JP2021000575A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To inhibit a player from erroneously recognizing a second symbol.SOLUTION: A game machine includes: acquisition means for acquiring game information when an acquisition condition is established; determination means for determining whether or not to execute a special game advantageous to a player on the basis of the acquired game information; image display means for displaying an image; first symbol control means for, on the basis of a result of the determination by the determination means, causing a first symbol to be variably displayed, and then stopped/displayed in a predetermined mode by the image display means; and second symbol control means for, on the basis of a result of the determination by the determination means, causing a second symbol to be variably displayed, and stopped/displayed in a predetermined mode at a position different from the first symbol in the image display means. The first symbol can be displayed in either a first display mode or a second display mode which is simplified as compared with the first display mode. The display mode of the second symbol is the same as or similar to the first symbol displayed in the second display mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 34

Description

The present invention relates to a game machine.

In the gaming machine, for example, in Patent Document 1, the pachinko gaming machine has a decorative variable display executing means for executing variable display of decorative identification information, and a reduction smaller than the decorative identification information corresponding to the variable display of the decorative identification information. A reduced variable display executing means for executing variable display of the identification information, and the reduced variable display executing means can display the reduced identification information in either a normal display mode or a special display mode that is easier to see than the normal display mode. It is stated that it can be displayed.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-159186

Here, in the gaming machine, based on the determination result of the determination means for determining whether or not to perform a special game advantageous to the player, the image display means changes and displays the first symbol, and then the determination result is displayed. The symbol is controlled so that it is stopped and displayed in the manner shown. Further, in the game machine, based on the determination result of the determination means, the image display means may display a second symbol that is different from the first symbol and that assists the first symbol, for example. Since this second symbol is, for example, an auxiliary to the first symbol, it is required that the player does not easily misidentify it.
An object of the present invention is to make it difficult for a player to misidentify the second symbol.

The present invention that achieves the above object is realized as the following gaming machine. This gaming machine (for example, the pachinko gaming machine 100) is advantageous to the player based on the acquisition means (for example, the random number acquisition unit 231) that acquires the game information when the acquisition condition is satisfied and the acquired game information. A determination means for determining whether or not to perform a special game (for example, a special symbol determination unit 234), an image display means for displaying an image (for example, an image display unit 114), and the image display means (for example, an image display unit). 114), the first symbol control in which the first symbol (for example, the decorative symbol 41) is variably displayed based on the determination result of the determination means (for example, the special symbol determination unit 234) and then stopped and displayed in a predetermined mode. The determination means (for example, a special symbol) is located at a position different between the means (for example, the effect control unit 300) and the first symbol (for example, the decorative symbol 41) in the image display means (for example, the image display unit 114). The second symbol control means (for example, the effect control unit 300) is provided, in which the second symbol (for example, the small symbol 56) is variablely displayed based on the determination result of the determination unit 234) and then stopped and displayed in a predetermined mode. The first symbol (for example, the decorative symbol 41) can be displayed in either a first display mode or a second display mode simplified as compared with the first display mode. The display mode of the second symbol (for example, the small symbol 56) is a gaming machine that is the same as or similar to the first symbol (for example, the decorative symbol 41) displayed in the second display mode.

It should be noted that the above-mentioned reference numerals in this column are exemplified in the description of the present invention, and the present invention is not reduced by these reference numerals.

According to the present invention, it is possible to make it difficult for the player to misidentify the second symbol.

It is a schematic front view of the pachinko gaming machine which concerns on this embodiment. (A) is an enlarged view showing an example of a display provided at the lower left of the game board, and (b) is a partial plan view of the pachinko game machine. It is a figure which shows the internal structure of the control unit of the pachinko game machine of this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the image / sound control part and the lamp control part of this embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of the game control part of this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the operation of the basic processing by a game control unit. It is a flowchart which shows the operation of the processing at the time of power-off by a game control unit. It is a flowchart which shows the main control processing of a game control part. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the start port switch processing. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the gate switch processing. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the special symbol processing. It is a flowchart which shows the content of a jackpot determination process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the variation pattern selection process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of processing during stop. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the customer waiting setting process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of ordinary symbol processing. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the big prize opening process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the game state setting process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the electric tulip processing. It is a figure which shows the composition example of the random number used in this embodiment, (a) is a figure which shows the composition example of a jackpot random number, (b) is a figure which shows the composition example of a jackpot symbol random number, (c ) Is a diagram showing a configuration example of a reach random number, and (d) is a diagram showing a configuration example of a hit random number. It is a figure which shows the setting example of the variation pattern and the table used in the variation pattern selection process. It is a block diagram explaining the structure example of the RAM of the game control part, (a) is a block diagram which shows the structure of a storage area, (b) is a block diagram which shows each structure of the storage part shown in (a). Is. It is a block diagram explaining the structure example of the RAM of the effect control part, (a) is a block diagram which shows the structure of the hold storage area, (b) is a block which shows each structure of the storage part shown in (a). It is a figure. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the preliminary determination processing. It is a figure which shows the structure of a command, (a) is a figure which shows the data structure of a command, and (b) is a figure which shows the structure as a bit string of a command. It is a figure which shows the configuration example of the command storage area in RAM. It is a flowchart which shows the content of output processing by an output control part. It is a flowchart which shows the operation of an effect control part, (a) is a figure which shows the main process, (b) is a figure which shows interrupt process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of a command reception process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the pre-determination effect selection process and effect selection process of FIG. 27. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the jackpot effect selection process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the ending effect selection process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the effect button processing. It is a figure which shows the setting example of the variation effect pattern table used in the variation effect pattern selection (S2813) in the effect selection process of FIG. 28 (b). It is a figure which shows the setting example of the variation effect pattern table used in the variation effect pattern selection (S2813) in the effect selection process of FIG. 28 (b). It is a figure which shows one aspect of the effect performed by the effect control unit using the image display unit. It is explanatory drawing of the decorative pattern of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the operation pattern data for executing the variation effect of the decorative symbol of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the effect pattern data used for execution of a variation effect. It is explanatory drawing of the small symbol of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the small symbol effect pattern data used for execution of the variation effect of a small symbol. It is explanatory drawing of the variation effect example 1 performed using an image display unit. It is explanatory drawing of the variation effect example 2 performed using an image display part. It is explanatory drawing of the variation effect example 3 performed using an image display part. It is explanatory drawing of the variation effect example 3 performed using an image display part. It is explanatory drawing of the variation effect example 4 performed using an image display part. It is explanatory drawing of the variation effect example 5 performed using an image display unit. It is explanatory drawing of the effect which is executed on the display screen of an image display part when a jackpot game is executed. It is explanatory drawing of another production example of a small design. It is a flowchart about execution decision of a delay effect. It is a figure which shows the setting example of the variation effect pattern table used in the variation effect pattern selection when the delay effect at the start is executed. It is explanatory drawing of the fluctuation effect pattern of the delay effect at the start. It is a figure which shows the setting example of the variation effect pattern table used in the variation effect pattern selection when the delay effect at the end is executed. It is explanatory drawing of the fluctuation effect pattern of the delay effect at the end. It is explanatory drawing of the production example of the delay effect at the start of this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the production example of the delay effect at the end of this embodiment.

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

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

The game area 111 is provided with a game nail, a windmill, and the like (not shown) for changing the direction in which the game ball falls. Further, in the game area 111, various accessories related to winning a prize or a lottery are provided at predetermined positions. Further, the game area 111 is provided with an discharge port 117 for discharging the game balls launched into the game area 111 that have not won the winning port to the outside of the game area 111.

In the present embodiment, as various accessories related to winning and lottery, the first starting port 121 and the second starting port 122 where the special symbol lottery (big hit lottery) starts when the game ball wins, and the second starting port 122 when the game ball passes are normal. A start gate (hereinafter, simply referred to as a gate) 124 at which a symbol lottery (opening / closing lottery) is started is provided on the game board 110. In FIG. 1, gates 124 are provided on the left and right sides of the game area 111, the left gate 124 is described as 124L, and the right gate 124 is described as 124R. Further, the first starting port 121 and the second starting port 122 referred to here refer to winning openings that trigger the operation of the predetermined special symbol display 1. Specifically, the first starting port 121 and the second starting port 122 are provided with switches (first starting port switch 211 and second starting port switch 212, which will be described later) that detect the passage of a game ball at the time of winning a prize. Has been done. Then, when the game ball wins a prize in the first start port 121 or the second start port 122, the switch detects the passage of the game ball, which triggers the operation of the special symbol display.

The second starting port 122 includes an electric tulip (opening / closing member) 123 as a normal electric accessory that opens and closes and lights up a pair of tulip flower-shaped blades by an electric solenoid. In the electric tulip 123, when the wings are closed, it is difficult for the game ball to enter the second starting port 122, while when the wings are opened, the entrance of the second starting port 122 expands and the game ball moves to the second starting port 122. It is configured to be easy to enter. Then, when the electric tulip 123 wins the ordinary symbol lottery, the blades open for a specified time (for example, 0.15 seconds to 1.8 seconds) and a specified number of times (for example, 1 to 3 times) while lighting or blinking.

The pachinko gaming machine 100 has, as a gaming state, a low probability state in which the winning probability is low and a high probability state in which the winning probability is higher than the low probability state, based on the winning probability of the jackpot lottery. Then, it is controlled to either a low probability state or a high probability state based on a predetermined condition such as a big hit or a lottery number of special symbol lottery.
Further, the pachinko gaming machine 100 has two types of gaming states: an electric support state in which there are few chances of winning a prize in the second starting port 122, and an electric support state in which there are more chances of winning a prize in the second starting port 122 than in a state without electric support. have. Then, under a predetermined condition such as, for example, triggered by the number of lottery of a big hit or a special symbol lottery, the state is controlled to be either a state without electric support or a state with electric support. The electric support state is, for example, one or more of shortening the normal symbol fluctuation time, extending the opening time of the electric tulip 123, and increasing the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery. It is a gaming state controlled by a combination.
Further, the pachinko gaming machine 100 has a time-saving state in which the special symbol fluctuation time is long and a time-saving state in which the special symbol fluctuation time is shorter than the time-saving no state.
In the present embodiment, the electric support state and the time saving state are controlled at the same time. Further, in the following description, the electric support state and the time saving state are simply referred to as the time saving state, and the electric support non-state and the time saving non-state are simply referred to as the time saving non-state.

Further, in the present embodiment, as other accessories related to winning and lottery, a large winning opening 125 as a special electric accessory that opens according to the result of the special symbol lottery and a lottery even if the game ball wins are performed. There is no ordinary winning opening 126, and the game board 110 is provided with. The large winning opening 125 is provided with a large winning opening door 125D that opens and closes the large winning opening 125. In the following description, the opening / closing state and opening / closing operation of the large winning opening door 125D may be described as the opening / closing state and opening / closing operation of the large winning opening 125 for convenience.
In the present embodiment, a display 130 for displaying the determination result and the number of holdings is provided at the lower left position of the game board 110.

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

When the player touches the handle 151 to rotate the lever 152 clockwise, the frame member 150 causes the game balls to be hit at a predetermined time interval (for example, 100 balls per minute) with a striking force according to the operation angle. It is equipped with a launcher (not shown) that launches electrically with. Further, the frame member 150 includes a supply device (not shown) that sequentially supplies game balls to the launcher one by one at a timing linked to an operation by the player's lever 152, and a game ball that the supply device supplies to the launcher. It is equipped with a plate 153 for temporary storage. For example, a payout ball by a payout unit is paid out to the plate 153.
In the present embodiment, the plate 153 is integrally formed with the upper and lower plates, but a configuration example in which the upper plate and the lower plate are separated can also be considered. Further, a configuration example in which the handle 151 of the launcher emits light under predetermined conditions is also conceivable.

Further, the frame member 150 has a stop button 154 for temporarily stopping the firing of the game ball even when the player is touching the handle 151 of the launching device, and the game ball accumulated in the plate 153. It is provided with an eject button 155 for dropping it into a box (not shown) and ejecting it.
Further, the frame member 150 includes a speaker 156 and a frame lamp 157 for notifying the gaming state and situation of the pachinko gaming machine 100 and performing various effects. The speaker 156 performs various effects by music, voice, and sound effects. The frame lamp 157 is composed of a light emitting body such as an LED, and performs various effects by light depending on a pattern due to lighting / blinking and a difference in light emission color. As for the frame lamp 157, a configuration example that enables an effect of changing the light irradiation direction can be considered.
Further, the frame member 150 includes a transparent plate (not shown) for separating the game board 110 from the player.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2A is an enlarged view showing an example of a display 130 provided at the lower left of the gaming board 110. 2 (b) is a partial plan view of the pachinko gaming machine 100.
As shown in FIG. 2A, the display 130 of the pachinko gaming machine 100 wins the first special symbol display 221 and the second starting port 122, which operate in response to the winning of the first starting port 121. A second special symbol display 222 that operates in response to the passage of the gate 124 and a normal symbol display 223 that operates in response to the passage of the gate 124 are provided. The first special symbol display 221 displays the determination result by displaying the special symbol in a variable manner and then stopping the display based on the winning of the first starting port 121. The second special symbol display 222 displays the determination result by displaying the special symbol in a variable manner and then stopping the display based on the winning of the second starting port 122. Based on the fact that the game ball has passed through the gate 124, the normal symbol display 223 displays the normal symbol in a variable manner and then stops and displays the determination result. In the present embodiment, the first special symbol display 221 and the second special symbol display 222 are each composed of a display device in which LEDs are arranged, and the determination result of the special symbol lottery is displayed depending on the lighting mode thereof. Similarly, the ordinary symbol display 223 is also composed of a display device in which LEDs are arranged, and the determination result of the ordinary symbol lottery is displayed depending on the lighting mode thereof.

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

In the display 130 of the present embodiment, the first special symbol display 221 performs variable display of the special symbol by, for example, blinking a plurality of (7 in the present embodiment) LEDs all at once in synchronization. .. It should be noted that the blinking cycle of the plurality of LEDs does not change and is constant from the start of the fluctuation of the special symbol to the stop of the fluctuation in the first special symbol display 221.

Then, the first special symbol display 221 expresses the stoppage of fluctuation of the special symbol by, for example, maintaining the state in which the LED at a predetermined position among the plurality of LEDs is turned on for a certain period of time.
When the determination result of the special symbol lottery is wrong, the first special symbol display 221 turns on only one LED at the end of the plurality of LEDs, for example. On the other hand, when the determination result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit, the first special symbol display 221 lights a plurality of LEDs in a predetermined lighting pattern. When the determination result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit, the first special symbol display 221 displays a different lighting pattern according to the type of the symbol when the big hit is won.
The second special symbol display 222 performs the same operation as the first special symbol display 221 based on the winning of the game ball at the second starting port 122.

Here, the hold will be described. If a game ball wins a prize in the first starting port 121 or the second starting port 122 during the variable display operation of the special symbol (while the variable display for one prize is being performed), the special symbol is changing. In addition, it is not possible to start the variable display operation of the special symbol based on the later winning. Therefore, the later winnings are stored up to the specified number (for example, 4), and the right to start the special symbol for the winning game ball is until the variable display operation for the first winning game ball is completed. It is put on hold.
In addition, the same processing as for the special symbol is performed for the normal symbol. The fact that such a hold has been made and the number of holds (unchanged number) are displayed on the first special symbol hold indicator 218, the second special symbol hold indicator 219, and the ordinary symbol hold indicator 220.

Further, the display 130 includes a state display 224 that displays the state of the pachinko gaming machine 100. In the present embodiment, the status display 224 is composed of a display device in which three LEDs are arranged. One of the three LEDs lights up to notify whether or not the state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in a high probability state in which the winning probability of the special symbol lottery is high. In addition, the other one is to notify by lighting whether or not the state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in a time saving state in which the special symbol fluctuation time is short. Still another one is to notify by lighting whether or not the player is in an advantageous state by hitting right (by changing the hitting force of the game ball).

Further, the display 130 includes a round number display 225 that displays the number of rounds when the big winning opening 125 is operated in the big hit game performed according to the determination result of the special symbol lottery. The jackpot game will be described later. The round number display 225 is composed of a display device in which LEDs are arranged, and the number of operating rounds of the big winning opening 125 in the big hit game is displayed depending on the lighting mode.

The frame member 150 of the pachinko gaming machine 100 includes an input device for the player to input an effect. As shown in FIG. 2B, in the present embodiment, as an example of the input device, an effect button 161 and an effect key 162 composed of a plurality of keys adjacent to the effect button 161 and arranged in a substantially cross shape are used. Is provided on the frame member 150. In the illustrated example, consider a case where an effect of accepting an operation of selecting one image from a plurality of images is performed. In this case, for example, the player operates the effect key 162 composed of four keys arranged in a cross shape to instruct one of the plurality of images displayed on the image display unit 114, and presses the effect button 161. By operating it, it is possible to perform an effect such as selecting an instructed image. Further, as the form of the input device, in addition to the illustrated effect button 161 and effect key 162, various input forms such as a lever and a handle can be adopted depending on the content of the effect.

[Control unit configuration]
Next, a control unit that performs operation control and signal processing in the pachinko gaming machine 100 will be described.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a control unit of the pachinko gaming machine of the present embodiment.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the image / acoustic control unit and the lamp control unit of the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit includes a game control unit 200 as a main control means for determining the winning of a special symbol or the like. Further, as sub-control means, an effect control unit 300 that comprehensively controls the effect and a payout control unit 330 that controls the payout of payout balls are provided.

[Structure / function of game control unit]
The game control unit 200 is used as a CPU 201 that performs arithmetic processing when determining the winning of a special symbol, a ROM 202 that stores programs and various data executed by the CPU 201, and a working memory of the CPU 201. RAM 203 and

The game control unit 200 controls the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 in either a high-probability state or a low-probability state, a time-saving no state, or a time-saving state. As a result, the gaming states of the pachinko gaming machine 100 are a high-probability time-saving game state, which is a high-probability state and a time-saving state, a low-probability time-saving game state, which is a low-probability state and a time-saving state, a high-probability state, and a high-time saving state. It is one of a low-probability time-saving no-game state, a low-probability state, and a low-probability time-saving no-game state. Then, the game control unit 200 switches between a high-probability state and a low-probability state based on a predetermined condition such as a jackpot or a lottery number of special symbol lottery as described above, and switches between a time-saving state and a time-saving state. Switch. Further, the game control unit 200 controls such as making the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery higher than that in the time saving state, shortening the normal symbol fluctuation time, extending the opening time of the electric tulip 123, and the like in the time saving state. I do.

The game control unit 200 acquires a random number value used in the special symbol lottery when the game ball wins a prize in the first start port 121 or the second start port 122. Then, the game control unit 200 performs a special symbol lottery using the acquired random number value, and performs a special game such as a big hit game according to the determination result of the special symbol lottery. In a special game, the game control unit 200 wins a round in which the special electric accessory, the large winning opening 125, is maintained in an open state until a closing condition (for example, 29.5 seconds have passed or 10 game balls have been won). It is controlled to repeat a predetermined number of times according to the symbol (type). Then, the game control unit 200 controls the opening / closing operation interval when the big winning opening 125 opens.

In addition, the game control unit 200 acquires a random number value used in the normal symbol lottery when the game ball passes through the gate 124. Then, the game control unit 200 performs a normal symbol lottery using the acquired random number values, and controls the operation of the electric tulip 123 according to the determination result of the normal symbol lottery.
In addition, the game control unit 200 holds the game ball when the game ball wins the first start port 121 or the second start port 122 during the special symbol change, or the game ball passes through the gate 124 during the normal symbol change. Set the hold that occurs as a result.
Further, the game control unit 200 accompanies game control such as determination results of special symbol lottery and normal symbol lottery, change information of high probability state and low probability state, change information of time saving non state and time saving state, hold setting information, and the like. The information is sent to the effect control unit 300 by a command described later.

Further, when a game ball wins in the first starting port 121, the second starting port 122, the large winning opening 125, and the normal winning opening 126, the game control unit 200 hits one game ball according to the place where the game ball wins. An instruction is given to the payout control unit 330 to pay out a predetermined number of prize balls. For example, if a game ball wins in the first starting port 121, three prize balls, if a game ball wins in the second starting port 122, four prize balls, and if a game ball wins in the large winning opening 125, 13 prizes. When a game ball wins a ball or a normal winning opening 126, an instruction command is sent to the payout control unit 330 so that 10 prize balls are paid out respectively. Even if it is detected that the game ball has passed through the gate 124, the payout control unit 330 is not instructed to pay out the prize ball linked to the game ball.
When the payout control unit 330 pays out the prize balls according to the instruction of the game control unit 200, the game control unit 200 acquires information regarding the number of paid out prize balls from the payout control unit 330. As a result, the number of prize balls paid out is managed.

As a detection means, the game control unit 200 includes a first start port detection unit (first start port switch (SW)) 211 that detects the winning of the game ball to the first start port 121, as shown in FIG. , To the second start port detection unit (second start port switch (SW)) 212 for detecting the winning of the game ball to the second start port 122, the electric tulip opening / closing unit 213 for opening / closing the electric tulip 123, and the gate 124. A gate detection unit (gate switch (SW)) 214 for detecting the passage of the game ball is connected.
Further, the game control unit 200 is provided with a large winning opening detection unit (large winning opening switch (SW)) 215 for detecting the winning of a game ball into the large winning opening 125 and a large winning opening door 125D of the large winning opening 125. The large winning opening door opening / closing part 216 that sets the closed state and the protruding inclined open state, and the normal winning opening detection unit (normal winning opening switch (SW)) 217 that detects the winning of the game ball to the ordinary winning opening 126. , Are connected.

In addition, the game control unit 200 has a first special symbol hold indicator 218 that displays the number of unchanged pieces that have won a prize in the first start port 121 during the change of the special symbol, and a second special symbol hold indicator 218 during the change of the special symbol. The second special symbol hold indicator 219 that displays the number of unchanging holdings that won the starting port 122, and the normal symbol holding indicator that displays the number of unchanging holdings that passed through the gate 124 while the normal symbol was changing. 220 and are connected.
Further, the game control unit 200 has a first special symbol display 221 for displaying the variation display of the special symbol and the result of the special symbol lottery performed by winning the game ball to the first starting port 121, and a second starting port. The second special symbol display 222 that displays the variation display of the special symbol and the result of the special symbol lottery performed by winning the game ball to 122, and the normal symbol display that displays the variation display of the normal symbol and the result of the ordinary symbol lottery. The device 223 and the state display 224 that displays the state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 are connected.

Then, the detection signals detected by the first start port switch 211, the second start port switch 212, the gate switch 214, the large winning opening switch 215, and the normal winning opening switch 217 are sent to the game control unit 200. Further, the control signals from the game control unit 200 are the electric tulip opening / closing unit 213, the grand prize opening / closing unit 216, the first special symbol holding indicator 218, the second special symbol holding indicator 219, and the normal symbol holding indicator 220. , 1st special symbol display 221 and 2nd special symbol display 222, normal symbol display 223 and status display 224. As a result, the game control unit 200 performs various controls related to the number of payout prize balls described above.

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

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

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

[Structure / function of production control unit]
The effect control unit 300 includes a CPU 301 that performs arithmetic processing when controlling the effect, a ROM 302 that stores programs and various data executed by the CPU 301, a RAM 303 that is used as a work memory of the CPU 301, and a date and time. It is equipped with a real-time clock (RTC) 304 for measuring.
The effect control unit 300 sets the effect content based on, for example, a determination result of winning or not winning in the special symbol lottery sent from the game control unit 200 and a fluctuation pattern. At that time, the effect content may be set according to the operation input by receiving the operation input from the user using the effect button 161 or the effect key 162. In this case, for example, a signal (operation signal) corresponding to the operation is received from a controller (not shown) such as the effect button 161 and the operation content identified by the operation signal is reflected in the effect setting.
Further, the effect control unit 300 sets the effect content based on the change information of the high probability state and the low probability state, and the change information of the time reduction non-state and the time reduction state received from the game control unit 200.
Further, the effect control unit 300 sends a command instructing the execution of the set effect content to the image / sound control unit 310 and the lamp control unit 320.

Further, the effect control unit 300 is connected to an image / sound control unit 310 that controls an effect using images and sound, and a lamp control unit 320 that controls an effect using various lamps and movable accessories 115. Has been done.

[Configuration / function of image / acoustic control unit]
As shown in FIG. 4, the image / sound control unit 310 stores a CPU 311 that performs arithmetic processing when controlling an image expressing the effect content and sound, a program executed by the CPU 311 and various data. It includes a ROM 312, a RAM 313 used as a working memory of the CPU 311 and the like, a VDP (Video Display Processor) 314, a CGROM 315, an SNDROM 316, and a VRAM 317 used as a working memory of the VDP 314.

Then, the image / sound control unit 310 controls the image displayed on the image display unit 114 and the sound output from the speaker 156 based on the command sent from the effect control unit 300.
Specifically, the CGROM 315 has a background image to be displayed during the game on the image display unit 114, a decorative pattern for notifying the player of the determination result, a character or item for displaying the notice effect to the player, and the like. Image data is stored. Further, the SNDROM 316 stores various acoustic data such as music and sound to be output from the speaker 156 in synchronization with the image data or independently of the image data, and sound effects such as jingles.
Based on the hold number command or the variable effect start command sent from the effect control unit 300, the CPU 311 analyzes the animation pattern, creates a display list summarizing the commands related to drawing, and transmits the display list to the VDP 314. Do.

The VDP 314 reads out the image data and the acoustic data stored in the CGROM 315 and the SNDROM 316, respectively, based on the display list received from the CPU 311. Further, the VDP 314 performs drawing processing for background image display, decorative symbol display, decorative symbol variation, character / item display, etc. using the read image data, and voice processing using the read acoustic data. .. Then, the VDP 314 controls the screen display on the image display unit 114 based on the drawn image data. Further, the VDP 314 controls the sound output from the speaker 156 by the sound processed sound data.
In the present embodiment, the VDP 314 is configured to perform voice processing in addition to the drawing processing, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a processor dedicated to voice processing may be provided separately.

The functions of the CPU 311 and the VDP 314 and the control in each device will be described more specifically.
In the image / sound control unit 310, the CPU 311 generates a display list that defines the content of the image to be displayed on the image display unit 114 based on the command instructing the execution of the effect content received from the effect control unit 300. , Sends a drawing command containing the generated display list to VDP314. The RAM 313 functions as a work area for data during arithmetic processing of the CPU 311 and temporarily stores the data read from the ROM 312.

