at the time of a big hit]
In the present embodiment, three types of winning symbols are prepared as the winning symbols that are selectively determined at the time of big hit. The breakdown regarding the first special symbol is the “first winning symbol” or the “second winning symbol”, and the breakdown regarding the second special symbol is only the “third winning symbol”. Each winning symbol of these winning symbols may further include a plurality of winning symbols. For example, in the case of the "first winning symbol", "first winning symbol A", "first winning symbol B", "first winning symbol C", and so on.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the selection ratio of the winning symbols selected during the jackpot of the internal lottery corresponding to each of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is different. Therefore, the main control CPU72 distinguishes the winning symbol to be selected depending on whether the result of the big hit this time corresponds to the first special symbol or the second special symbol.

[1st special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table]
FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a configuration row of the first special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table. The main control CPU72, when the result of this big hit corresponds to the first special symbol, determines the type of winning symbol by referring to the first special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table (winning type defining means).

  In the first special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table, the distribution value for each winning symbol is shown in the left column, and each distribution value "99", "1" is the ratio when the denominator is 100. Equivalent to. In the second column from the left, "first winning symbol" and "second winning symbol" corresponding to each distribution value are shown. That is, at the time of a big hit corresponding to the first special symbol, the ratio of selecting the “first winning symbol” is 99/100 (= 99%), and the ratio of selecting the “second winning symbol” is 100 minutes. Of 1 (= 1%). The size of each distribution value corresponds to the selection ratio for each winning symbol using a jackpot symbol random number.

  In any case, if the result of the big hit this time corresponds to the first special symbol, the main control CPU72 performs a selection lottery based on the big hit symbol random number, the selection ratio shown in the first special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table The winning symbol is selectively determined with. Further, in the first special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table, as shown in the third column from the left, for example, 2-byte command data is defined as the stop symbol command at the time of winning. The stop symbol command is described by, for example, a combination of MODE value-EVENT value, and the MODE value “B1H” of the upper byte among them is that the winning symbol of this time is selected at the time of the big hit of the first special symbol. Is represented. Further, the EVENT values “01H” and “02H” of the lower byte represent the type of the corresponding winning symbol in the selection table. Therefore, for example, the result of the big hit this time corresponds to the first special symbol, and when the "first winning symbol" is selected as the winning symbol, the stop symbol command at the time of winning is described as "B1H01H". It will be.

  As described above, when the main control CPU 72 selects the winning symbol from the first special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table, it generates the stop symbol command at that time. The generated stop symbol command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process described above, for example. Further, the main control CPU72 determines the big hit stop symbol number for the first special symbol based on the selected winning symbol.

[Time saving]
In the right column of the first special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table, the value of the number of times saved and shortened given after the end of the big hit game is shown. In the present embodiment, when the "first winning symbol" is applied, the number of times saved is 6 times (or 10 times) regardless of whether it is in a normal state (non-time shortened state) or in a time saving period (time shortened state). ) Granted.

  In addition, when it corresponds to the "second winning symbol", 100 times (or 104 times) is given as the number of times of saving, regardless of whether it is during normal operation or during saving time. Note that the number of time reductions is not limited to the above value, and may be 1 to 5 times, or 7 times or more (11 times or more).

  Here, "6 times (or 10 times)" means that the total number of changes of the second special symbol is 6 times, or the total number of changes of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is 10 times, the time It means that the shortened state ends.

  Further, "100 times (or 104 times)" means that the total number of changes of the second special symbol is 100 times, or the total number of changes of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is 104 times, and the time is shortened. It means that the condition is over.

[2nd special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table]
FIG. 20 is a view showing the constituent columns of the second special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table. When the result of the big hit this time corresponds to the second special symbol, the main control CPU 72 determines the type of the winning symbol by referring to the second special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table (winning type defining means).

  Also in the second special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table, the distribution value for each winning symbol is shown in the left column, and each distribution value "100" corresponds to the ratio when the denominator is 100. .. Similarly, in the second column from the left, "third winning symbol" corresponding to each distribution value is shown. That is, at the time of a big hit corresponding to the second special symbol, the ratio of selecting the “third winning symbol” is 100/100 (= 100%).

  When the result of this big hit corresponds to the second special symbol, the main control CPU72 performs a selection lottery based on the big hit symbol random number, and selects the winning symbol at the selection ratio shown in the second special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table. To make a decision. Similarly, in the second special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table, as shown in the third column from the left, for example, 2-byte command data is defined as the stop symbol command at the time of winning. Here as well, the stop symbol command is described by the combination of the MODE value-EVENT value described above, and the MODE value “B2H” of the upper byte among these is the one selected when the winning symbol of this time is the big hit of the second special symbol. It means that. The EVENT value "01H" of the lower byte represents the type of the corresponding winning symbol in the selection table. Therefore, for example, the result of the big hit this time corresponds to the second special symbol, and when the "3rd winning symbol" is selected as the winning symbol, the stop symbol command is described as "B2H01H". ..

  As described above, when the main control CPU 72 selects the winning symbol from the second special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table, it generates the stop symbol command at that time. The generated stop symbol command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process described above, for example. Further, the main control CPU72 determines the big hit stop symbol number for the second special symbol based on the selected winning symbol.

[Time saving]
In the column on the right side of the second special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table, the value of the number of shortening times given after the end of the big hit game is shown. In the present embodiment, when the “third winning symbol” is applied, the number of time saving is 100 times (or 104 times) regardless of whether the time is normal or during time saving.

[Refer to Fig. 17: Special symbol fluctuation preprocessing]
Step S2412: Next, the main control CPU72 refers to the variation pattern selection table (variation pattern defining means), and executes the jackpot variation pattern determination processing (variation pattern determination means). In this process, the main control CPU72 determines the variation pattern (variation time and stop display time) of the first special symbol or the second special symbol based on the variation pattern determination random number shifted in step S2200. Further, the main control CPU72 sets the value of the determined fluctuation time to the fluctuation timer and also sets the value of the stop display time to the stop symbol display timer. In general, in the case of a jackpot reach variation, a variation time longer than that at the time of the outfall is determined.

  Step S2414: Next, the main control CPU72 executes a big hit other setting process. In this process, if the type of the winning symbol determined in the previous step S2410 (stop symbol number at the time of big hit) is the "second winning symbol" or the "third winning symbol", the main control CPU72 displays in the flag area of the RAM76. A time reduction function operation flag as a certain game state flag is set to ON (01H) (time reduction state transition means, time reduction function operation means). When the main control CPU 72 corresponds to the "first winning symbol" in the non-time reduction state, it resets the time reduction function operation flag to OFF (00H) and corresponds to the "first winning symbol" in the time reduction state. In this case, the value of the time reduction function operation flag is set to ON (01H).

  Further, in the process of step S2414, the main control CPU72 determines the display mode of the stop symbol (big hit symbol) by the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35 based on the big hit stop symbol number. In addition, the main control CPU72 generates a lottery result command (at the time of big hit) together with the above stop symbol command (at the time of big hit). These stop symbol command and lottery result command are also transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process.

Next, the processing at the time of a small hit will be described.
Step S2407: The main control CPU72 executes a small hit stop symbol determination process (winning type determination means). In this process, the main control CPU72, based on the big hit symbol random number, determines the type of winning symbol at the time of small hit (stop symbol number at small hit). Here, similarly, the relationship between the big hit symbol random number value and the type of the winning symbol at the time of the small hit is defined in advance in the small winning symbol stop symbol selection table (the winning type defining means). In the present embodiment, in order to reduce the load on the main control CPU 72, the big hit symbol random number is used to determine the winning symbol at the time of the small hit, but a dedicated random number may be used separately. Further, in the present embodiment, the small hit is not set for the first special symbol, but is set only for the second special symbol.

[Winning pattern when small hit]
In this embodiment, three types of winning symbols are prepared as the winning symbols that are selectively determined at the time of small hit. The three types of breakdowns are "4th winning symbol", "5th winning symbol", and "6th winning symbol". In addition, these winning symbols may further include a plurality of winning symbols. For example, in the case of "4th winning symbol", "4th winning symbol A", "4th winning symbol B", "4th winning symbol C", and so on.

[2nd special symbol small hit stop symbol selection table]
FIG. 21 is a view showing the constituent columns of the second special symbol small hit stop symbol selection table. The main control CPU72 determines the type of winning symbol with reference to the second special symbol small hit stop symbol selection table (winning type defining means).

  Even in the second special symbol small hit stop symbol selection table, the distribution value for each winning symbol is shown in the left column, and each distribution value “50”, “14”, “36” is the denominator. This corresponds to the ratio when 100 is set. Similarly, the “second winning symbol”, the “fifth winning symbol”, and the “sixth winning symbol” corresponding to each distribution value are shown in the second column from the left. That is, at the time of a small hit corresponding to the second special symbol, the ratio of selecting the "4th winning symbol" is 50/100 (= 50%), and the ratio of selecting the "5th winning symbol". Is 14/100 (= 14%), and the ratio at which the “sixth winning symbol” is selected is 36/100 (= 36%).

  As a result of the small hit this time, the main control CPU72 performs a selection lottery based on the big hit symbol random number, and selectively determines the winning symbol at the selection ratio shown in the second special symbol small hit stop symbol selection table. In the second special symbol small hit stop symbol selection table as well, as shown in the third column from the left, for example, 2-byte command data is defined as the stop symbol command at the time of winning. Again, the stop symbol command is described by the combination of the MODE value and the EVENT value described above, and the MODE value "B2H" of the upper byte is selected when the winning symbol of this time is a small hit of the second special symbol. It is a thing. Further, the EVENT values “02H”, “03H”, and “04H” of the lower byte represent the types of winning symbols corresponding to each in the selection table. Therefore, for example, as a result of the small hit this time, when "4th winning symbol" is selected as the winning symbol, the stop symbol command is described as "B2H02H".

  As described above, when the main control CPU72 selects the winning symbol from the second special symbol small hit stop symbol selection table, it generates the stop symbol command at that time. The generated stop symbol command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process described above, for example. Further, the main control CPU72 determines the small winning stop symbol number for the second special symbol based on the selected winning symbol.

[Time saving]
The second column of the special symbol small hit stop symbol selection table in the right column, the game ball passes through the specific area 31x during the small hit game, the big hit game is started, and the number of time saving given after the end of the big hit game The value of is shown. In the present embodiment, when the “4th winning symbol”, the “5th winning symbol” or the “6th winning symbol” is applicable, the number of time saving is 6 times (or 10 times) regardless of whether the time is normal or during the time saving. Times).

  By using the first special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table, the second special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table, and the second special symbol small hit stop symbol selection table, the main control CPU72, non-time reduction state or In the case of corresponding to the "first winning symbol to the sixth winning symbol" in the time shortening state (for the fourth winning symbol to the sixth winning symbol only when the jackpot game is executed), to the time shortening state The transition condition may be satisfied (transition condition setting means).

[Refer to Fig. 17: Special symbol fluctuation preprocessing]
Step S2408: Next, the main control CPU72 executes the small hitting variation pattern determination processing (variation pattern determination means) with reference to the variation pattern selection table (variation pattern defining means). In this process, the main control CPU72 determines the variation pattern (variation time and stop display time) of the second special symbol based on the variation pattern determination random number shifted in the previous step S2200 (variation pattern selection means). Further, the main control CPU72 sets the value of the determined fluctuation time in the fluctuation timer, and sets the value of the stop display time in the stop symbol display timer. In the present embodiment, the small hit is set only in the second special symbol lottery, and at the time of the small hit, the fluctuation pattern having the fluctuation time for the small hit is selected. A small hit may be set in the first special symbol lottery.

  Step S2409: Next, the main control CPU72 executes a small hit other setting process. In this process, the main control CPU72 determines the display mode of the stop symbol (small hit symbol) by the second special symbol display device 35 based on the small hit stop symbol number. In addition, the main control CPU72 generates a stop symbol command and a lottery result command (during small hit) to be transmitted to the effect control device 124. These stop symbol command and lottery result command are also transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process.

  Step S2415: Next, the main control CPU72 executes a special symbol variation start process. In this processing, the main control CPU72 selects the fluctuation pattern data based on the fluctuation pattern number (at the time of falling / at the time of hitting). In addition, the main control CPU72 sets the variation start flag of the special symbol in the flag area of the RAM76. Then, the main control CPU72 generates a variation start command to be transmitted to the effect control device 124. This variation start command is also transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output processing described above. When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU72 sets the special symbol changing process (step S3000) to the next jump destination, and returns to the special symbol game process.

[FIG. 16: Special symbol changing process, special symbol stop displaying process]
In the special symbol changing process, the main control CPU72 loads the value of the changing timer from the register to the timer counter as described above, and then the timer according to the passage of time (the count number of the clock pulse or the value of the interrupt counter). Decrement the counter value. Then, the main control CPU72 refers to the value of the timer counter, and controls the variable display of the special symbol as described above until the value becomes 0. Then, when the value of the timer counter becomes 0, the main control CPU72 sets the special symbol stop displaying process (step S4000) to the next jump destination.

  In the special symbol stop display process, the main control CPU72 controls the stop display of the special symbol based on the stop symbol determined in the stop symbol determination process (step S2404, step S2407, step S2410 in FIG. 17). In addition, the main control CPU72 generates a symbol stop command to be transmitted to the effect control device 124. The symbol stop command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process described above. When the stop symbol is displayed for a predetermined time in the special symbol stop displaying process, the main control CPU 72 erases the symbol changing flag.

[Processing during special symbol stop display]
Next, FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of a special symbol stop display process. Hereinafter, each procedure will be described.

  Step S4100: The main control CPU72 subtracts the value of the stop symbol display timer (decrements by the interrupt period).

  Step S4200: Then, the main control CPU72 determines whether or not the stop display time has ended, based on the value of the stop symbol display timer subtracted this time. Specifically, if the value of the stop symbol display timer is not 0 or less, the main control CPU72 determines that the stop display time has not ended yet (No). In this case, the main control CPU72 returns to the special symbol game process, jumps from the execution selection process (step S1000 in FIG. 16) in the next interrupt cycle, and repeatedly executes the special symbol stop displaying process.

  On the other hand, if the value of the stop symbol display timer is 0 or less, the main control CPU72 determines that the stop display time has ended (Yes). In this case, the main control CPU72 next executes step S4250.

  Step S4250: The main control CPU72 generates a symbol stop command and a stop display time end command. The symbol stop command and the stop display time end command are transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process. In addition, the main control CPU72 erases the symbol changing flag here. The "stop display time end command" is a command indicating that the stop display time of the special symbol has ended (elapsed).

  Step S4300: Here, the main control CPU72 confirms whether or not the value (01H) of the big hit flag is set. When the value of the big hit flag (01H) is set (Yes), the main control CPU72 next executes step S4350.

[At the time of winning]
Step S4350: The main control CPU72 sets the jump destination of the jump table to "variable winning device management processing". The main control CPU 72 executes processing for setting various functions to non-operation in this processing. Specifically, the time reduction function is deactivated. As a result, before the special game (major role) is started, the normal state (non-time shortened state) is entered.

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

[When not elected]
On the other hand, in the case other than the time of big hit, the following procedure is executed.
That is, if the main control CPU72 determines in step S4300 that the value (01H) of the big hit flag is not set (No), then it executes step S4600.

  Step S4600: The main control CPU72 then confirms whether or not the value (01H) of the small hit flag is set. Then, if the value of the small hit flag (01H) is not set and it is simply a deviation (No), the main control CPU72 next executes step S4602.

  Step S4602: The main control CPU72 sets the address of the special symbol variation preprocessing as the jump destination address of the jump table.

  Step S4605: On the other hand, if the value of the small hit flag (01H) is set (step S4600: Yes), the main control CPU72 sets the address of the variable winning device management process as the jump destination address of the jump table.

Step S4610: Next, the main control CPU72 loads the value of the frequency cut counter. In the “counting counter”, the counter value related to the “time reduction state” is set in the time saving count area of the RAM 76. In the present embodiment, a so-called time cut function for shortening the number of times is adopted, and when shifting to the “time reduction state”, the first count-down counter value related to the time reduction state is a predetermined numerical value (for example, 6 times or 100 times). And the second count-down counter value related to the time reduction state is set to a prescribed numerical value (for example, 10 times or 104 times). In addition, the information of the first number of times cutting counter value and the second number of times cutting counter value is notified (transmitted) to the effect control device 124 by the number of times cutting counter command.
The count-down counter value related to the time-reduced state does not have two counter values such as the first count-down counter value and the second count-down counter value, and the time-reduced state is controlled by only one counter value. Good.

  Step S4620: The main control CPU72 confirms whether or not the loaded counter value (first count-cut counter value or second count-cut counter value) is zero. At this time, if the number cut count value is already 0 (Yes), the main control CPU72 returns to the special symbol game process. On the other hand, when the count cut counter value is not 0 (No), the main control CPU72 next executes step S4630.

  Step S4630: The main control CPU72 decrements (decreases 1) the first count-down counter value and the second count-down counter value. Specifically, when the second special symbol is stopped and displayed, both the first number-of-times cut counter value and the second number-of-times cut counter value are decremented, and when the first special symbol is stopped and displayed. Decrements only the second cut count value.

  Step S4640: Then, the main control CPU72 determines whether or not the subtraction result of any one of the number-of-times cutting counter values (the first number-of-times cutting counter value or the second number-of-times cutting counter value) is zero. As a result of the subtraction, when none of the number-of-times cutting counter values is 0 (No), the main control CPU72 returns to the special symbol game process. On the other hand, when any one of the number-of-times cutting counter values is 0 (No), the main control CPU72 proceeds to step S4650.

Step S4650: Here, the main control CPU72 resets the flag when the multi-cutting function is activated. In the present embodiment, the number-of-times cutting counter value related to the time reduction state is set to a predetermined numerical value (for example, 6 times). For this reason, when the second special symbol deviation variation (including the small hit variation at that time when the specific area has not passed) is executed in the time reduction state, the time reduction function operation flag is reset. To be done. On the other hand, in the time shortened state, even if the deviation variation of the first special symbol is performed 6 times, the time shortening function operation flag is not reset, and then the fourth special symbol or the second special symbol is further shortened 4 times. When the out-of-range variation is executed, the time reduction function operation flag is reset. As a result, the time reduction state ends after the stop display of the special symbol. In addition, the time reduction function operation flag is described as an example of resetting when the stop display time of the special symbol has passed, but even if it is reset at the end of the variation time of the special symbol (before the start of the stop display time measurement) Good.
Then, when the above procedure is finished, the special symbol game process is returned to.

  In this way, the end condition of the time shortened state (predetermined end condition) is a case where the number of times the second special symbol has changed after reaching the time shortened state reaches the first number (for example, 6 times), or When the total number of fluctuations, which is the sum of the number of fluctuations of the first special symbol and the number of fluctuations of the second special symbol after the transition to the time shortened state, reaches the second number (eg, 10 times) that is greater than the first number The conditions are met.

[Display output management process]
Next, FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a configuration example of the display output management process (step S210 in FIG. 11) executed in the interrupt management process. The display output management process is a special symbol display setting process (step S1200), a normal symbol display setting process (step S1210), a state display setting process (step S1220), an operation memory display setting process (step S1230), and a continuous operation number display setting. This is a configuration including a subroutine group of processing (step S1240).

  Of these, the special symbol display setting process (step S1200) and the normal symbol display setting process (step S1210), the working memory display setting process (step S1230), as described above, the first special symbol display device 34, the second special The symbol display device 35, the normal symbol display device 33, the normal symbol working memory lamp 33a, the first special symbol working memory lamp 34a and the drive signal to be applied to each LED of the second special symbol working memory lamp 35a is generated and output. Processing.

  The state display setting process (step S1220) and the continuous operation number display setting process (step S1240) are processes for generating and outputting a drive signal to be applied to each LED of the game state display device 38. First, in the status display setting process, the main control CPU72 controls the lighting of the time saving status display lamp 38e according to the value of the time saving function operation flag. For example, if the value (01H) is set in the time reduction function operation flag when the pachinko machine 1 is powered on, the main control CPU 72 causes the time saving state display lamp 38e to display regardless of whether or not the power is turned on. A lighting signal is output to the corresponding LED. Further, the main control CPU72 controls the lighting of the firing position designation display lamp 38f according to the special game management status. For example, when the first variable winning device 30 and the second variable winning device 31 are activated by a big hit game or a small hit game, the main control CPU 72 sends a lighting signal to the LED corresponding to the firing position designation display lamp 38f. Output. If the value (01H) is set in the time reduction function operation flag, the main control CPU72 causes the LED corresponding to the firing position designation display lamp 38f to emit a lighting signal in addition to the time saving state display lamp 38e. Is output. In addition, the launch position designation display lamp 38f is lit up from the start of the big hit game to the end of the "time shortened state" when the big hit game is transitioned to the "time shortened state", and is turned off when the "time shortened state" is completed. (OFF).

  Further, the main control CPU72 controls the turning on of the big hit type display lamps 38a, 38b, 38c in the continuous operation number display setting process. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 generates a lighting signal (common output data) for the big hit type display lamps 38a, 38b, 38c based on the value of the continuous operation number status. At this time, the target of outputting the lighting signal is a combination of the display lamps 38a, 38b, 38c corresponding to the big hit symbol designated by the value of the continuous operation number status. For example, if the value of the continuous operation count status specifies “10 rounds”, the main control CPU 72 causes all the lamps (for example, all of the display lamps 38a, 38b, 38c) corresponding to the lighting pattern representing “10 rounds”. Lamp) to generate a lighting signal. If the value of the continuous operation count status specifies "2 rounds", the main control CPU 72 generates a lighting signal for the lamp (for example, only the lamp 38a) corresponding to the lighting pattern representing "2 rounds". .. Since the three display lamps 38a, 38b, and 38c can display six types of lighting patterns, it is possible to correspond to the five types of jackpots of the present embodiment. The details of the lighting pattern corresponding to the number of rounds are preferably displayed in the vicinity of the display lamps 38a, 38b, 38c in order to be clearly transmitted to the player.

[Variable winning device management processing]
Next, details of the variable winning device management processing will be described. FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing a configuration example of the variable winning device management processing. Variable winning a prize device management processing, game process selection processing (step S5100), big winning a prize opening pattern setting processing (step S5200), big winning a prize opening and closing operation processing (step S5300), big winning a prize closing processing (step S5400), end This is a configuration including a subroutine group of processing (step S5500).

  Step S5100: In the game process selection process, the main control CPU72 selects the jump destination of the process to be executed next (one of steps S5200 to S5500). That is, the main control CPU72 selects the program address of the process to be executed next from the jump table as the jump destination address, and sets the end of the variable winning device management process as the return address in the stack pointer. Which process is selected as the next jump destination depends on the progress status of the process performed so far. For example, if the operation (opening / closing operation) of the first variable winning device 30 and the second variable winning device 31 is not yet started, the main control CPU 72 sets the special winning opening opening pattern setting process (step) as the next jump destination. S5200) is selected. On the other hand, if the special winning opening opening pattern setting processing has already been completed, the main control CPU72 selects the special winning opening opening / closing operation processing (step S5300) as the next jump destination, and the winning opening opening / closing operation processing is also completed. Then, the special winning opening closing process (step S5400) is selected as the next jump destination. Further, when the special winning opening opening / closing processing and the special winning opening closing processing are repeatedly executed for the set continuous operation number (round number), the main control CPU72 selects the end processing (step S5500) as the next jump destination. .. Hereinafter, each processing will be described in more detail.

[Prize winning opening pattern setting processing]
FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of a special winning opening opening pattern setting process. This process is for setting conditions such as the number of times the first variable winning device 30 and the second variable winning device 31 are opened and closed, and the time of each opening when a big hit or a small hit, respectively. Hereinafter, each procedure will be described.

  Step S5202: The main control CPU72 confirms whether or not the value (01H) of the big hit flag is set. As a result of this confirmation, when the value of the big hit flag (01H) is set (Yes), the main control CPU72 next executes step S5203. On the other hand, when the value of the big hit flag (01H) is not set (No), that is, when the value of the small hit flag (01H) is set, the main control CPU72 next executes step S5204.

  Step S5203: The main control CPU72 executes a big winning big winning opening opening pattern setting process. In this process, the opening pattern of the special winning opening corresponding to the winning symbol at the time of big hit is set based on the big hit symbol-specific opening pattern setting table. Note that the specific content of the processing will be described later with reference to another flowchart. The main control CPU72 then executes step S5205.

  Step S5204: The main control CPU72 executes a small winning big winning opening opening pattern setting process. In this processing, the opening pattern of the special winning opening is set on the basis of the small opening pattern-specific opening pattern setting table. Note that the specific content of the processing will be described later with reference to another flowchart. The main control CPU72 then executes step S5205.

  Step S5205: When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU72 sets the next jump destination to the special winning opening opening / closing operation process, and returns to the variable winning device management process.

[Prize winning mouth opening pattern setting process at the time of big hit]
FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure of a big winning opening opening pattern setting process. The contents will be described below according to the procedure example.

  Step S5210: The main control CPU72 operates the condition device and the accessory continuous operation device. Here, the "conditional device" is a device whose operation is a condition necessary for the operation of the accessory continuous operation device, and the "conditional continuous operation device" is the first variable winning device 30 or the second variable prize winning device 30. This is a device that can continuously operate the variable winning device 31. The "condition device" and the "feature continuous operation device" may be flags for control. Therefore, unless the condition device is operating, the first variable winning device 30 and the second variable winning device 31 do not operate in the big hit game. The main control CPU72 next executes step S5212.

  Step S5212: The main control CPU72 sets "start big job (big hit game)" as an internal state flag on control. Further, the main control CPU72 sets the value of the continuous operation number status according to the type of big hit symbol. For example, when the first winning symbol or the second winning symbol is met, a value representing "3 rounds" is set in the continuous operation number status. In addition, the main control CPU72 generates a state command indicating that the big hit. The state command indicating that the big hit is being transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process described above. The main control CPU72 next executes step S5214.

  Step S5214: The main control CPU72 executes the big hit time symbol-specific open pattern selection processing. In this process, the main control CPU72 refers to the big hit time symbol-based open pattern setting table, and selects an open pattern corresponding to the type of winning symbol related to the special symbol. Here, the opening pattern represents a setting for activating the first variable winning device 30 and the second variable winning device 31, for example, setting of the number of execution rounds, opening time, interval time, and the like. The main control CPU72 next executes step S5216.

[Open pattern setting table for each jackpot pattern]
FIG. 27 is a diagram showing an example of a big hit time symbol-specific open pattern setting table. This big hit time symbol-specific open pattern setting table defines the opening / closing operation pattern of the variable winning device (first variable winning device 30 or second variable winning device 31) to be operated for each round, for each different winning symbol relating to the special symbol. Is. Specifically, the following opening patterns of the special winning opening are defined for each winning symbol.

[1st winning design]
When it corresponds to the first winning symbol, the variable winning device to be operated is the first variable winning device 30. Also, the number of execution rounds is three, and three of them are the rounds with a ball. In addition, in the round in which there is a ball, the opening time for opening the first special winning opening 30b per round is 29.0 seconds. The interval time provided between each round is 1.0 second.

  In this way, when the winning symbol relating to the special symbol is the first winning symbol, when the jackpot game is started, the first variable winning device 30 from the first round to the third round over 29.0 seconds during each round. The first special winning opening 30b is opened by opening (however, it is closed when the upper limit number of balls is confirmed. The same applies hereinafter). Therefore, in the case where the first winning symbol is applied, the balls can be practically obtained for three rounds.

[2nd winning design]
When it corresponds to the second winning symbol, the variable winning device to be operated is the first variable winning device 30. Also, the number of execution rounds is three, and three of them are the rounds with a ball. In addition, in the round in which there is a ball, the opening time for opening the first special winning opening 30b per round is 29.0 seconds. The interval time provided between each round is 1.0 second.

  In this way, when the winning symbol relating to the special symbol is the second winning symbol, when the jackpot game is started, the first variable winning a prize device 30 from the first round to the third round over 29.0 seconds during each round. It operates and the first big winning opening 30b is opened. Therefore, in the case where the second winning symbol is applied, it is possible to substantially obtain the balls for three rounds.

[3rd winning design]
If the third winning symbol is applicable, the variable winning device to be operated is the first variable winning device 30. Also, the number of execution rounds is two, and two of them are the rounds with a ball. In addition, in the round in which there is a ball, the opening time for opening the first special winning opening 30b per round is 29.0 seconds. The interval time provided between each round is 1.0 second.

  In this way, when the winning symbol relating to the special symbol is the third winning symbol, when the big hit game is started, the first variable winning a prize device 30 from the first round to the second round over 29.0 seconds during each round. It operates and the first big winning opening 30b is opened. Therefore, in the case where the third winning symbol is applied, the exits for two rounds can be substantially obtained.

  As described above, the main control CPU72 refers to the big hit time symbol-based open pattern setting table to set the open pattern of the special winning opening corresponding to the type of the winning symbol.

[Refer to FIG. 26: Big winning opening opening pattern setting processing at the time of big hit]
Step S5216: The main control CPU72 sets the operation of the first variable winning device 30. Specifically, the main control CPU72 sets the first variable winning device 30 as the type of the variable winning device to be operated for each round (1st round to the last round) during the big hit game based on the opening pattern corresponding to the winning symbol. To do. In addition, in the present embodiment, since the opening pattern corresponding to all the winning symbols (first winning symbol to third winning symbol) at the time of all big hits, the first big winning opening 30b is opened in the first round to the final round, The operation of the first variable winning device 30 is set. The main control CPU72 next executes step S5218.

  Step S5218: The main control CPU72 sets the number of execution rounds. Specifically, the main control CPU72 sets the number of rounds to be executed during the big hit game based on the opening pattern corresponding to the winning symbol. For example, 3 rounds are set as the number of execution rounds of the open pattern corresponding to the 3 land jackpot (the first winning symbol and the second winning symbol). The main control CPU72 then executes step S5220.

  Step S5220: The main control CPU72 sets the big hit open timer. Specifically, the main control CPU72 sets an opening time (opening timer) per opening when the special winning opening is opened for each round during a big hit. In addition, in this embodiment, it is set for each round based on the opening time of the opening pattern corresponding to the winning symbol (first winning symbol to third winning symbol) at the time of big hit. For example, when the winning symbol is the first winning symbol, the opening time for opening the first special winning opening 30b is set to 29.0 seconds for the round with a ball. Therefore, if the value of the opening timer is set to about 29.0 seconds, the opening time is a sufficient time (for example, launching) to easily enter the first big winning opening 30b during one opening. The control board set 174 is a time at which 10 or more game balls are fired, preferably 6 seconds or more). In addition, if about 0.5 seconds is set as the value of the opening timer, the opening time becomes a time when it is difficult to enter the first big winning opening 30b during one opening. The main control CPU72 next executes step S5222.

  Step S5222: The main control CPU72 sets the big hit time interval timer. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sets a waiting time (interval timer) between rounds at the time of a big hit. In the present embodiment, 1.0 second is set as the interval timer of the open pattern corresponding to all the winning symbols (first winning symbol to third winning symbol) at the time of big hit. For example, after the opening of the first special winning opening 30b between the first round and the second round is completed and the state is once closed, an interval timer of about 1.0 second is set. The main control CPU72 then executes step S5224.

  Step S5224: The main control CPU72 generates a continuous operation number command. The continuous operation number command can be generated based on the number of execution rounds set in the previous process (step S5218). For example, when it corresponds to the first winning symbol or the second winning symbol, the number of execution rounds is "3 rounds", so the continuous operation number command is generated as a command including a value representing "3 rounds". The generated continuous operation number command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process.

  When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU72 returns to the special winning opening opening pattern setting process (FIG. 25).

[Prize winning opening pattern setting process for small hits]
FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure of a big winning opening opening pattern setting process at the time of a small hit. Hereinafter, description will be given along with an example of the procedure.

  Step S5252: The main control CPU72 sets "small hit start (during small hit game)" as an internal state flag on control. Further, the main control CPU72 generates a state command indicating that the small hit game is in progress. The state command indicating that the small hit game is being executed is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process. The main control CPU72 then executes step S5254.

  Step S5254: The main control CPU72 executes a small hitting open pattern selection process. In this processing, the main control CPU72 refers to the small hitting opening pattern setting table and selects an opening pattern. Here, the opening pattern represents a setting for activating the first variable winning device 30 and the second variable winning device 31, for example, setting of the number of times of opening, the opening time, the interval time, the opening time of the specific region 31x, and the like. ing. The main control CPU72 then executes step S5256.

[Small hit open pattern setting table]
FIG. 29 is a diagram showing an example of a small hitting open pattern setting table. The small hit opening pattern setting table defines the opening / closing operation pattern of the variable winning device (second variable winning device 31). In addition, in this embodiment, the number of opening patterns set at the time of a small hit is one, but a plurality of winning patterns may be defined.

  In the case of a small hit, the variable winning device to be operated is the second variable winning device 31. In addition, the number of times the second variable winning device 31 is opened is two, and the time of one opening is 0.9 seconds. The interval time is set to about 1.0 second, for example.

The opening start time of the specific area 31x (timing for turning on the specific area solenoid 99 to activate the specific area slide member 31c) is 0.2 seconds after the opening of the second variable winning device 31 is started.
In addition, the opening end time of the specific area 31x (the timing when the specific area solenoid 99 is turned off and the specific area slide member 31c is inactivated) is 1.8 seconds after the opening of the second variable winning device 31 is started. ..

[Refer to FIG. 28: Processing for setting a winning opening for small wins]
Step S5256: The main control CPU72 sets the operation of the second variable winning device 31. Specifically, the main control CPU72 sets the type of the variable winning device to be operated during the small hit game to the second variable winning device 31, based on the opening pattern corresponding to the small hit. The main control CPU72 next executes step S5258.

  Step S5258: The main control CPU72 sets the opening frequency. Specifically, the main control CPU72 sets the number of times of opening executed during the small hit game based on the opening pattern corresponding to the small hit. In addition, in this embodiment, the number of times of opening of the opening pattern corresponding to the small hit is set to two times. The main control CPU72 then executes step S5260.

  Step S5260: The main control CPU72 sets the small hit opening timer. Specifically, the main control CPU72 sets an opening time (opening timer) for each opening of the special winning opening based on the opening pattern corresponding to the small hit. In the present embodiment, 0.9 seconds is set based on the opening time of the opening pattern corresponding to a small hit. The main control CPU72 then executes step S5262.

  Step S5262: the main control CPU72 sets a small hit time interval timer. Specifically, the main control CPU72 sets the waiting time (interval timer) between the opening of the special winning opening based on the opening pattern corresponding to the small hit. In addition, in this embodiment, the interval timer is set to a predetermined time (for example, 1.0 second). The main control CPU72 next executes step S5264.

  Step S5264: The main control CPU72 sets the opening timer of the specific area 31x (specific area slide member 31c). Specifically, the main control CPU72 sets the opening time (opening timer) of the specific area 31x during the small hitting game based on the opening pattern corresponding to the small hitting. In the present embodiment, the specific region 31x is opened 0.2 seconds after the opening of the second variable winning device 31 is started, and the specific region 31x is closed 1.8 seconds after the opening of the second variable winning device 31 is started. To be done.

  When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU72 returns to the special winning opening opening pattern setting process (FIG. 25).

[Winning prize opening / closing operation processing]
FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of a special winning opening / closing operation process. This process is mainly for controlling the opening / closing operation of the first variable winning device 30 and the second variable winning device 31. The procedure will be described below.

  Step S5302: The main control CPU72 confirms whether or not the current internal state is "in a big role". Specifically, the main control CPU72 accesses the flag buffer of the RAM76, and the current internal state is determined by whether or not the flag "in big duty (big hit game)" is set as the internal state flag for control. Check whether or not the character is in the midst of playing an important role. In addition, the flag “in big win (in big hit game)” is set by the main control CPU 72 during the previous process (during big hit big winning opening opening pattern setting process: step S5212) and the process when passing through a specific region described later. .. As a result of this confirmation, when the current internal state is “in a big role” (Yes), the main control CPU72 next executes step S5306. On the other hand, if the current internal state is not “in a big role” (No), the main control CPU72 next executes step S5304.

  Step S5304: The main control CPU72 executes the second special winning opening opening and closing operation processing. In this processing, the main control CPU72 operates the second variable winning a prize device 31 to open and close the second special winning opening 31b based on the set opening pattern (applies to the second special winning opening solenoid 97). Output a drive signal) processing. Note that the specific content of the processing will be described later with reference to another flowchart.

  Step S5306: The main control CPU72 executes a first special winning opening opening and closing operation process. In this process, the main control CPU72 operates the first variable winning a prize device 30 to open and close the first special winning opening 30b based on the set opening pattern (applies to the first special winning opening solenoid 90). Output a drive signal) processing. Note that the specific content of the processing will be described later with reference to another flowchart.

  After completing the above procedure, the main control CPU72 returns to the variable winning device management processing (FIG. 24).

[Second prize winning opening / closing operation processing]
FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the second special winning opening / closing operation process. The contents will be described below according to the procedure example.

  Step S5310: The main control CPU72 opens the second special winning opening 31b. Specifically, the drive signal applied to the second special winning opening solenoid 97 is output. As a result, the second variable winning a prize device 31 operates and shifts from the closed state to the open state. The main control CPU72 next executes step S5312.

  Step S5312: The main control CPU72 executes a release timer countdown process. Specifically, the main control CPU72 executes the countdown of the release timer set in the previous process (step S5260 or step S5264 of the small winning big winning opening pattern setting process (in FIG. 28)). In this process, in addition to the opening timer for opening the second special winning opening 31b, a countdown is performed for the opening timer (opening start time, opening end time) for opening the specific area 31x. The main control CPU72 then executes step S5314.

  Step S5314: The main control CPU72 executes a specific area opening / closing operation process. In this process, the main control CPU72 operates the specific region slide member 31c to open and close the specific region 31x based on the set opening pattern (outputs a drive signal to be applied to the specific region solenoid 99). Perform processing. Note that the specific content of the processing will be described later with reference to another flowchart. The main control CPU72 next executes step S5316.

  Step S5316: The main control CPU72 confirms whether or not the opening time of the second special winning opening 31b has ended. Specifically, it is confirmed whether or not the value of the opening timer for the second special winning opening 31b during the countdown process is 0 or less. As a result of this confirmation, when the opening time of the second special winning opening 31b has ended (Yes), the main control CPU72 next executes step S5322. On the other hand, when the opening time of the second special winning opening 31b has not ended (No), the main control CPU72 next executes step S5318.

  Step S5318: The main control CPU72 executes a winning ball number counting process. In this process, the number of game balls that have won in the second variable winning device 31 (large winning opening being opened) within the opening time is counted. Specifically, the main control CPU72 increments the value of the count number based on the winning detection signal input from the second count switch 85 within the opening time. The main control CPU72 then executes step S5320.

  Step S5320: The main control CPU72 confirms whether or not the current count number is less than a predetermined number (10). This predetermined number defines the upper limit of the number of winning balls (upper limit of the number of prize balls) allowed per opening as described above. If the counted number has not reached the predetermined number (No), the main control CPU72 returns to the variable winning device management process. Then, when the variable winning device management process is executed next time, since the jump destination is set to the special winning opening opening / closing operation process at this stage, the main control CPU72 repeatedly executes the procedure of steps S5310 to S5320.

  When it is determined in step S5316 that the opening time has expired (Yes), or when it is confirmed in step S5320 that the count number has reached the predetermined number (Yes), the main control CPU72 next executes step S5322. In addition, since the value of the opening timer is set to a short time (for example, 1.8 seconds) for the opening at the time of the small hit, the main control CPU72 normally determines that the count number has reached the predetermined number in step S5310. In most cases, it is determined in step S5316 that the opening time has expired before the confirmation.

  Step S5322: The main control CPU72 closes the second special winning opening 31b. Specifically, the output of the drive signal applied to the second special winning opening solenoid 97 is stopped. As a result, the second variable winning device 31 returns from the open state to the closed state. The main control CPU72 next executes step S5324.