The VDP 314 is a video processing circuit capable of displaying images (also referred to as effect images) constituting various effects by using a plurality of frames (also referred to as frame images). The VDP 314 generates each frame image using the material image data stored in the CGROM 315 based on the drawing command received from the CPU 311 and continuously displays the generated plurality of frame images on the image display unit 114. The image data (video signal) is transmitted to the image display unit 114. As a result, the image display unit 114 displays a moving image composed of a plurality of frame images arranged in a time series generated by the VDP 314 as an effect image. However, the effect image displayed on the image display unit 114 also includes a still image.

The CGROM 315 is composed of a flash memory, an EEPROM, an EPROM, a mask ROM, etc., and compresses and stores image data or the like composed of a collection of pixel information in a predetermined range of pixels (for example, 32 pixels × 32 pixels). The VRAM 317 is used by the VDP 314 as a work area for generating a frame image. The VDP 314 generates a clock, a synchronization signal, and the like for displaying an appropriate image about every 16.6 milliseconds.

The VRAM 317 connected to the VDP 314 is a storage means for temporarily storing various data necessary for outputting an image to the image display unit 114. The VRAM 317 has a volatile semiconductor memory that requires power supply from the outside for storage, and in detail, SDRAM is used as the semiconductor memory. However, it is not limited to DRAM, and other RAM such as DRAM, SRAM or dual port RAM may be used. The VRAM 317 is used for both reading and writing when the pachinko gaming machine 100 is used. Further, the VRAM 317 is provided with a frame buffer in which drawing data is created by the VDP 314. The VRAM 317 may be built in the VDP 314.

The VDP 314 uses the image data read from the CGROM 315 to create drawing data for one frame in the frame buffer. The drawing data for one frame refers to the data necessary for displaying the image at one update timing in the configuration in which the image in the image display unit 114 is updated at a predetermined update timing.

Here, the frame buffer is provided with a plurality of frame areas a and b. Specifically, a first frame area a and a second frame area b are provided. Each of these frame areas a and b is set to a capacity capable of storing drawing data for one frame. Specifically, each of the frame areas a and b includes a large number of unit areas corresponding to dots (pixels) on the display surface of the image display unit 114 at a predetermined magnification. Each unit area has a storage capacity capable of storing data for specifying which color is to be displayed. More specifically, a full-color method is adopted, and 256 colors can be set for each of R (red), G (green), and B (blue) at each dot. Correspondingly, 1 byte (8 bits) is allocated to each RGB color in each unit area. That is, each unit area has a storage capacity of at least 3 bytes.

In a situation where the frame buffer is provided with the first frame area a and the second frame area b, and the drawing data created in one frame area is used to display the image on the image display unit 114. Creation (drawing) of drawing data scheduled to be displayed in the future (usually the next frame) is executed for other frame areas. That is, the double buffer method is adopted as the frame buffer.

The VDP 314 outputs a V blank signal to the CPU 311 for permitting switching between the first frame area a and the second frame area b approximately every 16.6 milliseconds. Therefore, except for the occurrence of irregular events such as processing omissions, the frame area in which the first frame area a and the second frame area b are usually switched, that is, drawing is executed with one reception of the V blank signal. And the frame area to be displayed will be switched, and the image for one frame will be drawn and the display will be updated. That is, in 1 second, 1000 milliseconds ÷ 16.6 milliseconds = about 60 frames of image drawing and display update are performed.

Further, in addition to the V blank signal, the VDP 314 shall transmit a drawing completion signal to the CPU 311 when the creation (drawing) of the drawing data according to the drawing command received from the CPU 311 is completed.

When the CPU 311 receives the V blank signal, the CPU 311 executes V interrupt processing for switching between the first frame area a and the second frame area b. It should be noted that the switching between the first frame area a and the second frame area b is performed when not only the reception of only the V blank signal but also the reception of the two signals of the V blank signal and the drawing completion signal can be confirmed. Is also good.

[Configuration / function of lamp control unit]
The lamp control unit 320 has a CPU 321 that performs arithmetic processing for controlling the light emission of the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157, the movable accessory 115, and the variable lamp 131, and programs and various data executed by the CPU 321. It is provided with a ROM 322 in which etc. are stored and a RAM 323 used as a working memory or the like of the CPU 321.
Then, the lamp control unit 320 controls the lighting / blinking, the emission color, and the like of the panel lamp 116, the frame lamp 157, and the variable lamp 131 based on the command sent from the effect control unit 300. It also controls the operation of the movable accessory 115.

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

In the present embodiment, the game control unit 200, the effect control unit 300, the image / sound control unit 310, the lamp control unit 320, and the payout control unit 330 are each used as a main board provided on the rear surface of the game board 110. The game control board, the effect control board as a sub board, the image control board, the lamp control board, and the payout control board are individually configured.
Further, in the configuration example described with reference to FIG. 4, the effect button 161 and the effect key 162 are connected to the effect control unit 300 and controlled by the effect control unit 300, but are not limited thereto. The effect button 161 and the effect key 162 may be connected to the lamp control unit 320 and controlled by the lamp control unit 320.

[Functional configuration of game control unit]
Subsequently, the functional configuration of the game control unit 200 will be described.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the game control unit 200. As shown in FIG. 5, the game control unit 200 includes a random number acquisition unit 231, a normal symbol determination unit 232, a special symbol fluctuation control unit 233, and a special symbol determination unit 234 as functional units for executing various lottery processes. , Ordinary symbol variation control unit 236.
Further, the game control unit 200 includes a fluctuation pattern selection unit 235 as a functional unit that executes processing associated with a special symbol change.
Further, the game control unit 200 has a large winning opening operation control unit 237, an electric tulip operation control unit 238, and a prize ball processing unit 239 as functional units for executing operation control of various accessories and data processing related to prize balls and the like. And an output control unit 240 and a random number control unit 241.

The random number acquisition unit 231 acquires a random number value used for the special symbol lottery and a random number value used for the normal symbol lottery. In the case of the random number value used for the special symbol lottery, specifically, on the condition that the game ball wins in the first starting port 121 and the second starting port 122, the numerical value in a predetermined range is set for each type of random number. One numerical value (random number value) is selected (acquired) from among them. The acquired random number value is used for determination by the special symbol determination unit 234. As will be described in detail later, the random numbers used in the special symbol lottery include a jackpot random number indicating whether or not it is a jackpot, a symbol random number indicating the type of symbol, a variable pattern random number, a reach random number, and the like.
Further, in the case of the random number value used for the ordinary symbol lottery, specifically, one numerical value (random number value) is selected (acquired) from the numerical values in a predetermined range on condition that the game ball has passed through the gate 124. ). The acquired random number value is usually used for determination by the symbol determination unit 232. As the random numbers used in the ordinary symbol lottery, in addition to the hit random numbers indicating whether or not they are hit, a symbol random number indicating the type of hit, a variable pattern random number, or the like may be set.
The special symbol variation control unit 233 controls the variation of the special symbol in the first special symbol display 221 or the second special symbol display 222 according to the determination result when the special symbol lottery is performed.

At the start of fluctuation of the special symbol, the special symbol determination unit 234 uses a random number table as shown in FIG. 20 to be described later, and the determination result of the special symbol lottery is "whether or not it is a big hit" and "a symbol when a big hit is won". "Type" and "whether it is a small hit or a miss when the big hit is not won" are judged. That is, the random number acquisition unit 231 acquires the random number value related to the special symbol when the passage of the game ball is detected by the first start port switch 211 or the second start port switch 212, which is the detection means, and determines the special symbol. Based on the acquired random number value, the unit 234 determines whether or not to perform a special game (big hit game, etc.) that is advantageous to the player. The above-mentioned special symbol lottery (big hit lottery) refers to processing by the random number acquisition unit 231 and the special symbol determination unit 234.

Here, the "big hit" is divided into a plurality of types according to the game state generated after the end of the big hit game. Specifically, the type of symbol is determined by the combination of the time-saving no state or the time-saving state, and the high-probability state or the low-probability state. That is, as the types of symbols based on the game state that occur after the end of the jackpot game, the jackpot that becomes a high-probability time-saving game state after the end of the jackpot game (hereinafter, the jackpot in the high-probability time-saving game state) and the low-probability time-saving game state. Big hit (hereinafter, big hit in low probability time saving game state), big hit in high probability time saving no game state (hereinafter, big hit in high probability time saving no game state), big hit in low probability time saving no game state (hereinafter, low) Probability time saving No game state jackpot) is possible. Each of these jackpots is associated with an individual special symbol.

Further, the "big hit" may be divided into a jackpot in which the jackpot game time is long and a large amount of game balls can be expected to be paid out, and a jackpot in which the jackpot game time is short and the payout of the game balls can hardly be expected. The former is called "long hit" and the latter is called "short hit". For example, in "long hit", a round in which the open state of the large winning opening 125 is maintained until a predetermined condition (for example, 29.5 seconds have passed or 10 game balls have been won) is repeated a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 times). Is done. Further, in the "short hit", a round in which the large winning opening 125 is opened for a certain period of time (for example, 0.9 seconds) is repeated a predetermined number of times (for example, twice).

In addition, when the big hit is not won, the "small hit" is a small hit game in which the big winning opening 125 is opened for a certain period of time (for example, 0.9 seconds) a predetermined number of times (for example, twice). Will be done. When the small hit is won, the game state before the small hit is continued even after the small hit game is completed. That is, when the game state at the time of winning the small hit is the high-probability time-saving game state, the high-probability time-saving game state is continued even after the end of the small hit game, and the game state does not shift. Similarly, when the gaming state at the time of winning the small hit is the low-probability time-saving non-game state, the low-probability time-saving non-game state is continued even after the end of the small hit game, and the gaming state does not shift.
Further, the "small hit" is a kind of "missing", and none of the above-mentioned gaming states that are advantageous to the player is set.

The variation pattern selection unit 235 selects the variation pattern (variation time) of the special symbol to be displayed on the first special symbol display 221 and the second special symbol display 222. Specifically, the variation pattern selection unit 235 can perform a reach effect in the determination result of whether or not to perform the jackpot game and the decorative symbol variation effect accompanying the special symbol variation (for example, 13.5 seconds or more). ), The fluctuation pattern is determined based on the judgment result and the like. Then, the special symbol variation control unit 233 controls the variation of the special symbol based on the variation pattern selected by the variation pattern selection unit 235. Details of the operations of the fluctuation pattern selection unit 235 and the special symbol fluctuation control unit 233 will be described later.
Here, the "reach" is an effect for making the player expect a big hit in the decorative design described later.

At the start of fluctuation of the normal symbol, the normal symbol determination unit 232 determines "whether or not the determination result of the normal symbol is a hit" by using a random number table as shown in FIG. 20 (d) described later. That is, the ordinary symbol determination unit 232 determines whether or not to perform an auxiliary game for opening and closing the electric tulip 123 based on the random number value for the ordinary symbol lottery acquired by the random number acquisition unit 231. Further, when a plurality of types of hits are set in the ordinary symbol lottery, the ordinary symbol determination unit 232 determines the "type of hit" when the determination result is a hit. The ordinary symbol lottery is a process performed by the random number acquisition unit 231 and the ordinary symbol determination unit 232.
The normal symbol fluctuation control unit 236 controls the fluctuation of the normal symbol by the normal symbol display 223 according to the determination result when the normal symbol lottery is performed.
The electric tulip motion control unit 238 opens the electric tulip 123 for a specified time and a specified number of times when the normal symbol lottery determines "hit" by the normal symbol determination unit 232, and a game ball is placed in the second starting port 122. Generate a state that makes it easy to win a prize. Further, when it is determined to be "off", such an open state of the electric tulip 123 is not generated. The operation pattern of the electric tulip 123 will be described later. For example, there are an operation pattern that opens once with an opening time of 0.15 seconds and an operation pattern that opens twice with an opening time of 0.90 seconds.

When the special symbol lottery determines "big hit" by the special symbol determination unit 234, the big prize opening operation control unit 237 has a big winning opening with an operation pattern specified based on the type of the winning symbol as a big hit game. Controls the opening operation of 125. Further, the large winning opening operation control unit 237 opens the large winning opening 125 for a specified time and a specified number of times as a small hit game when the special symbol determination unit 234 determines that the special symbol lottery is a "small hit". .. For example, there is an operation pattern in which the large winning opening 125 opens twice with an opening time of 0.90 seconds.
The prize ball processing unit 239 sets a command for managing the number of prizes for various prizes related to winning and lottery and controlling the payout of prize balls according to the winning.
The output control unit 240 controls the output of control commands from the game control unit 200 to the effect control unit 300 and the payout control unit 330.
The random number control unit 241 updates various random number values acquired by the random number acquisition unit 231 at a predetermined timing.

[Basic operation of the game machine]
Next, the basic operation of the pachinko gaming machine 100 will be described.
When the power is turned on, the game control unit 200 of the pachinko gaming machine 100 executes basic processing (restoration processing) at startup. Then, after performing the basic processing, the game control unit 200 repeatedly executes the main control processing, which is a series of processing related to the progress of the game. Further, when the power is cut off, the game control unit 200 executes a series of power cut-off processes.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the basic processing by the game control unit 200.
When the power of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is turned on, the game control unit 200 first permits access to the RAM 203 (see FIG. 3) (step (hereinafter, step is referred to as “S”) 601). Then, the game control unit 200 determines whether or not the RAM clear switch for clearing the RAM 203 is ON (S602).
When the RAM clear switch is OFF (No in S602), the game control unit 200 then determines whether or not the backup flag related to the operation when the power is cut off is ON (S603).
When the backup flag is ON (Yes in S603), the game control unit 200 then determines whether or not the checksum created when the power is cut off is normal (S604).
When the checksum is normal (Yes in S604), the game control unit 200 then executes the return process (S605). In this return process, the game control unit 200 sets sub-control means such as the effect control unit 300 when returning from the state in which the power is cut off. Specifically, the game control unit 200 is in a gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 when the power is cut off (whether or not a jackpot game is in progress, either a high probability state or a low probability state, a time saving state and a time saving no state A command for setting the sub control means is output to the effect control unit 300 so as to reflect any of the above. Further, in this return process, the game control unit 200 turns off the backup flag.

On the other hand, if the RAM clear switch is ON (Yes in S602), the backup flag is OFF (No in S603), or the checksum is abnormal (No in S604), then the game control unit 200 is initialized. As a process, the stored contents of the RAM 203 are cleared (S606), and the work area of the RAM 203 is set (S607). Then, the game control unit 200 outputs a command for setting (initializing) the sub control means to the effect control unit 300, and sets the sub board (sub control means) (S608). The setting of the sub-board includes clearing the RAM 303, RAM 313, and RAM 323 mounted on each sub-board.

After the return process (see S605) is completed or the sub-board setting (see S608) is completed, the game control unit 200 sets various counters and timers used for the game control (S609). Then, the game control unit 200 determines whether or not the interrupt enable (S610), interrupt disable (S611), symbol random number control process (S612), initial value random number update process (S613), and power cutoff flag are ON. (S614) is repeatedly executed as a loop process.
Here, interrupt enable (S610) and interrupt disable (S611) are provided to enable execution of interrupt processing during execution of this loop processing (S610 to S614). In the present embodiment, the main control process in the game control is executed by this interrupt process. The details of the main control process will be described later.
In the symbol random number control process (S612), the game control unit 200 updates the variable pattern random number used in the special symbol lottery.
In the initial value random number update process (S613), the game control unit 200 updates the initial values of various random numbers used in the game control.
In the determination of the power cutoff flag, when the power cutoff flag is OFF (No in S614), the power supply of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is not cut off, and the game control unit 200 performs main control by interrupt together with loop processing (S610 to S614). Repeat the process. On the other hand, when the power cutoff flag is ON (Yes in S614), the game control unit 200 starts a process for shutting off the power supply of the pachinko gaming machine 100 (power cutoff process).

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the power cutoff process by the game control unit 200.
In the power cutoff process, the game control unit 200 first clears the setting of the output port for performing various outputs (S701). Next, the game control unit 200 creates a checksum and stores it in the RAM 203 (S702). Next, the game control unit 200 turns on the backup flag (S703), prohibits access to the RAM 203 (S704), and shifts to an infinite loop.

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

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the main control process of the game control unit 200.
The main control process consists of a series of processes in game control, and is repeatedly executed at predetermined fixed time (for example, 4 milliseconds). In the present embodiment, the game control unit 200 generates an interrupt at preset fixed time intervals, and when the interrupt is enabled in the loop process shown in FIG. 6 (see S610), the main control is performed as the interrupt process. Execute the process. As shown in FIG. 8, in the main control process, random number update process, switch process, symbol process, electric accessory process, prize ball process, and output process are sequentially executed (S801 to S806).

In the random number update process (S801), the game control unit 200 calls the function (subroutine) of the random number control unit 241 to update the values of various random numbers used in the game control by the game control unit 200. Details of setting the random number and updating the random number value will be described later.

As the switch process (S802), a start port switch process and a gate switch process are performed.
In the start port switch process, the game control unit 200 calls the function (subroutine) of the random number acquisition unit 231 to monitor the states of the first start port switch 211 and the second start port switch 212 in FIG. 3, and the switch is turned on. If this happens, the process for the special symbol lottery is executed. Further, as will be described in detail later, when the pre-judgment processing is performed by the first start port switch 211 and the second start port switch 212, each function (subroutine) of the special symbol determination unit 234 and the variation pattern selection unit 235 is called. Execute the process for pre-judgment.
In the gate switch process, the game control unit 200 calls the function (subroutine) of the random number acquisition unit 231 to monitor the state of the gate switch 214 in FIG. 3, and when the switch is turned on, it is for a normal symbol lottery. Execute the process.
The detailed contents of these switch processes will be described later.

As the symbol processing (S803), a special symbol processing and a normal symbol processing are performed.
In the special symbol processing, the game control unit 200 calls each function (subroutine) of the special symbol variation control unit 233, the special symbol determination unit 234, and the variation pattern selection unit 235, and executes the special symbol variation and the processing associated with the symbol variation. To do.
In the normal symbol processing, the game control unit 200 calls the functions (subroutines) of the normal symbol determination unit 232 and the normal symbol variation control unit 236, and executes the normal symbol variation and the processing associated with the symbol variation.
The detailed contents of these symbol processing will be described later.

As the electric accessory processing (S804), a large winning opening processing and an electric tulip processing are performed.
In the large winning opening process, the game control unit 200 calls the function (subroutine) of the large winning opening operation control unit 237 and controls the opening operation of the large winning opening 125, which is a special electric accessory, based on a predetermined condition.
In the electric tulip processing, the game control unit 200 calls the function (subroutine) of the electric tulip motion control unit 238 and controls the opening operation of the electric tulip 123, which is an ordinary electric accessory, based on a predetermined condition.
The detailed contents of these electric accessory processing will be described later.

In the prize ball processing (S805), the game control unit 200 calls the function (subroutine) of the prize ball processing unit 239, and sets a command for managing the number of prizes and controlling the payout of prize balls according to the prize.

In the output process (S806), the game control unit 200 calls the function (subroutine) of the output control unit 240, outputs a command for effect control to the effect control unit 300, and outputs a command for payout control to the payout control unit 330. Output. The effect control command is generated in each process from S802 to S804, and is stored (set) in the control command storage area provided in the RAM 203. The payout control command is generated in the process of S805 and is stored (set) in the storage area of the control command provided in the RAM 203. A storage area is set in the RAM 203 for each type of control command.

The output control unit 240 examines the storage area of each control command of the RAM 203 in order, and if the control command is stored in each storage area (that is, the control command is generated by the processing of S802 to S805). (B), the control command is read and output to the output destination (effect control unit 300 or payout control unit 330).

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the output process is performed at the end of a series of main control processes. That is, the commands generated in each of the processes S802 to S805 by the above functions as the first processing means are stored in the corresponding storage area of the RAM 203 in each of the processes. Then, after these processes, the output control unit 240 as the second processing means collectively outputs the commands generated in each process accumulated in the storage area of the RAM 203. In other words, in the present embodiment, when the main control process is executed for one cycle, the command generated in the execution of the one cycle is output after the last command generation in the execution of the one cycle is performed.

[Modification example of basic operation of game machine]
In the operation example described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8, interrupts are permitted in the loop processing portion of the basic processing, and the main control processing including a series of processing is executed as the interrupt processing. However, the main control process may be configured to be repeatedly executed at regular intervals, and the specific realization means (execution procedure) is not limited to the examples shown in FIGS. 6 to 8. For example, the main control process may be incorporated into a series of operations of the basic process, the elapsed time may be measured at a predetermined timing, and the process may be returned to the main control process at regular time intervals (for example, 4 milliseconds). Further, while incorporating the main control process into a series of operations of the basic process, an interrupt is generated at regular intervals as in the operation described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8, and if an interrupt occurs. It may be configured to return to the main control process incorporated during the basic process.

Further, when outputting the command generated in the basic processing, as a general rule, each time the command is generated, it is stored in the command storage area of the RAM 203, and the function of the output control unit 240 which is the second processing means is called. Output. The basic process is different from the main control process related to the progress of the game, and is a special process such as an initial operation performed only when the power is turned on. In addition, since the processing procedure of the basic processing may change due to branching based on conditions such as the state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 when the power is turned on, the generated command is promptly output so that there is no omission in the output processing. It is a process. In addition, when a command is continuously generated by a plurality of related processes, a process procedure is adopted in which a plurality of commands are stored in the command storage area of the RAM 203 and output collectively in response to a specific processing request. You may.

[Random number update processing by the game control unit]
Random number values as determination information used for various lottery in game control such as special symbol lottery are counted by a counter, and the random number update process (S801) of the main control process shown in FIG. 8 starts from a predetermined initial value. One is added each time it is done. Then, the value at the time when each lottery is performed is acquired by the start port switch process (FIG. 9) and the gate switch process (FIG. 10), and is used in the special symbol process (FIG. 11) and the normal symbol process (FIG. 16). To. This random number value counter is an infinite loop counter, and after the counted random number value reaches the maximum value of the set random number (for example, 299 for the jackpot random number shown in FIG. 20A described later). , Returns to the initial value again. Further, since the random number update process is performed at regular intervals, if the initial value of each random number is specified, the winning value may be estimated based on the update interval and the information of the initial value. Therefore, after returning from the main control process to the basic process shown in FIG. 6, the initial value of each random number is randomly changed in the initial value random number update process of S613.

[Starting port switch processing by the game control unit]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the contents of the start port switch process among the switch processes shown in S802 of FIG.
In this start port switch process, a process for winning a prize at the first start port 121 and a process for winning a prize at the second start port 122 are sequentially performed. With reference to FIG. 9, the game control unit 200 first determines whether or not the game ball has won a prize in the first start port 121 and the first start port switch 211 has been turned on (S901). When the first start port switch 211 is turned on, the game control unit 200 then determines whether or not the number of unchanged hold numbers U1 in the winning of the first start port 121 is less than the upper limit value (S902). .. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the upper limit is set to 4. When the number of holds U1 has reached the upper limit (No in S902), the winning of the unvariable portion cannot be held any more, so that the processing for winning at the first starting port 121 ends.

On the other hand, when the hold number U1 is less than the upper limit value (Yes in S902), the random number acquisition unit 231 of the game control unit 200 acquires the random number value for the determination by the winning this time and stores it in the RAM 203 (S903). .. Here, since the first starting port 121 is won, a random number value for a special symbol lottery is acquired. The random number value acquired at this time is a value updated by the random number update process of S801. Then, the result of the special symbol lottery is determined by the random value in the subsequent special symbol processing. The random number values referred to here are the jackpot random value that determines the jackpot, small hit or miss, and the type of symbol (time saving state or time saving no state after the end of the big hit game, high probability state and low probability state, long hit, short). Set the symbol random value (big hit symbol random value) that determines the hit), the fluctuation pattern random value for specifying the fluctuation pattern in the symbol fluctuation, and the fluctuation pattern (variation time) that can execute the reach effect described later when the symbol is out of order. Includes reach random values, etc. that determine whether or not.

Next, the game control unit 200 performs a pre-determination process (S904). The pre-determination process is a process of determining a random number acquired as a result of winning a prize at the start port (pre-determination) prior to the special symbol process in the symbol process (S803).

Then, the effect control unit 300 is based on the determination result (pre-determination result) of the random number determined by the pre-determination process, before the determination result by the special symbol process in the symbol process (S803) is notified. It is possible to perform a notice effect that suggests the determination result. This advance notice effect is performed, for example, by using a hold display effect (described later) displayed on the image display unit 114 in response to the generation of a random number acquired as a result of winning a prize at the start port.

Then, the game control unit 200 adds 1 to the value of the reserved number U1 (S905).
After that, the game control unit 200 sets the pre-determination result command including the pre-determination information by the pre-determination process of S904 in the RAM 203 in order to notify the effect control unit 300 of the pre-determination result (S906).
Further, the game control unit 200 sets the hold number increase command for notifying the effect control unit 300 of the increase in the hold number U1 due to S905 in the RAM 203 (S907), and ends the process for winning the prize at the first start port 121. ..

Next, processing for winning a prize at the second starting port 122 is performed. With reference to FIG. 9, the game control unit 200 then determines whether or not the game ball has won a prize in the second start port 122 and the second start port switch 212 has been turned on (S908). When the second start port switch 212 is turned on, the game control unit 200 then determines whether or not the number of unchanged hold numbers U2 in the winning of the second start port 122 is less than the upper limit value (S909). ). In the example shown in FIG. 9, the upper limit is set to 4. When the number of holds U2 has reached the upper limit (No in S909), the winning of the unvariable portion cannot be held any more, so that the processing for winning at the second starting port 122 ends.

On the other hand, when the number of reservations U2 is less than the upper limit value (Yes in S909), the random number acquisition unit 231 of the game control unit 200 acquires the random number value for the lottery by this winning and stores it in the RAM 203 (S910). .. Here, since the second starting port 122 is won, the random number values for the special symbol lottery (big hit random value, jackpot symbol random value, reach random value, variable pattern random value, etc.) are acquired in the same manner as in S903 above. To. The random number value acquired at this time is a value updated by the random number update process of S801. Then, the result of the special symbol lottery is determined in the later special symbol processing by this random value.

Next, the game control unit 200 performs a pre-determination process (S911). The content of this pre-determination process is the same as that of S904 described above.
Then, the game control unit 200 adds 1 to the value of the reserved number U2 (S912).
After that, the game control unit 200 sets the pre-determination result command including the pre-determination information by the pre-determination process of S911 in the RAM 203 in order to notify the effect control unit 300 of the pre-determination result (S913).
Further, the game control unit 200 sets the hold number increase command for notifying the effect control unit 300 of the increase in the hold number U2 due to S912 in the RAM 203 (S914), and ends the process for winning a prize at the second start port 122. ..

Although not shown, in the low-probability time-saving game state, the pre-determination process (S911) accompanying the winning of the second starting port 122 is controlled to be non-executed (prohibited), and in the high-probability time-saving game state. May perform control not to execute the pre-determination process (S904) accompanying the winning of the first starting port 121.

[Gate switch processing by the game control unit]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the contents of the gate switch processing when the game ball passes through the gate 124.
In this gate switch process, the game control unit 200 first determines whether or not the game ball has passed through the gate 124 and the gate switch 214 is turned on (S1001). When the gate switch 214 is turned ON, the game control unit 200 then determines whether or not the number of unchanged hold numbers G is less than the upper limit value (S1002). In the example shown in FIG. 10, the upper limit is set to four. If the number of holds G has reached the upper limit (No in S1002), the winning of the unvariable portion cannot be held any more, so the gate switch process is terminated.

On the other hand, when the number of holds G is less than the upper limit value (Yes in S1002), the random number acquisition unit 231 of the game control unit 200 acquires the random number value for the lottery due to the winning of this time and stores it in the RAM 203 (S1003). .. Here, since the gate 124 is a prize, a random number value (a winning random number value, etc.) for a normal symbol lottery is acquired.

Next, the game control unit 200 adds 1 to the value of the hold number G (S1004).
After the value of the hold number G is added in S1004, the game control unit 200 sets the hold number G increase command in the RAM 203 to notify the effect control unit 300 of the increase in the hold number G by S1004 (S1005). The process for winning a prize at the gate 124 is terminated.

[Special symbol processing by the game control unit]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the contents of the special symbol processing among the symbol processing shown in S803 of FIG.
In this special symbol processing, the special symbol fluctuation control unit 233 of the game control unit 200 first checks whether or not the jackpot game flag is ON in the flag setting (hereinafter, flag setting) set in the RAM 203 (hereinafter, flag setting). S1101). Here, the jackpot game flag is a flag set to identify whether or not the jackpot game performed according to the result of the special symbol lottery is being executed.

When the jackpot game flag is ON, the pachinko gaming machine 100 is already executing the jackpot game, so that the special symbol processing is terminated without starting the special symbol variation (Yes in S1101). Note that the execution of the jackpot game can be regarded as the execution of the jackpot game, which is a game related to the determination and fluctuation of the previous special symbol lottery. When the jackpot game flag is OFF (No in S1101), the special symbol variation control unit 233 then determines whether or not the current state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is undergoing special symbol variation (S1102). When the special symbol is not changing (No in S1102), the special symbol change control unit 233 then performs processing related to the pending numbers U1 and U2 (see FIG. 9) of the unchanged portion of the special symbol (S1103 to S1106). In the present embodiment, since the number of reservations U1 related to the winning of the first starting port 121 and the number of holdings U2 related to the winning of the second starting port 122 are distinguished, this process is also provided at the corresponding starting port. Do it individually for each.

Specifically, the special symbol variation control unit 233 first determines whether the number of reservations U2 related to the winning of the second starting port 122 is 1 or more (S1103). When the number of holds U2 is 1 or more (Yes in S1103), the special symbol fluctuation control unit 233 subtracts 1 from the value of the number of holds U2 (S1104). On the other hand, when the number of reservations U2 = 0 (No in S1103), the special symbol fluctuation control unit 233 then determines whether the number of reservations U1 related to the winning of the first starting port 121 is 1 or more (S1105). When the number of holds U1 is 1 or more (Yes in S1105), the special symbol fluctuation control unit 233 subtracts 1 from the value of the number of holds U1 (S1106). On the other hand, when the number of holds U1 = 0 (No in S1105), it means that there is no prize for starting the lottery of the special symbol, so the special symbol change is not started and the customer waiting setting process of another routine is performed. Is executed to end the process (S1116).
In the present embodiment, the process related to the number of reservations U2 related to the winning of the second starting port 122 is prioritized. That is, when the number of holds U2 is 1 or more, the process for the number of holds U2 is performed, and when the number of holds U2 = 0, the process for the number of holds U1 is performed (see S803 to S806). On the other hand, regardless of which of the first starting port 121 and the second starting port 122 is won, the number of holds U1 and U2 can be subtracted in the order of winning.

After subtracting the hold number U1 or the hold number U2 in S1104 or S1106, the special symbol variation control unit 233 turns off the customer waiting flag set in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (S1107). The customer waiting flag is a flag for identifying that the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in the customer waiting state, and is set in the customer waiting setting process (S1116, see FIG. 15 described later).

Next, the special symbol variation control unit 233 executes a jackpot determination process and a variation pattern selection process by another routine (S1108, S1109). Although details will be described later, setting information for fluctuation of the special symbol (big hit symbol, game) that is variablely displayed on the first special symbol display 221 and the second special symbol display 222 by the jackpot determination process and the variation pattern selection process. The state, fluctuation pattern, etc.) are determined. It should be noted that these pieces of information are included in the fluctuation start command sent to the effect control unit 300.

After that, the special symbol variation control unit 233 is displayed by the first special symbol display 221 and the second special symbol display 222 shown in FIG. 2 based on the setting contents determined by the jackpot determination process and the variation pattern selection process. The change of the special symbol is started (S1110). Then, a fluctuation start command including setting information (big hit symbol, game state, fluctuation pattern, etc.) indicating the setting contents is generated and set in the RAM 203 (S1111). The fluctuation start command set in S1111 is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 by the output process shown in S806 of FIG.

When it is determined in S1102 that the special symbol is changing (Yes in S1102), or after the change start command is set in S1111, the special symbol change control unit 233 determines whether or not the fluctuation time has elapsed (S1112). ). That is, it is determined whether or not the elapsed time since the start of the fluctuation of the special symbol in S1110 has reached the fluctuation time set in the fluctuation pattern selection process of S1109. If the fluctuation time has not elapsed (No in S1112), the special symbol variation is continued, so that the special symbol processing ends as it is.

On the other hand, when the fluctuation time has elapsed (Yes in S1112), the special symbol fluctuation control unit 233 first determines the fluctuation of the special symbol in the first special symbol display 221 and the second special symbol display 222 in the jackpot determination process of S1108. It stops at the symbol determined in (S1113). A variable stop command for stopping the decorative symbol described later is set in the RAM 203 (S1114). Then, the stopped processing of another routine is executed (S1115). The details of the stopped processing will be described later. The fluctuation stop command set in S1114 is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 by the output process shown in S806 of FIG.

[Big hit judgment processing by the game control unit]
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the contents of the jackpot determination process (S1108 in FIG. 11).
In this jackpot determination process, the special symbol determination unit 234 of the game control unit 200 first determines the jackpot random number value in the special symbol lottery this time (S1201), and determines whether or not it is a jackpot or a small hit (S1202). , S1205). Whether or not a jackpot or a small hit is determined is whether or not the value of the jackpot random number acquired in S903 or S910 in FIG. 9 matches the value set as the jackpot winning value or the value set as the small hit winning value. It is determined by determining whether or not (see FIG. 20 (a)).

When the result of the random number determination in S1201 is a big hit (Yes in S1202), the special symbol determination unit 234 then determines the jackpot symbol random number value (S1203). Depending on the result of this determination, the type of symbol (big hit in the high-probability time-saving game state, big hit in the low-probability time-saving non-game state, etc.) is determined. Which jackpot will be won is determined by which of the values preset for each symbol type matches the value of the jackpot symbol random number acquired in S903 or S910 of FIG. 9 (FIG. 20 (Fig. 20). b) See).

After the above determination, the special symbol determination unit 234 sets the jackpot symbol determined by the determination of the jackpot symbol random number in the RAM 203 as setting information (S1204).

When the result of the random number determination in S1201 is a small hit (No in S1202, Yes in S1205), then the special symbol determination unit 234 uses a symbol indicating that it is a small hit (hereinafter, small hit symbol) as setting information. It is set in the RAM 203 (S1206).

When the result of the random number determination in S1201 is neither a big hit nor a small hit (No in S1202 and S1205), then the special symbol determination unit 234 uses the symbol indicating that the lottery has been lost (hereinafter, the missed symbol) as setting information in the RAM 203. (S1207).

[Variation pattern selection process by the game control unit]
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the contents of the variation pattern selection process (S1109 in FIG. 11).
In this variation pattern selection process, the variation pattern selection unit 235 of the game control unit 200 first refers to the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 (whether it is a time saving state or a time saving state, and a high probability state or a low probability state). (S1301). Then, using the determination result of S1202 of the jackpot determination process (FIG. 12), it is determined whether or not a jackpot has been achieved in this special symbol lottery (S1302). Then, in the case of a big hit (Yes in S1302), the fluctuation pattern selection unit 235 reads the fluctuation pattern table for the big hit from the ROM 202 and sets it in the RAM 203 (S1303).

On the other hand, if there is no big hit (No in S1302), then the fluctuation pattern selection unit 235 determines a random number value for determining whether or not to perform a so-called reach effect for the player to expect a big hit. (S1304). Whether or not the reach effect is an executable variation pattern is determined by determining whether or not the value of the reach random number acquired in S903 or S910 of FIG. 9 matches a preset value (FIG. 9). 20 (c)).
As a result of the determination using the random value, when the reach effect is set to the executable variation pattern (variation time) (Yes in S1305), the variation pattern selection unit 235 reads the variation pattern table for reach from the ROM 202 and puts it in the RAM 203. Set (S1306). Further, when the reach effect is not set to an executable variation pattern (fluctuation time) (No in S1305), the variation pattern selection unit 235 reads the variation pattern table for removal from the ROM 202 and sets it in the RAM 203 (S1307).
Here, the fluctuation pattern table is a plurality of fluctuation patterns (variation time 3 seconds, 7 seconds, 13 seconds, 15 seconds, 30 seconds, 60 seconds, 90 seconds, etc.) prepared in advance and the value of the fluctuation pattern random number. It is a table associated with.

Next, the fluctuation pattern selection unit 235 determines the fluctuation pattern random value using the fluctuation pattern random value acquired in S903 or S910 of FIG. 9 and the fluctuation pattern table set in S1303, S1306, and S1307 (S1308). ). That is, the variation pattern selection unit 235 refers to the variation pattern table set in the RAM 203, and selects the variation pattern according to the random number value of the variation pattern random number. Therefore, even if the same random number value is acquired, the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 (whether it is a time saving state or a time saving state, and a high probability state or a low probability state), and the result of a special symbol lottery (whether or not a big hit is made). , If there is no big hit, whether or not to perform reach effect), etc., the reference variation pattern table is different, so the determined variation pattern is different.

After that, the fluctuation pattern selection unit 235 sets the fluctuation pattern selected in S1308 in the RAM 203 as setting information (S1309). The fluctuation pattern setting information set in S1309 is included in the fluctuation start command set in S1111 of FIG. 11, and is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 by the output process shown in S806 of FIG. The details of the fluctuation pattern selected in this embodiment and its setting will be described later.

[Processing during stop by the game control unit]
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the contents of the stopped processing (S1115 of FIG. 11).
In this stopped processing, the game control unit 200 first checks whether or not the flag indicating the time saving state (hereinafter, the time saving flag) is turned on in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (S1401). When the time saving flag is ON (Yes in S1401), the game control unit 200 subtracts 1 from the value of the lottery number (variation number) J in the time saving state (S1402), and whether or not the lottery number J becomes 0. (S1403). Then, if the number of lottery times J = 0 (Yes in S1403), the time saving flag is turned off (S1404). The operation of turning on the time saving flag and the setting of the initial value of the lottery number J are performed in the game state setting process (FIG. 18) in the large winning opening process (FIG. 17) described later.

When the time saving flag is OFF (No in S1401), after turning off the time saving flag in S1404, or when the value of the lottery number J after subtraction in S1402 is not 0 (No in S1403), then the game control The unit 200 checks whether or not the flag indicating the high probability state (hereinafter, high probability flag) is turned ON in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (S1405). If both the high-probability flag and the previous time-saving flag are ON, the game is in the high-probability time-saving game state, and if the high-probability flag is ON and the time-saving flag is OFF, the game is in the high-probability time-saving non-game state. is there.

When the high probability flag is ON (Yes in S1405), the game control unit 200 subtracts 1 from the value of the lottery number (variation number) X in the high probability state (S1406), and has the lottery number X become 0? Check whether or not (S1407). Then, if the number of lottery times X = 0 (Yes in S1407), the high accuracy flag is turned off (S1408). The operation of turning on the high accuracy flag and the setting of the initial value of the number of lottery times X are performed in the game state setting process (FIG. 18) in the large winning opening process (FIG. 17) described later.

When the high accuracy flag is OFF (No in S1405), after the high accuracy flag is turned OFF in S1408, or when the value of the lottery count X after subtraction in S1406 is not 0 (No in S1407), then The game control unit 200 determines whether or not a big hit has been made in this special symbol lottery (S1409). Then, in the case of a big hit (Yes in S1409), the game control unit 200 then determines the type of the symbol (S1410). Here, as an example of determining the type of symbol, it is determined whether or not it is a long hit.

Here, the determination of whether or not it is a big hit can be made based on the determination result of the big hit determination process (FIG. 12). For example, if any of the symbols shown in the chart of FIG. 20B described later is set, it is Yes in S1409. If a missed symbol or a small hit symbol is set in the RAM 203 by the jackpot determination process, the result is No in S1409.

For example, when the type of the symbol such as the low-probability symbol A is a long hit (Yes in S1410), the game control unit 200 turns on the long hit game flag (S1411). As a result, the game state of the RAM 203 is set to the big hit game state (long hit game state) in which the type of symbol is a long hit. It should be noted that here, in the long hit, there is no distinction between a high probability state and a low probability state. Whether it becomes a high probability state or a low probability state is specified by turning on the corresponding flag in the game state setting process (FIG. 18) in the large winning opening process (FIG. 17) described later.

For example, when the type of the symbol such as the high-probability symbol E is not a long hit (No in S1410), the game control unit 200 turns on the short hit game flag (S1412). As a result, the game state of the RAM 203 is set to the big hit game state (short hit game state) in which the type of symbol is a short hit. As in the case of long hits, short hits do not distinguish between high-probability states and low-probability states.

After turning on the jackpot game flag in S1411 or S1412, the game control unit 200 initializes the values of the lottery numbers J and X (S1413). Further, the game control unit 200 turns off the time saving flag when the time saving flag is ON in S1401 and the lottery number J is not 0 in S1403 (S1414). Similarly, when the high accuracy flag is ON in S1405 and the lottery number X is not 0 in S1407, the high accuracy flag is turned OFF (S1414).

After initializing the values of the lottery numbers J and X in S1413, the game control unit 200 starts the opening operation (S1417). Here, the content of the opening operation differs depending on which of S1411 and S1412 the winning game flag is turned ON. In other words, the opening operation is set according to the determination result of the special symbol lottery.
After that, the game control unit 200 sets the opening command for performing the effect in the opening operation according to the jackpot game flag in the effect control unit 300 in the RAM 203 (S1418), and ends the stopped processing. This opening command is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output process shown in S806 of FIG.

On the other hand, if the result of this special symbol lottery is not a big hit (No in S1409), then the game control unit 200 determines whether or not the result of this special symbol lottery is a small hit (S1415). ). If it is not a small hit (No in S1415), the stopped processing is terminated.
On the other hand, if it is a small hit (Yes in S1415), the game control unit 200 starts the small hit game (S1416). As a result, the game state setting of the RAM 203 becomes the small hit game state. In the small hit game, as described above, the large winning opening 125 is opened and closed a predetermined number of times, and the game ends after a predetermined time has elapsed.

[Customer waiting setting processing by the game control unit]
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the contents of the customer waiting setting process (S1116 in FIG. 11).
In this customer waiting setting process, the game control unit 200 first checks whether or not the customer waiting flag is ON in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (S1501). Here, the customer waiting flag is a flag set to identify that the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in the customer waiting state.

When the customer waiting flag is ON, the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in the customer waiting state, so the process ends as it is (Yes in S1501). On the other hand, when the customer waiting flag is OFF (No in S1501), the game control unit 200 generates a customer waiting command and sets it in the RAM 203 (S1502), and turns on the customer waiting flag (S1503). The customer waiting command set in S1502 is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 by the output process shown in S806 of FIG. Here, the customer waiting flag is not executing the jackpot game (No in S1101) or changing the special symbol (No in S1102) as described in the customer waiting setting process (S1116) in FIG. Further, it is a flag to be set when there is no hold (No in S1103 and S1105).

[Normal symbol processing by the game control unit]
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the contents of the normal symbol processing among the symbol processing shown in S803 of FIG.
In this normal symbol processing, the normal symbol fluctuation control unit 236 of the game control unit 200 first checks whether or not the auxiliary game flag is ON in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (S1601). Here, the auxiliary game flag is a flag that is set when a normal symbol lottery is won. The state in which the auxiliary game flag is set is a state in which the electric tulip 123 is opened according to the electric tulip process (FIG. 19) described later, and it is easy to win a prize in the second starting port 122 (auxiliary game state).

When the auxiliary game flag is ON, the auxiliary game is already in the auxiliary game state and the normal symbol is stopped. Therefore, the normal symbol processing is terminated without starting the normal symbol change (Yes in S1601). On the other hand, when the auxiliary game flag is OFF (No in S1601), the normal symbol variation control unit 236 then determines whether or not the current state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in the normal symbol variation (S1602). When the normal symbol is not changing (No in S1602), the normal symbol fluctuation control unit 236 then determines whether the number of pending numbers G (see FIG. 10) of the unchanged portion of the normal symbol is 1 or more (S1603). When the number of holds G = 0 (No in S1603), it means that there is no prize for starting the lottery of the normal symbol, so the process ends without starting the normal symbol change.

On the other hand, when the hold number G is 1 or more (Yes in S1603), the normal symbol fluctuation control unit 236 subtracts 1 from the value of the hold number G (S1604). Then, the ordinary symbol determination unit 232 determines the winning random number in the ordinary symbol lottery this time, and determines whether or not the ordinary symbol lottery has been won (S1605). Whether or not the winning value is determined is determined by determining whether or not the value of the winning random number acquired in S1003 of FIG. 10 matches the value set as the winning value in the table or the like shown in FIG. 20 (d) described later. It is determined.

Next, the normal symbol fluctuation control unit 236 sets the normal symbol according to the result of the normal symbol lottery (S1606). That is, when the normal symbol lottery is won, the symbol indicating the winning (hereinafter, the winning symbol) is set in the RAM 203 as the setting information. On the other hand, when the normal symbol lottery is not won, a symbol indicating that the lottery has been lost (hereinafter referred to as a lost symbol) is set in the RAM 203 as setting information.

Next, the normal symbol fluctuation control unit 236 sets the fluctuation time of the normal symbol (S1607). This fluctuation time is set based on the time reduction flag set in the processes of S1404 and S1414 in FIG. 14, and S1804 and S1807 in FIG. 18 described later. That is, when the time saving flag is ON at the time of setting by S1607, it is set to a short time (for example, 1.5 seconds), and when the time saving flag is OFF, it is set to a long time (for example, 4.0 seconds). Will be done. After this setting, the normal symbol fluctuation control unit 236 starts the fluctuation of the normal symbol on the normal symbol display 223 shown in FIGS. 2 (a) and 3 based on the setting contents of S1607 (S1608). It should be noted that the fluctuation pattern of the normal symbol can also be determined by lottery. In this case, for example, when the game ball passes through the gate 124, the random number acquisition unit 231 acquires the fluctuation pattern random number value of the normal symbol, and in S1607, the normal symbol fluctuation control unit 236 obtains the fluctuation pattern random number value of the normal symbol. By judging, the fluctuation time is set.

After starting the fluctuation of the normal symbol in S1608, or when it is determined in S1602 that the normal symbol is changing (Yes in S1602), the normal symbol fluctuation control unit 236 determines whether or not the fluctuation time has elapsed (S1609). ). That is, it is determined whether or not the elapsed time from the start of the fluctuation of the normal symbol in S1608 has reached the fluctuation time set in S1607. If the fluctuation time has not elapsed (No in S1609), the normal symbol fluctuation is continued, so that the normal symbol processing ends as it is.

On the other hand, when the fluctuation time has elapsed (Yes in S1609), the normal symbol fluctuation control unit 236 stops the fluctuation of the normal symbol on the normal symbol display 223 (S1610). Then, the normal symbol variation control unit 236 determines whether or not the determination result of S1605 is a winning (S1611). If it is won (Yes in S1611), the auxiliary game flag is turned ON (S1612). On the other hand, if the lottery is missed (No in S1611), the normal symbol processing is completed without turning on the auxiliary game flag.

[Large winning opening processing by the game control unit]
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the contents of the large winning opening processing among the electric accessory processing shown in S804 of FIG.
In this big prize opening process, the big winning opening operation control unit 237 of the game control unit 200 first checks whether or not the big hit game flag is ON in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (S1701). When the jackpot game flag is OFF, there is no winning in the jackpot 125, so the jackpot processing ends (No in S1701). On the other hand, when the jackpot game flag is ON (Yes in S1701), the jackpot motion control unit 237 then opens the pachinko gaming machine 100 in the motion control at the time of jackpot started in the stopped processing (FIG. 14). It is determined whether or not the operation is in progress (S1702).

When the pachinko gaming machine 100 is opening (Yes in S1702), the large winning opening operation control unit 237 then determines whether or not the preset opening operation should be performed (opening time). (S1703). If the opening time has not passed, the opening operation at the large winning opening 125 is continued, so the large winning opening process is terminated (No in S1703). On the other hand, if the opening time has elapsed (Yes in S1703), then the large winning opening operation control unit 237 sets the operation of the large winning opening 125 (S1704) and initializes the winning number C (C = 0). Then (S1705), the value of the number of rounds R of the operation of the large winning opening 125 is added by 1 from the current value (S1706), and the large winning opening 125 is started (opened) (S1707).

In the operation setting of S1704, the operation pattern of the large winning opening 125 and the number of rounds (the number of operation rounds) to be operated by the operation pattern are set. As an example of the case where the big winning opening 125 operates, there are a case where it is a big hit of a long hit or a short hit and a case where it is a small hit in a special symbol lottery. The operation pattern and the number of rounds are set variously according to the types of these hits. In the jackpot game, it is stipulated that the jackpot 125 is operated a plurality of times (multiple rounds) in succession. As an example, in the case of a long hit, for example, 15 rounds (15R) are operated, and in one round, 29.5 seconds of opening is performed once. In the case of a short hit, for example, two rounds (2R) are operated, and in one round, 0.9 seconds are opened once. To further explain, it is opened for 0.9 seconds, closed for 1.0 second, and then opened for 0.9 seconds. On the other hand, in the case of a small hit, for example, it is opened for 0.9 seconds, closed for 1.0 second, and then opened for 0.9 seconds. Here, comparing the operation with a short hit and the operation with a small hit in the above example, both of them are opened for 0.9 seconds twice. That is, the operation of the large winning opening 125 seen by the player is the same in the case of the short hit and the case of the small hit, and the short hit and the small hit are distinguished only from the operation of the large winning opening 125 on the game board 110. You can't.

In the case of a small hit, the law stipulates that the cumulative opening time of the large winning opening 125 must be set within 1.8 seconds. On the other hand, in the case of a big hit (long hit or short hit), the big winning opening 125 must be opened a plurality of times in succession by the number of rounds R of the big hit game. Therefore, when it is difficult to visually distinguish between the operation with a small hit and the operation with a short hit as described above, in the case of a small hit, the cumulative opening time in one operation is within 1.8 seconds. An operation mode in which the large winning opening 125 is opened twice or more is set, and in the short hit, the same number of rounds as the number of open small hits is set.

Next, the large winning opening operation control unit 237 determines whether or not the opening time in the operation pattern set in S1704 has elapsed (S1708). If the open state of the large winning opening 125 has not passed the opening time (No in S1708), then the large winning opening operation control unit 237 has a specified number C of winnings in the large winning opening 125 (for example, 9). (S1709). If the opening time has not passed and the winning number C is less than the specified number, the operating state (opening state) of the large winning opening 125 is continued, so that the large winning opening process is terminated (No in S1709). ). On the other hand, when the opening time has elapsed (Yes in S1708) or the number of winnings C reaches the specified number (Yes in S1709), the large winning opening operation control unit 237 ends the operation of the large winning opening 125 (closing). (S1710).

Next, the large winning opening operation control unit 237 determines whether or not the number of rounds R of operation of the large winning opening 125 has reached the maximum value set in S1704 (S1711). Then, if the maximum value is not reached, the remaining operations are performed, so that the large winning opening process is terminated (No in S1711).

When the number of rounds R of the operation of the large winning opening 125 reaches the maximum value (Yes in S1711), the large winning opening operation control unit 237 then starts the ending operation (S1712). Here, the content of the ending operation corresponds to the state of the big hit game flag among the ending operations set in each of the long hit game and the short hit game.
After that, the big prize opening operation control unit 237 sets the ending command in the RAM 203 to perform the effect in the ending operation according to the jackpot game flag in the effect control unit 300 (S1713). This ending command is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output process shown in S806 of FIG.

Next, the large winning opening operation control unit 237 resets the number of rounds R of the operation of the large winning opening 125 to 0 (S1714), and then performs the ending operation in which the elapsed time from the start of the ending operation is preset. It is determined whether or not the desired time (ending time) has passed (S1717). If the ending time has not elapsed, the ending operation is continued, so the large winning opening process is terminated (No in S1717). On the other hand, if the ending time has elapsed (Yes in S1717), then the big winning opening operation control unit 237 turns off the big hit game flag after the game state setting process by the game control unit 200 (S1718). The large winning opening process is completed (S1719). The content of the game state setting process will be described later.

When it is determined in S1702 that the pachinko gaming machine 100 is not in the opening (No in S1702), then the grand prize opening operation control unit 237 determines whether or not it is in the ending (S1715). Then, if the ending is in progress (Yes in S1715), the operations after S1717 are executed.

On the other hand, if the pachinko gaming machine 100 is not in the ending (No in S1715), then the large winning opening operation control unit 237 determines whether or not the large winning opening 125 is operating (opening) (S1716). Then, if it is not in operation (No in S1716), the operation after S1705 is executed, and if it is in operation (Yes in S1716), the operation after S1708 is executed.
It should be noted that the effect performed in the small hit game described above is the same as the effect performed in the short hit game, and it is not possible to distinguish between the short hit and the small hit from the effect.

[Game state setting process]
FIG. 18 shows the contents of the game state setting process (S1718) by the game control unit 200, which is executed when the ending time has elapsed (Yes in S1717).
When the game state setting process is performed, the jackpot game flag is ON in S1701 of FIG. 17 as a premise. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 18, the game control unit 200 first determines the type of the symbol (S1801, S1802, S1803, S1806). These determinations can be made based on, for example, the type of symbol set in the RAM 203 as setting information in the jackpot determination process (FIG. 12). Since these determinations are substantially the same as those of S1202, S1203, and S1205 in the jackpot determination process (FIG. 12), the determination results of S1202, S1203, and S1205 may be used.