  Step S5324: The main control CPU72 confirms whether or not the specific area passage flag is ON. Specifically, the main control CPU72 accesses the flag buffer area of the RAM76, and confirms whether or not the specific area passage flag is ON depending on whether or not the value of the specific area passage flag is 01H. As a result of this confirmation, if the specific area passage flag is ON (Yes), that is, if the game ball passes through the specific area 31x while the second big winning opening 31b during the small hit game is open, The control CPU 72 then executes step S5326. On the other hand, when the specific area passage flag is not ON (No), that is, when the game ball does not pass through the specific area 31x while the second big winning opening 31b during the small hit game is open, the main control is performed. The CPU 72 then executes step S5327a. The specific area passage flag may be set to ON in the previous specific area opening / closing operation process (step S5314).

  Step S5326: The main control CPU72 executes a specific area passing process. In this processing, the main control CPU72 activates the condition device and the accessory continuous operation device based on the fact that the game ball has passed through the specific area 31x while the second big winning opening 31b during the small hit game is open. , A process for continuously operating the first variable winning device 30, that is, a process for starting a big hit game (special game execution means via special game, special game execution means). Note that the specific content of the processing will be described later with reference to another flowchart. The main control CPU72 next executes step S5328.

  Step S5327a: The main control CPU72 executes an interval standby process. Specifically, the main control CPU72 executes the countdown of the interval timer set in the previous process (step S5265 of the small winning big winning opening pattern setting process (FIG. 28)). When the value of the interval timer becomes 0 or less, the main control CPU72 then proceeds to step S5327b. Although not specifically shown here, the main control CPU72 starts from step S5327a for each interrupt until the interval time elapses (until the interval timer value becomes 0), and manages the variable winning device as the calling source. Return to the end address of the process (FIG. 24). Then, when the special winning opening opening / closing operation process is executed in the next call, step S5327a is executed directly instead of from the beginning step S5310.

  Step S5327b: The main control CPU72 increments the value of the second special winning opening opening counter. The value of the second special winning opening opening counter is stored in the count area of the RAM 76 with an initial value of 0, for example.

  Step S5327c: The main control CPU72 confirms whether or not the value of the incremented second special winning opening number counter has reached the number set in the current round. Here, the reason why the "number of times set in the current round" is determined is because, for example, it corresponds to the opening pattern of "opening the second variable winning device 31 a plurality of times during one small hit". Is. If such an opening pattern is not adopted, the “number of times set in the current round” is set to once in each round, so the counter value is set by one opening / closing operation. Since the set number of times has been reached (Yes), the main control CPU72 proceeds to step S5328.

  On the other hand, in the case of adopting the opening pattern of “opening the second variable winning device 31 a plurality of times during one small hit”, the counter value has still reached the set number at the end of one opening. There will be no (No). In this case, when the main control CPU72 returns to the variable winning device management process, since the jump destination is set to the special winning opening opening / closing operation process at this stage, the procedure from step S5310 to step S5327b is repeatedly executed. As a result, in step S5327b, the opening counter is incremented, and when the counter value reaches the set number (step S5327c; Yes), the main control CPU72 then executes step S5328.

  Step S5328: The main control CPU72 sets the next jump destination to the special winning opening closing processing, and returns to the special winning opening opening / closing processing (FIG. 30). Then, when the variable winning device management processing is executed next, the main control CPU72 next executes the special winning opening closing processing.

[Specific area opening / closing operation processing]
FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of a specific area opening / closing operation process. The contents will be described below according to the procedure example.

  Step S5330: The main control CPU72 confirms whether or not the opening time of the specific area 31x is started. Specifically, the main control CPU72 confirms whether or not the value of the release timer for the release start time regarding the release of the specific region 31x, which has been counted down in the countdown process (step S5312), is 0, and Check if the 31x opening time has started. As a result of this confirmation, when the opening time of the specific area 31x is started (Yes), the main control CPU72 next executes step S5332. On the other hand, if the opening time of the specific area 31x has not started (No), or if it has already been opened, the main control CPU72 next executes step S5334.

  Step S5332: The main control CPU72 opens the specific area 31x. Specifically, the drive signal applied to the specific area solenoid 99 is output. As a result, the specific region slide member 31c operates and the specific region 31x shifts from the closed state to the open state. The main control CPU72 next executes step S5334.

  Step S5334: The main control CPU72 confirms whether or not the game ball has passed the specific area 31x. Specifically, the main control CPU72 accesses the storage area of the RAM76 and confirms whether or not the specific area spare flag is ON. As a result of this confirmation, if the specific area preliminary flag is ON and it is confirmed that the game ball has passed through the specific area 31x (Yes), the main control CPU72 next executes step S5336. On the other hand, when the specific area preliminary flag is OFF and it is confirmed that the game ball has not passed through the specific area 31x (No), the main control CPU72 next executes step S5338.

  Step S5336: The main control CPU72 sets the specific area passage flag to ON. Specifically, the main control CPU72 accesses the flag buffer area of the RAM76 and sets the value of the specific area passage flag to 01H. The main control CPU72 then executes step S5338. The specific area passage flag and the specific area preliminary flag are reset at the end of the big hit game.

  Step S5338: The main control CPU72 confirms whether or not the opening time of the specific area 31x has ended. Specifically, the main control CPU72 confirms whether or not the value of the release timer regarding the release of the specific region 31x, which has been counted down in the countdown process (step S5312), is 0. Check if it is finished. If the result of this confirmation is that the opening time of the specific area 31x has ended (Yes), the main control CPU72 then executes step S5340. On the other hand, when the opening time of the specific area 31x has not ended (No), the main control CPU72 returns to the second special winning opening / closing operation processing (FIG. 31).

  Step S5340: The main control CPU72 closes the specific area 31x. Specifically, the output of the drive signal applied to the specific area solenoid 99 is stopped. As a result, the specific region slide member 31c returns from the open state (operating state) to the closed state (non-operating state).

  After finishing the above procedure, the main control CPU72 returns to the second special winning opening opening / closing operation process (FIG. 31).

[Processing when passing through a specific area]
FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure of processing when passing through a specific area. The contents will be described below according to the procedure example.

  Step S5350: The main control CPU72 resets the small hit flag. Specifically, the main control CPU72 accesses the flag buffer area of the RAM76, and resets the value of the small hit flag to 00H. The main control CPU72 then executes step S5352.

  Step S5352: The main control CPU72 ends the small hit game. Specifically, the main control CPU72 erases the "small hitting game" from the internal state flag, and ends the small hitting game on control processing (ends small hitting). The main control CPU72 then executes step S5354.

  Step S5354: The main control CPU72 activates the condition device and the accessory continuous operation device. Thereby, the first variable winning device 30 can be continuously operated, and the big hit game can be started. The main control CPU72 then executes step S5356.

  Step S5356: The main control CPU72 sets "start big job (big hit game)" as an internal state flag on control. Further, the main control CPU72 sets the value of the continuous operation number status according to the type of winning symbol. For example, when the first winning symbol or the second winning symbol is matched, a value representing "3 rounds" is set in the continuous operation number status. In addition, the main control CPU72 generates a state command indicating that the big hit. The state command indicating that the big hit is being transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process described above. The main control CPU72 next executes step S5358.

  Step S5358: The main control CPU72 executes the opening pattern selection process for each symbol when passing through the specific area. In this process, the main control CPU72 refers to the symbol-based open pattern setting table when passing through the specific area, and selects an open pattern corresponding to the type of the winning symbol when the small hit occurs. The main control CPU72 then executes step S5360.

  Step S5360: The main control CPU72 sets the operation of the first variable winning device 30. Specifically, the main control CPU72 is based on the open pattern corresponding to the winning symbol related to the special symbol when it corresponds to the small hit, of the variable winning device to be operated in each round during the big hit game (2nd round to the final round). The type is set to the first variable winning device 30. The main control CPU72 next executes step S5362.

  Step S5362: The main control CPU72 sets the number of execution rounds. Specifically, the main control CPU72 sets the number of rounds to be executed during the big hit game, based on the open pattern corresponding to the winning symbol relating to the special symbol when the small hit occurs. For example, "10 rounds" is set as the number of execution rounds of the open pattern corresponding to the fourth winning symbol. The main control CPU72 next executes step S5364.

  Step S5364: the main control CPU72 sets the big hit time open timer. Specifically, the main control CPU72 sets an opening time (opening timer) per opening when the special winning opening is opened for each round during a big hit. In addition, in this embodiment, it is set for each round based on the opening time of the opening pattern corresponding to the winning symbol (the fourth winning symbol to the sixth winning symbol) related to the special symbol when the small hit occurs. For example, when the winning symbol is the fourth winning symbol, the opening time for opening the first special winning opening 30b is set to 29.0 seconds for the round with a ball. Therefore, if the value of the opening timer is set to about 29.0 seconds, the opening time is a sufficient time (for example, launching) to easily enter the first big winning opening 30b during one opening. The control board set 174 is a time at which 10 or more game balls are fired, preferably 6 seconds or more). In addition, if about 0.5 seconds is set as the value of the opening timer, the opening time becomes a time when it is difficult to enter the first big winning opening 30b during one opening. The main control CPU72 next executes step S5366.

  Step S5366: The main control CPU72 sets the big hit time interval timer. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sets a waiting time (interval timer) between rounds at the time of a big hit. In the present embodiment, 1.0 second is set as the interval timer of the open pattern corresponding to the winning symbol (the fourth winning symbol to the sixth winning symbol) related to the special symbol when the small hit occurs. For example, an interval timer of about 1.0 second is set after the opening of the first special winning opening 30b between the second round and the third round is completed and the state is once closed. The main control CPU72 next executes step S5368.

  Step S5368: The main control CPU72 generates a continuous operation number command. The continuous operation number command can be generated based on the number of execution rounds set in the previous process (step S5362). For example, when the fourth winning symbol is applied, the number of execution rounds is “10 rounds”, and thus the continuous operation number command is generated as a command including a value representing “10 rounds”. The generated continuous operation number command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process. The main control CPU72 then executes step S5370.

  Step S5370: The main control CPU72 executes the symbol time reduction function setting process when passing through the specific area. In this process, when the winning symbol relating to the special symbol when the small hit is “4th winning symbol” to “6th winning symbol”, the main control CPU 72 sets the time shortening function operation flag to ON (time. Shortened state transition means, time reduction function activation means). In addition, in this embodiment, when the game ball corresponds to the “4th winning symbol” to the “6th winning symbol” and passes through the specific region 31x, the time is shortened without fail. You may make it shift to a time shortening state only for the winning symbol.

  After finishing the above procedure, the main control CPU72 returns to the second special winning opening opening / closing operation process (FIG. 31).

[Open pattern setting table for each symbol when passing through a specific area]
FIG. 34 is a diagram showing an example of a symbol-specific open pattern setting table when passing through a specific area. This opening pattern setting table for each symbol when passing through the specific area defines an opening / closing operation pattern of the first variable winning device 30 for each round, for each different winning symbol relating to the special symbol when the small hit is hit. Specifically, the following opening patterns of the special winning opening are defined for each winning symbol.

[4th winning design]
When the game ball corresponds to the fourth winning symbol and passes through the specific area 31x, the variable winning device to be operated is the first variable winning device 30. The number of execution rounds is 10. In addition, since the number of execution rounds includes the operation of the second variable winning device 31 opened in the small hit, in the big hit game to be started from now, 9 rounds obtained by subtracting 1 round from 10 rounds will be performed. It becomes the number of rounds in the substantial jackpot game (hereinafter, the same applies to the fifth winning symbol and the sixth winning symbol). In addition, 9 rounds out of 9 rounds are rounds with a ball. In addition, in the round in which there is a ball, the opening time for opening the first special winning opening 30b per round is 29.0 seconds. The interval time provided between each round is 1.0 second.

  In this way, when the winning symbol relating to the special symbol corresponding to the small hit is the fourth winning symbol, when the big hit game is started, the second variable winning device 31 is opened in the small hit as the first round. Therefore, from the second round to the tenth round, the first variable winning a prize device 30 operates during each round for 29.0 seconds, and the first special winning opening 30b is opened. Therefore, when the game ball passes the specific area 31x corresponding to the fourth winning symbol, it is possible to substantially obtain the exit ball for 9 rounds.

[Fifth winning design]
When the game ball corresponds to the fifth winning symbol and passes through the specific area 31x, the variable winning device to be operated is the first variable winning device 30. In addition, the number of execution rounds is 7 (the number of rounds in the substantial jackpot game is 6), and 6 of them are the rounds with a ball. In addition, in the round in which there is a ball, the opening time for opening the first special winning opening 30b per round is 29.0 seconds. The interval time provided between each round is 1.0 second.

  In this way, when the winning symbol relating to the special symbol corresponding to the small hit is the fifth winning symbol, when the big hit game is started, the opening of the second variable winning device 31 in the small hit is regarded as the first round. Therefore, from the second round to the seventh round, the first variable winning device 30 operates during each round for 29.0 seconds to open the first big winning opening 30b. Therefore, when the game ball corresponds to the fifth winning symbol and passes through the specific area 31x, it is possible to substantially obtain the ball for 6 rounds.

[Sixth winning design]
When the game ball passes the specific area 31x corresponding to the sixth winning symbol, the variable winning device to be operated is the first variable winning device 30. In addition, the number of execution rounds is 4 (the number of rounds in a practical big hit game is 3), and 3 of them are the rounds with a ball. In addition, in the round with a ball, the opening time for opening the first big winning opening 30b per round is 29.0 seconds, and the interval time provided between the rounds is 1.0 second.

  In this way, when the winning symbol relating to the special symbol at the time of hitting the small hit is the sixth winning symbol, when the big hit game is started, the first variable winning device 30 from the second round to the fourth round is 29. The first special winning opening 30b is opened by operating during each round for 0 seconds. Therefore, when the game ball passes through the specific area 31x corresponding to the sixth winning symbol, it is possible to substantially obtain the balls for three rounds.

  As described above, the main control CPU72 refers to the symbol-specific opening pattern setting table at the time of passing the specific area, and sets the opening pattern of the special winning opening corresponding to the type of the winning symbol related to the special symbol when the small hit occurs. Will be done.

[First prize winning opening and closing operation processing]
FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the first special winning opening opening / closing operation process. Hereinafter, description will be given along with a procedure example.

  Step S5380: The main control CPU72 opens the first special winning opening 30b. Specifically, the drive signal applied to the first special winning opening solenoid 90 is output. As a result, the first variable winning device 30 is activated to shift from the closed state to the open state. The main control CPU72 next executes step S5382.

  Step S5382: The main control CPU72 executes a release timer countdown process. Specifically, the main control CPU72 is set in the previous process (step S5220 of the big winning opening special winning opening opening pattern setting process (in FIG. 26) or step S5364 of the specific region passing process (in FIG. 33)). Performs countdown of the open timer. The main control CPU72 next executes step S5386.

  Step S5386: The main control CPU72 confirms whether or not the opening time of the first special winning opening 30b has ended. Specifically, it is confirmed whether or not the value of the open timer for the first special winning opening 30b after the countdown process is 0 or less. If the result of this confirmation is that the opening time of the first special winning opening 30b has ended (Yes), the main control CPU72 then executes step S5392. On the other hand, when the opening time of the first special winning opening 30b has not ended (No), the main control CPU72 next executes step S5388.

  Step S5388: The main control CPU72 executes a winning ball number counting process. In this process, the number of game balls that have won the first variable winning device 30 (large winning opening being opened) within the opening time is counted. Specifically, the main control CPU72 increments the value of the count number based on the winning detection signal input from the first count switch 84 within the opening time. The main control CPU72 next executes step S5390.

  Step S5390: The main control CPU72 confirms whether or not the current count number is less than a predetermined number (10). This predetermined number defines the upper limit of the number of winning balls (upper limit of the number of prize balls) allowed per opening (one round of the big hit) as described above. If the number of counts has not reached the predetermined number (Yes), the main control CPU72 returns to the variable winning device management process. Then, when the variable winning device management process is executed next time, since the jump destination is set to the special winning opening opening / closing operation process at this stage, the main control CPU72 repeatedly executes the procedure of steps S5380 to S5390.

  When it is determined in step S5386 that the opening time has ended (Yes), or when it is confirmed in step S5390 that the count number has reached the predetermined number (No), the main control CPU72 next executes step S5392. When the value of the open timer is set to a short time (for example, 0.5 seconds), the main control CPU72 normally performs the step before confirming that the count number has reached the predetermined number in step S5390. In most cases, it is determined in S5386 that the opening time has expired.

  Step S5392: The main control CPU72 closes the first special winning opening 30b. Specifically, the output of the drive signal applied to the first special winning opening solenoid 90 is stopped. As a result, the first variable winning device 30 returns from the open state to the closed state. The main control CPU72 then executes step S5394.

  Step S5394: The main control CPU72 executes an interval standby process. Specifically, the main control CPU72 is set in the previous processing (step S5222 of the big winning opening opening pattern setting processing (in FIG. 26) or step S5366 of the specific area passing processing (in FIG. 33)). Executes countdown of the interval timer. When the value of the interval timer becomes 0 or less, the main control CPU72 then proceeds to step S5395. Although not specifically shown here, the main control CPU 72 starts from step S5394 for each interrupt until the interval time elapses (until the interval timer value becomes 0), and manages the variable winning device as the calling source. Return to the end address of the process (FIG. 24). Then, when the special winning opening opening / closing operation process is executed in the next call, step S5394 is directly executed instead of step S5380 at the beginning.

  Step S5395: the main control CPU72 increments the value of the opening number counter. The value of the opening counter is stored in the count area of the RAM 76 with an initial value of 0, for example.

  Step S5396: The main control CPU72 confirms whether or not the value of the release number counter after increment has reached the number set in the current round. Here, the reason why the "number of times set in the current round" is determined is because, for example, it corresponds to an opening pattern of "opening the first variable winning device 30 a plurality of times in one round during a big hit". Is. In addition, in the present embodiment, since such an opening pattern is not particularly adopted, the “number of times set in the current round” is set to once in each round. Therefore, since the counter value usually reaches the set number of times in one opening / closing operation (Yes), the main control CPU72 proceeds to step S5398.

  When the pattern in which the opening / closing operation is repeated a plurality of times within one round is adopted as described above, the counter value has not yet reached the set number at the end of one opening (No). In this case, when the main control CPU72 returns to the variable winning device management processing, the jump destination is set to the special winning opening opening / closing operation processing at this stage, and thus the procedure from step S5380 to step S5390 is repeatedly executed. As a result, in step S5395, the release counter increments, and when the counter value reaches the set number (Yes), the main control CPU72 proceeds to step S5398.

  Step S5398: The main control CPU72 sets the next jump destination to the special winning opening closing process, and returns to the special winning opening opening / closing process (FIG. 30). Then, when the variable winning device management processing is executed next, the main control CPU72 next executes the special winning opening closing processing.

[Close-up of prize winning opening]
FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of a special winning opening closing process. This special winning opening closing process is for continuing the operation of the first variable winning device 30 and the second variable winning device 31, or for ending the operation thereof. The procedure will be described below.

  Step S5401: First, the main control CPU72 confirms whether or not the current game is a big win (big hit game), and if it is a big win (Yes), the main control CPU72 next executes step S5402.

  Step S5402: The main control CPU72 increments the round number counter. As a result, for example, the value of the round number counter becomes "1" at the stage of finishing the first round and proceeding to the second round. In addition, when the game ball passes through the specific area 31x during the small hit game and the big hit game is started after the small hit ends, the opening of the second big winning opening 31b at the time of the small hit is treated as the first round, and the big hit is played. The first round when the game starts is treated as the second round.

  Step S5404: The main control CPU72 confirms whether or not the value of the incremented round number counter has reached the set execution round number. Specifically, the main control CPU72 refers to the value (1 to 15) of the incremented round number counter, and if the value is less than the set number of execution rounds (14 or 15 after subtraction 1) ( No), and then step S5405 is executed.

  Step S5405: The main control CPU72 generates a round number command from the current value of the round number counter. This command is transmitted to the performance control device 124 in the performance control output processing as described above. The production control device 124 can confirm the current round number based on the received round number command.

  Step S5406: The main control CPU72 sets the next jump destination to the special winning opening opening / closing operation processing.