If it is a small hit (Yes in S1801), the game state is not changed, so the game state setting process ends.
When the type of symbol is a big hit in a low-probability time-saving game state (No in S1801, Yes in S1802, Yes in S1803), the game control unit 200 turns on the time-saving flag (S1804). As a result, the game state of the RAM 203 is set to the low-probability time-saving game state. Further, the game control unit 200 sets an initial value of the lottery number J (S1805), and ends the game state setting process. The initial value of the lottery number J is 100 in the illustrated example. Therefore, if the lottery in which the determination result of the special symbol lottery is out of order is performed 100 times in succession in the low-probability time-saving game state, the low-probability time-saving game state ends and the low-probability time-saving non-game state is established.

On the other hand, when the type of the symbol is a big hit in a low-probability time-saving non-game state (No in S1801, Yes in 1802, No in S1803), the game control unit 200 performs processing without turning on both the time-saving flag and the high-accuracy flag. finish. Therefore, the setting of the game state of the RAM 203 for the game after the jackpot is a low-probability time-saving non-game state.

When the type of the symbol is a big hit in a high-probability time-saving game state (No in S1801 and S1802, Yes in S1806), the game control unit 200 turns on the time-saving flag (S1807) and sets the initial value of the lottery number J. (S1808). In this case, the initial value of the lottery number J is 10,000 times in the illustrated example. Further, the game control unit 200 turns on the high accuracy flag (S1809) and sets the initial value of the lottery number X (S1810). The initial value of the lottery number X is 10,000 times in the illustrated example. As a result, the game state of the RAM 203 is set to the high-probability time-saving game state. Then, if the lottery in which the determination result of the special symbol lottery is out of order is continuously performed 10,000 times in this high-probability time-saving game state, the high-probability time-saving game state ends and the low-probability time-saving non-game state is established.

On the other hand, when the type of the symbol is a big hit in a high-probability time-saving non-game state (No in S1801, S1802, S1806), the game control unit 200 turns on only the high-probability flag (S1809), and the initial value of the lottery number X. (10000 times) is set (S1810). As a result, the game state of the RAM 203 is set to the high-probability time-saving non-game state. Then, if the lottery in which the judgment result of the special symbol lottery is out of order is performed 10,000 times in succession in this high-probability time-saving no-game state, the high-probability time-saving no-game state ends and the low-probability time-saving no-game state is established. Become.

[Electric tulip processing by the game control unit]
FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the contents of the electric tulip processing among the electric accessory processing shown in S804 of FIG.
In the electric tulip processing, the electric tulip motion control unit 238 of the game control unit 200 first checks whether or not the auxiliary game flag is ON in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (S1901). When the auxiliary game flag is OFF, the electric tulip 123 is not opened, so the electric tulip processing is terminated (No in S1901). On the other hand, when the auxiliary game flag is ON (Yes in S1901), the electric tulip motion control unit 238 then determines whether or not the electric tulip 123 is operating (S1902).

When the electric tulip 123 is not operating (No in S1902), the electric tulip operation control unit 238 sets the operation pattern of the electric tulip 123 (S1903) and operates the electric tulip 123 in the set operation pattern (S1904). .. Here, the operation pattern is set based on the time reduction flag set in the processes of S1404 and S1414 in FIG. 14, S1804 and S1807 in FIG. For example, when the time saving flag is OFF at the time of setting by S1903, an operation pattern of opening once with an opening time of 0.15 seconds is set, and when the time saving flag is ON, opening of 1.80 seconds. An operation pattern that opens three times in time is set. In this way, normally, when the time saving flag is ON (when the time saving state is in the state), the electric tulip 123 is opened a plurality of times for a long time, and it becomes easy to win a prize in the second starting port 122 (electric chew support). Is done. In addition, a plurality of operation patterns (types of auxiliary games) of the electric tulip 123 when the time saving flag is ON or OFF are prepared, and the operation is performed according to the type of hit determined by the normal symbol processing (see FIG. 16). It may be configured to set a pattern.

When it is determined in S1902 that the electric tulip 123 is in operation (Yes in S1902), or after the electric tulip 123 is operated in S1904, the electric tulip motion control unit 238 elapses the opening time in the set operation pattern. It is determined whether or not it has been done (S1905). If the opening time has not elapsed, the operating state (opening state) of the electric tulip 123 is continued, so that the electric tulip processing is terminated (No in S1905). On the other hand, when the opening time has elapsed (Yes in S1905), the electric tulip motion control unit 238 turns off the auxiliary game flag and ends the electric tulip processing (S1906).

[Random number judgment method]
Here, a random number determination method performed in the jackpot determination process (FIG. 12), the variation pattern selection process (FIG. 13), the ordinary symbol process (FIG. 16), and the like will be described in detail.
FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a configuration example of random numbers (determination table) used in the special symbol lottery and the ordinary symbol lottery in the present embodiment.
FIG. 20 (a) shows a configuration example of a jackpot random number used in a special symbol lottery, FIG. 20 (b) shows a configuration example of a jackpot symbol random number used in a special symbol lottery, and FIG. 20 (c) shows a special symbol lottery. A configuration example of the reach random number used and a configuration example of the winning random number used in the ordinary symbol lottery are shown in FIG. 20 (d), respectively.

With reference to FIG. 20A, as the determination value of the jackpot random number, the jackpot when the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 at the time of jackpot determination is a low probability state and the jackpot when the gaming state at the time of jackpot determination is a high probability state. Two types and small hits are set. The range of random numbers (big hit random numbers) is 300, from 0 to 299. In the case of a special symbol lottery (big hit lottery) in a low probability state, only one winning value is set, and the winning probability is 1/300. Further, in the case of a special symbol lottery in a high probability state, 10 winning values are set, and the winning probability is 10/300 (= 1/30). That is, in the illustrated example, when the start ports 121 and 122 are won in the high probability state and the special symbol lottery is performed, the winning probability is 10 times higher than in the case where the special symbol lottery is performed in the low probability state. Further, the winning value of the small hit is set to three regardless of whether it is in the low probability state or the high probability state, and the winning probability is 3/300 (= 1/100).
Here, if a special symbol lottery in a low probability state is explained as an example, the jackpot random number values (see S903 and S910) acquired by winning a prize in the first starting port 121 or the second starting port 122 are shown in FIG. 20. It is determined whether or not it matches the winning value "5" of the jackpot lottery in the low probability state in (a). Although detailed description is omitted, the same applies to the special symbol lottery in the high probability state and the special symbol lottery for small hits.

With reference to FIG. 20B, the jackpot symbols include low-probability symbol A, low-probability symbol B, high-probability symbol A, high-probability symbol B, high-probability symbol C, high-probability symbol D, high-probability symbol E, and latent. Eight types of probabilistic patterns are available. Here, the low-probability symbol A and the low-probability symbol B are symbols indicating that they are jackpots in the low-probability state, and among them, the low-probability symbol A is a jackpot in a long-probability (8 rounds) and low-probability short-time gaming state. Indicates that there is. The low-probability symbol B indicates that it is a long hit (4 rounds) and a big hit in a low-probability short-time gaming state. The high-probability symbol A and the high-probability symbol B indicate that they are long hits (15 rounds) and big hits in a high-probability short-time gaming state. The high-probability symbol C and the high-probability symbol D indicate that they are long hits (8 rounds) and big hits in a high-probability short-time gaming state. The high-probability symbol E indicates a short hit (2 rounds) and a high-probability short-time non-game state jackpot. The latent probability symbol is a symbol indicating that it is a short hit (2 rounds) and a big hit in a high-probability short-time non-game state. Therefore, the high-probability symbol E and the latent probability symbol have the same game state after the jackpot game, but the latent probability symbol is a condition for performing a latent effect that does not clearly notify the player that the high-probability symbol is in the high-probability state. Therefore, it is provided separately from the high-probability symbol E. The range of random number values is 250 from 0 to 249. Further, in the jackpot symbol random number, winning values are set for each of the first starting port 121 and the second starting port 122, which trigger the special symbol lottery.

In the low-probability symbol A, 35 values are assigned as winning values to both the first starting port 121 and the second starting port 122. Therefore, if the jackpot is won, the probability of winning the low probability symbol A is 35/250 (= 7/50).
In the low-probability symbol B, 15 values are assigned as winning values to both the first starting port 121 and the second starting port 122. Therefore, when the jackpot is won, the probability of winning the low probability symbol B is 15/250 (= 3/50).

In the high-probability symbol A, 20 values are assigned as winning values when the first starting port 121 is won. Therefore, if a jackpot is won in the special symbol lottery started by winning the first starting port 121, the probability of winning the high probability symbol A is 20/250 (= 2/25).
On the other hand, 150 values are assigned as winning values when the second starting port 122 is won. Therefore, if a jackpot is won in the special symbol lottery started by winning the second starting port 122, the probability of winning the high probability symbol A is 150/250 (= 15/25).

In the high-probability symbol B, five values are assigned as winning values when the first starting port 121 is won. Therefore, if a big hit is won in the special symbol lottery started by winning the first starting port 121, the probability of winning the high probability symbol B is 5/250 (= 1/50).
On the other hand, 25 values are assigned as winning values when the second starting port 122 is won. Therefore, if a big hit is won in the special symbol lottery started by winning the second starting port 122, the probability of winning in the high probability symbol B is 25/250 (= 1/10).

In the high-probability symbol C, 25 values are assigned as winning values when the first starting port 121 is won. Therefore, if a big hit is won in the special symbol lottery started by winning the first starting port 121, the probability of winning in the high probability symbol C is 25/250 (= 1/10).
On the other hand, 10 values are assigned as winning values when the second starting port 122 is won. Therefore, if a big hit is won in the special symbol lottery started by winning the second starting port 122, the probability of winning in the high probability symbol B is 10/250 (= 1/25).

In the high-probability symbol D, 25 values are assigned as winning values when the first starting port 121 is won. Therefore, if a big hit is won in the special symbol lottery started by winning the first starting port 121, the probability of winning the high probability symbol D is 25/250 (= 1/10).
On the other hand, 10 values are assigned as winning values when the second starting port 122 is won. Therefore, if a big hit is won in the special symbol lottery started by winning the second starting port 122, the probability of winning the high probability symbol D is 10/250 (= 1/25).

In the high-probability symbol E, 25 values are assigned as winning values when the first starting port 121 is won. Therefore, if a big hit is won in the special symbol lottery started by winning the first starting port 121, the probability of winning the high probability symbol E is 25/250 (= 1/10).
On the other hand, five values are assigned as winning values when the second starting port 122 is won. Therefore, if a jackpot is won in the special symbol lottery started by winning the second starting port 122, the probability of winning the high probability symbol E is 5/250 (= 1/50).

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

Here, to explain using the low-probability symbol A as an example, the jackpot symbol random value (see S903 and S910) acquired by winning a prize in the first starting port 121 or the second starting port 122 is shown in FIG. 20 (b). ), It is determined whether or not the value matches the winning value of the low-probability symbol A, "0 to 34". Although detailed description is omitted, the same applies to the special symbol lottery such as the low probability symbol B.

As described above, by making the winning probability of the symbol type different between the case where the first starting port 121 is won and the case where the second starting opening 122 is won, various playability can be provided. In addition, the arrangement of the first start port 121 and the second start port 122 on the game board 110 is devised so that it becomes easier to aim at either the first start port 121 or the second start port 122 in a specific state (mode). It is also possible to encourage the player to participate in a more active game by configuring the above.

Next, the determination of the reach random number will be described. The distribution of reach random numbers is set according to the number of holds, as will be described later. Here, as an example, a reach random number when the number of pending numbers is 0 will be described.
With reference to FIG. 20 (c), the range of random number values is 250 from 0 to 249, and the reach effect is a feasible fluctuation pattern (variation time) (for example, 13.5 seconds or more). Twenty-two random number values are assigned to (with reach), and 228 random numbers are assigned to the determination result (without reach) in which the reach effect is not an executable variation pattern (for example, less than 13.5 seconds). That is, in the illustrated example, if a big hit is not made in the special symbol lottery, the reach effect is performed with a probability of 22/250 (= 11/125). Here, the reach effect is an effect performed on the image display unit 114 when the special symbol changes. Hereinafter, the effect at the time of special symbol change in which the reach effect is not a feasible variation pattern is referred to as a non-reach effect, and the effect at the time of a special symbol change in which the reach effect is a feasible variation pattern is referred to as a reach effect. Called.

Here, demonstrating the presence of reach as an example, the reach random value (see S903 and S910) acquired by winning a prize in the first starting port 121 or the second starting port 122 is the reach in FIG. 20 (c). It is determined whether or not it matches the winning value of "0 to 21". Although detailed explanation is omitted, the same applies to the special symbol lottery without reach.

In many cases, when the special symbol changes, it is linked to the display control of the first special symbol display 221 and the second special symbol display 222 (hereinafter, when these are not distinguished, they are referred to as special symbol indicators 221, 222). , The image display unit 114 performs an effect using a decorative pattern. The decorative design is configured by displaying, for example, three rows of symbols consisting of a number sequence in which numbers from "1" to "9" are continuously written in the vertical direction. Further, the decorative pattern is displayed in any of a plurality of colors such as blue, green, and red. Details will be described later, but for example, the numerical element 411 (FIG. 35 described later) in each decorative pattern is displayed in blue, green, or red. Then, at the same time that the variable display of the special symbol on the special symbol display 221, 222 is started, the decorative symbol displayed on the image display unit 114 starts scrolling. In addition, after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the variable display of the special symbol (the start of scrolling of the decorative symbol), the special symbol is stopped and displayed, and at the same time, the decorative symbol is also fixedly stopped. In general, when the judgment result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit, in the stop display of the decorative symbol, three identical numbers are lined up in a straight line extending horizontally or diagonally. The effect using the decorative symbol that is performed along with the variable display of this special symbol is called a variable effect.

In the effect with reach, for example, the following operations are performed with respect to the decorative pattern as the variable effect. First, one of the two symbols (sequence) is temporarily stopped before the decorative symbol that scrolls in the vertical (horizontal) direction is fixedly stopped. At this time, the same numbers are temporarily stopped on a straight line extending horizontally (vertically) or diagonally. To further explain, if the decorative pattern is scrolled in the vertical direction, the same numbers are temporarily stopped in a row in the horizontal direction.
Next, the last row gradually slows down the scrolling speed, giving the player the expectation that three identical numbers will line up in a straight line. Then, after the last row is temporarily stopped, the three symbols are fixedly stopped.
Here, in the effect with reach, the SP reach effect or the SPSP reach effect may be performed before the three symbols are fixedly stopped. The SP reach production is generally called super reach or special reach, and is a production that expects a bigger hit than the reach, and is a production of moving images in which various characters appear and the story develops. .. In addition, SPSP reach is generally called super super reach or special special reach, and it is a production that expects a bigger hit than SP reach, and it is a production of moving images in which various characters appear and the story develops. Is.
Further, as shown in FIG. 21 described later, in the present embodiment, the SP reach or the SPSP reach effect is set to be executed when the fluctuation time is longer (for example, 90 seconds or 60 seconds). It should be noted that the above-mentioned variable effect performed together with the effect with reach is also referred to as a variable effect during reach.
On the other hand, in the non-reach effect, the effect that gives the player a sense of expectation, such as the effect with reach, is suppressed by the time the decorative pattern scrolling in the vertical (horizontal) direction is fixed and stopped, and the effect is horizontal (vertical) or diagonal. The symbol is fixed and stopped when the same numbers are not aligned on the straight line.

In this way, when the result of the determination of the jackpot random number is wrong, the reach random number can be produced with reach as a variable pattern in which the reach effect can be executed on the image display unit 114, or the reach effect can be executed. It is a random number for determining whether to perform a non-reach effect that does not have a fluctuation pattern. In addition, by changing the execution ratio of the effect with reach according to the number of reservations, the player can be given an appropriate sense of expectation while enabling efficient game progress.
In addition, if the jackpot is won, the effect with reach will be performed, and finally the decorative symbols will be fixed and stopped with the same numbers aligned horizontally (vertically) or diagonally. Can be done. On the other hand, in the case of winning a small hit or losing, the decorative symbol is fixedly stopped in the state where the same numbers are not aligned on the above straight line.

Next, the determination of the winning random number used in the ordinary symbol lottery will be described.
With reference to FIG. 20 (d), the range of random numbers is 10 from 0 to 9, and one value is assigned as the winning value when the time saving flag is OFF, and as the winning value when the time saving flag is ON. Nine values are assigned. Therefore, if the game ball passes through the gate 124 and the normal symbol lottery is performed in the state of no time saving, the player wins with a probability of 1/10. On the other hand, if the game ball passes through the gate 124 and the normal symbol lottery is performed in the time saving state, the player wins with a probability of 9/10.

Here, when the time saving flag OFF is described as an example, the winning random number value (see S1003) acquired when the game ball of the gate 124, the first starting port 121, or the second starting port 122 passes through is shown in FIG. 20 (see S1003). It is determined whether or not the value matches "0", which is the winning value of the time saving flag OFF in d). Although detailed description is omitted, the same applies to the ordinary symbol lottery with the time saving flag ON.

Further, although not particularly shown, it is possible to set a plurality of hits having different contents (opening pattern of the electric tulip 123) of the auxiliary game performed when it is determined to be a hit in the ordinary symbol lottery. In this case, for example, a winning symbol random number for specifying the winning type in the normal symbol lottery is set in the same manner as the jackpot symbol random number for specifying the symbol type in the special symbol lottery (see FIG. 20B). Then, the game control unit 200 acquires the random number value of the hit symbol random number together with the random number value of the hit random number by the gate switch process (see FIG. 10) by the random number acquisition unit 231 and is acquired by the normal symbol determination unit 232. Identify the type of hit based on the random number value.
The range of random numbers, the ratio of winning values, and the values of winning values shown in the configuration example of each random number in FIG. 20 are merely examples, and are not limited to the values shown.

[Example of setting fluctuation pattern]
Next, a variation pattern and a table setting example used in the variation pattern selection process shown in FIG. 13 will be described.
FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a variation pattern and a table setting example used in the variation pattern selection process shown in FIG. Note that FIG. 21 shows a setting example of a low-probability time-saving non-game state. Although not shown, for other gaming states such as the high-probability time-saving gaming state, a table for setting the variation pattern selected in the variation pattern selection process is individually provided.
Further, FIG. 21 shows a setting example when the game ball wins the first starting port 121. When the game ball wins the second starting port 122, a table for setting the fluctuation pattern selected in the fluctuation pattern selection process may be individually provided, or the game ball wins the first starting port 121. The table to be referred to in some cases may be shared and referred to.

As shown in FIG. 21, when the determination result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit (Yes in S1302 of FIG. 13), the special symbol fluctuation control unit 233 determines the fluctuation pattern based on the jackpot symbol and the fluctuation pattern random number. .. Specifically, in the special symbol variation control unit 233, the variation pattern random number value (see S903) acquired together with the jackpot random number value by the random number acquisition unit 231 matches any of the variation pattern random number values assigned to each jackpot symbol. Determine the variation pattern based on what you do. For example, when the jackpot symbol is "high probability symbol A" and the variation pattern random number is "51", it matches the variation pattern random number range "50 to 69" assigned to "high probability symbol A" in FIG. Therefore, "PB3" is selected as the fluctuation pattern. The special symbol fluctuation time in this "PB3" is "90.18 seconds".

Further, when the determination result of the special symbol lottery is wrong (No in S1302 of FIG. 13), the special symbol fluctuation control unit 233 is based on the hold number U1 of the first special symbol lottery, the reach random number, and the fluctuation pattern random number. To determine the fluctuation pattern. Specifically, when the hold number U1 of the first special symbol lottery is "0", the special symbol fluctuation control unit 233 receives the reach random number value (see S903) acquired by the random number acquisition unit 231 together with the jackpot random number value. , It is determined whether the number is allocated to the reach random number range "0 to 21" or the reach random number range "22 to 249" allocated to the reserved number "0" of "off" in FIG. When the acquired reach random number is included in the reach random number range "0 to 21", the variation pattern random number value (see S903) acquired together with the jackpot random number value by the random number acquisition unit 231 is the reach random number range "0 to 21". The fluctuation pattern is determined based on which of the fluctuation pattern random number values assigned to "21" is matched. For example, when the fluctuation pattern random number is "51", it matches the fluctuation pattern random number range "50 to 89", so "PR4" is selected as the fluctuation pattern.

As described above, the game control unit 200 has the fluctuation pattern random value (see S903 and S910 in FIG. 9) acquired when the game ball wins the start ports 121 and 122, and the game state and reach of the pachinko game machine 100. The fluctuation pattern of the special symbol is determined based on the conditions such as the presence or absence of the effect and the number of holds. Then, the information on the fluctuation pattern of the determined special symbol is included in the fluctuation start command and sent from the game control unit 200 to the effect control unit 300. As will be described later, the effect control unit 300 corresponds to the variation time specified based on the information of the variation pattern included in the variation start command (executable in the variation time) as the effect when the special symbol changes. Is selected and executed.

[Structure of RAM of game control unit and RAM of effect control unit for performing advance notice effect based on prior determination]
Subsequently, the configuration of the RAM 203 of the game control unit 200 and the RAM 303 of the effect control unit 300 in the present embodiment for executing the advance notice effect based on the prior determination will be described.
FIG. 22 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of RAM 203 (see FIG. 3) of the game control unit 200 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 22A is a block diagram showing the configuration of the storage area 204, and FIG. 22B is a block diagram showing the configuration of each of the storage units shown in FIG. 22A.

As shown in FIG. 22A, the RAM 203 includes a storage area 204 as a special symbol hold storage area for storing the jackpot random numbers acquired by the jackpot random number lottery. The storage area 204 has eight storage units corresponding to the maximum number of holdings of the first starting port 121 and the number of holdings of the second starting port 122 (when the upper limit of each holding number is 4). .. Specifically, the storage area 204 includes a first storage unit 204a, a second storage unit 204b, a third storage unit 204c, a fourth storage unit 204d, a fifth storage unit 204e, a sixth storage unit 204f, and a seventh storage unit. It has a unit 204g and an eighth storage unit 204h.

Further, as shown in FIG. 22B, each of these storage units 204a to 204h is an area in which information indicating the distinction between the winning start ports (first start port 121 or second start port 122) is stored. It has an area where the acquired jackpot random number is stored, an area where the symbol random number is stored, an area where the reach random number is stored, and an area where the fluctuation pattern random number is stored. That is, a jackpot random number, a symbol random number, a reach random number, and a fluctuation pattern random number are stored in each of the storage units 204a to 204h.

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

FIG. 23 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the RAM 303 (see FIG. 3) of the effect control unit 300 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 23A is a block diagram showing the configurations of the reserved storage areas 305 and 306, and FIG. 23B is a block diagram showing the configurations of the storage units shown in FIG. 23A.
As shown in FIG. 23A, the RAM 303 includes a first hold storage area 305 and a second hold storage area 306 as hold status storage areas for storing the state in which the hold ball is held. The first reserved storage area 305 and the second reserved storage area 306 correspond to a hold for winning a prize in the first starting port 121 and a holding for winning a prize in the second starting port 122, respectively, and each has four storage units. Have. Specifically, the first reserved storage area 305 has a first storage unit 305a, a second storage unit 305b, a third storage unit 305c, and a fourth storage unit 305d. Further, the second reserved storage area 306 has a first storage unit 306a, a second storage unit 306b, a third storage unit 306c, and a fourth storage unit 306d.

Further, as shown in FIG. 23B, each of these storage units 305a to 305d and 306a to 306d has a hold flag storage area for turning on / off the hold flag and a notification flag storage for turning on / off the notification flag. Has an area and. The hold flag is a flag for identifying the presence or absence of the hold ball for each of the storage units 305a to 305d and 306a to 306d. That is, for example, when the number of holdings due to winning the first starting port 121 is 3, the holding flag is turned ON in the three holding flag storage areas of the first to third storage units 305a, 305b, and 305c. The notification flag is a flag for setting whether or not to perform a warning effect for each reserved ball based on a preliminary determination result. In the pachinko gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment, the effect control unit 300 can set whether or not to perform a preliminary effect based on the preliminary determination result according to the game state and the state of the effect. Therefore, the notification flag is turned ON when the advance notice effect is performed, and the notification flag is turned OFF when the advance notice effect is not performed. The details will be described later, but as a result of the pre-determination effect selection process (S2703), for example, when the advance notice effect is performed on the third reserved ball among the above three reserved balls, the third memory that is the target of the preliminary determination In the notification flag storage area of unit 305c, the notification flag is turned ON.

Further, although not particularly shown, the RAM 203 has an area in which the pre-determination information is stored (hereinafter, a pre-determination information storage area), in addition to the configuration shown in FIG. 22A. The pre-determination information is information obtained by the pre-determination process (see S904 and S911 in FIG. 9) based on each of the above random numbers. The content of the pre-judgment information is the same as the information obtained as various judgment results in the special symbol processing (see FIG. 11). Specifically, whether or not a big hit (and whether or not a small hit) and a big hit If this is the case, it is information for indicating that the type of the symbol and the fluctuation pattern (fluctuation time) are the length at which the reach effect can be executed, or the content of the fluctuation pattern. The pre-judgment information stored in the pre-judgment information storage area is unique to the hold information (hereinafter referred to as hold information) corresponding to the winning ball (holding ball) for which the pre-judgment process has been performed, or separately from this hold information. At the timing, it is included in the pre-determination result command and sent from the game control unit 200 to the effect control unit 300.

[Preliminary judgment processing]
Next, the pre-determination process (see S904 and S911 in FIG. 9) will be described in detail.
In the pre-judgment process in the present embodiment, by executing the same determination as the special symbol process (see FIG. 11), whether or not the special symbol process determines a jackpot, in other words, the variation determines a jackpot. Judge whether or not. Specifically, the game control unit 200 performs the preliminary determination as follows using a random number table similar to the random number configuration example described with reference to FIGS. 20 and 21.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the contents of the preliminary determination process (S904, S911 in FIG. 9) according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 24, the game control unit 200 first determines whether or not the game state is a high-probability state (S2401), and if it determines that the game state is a high-probability state (Yes in S2401), it is for a high-probability state. A table is selected and the jackpot random number and the jackpot symbol random number are pre-determined (S2402). On the other hand, when it is determined as No in S2401, the table for the low probability state is selected, and the jackpot random number and the jackpot symbol random number are pre-determined (S2403).