  Step S5408: Then, the main control CPU72 resets the winning ball number counter, and returns to the variable winning device management processing.

  When the main control CPU72 next executes the variable winning device management process, in the game process selection process (step S5100 in FIG. 24), the main control CPU72 executes the special winning opening opening / closing operation process which is the next jump destination. After execution of the special winning opening opening / closing operation processing, the main control CPU72 executes the special winning opening closing processing again, and repeatedly executes the above-described steps S5402 to S5408. As a result, the opening / closing operation of the first variable winning device 30 is continuously executed until the actual number of rounds reaches the set number of execution rounds.

  When the actual number of rounds has reached the set number of execution rounds (step S5404: Yes), the main control CPU72 next executes step S5410.

  Step S5410, Step S5412: In this case, the main control CPU72 resets the round number counter (= 0) and sets the next jump destination to the end processing.

  Step S5408: Then, the main control CPU72 resets the winning ball number counter, and returns to the variable winning device management processing. As a result, when the main control CPU72 next executes the variable winning device management process, the ending process is selected this time.

[Small hits]
On the other hand, in the case of a small hit, the procedure is as follows (special operation executing means).
Step S5411: When the main control CPU72 confirms that the current game is not playing a major role (step S5401: No), it increments the value of the opening number counter.

  Step S5413: Next, the main control CPU72 confirms whether or not the value of the incremented release number counter has reached the set release number. The number of times of opening is set in the previous big winning opening opening pattern setting process (step S5258 in FIG. 28). If the value of the opening counter has not reached the set opening number (No), the main control CPU72 executes step S5416.

Step S5416: The main control CPU72 sets the next jump destination to the special winning opening opening / closing operation processing.
Step S5408: Then, the main control CPU72 resets the winning ball number counter, and returns to the variable winning device management processing.

  When the main control CPU72 next executes the variable winning device management process, in the game process selection process (step S5100 in FIG. 24), the main control CPU72 executes the special winning opening opening / closing operation process which is the next jump destination. After executing the special winning opening opening / closing operation processing, the main winning opening closing processing is executed, the main control CPU72 executes the special winning opening closing processing again, and through the above steps S5401 to S5413 (No) to step S5416. , Step S5408 is repeatedly executed. As a result, the opening / closing operation of the second variable winning device 31 is repeatedly executed until the actual opening number reaches the set opening number.

  When the actual number of times of opening at the time of small hit has reached the set number of times of opening (step S5413: YES), the main control CPU72 next executes step S5414.

  Step S5414, Step S5412: In this case, when the main control CPU72 resets the opening number counter (= 0), the next jump destination is set to the end process.

  Step S5408: Then, the main control CPU72 resets the winning ball number counter, and returns to the variable winning device management processing. As a result, when the main control CPU72 next executes the variable winning device management process, the ending process is selected this time.

〔End processing〕
FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of termination processing. This ending process is for adjusting the conditions for ending the operations of the first variable winning device 30 and the second variable winning device 31. Hereinafter, description will be given along with an example of the procedure.

  Step S5502: The main control CPU72 confirms whether or not the value of the big hit flag (01H) is set, and if the value of the big hit flag is set (Yes), the main control CPU72 next executes step S5503. To do.

  Step S5503, Step S5504: In this case, the main control CPU72 resets the big hit flag (00H). As a result, the jackpot gaming state ends on the control processing of the main control CPU 72. Further, the main control CPU72 erases the "big hit" from the internal state flag here, and ends the big hit game on control processing (end of big win). The main control CPU 72 resets the value of the continuous operation number status.

  Step S5510: Next, the main control CPU72 confirms whether or not the value of the time reduction function operation flag is 01H (is set). This flag is a big hit time other setting process during the special symbol variation pre-process (step S2414 in FIG. 17) or a specific area passing time shortening function setting process during the previous specific region passing process (Fig. It is set in step S5370) of 33.

  Step S5512: And when the value of the time reduction function operation flag is 01H (step S5510: Yes), the main control CPU72 sets the number of time reductions (for example, 6 times (or 10 times), 100 times (or 104 times)). To do. The value of the set time saving count is stored in the time saving count area of the RAM 76 as described above. The time saving number set here is the upper limit number for shortening the variation time of the special symbol in the subsequent games. In the present embodiment, in order to manage the number of times saved, the number of times cut counter values (first number of times cut counter value and second number of times cut counter value) relating to two types of time reduction states are prepared. Here, the first count-down counter value is a variable that is decremented (subtracted by 1) each time the second special symbol changes once, and "6" or "100" is set as the initial value. The second number-of-times cut counter value is a variable that is decremented each time the first special symbol or the second special symbol changes once, and "10" or "104" is set as the initial value. When the value of the time reduction function operation flag is not 01H (step S5510: No), the main control CPU72 does not execute step S5512.

  By executing such processing, the main control CPU72, when the transition condition to the time reduction state is satisfied (when a predetermined transition condition is satisfied, when the winning symbol to be transitioned to the time reduction state is won) ), After the jackpot game is over, advantageous conditions have been applied compared to the non-time-reduced state (predetermined game state) (non-time-reduced state). It is possible to shift to a time shortening state (advantageous game state) in which the opening time is extended (advantageous game state transition means).

  The procedure up to this point is for a big hit, but for a small hit (step S5502: No), the following procedure is executed.

  Step S5520, Step S5522: In the case of a small hit, the main control CPU72 resets the value of the small hit flag (00H), and erases "in small hit game" from the internal state flag. In the case of a small hit, the internal conditioner does not operate in particular, so such a procedure is merely intended to clear the flag.

  Step S5514: Then, the main control CPU72 generates a state designation command based on the flag. Specifically, with the reset of the big hit flag or the end of a big role, a state designation command representing "normal" is generated as the game state. If the time reduction function operation flag is set, a state designation command representing "time reduction in progress" is generated as the internal state. These state designation commands are transmitted to the performance control device 124 in the performance control output processing.

  Step S5516: After going through the above procedure, the main control CPU72 sets the next jump destination to the special winning opening opening pattern setting process.

  Step S5518: Then, the main control CPU72 sets the jump destination in the execution selection process (step S1000 in FIG. 16) in the special symbol game process to the special symbol variation preprocess. When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU72 returns to the variable winning device management processing.

[Game Flow (1)]
FIG. 38 is a diagram illustrating a game flow developed when the first special symbol changes in the normal mode.
When the game is started on the pachinko machine 1, the game is started from the [F1] normal mode (park mode). The "normal mode" is a "low probability non-time shortened state", the winning probability of the special symbol is "low probability state", and the winning probability of the ordinary symbol is "low probability state".

  [F1] During the game in the normal mode, when the game ball enters the middle start winning opening 26 (when the memory of the first special symbol does not exist, the memory of the second special symbol does not exist). ), [F2] The first special symbol changes.

  [F3] When the player is "missing" in the first special symbol lottery, [F1] the operation is restarted from the normal mode.

  [F4] "Big hit (winning probability 1/319)" in the first special symbol lottery, and if [F5] first winning symbol is met, [F6] big hit game is executed, and [F8] drive mode is entered. [F8] The drive mode is a "low probability time reduction state", the winning probability of the special symbol is "low probability state", and the winning probability of the ordinary symbol is "high probability state".

  [F4] "Big hit (winning probability 1/319)" in the first special symbol lottery, and if [F7] second winning symbol is met, [F6] big hit game is executed, and [F8] drive mode is entered.

  In this way, in the state of staying in the normal mode (non-time reduction state), if you hit the jackpot in the first special symbol lottery, whatever the winning symbol, even after the jackpot game is over, drive Switch to mode.

[Game Flow (Part 2)]
FIG. 39 is a diagram illustrating a game flow developed when the second special symbol changes in the normal mode.
[F1] During the game in the normal mode, when the game ball enters the right starting winning opening 28b (when the memory of the second special symbol exists), [F12] the second special symbol changes.

  [F13] When the second special symbol lottery results in "out of bounds", the process is restarted from the state of [F1] normal mode.

  [F14] It becomes "big hit (winning probability 1/319)" in the second special symbol lottery, and if [F15] third winning symbol falls, [F6] big hit game is executed, and [F8] drive mode is entered.

  [F16] "Small hit (winning probability 1/6)" in the second special symbol lottery, [F17] Corresponds to the fourth winning symbol, and [F18] When the game ball passes through the specific area during the small hit game, [F6] A big hit game is executed, and [F8] drive mode is entered.

  [F16] "Small hits (winning probability 1/6)" in the second special symbol lottery, corresponding to the [F19] fifth winning symbol, and [F18] when the game ball passes through the specific area during the small hit game, [F6] A big hit game is executed, and [F8] drive mode is entered.

  [F16] "Small hit (winning probability 1/6)" in the second special symbol lottery, corresponding to the [F20] sixth winning symbol, [F18] When the game ball passes through the specific area during the small hit game, [F6] A big hit game is executed, and [F8] drive mode is entered.

[Game Flow (3)]
FIG. 40 is a diagram illustrating a game flow developed when the first special symbol changes in the drive mode.
[F8] During the game in the drive mode, when the game ball enters the middle start winning opening 26 (when the memory of the first special symbol does not exist, the memory of the first special symbol exists) ), [F2] The first special symbol changes. The drive mode may be in a non-time shortened state.

  [F3] When the player is "missing" in the first special symbol lottery, the operation is restarted from the state of [F8] drive mode. However, when the time-shortening final fluctuation is the final time-shortening fluctuation, the normal mode is entered by the end of the deviation fluctuation.

  [F4] "Big hit (winning probability 1/319)" in the first special symbol lottery, and if [F5] first winning symbol is met, [F6] big hit game is executed, and [F8] drive mode is entered.

  [F4] "Big hit (winning probability 1/319)" in the first special symbol lottery, and if [F7] second winning symbol is met, [F6] big hit game is executed, and [F8] drive mode is entered.

  In this way, in the state of staying in the drive mode (time reduction state), if you hit the jackpot in the first special symbol lottery, whatever the winning symbol corresponds, after the end of the jackpot game, drive mode Move to.

[Game Flow (Part 4)]
FIG. 41 is a diagram illustrating a game flow developed when the second special symbol changes in the drive mode.
[F8] During the game in the drive mode, when the game ball enters the right starting winning opening 28b (when the memory of the second special symbol exists), [F12] the second special symbol changes.

  [F13] When the player is "missing" in the second special symbol lottery, the operation is restarted from the state of [F8] drive mode. However, when the time-shortening final fluctuation is the final time-shortening fluctuation, the normal mode is entered by the end of the deviation fluctuation.

  [F14] It becomes "big hit (winning probability 1/319)" in the second special symbol lottery, and if [F15] third winning symbol falls, [F6] big hit game is executed, and [F8] drive mode is entered.

  [F16] "Small hit (winning probability 1/6)" in the second special symbol lottery, [F17] Corresponds to the fourth winning symbol, and [F18] When the game ball passes through the specific area during the small hit game, [F6] A big hit game is executed, and [F8] drive mode is entered.

  [F16] "Small hits (winning probability 1/6)" in the second special symbol lottery, corresponding to the [F19] fifth winning symbol, and [F18] when the game ball passes through the specific area during the small hit game, [F6] A big hit game is executed, and [F8] drive mode is entered.

  [F16] "Small hit (winning probability 1/6)" in the second special symbol lottery, corresponding to the [F20] sixth winning symbol, [F18] When the game ball passes through the specific area during the small hit game, [F6] A big hit game is executed, and [F8] drive mode is entered.

  In this way, if you win in the second special symbol lottery, whether you are staying in the normal mode (non-time reduction state) or the drive mode (time reduction state), after the jackpot game is over , Change to drive mode.

[Example of performance image]
Next, the effect image actually displayed on the liquid crystal display 42 and the operation of the drum unit 200 in the pachinko machine 1 will be described with some examples. As described above, when the big hit internal lottery is performed in the pachinko machine 1, the variation pattern (variation time) is determined under the control of the main control CPU 72, and the variation display by the first special symbol and the second special symbol is performed. Is displayed (pattern display means). However, as described above, the first special symbol and the second special symbol themselves are lit / blinking display by the 7-segment LED, so that they are not so appealing to the eyes. Similarly, the mode of the stop display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol by the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35 is also a symbolic design by a 7-segment LED, etc. It has little visual impact as a winning symbol. Therefore, in the pachinko machine 1, the variable display effect and the stop display effect using the liquid crystal display 42 and the drum unit 200 are performed.

  In the present embodiment, the liquid crystal display 42 displays the effect symbol Hz (main symbol), the marker M1, the marker M2, the fourth symbols Z1 and Z2, the background image corresponding to the stay mode, the image regarding the notice effect, and the like. The pseudo effect symbols such as 7 symbols are displayed on the drum unit 200.

  The effect design Hz displayed on the liquid crystal display 42 includes, for example, three effects, a left effect design, a middle effect design, and a right effect design, and these are left, middle, and right on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42. Displayed side by side. The numbers "1" to "9" are displayed on each effect pattern. Here, the left effect symbol, the middle effect symbol, and the right effect symbol all constitute a symbol row (effect symbol array) arranged in descending order of numbers "9" to "1". Such a symbol string is variably displayed so as to flow (scroll) in the vertical direction.

  The pseudo effect symbols displayed on the drum unit 200 include three, a pseudo left effect symbol displayed on the left reel 201, a pseudo middle effect symbol displayed on the middle reel 202, and a pseudo right effect symbol displayed on the right reel 203. These are included, and they are displayed side by side on the display area of the drum unit 200 in the left, middle, and right directions. Each reel includes 7 symbols, panda symbols, and cherry symbols, and the pseudo effect symbols are variably displayed by rotating each reel.

  42 and 43 are continuous diagrams showing examples of effect images corresponding to variable display and stop display of special symbols. It should be noted that here, with respect to the variation of the special symbol at the time of non-winning (missing), an example of the variation display effect and the stop display effect performed by using the liquid crystal display 42 and the drum unit 200 is shown. This variable display effect corresponds to a series of effects that are performed from the start of the variable display of the special symbol (here, the first special symbol) to the stop display (including the fixed stop). The stop display effect is an effect that indicates that the special symbol is stopped and displayed, and that the result of the internal lottery at that time is displayed. Here, first, before describing the specific contents of the control processing, a basic flow of the variation display effect and the stop display effect for each variation employed in the present embodiment will be described.

[Before change display]
In FIG. 42 (A): For example, in a state before the first special symbol starts changing (a state where the demonstration effect is not in progress), a row of three effect symbols Hz is provided in the lower right area of the liquid crystal display 42. It is displayed. At this time, in accordance with the stop display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, the effect symbol Hz is also stopped and displayed.

  Further, in the lower left area of the liquid crystal display 42, a marker (indicated by reference symbols M1 and M2 in the drawing) indicating the number of working memories of each of the first special symbol and the second special symbol will be displayed. ing. These markers M1, M2, the first special symbol corresponding to the respective display number, the working memory number of the second special symbol (the first special symbol working memory lamp 34a, the display number of the second special symbol working memory lamp 35a) The display number increases or decreases in conjunction with the change in the number of working memories during the game. As for the markers M1 and M2, in order to facilitate visual discrimination, the marker M1 corresponding to the first special symbol is displayed, for example, in the shape of a circle (◯), and the marker M2 corresponding to the second special symbol is, for example, a heart. It is displayed as a figure. In the illustrated example, all four markers M1 are lit and displayed, which means that the number of working memories of the first special symbol is four, and all the markers M2 are hidden (shown by broken lines). Represents that the number of working memories of the second special symbol is 0.

  Further, a fourth symbol (indicated by reference symbols Z1 and Z2 in the drawing) is displayed in the lower right area of the liquid crystal display 42. The fourth symbols Z1 and Z2 are “fourth effect symbols” following the above left, middle, and right effect symbols, and during the variable display of effect symbols Hz, they are variably displayed in synchronization with this. It should be noted that the fourth symbols Z1 and Z2 are merely simple marks (for example, “□” figures) colored, and variable display can be expressed by changing the display color. The fourth symbol Z1 corresponds to the first special symbol, and the fourth symbol Z2 corresponds to the second special symbol.

  Further, the fourth symbols Z1 and Z2 are stopped and displayed in a mode (for example, white display color) corresponding to the deviation. This is for the purpose of clearly clarifying that the stop display effect is correctly performed corresponding to the stop display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, and that the pachinko machine 1 is operating normally. It is a thing. Therefore, if the result of the internal lottery is actually "big hit" or "small hit" instead of "defeat", the fourth symbols Z1, Z2 are displayed in a mode (for example, blue display color or red display color) corresponding thereto. Is stopped.

  On the other hand, on the middle effective line of the drum unit 200, a “panda pattern” corresponding to “out” is displayed.

[Begin changing display]
In FIG. 42 (B): For example, in synchronization with the start of variation of the first special symbol, each reel of the drum unit 200 starts to rotate, and the variation symbol production is performed by scroll variation of the production symbol Hz of the liquid crystal display 42. Is started (design effect executing means). In the figure, the variation display of the pseudo effect symbol of the drum unit 200 and the variation display of the effect symbol Hz are simply displayed by the downward arrow.

  A background image is displayed in the central area of the liquid crystal display 42, and this background image represents a landscape of a park. Such a background image expresses that the stay mode in the production is, for example, the “normal mode”. The "normal mode" is a low probability non-time shortened state. In addition to this, various modes are provided in the production, and a background image having a different landscape or scene is prepared for each mode. The difference between these modes corresponds to the internal "time saving state". Although not shown here in particular, it is also possible to adopt a mode in which the notice effect is performed by displaying an image of a character, an item, or the like on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42 after that.

  Further, during the variable display of the effect symbol Hz, the fourth symbol Z1 is variably displayed at the bottom of the screen of the liquid crystal display 42, and the fourth symbol Z1 expresses the variable display by changing its display color. ..

[Stop production on the left]
42 (C): For example, when a certain amount of time (about half of the fluctuation time) elapses, first, the pseudo left effect design of the left reel 201 of the drum unit 200 and the left effect of the effect design Hz of the liquid crystal display 42. The design stops changing. In this example, the "green 7 symbol" is stopped as a pseudo left effect symbol at the middle position of the left reel 201 of the drum unit 200, and the numeral "8" is used as the left effect symbol of the effect symbol Hz on the liquid crystal display 42. The effect design to represent has stopped.

[Demonstration example when the number of working memories decreases]
Here, as shown in (B) in the previous FIG. 42, since the number of working memories of the oldest first special symbol decreases by one with the start of fluctuation, the leftmost position is interlocked with it. The number of markers M1 displayed has been reduced by one. That is, the total number of working memories of the marker M1 was four by that time, but the marker M1, which is the oldest (oldest) memory number display, is hidden, and the production consumed by the internal lottery is also performed. Be seen. As a result, the player can be instructed that the total number of working memories has been reduced to three, and the working memory corresponding to any special symbol (the first special symbol in this case) is consumed. It is possible to teach whether it is high.

  Then, in the example of (C) in FIG. 42, since the working memory at the head in the storage order is consumed and the remaining three are left, one of the three markers M1 remaining on the screen is one each. The effect of shifting to the direction (here, to the left) is performed. As a result, the context of the change in the number of working memories can be accurately expressed in the performance, and the player can be taught intuitively that "the working memory has been consumed and decreased by one". it can.

[Right production design stop]
In FIG. 43 (D): Next, "Panda symbol" is stopped as a pseudo-right effect symbol at the middle position of the right reel 203 of the drum unit 200, and a number is used as the right effect symbol of the effect symbol Hz on the liquid crystal display 42. The effect symbol representing "3" is stopped.

[Stop display effect]
In FIG. 43 (E): The stop display effect is executed in synchronization with the stop display of the first special symbol. If the result of the internal lottery this time is non-winning, and the first special symbol is stopped and displayed in a non-winning (missing) mode, the pseudo effect symbol of the drum unit 200 and the effect symbol Hz of the liquid crystal display 42 are also the same. The stop display effect is performed in the non-winning (outside) mode. That is, in the illustrated example, the "panda symbol" as a pseudo intermediate effect symbol is stopped at the middle position of the middle reel 202 of the drum unit 200, and the number "1" is used as the intermediate effect symbol of the effect symbol Hz of the liquid crystal display 42. The effect design that represents is stopped. In this case, the combination of the pseudo effect symbols displayed on the effective line of the middle stage of the drum unit 200 is a gap between "green 7 symbol"-"panda symbol"-"panda symbol", and the symbol symbol on the liquid crystal display 42. Since the combination of Hz is the deviation of "8"-"1"-"3", it is expressed in the production that the variation this time corresponds to the normal "deviation". At this time, the fourth symbol Z1 is stopped and displayed in a mode (for example, white display color) corresponding to the deviation.