After the pre-determination of the jackpot random number and the jackpot symbol random number of S2402 or S2403, the game control unit 200 determines whether or not the game state is the time saving state (S2404), and determines that the game state is the time saving state (Yes in S2404). A table for the time saving state is selected, and the reach random number is pre-determined (S2405). Further, a table for the time saving state is selected, and the fluctuation pattern random number is pre-determined (S2406).
On the other hand, when it is determined as No in S2404, the table for the time saving stateless state is selected and the reach random number is preliminarily determined (S2407). Further, a table for the time saving stateless state is selected, and the fluctuation pattern random number is pre-determined (S2408).

After that, the game control unit 200 obtains the result of the pre-determination of the jackpot random number obtained as described above, the result of the pre-determination of the jackpot symbol random number, the result of the pre-determination of the reach random number, and the result of the pre-determination of the fluctuation pattern. It is stored in the pre-determination information storage area as the pre-determination information (S2409). Further, in order to transmit the pre-determination information to the effect control unit 300, a pre-determination result command including the pre-determination information is set in the RAM 203 (S2410).

Here, the above-mentioned pre-judgment includes a random number value (see S903 and S910 in FIG. 9) acquired according to the winning of the game ball to the starting ports 121 and 122, and a determination table used in the jackpot determination process (FIG. 20). This was performed using a judgment table having the same configuration as (see). That is, the determination itself after selecting the determination table to be used is the same as the determination in the jackpot determination process (see S1201 in FIG. 12). Therefore, in the present embodiment, the subroutine of the jackpot determination process (see S1108 and FIG. 12 in FIG. 11) used in the special symbol process (see FIG. 11) is called to determine the random number in the above-mentioned preliminary determination.

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

Further, although only the preliminary determination (whether or not it is a big hit) regarding the special symbol lottery has been described here, in the present embodiment, the pre-reading (preliminary determination) is also performed for the fluctuation pattern in the special symbol lottery. For the selection of the fluctuation pattern in the special symbol lottery, the random value for the fluctuation pattern selection (see S903 and S910 in FIG. 9) and the fluctuation pattern table (see FIG. 21) acquired according to the winning of the game ball to the starting ports 121 and 122. (See) and (see S1109 and FIG. 13 in FIG. 11). Therefore, even in the look-ahead of the fluctuation pattern, the random value for selecting the fluctuation pattern acquired at the time of winning and the look-ahead table having the same configuration as the fluctuation pattern table used in the fluctuation pattern selection processing of the special symbol processing are used for selection. Fluctuation patterns can be pre-read.

In this case, in order to pre-read the variation pattern selected in the variation pattern selection process, the subroutine of the variation pattern selection process used in the special symbol process (see FIG. 11) (see S1109 and FIG. 13 in FIG. 11) is called and used. be able to. Further, as the look-ahead table used for the look-ahead of the fluctuation pattern selection, the fluctuation pattern table used in the fluctuation pattern selection processing of the special symbol processing may be used. With this configuration, the number of control instructions related to look-ahead of variation pattern selection can be reduced, and an increase in the size of the program can be suppressed.

If the pre-judgment process and the jackpot judgment process at the time of special symbol change are performed by the same subroutine using the same judgment table group, the execution time of each process is different, so that the pre-judgment result and the special symbol change time. The judgment result by the jackpot judgment processing of the above may be different. That is, it is a case where the gaming state (high probability state or low probability state, time saving state or time saving no state) of the pachinko gaming machine 100 has changed by the start of the special symbol change after the execution of the pre-determination process. In this case, since different types of determination tables are used depending on the game state, the specific determination table used for the determination differs between the execution of the pre-judgment process and the execution of the jackpot determination process. .. Therefore, even if the same random number value acquired at the time of winning the starting ports 121 and 122 is used, the preliminary determination result and the determination result of the jackpot determination process may differ. In such a case, if the game state changes by the start of the special symbol change after the pre-determination process is executed in the effect control unit 300, the effect based on the pre-determination result is not executed (prohibited) control or the like. You may do.

[Command configuration and transmission method]
Here, the configuration and transmission method of commands (commands for effect control and commands for setting) output from the game control unit 200 to the effect control unit 300 will be described.
FIG. 25-1 is a diagram showing a command configuration. FIG. 25-1 (a) shows the data structure of the command, and FIG. 25-1 (b) shows the structure as a bit string of the command.

As shown in FIG. 25-1 (a), one command is composed of two bytes in the command output from the game control unit 200 to the effect control unit 300. This command is composed of a 1-byte "code" as a first data part and a 1-byte "data" as a second data part. "Code" indicates the type of command, and "data" indicates the value of the command. This command is transmitted from the game control unit 200 to the effect control unit 300 by using one serial signal and using the pace synchronization. More generally, the "code" which is the first data part is the size of a bit (a is an integer of 2 or more), and the value of the first 1 bit is specified as either 1 or 0. The "data" which is the second data part has a size of n × a bit (n is an integer of 1 or more), and the value of the first 1 bit is different from the value of the first 1 bit of the first data part. Specified by value.

Since the pace synchronization is used, a 1-bit start bit (bit described as "S" in the figure) is provided at the beginning of each of the "code" and "data" constituting the command, and 1 is provided at the end. The end bit of the bit (the bit described as "E" in the figure) is provided. Further, each of the "code" and "data" constituting the command is provided with a 1-bit parity bit (a bit described as "P" in the figure).

As shown in FIG. 25-1 (a), both the "code" and the "data" constituting the command have a data size of 1 byte (8 bits). Then, when transmitted, the "code" and the "data" are provided with a start bit, an end bit, and a parity bit, respectively. Therefore, in the effect control unit 300 that receives the command, it is not easy to identify whether the received data string is the "code" or the "data" of the command from the outer shape of the data string. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a flag for identifying the "code" and the "data" is set. Specifically, the value of the specific part of the 8-bit value constituting the "code" and the value of the part corresponding to the specific part of the "code" among the 8-bit values constituting the "data" are made different. ..

In the example shown in FIG. 25-1 (b), the first bit of each of the "code" and the "data" is used as a flag. That is, in the 8-bit value constituting the "code", the value of the first 1 bit is set to "1", and in the 8-bit value constituting the "data", the value of the first 1 bit is set to "0". .. As a result, the effect control unit 300 can identify whether the data string is "code" or "data" by examining the value of the first 1 bit following the start bit of the received data string. Note that the specific value of the flag is merely an example, and a value different from the value shown above may be used as long as the "code" and the "data" can be distinguished.

Here, since the value of the first bit of the "code" is specified as "1", the range of values that the "code" can take is 128 from 10000000B (= 80H) to 11111111B (= FFH). Is. The letter "B" attached to each value indicates that it is in binary notation, and the letter "H" indicates that it is in hexadecimal notation. Further, since the value of the first bit of "data" is specified as "0", the range of values that "data" can take is 128 from 00000000000B (= 00H) to 01111111B (= 7FH). is there. That is, according to the configurations shown in FIGS. 25-1 (a) and 25-1 (b), 128 types of commands that can take 128 types of values can be set.

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

For example, consider the case where the last 1 bit of the "code" is used to describe the value of the "data". Hereinafter, each bit in the 8-bit bit string constituting the "code" and "data" is referred to as a first bit to an eighth bit. In addition, the value of "code" that actually indicates the type of command is called "code value" separately from the bit string that constitutes "code", and the value of the command is actually set separately from the bit string that constitutes "data". The value of the indicated "data" is called a "data value". Then, the code value is described using the 1st to 7th bits of the "code" bit string, and the data value is the entire bit string of the "data" (1st to 8th bits). , The eighth bit of the "code" is used.

With this configuration, the possible range of the code value is 1000000B (= 40H) to 1111111B (= 7FH) because the value of the first bit is specified as "1" and the size is 7 bits as a whole. ) Up to 64. In addition, the range of data values that can be taken is 128, in which the value of the first bit is represented by 8 bits of "data" specified as "0", and the values of the 8th bit of "code" are "0" and ". In total, there are 256 pieces. Therefore, it is possible to set a command having 256 kinds of values as data values.

It should be noted that the above configuration in the case of describing the data value using a part of the "code" is merely an example, and the specific number of bits and the value are not limited to the above configuration example. For example, the data values may be described using the 7th and 8th bits of the "code". More generally, a predetermined type of data (data value) is used by using a predetermined bit that constitutes the "code" that is the first data part and a bit that constitutes the "data" that is the second data part. Is recorded. Then, data (code value) of another type different from the data (data value) of the predetermined type is recorded by using the remaining bits other than the above-mentioned predetermined bit in the "code" which is the first data unit. To. In other words, the a bit that constitutes the "data" that is the second data part and the b bit that constitutes the "code" that is the first data part (b is smaller than a-1 and is an integer of 1 or more). It is used to record data values of the size of the (a + b) bits.

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

With this configuration, the range of possible values for the "first data" is 64 from 0000000000B (= 00H) to 001111111B (= 3FH), and the range of possible values for the "second data" is Since there are 64 pieces from 01000000B (= 40H) to 01111111B (= 7FH), the total number is 4096 (= 64 × 64). Here, the first bit is used as a flag for identifying the "code" and the "data" (the "first data" and the "second data"), and the "first data" and the "second data" are used. Although the second bit is used as the flag for identifying the above, the flag for identifying the four types of bit strings may be set by using the first and second bits. For example, the "code" may have the values of the first and second bits set to "11B", and the "data" may have the values of the first and second bits set to any of "00B", "01B", and "10B". Conceivable.

[Configuration example for command output in RAM of game control unit]
FIG. 25-2 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a command storage area in the RAM 203.
As shown in FIG. 25-2, the RAM 203 of the game control unit 200 has a command storage area (storage area) to which individual commands generated by various processes such as the main control process shown in FIG. 8 are assigned. .. In the example shown in FIG. 25-2, 31 command storage areas from the area 01 to the area 031 are set in the RAM 203. Here, the allocation of commands to each command storage area does not necessarily have a one-to-one correspondence. For example, it is possible to assign multiple commands that are not generated at the same time to the same command storage area. In the example shown in FIG. 25-2, a plurality of commands are assigned to the area 01, the area 09, the area 012, the area 019, the area 020, the area 021, the area 022, the area 023, and the area 030, and other commands. One command is assigned to each storage area.

In the example shown in FIG. 25-2, a command related to power-on is assigned to the area 01. The command related to power-on includes a command for controlling power-on when the RAM is cleared and a command for controlling power-on when recovery. Since these commands are generated in different scenes, they are not generated at the same time, and all of them are assigned to the area 01.

Three commands (described as "starting port 1 winning" in the figure) relating to winning a prize in the first starting port 121 are assigned to the areas 02 to 04. One of the commands relating to the winning of the first starting port 121 is a command indicating the result of the determination (look-ahead) in the preliminary determination (see S904 in FIG. 9) based on the winning of the first starting port 121 (in the figure, "Special Figure 1". It is described as "design look-ahead") and is assigned to the area 02. The other one is a command (described as "special figure 1 variation pattern look-ahead" in the figure) that indicates the look-ahead (pre-determination) result of the variation pattern specified together with the determination result, and is assigned to the area 03. Yet another is a command indicating that the number of holdings of the special symbol lottery has been updated (here, the value is increased by 1) based on the winning of the first starting port 121 ("Special figure 1 holding (+1)" in the figure. ), And it is assigned to the area 04.

Areas 05 to 07 are assigned three commands (described as "starting port 2 winning" in the figure) relating to winning the second starting port 122. One of the commands related to winning the second starting port 122 is a command indicating the judgment result in the preliminary judgment (see S911 in FIG. 9) based on the winning of the second starting port 122 (in the figure, "special figure 2 symbol look-ahead"). ), And it is assigned to the area 05. The other one is a command (described as "special figure 2 variation pattern look-ahead" in the figure) that indicates the look-ahead result of the variation pattern specified together with the determination result, and is assigned to the area 06. Yet another is a command indicating that the number of holdings of the special symbol lottery has been updated (here, the value has been increased by 1) based on the winning of the second starting port 122 ("Special figure 2 holding (+1)" in the figure. ), And it is allocated to the area 07.

In areas 08 to 010, there are five commands related to the normal symbol lottery (in the figure, "Public map hold", "Public map type", "Public map confirmation", "Public map open / close", and "Public map hold", respectively. Described) is assigned. Among the commands related to the normal symbol lottery, one of the "normal symbol hold" commands indicates that the number of hold of the normal symbol lottery has been updated (here, the value is increased by 1) based on the fact that the game ball has passed through the gate 124. It is a command (described as "Public figure hold (+1)" in the figure) and is assigned to the area 08. The "normal symbol type" command specifies a normal symbol representing the judgment result in the normal symbol lottery, and indicates that the fluctuation display of the normal symbol display 223 has started (described as "normal symbol fluctuation start" in the figure). And is allocated to area 09. The "normal symbol confirmation" command is a command indicating that the normal symbol display 223 is stopped and displayed in the normal symbol lottery and the normal symbol representing the judgment result of the normal symbol lottery is confirmed (in the figure, "normal symbol confirmation" is used. Described), and is allocated to the area 09. The "open / closed principle" command is a command (indicated as "open / closed" in the figure) indicating that the electric tulip 123, which is an ordinary electric accessory, is operated (auxiliary game) based on the judgment result of the ordinary symbol lottery. Yes, it is allocated to area 09. The other one of the "Public figure hold" commands is a command indicating that the number of holds has been updated (here, the value has been reduced by 1) due to the processing of the normal symbol lottery (in the figure, "Public figure hold (-)". 1) ”) and is allocated to area 010.

Here, in the process of the ordinary symbol lottery, the fluctuation display of the ordinary symbol, the stop display of the ordinary symbol, and the operation of the electric tulip 123 by the auxiliary game are sequentially executed as a series of operations. Then, while the electric tulip 123 is operating, the variation display of the normal symbol based on the other game balls passing through the gate 124 is not started (see FIG. 16). Therefore, none of the above-mentioned three types of commands, "Public map type", "Public map confirmation", and "Public map opening / closing", are generated at the same time. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 25-2, these three types of commands are assigned to the same command storage area (area 09).

Nine commands related to the special symbol lottery (indicated as "special figure fluctuation" and "special figure special electric train" in the figure) are assigned to the areas 011 to 014. Among the commands related to the special symbol lottery, one of the "special symbol fluctuation" commands is a command indicating the current gaming state (high probability state or low probability state, time saving state or time saving no state) of the pachinko gaming machine 100 ( In the figure, it is described as "gaming state") and is assigned to the area 011. The other one of the "special symbol fluctuation" commands is to specify a special symbol representing the judgment result of the special symbol lottery in the special symbol lottery, and to display the fluctuation of the first special symbol display 221 and the second special symbol display 222. Is a command (described as "special figure designation" in the figure) indicating that the above is started, and is assigned to the area 012. Yet another one of the "special symbol variation" commands is a command for specifying the variation pattern of the special symbol variation performed in the special symbol lottery (described as "variation pattern" in the figure), and is assigned to the area 013. Yet another command of the "special figure change" command is a command indicating that the number of holds has been updated (here, the value has been reduced by 1) due to the processing of the special symbol lottery (in the figure, "special figure hold (in the figure)". -1) ”), and it is assigned to the area 014.

On the other hand, one of the "special figure special train" commands is a command indicating that the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in the customer waiting state (described as "customer waiting" in the figure), and is assigned to the area 012. The other one of the "special electric train" commands is a command (in the figure, "special electric power") indicating that the special electric accessory, the large winning opening 125, is operated (special game, big hit game) based on the judgment result of the special symbol lottery. It is described as "open") and is allocated to the area 012. Yet another one of the "special figure special electric" commands is a command (described as "big hit OP" in the figure) indicating that the opening operation of the jackpot game has started, and is assigned to the area 012. Yet another one of the "special figure special electric" commands is a command (described as "big hit ED" in the figure) indicating that the ending operation of the jackpot game has started, and is assigned to the area 012. Yet another one of the "special symbol special electric" commands is that the first special symbol display 221 and the second special symbol display 222 are stopped and displayed, and the special symbol representing the judgment result of the special symbol lottery is confirmed. It is a command (described as "special figure confirmation" in the figure) and is assigned to the area 012.

Here, in the process of the special symbol lottery, the variable display of the special symbol, the stop display of the special symbol, and the operation of the large winning opening 125 by the special game are sequentially executed as a series of operations. Then, during the execution of the special game, the variable display of the special symbol based on the winning of another game ball is not started (see FIG. 11). Further, in the jackpot game, the opening operation, the operation of the big winning opening 125, and the ending operation are sequentially executed as a series of operations. Therefore, neither the "special figure designation" command nor the five types of "special figure special electric" commands in the above "special figure variation" command are generated at the same time. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 25-2, these six types of commands are assigned to the same command storage area (area 012).

Four commands related to switch detection (denoted as "switch pass" in the figure) are assigned to regions 015 to 018. One of the commands related to switch detection is a command indicating that the game ball has passed through the gate 124L on the left side of the game area 111 (described as “passing through the left gate” in the figure), and is assigned to the area 015. The other command related to switch detection is a command indicating that the game ball has passed through the gate 124R on the right side of the game area 111 (described as "passing through the right gate" in the figure), and is assigned to the area 016. .. Yet another command related to switch detection is a command indicating that the game ball has won a prize in the second starting port 122 (described as "passing through the starting port SW2 (electric chew)" in the figure), and is assigned to the area 017. Has been done. Yet another command related to switch detection is a command indicating that a game ball has won a prize in the grand prize opening 125 (described as "large winning opening winning" in the figure), and is assigned to the area 018.

Commands related to errors (denoted as "error" in the figure) are assigned to areas 019 to 030. The errors detected by the game control unit 200 of the pachinko game machine 100 include, for example, a full tank error indicating that the payout ball is full in the plate 153 (see FIGS. 1 and 2), and the front surface of the frame member 150. Door opening error indicating that the frame is open, payout error indicating that the payout unit cannot pay out the game ball, various detection switches such as gate switch 214 and start port switches 211 and 212 have not been released yet. There is a switch unconnected error indicating that the connection is established. In the example shown in FIG. 25-2, these errors are assigned to regions 019 to 023, respectively. For each error, there is a command indicating that each error has occurred (described as "~ error start" in the figure) and a command indicating that each error has been resolved (described as "~ error end" in the figure). , Are assigned to the same command storage area.

In addition, various control items and error items are set according to the specifications and functions of the pachinko gaming machine 100, and commands according to the control items, commands indicating that an error has occurred, and errors have been resolved depending on the type of error. It may be configured to generate a command or the like indicating that. Then, these commands can be appropriately assigned to the command storage area. In the example shown in FIG. 25-2, commands related to various errors are individually assigned to areas 024 to 030. Further, a command for detecting and notifying a specific winning prize (described as "winning notification designation" in the figure) is assigned to the area 031.

As described above, in the command storage area provided in the RAM 203 of the game control unit 200, one type or a plurality of types of commands are associated with one command storage area. Then, in the main control process shown in FIG. 8, the game control unit 200 stores the generated command in the command storage area associated with the command.
Here, in the main control process, not all commands are always generated every time one cycle of the process is executed. For example, when there is no prize in the first start port 121 or the second start port 122, the command related to the prize in the start ports 121 and 122 and the "special figure variation" command are not generated. In addition, among the commands related to the normal symbol lottery, the "open / close" command and the "special electric train" command are not generated unless the timing for operating these electric accessories is required. In addition, the command related to the occurrence of an error is not generated unless an error has occurred in the first place.
Therefore, when the output process of the main control process (see S806 in FIG. 8) is performed, the command is usually stored in some command storage areas among the command storage areas provided in the RAM 203. The command is not stored in the other command storage area.

[Command output operation]
FIG. 25-3 is a flowchart showing the contents of output processing by the output control unit 240.
In the present embodiment, the output control unit 240 pays attention to the command storage area of the RAM 203 shown in FIG. 25-2 in order from the top (in order of the area number), and outputs the commands stored in each command storage area. ..

As shown in FIG. 25-3, the output control unit 240 of the game control unit 200 first has a command storage area at the head of the command storage area provided in the RAM 203 (area 01 in the example shown in FIG. 25-2). (S2501), and check whether or not the command is stored (S2502). Then, if the command is stored (Yes in S2502), the output control unit 240 reads the stored command and outputs it to the effect control unit 300 (S2503).

When the command is not stored in the command storage area (initially area 01) of interest (No in S2502), or after outputting the command stored in the command storage area in S2503, the output control unit 240 , Checks if there is a command storage area with the next area number (S2504). When there is the next command storage area (Yes in S2504), the output control unit 240 pays attention to the command storage area (S2505), returns to S2502, confirms the presence or absence of the command (S2502), and outputs (S2503). repeat. Then, if processing is performed on the last command storage area (area 031 in the example shown in FIG. 25-2), there is no command storage area with the next area number (No in S2504), so the output processing ends. To do.

[Set command output order]
In the main control process, when a command is generated in each process described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 19, the generated command is usually stored in the corresponding command storage area of the RAM 203. That is, the commands are generally stored in the command storage area in the order in which the commands are generated.
On the other hand, as described with reference to FIG. 25-3, in the output processing by the output control unit 240, each command storage area is focused and stored in a certain order (in the above example, in the order of the area number). Output the command. That is, the commands are output in a predetermined specific order regardless of the order in which the commands are generated. This is because it may be desirable that specific commands are transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in a specific order in order to prevent confusion in the effect control of the effect control unit 300 based on commands. That is, since the effect control unit 300 executes the effect control based on the commands in the order of receiving from the game control unit 200, confusion such as a contradiction may occur in the effect control due to the difference in the order of receiving the commands. , This needs to be prevented.

In addition, according to the command output from the game control unit 200 to the effect control unit 300 as described above, the effect control unit 300 controls, for example, the image display unit 114, the board lamp 116, the speaker 156, the frame lamp 157, and the like. For example, when the effect control unit 300 receives a command indicating the start of a door opening error, the effect control unit 300 displays a message "Please call a staff member" or an image indicating an abnormal state. It is displayed on 114. In addition, the effect control unit 300 limits the output of an alarm or the like indicating an abnormal state from the speaker 156 and the output of music, voice, sound effects, or the like. In addition, the effect control unit 300 lights the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 in red, for example, as a mode of indicating an abnormal state.

[Operation of production control unit]
Next, the operation of the effect control unit 300 will be described.
FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the operation of the effect control unit 300.
The operation of the effect control unit 300 includes the main process shown in FIG. 26 (a) and the interrupt process shown in FIG. 26 (b). With reference to FIG. 26A, the effect control unit 300 first makes initial settings at startup (S2601), sets the cycle of the CTC (Counter / Timer Circuit) (S2602), and then follows the set cycle. , While updating the random number used in the effect control (S2603), the interrupt process is accepted.

The interrupt processing is periodically performed according to the cycle set in S2602. Referring to FIG. 26B, in this interrupt process, the effect control unit 300 receives a command from the game control unit 200 and performs a command reception process (S2611). In this command reception process, the effect content (effect pattern) is selected. In addition, the effect control unit 300 performs an effect button process for receiving an operation of the effect button 161 or the like by the player (S2612). After that, the effect control unit 300 performs a command transmission process of transmitting a command including information of the selected effect pattern to the image / sound control unit 310 and the lamp control unit 320 (S2613). As a result, the image display and sound output to the image display unit 114, the operation of the movable accessory 115, the light emission of the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157, and the like are performed.

[Command reception processing by the production control unit]
FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the contents of the command reception process (S2611 in FIG. 26B).
In this command reception process, the effect control unit 300 first determines whether or not the pre-determination result command and the hold number increase command have been received (S2701). The pre-determination result command and the hold number increase command are set in the start port switch process shown in FIG. 9 in the game control unit 200 (S906, S907, S913, S914), and the output process (S806) shown in FIG. ) Is a command transmitted to the effect control unit 300.
Then, when the effect control unit 300 determines that the pre-determination result command and the hold number increase command have been received (Yes in S2701), the value of the hold number held in the RAM 303 is added by 1 (S2702). Further, the effect control unit 300 performs the pre-determination effect selection process based on the pre-determination result command and the hold number increase command (S2703). The content of the pre-determination effect selection process will be described later.

When the received command is not the pre-determination result command or the hold number increase command (No in S2701), the effect control unit 300 determines whether or not the received command is the fluctuation start command (S2704). This fluctuation start command is a command set in the game control unit 200 in the special symbol processing shown in FIG. 11 (S1111) and transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output processing (S806) shown in FIG.
When the received command is a fluctuation start command (Yes in S2704), the effect control unit 300 executes the effect selection process (S2705). Further, when the fluctuation start command is received, a random value for effect control used in the effect selection process is acquired. This random number value is a random number value that is periodically updated in S2603 of the main process shown in FIG. 26 (a). The details of the effect selection process will be described later.

If the received command is not a pre-determination result command, a hold number increase command, or a fluctuation start command (No in S2701 and S2704), the effect control unit 300 determines whether or not the received command is a fluctuation stop command (S2706). This fluctuation stop command is a command set in the game control unit 200 in the special symbol processing shown in FIG. 11 (S1114) and transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output processing (S806) shown in FIG.
When the received command is a fluctuation stop command (Yes in S2706), the effect control unit 300 executes the processing during the end of the variation effect (S2707). In the process during the end of the variation effect, the effect control unit 300 analyzes the received variation stop command and sets the variation effect end command for instructing the end of the effect of the symbol variation in the RAM 303.

If the received command is not a pre-judgment result command, a hold number increase command, a fluctuation start command, or a fluctuation stop command (No in S2701, S2704, and S2706), the effect control unit 300 starts the opening operation of the jackpot game with the received command. It is determined whether or not the command is an opening command for the command (S2708). This opening command is a command that is set in the stopped processing shown in FIG. 14 (S1418) and transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output processing (S806) shown in FIG.
When the received command is an opening command (Yes in S2708), the effect control unit 300 executes the jackpot effect selection process (S2709). The details of the jackpot effect selection process will be described later.

If the received command is not a pre-judgment result command, a hold number increase command, a fluctuation start command, a fluctuation stop command, or an opening command (No in S2701, S2704, S2706, and S2708), the effect control unit 300 receives a jackpot game. It is determined whether or not the ending command is for starting the ending operation of (S2710). This ending command is a command set in the large winning opening process shown in FIG. 17 (S1713) and transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output process (S806) shown in FIG.
When the received command is an ending command (Yes in S2710), the effect control unit 300 executes the ending effect selection process (S2711). The details of the ending effect selection process will be described later.

If the received command is not a pre-judgment result command, a hold number increase command, a fluctuation start command, a fluctuation stop command, an opening command, or an ending command (No in S2701, S2704, S2706, S2708, and S2710), then the effect control unit 300 , Execute the customer waiting command reception process for shifting the received command to the customer waiting state (S2712). Specifically, when the effect control unit 300 receives the customer wait command, the effect control unit 300 sets the customer wait effect command for performing the customer wait effect (demo effect) in the RAM 303 and ends the customer wait command reception process.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing the contents of the pre-determination effect selection process (S2703) and the effect selection process (S2705) of FIG. 27.
In the pre-determination effect selection process, the effect control unit 300 first analyzes the pre-determination result command received from the game control unit 200 (S2801). Further, the effect control unit 300 analyzes the hold number increase command received from the game control unit 200 (S2802). Then, the effect control unit 300 selects an effect pattern (pre-determination effect pattern) used in the pre-determination effect based on the pre-determination result command and the hold number increase command (S2803).

Here, as the pre-judgment effect pattern, various effect patterns can be provided to foretell the random number determination result by the special symbol processing before the start of the fluctuation based on the random number determination result by the special symbol processing. For example, an effect such as a hold display effect or a continuous advance notice effect can be provided as a pre-determination effect pattern. In the present embodiment, when a reserved ball is generated, a display indicating the number of reserved balls is displayed on the first special symbol hold indicator 218 and the second special symbol hold indicator 219 of the display 130 (see FIG. 2). At the same time, the image display unit 114 is displayed on hold to indicate the occurrence of hold and the number of holds (hold display effect). Therefore, in this hold display effect, the preliminary determination result is reflected in the display mode of the hold display. As a result, it is possible to execute a pre-determination effect that suggests to the player the determination result when the random number is subsequently determined by the special symbol processing for the reserved ball.
In the following description, the hold (right) for which the preliminary determination result is notified by the preliminary determination effect is referred to as a notification target. Further, in the description of the present embodiment, for convenience, the right of the hold, which is the notification target, is referred to as the notification target even after the symbol change is started.

Although the case where the hold display effect is used as the pre-judgment effect has been described here, various advance notice effects can be produced by reflecting it in various effects performed before the start of the fluctuation based on the random number determination result by the special symbol processing. Will be able to do. For example, an effect using an effect image displayed on the image display unit 114, an effect by emitting light from a board lamp 116 or a frame lamp 157, an effect by an operation of a movable accessory, an effect by acoustic output such as music or sound effects, etc. are performed in advance. It can be set as a judgment effect pattern.

Further, the pre-determination effect is executed in accordance with the symbol change for other winning balls performed before the symbol change for the winning ball (reserved ball) for which the pre-determination is performed. In the present embodiment, the upper limit of the number of reserved balls is four per one starting port (first starting port 121 or second starting port 122) (see FIG. 9). In addition, priority shall be given to the digestion of the reserved ball at the second starting port 122. Here, when the upper limit of the reserved balls of the second starting port 122 is set to 4, for example, if a preliminary determination is made for a reserved ball having the second starting port 122, the symbol of the reserved ball is changed. Prior to this, a maximum of four winning balls will be changed in design, including the change that is currently changing (referred to as the change). In the advance notice effect related to the reserved ball for which the pre-judgment has been made, if the symbol change is performed a plurality of times before the symbol change is performed for the reserved ball, the advance notice effect (continuous notice effect) that spans the multiple symbol changes. ) May be performed.

Then, the effect control unit 300 sets the hold number command including the value of the hold number after addition and the information of the pre-determination effect pattern selected in the pre-determination effect selection process in the RAM 303 (S2804). The hold number command includes information indicating the pattern in order to notify the CPU 311 of the image / sound control unit 310 of the selected pre-determination effect pattern. By receiving the hold number command, the CPU 311 creates a display list or the like for drawing and outputting the image or sound corresponding to the selected pre-determination effect pattern on the VDP 314. Based on the display list or the like, the VDP 314 reads image data and acoustic data for representing the selected pre-determination effect pattern from the CGROM 315 and SNDROM 316, and expresses the pre-determination effect using the image display unit 114 and the speaker 156. ..

In the effect selection process, the effect control unit 300 first analyzes the received fluctuation start command (S2811). Further, the value of the number of holdings held in the RAM 303 is subtracted by 1 (S2812). Then, the effect control unit 300 displays on the image display unit 114 based on various setting information (information such as a symbol type, a game state after a big hit game, a fluctuation pattern, etc.) obtained from the analysis result of the fluctuation start command. A variation effect pattern of symbol variation due to an image is selected (S2813).

Finally, the effect control unit 300 sets a variable effect start command in the RAM 303 to instruct the execution start of the selected effect (S2814). The variation effect start command includes information indicating the pattern in order to notify the CPU 311 of the selected variation effect pattern. By receiving the variation effect start command, the CPU 311 creates a display list or the like for causing the VDP 314 to draw and output the image or sound corresponding to the selected variation effect pattern. Based on the display list or the like, the VDP 314 reads image data or acoustic data for expressing the selected variation effect pattern from the CGROM 315 or SNDROM 316, and expresses the variation effect using the image display unit 114 or the speaker 156.

Although not described in detail, in the selection process of the variation effect pattern of the symbol variation in S2813, the variation effect pattern is determined based on the variation pattern. Based on the variation effect pattern determined here, the variation display of the decorative pattern, the background effect, the notice effect, and the like are determined. The decorative symbol variation display is an effect display performed by the image display unit 114 in accordance with the variation display of the special symbol performed by the first special symbol display 221 or the second special symbol display 222. In the variable display of the decorative pattern, a reach effect or the like is executed. Note that, unlike the present embodiment, when a plurality of variation effect patterns are set for the variation pattern, it is one of the effect random numbers (one of the random numbers updated in S2603 of FIG. 26A). , The effect random number value is acquired when the variation start command is received), and the variation effect pattern may be selected by lottery.

Further, in the effect selection process, the decorative symbol to be displayed as the stop symbol is determined in response to the special symbol designation command for designating the special symbol representing the determination result of the special symbol lottery. For example, when a special symbol designation command indicating that the determination result of the special symbol lottery is out of order is received, the effect control unit 300 uses the effect random number to display a decorative symbol (for example, "454") as a stop symbol. ”) (See FIG. 34 (A) described later).
In addition, unlike this description, the image / sound control unit 310 may determine the decorative symbol to be displayed as the stop symbol instead of the effect control unit 300 according to the special figure designation command.

The pre-determination effect selection process and the effect selection process performed by the CPU 301 of the effect control unit 300 are repeatedly executed at predetermined time (for example, 4 milliseconds) intervals. That is, the effect control unit 300 acquires a pre-determination result command, a hold number increase command, a fluctuation start command, or a fluctuation stop command by interrupt processing at predetermined time (for example, 4 milliseconds) intervals, and sends these various commands Based on this, the pre-determination effect selection process and the effect selection process are executed.
Further, as described above, the drawing process and the output process performed by the VDP 314 of the image / acoustic control unit 310 are repeatedly executed at predetermined time (for example, 16.6 milliseconds) intervals. That is, the image / sound control unit 310 recognizes that the hold number command or the variation effect start command has been acquired at predetermined time (for example, 16.6 milliseconds) intervals, and executes drawing processing and output processing. ..

Here, in the pachinko gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment, the timing at which the effect control unit 300 and the image / sound control unit 310 each process the timing at which the game control unit 200 creates the fluctuation start command. There may be a time lag.

As described above, the effect control unit 300 performs processing at predetermined time (for example, 4 milliseconds) intervals. Therefore, for example, when the effect control unit 300 acquires the variation start command from the game control unit 200 when the effect control unit 300 finishes the effect selection process, the effect control unit 300 performs a new effect selection process for a predetermined time (for example, 4 milliseconds). ) Will be executed later.
Further, as described above, the image / acoustic control unit 310 performs processing at predetermined time (for example, 16.6 milliseconds) intervals. Therefore, when the image / acoustic control unit 310 recognizes that the variation effect start command is acquired when, for example, the image / acoustic control unit 310 finishes the drawing process and the output process, the image / acoustic control unit 310 performs a new drawing process or an output process. It will be executed after a predetermined time (for example, 16.6 milliseconds).

From the above, it takes a maximum of several tens of milliseconds (for example, 4) from the time when the game control unit 200 creates the fluctuation start command until the image / sound control unit 310 finally performs processing based on the fluctuation start command. There may be a delay of milliseconds + eg 16.6 milliseconds). Therefore, the decorative symbol displayed on the image display unit 114 controlled by the image / acoustic control unit 310 (small to be described later) with respect to the timing of the start of fluctuation of the special symbol on the display 130 controlled by the game control unit 200. The timing of the start of fluctuation of (including the symbol) may be delayed.

Similarly, a maximum of several tens of milliseconds (for example, 4) from the game control unit 200 creating the fluctuation stop command until the image / sound control unit 310 finally performs processing based on the fluctuation stop command. There may be a delay of milliseconds + eg 16.6 milliseconds). Therefore, the decorative symbol displayed on the image display unit 114 controlled by the image / acoustic control unit 310 (small to be described later) with respect to the timing of stopping the fluctuation of the special symbol on the display 130 controlled by the game control unit 200. The timing of the fluctuation stop of (including the symbol) may be delayed.

Therefore, in the pachinko gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment, the timing of the change start or stop of the special symbol may be different from the timing of the change start or stop of the decorative symbol. Further, in the pachinko gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment, the fluctuation time of the special symbol and the fluctuation time of the decorative symbol may be different.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing the contents of the jackpot effect selection process (S2709) of FIG. 27.
In this jackpot effect selection process, the effect control unit 300 first analyzes the received opening command (including information about the type of jackpot symbol) (S3001), and selects an effect pattern (big hit effect pattern) (S3002). .. Then, the effect control unit 300 reads the image data and acoustic data used for the effect according to the selected jackpot effect pattern from the ROM 302, sets the jackpot effect start command instructing the selected effect together with the data in the RAM 303, and sets the RAM 303. The jackpot effect selection process ends (S3003). As a result, the production during the jackpot is determined. In the selection of the jackpot effect pattern (S3002), a determination may be made based on a random number value acquired when a command is received. The jackpot effect can be regarded as an effect performed when the jackpot game related to the determination and fluctuation of the previous special symbol lottery is executed.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing the contents of the ending effect selection process (S2711) of FIG. 27.
In this ending effect selection process, the effect control unit 300 first analyzes the received ending command (including information about the type of jackpot symbol) (S3101), and selects an effect pattern (ending effect pattern) (S3102). .. Then, the effect control unit 300 reads the image data and acoustic data used for the effect according to the selected ending effect pattern from the ROM 302, sets the ending effect start command instructing the selected effect together with these data in the RAM 303, and sets the RAM 303. The ending effect selection process ends (S3103). In the selection of the ending effect pattern (S3102), a determination may be made based on a random number value acquired when the command is received.

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

FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing the contents of the effect button processing (S2612 in FIG. 26B).
In this effect button processing, the effect control unit 300 first determines whether or not the operation means such as the effect button 161 by the player has been operated during the predetermined reception period (valid period) (S3301). Here, the operation of the operating means includes pressing the effect button 161 to turn it on, and pressing the center key and surrounding keys of the effect key 162 to turn it ON. Further, when the pachinko gaming machine 100 is provided with an operation device other than the effect button 161 and the effect key 162, such as a touch panel, the operation of the device is detected. The effect control unit 300 receives an operation signal from the controller of these devices and detects that the operation has been performed.

If an operation means such as the effect button 161 is operated (Yes in S3301), the effect control unit 300 sets an effect button command including information indicating the operation content of the operation means in the RAM 303 and ends the effect button process. (S3302).

After that, the effect control unit 300 performs the command transmission process (S2613) of FIG. 26B, and issues the command set in the RAM 303 by the above command reception process and effect button process to the image / sound control unit 310 and the lamp. It is transmitted to the control unit 320. Then, based on the received command, the image / acoustic control unit 310 and the lamp control unit 320 display the image by the image display unit 114, the sound output by the speaker 156, the operation of the movable accessory 115, and the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157. The set effect is executed by controlling the light emission and the like.

[Variable production pattern table]
32 and 33 are diagrams showing a setting example of the variation effect pattern table used in the variation effect pattern selection (S2813) in the effect selection process of FIG. 28 (b). Note that FIG. 32 shows a variation effect pattern table for big hits in the low-probability time-saving no-game state, and FIG. 33 shows a variation effect pattern table for small hits and misses in the low-probability time-saving no-game state.

A plurality of variable effect patterns are set in the variable effect pattern table for jackpot shown in FIG. 32. For the fluctuation patterns "PA1" to "PA6", "PB1" to "PB14", and "PC1 to PC2" set by using FIG. 21 above, the fluctuation effect patterns "EA1" to "EA6", ""EB1" to "EB14" and "EC1 to EC2" are associated with each other on a one-to-one basis.
Further, in the variation effect pattern table for small hits and misses shown in FIG. 33, a plurality of variation effect patterns are set. The fluctuation effect patterns "ES1 to ES2" and "ER1" to "ER10" are 1: 1 with respect to the fluctuation patterns "PD1 to PD2" and "PR1" to "PR10" set using FIG. 21 above. It is associated.

Here, the variable effect is an effect of notifying the determination result (that is, whether or not a big hit) of the special symbol lottery by displaying the decorative symbol in a variable manner and then stopping the display.
Further, in the illustrated variation effect pattern, "pseudo continuous number of times", "normal", "SP reach", and "SPSP reach" are set. In addition, "-" in each column of the illustrated table indicates that the corresponding effect is not executed.

Here, the "pseudo-continuous number" is the number of pseudo-continuous effects (pseudo-ream). This pseudo-continuous effect is an effect that makes it appear as if a plurality of times of variable display of the decorative symbol is performed in the variable display of one variation of the special symbol. In the pseudo continuous effect, the effect control unit 300 changes the decorative symbol before the reach state, temporarily stops the decorative symbol, and then starts the variable display of the decorative symbol again. In other words, in the pseudo-continuous production, after the start of fluctuation of the decorative symbol, the temporary stop and re-variation of the decorative symbol are repeated for the set pseudo-continuous number of times, and then the fixed stop is performed to obtain one variation of the special symbol. Finish the variable display.
Here, the temporary stop is a pseudo-stop state in which the decorative symbol seems to be stopped at first glance, but the symbol is actually slightly swaying. In other words, the temporary stop of the decorative symbol is treated as if the fluctuation is continuing in terms of game control. The temporary stop can be, for example, a state in which the fluctuation speed of the decorative symbol 41 becomes "0", the decorative symbol 41 is stopped and displayed, and for example, slight shaking or expansion / contraction is performed.
Further, the fixed stop of the decorative symbol means a state in which the fixed symbol is fixed as a stopped symbol in the variable display for one variation of the special symbol. It should be noted that the temporary stop of the decorative symbol may include displaying a complete stop display for a time shorter than a predetermined time (for example, 1 second) without causing slight shaking or expansion / contraction.
In the illustrated example, the "pseudo-continuous number" is set between "-", "1", "2", "3", that is, 0 to 3 times. In addition, the number of pseudo-consecutive times is set in association with the expectation of winning a big hit. That is, it is set so that the higher the number of pseudo-consecutive times, the higher the expectation of winning the jackpot.

"Normal" indicates the type of reach effect. In the illustrated example, any one of "N1", "N2", "N3", and "N4" is executed as the type of reach effect.
"SP reach" indicates the type of SP reach effect. In the illustrated example, any one of "SP1", "SP2", "SP3", and "SP4" is executed as the type of SP reach effect. Further, in the order of "SP1", "SP2", and "SP3", the larger the number, the higher the expectation of winning the jackpot.

“SPSP reach” indicates the type of SPSP reach effect. In the illustrated example, any one of "SPSP1", "SPSP2", and "SPSP3" is executed as the type of SPSP reach effect. Further, in the order of "SPSP1", "SPSP2", and "SPSP3", the larger the number, the higher the expectation of winning the jackpot.

By the way, the effect control unit 300 determines the variation effect pattern based on the table shown in FIG. 32. Specifically, the effect control unit 300 selects a variation effect pattern corresponding to the variation pattern set in the variation pattern selection process (see FIG. 13) based on the table shown in FIG. 32.
For example, in FIG. 32, when the "big hit symbol" is "high probability symbol A" and the variation pattern is "PB1", "EB1" is selected as the variation effect pattern. Then, in this variable effect pattern "EB1", the "pseudo-continuous number of times" is "1", that is, the pseudo-continuous effect is executed once. Further, "N1" is executed as "normal", "SP1" is executed as "SP reach", and "SPSP1" is executed as "SPSP reach".

[Direction image]
Next, for each variation effect pattern, the effect executed by the effect control unit 300 using the image display unit 114 and the like will be described in detail below.
FIG. 34 is a diagram showing one aspect of the effect performed by the effect control unit 300 using the image display unit 114.
As shown in FIG. 34, the effect image is displayed on the image display unit 114 under the control of the effect control unit 300. In the present embodiment, the effect image displayed on the image display unit 114 includes a decorative symbol 41, a variable pedestal 43, a hold pedestal 45, a variable image 51, a hold image 52, a hold number display 55, a small symbol 56, and A background image 59 is included.

(Decorative pattern 41)
As shown in FIG. 34 (A), the decorative symbol 41 is displayed on the image display unit 114. In the present embodiment, the decorative symbol 41 is composed of three symbols. The three symbols constituting the decorative symbol 41 are arranged so as to be arranged in the left-right direction. When the three symbols constituting the decorative symbol 41 are individually described, the symbol arranged on the left side is the "first decorative symbol", the symbol arranged in the center is the "second decorative symbol", and the like. The design arranged on the right side is referred to as a "third decorative design".

Then, as shown in FIG. 34 (B), the decorative symbol 41 is displayed in a variable manner as the special symbol fluctuates. In the present embodiment, the first decorative symbol, the second decorative symbol, and the third decorative symbol are displayed in a variable manner by displaying the numbers "1" to "9" in order, respectively. That is, in the present embodiment, the numbers of the first decorative symbol, the second decorative symbol, and the third decorative symbol can be changed individually.
When the decorative symbol 41 is displayed in a variable manner at a particularly high speed in the drawing, the decorative symbol 41 is indicated by an arrow (↓) for easy understanding.

Further, as shown in FIG. 34 (C), the decorative symbol 41 may be temporarily stopped. When indicating that the decorative symbol 41 is temporarily stopped in the drawing, it is expressed by using a display similar to the double quotation mark in the vicinity of the decorative symbol 41 for easy understanding.

After that, finally, the decorative symbol 41 is fixedly stopped. The fixed stop of the decorative symbol 41 is a state in which the decorative symbol 41 is fixed as a stopped symbol in the variation display for one variation of the special symbol. The fixed stop is performed at least for a predetermined fixed time (for example, 0.5 seconds).

In the example shown in FIG. 34, in the decorative symbol 41, the first decorative symbol, the second decorative symbol, and the third decorative symbol are arranged side by side in the left-right direction, and move (scroll) in the vertical direction when they are displayed in a variable manner. However, the present invention is not limited to this aspect. For example, in the decorative symbol 41, the first decorative symbol, the second decorative symbol, and the third decorative symbol may be arranged side by side in the vertical direction, and each of them may be moved (scrolled) in the horizontal direction.

(Variable pedestal 43)
As shown in FIG. 34 (B), the variable pedestal 43 is an area in which the variable image 51 is displayed. The variable pedestal 43 in the illustrated example is displayed in the lower central portion of the display area of the image display unit 114.

(Holding pedestal 45)
As shown in FIGS. 34 (A) to 34 (C), the holding pedestal 45 indicates an area in which the holding image 52 is displayed. The holding pedestal 45 in the illustrated example is the lower side in the display area of the image display unit 114, and is displayed on the left side with respect to the variable pedestal 43. Here, as described above, the winning at the first starting port 121 causes a maximum of four holds. Therefore, in the illustrated example, four holding pedestals 45 are displayed. Further, in the present embodiment, the reserved images 52 are displayed in order from the position closer to the variable pedestal 43 to the position away from the variable pedestal 43, that is, from the right side to the left side among the plurality of reserved pedestals 45.

It should be noted that a maximum of four holds are also generated by winning a prize at the second starting port 122. Therefore, four holding pedestals 45 for holding based on winning at the second starting port 122 are also displayed (see FIG. 45 described later). Further, in the following, the hold based on the winning at the first starting port 121 will be described, and the detailed description of the holding based on the winning at the second starting port 122 may be omitted.

(Variable image 51)
As shown in FIGS. 34 (B) and 34 (C), the special symbol is being changed by the special symbol fluctuation control unit 233 (see FIG. 5 and the like) on the image display unit 114 (during the fluctuation display of the decorative symbol 41). A variable image 51 indicating that is displayed. Then, the variable image 51 is displayed on the variable pedestal 43, and the display is started when the special symbol starts to change (see FIG. 34 (B)), and disappears when the special symbol stops changing (FIG. 34 (A). )reference).

Here, the display mode of the variable image 51 is determined based on the preliminary determination result by the preliminary determination process. In addition, the variable image 51 is expected to win a big hit based on the pre-judgment result by the pre-judgment process due to a change in the display mode of, for example, a color, a pattern, a shape, etc. May inform or suggest.

(Hold image 52)
As shown in FIG. 34 (A), the image display unit 114 displays the hold image 52 on the hold pedestal 45 based on the information of the storage area corresponding to the hold ball of this time in the RAM 303 (see FIG. 3 and the like). To. That is, the reserved image 52 is an image indicating that the right to determine the jackpot is reserved. Further, in the present embodiment, the display mode of the reserved image 52 on the display screen is determined based on the pre-determination result by the pre-determination process.

Further, the reserved image 52 notifies or suggests the degree of expectation of winning a jackpot by changing the display mode such as color based on, for example, the preliminary determination result by the preliminary determination process. Here, the display mode such as the color of the reserved image 52 is set so that when the pre-judgment result by the pre-judgment process is a big hit, the display mode has a higher degree of expectation than when it is out of order. There is. For example, when white, blue, yellow, green, red, and gold are set as the colors of the reserved image 52, the degree of expectation may be set to be higher in this order.

In the following description, with respect to the four reserved images 52 displayed at the maximum, the "first reserved image 52", the "second reserved image 52", and the "third" are arranged in the order of proximity to the variable pedestal 43, respectively. It may be referred to as "holding image 52" or "fourth holding image 52".

(Holding number display 55)
As shown in FIGS. 34 (A) to 34 (C), the image display unit 114 displays the hold number display 55 based on the information of the storage area corresponding to the hold ball in the RAM 303 (see FIG. 3 and the like). Will be done. The hold number display 55 is an image showing the hold number. Here, the number of the reserved images 52 displayed on the image display unit 114 changes according to the number of reserved images for winning each of the first starting port 121 and the second starting port 122.

(Small design 56)
Here, the display position, display size, design, and the like of the decorative design 41 may change with the progress of the variation effect, for example. In addition, the decorative symbol 41 may be completely or partially hidden by a movable accessory 115 that can be moved with respect to the display screen of the image display unit 114. In such a case, the decorative symbol for notifying the player that the special symbol is originally displayed in a variable manner may be difficult for the player to see.
Therefore, in the present embodiment, the small symbol 56 is displayed on the display screen of the image display unit 114 to notify the player that the special symbol is variablely displayed. Further, in the present embodiment, by displaying the small symbol 56, the notification of the jackpot determination result by the decorative symbol 41 and the notification of the type of the jackpot indicated by the decorative symbol 41 are assisted. ..
In the embodiment, the small symbol 56 is displayed on the display screen of the image display unit 114 in such a manner that the player can always see it. That is, the small symbol 56 is not completely or partially hidden by other images, the movable accessory 115, or the like.

As shown in FIG. 34 (A), the small symbol 56 is composed of three symbols corresponding to the decorative symbol 41. The three symbols constituting the small symbol 56 are arranged so as to be arranged in the vertical direction. When the three symbols constituting the small symbol 56 are individually described, the symbol arranged on the upper side is the "first small symbol", the symbol arranged in the center is the "second small symbol", and so on. The symbol arranged on the lower side is referred to as a "third small symbol".

The first small symbol, the second small symbol, and the third small symbol correspond to the first decorative symbol, the second decorative symbol, and the third decorative symbol constituting the decorative symbol 41, respectively. The first small symbol, the second small symbol, and the third small symbol can express the numbers displayed as the first decorative symbol, the second decorative symbol, and the third decorative symbol of the decorative symbol 41, respectively. ing.
The small symbol 56 of the present embodiment does not have a symbol corresponding to a special symbol described later.

Then, as shown in FIG. 34 (B), the decorative symbol 41 is variablely displayed in accordance with the variable display of the special symbol. When indicating that the small symbol 56 is variablely displayed in the drawing, the small symbol 56 is indicated by an arrow (↓) for the sake of clarity.
After that, finally, the small symbol 56 is fixedly stopped. The fixed stop of the small symbol 56 is a state in which the fixed symbol is fixed as a stopped symbol in the variation display for one variation of the special symbol. Similar to the decorative symbol 41, the confirmation stop is performed at least for a predetermined confirmation time (for example, 0.5 seconds).

In the example shown in FIG. 34, the small symbol 56 is not limited to this embodiment, although the first small symbol, the second small symbol, and the third small symbol are arranged side by side in the vertical direction. For example, in the small symbol 56, the first small symbol, the second small symbol, and the third small symbol may be arranged side by side in the left-right direction.

The number of symbols constituting the small symbol 56 does not have to match the number of symbols constituting the decorative symbol 41. For example, when the number of symbols constituting the decorative symbol 41 is three (three digits), the number of symbols constituting the small symbol 56 may be one (one digit).

Further, the small symbol 56 is not limited to the case where one pair is provided in the image display unit 114 with the three symbols of the first small symbol, the second small symbol, and the third small symbol as one pair. For example, in the small symbol 56, two or more pairs may be displayed at the same time on the image display unit 114.

(Background image 59)
As shown in FIG. 34, the background image 59 is displayed on the image display unit 114 as a background for the decorative symbol 41 and the like. The background image 59 is, for example, an image (stage or the like) related to the content (idol, anime character, or the like) that is the subject of the pachinko gaming machine 100. For example, the background image 59 is displayed while being switched when the stage shifts or when the zone effect is executed.
In the background image 59, in order to avoid complicating the contents of the drawing, only the reference numerals may be displayed and the specific drawing of the contents of the drawing may be omitted.

[Fluctuating lamp 131]
Next, the variable lamp 131 of the pachinko gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment will be described.
As shown in FIG. 1, the game board 110 is provided with a variable lamp 131 indicating that the special symbol is changing. The variable lamp 131 has an LED light source capable of lighting with a predetermined emission color, and is controlled by an effect control unit 300 (lamp control unit 320).
The variable lamp 131 has a first variable display unit 131A corresponding to the first starting port 121 and a second variable display unit 131B corresponding to the second starting port 122.