  The above is an example of the variable display effect and the stop display effect (at the time of non-winning) performed for each change. Through such an effect, it is possible to make the player have a sense of expectation for winning and finally to clearly teach the result of the internal lottery on the effect.

[Example of production during a big hit]
44 to 46 are continuous diagrams showing the flow of the reach effect executed at the time of a big hit. Here, in addition to the reach effect, a variable display effect, a stop display effect, and a notice effect are included. In addition, an example of a notice effect (pre-reach notice effect, post-reach notice effect) executed during the variable display effect will be described.

  Reach production below, after the variation display by the variation pattern at the time of a big hit is performed on the first special symbol display device 34, for example, the first special symbol is a "first winning symbol" or a "second winning symbol" mode. (For example, the 7 segment LED "self", "yo", "mouth", "Mimi", "F", "E", "L", "Γ", etc.) is executed until it is stopped and displayed ( Reach production execution means).

[Variable display production]
In FIG. 44A, each reel of the drum unit 200 starts to rotate substantially in synchronization with the variation start of the first special symbol (or the second special symbol), and the effect symbol Hz of the liquid crystal display 42 scrolls. By doing so, the variable display effect is started.

[Advance notice before reach (first stage)]
In FIG. 44 (B): When a predetermined time elapses from the start of fluctuation, the first stage pre-reach advance notice effect using the character image (picture card) is performed on the liquid crystal display 42. The pre-reach advance notice effect is a notice effect in which the change of the mode gradually progresses from one stage to a plurality of stages (for example, 2 to 5 stages) according to a predetermined order. The picture image used in the pre-reach advance notice effect is displayed so as to appear from the left end of the screen (other appearance modes are also possible). In addition, the "pre-occurrence notice before reach occurrence" is an effect that gives advance notice of the possibility of reach and the possibility of a big hit. By executing such “pre-reach notice production”, it is possible to obtain the effect of making the player have an expectation that “there may be development into reach = the possibility of a big hit increases”.

[Advance notice before reach (second stage)]
In FIG. 44C, after the first stage aspect of the pre-reach notice announcement effect is executed, the change of the aspect of the pre-reach notice announcement effect proceeds to the second step. Here, as a notice effect before the second stage of reach occurrence, an effect using a picture image of a character different from the previous one is performed. Specifically, another pattern image additionally appears from the right end of the screen and is displayed so as to overlap the front of the previously displayed pattern image. Further, the size of the picture image displayed at this time is larger than that of the picture image previously displayed. Then, a character represented by the design image utters a dialogue (for example, "becomes reach"), which is also performed by an acoustic output.

  The pre-reach occurrence notice effect (second stage) using such a second picture image is one step further from the pre-reach occurrence notice effect (first stage) performed in FIG. 44B. It is a development type. In this way, the "pre-reach notice announcement effect" that develops in this way is generally referred to as "step-up notice" or the like. Here, an example is given in which the second-stage design image appears in the pre-reach notice production, but in the production mode in which the third-stage, fourth-stage, and fifth-stage design images appear and are displayed one after another. It may be. Further, for example, the size may be enlarged each time the pattern images of the third stage, the fourth stage, and the fifth stage appear and are displayed one after another. The variable display effect is continued even at this stage. In any case, it is possible to suggest to the player that there is a high possibility (a high degree of expectation) of a big hit in this change by advancing the change in the form of the pre-reach notice production to more stages. (For example, suggesting the maximum degree of expectation when progressing to the 5th stage.)

[Stop of left production design]
In FIG. 45 (D): When approaching the middle stage of the variable display effect, the pseudo left effect symbol of the left reel 201 of the drum unit 200 and the left effect symbol of the effect symbol Hz of the liquid crystal display 42 stop changing. In this example, "red 7 symbols" are stopped as a pseudo left effect symbol at the middle position of the left reel 201 of the drum unit 200, and the number "7" is used as the left effect symbol of the effect symbol Hz on the liquid crystal display 42. The effect design to represent has stopped.

[Generation of reach state]
In FIG. 45 (E): Then, the pseudo right effect symbol of the right reel 203 of the drum unit 200 and the right effect symbol of the effect symbol Hz of the liquid crystal display 42 stop changing. In this example, the "red 7 symbol" is stopped as a pseudo-right effect symbol at the middle position of the right reel 203 of the drum unit 200, and the number "7" is used as the right effect symbol of the effect symbol Hz on the liquid crystal display 42. The effect design to represent has stopped. As a result, in the pseudo effect design of the drum unit 200, the reach state of "red 7 design"-"changing"-"red 7 design" has occurred, and the effect design Hz of the liquid crystal display 42 is "7". "-" Fluctuating "-" 7 "reach status occurs. In addition, an effect of outputting a voice such as “Reach!” Is also performed. After the reach state occurs, the reach effect at the time of winning is executed. In addition, regarding the effect symbol Hz of the liquid crystal display 42, the display state may be “in change”-“in change”-“in change” without generating a clear reach state.

[Advance notice after reach]
In FIG. 45 (F): Shortly after the reach state has occurred, on the liquid crystal display 42, for example, an image representing the figure of “heart” is grouped and diagonally passes on the screen. Done. In this case, the image of the “heart group” is suddenly displayed on the screen as if flowing, so that it is possible to enhance the visual appeal to the player. By executing the notice production after the occurrence of such a lively reach, it is possible to obtain the effect of making the player have a greater expectation.

[Progress of reach production]
In FIG. 46 (G): Following the notice effect after the reach occurs, the “pumpkin ghost” as the enemy character appears on the left side of the screen on the liquid crystal display 42, and the “male character” as the ally character appears on the right side of the screen. Is displayed, and the character "VS" appears in the center of the screen.

  In FIG. 46 (H): When the reach production is at the final stage, “pumpkin ghost” throws out numerous punches, and “male character” responds with a chop. If the "male character" wins in this state, it becomes a big hit, and if the "male character" loses it, it becomes a hit.

[Stop display effect (winning effect)]
In FIG. 46, (I): A large display of "male character" and a small display of "pumpkin ghost" together with the characters "victory !!" means a big hit. Then, substantially in synchronism with the stop display of the special symbol, the pseudo intermediate effect symbol of the inner reel 202 of the drum unit 200 and the intermediate effect symbol of the effect symbol Hz of the liquid crystal display 42 stop changing. In this example, the "red 7 symbol" is stopped as a pseudo right effect symbol at the middle position of the middle reel 202 of the drum unit 200, and the number "7" is used as the medium effect symbol of the effect symbol Hz of the liquid crystal display 42. The effect design to represent has stopped. The fourth symbol Z1 is stopped and displayed in a mode corresponding to the big hit (for example, red display color).

  In addition, at the time of non-winning (at the time of losing), “Pumpkin ghost” is displayed in a large size and “Male character” is displayed in a small size together with the characters of “defeat ...”. In this case, the "Panda symbol" is stopped as a pseudo right effect symbol at the middle position of the middle reel 202 of the drum unit 200, and an effect other than the number "7" is expressed as the effect symbol of the effect symbol Hz on the liquid crystal display 42. The design is stopped.

[Director during major role]
47 and 48 are continuous views each partially showing an example of the effect during the big win executed during the big hit game. It should be noted that the following major performance effects are effects executed on the liquid crystal display 42.

[Big hit game started]
In FIG. 47 (A): When the big hit game is started, for example, character information such as “BIG BONUS” is displayed on the screen, and a unique effect image (for example, a female character) is displayed during the big hit game. ..

["Right-handed" display during major roles]
In addition, in the present embodiment, the first variable winning device 30 is arranged in the right side portion within the game area 8a, so during the major role, the right side portion within the game area 8a is designated as the firing position (firing direction) of the game ball. I have decided. Therefore, under the control of the main control CPU72, the above-described firing position designation display lamp 38f is lit and displayed, and a firing position designation command indicating "right hit" is transmitted to the effect control device 124. In response to this, guide information (an arrow indicating a rightward direction, a character of "right-handed", etc.) for prompting "right-handed" is displayed on the display screen under the effect control by the effect control CPU 126).

[First round]
47 (B): When the first round of the big hit game is started, for example, three circles are displayed together with the character information of "BIG BONUS" in the upper left part of the screen. The circle mark located at the leftmost of the circles is displayed in red (hatched hatching), and the remaining two circles are displayed in white. As a result, it is possible to get 3 rounds, the current round is the 1st round out of the 3 rounds, and a circle mark is given each time one round that can get a shot progresses. The player can be instructed to display in red.

  Here, the number of “◯” increases according to the winning symbol. For example, when the winning symbol is the “first winning symbol” or the “second winning symbol”, the number of “◯” is “3”, but the winning symbol is the “third winning symbol”. In this case, the number of “◯” is “2”. In addition, when the winning symbol is the “4th winning symbol”, the number of “○” is “9”, and when the winning symbol is the “5th winning symbol”, “○” Is "6", and when the winning symbol is "6th winning symbol", the number of "○" is "3".

[3rd round]
In FIG. 47 (C): After that, the big hit game progresses smoothly, and when the game moves to the third round, for example, all three circles are displayed in red. As a result, it is possible to teach the player that all the rounds in which the ball can be obtained in the third round are completed.

[Time-reduced state entry]
In FIG. 48 (D): Then, an effect is displayed in which character information such as “drive mode entry!” Is displayed using the end time (ending time) of the big hit game. Thereby, it is possible to teach the player that the "drive mode" is about to start. Further, the character information such as "Please hit right as it is" is displayed together with the arrow indicating the right direction, and it is possible to teach the player that the game progresses by hitting the right even in the "drive mode".

  Here, during the ending production, notifications such as "let's be careful not to forget to remove the prepaid card" are issued, and you are prevented from getting stuck in the game like "let's be careful not to get in the game". You may make it notify.

[Big hit game end, time reduction state]
In FIG. 48 (E): when the jackpot game is over and the internal state (gaming state) is set to the time shortening state, the stay mode is set to “drive mode” and the background image shows that the car in which the woman is riding. It is changed to an image that expresses the situation of traveling on the ground. Thereby, it is possible to teach the player that the current internal state (gaming state) is a time shortening state different from the normal state.

[Time-saving and medium-term production]
In this way, when the game is progressing in the time shortened state, the time saving medium effect (advantageous game state effect) for displaying the background image corresponding to the time shortened state (advantageous game state) is executed.

[Right-handed suggestion production]
In addition, the right-handed suggestion effect is executed at the upper part of the screen. In the right-hit suggestion effect, a band-shaped area is provided in the upper portion of the screen of the liquid crystal display 42, and right-handed character information and a right-pointing arrow symbol are displayed in the band-shaped area. It should be noted that such a right-hit suggestion effect is continuously executed when the game state is the time shortening state. Then, by executing such an effect, it is possible to encourage the player to "right hit".

[Displaying the remaining number of times]
Further, in the lower left part of the screen, the remaining number display effect is executed. In the remaining number display effect, a rectangular area is provided at the lower left of the screen of the liquid crystal display 42, and the remaining number of times the game can be advanced in the drive mode is displayed in the rectangular area. In the illustrated example, the information of "remaining 10 times" is displayed. The remaining number is subtracted by 1 each time the second special symbol changes and stops in the time shortened state, and is subtracted by 1 each time the second special symbol changes and stops in the non-time shortened state. Therefore, the remaining number is not subtracted even if the first special symbol changes and stops in the time shortened state or the non-time shortened state.

[Demonstration example of drive mode (time reduction state)]
49 to 51 are continuous views showing examples of effects in the drive mode.

In FIG. 49 (A): in the drive mode, the background image is changed to an image representing a car in which a woman is riding on the ground. The combination of the pseudo effect symbols displayed on the effective line in the middle of the drum unit 200 is a winning combination of "red 7 symbols"-"red 7 symbols"-"red 7 symbols", and the effect of the liquid crystal display 42. The combination of symbols Hz is a winning combination of "7"-"7"-"7". This shows the winning outcome. Further, in the upper part of the screen, a right-handing suggestion effect is executed, and such a right-handing suggestion effect is continuously executed when the game state is the time shortening state.
The backlight of the drum unit 200 may be made to emit a predetermined color in synchronization with the background image of the liquid crystal.

[Fluctuation start of special symbols]
In FIG. 49 (B): The first special symbol is often stored at the time of the first win, and the memory of the second special symbol is not generally stored. In the illustrated example, four memories of the first special symbol (marker M1) are stored. Therefore, when the drive mode is entered in such a situation, the first special symbol is variably displayed. In addition, when the memory of the first special symbol is not accumulated, the player performs a right stroke, so that the variation of the second special symbol is first executed. Then, when the variable display of the first special symbol is started, the drum unit 200 starts to rotate along with it, and the variation of the effect symbol Hz and the fourth symbol Z1 of the liquid crystal display 42 is also started. Here, in the internal lottery related to the first special symbol, it is assumed that it corresponds to the failure.

[End of variation of the first special symbol]
In FIG. 49 (C): When the first special symbol is stopped and displayed in the disengaged manner, the pseudo effect symbol of the drum unit 200, the effect symbol Hz of the liquid crystal display 42, and the fourth symbol Z1 of the liquid crystal display 42 are also disengaged. Is displayed in a stopped manner. During this time, it is assumed that the player performs right hitting, a plurality of game balls pass through the starting gate 20, the variable start winning device 28 opens, and four game balls enter the right starting winning opening 28b. .. In this case, the memory of the second special symbol (marker M2) is accumulated four.

  Here, since the first special symbol is stopped and displayed, the remaining number is not subtracted and displayed. Specifically, the display of the remaining number of times remains 10 times.

  In FIG. 50 (D): Since the storage of the second special symbol is digested in preference to the storage of the first special symbol, next, the internal lottery is executed using the storage of the second special symbol. Then, when the variable display of the second special symbol is started, the drum unit 200 starts rotating along with it, and the variation of the effect symbol Hz and the fourth symbol Z2 of the liquid crystal display 42 is also started. Here, in the internal lottery regarding the second special symbol, it is assumed that the small hit.

[Small hit start, 2nd big prize opening opening]
In FIG. 50 (E): When the second special symbol is stopped and displayed in the form of a small hit, a pseudo effect symbol (a combination of "cherry symbol"-"cherry symbol"-"cherry symbol") of the drum unit 200, The effect design Hz (combination of "5"-"2"-"6") of the liquid crystal display 42 and the fourth design Z2 (green display color) of the liquid crystal display 42 are also stopped and displayed in a small hit mode. Thereby, the small hit game is started, and the second big winning opening 31b is opened. Then, the production in which the car on which the female character is riding accelerates to the right side of the screen is executed.

  Here, since the second special symbol is stopped and displayed, the remaining number of times is subtracted and displayed. Specifically, the remaining number of times is displayed as 9 times.

  In FIG. 50 (F): When the small hitting game is started, the production is performed in which the character of the hermit emits the line "Aim at the attacker in the lower right". Thereby, it is possible to inform the player that the game ball has to be inserted into the second variable winning device 31.

[Passing through a specific area]
In FIG. 51 (G): The second variable winning device 31 is shifted to the open state by the small hit game, the game ball passes through the specific area 31x, and the winning symbol at the time of the small hit is the sixth winning symbol. To do. In this example, a female character in a car holds a heart symbol with the letter V drawn on it and produces a dialogue saying "I did it! BIG BONUS!" Thereby, it is possible to teach the player that the game ball has passed through the specific area 31x and that the big hit game (BIG BONUS) will be started.

[Small hit end, big hit game start]
In FIG. 51 (H): After that, the small hit game is finished, and the second variable winning a prize device 31 (the second special winning opening 31b) is closed. In addition, the big hit game is started when the game ball passes through the specific area 31x during the small hit game. In this example, a female character peculiar to the jackpot game appears, character information such as "BIG BONUS" is displayed, and an effect in which the female character emits the same line is executed. Also, on the display screen, character information such as "Please hit right as it is" is displayed along with an arrow indicating the right direction, and it is possible to teach the player that the jackpot game proceeds by hitting the right as it is.

  After that, the process proceeds to (B) in FIG. 47, the same effect as the above big hit game is started, and the big hit game proceeds. For example, when the winning symbol at the time of a small hit related to the second special symbol corresponds to the sixth winning symbol, it is possible to substantially obtain the ball for three rounds. In addition, when the big hit game is executed in the drive mode, it is also possible to execute the large-effect production during exclusive use at the time of winning in the drive mode.

  52 and 53 are continuous views showing an example of an effect when the second special symbol changes in the drive mode in the non-time shortened state. Such a situation occurs when the memory of the second special symbol is accumulated, although it is shifted mainly in the final fluctuation of the time shortened state.

  Here, it is assumed that there are four memories of the second special symbol. For this reason, the time-saving and medium-time production is continuously executed. Further, as the remaining number display effect, information of "four remaining times" is displayed. However, the right-handed suggestion production is not executed.

[Variable display of special symbols]
In FIG. 52 (A): When the variable display of the second special symbol is started in the drive mode in the non-time shortened state, the drum unit 200 starts rotating along with it, and the effect symbol Hz and the second of the liquid crystal display 42. The fluctuation starts for the four symbols Z2.

[Continuation of variable display production]
In FIG. 52 (B): the variable display of the second special symbol is continuously executed in the drive mode in the non-time shortened state. Further, along with that, the rotation of the drum unit 200 continues, and the effect symbol Hz and the fourth symbol Z2 of the liquid crystal display 42 also continue to change. In addition, since the situation here is not a time shortening state, even if it passes through the starting gate 20, the probability of winning in the normal symbol lottery is low. For example, the winning probability of the ordinary symbol lottery in the time shortened state is about 1/1, and the winning probability of the ordinary symbol lottery in the non-time shortened state is 1 / 60,000. Therefore, it is difficult for the variable start winning device 28 to shift to the open state, and basically it is not possible to store the memory of the second special symbol. Therefore, the drive mode in such a non-time shortened state becomes a chance zone in which the second special symbol changes up to four times.

[Stop display effect]
52 (C): Here, in the internal lottery related to the second special symbol, it is assumed that the small hit is won. Then, when the second special symbol is stopped and displayed in the form of a small hit, the pseudo effect symbol of the drum unit 200 (combination of "cherry symbol"-"cherry symbol"-"cherry symbol"), the effect symbol of the liquid crystal display 42. Hz (combination of "2"-"2"-"3") and the fourth symbol Z2 (green display color) of the liquid crystal display 42 are also stopped and displayed in a small hit mode. In this case, the effect in which the animal character holds the "mark with the number 7 displayed" is executed.

  Here, since the second special symbol is stopped and displayed, the remaining number of times is subtracted and displayed. Specifically, the display of the remaining number of times is the remaining three times.

[Small hit start, 2nd big prize opening opening]
In FIG. 53 (D): And when the small hitting game is started, the second special winning opening 31b is opened, and the car in which the female character is riding speeds up to the right side of the screen. Executed. At this time, an effect of leaving the animal character behind is executed.

[Passing through a specific area]
In FIG. 53 (E): The second variable winning device 31 is shifted to the open state by the small hit game, the game ball passes through the specific area 31x, and the winning symbol at the time of the small hit is the fourth winning symbol. To do. In this example, a female character in a car holds a heart symbol with the letter V drawn on it and produces a dialogue saying "I did it! BIG BONUS!" Thereby, it is possible to teach the player that the game ball has passed through the specific area 31x and that the big hit game (BIG BONUS) will be started.

[Small hit end, big hit game start]
In FIG. 53 (F): After that, the small hit game is finished, and the second variable winning a prize device 31 (the second special winning opening 31b) is closed. In addition, the big hit game is started when the game ball passes through the specific area 31x during the small hit game. In this example, a female character peculiar to the jackpot game appears, character information such as "BIG BONUS" is displayed, and an effect in which the female character emits the same line is executed. Also, on the display screen, character information such as "Please hit right as it is" is displayed along with an arrow indicating the right direction, and it is possible to teach the player that the jackpot game proceeds by hitting the right as it is. After that, the process proceeds to (B) in FIG. 47, the same effect as the above big hit game is started, and the big hit game proceeds.

54 to 56 are diagrams showing a first effect example of the expected profit display effect.
The expected profit display effect is an effect for displaying the expected number of balls that can be obtained during the big hit game.
The expected profit display effect can be executed during an arbitrary period such as during a change in a special symbol such as a big hit or a small hit, a small hit game, a big hit game, or the like.

However, when the big hit game is executed via the small hit game, the expected profit display effect is that after the game ball enters the second variable winning a prize device 31 during the small hit game, or the game ball shows the specific area 31x. It is preferable to execute after passing. The reason for this is that if such an effect is executed before such a timing, it is possible to avoid passing through the specific area 31x when a small number of acquired balls are displayed. ..
The expected profit display effect in the case of executing the big hit game via the small hit game is preferably executed, for example, between the effect of (E) in FIG. 53 and the effect of (F) in FIG.

  Here, the following first effect example is executed when there is no winning (small hit or big hit) in the remaining hold, or when there is a winning in the remaining hold but not in the effect execution lottery of the held consecutive effects. It is an example of production. The remaining hold is a memory (for example, the memory 1 to 4 of the second special symbol) existing at the start or the end of the small hit game or the big hit game.

Further, the case where there is no winning (small hit or big hit) in the remaining hold is the following state.
"Variation: win"
"Memory 1: Missing"
"Memory 2: Missing"
"Memory 3: Out of the way"
“Memory 4: Out”

The case where there is a win in the remaining hold but the win is not won in the effect execution lottery of the hold consecutive effects is as follows.
"Variation: win"
"Memory 1: Win (but do not win the production run lottery)"
"Memory 2: Missing"
"Memory 3: Out of the way"
“Memory 4: Out”

  In FIG. 54 (A): For example, during a small hit game, when the game ball passes through the specific area 31x of the second variable winning device 31, the liquid crystal display 42 displays the character information "acquired ball attack". .. As a result, it is possible to notify the player that the expected profit display effect is about to start. Then, in the expected profit display effect, the button press effect is executed three times.

[First button press effect]
In FIG. 54B, in the first button press effect, an image simulating the effect switching button 45 is displayed on the liquid crystal display 42, and the character information "press!" Is displayed above the effect switching button 45. To be done. Thereby, the player can be prompted to press the effect switching button 45 for the first time.

[Display of the first result]
In FIG. 54 (C): When the player presses the effect switching button 45, the first result display is performed. In the example shown in the figure, the character information “450” corresponding to the number of balls for three rounds is displayed. The number of balls discharged for one round is “150 (= 10 counts × 15 payouts).

[Second button press effect]
In FIG. 55 (D): In the second button press effect, an image imitating the effect switching button 45 is displayed on the liquid crystal display 42 as in the case of the first time, and “press! The character information "" is displayed. Thereby, the player can be prompted to press the effect switching button 45 for the second time.

[Display of the second result]
55 (E): Then, when the player presses the effect switching button 45, the second result display is performed. In the illustrated example, the character information of "300", which is equivalent to the number of balls for two rounds, is displayed.

[3rd button press effect]
In FIG. 55 (F): In the third button press effect, an image simulating the effect switching button 45 is displayed on the liquid crystal display 42 as in the case of the first time or the second time, and “” is displayed above the effect switching button 45. "Please press!" Is displayed. Thereby, the player can be prompted to press the effect switching button 45 for the third time.

[Display of the third result]
56 (G): Then, when the player presses the effect switching button 45, the third result display is performed. In the illustrated example, the character information of "600" corresponding to the number of balls discharged for four rounds is displayed.

[Display of total expected profit]
56 (H): When the third button press effect is completed, the total expected profit display effect is executed. In the illustrated example, the character information "TOTAL 1350 acquisition" is displayed. Such a display means that 1350 game balls can be won in the big hit this time.

  56 (I): Then, after that, the big hit game is executed, and if the player normally makes a right hit, the player can generally obtain 1350 game balls.

57 to 61 are diagrams showing a second example of the expected profit display effect.
The second effect example is an effect example that is executed when there are two winnings in the remaining holding and the winning execution lottery is won.

  In FIG. 57 (A): For example, during the small hit game, when the game ball passes through the specific area 31x of the second variable winning device 31, the liquid crystal display 42 displays the character information “acquired ball attack”. ..

[First button press effect]
In FIG. 57 (B): In the first button press effect, an image simulating the effect switching button 45 is displayed on the liquid crystal display 42, and the character information of “press!” Is displayed above the effect switching button 45. To be done. Thereby, the player can be prompted to press the effect switching button 45 for the first time.

[Display of the first result]
57 (C): Then, when the player presses the effect switching button 45, the first result display is performed. In the illustrated example, the character information of "600" corresponding to the number of balls discharged for four rounds is displayed.

[Second button press effect]
In FIG. 58 (D): In the second button press effect, an image imitating the effect switching button 45 is displayed on the liquid crystal display 42 as in the case of the first time, and “press! The character information "" is displayed. Thereby, the player can be prompted to press the effect switching button 45 for the second time.

[Display of the second result]
In FIG. 58 (E): Then, when the player presses the effect switching button 45, the second result display is performed. In the example shown in the figure, the character information “750” corresponding to the number of balls discharged for five rounds is displayed.

[3rd button press effect]
In FIG. 58 (F): In the third button press effect, an image simulating the effect switching button 45 is displayed on the liquid crystal display 42 as in the case of the first time or the second time, and “” is displayed above the effect switching button 45. "Please press!" Is displayed. Thereby, the player can be prompted to press the effect switching button 45 for the third time.

[Display of the third result]
In FIG. 59 (G): When the player presses the effect switching button 45, the third result display is performed. In the example shown in the figure, two "holding consecutive coins (coins displaying V character information)" are displayed instead of the number of acquired balls. When one coin is displayed, "reserved consecutive coin" means that there is one win (big hit or small hit) for the remaining hold. In the example shown in the figure, since two "holding consecutive coins" are displayed, there are two winnings in the remaining holding.

[Display of total expected profit]
In FIG. 59 (H): When the third button press effect is completed, the total expected profit display effect is executed. In the example shown in the figure, the character information “TOTAL 1350 acquisition + pending consecutive coins × 2” is displayed. This kind of display means that 1350 game balls can be won in the big hit this time, and the pending rendition occurs at least twice.

  In FIG. 59 (I): And thereafter, if the big hit game is executed and the player normally makes a right-handed hit, about 1350 game balls can be obtained, and after that, further Two wins will occur.

[Fluctuation start of special symbols]
In FIG. 60 (J): When the jackpot game is over and the variable display of the second special symbol is started, the drum unit 200 starts rotating along with it, and the effect symbol Hz of the liquid crystal display 42 and the fourth symbol Z2. Also starts to fluctuate. Here, in the internal lottery related to the second special symbol, it is assumed that it corresponds to the failure.

Further, on the left side of the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42, the two “holding consecutive coins” (obtained in the above-mentioned expected profit display effect) that have been obtained previously are vertically arranged (coin stock state). When this "holding series coin" is used, a holding series occurs.
It should be noted that history information of the big hits up to the previous time may be displayed near the center of the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42.

[End of fluctuation of the second special symbol]
In FIG. 60 (K): When the second special symbol is stopped and displayed in a disengaged manner, the pseudo effect design of the drum unit 200, the effect design Hz of the liquid crystal display 42, and the fourth design Z2 of the liquid crystal display 42 are also disengaged. Is displayed in a stopped manner.

  Here, since the second special symbol is stopped and displayed, the remaining number of times is subtracted and displayed. Specifically, the remaining number of times is displayed as 9 times.

  In FIG. 60 (L): When the next variable display of the second special symbol is started, the drum unit 200 starts rotating along with it, and the variation of the effect symbol Hz and the fourth symbol Z2 of the liquid crystal display 42 is also changed. Start. Here, in the internal lottery regarding the second special symbol, it is assumed that the small hit.

  Also, at this timing, the effect of using the first "holding consecutive coin" is executed. Specifically, an effect in which the female character grabs the "holding consecutive coin" is executed.

[Small hit start, 2nd big prize opening opening]
In FIG. 61 (M): Then, when the second special symbol is stopped and displayed in the form of a small hit, a pseudo effect symbol of the drum unit 200 (a combination of "cherry symbol"-"cherry symbol"-"cherry symbol"), The effect design Hz of the liquid crystal display 42 (combination of "3"-"4"-"5") and the fourth design Z2 (green display color) of the liquid crystal display 42 are also stopped and displayed in a small hit mode. Thereby, the small hit game is started, and the second big winning opening 31b is opened. Then, the production in which the car on which the female character who holds the "holding coins" rides speeds up to the right side of the screen is executed.

  In this way, the pending rendition (specific effect) is such that when a pending rendition occurs (the content of the prefetch information is that there is a lottery element that wins within a predetermined number of changes after the end of the special game). It is an effect that may be executed at certain times.

In addition, the holding consecutive effect (specific effect) is an effect of acquiring the holding consecutive coin (predetermined effect element), storing the acquired holding consecutive coin, and using the stored holding consecutive coin. This is an effect in which the effect of the suspension call (the effect of the specific effect) is exhibited when the player performs.
It should be noted that the pending continuous effect (specific effect) may be an effect that includes at least one of "an effect for displaying a pending continuous coin" and "an effect using a pending continuous coin".

  Then, here, since the second special symbol is stopped and displayed, the remaining number of times is subtracted and displayed. Specifically, the remaining number of times is displayed as 8 times.

  In FIG. 61 (N): When the small hitting game is started, the production in which the character of the hermit emits the line "Aim the attacker in the lower right" is executed. Thereby, it is possible to inform the player that the game ball has to be inserted into the second variable winning device 31. Then, after that, when the game ball passes through the specific area 31x, the big hit game according to the winning symbol is executed.

  FIG. 62 is a diagram showing an example of an effect in the case where a holding streak occurs without using the "holding streak coin". In the present embodiment, the ratio of occurrence of such a situation is increased by the special lottery.

Here, the case in which the pending series occurs without using the "suspended series coin" is the following state.
"Variation: out of range"
"Memory 1: Winning (with or without holding consecutive coins)"
"Memory 2: Missing"
"Memory 3: Win (but do not win the production execution lottery)"
“Memory 4: Out”

The next fluctuation starts. In this case, the contents of storage (holding) are slid one by one.
"Variation: win"
"Memory 1: Missing"
"Memory 2: Win (but do not win the production execution lottery)"
"Memory 3: Out of the way"
"Memory 4: New winning (new memory occurs and pending coin acquisition rate increases)"
Here, since the special lottery is executed for the “memory 4”, it is assumed that the special lottery is won and the “memory 4” has acquired the held consecutive coins. In this case, one reserved continuous coin is stocked.
Then, when the “memory 2” becomes the fluctuation, a situation occurs in which a big hit occurs without using (consuming) the holding consecutive coins, so that it is possible to give the player a sense of superiority with a big hit ahead.
Hereinafter, an example of production of such a scene will be described.

[Fluctuation start of special symbols]
In FIG. 62 (A): when the big hit game ends and the variable display of the second special symbol is started, the drum unit 200 starts rotating along with it, and the effect symbol Hz and the fourth symbol Z2 of the liquid crystal display 42. Also starts to fluctuate. Here, in the internal lottery related to the second special symbol, it is assumed that the small hit.

  Further, one "holding consecutive coin" is displayed on the left side of the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42. When this "holding series coin" is used, a holding series occurs. However, in this change, the effect of using "holding consecutive coins" is not executed.

[Small hit start, 2nd big prize opening opening]
In FIG. 62 (B): When the second special symbol is stopped and displayed in the form of a small hit, a pseudo effect symbol (a combination of "cherry symbol"-"cherry symbol"-"cherry symbol") of the drum unit 200, The effect design Hz (combination of "5"-"2"-"6") of the liquid crystal display 42 and the fourth design Z2 (green display color) of the liquid crystal display 42 are also stopped and displayed in a small hit mode. Thereby, the small hit game is started, and the second big winning opening 31b is opened. Then, the production in which the car on which the female character is riding accelerates to the right side of the screen is executed.

  Here, since the second special symbol is stopped and displayed, the remaining number of times is subtracted and displayed. Specifically, the remaining number of times is displayed as 9 times.

  In FIG. 62 (C): When the small hitting game is started, an effect is performed in which the character of the hermit emits the line "I'm aiming for the attacker in the lower right". Thereby, it is possible to inform the player that the game ball has to be inserted into the second variable winning device 31. Then, after that, when the game ball passes through the specific area 31x, the big hit game according to the winning symbol is executed.

  In such a situation, that is, when a pending sequence occurs with the "sustained sequence coin" remaining, after that, it is confirmed that the winning (small hit or big hit) will occur at least once more, Can give a sense of superiority to the person.

  Next, an example of a control method for specifically realizing the above effects will be described. The above-described variable display effect, reach effect, pre-reach advance effect effect, memorized number effect effect, effect effect, effect using the liquid crystal display 42 and the drum unit 200, time saving effect, right hit suggestion effect, remaining number display effect, The expected profit display effect, the continuous holding effect, etc. are all controlled through the following control processing.

[Production control processing]
FIG. 63 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure of effect control processing executed by the effect control CPU 126. This effect control process is executed in a timer interrupt process (interrupt management process) separately from, for example, a reset start (main) process (not shown). The production control CPU 126 generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined interrupt cycle (for example, several tens μs to several ms cycle) during execution of the reset start process, and executes the timer interrupt process.

  Production control processing, command reception processing (step S400), operation memory production management processing (step S401), production design management processing (step S402), time saving and pseudo time saving other production processing (step S402a), drum unit effect management processing. (Step S403), expected profit display effect management process (step S403a), display output process (step S404), lamp drive process (step S406), sound drive process (step S408), effect random number update process (step S410), and others. This is a configuration including a subroutine group of the process (step S412). Hereinafter, a basic flow of the effect control process will be described along with each process.

  Step S400: In the command reception process, the effect control CPU 126 receives the effect command transmitted from the main control CPU72. Moreover, the effect control CPU 126 analyzes the received commands and stores them in the command buffer area of the RAM 130 by type. In addition, the command for the effect transmitted from the main control CPU72, for example, special drawing destination determination effect command, (special symbol) operation memory number increase effect command, (special symbol) operation memory number decrease effect command, start Mouth prize control command, demonstration command, lottery result command, variation pattern command, variation start command, stop symbol command, symbol stop time command, state designation command, round number command, firing position designation command, error notification command, jackpot There are an end effect command, a variation pattern destination determination command, a stop display time end command, a multiple cut counter command, various error commands and the like.

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

  Step S402: In the effect symbol management process, the effect control CPU 126 controls the content of the variable display effect and the stop display effect using the effect symbol Hz and the fourth symbols Z1 and Z2, the first variable winning device 30 or the second variable. The contents of the effect at the time of opening / closing operation of the winning device 31 are controlled. In addition, in this process, the effect control CPU 126 selects an effect pattern of various notice effects (pre-reach notice effect, post-reach notice effect, etc.). In this way, in the effect symbol management processing, the effect control CPU 126 displays the effect contents to be displayed on the liquid crystal display 42 (effect symbol Hz, fourth symbols Z1 and Z2, markers M1 and M2, effect contents relating to the effect during major role, and the like. The processing for determining the content of the notice production) is executed. The details of the specific processing will be described later.

  Step S402a: The effect control CPU 126 executes a time saving process, a pseudo time saving process, and other effect processing. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 executes a process of determining effect contents regarding the right-handed suggestion effect, the remaining number display effect, and the like. The details of the specific processing will be described later.

  Step S403: In the drum unit effect management process, the effect control CPU 126 executes a process of controlling the drum unit 200 based on the effect contents determined in the effect symbol management process. In this way, in the drum unit effect management process, the effect control CPU 126 executes a process of determining the effect content to be displayed on the drum unit 200 (effect content regarding the pseudo effect symbol, content regarding the movement of the drum unit 200). The details of the specific processing will be described later.

  Step S403a: In the expected profit display effect management process, the effect control CPU 126 determines whether or not to execute the expected profit display effect, and if it is determined that the expected profit display effect is to be executed. The process of determining is executed.

  In addition, in this process, the effect control CPU 126 determines whether or not to execute the held continuous effect, and when it is determined to execute, performs a process of determining what kind of content the held continuous effect is to be executed.

  Step S404: In the display output process, the effect control CPU 126 controls the effect display control device 144 (display control CPU 146) with basic control information of the effect contents (for example, the number of operating memories for each of the first special symbol and the second special symbol). , Operation memory effect pattern number, pre-reading notice effect pattern number, variation effect pattern number, variation notice effect number, background pattern number, etc.). Thereby, the effect display control device 144 (display control CPU 146 and VDP 152) controls the display operation by the liquid crystal display 42 based on the instructed effect contents (effect execution means).

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

  Step S408: In the next audio driving process, the effect control CPU 126 sets the effect contents to the audio driving circuit 134 (for example, BGM during changing display effect, reach effect, mode transition effect, big hit effect, sound data, etc.). Give instructions. As a result, the speaker 54, 55, 56 outputs a sound corresponding to the effect contents.

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

Step S412: In other processing, for example, the effect control CPU 126 outputs a control signal to the driving IC of the movable body 40f. The movable body 40f operates by using the movable body motor 57 as a drive source, and produces an effect in synchronization with the display of an image on the liquid crystal display 42 or independently.
In this process, the effect control CPU 126 may perform effect management of the drum unit 200 (process for controlling the drum unit 200).

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

[Working memory performance management process]
FIG. 64 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the operation memory effect management process. The contents will be described below according to the procedure example.

  Step S700: First, the effect control CPU 126 confirms whether or not an effect command for increasing the number of working memories has been received from the main control CPU72. Specifically, the effect control CPU 126 accesses the command buffer area of the RAM 130, and confirms whether the effect command for increasing the number of working memories is stored. When it is confirmed that the effect command for increasing the number of operating memories is stored (step S700: Yes), the effect control CPU 126 executes step S702. In addition, when it is not possible to confirm that the effect command for increasing the number of operation memories is stored (step S700: No), the effect control CPU 126 does not execute step S702.

  Step S702: The effect control CPU 126 executes the effect memory number increase effect selection processing. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 selects an effect for displaying the marker M1 corresponding to the first special symbol or the marker M2 corresponding to the second special symbol.

  Step S704: The effect control CPU 126 confirms whether or not an effect command for decreasing the number of working memories has been received from the main control CPU 72. Specifically, the effect control CPU 126 accesses the command buffer area of the RAM 130 and confirms whether or not the effect command when the number of operating memories is reduced is stored. When it is confirmed that the effect command for decreasing the number of working memories is stored (step S704: Yes), the effect control CPU 126 executes step S706. In addition, when it is not possible to confirm that the effect command for decreasing the number of operation memories is stored (step S704: No), the effect control CPU 126 does not execute step S706.

Step S706: The effect control CPU 126 executes the effect memory number decrease effect effect selection processing. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 executes the effect of eliminating the marker M1 or the marker M2 corresponding to the lottery element consumed by the internal lottery, and moves the remaining markers M1, M2 not consumed by the internal lottery to the left. Execute the effect of sliding.
When the above procedure is finished, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the effect control process (FIG. 63).

[Production symbol management processing]
FIG. 65 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the effect symbol management process. Production symbol management process, execution selection process (step S500), production symbol variation pre-process (step S502), production symbol variation process (step S504), production symbol stop display process (step S506) and variable winning device operation time This is a configuration including a subroutine group of the process (step S508). The basic flow of the effect symbol management process will be described below along with each process.