Then, it is realized by continuing the state in which the first variation display unit 131A and the second variation display unit 131B repeatedly turn on and off at a predetermined display color (for example, blue) at regular time intervals. The variation display of the special symbol on the first special symbol display 221 of the display 130 and the variation display for the special symbol on the first variation display unit 131A are synchronized. The variation display of the special symbol on the second special symbol display 222 of the display 130 and the variation display for the special symbol on the second variation display unit 131B are synchronized. Note that the term "synchronization" as used herein means that the start time and stop time of the fluctuation display are the same, and the period of the fluctuation display is the same.

Further, when the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 221, the first variable display unit 131A for the first special symbol remains lit in a display color (for example, red) suggesting a jackpot. .. Similarly, when the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display 222, the second variable display unit 131B remains lit in a display color (for example, red) suggesting a jackpot.
Then, in the fluctuation lamp 131 of the present embodiment, the first fluctuation display unit 131A or the second fluctuation display unit 131B is made to change and stop display along with the fluctuation display and the stop display of the special symbol. However, as described above, the first variation display unit 131A or the second variation display unit 131B operates the LED light source in a manner in which the player cannot recognize the type of the decorative symbol.

In the pachinko gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment, the small symbols 56 are variablely displayed and then stopped and displayed in a predetermined mode based on the determination result of the special symbol lottery. Then, in the pachinko gaming machine 100, the decorative symbol 41 different from the small symbol 56 is displayed as the small symbol 56 along with the variable display and the stop display of the small symbol 56 (FIGS. 35 and 38 described later). (See) is displayed in a variable manner and stopped in a manner recognizable by the player.
On the other hand, in the pachinko gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment, the variable lamp 131, which is different from the small symbol 56 and the decorative symbol 41, is displayed as the small symbol 56 along with the variable display and the stop display of the small symbol 56. The type is displayed in a variable manner and stopped in a manner that the player cannot recognize.

By the way, in the pachinko gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment, for example, even if a problem occurs in the display of the decorative symbol 41 or the small symbol 56 on the image display unit 114, the special symbol is changed by the variable lamp 131. It is guaranteed that the player will be notified of what he is doing as a production. However, if the variable lamp 131 is to strictly display even the types of decorative symbols, for example, variations of the lighting pattern of the variable lamp 131 are prepared according to the number of types of decorative symbols, and the variable lamps are prepared according to the plurality of variations. It is necessary to light 131. Then, the load on the lamp control unit 320 that controls the fluctuating lamp 131 may increase, and the load on the effect control unit 300 that controls the lamp control unit 320 may increase.
Therefore, in the pachinko gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment, the variable lamp 131 is not notified of the type of the decorative symbol, but is notified that the decorative symbol is changing as a minimum function.

However, apart from the above-mentioned viewpoint of suppressing the load of image control, for example, the function of the variable lamp 131 may be performed on the display screen of the image display unit 114. That is, the function of the variable lamp 131 may be realized by the display image.

Subsequently, the image configuration of the decorative symbol 41 of the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 35 is an explanatory diagram of the decorative symbol 41 of the present embodiment.
As shown in FIGS. 35 (A) and 35 (B), the decorative symbol 41 of the present embodiment can be displayed in at least two different display modes, that is, a first display mode and a second display mode. There is.
Here, the configuration of the decorative symbol 41 as an image will be described. The decorative symbol 41 of the present embodiment is composed of a combination of a plurality of image elements. In the present embodiment, as image elements that can form the decorative symbol 41, a number element 411 indicating a number, a number decoration element 412 for decorating the number element 411, and a character element 413 indicating a character are provided.

Then, as shown in FIG. 35 (B), the decorative symbol 41 of the first display mode includes all of the number element 411, the number decoration element 412, and the character element 413. Then, in the present embodiment, as the composition of the image of the decorative symbol 41 of the first display mode, the number element 411 is displayed on the foremost side, and the number decoration element 412 and the character element 413 are arranged in this order toward the back side. Will be done.
On the other hand, the decorative symbol 41 of the second display mode is composed of the number element 411 and the number decoration element 412. Then, in the present embodiment, as the composition of the image of the decorative symbol 41 of the second display mode, the number element 411 is displayed on the front side and the number decoration element 412 is arranged on the back side.

The decorative symbol 41 has a plurality of types of symbols (images) that are different from each other. Here, the number element 411 in each decorative symbol 41 is different for each symbol. Specifically, the number element 411 of each decorative symbol 41 has an image indicating the number "1" to the number "9", respectively. Similarly, the character element 413 of the decorative symbol 41 has a different character image depending on the number element 411. On the other hand, the number decorative element 412 of the decorative symbol 41 is a common image for each symbol. However, the number decorative element 412 of the decorative symbol 41 may be different for each symbol.

Further, as the decorative symbol 41, an image of a type other than the numerical symbol, that is, a special symbol is also provided. In the illustrated example, a symbol including the characters "NEXT" is set as a special symbol. Then, when these special symbols are stopped and displayed, the effect indicated by the special symbols is executed. Specifically, the pseudo continuous effect is executed by temporarily stopping the special symbol "NEXT".
The special symbol is displayed so as to be superimposed on any of the numerical symbols displayed in the scroll, so that the special symbol is scrolled and stopped together with the other numerical symbols. For example, in order to display "NEXT" as a special symbol, the "NEXT" symbol is superimposed on a predetermined symbol and displayed.

Further, the special symbol may be stopped and displayed instead of any of the numerical symbols displayed by scrolling. For example, when the scroll display is stopped and displayed in the order of the first decorative symbol, the third decorative symbol, and the second decorative symbol, any of the numerical symbols of the second decorative symbol (the first decorative symbol and the third decorative symbol that are stopped and displayed) is displayed. A special symbol is stopped and displayed instead of any numerical symbol specified by the type of symbol). Specifically, when the "5" symbol in the second decorative symbol is replaced by the special symbol, the second decorative symbol is "1, 2, 3, 4, special symbol, 6, 7, 8, 9". Become. In this way, the pseudo continuous effect may be executed by temporarily stopping the special symbol "NEXT" instead of the number symbol.

Subsequently, the display operation of the decorative symbol 41 of the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 36 and 37.
FIG. 36 is a diagram showing an example of operation pattern data for executing the variation effect of the decorative symbol 41 of the present embodiment. Note that FIG. 36 (A) is an example of operation pattern data for executing the variation start effect, and FIG. 36 (B) is an example of operation pattern data for executing the variation during effect, and FIG. 36 (C) ) Is an example of operation pattern data for executing the fluctuation stop effect.
FIG. 37 is a diagram showing an example of effect pattern data used for executing the variation effect. Note that FIG. 37 (A) is an example when the fluctuation time of the special symbol is 15 seconds, FIG. 37 (B) is an example when the fluctuation time of the special symbol is 8 seconds, and FIG. 37 (C). ) Is an example when the fluctuation time of the special symbol is 3 seconds.

The variation effect using the decorative symbol 41 is composed of three parts: "variation start effect", "variation in progress effect", and "variation stop effect".

The variation start effect is an effect performed within a predetermined period (for example, between 10 to 20 frames from the start time of the variation effect) from the variation start time of the decorative symbol 41. The pachinko gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment stores a plurality of motion pattern data (moving image data) for executing the fluctuation start effect.
The fluctuation start effect may be performed using still image data instead of moving image data.

The changing effect is an effect performed after the change start effect is performed, and is performed before the change stop effect. The pachinko gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment stores a plurality of motion pattern data (moving image data) for executing the effect during fluctuation.

The fluctuation stop effect is an effect performed from a predetermined time (for example, 10 to 20 frames before) to the time when the decorative symbol 41 stops fluctuating. The variable stop effect is performed after the variable effect. The pachinko gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment stores a plurality of motion pattern data (moving image data) for executing the fluctuation stop effect.

As shown in FIG. 36 (A), the pachinko gaming machine 100 (for example, CGROM315) stores the operation pattern data DS1, the operation pattern data DS2, and the operation pattern data DS3. In addition to these, a large amount of data is stored in advance in the pachinko gaming machine 100 as operation pattern data for executing the fluctuation start effect. In the following description, the operation pattern data used for the fluctuation start effect may be collectively referred to as "operation pattern data DS".

The operation pattern data DS is used together with the material image data (see FIG. 35) of the decorative symbol 41 when the variation start effect is executed, and the decorative symbol of any one of the plurality of decorative symbols 41 starts to vary. Is displayed. That is, the operation pattern data DS is data used together with the material image data, and is data for defining how to operate the material image data by using any of the material image data shown in FIG. 35. Is.

For example, the operation pattern data DS1 is data used for the fluctuation start effect, and is a predetermined acceleration from a state in which the first decorative symbol is stopped on the left side of the display screen of the image display unit 114 toward the lower side of the display screen. It is the data for executing the moving image production that starts moving while accelerating with.

Further, the operation pattern data DS2 is data used for the fluctuation start effect, and is for executing a series of moving image effects in which the first decorative symbol once rises upward from the stopped state and then starts moving downward. It is data.

Further, the operation pattern data DS3 is data used for the fluctuation start effect, and is a series of data that starts moving downward while rotating (rotating around the axis in the vertical direction) from the state where the first decorative symbol is stopped. It is the data for executing the video production of.

In addition to these, as data used for the fluctuation start effect, the operation pattern data DS that defines the operation pattern of the second decorative symbol displayed in the center, and the operation pattern of the third decorative symbol displayed on the right side of the display screen. A plurality of operation pattern data DSs that specify the above are prepared.

As shown in FIG. 36 (B), the pachinko gaming machine 100 (for example, CGROM 315) stores the operation pattern data DB 1, the operation pattern data DB 2, and the operation pattern data DB 3. In addition to these, a large amount of data is stored in advance in the pachinko gaming machine 100 as operation pattern data for executing the effect during fluctuation. In the following, the operation pattern data used for the effect during fluctuation may be collectively referred to as “operation pattern data DB”.

The operation pattern data DB is used together with the material image data of the decorative symbol 41 when the effect during change is executed, and displays how the plurality of decorative symbols 41 change. The operation pattern data DB is data for defining, for example, how to display how the decorative symbol 41 fluctuates by using an image in which the symbols are arranged in order from "1" to "9".

For example, the operation pattern data DB 1 is data for executing a moving image effect in which the first decorative symbol fluctuates at high speed from the upper side to the lower side of the display screen. Further, the operation pattern data DB 2 is data for executing a moving image effect in which the first decorative symbol fluctuates at a low speed from the upper side to the lower side of the screen. Further, the operation pattern data DB 3 is data for executing a moving image effect in which the first decorative symbol rotates at a low speed while rotating from the upper side to the lower side of the display screen.

In addition to these, as data used for the effect during fluctuation, a plurality of operation pattern data DBs that define the operation pattern of the second decorative symbol and a plurality of operation pattern data DBs that specify the operation pattern of the third decorative symbol are prepared. ..

It should be noted that the effect during fluctuation may be performed using image data different from that of the decorative symbol 41. For example, when the variation of the decorative symbol 41 is represented by the appearance or disappearance of a predetermined image in the left area of the screen, the motion pattern representing the motion pattern of the predetermined image (how it appears, how it disappears, etc.) A data DB is prepared.

As shown in FIG. 36C, the pachinko gaming machine 100 (for example, CGROM315) stores the operation pattern data DE1, the operation pattern data DE2, and the operation pattern data DE3. In addition to these, a large amount of data is stored in advance in the pachinko gaming machine 100 as operation pattern data for executing the fluctuation stop effect. Hereinafter, the operation pattern data used for the fluctuation stop effect may be collectively referred to as “operation pattern data DE”.

The operation pattern data DE is used together with the material image data (see FIG. 35) of the decorative symbol 41 when the fluctuation stop effect is executed, and the decorative symbol of any one of the plurality of decorative symbols 41 stops fluctuating. Is displayed. That is, the operation pattern data DE is data used together with the material image data, and is data for defining how to operate the material image data by using any of the material image data shown in FIG. 35. Is.

For example, the operation pattern data DE1 is data for executing a moving image effect in which the first decorative symbol stops while decelerating at a deceleration 1 from the upper side to the lower side of the screen. The operation pattern data DE2 is data for executing a moving image effect in which the first decorative symbol stops while decelerating at a deceleration 2 smaller than the deceleration 1 from the upper part to the lower part of the screen. Further, the operation pattern data DE3 is data for executing a moving image effect in which the first decorative symbol stops while reducing the rotation speed and the movement speed.

In addition to these, as data used for the fluctuation stop effect, a plurality of operation pattern data DEs that define the operation pattern of the second decorative symbol and a plurality of operation pattern data DEs that specify the operation pattern of the third decorative symbol are prepared. ..

By combining such a variable start effect, a variable during effect, and a variable stop effect, a variable effect using the decorative symbol 41 is performed from the time when the special symbol changes until it stops. In the pachinko gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment, the effect pattern data that stores the combination of the variation start effect, the variation in effect effect, and the variation stop effect is stored, and the variation effect is performed based on the effect pattern data.
In the pachinko gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment, the operation pattern data is an example in which each of the first decorative symbol, the second decorative symbol, and the third decorative symbol is individually defined, but the first decoration The operation pattern data common to the symbol, the second decorative symbol, and the third decorative symbol may be referred to.

As shown in FIG. 37 (A), the effect pattern data PD100 has a plurality of operations described above for each of the first decorative symbol, the second decorative symbol, and the third decorative symbol (see, for example, FIG. 34) of the decorative symbol 41. Which of the pattern data DSs is used to perform the fluctuation start effect, which data of the plurality of operation pattern data DBs is used to perform the fluctuation effect, and which of the plurality of operation pattern data DEs is used. This is data for defining which data is used to perform the fluctuation stop effect.

For example, in the effect pattern data PD100, for the first decorative symbol, the motion pattern data DS1 is used to perform a variable start effect, then the motion pattern data DB1 is used to perform a variable effect, and the motion pattern data DE1 is used. Use to create a variable stop effect. Further, for the second decorative symbol, the motion pattern data DS11 is used to perform the fluctuation start effect, then the motion pattern data DB15 is used to perform the variable during effect effect, and the motion pattern data DE15 is used to perform the variation stop effect. Do. Further, for the third decorative symbol, the motion pattern data DS21 is used to perform the fluctuation start effect, then the motion pattern data DB 24 is used to perform the variable during effect effect, and the motion pattern data DE24 is used to perform the variation stop effect. Do.

In addition, the effect pattern data defines at what timing each operation pattern data is used to execute the effect. For example, in the effect pattern data PD100, it is stipulated that the first decorative symbol, the second decorative symbol, and the third decorative symbol are simultaneously subjected to the variation start effect using the operation pattern data DS. On the other hand, regarding the start timing of the variable stop effect, the first decorative symbol is performed at the earliest timing, then the variable stop effect is started for the third decorative symbol, and finally the variable stop effect is started for the second decorative symbol. Finally, the second decorative symbol stops.
It should be noted that the operation pattern data DS that stipulates that the first decorative symbol, the second decorative symbol, and the third decorative symbol sequentially perform the variation start effect may be used.

In addition, in FIG. 37 (A), it is shown that the second decorative symbol stops 15 seconds after the three decorative symbols 41 start to fluctuate, but the three decorative symbols 41 are before the special symbol stops. Temporarily stop at. Then, after the temporary stop, the three decorative symbols 41 are fixedly stopped as the special symbol stops changing. For example, in FIG. 37 (A), the first decorative symbol seems to have stopped before 15 seconds have elapsed, but it is temporarily stopped after the fluctuation stop effect, and actually slightly fluctuates. There is. Then, after the temporary stop, the three decorative symbols 41 are fixedly stopped according to the stop of the special symbol. The time from the start of fluctuation of the three decorative symbols 41 to the temporary stop is slightly shorter than the fluctuation time of 15 seconds of the special symbol, and the time from the start of fluctuation of the three decorative symbols 41 to the final stop is The fluctuation time of the special symbol is the same as 15 seconds.

As shown in FIG. 37 (B), in the effect pattern data PD101, for the first decorative symbol, the motion pattern data DS2 is used to perform a variable start effect, and then the motion pattern data DB2 is used to perform a variable effect effect. Then, the fluctuation stop effect is performed using the operation pattern data DE2. Further, for the second decorative symbol, the motion pattern data DS12 is used to perform the fluctuation start effect, then the motion pattern data DB 16 is used to perform the variable during effect effect, and the motion pattern data DE16 is used to perform the variation stop effect. Do. Further, for the third decorative symbol, the motion pattern data DS22 is used to perform the fluctuation start effect, then the motion pattern data DB 22 is used to perform the variable during effect effect, and the motion pattern data DE22 is used to perform the variation stop effect. Do.

In the effect based on the effect pattern data PD101, a variable effect is performed in which the first decorative symbol and the third decorative symbol are stopped at the same time, and then the second decorative symbol is stopped. The time from the start of fluctuation of the three decorative symbols 41 to the temporary stop is slightly shorter than the fluctuation time of 8 seconds of the special symbol, and the time from the start of fluctuation of the three decorative symbols 41 to the fixed stop is The fluctuation time of the special symbol is the same as 8 seconds.

As shown in FIG. 37 (C), in the effect pattern data PD102, for the first decorative symbol, the motion pattern data DS3 is used to perform a variable start effect, and then the motion pattern data DB3 is used to perform a variable effect effect. Then, the fluctuation stop effect is performed using the operation pattern data DE3. Further, for the second decorative symbol, the motion pattern data DS13 is used to perform the fluctuation start effect, then the motion pattern data DB 13 is used to perform the variable during effect effect, and the motion pattern data DE13 is used to perform the variation stop effect. Do. Further, for the third decorative symbol, the motion pattern data DS23 is used to perform the fluctuation start effect, then the motion pattern data DB23 is used to perform the variable during effect effect, and the motion pattern data DE23 is used to perform the variation stop effect. Do.

In the effect of the effect pattern data PD102, the three decorative symbols 41 are fixed and stopped at the same time 3 seconds after the start of fluctuation.

It should be noted that the operation pattern data DB of the effect during fluctuation may be different depending on the fluctuation time of the special symbol, or the same operation pattern data DB may be used even if the fluctuation time is different. That is, the operation pattern data DB is commonly used for each fluctuation time, and by designating the time, the effect during the fluctuation of the designated time may be repeatedly performed. For example, in the variation effect with a fluctuation time of 13 seconds and the variation effect with a variation time of 8 seconds, common data is used as the operation pattern data DB used for the variation effect, and the execution time of the variation effect is executed when the variation effect is executed. By being designated, a variation effect may be performed according to the variation time of the special symbol.
Alternatively, a different operation pattern data DB may be prepared for each change time of the special symbol, and the movement pattern data DB corresponding to the change time may be used to perform the effect during the change. An operation pattern data DB for a fluctuating time of 13 seconds (the effect time of the fluctuating effect is, for example, 10 seconds), an operation pattern data DB for a variation time of 8 seconds (the effect time of the fluctuating effect is, for example, 5 seconds) are prepared. May be done.

It should be noted that the operation pattern data used for the above-mentioned fluctuation start effect, change during change effect, and change stop effect may or may not be combined. For example, after the fluctuation start effect using the motion pattern data DS1 (the effect that the decorative symbol starts moving downward), the motion pattern data DB3 (the effect that the decorative symbol moves downward while rotating) is used to perform the variable effect. If you do, it may give a feeling of strangeness. In this way, by storing in advance the combination of each part of the effect (variable start effect, changing effect, changing stop effect, etc.) as the effect pattern data, only the effects that can be combined are combined into one variable effect. It can be configured as (the effect from the start of fluctuation of the special symbol to the stop of fluctuation).

Further, the variation effect from the variation of the special symbol to the stop is not limited to the three parts (variation start effect, variation during effect, and variation stop effect), and may be divided into a larger number of parts.

Further, the above-mentioned operation pattern data may or may not be fixed depending on the position on the display screen. For example, the operation pattern data DS, the operation pattern data DB, and the operation pattern data DE of the first decorative symbol displayed on the left side of the display screen as described above may be prepared. Alternatively, a common operation pattern data DS, operation pattern data DB, and operation pattern data DE are prepared regardless of the position on the screen, and the position is specified at the time of executing the effect, and the first decorative symbol, the second decorative symbol, And may be directed as a third decorative pattern. In this case, the effect pattern data PD100 includes information that determines at what position on the display screen the decorative pattern is to be displayed.
The decorative symbol 41 is not limited to the case where it is displayed in three areas of the screen, and may be displayed in, for example, nine areas.

The decorative symbol 41 is displayed in a variable manner on the pachinko gaming machine 100 until a determination result of whether or not to win a big hit is shown, thereby entertaining the player by expecting the player. Therefore, the decorative symbol 41 of the present embodiment is configured such that the first decorative symbol, the second decorative symbol, and the third decorative symbol can be individually changed in number, and each decorative symbol is individually displayed and controlled. doing. Then, in the present embodiment, the player is entertained by giving a lot of variations to the appearance movement of the decorative symbol 41.

FIG. 38 is an explanatory diagram of the small symbol 56 of the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 38 (A), the small symbol 56 is composed of a number element 411 and a number decoration element 412. That is, the small symbol 56 is displayed in the same manner as or similar to the decorative symbol 41 in the second display mode. That is, the small symbol 56 is less decorative than the decorative symbol 41 of the first display mode, and is displayed in a simplified display mode.

The same also includes similar figures that overlap the other by enlarging or reducing one. That is, the small symbol 56 may be different in size as long as it has the same shape as the decorative symbol 41 in the second display mode.
Further, the small symbol 56 may have a size smaller than that of the decorative symbol 41 and may have the same design as the decorative symbol 41 of the first display mode.
Further, the small symbol 56 may be composed of only the number elements 411. Further, when the small symbol 56 is composed of only the number element 411, the small symbol 56 may have a different design (for example, a different typeface) from the number element 411 of the decorative symbol 41. In this case, the small symbol 56 has a lower decorativeness than the number element 411 of the decorative symbol 41 and is simplified, so that the design can be easily recognized by the player.

Then, in the present embodiment, the small symbol 56 is simply configured and recognized by the player by making the display mode of the small symbol 56 the same as or similar to the decorative symbol 41 displayed in the second display mode. It is easy to do.

Subsequently, the display operation of the small symbol 56 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 38 (B).

In the present embodiment, the small symbol 56 starts the variation effect of the small symbol 56 when the variation start command is received. Then, the variation effect of the small symbol 56 is performed using the small symbol operation data DK (described later) that defines that the plurality of number strings 56e are displayed in order.
Further, the small symbol 56 stops the reproduction of the number string 56e displayed based on the small symbol operation data DK (described later) used in the variation effect, triggered by the reception of the variation stop command. The small symbol 56 is the same number combination (first small) as the number combination of the stop symbols (first decorative symbol, second decorative symbol, and third decorative symbol) of the decorative symbol 41 determined in response to the special symbol designation command. Stop display at the symbol, the second small symbol, and the third small symbol). Hereinafter, a specific description will be given.

As shown in FIG. 38 (B), the pachinko gaming machine 100 (for example, CGROM315) stores images of a plurality of number strings 56e as material image data of the small symbol 56. The material image data of each number string 56e constitutes drawing data for one frame in the frame image. Each of the number strings 56e is composed of a combination in which predetermined numbers are fixed. Further, the combination of numbers in each number string 56e constitutes a first small symbol, a second small symbol, and a third small symbol. In the present embodiment, the number of columns of the number sequence 56e is three (three digits) corresponding to the decorative symbol 41.

In the present embodiment, the order of the plurality of number strings 56e is predetermined from the first (first) to the ninth (last). Specifically, the plurality of digit strings 56e are "174" which is the first digit string 56e1, "285" which is the second digit string 56e2, "396" which is the third digit string 56e3, and the fourth digit string 56e4. "417", the fifth digit string 56e5 "528", the sixth digit string 56e6 "639", the seventh digit string 56e7 "741", the eighth digit string 56e8 "852", And "963" which is the ninth digit string 56e9 is provided.

Further, the relationship before and after the plurality of number strings 56e is as follows. In the order of the plurality of number strings 56e, the latter number string 56e is obtained by adding 1 to each of the numbers constituting the number combination of the previous number sequence 56e.
For example, "285", which is the second number string 56e2, is added by 1 to the numbers "1", "7", and "4" that constitute "174", which is the first number string 56e1, and "2". , "8", "5".
In the present embodiment, the numbers "1" to "9" are used as the numbers constituting the number string 56e, and the numbers "0" are not used. Therefore, when 1 is added to the number "9", it is treated as the number "1".

Further, in the present embodiment, the adjacent numbers in each number string 56e are shifted by 6 in the order of the numbers from 1 to 9. For example, with respect to "174", which is the first number string 56e1, the first column (number "1") and the second column (number "7") are deviated by six. In addition, the second column (number "7") and the third column (number "4") are offset by six. As described above, in the small symbol 56 of the present embodiment, the adjacent numbers are shifted by a predetermined number with respect to the numbers constituting the number string 56e.

(Variation production of small symbol 56)
FIG. 39 is a diagram showing an example of small symbol effect pattern data used for executing the variation effect of the small symbol 56. Note that FIG. 39 (A) is an example when the fluctuation time of the special symbol is 15 seconds, and FIG. 39 (B) is an example when the fluctuation time of the special symbol is 8 seconds, and FIG. 39 (C). ) Is an example when the fluctuation time of the special symbol is 3 seconds.

First, the small symbol operation data DK will be described.
The small symbol motion data DK is used together with the material image data (see FIG. 38) of the small symbol 56 when the variation effect is executed, and displays how the small symbol 56 fluctuates. That is, in the present embodiment, the small symbol operation data DK displays how the small symbol 56 fluctuates by using an image in which the number strings 56e are arranged in order from the number string 56e1 to the number string 56e9. It is the data to specify.

Then, in the present embodiment, the small symbol operation data DK is data for executing a moving image effect in which the first small symbol, the second small symbol, and the third small symbol constituting the small symbol 56 fluctuate at high speed.
In the present embodiment, the variation effect of the small symbol 56 is not composed of the three parts of "variation start effect", "variation during effect", and "fluctuation stop effect" as in the decorative symbol 41. It consists of a single part from the start of fluctuation to the stop of fluctuation.

In the present embodiment, the small symbol motion data DK displays a plurality of material image data from the first digit string 56e1 to the ninth digit string 56e9 in a predetermined order (“174” → “285” → “396””. → "417"->"528"->"639"->"741"->"852"->"963", see FIG. 38), and it is specified that the image is updated every frame and displayed on the image display unit 114. As described above, in the present embodiment, the small symbol operation data DK displays a plurality of number strings 56e from one number string 56e to another number string 56e in a predetermined order as a variable display of the small symbol 56. To specify.
The material image data of each number string 56e of the present embodiment is composed of three fixed numbers as the first small symbol, the second small symbol, and the third small symbol. Therefore, in the small symbol 56, the first small symbol, the second small symbol, and the third small symbol are collectively displayed by updating the image of the number string 56e in which the three numbers are grouped for each frame. Be controlled.
It should be noted that it takes 9 frames (about 0.15 seconds = 9 [frames] / 60 [frames / second]) to complete the cycle from the display of the first digit string 56e1 to the display of the ninth digit string 56e9. Become.