  Step S500: In the execution selection process, the effect control CPU 126 selects the jump destination of the process to be executed next (one of steps S502 to S508). For example, the effect control CPU 126 sets the program address of the process to be executed next as the jump destination address, and sets the end of the effect design management process as the return address in the “jump table”. Which process is selected as the next jump destination depends on the progress status of the process performed so far. For example, in a situation where the variable display effect has not been started yet, the effect control CPU 126 selects the effect symbol pre-process (step S502) as the next jump destination. On the other hand, if the effect symbol variation pre-process has already been completed, the effect control CPU 126 selects the effect symbol changing process (step S504) as the next jump destination, and if the effect symbol changing process is completed, next As the jump destination of, the production symbol stop displaying process (step S506) is selected. Further, the variable winning device operating process (step S508) is selected as a jump destination only when the variable winning device management process (step S5000 in FIG. 16) is selected in the main control CPU72. In this case, steps S502 to S506 are not executed.

  Step S502: In the production symbol variation pre-processing, the production control CPU 126 performs an operation of adjusting the conditions for starting the variable display production using the production symbol Hz and the fourth symbols Z1 and Z2. Further, in this process, the effect control CPU 126 selects the content of the reach effect according to various conditions (lottery result, winning type (type of winning symbol), variation pattern, etc.), and an effect pattern (reach effect) for the notice effect. Pre-occurrence notice pattern, reach post-occurrence notice pattern etc.) In addition, the effect control CPU 126 also controls the demonstration effect when the pachinko machine 1 is in a so-called customer waiting state. The details of the specific processing will be described later with reference to another flowchart.

  Step S504: In the effect symbol changing process, the effect control CPU 126 generates control information for instructing the effect display control device 144 (display control CPU 146) as necessary. For example, when performing the effect using the effect switch button 45 during execution of the variable display effect, the effect control CPU 126 monitors whether or not the player operates the effect button, and the effect content (button effect) according to the result. The control information of (1) to the display control CPU 146.

  Step S506: In the effect symbol stop displaying process, the effect control CPU 126 controls the content of the stop display effect according to the result of the internal lottery. That is, the effect control CPU 126 instructs the effect display control device 144 (display control CPU 146) to end the variable display effect and execute the stop display effect. In response to this, the effect display control device 144 (display control CPU 146) ends the variable display effect that has been actually executed on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42 and executes the stop display effect. Thereby, the stop display effect is executed substantially in synchronization with the stop display of the special symbol, and the result of the internal lottery can be directedly taught to the player (disclosure, notification, notification, etc.) (symbol effect execution) means).

  Step S508: In the process for operating the variable winning device, the effect control CPU 126 controls the effect contents during the small hit game or the big hit. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 selects the content of the effect during the major role according to various conditions (e.g., winning type). Note that the specific content of the processing will be described later with reference to another flowchart.

[Production pattern change preprocessing]
Next, FIG. 66 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the above-mentioned effect symbol pre-processing. Hereinafter, description will be given along with a procedure example.

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

Step S602: The effect control CPU 126 executes a demo selection process. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 selects a demonstration effect pattern. The demonstration effect pattern defines the content of the effect indicating that the pachinko machine 1 is in a so-called customer waiting state.
It should be noted that, in the effect representing the waiting state for customers, a content for preventing the player from being absorbed in the game, such as "Be careful about the game being absorbed" may be displayed. By doing so, it is possible to easily execute the effect related to the prevention of slipping in at an appropriate timing, and it is possible to reduce the disadvantage of the player.

  When the above procedure is completed, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the end address of the effect symbol management process. Then, the effect control CPU 126 directly returns to the effect control process, and controls the contents of the demonstration effect based on the demonstration effect pattern in the subsequent display output process (step S404 in FIG. 63) and lamp drive process (step S406 in FIG. 63). To do.

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

  Step S604: The effect control CPU 126 confirms whether or not the variation this time is out (non-winning). Specifically, the effect control CPU 126 accesses the command buffer area of the RAM 130 and confirms whether or not the lottery result command at the time of non-winning is stored. As a result, when it is confirmed that the lottery result command at the time of non-winning is stored (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 executes step S612. On the contrary, when it is confirmed that the lottery result command at the time of non-winning is not stored (No), the effect control CPU 126 executes step S606. It should be noted that the confirmation of whether or not the variation this time is out may be performed based on a variation pattern command or a stop symbol command in addition to the lottery result command. That is, if the variation pattern command of this time corresponds to the out-of-order normal variation or the out-of-bound reach variation, it can be determined that the current variation is out of order. Alternatively, if the current stop symbol command designates a non-winning symbol, it can be determined that the current variation is a failure.

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

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

  Moreover, when the effect pattern number is selected, the effect control CPU 126 refers to an effect table (not shown), and the effect design Hz corresponding to the variable effect pattern number at that time and the variable schedule (fluctuation time) of the fourth symbols Z1 and Z2, stop. The display mode and the like are determined.

For example, the effect control CPU126, when the small hit variation of the second special symbol in the time shortened state, the effect symbol Hz and the fourth symbol Z2 are changed in the state of the "drive mode", and finally the effect corresponding to the small hit. The process of selecting the effect pattern for stopping and displaying the symbol Hz and the fourth symbol Z2 is executed.
On the other hand, the effect control CPU 126 changes the effect symbol Hz and the fourth symbol Z2 in a state where the “drive mode” is continued or in the normal mode, when the small hit variation of the second special symbol in the non-time shortened state. Finally, a process of selecting an effect pattern for stopping and displaying the effect symbol Hz and the fourth symbol Z2 corresponding to the small hit is executed.

  The above procedure corresponds to the case of "small hit", but when it corresponds to big hit, the effect control CPU 126 confirms that it is "big hit" in step S606 (Yes). In this case, effect control CPU126 executes step S610.

  Step S610: The effect control CPU 126 executes a big hit time variation effect pattern selection process. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 determines the effect pattern number at that time based on the variation pattern command received from the main control CPU 72. In the big hit production pattern selection process, the process may be further branched for each big hit stop pattern.

  In the case of non-winning, the following procedure is executed. That is, if the effect control CPU 126 confirms that there is a deviation in step S604 (Yes), then step S612 is executed.

  Step S612: The effect control CPU 126 executes the off-time variation effect pattern selection processing. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 determines the effect pattern number at the time of the departure based on the variation pattern command received from the main control CPU 72. The effect pattern numbers at the time of falling out are classified into "outside normal fluctuation", "time saving outlying fluctuation", "outside reach fluctuation", and the like, and a fine reach fluctuation pattern is defined in "outside reach fluctuation". Note that which effect pattern number the effect control CPU 126 selects is determined based on the variation pattern command transmitted from the main control CPU 72.

  When the production pattern number at the time of departure is selected, the production control CPU 126 refers to a production table (not shown), and the variation schedule (variation time and reach of the production symbol Hz and the fourth symbols Z1 and Z2 corresponding to the variation production pattern number at that time). The presence / absence of occurrence, the type of reach and the timing of reach occurrence in the case of reach occurrence), and the mode of stop display (for example, "7"-"2"-"4" etc.) are determined. It should be noted that the method of determining the effect at the time of such a deviation is the same as at the time of a big hit.

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

  Step S614: The effect control CPU 126 executes an announcement selection process (annotation effect execution means). In this process, the effect control CPU 126 selects the content of the notice effect to be executed during the current variable display effect by lottery. The content of the notice production is determined, for example, based on the result of the internal lottery (winning or non-winning) and the current internal state (normal state, time reduction state). As described above, the notice production is to give a notice to the player that a reach state may occur during the variable display production, or give a notice that there is a possibility that a big hit or a small hit will eventually occur. .. Therefore, the selection ratio of the notice effect is set low at the time of non-winning, but the selection ratio of the notice effect is set higher than that at the time of non-winning in order to increase the expectation of the player at the time of winning.

  Step S616: The effect control CPU 126 executes a mode effect management process (advantageous game state effect executing means). In this process, the effect control CPU 126 executes a process of selecting a background image according to the stay mode. For example, as a general rule, the production control CPU 126 executes a process of selecting a background image corresponding to the normal mode when the internal state is the non-time shortened state, and when the internal state is the time shortened state, A process of selecting a background image corresponding to the drive mode (a process of selecting a time saving effect) is executed.

  However, the effect control CPU126, as an exception, even when the internal state is a non-time shortened state, when the memory of the second special symbol is present when transitioning from the time shortened state to the non-time shortened state , A background image corresponding to the drive mode is selected (advantageous game state effect execution means, advantageous game state effect continuation execution means). It should be noted that such an exceptional process is executed in the effect symbol stop displaying process which will be described later.

  When the above procedure is finished, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the effect symbol management process (end address). As a result, in the subsequent effect symbol variation process (step S504 in FIG. 65), the variable display effect and the stop display effect are executed based on the actually selected variation effect pattern (symbol effect execution means), The notice production is executed based on various notice production patterns. In addition, various stay mode effects are executed based on the background (stay) mode pattern selected here.

[Processing during production symbol stop display]
FIG. 67 is a flow chart showing an example of the procedure of the effect symbol stop displaying process. Hereinafter, description will be given along with a procedure example.

  Step S650: The effect control CPU 126 confirms whether or not the internal state is a time saving state (time shortening state). Specifically, the effect control CPU 126 can confirm the internal state by accessing the command buffer area of the RAM 130 and confirming the state designation command. The internal state can also be confirmed by a variation pattern command (hereinafter the same).

  As a result, when it is confirmed that the internal state is in the time saving (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 executes step S652, and when it is not possible to confirm that the internal state is in the time saving (No), the effect control CPU 126 performs the step. Execute S656.

  Step S652: The effect control CPU 126 confirms whether or not there is a time saving final variation. Specifically, the effect control CPU 126 can confirm whether or not there is a time saving final variation by accessing the command buffer area of the RAM 130 and confirming the number of times cut counter command. For example, if the variation occurs when the first number-of-times cutting counter value or the second number-of-times cutting counter value is switched from “1” to “0”, the effect control CPU 126 can determine that it is a time-saving final variation.

  As a result, when it is confirmed that it is the time-saving final fluctuation (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 executes step S654, and when it is not possible to confirm that it is the time-saving final fluctuation (No), the effect control CPU 126 executes step S666. ..

Step S654: The effect control CPU 126 executes a process of setting the number of stored second special symbols in the pseudo time saving counter. The pseudo time saving counter is stored in the RAM 130. For example, when the number of stored second special symbols is "0", "0" is set in the pseudo time saving counter and the number of stored second special symbols is "1". , "1" is set to the pseudo time saving counter, and if the number of stored second special symbols is "4", "4" is set to the pseudo time saving counter.
When this process ends, the effect control CPU 126 executes step S666.

  Step S656: The effect control CPU 126 confirms whether or not the stay background is a normal background, that is, whether or not the background image displayed on the liquid crystal display 42 is a background image corresponding to the normal mode.

  As a result, when it is confirmed that the stay background is the normal background (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 executes step S666, and when it is not possible to confirm that the stay background is the normal background (No), the effect control CPU 126 performs the step. Execute S658.

  Step S658: The effect control CPU 126 confirms whether or not the value of the pseudo time saving counter is greater than 0.

  As a result, when it is confirmed that the value of the pseudo time saving counter is greater than 0 (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 executes step S660, and it is confirmed that the value of the pseudo time saving counter is greater than 0. If it cannot be confirmed (No), that is, if the value of the pseudo time saving counter is 0, the effect control CPU 126 executes step S664.

  Step S660: The effect control CPU 126 executes a process of setting the stay background as the pseudo short-time background. The pseudo time saving background is the background of the drive mode in which the right-handed display is not displayed.

  By executing such a process, the effect control CPU 126 sets the pseudo time saving counter even when the time shortened state (advantageous game state) ends and the state shifts to the non-time shortened state (predetermined game state). When the value is greater than 0 (when the special condition is satisfied), it is possible to continuously execute the time saving medium effect (advantageous game state effect) (advantageous game state effect continuation executing means). ..

  Step S662: The effect control CPU 126 executes a process of subtracting 1 from the pseudo time saving counter.

  Step S664: The effect control CPU 126 executes the process of setting the stay background to the normal background. The normal background is the background of the normal mode.

  Step S666: The effect control CPU 126 executes other processing. In the other processing, as described above, the effect control CPU 126 controls the content of the stop display effect in a mode according to the result of the internal lottery.

  Then, when the above processing is finished, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the effect symbol management processing (FIG. 65).

[Processing when the variable winning device is activated]
FIG. 68 is a flow chart showing an example of a procedure of processing when the variable winning device is operated. Hereinafter, description will be given along with a procedure example.

  Step S800: The effect control CPU 126 confirms whether or not the result of this change is a big hit. Specifically, the production control CPU 126 accesses the command buffer area of the RAM 130, confirms the lottery result command, and confirms whether it corresponds to the big hit or the small hit. As a result of this confirmation, when the result of the change this time is a big hit (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 next executes step S802. On the other hand, if the result of this change is not a big hit (No), that is, if it is a small hit, the effect control CPU 126 next executes step S804.

  Step S802: The effect control CPU 126 executes a big winning time variable winning device operation process. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 selects an effect pattern to be executed from the start of the big hit game to the end of the big hit game.

  Specifically, the effect control CPU 126 stores various image data relating to the effect pattern at the time of a big hit, which is previously stored in the image ROM 154 of the effect display control device 144 (VDP 152) as the effect during the big role displayed on the liquid crystal display 42. The process of reading is executed according to the winning symbol.

  Step S804: The effect control CPU 126 executes a small winning time variable winning device operation process. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 selects an effect pattern to be executed from the start of the small hit to the end of the small hit.

  Specifically, the effect control CPU 126 selects an effect pattern indicating that the small hit game has started at the start of the small hit game (for example, an effect in which a car in which a female character is riding speeds up), and suggests a right hit. When the game ball passes through the specific area 31x during the small hit game, the effect pattern at the time of passing the specific area (a heart symbol with a letter V drawn by a female character in a car is displayed) Execute the process of selecting (drafting effect).

  When the above procedure is completed, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the effect symbol management process (FIG. 65).

[Time saving, simulated time saving, and other effects processing]
FIG. 69 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the effect process during the time saving and the pseudo time saving. Hereinafter, description will be given along with a procedure example.

  Here, "time saving" (time saving) is a time saving state, and "pseudo time saving" (pseudo time saving) is a state in which a background image during time saving is displayed in the non time saving state (in the non time saving state. Drive mode).

  Step S850: The effect control CPU 126 confirms whether or not the internal state is a time saving state (time shortening state). Specifically, the effect control CPU 126 can confirm the internal state by accessing the command buffer area of the RAM 130 and confirming the state designation command.

  As a result, when it is confirmed that the internal state is in the time saving (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 executes steps S852 and S854, and when it is not possible to confirm that the internal state is in the time saving (No), effect control The CPU 126 executes step S856.

  Step S852: The effect control CPU 126 executes remaining number display processing based on the remaining number of time saving. Specifically, the effect control CPU 126 accesses the command buffer area of the RAM 130, confirms the number-of-times cut counter command, and selects an effect pattern in which a value obtained by adding “4” to the second number-of-times cut counter value is displayed as the remaining number of times. Execute the process. As a result, during the time saving, the value of “10 remaining times to 5 remaining times” or “100 remaining times to 5 remaining times” is displayed as the remaining number of times of the remaining number displaying effect.

  Step S854: The effect control CPU 126 executes a right-handed suggestion effect selection process. Specifically, the effect control CPU 126 executes a process of selecting an effect pattern for displaying an image corresponding to the right-handed suggestion effect on the upper portion of the screen of the liquid crystal display 42.

  Step S855: The effect control CPU 126 executes right-handed emphasis effect selection processing. Specifically, when it is necessary to execute the right-handed highlighting effect, for example, the effect control CPU 126 displays a liquid crystal display when the player continues left-handed operation despite transition to the time reduction state. A process of selecting an effect pattern that displays an image corresponding to the effect of emphasizing right-handedness is executed at the top of the screen of the container 42.

  Step S856: The effect control CPU 126 confirms whether or not the internal state is in a pseudo time saving. When the value of the pseudo time saving counter is greater than 0, the effect control CPU 126 can determine that the pseudo time saving is in progress.

  As a result, when it is confirmed that the internal state is in the pseudo time saving (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 executes step S858, and when it cannot be confirmed that the internal state is in the pseudo time saving (No), the effect control CPU 126. Returns to the production control process (FIG. 63).

  Step S858: The effect control CPU 126 executes remaining number display processing based on the pseudo time saving counter. Specifically, the effect control CPU 126 executes a process of selecting an effect pattern in which the value of the pseudo time saving counter is displayed as the remaining number of times. As a result, during the pseudo time saving, the value of "remaining 4 times to 1 remaining (last)" is displayed as the remaining number of the remaining number display effect.

  Then, when the above process is finished, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the effect control process (FIG. 63).

[Drum unit performance management process]
FIG. 70 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the drum unit effect management process. Hereinafter, description will be given along with a procedure example.

  Step S900: The effect control CPU 126 executes the movable body operation schedule determination process. Specifically, the effect control CPU 126, based on the effect pattern (effect pattern number, etc.) determined by the effect symbol management process (step S402 in FIG. 63), the operation schedule (variation mode, stop mode, etc.) of the drum unit 200. The process of determining is executed.

  When the operation schedule is determined, the effect control CPU 126 saves the determined operation schedule in the operation schedule storage buffer of the RAM 130. Further, when the operation schedule is determined, the effect control CPU 126 executes a process of turning on the drum unit in-operation flag of the RAM 130, and executes a process of turning off the drum unit in-operation flag when all of the determined schedules are executed. ..

  The operation schedule is set for each reel (each movable body). For example, in the case of the left reel 201, “acceleration” → “constant speed” → “deceleration” → “stop” in order from the start of fluctuation to the end of fluctuation. , Etc. Among these, there are multiple speed changes in “acceleration” and “deceleration”, and there may be multiple speed changes in “constant speed” (for example, “low speed constant speed”, “medium speed etc.”). "Speed", "high speed constant speed" etc.).

  In the present embodiment, a plurality of speeds (for example, about 100 speeds) are prepared as the set speeds of the motors (reels), and various set information (the number of steps of the motors) is stored in a plurality of movable body data tables (not shown). , A set speed of the motor, a time required to operate the motor, a method of exciting the motor, phase designation information for designating a phase to be excited by the motor, and the like) are stored. Different setting information is stored in each movable body data table.

  Based on the operation schedule of the drum unit (movable body unit) 200, the effect control CPU 126 determines which movable body data table is referenced in which order and at what timing. The movable body data stored in the movable body data table being referred to is transmitted to the driver (IC) of the drum unit 200 by being stored in a movable body data setting area (not shown). The driver of the drum unit 200 drives each reel based on the movable body data.

  The effect control CPU 126 basically overwrites new movable body data in the movable body data setting area (switches the movable body data table being referred to) when changing the speed of each reel. Even when the speed of each reel is maintained, new movable body data may be overwritten in the movable body data setting area (the movable body data table being referred to is not switched).

  This is, when maintaining a constant speed, if you prepare a movable body data table of the number corresponding to the fluctuation seconds of the special symbol, the movable body data table of the number corresponding to the fluctuation seconds of the special symbol will be This is because it becomes necessary and the capacity of the movable body data table increases.

The operation schedule of the drum unit 200 corresponding to the effect pattern includes the following.
For example, when the effect pattern is an effect pattern corresponding to the non-reach effect, the effect control CPU 126 starts the rotation of the left reel 201, the middle reel 202, and the right reel 203 at the start of the change, and after a predetermined time elapses, the left reel 201. Is stopped, then the right reel 203 is stopped, and finally the middle reel 202 is stopped. It should be noted that the stop eye can be an arbitrary break eye or a break eye corresponding to the stop eye of the effect symbol Hz.

  On the other hand, when the effect pattern is an effect pattern corresponding to the reach effect (big hit variation, small hit variation, deviating variation), the effect control CPU 126 starts rotation of the left reel 201, the middle reel 202, and the right reel 203 at the start of the variation. Then, after a lapse of a predetermined time, the left reel 201 is stopped, then the right reel 203 is stopped, the reach state is generated, and finally the middle reel 202 is stopped. The stop eye corresponds to the stop eye of the production symbol Hz (three winning combinations of 7 designs of the same color corresponding to the big hit, three winning selections of the cherry pattern corresponding to the small hit, corresponding to the loss It is possible to set the middle reel 202 to be one frame offset.

  In any case, in the movable body operation schedule determination process, the effect control CPU 126 determines the operation schedule of the drum unit 200 based on the effect pattern determined by the effect symbol management process, and effects based on the determined operation schedule. The contents and order of the movable body data table (deceleration sequence, deceleration sequence with control code added, acceleration sequence, drive start sequence, drive stop sequence, etc.) referred to therein are determined.

  Step S902: The effect control CPU 126 executes movable body data setting start processing. This process is executed only when the setting of the movable body data is started during execution of the effect, that is, when the movable body data is overwritten.

Specifically, the effect control CPU 126 performs a process of overwriting the movable body data of the currently referred movable body data table with the movable body data of the movable body data table to be referred to next, that is, the next reference. The process of storing the movable body data stored in the planned movable body data table in the movable body data setting area is executed, and it is determined whether or not it is the end of the movable body data. Confirm whether the body data table exists) and execute the process to store the movable body data stored in the movable body data table in the movable body data setting area until it is determined that it is the end of the movable body data. And perform processing.
When the above process is completed, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the effect control process (FIG. 63).

[Estimated profit display performance management processing]
FIG. 71 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the expected profit display effect management process. Hereinafter, description will be given along with a procedure example.

Step S910: The effect control CPU 126 confirms whether or not the effect execution condition of the expected profit display effect is satisfied.
The effect execution condition of the expected profit display effect can be a condition that is satisfied, for example, when the small hit game is started and the gaming machine passes through the specific area 31x, or when the big hit game is started.

  As a result, when it is confirmed that the performance execution condition of the expected profit display effect is satisfied (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 executes step S912, and when it is not confirmed that the performance execution condition of the expected profit display effect is satisfied (No). The effect control CPU 126 returns to the effect control process (FIG. 63).

  Step S912: The effect control CPU 126 executes the pending continuous effect lottery process. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 executes a process of determining whether or not to execute a pending consecutive effect (an effect for obtaining a pending consecutive coin, etc.).

  Step S914: The effect control CPU 126 executes the effect content determination process of the expected profit display effect. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 executes a process of determining the detailed content of the expected profit display effect by using the effect content determination table (FIG. 74) of the expected profit display effect described later. The effect control CPU 126 executes the expected profit display effect based on the determined content.

  And when the above process is completed, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the effect control process (FIG. 63).

[Suspend production lottery process]
FIG. 72 is a flow chart showing an example of the procedure of the continuous holding lottery process. Hereinafter, description will be given along with a procedure example.

Step S920: The effect control CPU 126 executes a check process of the front memory.
Specifically, the process of referring to the variation pattern destination determination command, the special figure destination determination effect command, etc., and confirming whether or not there is a memory (holding) corresponding to the winning (big hit or small hit) in the remaining hold is executed. Run. Regarding the remaining hold, it is preferable to check only the hold for the second special symbol.

  Step S922: Then, as a result of the check processing in step S920, if it is confirmed that there is a memory corresponding to the winning (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 executes step S924, and the memory corresponding to the winning exists. If it cannot be confirmed (No), the effect control CPU 126 executes step S928.

Step S924: The effect control CPU 126 executes the pending consecutive coin acquisition check process of the previous memory.
Specifically, the processing for checking whether or not the pending continuous coin acquisition check confirmation buffer acquires the pending continuous coin is stored. In the pending continuous coin acquisition check confirmation buffer, for example, four flag areas of the second special symbol are secured. If the flag in the flag area is ON, it means that a pending consecutive coin has been acquired. The contents of the four flag areas are updated (sliding from the newest to the oldest) with the start of variation of the second special symbol.

  Step S926: Then, as a result of the check processing in step S924, if it is confirmed that there is a memory for obtaining the pending consecutive coins (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 executes step S928 to save the pending consecutive coins. When it is not possible to confirm that the acquired memory exists (No), the effect control CPU 126 executes step S930.

  Step S928: The effect control CPU 126 executes the pending continuous coin normal lottery process. In this processing, the processing for determining whether or not to acquire the reserved continuous coin is executed with reference to the reserved continuous coin normal lottery table ((A) in FIG. 73) described later.

  Further, when it is determined to acquire the pending consecutive coins, the effect control CPU 126 executes a process of determining how many pending consecutive coins are to be acquired (a process of determining the number of acquired coins). The number to be acquired shall be less than or equal to the number of winning prizes remaining in the remaining hold.

  Further, when the effect control CPU 126 determines to acquire the reserved consecutive coins, the effect control CPU 126 executes the process of turning on the flag of the corresponding storage flag area in the reserved consecutive coin acquisition check confirmation buffer. Note that when a pending sequence actually occurs, a process of turning off the flag in the corresponding storage flag area is executed.

  By performing such a process, the effect control CPU 126 executes the hold consecutive coin normal lottery (execution possibility lottery) as to whether or not to execute the hold consecutive effect, and when the hold consecutive coin normal lottery is won, the hold is performed. It is possible to enable continuous production (specific production execution means).

  Step S930: The effect control CPU 126 executes the pending consecutive coin special lottery process (special process, special lottery). In this processing, the processing for determining whether or not to acquire the reserved continuous coin is executed by referring to the reserved continuous coin special lottery table ((B) in FIG. 73) described later.

  By executing such a process, the effect control CPU 126 wins the pending continuous coin normal lottery (executability lottery) for the hold (prefetch information regarding the lottery element acquired earlier) stored earlier among the remaining hold. Without, if the hold stored after the remaining hold (the content of the prefetch information regarding the lottery element acquired later) is the content that can execute the held continuous production, a special process different from the executability lottery is executed, It is possible to execute the suspended continuous production (specific production execution means via special processing).

  Further, by performing such a process, the effect control CPU 126 executes, as a special process, a holding consecutive coin special lottery (special lottery) having a winning probability different from that of the holding consecutive coin normal lottery (execution availability lottery). When the special lottery is won, it is possible to execute the pending continuous production (special production via special processing).

  Further, by executing such a process, the effect control CPU 126 causes the hold (the content of the prefetch information regarding the lottery element acquired earlier) stored earlier in the remaining hold to be the hold continuous effect (specific effect). It is an executable hold, but in the situation where the winning continuous coin normal lottery (execution availability lottery) was not won and the pending continuous production was not executed, the hold stored after the remaining hold (the lottery element acquired later) If the content of the read-ahead information about the) is a hold that can execute the held rendition, a held consecutive coin special lottery (special lottery) with a winning probability different from the held consecutive coin normal lottery (executability lottery) is executed and the held consecutive coin is drawn. If the coin special lottery is won, the suspended continuous production can be executed (special production via special processing). Then, the effect control CPU 126 executes the pending continuous effect based on the determined content.

In this way, the content of the expected profit display effect (holding continuous effect), when the change this time is a winning, remaining hold (memory 1 of the second special symbol 2, memory 2 of the second special symbol, second special symbol) Memory 3 and memory 4 of the second special symbol 4) are confirmed (prefetched) and determined.
When the above process is completed, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the expected profit display effect management process (FIG. 71).

  FIG. 73 is a diagram showing a reserved consecutive coin normal lottery table and a reserved consecutive coin special lottery table.

  As shown in (A) of FIG. 73, in the held continuous coin normal lottery table, when “memory” is “out”, the probability that “without reserved continuous coin” is selected as the “effect pattern” is “250 / 250 ", and the probability that" holding consecutive coin acquisition "is selected as the" effect pattern "is" 0/250 ".

  In addition, in the held continuous coin normal lottery table, when "memory" is "winning", the probability that "no held continuous coin" is selected as the "production pattern" is "100/250", and "production pattern". The probability that "acquire pending coins" is selected is "150/250".

  As shown in (B) of FIG. 73, in the pending continuous coin special lottery table, when “memory” is “out”, the probability that “no pending continuous coin” is selected as the “production pattern” is “250 / 250 ", and the probability that" holding consecutive coin acquisition "is selected as the" effect pattern "is" 0/250 ".

  Further, in the special lottery table for pending continuous coins, when "memory" is "winning", the probability that "no continuous pending coins" is selected as the "production pattern" is "10/250", and the "production pattern". The probability that “acquire pending coins” is selected is “240/250”.

  As described above, the special lottery for holding consecutive coins (special lottery) is a lottery that is easier to win in the “effect of obtaining the consecutive holding coins” than the ordinary lottery for holding consecutive coins (lottery of execution possibility).

  FIG. 74 is a diagram showing an effect content determination table (for 10 round big hit) of the expected profit display effect. Although only the 10-round big hits are displayed here, a dedicated table may be prepared for other big hits.

  In the "production pattern 1", the character information corresponding to the expected profit of "3R minutes" is displayed when the "first time" button is pressed, and the character information corresponding to the expected profit of "2R minutes" is displayed when the "second time" button is pressed. This is an effect pattern in which information is displayed and the character information corresponding to the expected profit of "4R" is displayed when the "third" button is pressed.

  The “effect pattern 2” is an effect pattern in which when the “first time” to “third time” buttons are pressed, the character information corresponding to the expected profit of “3R” is displayed.

  In the "drafting pattern 3", the character information corresponding to the expected profit of "3R minutes" is displayed when the "first time" button is pressed, and the character information corresponding to the expected profit of "6R minutes" is displayed when the "second time" button is pressed. This is an effect pattern in which information is displayed and an effect of acquiring one "holding consecutive coin" is executed when the "third time" button is pressed.

  In the "drafting pattern 4", the character information corresponding to the expected profit of "7R minutes" is displayed when the "first time" button is pressed, and the character information corresponding to the expected profit of "2R minutes" is displayed when the "second time" button is pressed. This is an effect pattern in which information is displayed and an effect of acquiring one "holding consecutive coin" is executed when the "third time" button is pressed.

  In the “production pattern 5”, the character information corresponding to the expected profit of “3R minutes” is displayed when the “first time” button is pressed, and the character information corresponding to the expected profit of “6R minutes” is displayed when the “second time” button is pressed. This is an effect pattern in which information is displayed and an effect of acquiring two "holding consecutive coins" is executed when the "third" button is pressed.

  In the "production pattern 6", the character information corresponding to the expected profit of "4R minutes" is displayed when the "first time" button is pressed, and the character information corresponding to the expected profit of "5R minutes" is displayed when the "second time" button is pressed. This is an effect pattern in which information is displayed and an effect of acquiring two "holding consecutive coins" is executed when the "third" button is pressed.

  In the "drafting pattern 7", the character information corresponding to the expected profit of "4R minutes" is displayed when the "first" button is pressed, and the character information corresponding to the expected profit of "5R minutes" is displayed when the "second time" button is pressed. This is an effect pattern in which information is displayed and an effect of acquiring three "holding consecutive coins" is executed when the "third" button is pressed.

  In the “production pattern 8”, the character information corresponding to the expected profit of “7R minutes” is displayed when the “first time” button is pressed, and the character information corresponding to the expected profit of “2R minutes” is displayed when the “second time” button is pressed. This is an effect pattern in which information is displayed and an effect of acquiring three "holding consecutive coins" is executed when the "third" button is pressed.

  In "Production pattern 9", character information corresponding to the expected profit of "9R" is displayed when the "first" button is pressed, and one "holding consecutive coin" is acquired when the "second" button is pressed. Is executed, and an effect of acquiring three “holding consecutive coins” when the “third time” button is pressed is executed.

  In "Production pattern 10", character information corresponding to the expected profit of "9R" is displayed when the "first time" button is pressed, and two "holding consecutive coins" are acquired when the "second time" button is pressed. Is executed, and an effect of acquiring two “holding consecutive coins” when the “third time” button is pressed is executed.

  When the acquisition of the pending consecutive coins is “none” (when the number of acquired coins is 0), the ratios of selecting “effect pattern 1” and “effect pattern 2” are respectively “125/250”, and others The ratio at which the effect pattern is selected is “0/250”.

  When the number of held continuous coins to be acquired is "1", the ratio of selecting "effect pattern 3" and "effect pattern 4" is "125/250", and the ratio of selecting other effect patterns Is “0/250”.

  When the number of held consecutive coins to be acquired is "2", the ratio of selecting "effect pattern 5" and "effect pattern 6" is "125/250", and the ratio of selecting other effect patterns Is “0/250”.

  When the number of held continuous coins to be acquired is "3", the ratio of selecting "production pattern 7" and "production pattern 8" is "125/250", and the ratio of selecting other production patterns Is “0/250”.

When the number of held consecutive coins acquired is "4", the ratios of selecting "effect pattern 9" and "effect pattern 10" are respectively "125/250", and the ratio of selecting other effect patterns. Is “0/250”.
Then, the effect control CPU 126 executes the expected profit display effect and the held consecutive effect based on the contents determined in such a table.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the following effects are obtained.
(1) According to the present embodiment, a special continuous lottery coin special lottery (special processing) different from the regular lottery continuous coin lottery (execution possibility lottery) is executed to make it possible to execute the continuous lottery coin. It is possible to increase the appearance probability of the suspended consecutive effects by lottery (special processing), and as a result, it is possible to execute a characteristic effect.

(2) According to the present embodiment, as a special process, a holding consecutive coin special lottery (special lottery) having a winning probability different from that of the holding consecutive coin normal lottery (execution possibility lottery) is executed to win the holding consecutive coin special lottery. Then, since it is possible to execute the held consecutive effects, it is possible to change the appearance probability of the held consecutive effects as compared with the method of determining whether or not to execute the held consecutive effects with the same winning probability each time. , It is possible to execute a characteristic production.

(3) According to the present embodiment, the special lottery for holding consecutive coins is a lottery that is easier to win than the ordinary lottery for holding consecutive coins. When a situation occurs in which the continuous production is not executed, and when a situation in which the suspended continuous production can be executed subsequently occurs, the suspended continuous production is easily executed.

  As a result, it is possible to reduce the player's disappointment when the continuous holding effect is not executed. In other words, if a situation occurs in which the held consecutive effects are executed, the same effect as the held consecutive effects is produced even though the held consecutive effects are not executed before the particular effect being executed. It is possible to increase the ratio of the situation to be exhibited, and when the same effect as the held consecutive production is exhibited, a sense of superiority that there is still a scene where the held consecutive production is executed ahead Can be given to someone.

(4) According to the present embodiment, the holding continuous effect is an effect that may be executed when there is a big hit or a small hit in the remaining hold, and thus when the holding continuous effect is executed. Can give you the great joy of having a hold.

(5) According to the present embodiment, it is possible to improve the ratio of occurrence of the held continuous production before reaching the storage (held) targeted for the held consecutive production. It is possible to increase the player's expectation that a holding sequence may occur before.

(6) According to the present embodiment, the pending rendition is an effect in which the reserved rendition coins (predetermined effect elements) are acquired, the acquired reserved rendition coins are stored, and the stored reserved rendition coins are used. It is possible to execute a flowable effect such as “acquisition → storage → use”.

(7) According to the present embodiment, since the holding consecutive effect is an effect in which the effect of the holding consecutive effect is exhibited when the holding consecutive coins are used, an intuitively easy-to-understand effect such as “use = effect exertion”. Not only is it possible to execute, but if a pending streak occurs before the pending stash coin is consumed, a sense of superiority to the player that there is still a scene where the pending stroll coin is used still remains. Can be given.

(8) In the present embodiment, one of the problems is to reduce the disappointment when the continuous staging effect (sustaining streaky coin) does not appear. In order to solve this problem, in a state in which the holding consecutive coins are acquired, the proportion of making a big hit without using the holding consecutive coins is increased to give the player a sense of superiority with a big hit still ahead. Specifically, the lottery probability of winning the held consecutive effect is changed depending on the presence or absence of the held consecutive effect. It is possible to execute the held consecutive production, but if the held consecutive production is not executed in the production execution lottery, for the subsequent winnings, a lottery in which the held consecutive production is easily selected is executed (change the lottery table. )), The appearance ratio of the pending rendition is increased. This makes it possible to increase the ratio of occurrence of the pending ream before this when the pending rendition is being executed (the ratio of a big hit without using the pending ream coin can be intentionally increased. As a result, as a result, new playability can be exhibited.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and can be variously modified and implemented. The aspect of the effect described in the embodiment is an example, and the aspect of the effect is not limited to the above-described effect.

In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to a so-called 1-type / 2-type mixing machine has been described, but the present invention may be applied to a so-called 1-type gaming machine (a gaming machine that does not have a specific region).
Further, the present invention can be applied to a gaming machine having a probability variation function, and in this case, it can also be applied to a so-called loop type (type in which a practical upper limit is not set for the number of probability changes). It is also possible to apply to an ST type (type in which a substantial upper limit is set for the number of probability changes) of a gaming machine.
Further, the present invention can be applied to a gaming machine having a probability variation area and can be applied to a gaming machine having no probability variation area.
Furthermore, the present invention can be applied to a gaming machine that does not employ "simultaneous turning of the first special symbol and the second special symbol", and can also be applied to a gaming machine that employs simultaneous spinning. .

In the above-described embodiment, an example of a gaming machine including the drum unit 200 has been described, but a gaming machine that does not include the drum unit 200 may be used.
Further, the drum unit 200 may be changed to a 7-segment display device (for example, a device including a plurality of 7-segment display devices, a 7-segment display device for displaying effect symbols) or a liquid crystal display device.

The present invention can also be applied to a pachinko machine with settings.
The present invention can also be applied to a pachinko machine equipped with a performance display monitor.

  Although the specific effect has been described in the example of the holding continuous effect, other effects may be used. For example, the specific effect can be a big hit confirmation effect (rainbow hold), a reach determination effect (red, gold hold), or the like. In this way, if a situation where the iridescent hold is displayed occurs, it is a big hit even though the iridescent hold is not displayed before the displayed iridescent hold. It is possible to increase the rate of occurrence of, and after the big hit game is executed, it is possible to give the player a sense of superiority that the iridescent hold is still ahead.

  The hold consecutive effect has been described as an example of being executed by the hold consecutive coin, but it may be executed by another image (a predetermined character, a special background, a predetermined icon, etc.), or by a lamp, a structure, or a sound. May be.

  The special lottery for holding consecutive coins (special processing) may be a lottery mode in which it is easier to win than the ordinary lottery for holding consecutive coins (execution possible / impossible lottery), and a lottery which is harder to win than the ordinary lottery for holding continuous coins (executable lottery) It may be a mode, or may be a lottery mode that always wins. In a case where the winning is surely won, the lottery itself may not be executed and the execution of the held continuous effect may be confirmed.

  The images given in other examples of effects are merely examples, and these can be appropriately modified. Further, the structure, board surface configuration, specific numerical values and the like of the pachinko machine 1 are preferable examples including those shown in the drawings, and it goes without saying that these can be appropriately modified.

1 Pachinko machine 8 game board unit 8a game area 20 starting gate 28 variable start winning device 33 ordinary symbol display device 33a ordinary symbol working memory lamp 34 first special symbol display device 35 second special symbol display device 34a first special symbol working memory Lamp 35a Second special symbol working memory lamp 38 Game state display device 42 Liquid crystal display 45 Production switching button 70 Main control device 72 Main control CPU
74 ROM
76 RAM
124 Production control device 126 Production control CPU
200 drum units

Claims (2)

Lottery element acquisition means for acquiring lottery elements relating to a predetermined lottery,
A lottery element storage means for storing the lottery elements,
A lottery executing means for executing the predetermined lottery using the lottery element,
When the predetermined lottery is executed, after the symbols are variably displayed for a predetermined variation time, a symbol display means for stopping and displaying the symbols in a mode according to the result of the predetermined lottery,
When the lottery element is acquired, a pre-reading process execution unit that executes a pre-reading process that generates pre-reading information regarding the acquired lottery element,
A specific effect execution means for executing the specific effect when executing an execution possibility lottery about whether to execute the specific effect and winning the execution possibility lottery,
If the content of the prefetch information regarding the prefetch information regarding the lottery element acquired earlier does not win the executability lottery and the content of the prefetch information regarding the lottery element acquired later is a content capable of executing the specific effect, the execution A special processing via specific effect executing means for executing a special process different from the possibility lottery and enabling the specific effect to be executed. In the gaming machine according to claim 1,
The special effect via special process execution means,
As the special process, a special lottery having a winning probability different from the execution possibility lottery is executed, and when the special lottery is won, the specific effect can be executed.