Further, the small symbol operation data DK stipulates that the above-mentioned plurality of material image data are looped (repeatedly) reproduced in the variation effect of the small symbol 56. That is, when the small symbol operation data DK is displayed from the first first digit string 56e1 (“174”) to the last ninth digit string 56e9 (“963”), the first first digit string 56e1 (“174”) is displayed again. ") Is displayed, and the image is reproduced again toward the final ninth digit string 56e9 ("963 ").
As described above, in the variation effect of the small symbol 56 of the present embodiment, the display of the plurality of number strings 56e in a predetermined order is repeated.

Further, the small symbol 56 of the present embodiment is always displayed from the first first digit string 56e1 (“174”) when a new variation effect is started each time (every variation).
Hereinafter, a specific example will be described in the case where one variation effect of the small symbol 56 is performed, and then another variation effect of the small symbol 56 is performed.
As described above, the moving image display based on the small symbol operation data DK is performed from the start of the fluctuation effect of one of the small symbols 56 to immediately before the fluctuation stops. Then, when the fluctuation of one variation effect is stopped, the frame image of the small symbol 56 (hereinafter, the frame image at the time of stopping) showing the combination of the numbers corresponding to the decorative symbol 41 is used as the small symbol operation data, which will be described in detail later. It is created and displayed separately from the moving image display based on DK. Here, immediately before the fluctuation stop of one fluctuation effect, that is, one frame before the frame at which the frame image at the time of stop is started to be displayed, for example, as the end of the moving image reproduction based on the small symbol motion data DK, for example, the fifth number string 56e5 ( It is assumed that the frame image (hereinafter, the immediately preceding frame image) of "528") is displayed. In this case, when a new variation start of another variation effect is performed, not from the sixth digit string 56e6 (“639”) following the fifth digit string 56e5 (“528”) which is the immediately preceding frame image, but again. The moving image is reproduced based on the small symbol motion data DK from the first first digit string 56e1 (“174”).

Subsequently, the variation effect of the small symbol 56 will be specifically described.
As shown in FIG. 39A, the small symbol effect pattern data PD200 defines at what timing the variation effect of the small symbol 56 is executed using the small symbol operation data DK.
Specifically, the small symbol effect pattern data PD200 defines that the number string 56e based on the small symbol operation data DK is displayed for 15 seconds. Here, in the present embodiment, an image of one number string 56e is displayed for each frame. Then, one frame is updated in 16.6 milliseconds. Therefore, the small symbol effect pattern data PD200 stipulates that images of a plurality of digit strings 56e are reproduced in 900 frames (= 15 [seconds] ÷ 16.6 [milliseconds / frame]) in a predetermined order. To do.
As a result, in the present embodiment, the 15-second variation effect of the small symbol 56 is performed corresponding to the 15-second variation time of the special symbol.

Further, as shown in FIG. 39B, the small symbol effect pattern data PD201 specifies that the number string 56e based on the small symbol operation data DK is displayed for 8 seconds. Then, the small symbol effect pattern data PD201 defines that images of a plurality of number strings 56e are reproduced in a predetermined order in 480 frames (= 8 [seconds] ÷ 16.6 [milliseconds / frame]). To do.
As a result, in the present embodiment, the variation effect of the small symbol 56 for 8 seconds is performed corresponding to the variation time of the special symbol for 8 seconds.

Further, as shown in FIG. 39C, the small symbol effect pattern data PD202 stipulates that the number string 56e based on the small symbol operation data DK is displayed for 3 seconds. Then, the small symbol effect pattern data PD202 defines that 180 frames (= 3 [seconds] ÷ 16.6 [milliseconds / frame]) of images of a plurality of number strings 56e are reproduced in a predetermined order. To do.
As a result, in the present embodiment, the variation effect of the small symbol 56 for 3 seconds is performed corresponding to the variation time of the special symbol for 3 seconds.

In the variation effect of the small symbol 56 configured as described above, the display of the image of the number string 56e in which the three numbers as the first small symbol, the second small symbol, and the third small symbol are combined into one is displayed as one. Display control is performed to update every frame. As a result, in the pachinko gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment, for example, the display control of the small symbol 56 can be performed as compared with the case where the display of the first small symbol, the second small symbol and the third small symbol is individually controlled. The load involved is suppressed.
Further, the number of the small symbol 56 changes by 1 for each row of the number strings constituting the small symbol 56 at the time of variable display. That is, the numbers of the first small symbol, the second small symbol, and the third small symbol change by one. As a result, in the present embodiment, for example, the variation display of the small symbol 56 is performed in an orderly manner without skipping the order of the numbers.

Further, in the pachinko gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment, the display control of the small symbol 56 is also performed by always performing the reproduction from the first digit string 56 (first digit string 56e1) in the small symbol operation data DK. The load related to is suppressed. That is, in the pachinko gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment, when a new variation effect of the small symbol 56 is started, the result of the operation in the previous variation effect of the small symbol 56 (finally as the reproduction of the small symbol operation data DK). By eliminating the need to refer to the stopped number string 56e), the display control of the small symbol 56 is reduced.

(Stop confirming small symbol 56)
The material image data of the small symbol 56 is used to stop the determination of the small symbol 56. The material image data of the small symbol 56 includes a plurality of symbols from the symbol "1" to the symbol "9". The configuration of each symbol is the same as that of the decorative symbol 41 of the second display mode, and includes the numeric element 411 and the numeric decorative element 412. However, the size of each symbol (first small symbol, second small symbol, third small symbol) of the small symbol 56 is the size of each symbol (first decorative symbol, second decorative symbol,) of the decorative symbol 41 of the second display mode. It is smaller than the size of the third decorative pattern).

When the small symbol 56 is stopped, the first small symbol, the second small symbol, and the third small symbol are individually controlled. Then, when the small symbol 56 is fixedly stopped, the small symbol 56 is made to be the same as the decorative symbol 41 displayed as the stop symbol based on the special symbol designation command. That is, in the fixed stop effect of the small symbol 56, the number combination of the first small symbol, the second small symbol, and the third small symbol is displayed as the first decorative symbol, the second decorative symbol, and the third decorative symbol of the decorative symbol 41. It is the same as the combination of numbers.

Specifically, the first decorative symbol, the second decorative symbol, and the third decorative symbol of the decorative symbol 41 are fixedly stopped at any of the symbols from the symbol "1" to the symbol "9", respectively. Therefore, the number combinations displayed as the decorative symbol 41 are 729 (= 9 × 9 × 9). Similarly, the first small symbol, the second small symbol, and the third small symbol of the small symbol 56 are fixedly stopped at any of the symbols from the symbol "1" to the symbol "9", respectively. Therefore, there are 729 combinations of numbers displayed as the first small symbol, the second small symbol, and the third small symbol of the small symbol 56. In the fixed stop effect of the small symbol 56, the display is performed by any combination of the 729 combinations of numbers. As described above, the mode of the combination of numbers that can be displayed in the fixed stop effect of the small symbol 56 is different from the mode of the variable effect of the small symbol 56 in which only nine combinations of numbers are displayed.

Then, in the present embodiment, the number combination of the number string of the small symbol 56 matches the number combination of the decorative symbol 41 at the time of the fixed stop regardless of the loss or the big hit. For example, in the case of a big hit, when the decorative symbol 41 is fixedly stopped at the number combination of "555", the number combination of the number string of the small symbol 56 becomes "555". Further, for example, in the case of a detachment, when the decorative symbol 41 is fixedly stopped at the number combination of "129", the number combination of the number string of the small symbol 56 becomes "129".

When the decorative symbol 41 is displayed in a variable manner, the decorative symbol 41 is fluctuating at a relatively high speed, so that the player is confused even if the numerical combinations of the small symbol 56 and the decorative symbol 41 do not match. hard. Therefore, in the pachinko gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment, the control load of the image display is reduced by performing the variation effect of the small symbol 56 using the above-mentioned small symbol operation data DK.
However, when the decorative symbol 41 and the small symbol 56 are fixedly stopped, the player may be confused if the numerical combinations do not correspond to each other. Therefore, in the pachinko gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment, the number combination of the small symbol 56 and the number combination of the decorative symbol 41 are made to correspond to each other at the time of the fixed stop.

In the case of deviation, the combination of the number strings of the small symbol 56 may always display a fixed number combination regardless of the number combination of the decorative symbol 41. For example, in the case of a detachment, the small symbol 56 always stops at "246" regardless of whether the decorative symbol 41 stops at "345" or the decorative symbol 41 stops at "676". You may do so.
In the case of a jackpot, if the number combinations of the decorative symbol 41 and the small symbol 56 are different, the player will be confused in determining the type of the jackpot symbol. On the other hand, in the case of an outlier, since it is sufficient for the player to recognize that the outlier, it can be considered that the numerical combination of the decorative symbol 41 and the small symbol 56 may be different. Therefore, in the case of deviation, the number combination of the fixed stop of the small symbol 56 may be fixed to reduce the load related to the control of the image display.

In addition, when the number of the number combination of the small symbol 56 is composed of, for example, 1 (1 digit) instead of 3 (3 digits) in the above-mentioned example, it may be configured as follows.
In the case of disconnection, for example, when the decorative symbol 41 is fixedly stopped at "345", the small symbol 56 is always fixedly stopped at "0". In the case of a big hit, for example, when the decorative symbol 41 is fixedly stopped at "777", the small symbol 56 is fixedly stopped at "7", or when the decorative symbol 41 is fixedly stopped at "333", for example. The small symbol 56 is fixedly stopped at "3". That is, in the case of a big hit, the numbers constituting the doublet of the decorative symbol 41 are displayed as the small symbol 56.

Further, the decorative symbol 41 and the small symbol 56 of the present embodiment configured as described above have the following relationship.
In the decorative symbol 41, the first decorative symbol, the second decorative symbol, and the third decorative symbol are individually changed in the changing effect of the decorative symbol 41. On the other hand, the small symbol 56 changes collectively by updating the number strings constituting the small symbol 56 for each frame in the variation effect of the small symbol 56. Therefore, the number combination of the decorative symbol 41 and the number combination of the small symbol 56 do not match in terms of both the number and the timing when the effect during fluctuation is executed.

On the other hand, when the fixed stop of each of the decorative symbol 41 and the small symbol 56 is executed, the numerical combination of the decorative symbol 41 and the numerical combination of the small symbol 56 are the same. Further, when the fixed stop of each of the decorative symbol 41 and the small symbol 56 is executed, the decorative symbol 41 and the small symbol 56 are synchronized with each other. The decorative symbol 41 and the small symbol 56 are synchronized with the stoppage of the special symbol.

The variation effect operation of the small symbol 56 described above may be applied to the operation of the decorative symbol 41. For example, in the changing effect of the decorative symbol 41, three numbers as the first decorative symbol, the second decorative symbol, and the third decorative symbol are grouped together as in the display control of the small symbol of the present embodiment. By performing display control of updating the image of the number string for each frame, the first decorative symbol, the second decorative symbol, and the third decorative symbol may be collectively controlled.

Further, in the present embodiment, the number of types of numbers that can be displayed as the first decorative symbol, the second decorative symbol, and the third decorative symbol constituting the decorative symbol 41 is 9 from the number "1" to the number "9". It is an individual. On the other hand, the number of types of numbers constituting the number combination of the small symbol 56 is nine from the number "1" to the number "9". As described above, the number of types of numbers that can be displayed as the first decorative symbol, the second decorative symbol, and the third decorative symbol is the same as the number of types of numbers that constitute the number combination of the small symbols 56.

Here, for example, if a number of a type not used in the decorative symbol 41 is used in the small symbol 56, the player may feel a sense of discomfort. Therefore, in the pachinko gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment, the player can make the small symbol 56 by associating the number of types of numbers displayed as the decorative symbol 41 with the number of types of numbers displayed as the small symbol 56. I try not to feel any discomfort when I see it.

Subsequently, the variation effect in the present embodiment will be specifically described.
[Variable production example 1]
FIG. 40 is an explanatory diagram of a variation effect example 1 performed by using the image display unit 114. Note that the variation effect example 1 is a variation effect that can be executed when ER1 (split / missed) is selected as the variation effect pattern.

As shown in FIG. 40 (1), it is assumed that the decorative symbol 41 of the first display mode is fixedly stopped on the image display unit 114 as the variation of the previous special symbol ends. Further, the image display unit 114 displays a decorative symbol 41, a variable pedestal 43, a holding pedestal 45, a holding image 52, a holding number display 55, a small symbol 56, and a background image 59 (not shown).
The first reserved image 52 and the second reserved image 52 are displayed on the reserved pedestal 45. Then, in this example, the combination of the numbers of the decorative symbol 41 that has been fixedly stopped is "246". Further, the combination of the numbers of the small symbols 56 that have been confirmed and stopped is "246".

Then, as shown in FIG. 40 (2), the decorative symbol 41 starts to fluctuate with the start of the next variable display of the special symbol. At this time, the first reserved image 52 moves to the variable pedestal 43 and is displayed and changed as the variable image 51. The second hold image 52 moves to the first hold pedestal 45.
Further, in this example, the decorative symbol 41 moves downward with a slight time lag between the first decorative symbol, the second decorative symbol, and the third decorative symbol with the start of the next variable display. Further, the speaker 156 (see FIG. 1) outputs BGM (musical music) together with a fluctuation start sound indicating that the fluctuation display of the special symbol has started.
Then, the small symbol 56 starts to fluctuate with the start of the variation display of the special symbol. The small symbol 56 displays the next number string in order from the first number string (“174” (see FIG. 38) of the first number string 56e1) as an effect during fluctuation.

Then, as shown in FIG. 40 (3), the decorative symbol 41 and the small symbol 56 are displayed in a variable manner, respectively. At this time, as described above, in the decorative symbol 41, the first decorative symbol, the second decorative symbol, and the third decorative symbol are individually displayed and controlled. On the other hand, the display of the small symbol 56 is controlled for each of the number strings in which the first small symbol, the second small symbol, and the third small symbol are combined.

After that, as shown in FIG. 40 (4), the effect of stopping the first decorative symbol of the decorative symbol 41 is performed. In this example, the first decorative symbol (number "5") is first temporarily stopped at an earlier timing than the second decorative symbol and the third decorative symbol. At this time, the small symbol 56 is in the process of being produced during the fluctuation. That is, the small symbol 56 does not temporarily stop any of the first small symbol, the second small symbol, and the third small symbol.

Further, as shown in FIG. 40 (5), the first decorative symbol (number "5"), the second decorative symbol (number "7") and the third decorative symbol (number "8") of the decorative symbol 41 ) Temporarily stop. At this time, the small symbol 56 is in the process of being produced during the fluctuation. That is, the small symbol 56 is displayed in a variable manner without temporarily stopping any of the first small symbol, the second small symbol, and the third small symbol.

Then, as the fluctuation of the special symbol is stopped, the decorative symbol 41 is fixedly stopped as shown in FIG. 40 (6). The combination of numbers "578" of the decorative symbol 41 is an example of a combination when the determination result of the special symbol lottery is out of order.
In addition, the small symbol 56 is also fixedly stopped as the special symbol stops changing. At this time, the small symbol 56 displays "578", which is the same as the number combination of the decorative symbol 41.

After that, as shown in FIG. 40 (7), the decorative symbol 41 and the small symbol 56 are started to change with the start of the next variation display of the special symbol.
At this time, the small symbol 56 displays the next number string in order from the first number string (“174” (see FIG. 38) of the first number string 56e1) as the effect during fluctuation.
Then, as shown in FIG. 40 (8), the decorative symbol 41 and the small symbol 56 each execute the effect during fluctuation.

[Variable production example 2]
FIG. 41 is an explanatory diagram of a variation effect example 2 performed by using the image display unit 114. Note that the variation effect example 2 is a variation effect that can be executed when ER2 (normal reach / off) is selected as the variation effect pattern.

As shown in FIG. 41 (1), it is assumed that the decorative symbol 41 of the first display mode is fixedly stopped on the image display unit 114 as the variation of the previous special symbol ends. Further, the image display unit 114 displays a decorative symbol 41, a variable pedestal 43, a holding pedestal 45, a holding image 52, a holding number display 55, a small symbol 56, and a background image 59 (not shown).
The first reserved image 52 is displayed on the reserved pedestal 45. Then, in this example, the combination of the numbers of the decorative symbol 41 that has been fixedly stopped is "459". In addition, the combination of the numbers of the small symbols 56 that have been confirmed and stopped is also "459".

Then, as shown in FIG. 41 (2), the variation of the decorative symbol 41 is started with the start of the variation display of the next special symbol. At this time, the first reserved image 52 moves to the variable pedestal 43 and is displayed and changed as the variable image 51.
Further, in this example, the decorative symbol 41 starts to move downward at substantially the same timing as the first decorative symbol, the second decorative symbol, and the third decorative symbol with the start of the next variable display. Further, the speaker 156 outputs BGM (musical music) together with a fluctuation start sound indicating that the fluctuation display of the special symbol has started.
Then, the small symbol 56 starts to fluctuate with the start of the variation display of the special symbol. The small symbol 56 displays the next number string in order from the first number string (“174” (see FIG. 38) of the first number string 56e1) as an effect during fluctuation.

Then, as shown in FIG. 41 (3), the decorative symbol 41 and the small symbol 56 are displayed in a variable manner, respectively. At this time, as described above, in the decorative symbol 41, the first decorative symbol, the second decorative symbol, and the third decorative symbol are individually displayed and controlled. On the other hand, in the small symbol 56, the first small symbol, the second small symbol, and the third small symbol are displayed and controlled for each number string in which three numbers are combined.

After that, as shown in FIG. 41 (4), the effect of stopping the first decorative symbol of the decorative symbol 41 is performed. In this example, the first decorative symbol (number "6") is temporarily stopped at a timing earlier than that of the second decorative symbol and the third decorative symbol. At this time, the small symbol 56 is continuously produced during the fluctuation. That is, the small symbol 56 does not temporarily stop any of the first small symbol, the second small symbol, and the third small symbol.

Further, as shown in FIG. 41 (5), the first decorative symbol (number "6") and the third decorative symbol (number "6") of the decorative symbol 41 are temporarily stopped in a aligned state. That is, the normal reach effect by the decorative symbol 41 is executed. At this time, the small symbol 56 is continuously executed during the fluctuation. Further, the small symbol 56 is not in the reach state in which the first small symbol and the third small symbol are aligned.

After that, as shown in FIG. 41 (6), in addition to the first decorative symbol (number "6") and the third decorative symbol (number "6") of the decorative symbol 41, the second decorative symbol (number "6") "5") is temporarily stopped.
Then, as the fluctuation of the special symbol is stopped, the decorative symbol 41 is fixedly stopped as shown in FIG. 41 (7). The combination of numbers "656" of the decorative symbol 41 is an example of a combination when the determination result of the special symbol lottery is out of order.
In addition, the small symbol 56 is also fixedly stopped as the special symbol stops changing. At this time, the small symbol 56 displays "656", which is the same as the number combination of the decorative symbol 41.

After that, for example, when a game ball is newly won in the first starting port 121, the variable display of the decorative symbol 41 and the small symbol 56 is started along with the start of the variable display of the special symbol. At this time, the small symbol 56 performs variable display by displaying the next number string in order from the first number string (“174” (see FIG. 38) of the first number string 56e1) as the effect during change.

[Variable production example 3]
42 and 43 are explanatory views of a variation effect example 3 performed by using the image display unit 114. Note that the variation effect example 3 is a variation effect that can be executed when EA1 (SPSP reach / jackpot) is selected as the variation effect pattern.

As shown in FIG. 42 (1), it is assumed that the decorative symbol 41 of the first display mode is fixedly stopped on the image display unit 114 as the variation of the previous special symbol ends. Further, the image display unit 114 displays a decorative symbol 41, a variable pedestal 43, a holding pedestal 45, a holding image 52, a holding number display 55, a small symbol 56, and a background image 59 (not shown).
The first reserved image 52 is displayed on the reserved pedestal 45. Then, in this example, the combination of the numbers of the decorative symbol 41 that has been fixedly stopped is "365". In addition, the combination of the numbers of the small symbols 56 that have been confirmed and stopped is also "365".

Then, as shown in FIG. 42 (2), the decorative symbol 41 starts to fluctuate with the start of the next variable display of the special symbol. At this time, the first reserved image 52 moves to the variable pedestal 43.
Further, in this example, the decorative symbol 41 moves downward while the first decorative symbol, the third decorative symbol, and the third decorative symbol rotate (rotate around the vertical axis) with the start of the next variable display. Start moving. Further, the speaker 156 outputs BGM (musical music) together with a fluctuation start sound indicating that the fluctuation display of the special symbol has started.
Then, the small symbol 56 starts to fluctuate with the start of the variation display of the special symbol. The small symbol 56 performs variable display by displaying the first number string (“174” (see FIG. 38 (B)) of the first number string 56e1) in order as the effect during change.

Further, as shown in FIG. 42 (3), the decorative symbol 41 and the small symbol 56 are displayed in a variable manner, respectively. At this time, as described above, in the decorative symbol 41, the first decorative symbol, the second decorative symbol, and the third decorative symbol are individually displayed and controlled. On the other hand, in the small symbol 56, the first small symbol, the second small symbol, and the third small symbol are displayed and controlled for each number string in which three numbers are combined.

After that, as shown in FIG. 42 (4), the effect of stopping the first decorative symbol of the decorative symbol 41 is performed. In this example, the display is performed in which the first decorative symbol (the number "5") is first temporarily stopped at a timing earlier than that of the second decorative symbol and the third decorative symbol. At this time, the small symbol 56 is continuously produced during the fluctuation. The small symbol 56 does not temporarily stop any of the first small symbol, the second small symbol, and the third small symbol.

Further, as shown in FIG. 42 (5), the first decorative symbol (number "5") and the third decorative symbol (number "5") of the decorative symbol 41 are temporarily stopped in a aligned state. That is, the normal reach effect by the decorative symbol 41 is executed. At this time, the small symbol 56 is continuously executed during the fluctuation. The small symbol 56 is not in the reach state in which the first small symbol and the third small symbol are aligned.

After that, as shown in FIG. 42 (6), the SP reach effect is executed. In the following description, the fact that the SP reach effect is executed is expressed by illustrating it as the SP reach image 71. Further, when this SP reach effect is being executed, the first decorative symbol and the third decorative symbol move to the corners of the image display area (upper left corner and upper right corner) of the image display unit 114 and are temporarily stopped. doing. At this time, the decorative symbol 41 displayed as the first decorative symbol and the third decorative symbol is displayed by the second display mode. Further, the display size of the decorative symbol 41 displayed as the first decorative symbol and the third decorative symbol is set to be larger than the display size of the small symbol 56.
In addition, the small symbol 56 continuously executes the effect during fluctuation.

In the variable effect of the present embodiment, the size of the decorative symbol 41 is maintained larger than that of the small symbol 56, thereby ensuring that the decorative symbol 41 is the main body of the variable effect. For example, if the size of the decorative symbol 41 is displayed smaller than the size of the small symbol 56, the player is likely to be confused as to which is the decorative symbol 41. Therefore, even when the size of the decorative symbol 41 changes, the size of the decorative symbol 41 is displayed larger than the size of the small symbol 56.

After that, as shown in FIG. 42 (7), the SPSP reach effect is executed. In the following description, the fact that the SPSP reach effect is performed is expressed by illustrating it as the SPSP reach image 73. Further, in the present embodiment, the decorative symbol 41, the variable pedestal 43, the hold pedestal 45, the variable image 51, and the hold image 52 are not displayed during the execution of the SPSP reach effect.
In addition, the small symbol 56 continuously executes the effect during fluctuation.

Then, as shown in FIG. 42 (8), a symbol fanning effect is executed to encourage the symbols of the decorative symbols 41 to be aligned. At this time, the decorative symbol 41 is largely displayed in the center of the image display area on the image display unit 114. Further, the decorative symbol 41 is displayed in the second display mode. Further, the first decorative symbol and the third decorative symbol are in a temporarily stopped state, and the second decorative symbol fluctuates at a low speed.

Further, as shown in FIG. 43 (1), the second decorative symbol (number "5") is temporarily stopped. That is, the first decorative symbol (number "5"), the second decorative symbol (number "5"), and the third decorative symbol (number "5") of the decorative symbol 41 are all temporarily stopped.
Then, as shown in FIG. 43 (2), the decorative symbol 41 switches from the second display mode to the first display mode. The decorative symbol 41 in the first display mode continues to be temporarily stopped.
After that, as shown in FIG. 43 (3), the confirmation stop is executed in the decorative symbol 41 of the first display mode. At this time, the small symbol 56 is synchronized with the decorative symbol 41, and is fixedly stopped at the same number combination (“555”) as the decorative symbol 41.

As described above, the decorative symbol 41 is temporarily stopped during the development of the SP reach effect during the variable display of the special symbol, and it is possible to change from a large size to a small size before and after the temporary stop. Therefore, the size of the decorative symbol 41 after the temporary stop is set to be larger than the size of the small symbol 56.

Further, in the present embodiment, the decorative symbol 41 is displayed in both the first display mode and the second display mode during the variable display of the special symbol, and the design is displayed on the display screen of the image display unit 114. It may change. On the other hand, the small symbol 56 is displayed in the second display mode during the variable display of the special symbol, and the design displayed on the display screen of the image display unit 114 does not change.

The decorative design 41 is displayed in order to entertain the player with the variable effect. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the player is not bored by changing the design during the variable display of the special symbol. On the other hand, the small symbol 56 needs to be displayed in an easy-to-read manner so that the player does not misunderstand it. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the design of the small symbol 56 is prevented from changing during the variable display of the special symbol.

[Variable production example 4]
FIG. 44 is an explanatory diagram of a variation effect example 4 performed by using the image display unit 114. Note that the variation effect example 4 is a variation effect that can be executed when ER4 (pseudo-ream / loss) is selected as the variation effect pattern.
As shown in FIGS. 44 (1) to (3), the decorative symbol 41 fluctuates with the start of the next variable display of the special symbol from the state in which the decorative symbol 41 is fixedly stopped.

Then, as shown in FIG. 44 (4), the first decorative symbol (number "5") and the third decorative symbol (number "4") are temporarily stopped.
After that, as shown in FIG. 44 (5), the second decorative symbol temporarily stops. This second decorative symbol is a "NEXT" symbol (pseudo-continuous symbol). By temporarily stopping the "NEXT" symbol, it is notified that the pseudo continuous effect is executed.
At this time, the small symbol 56 is continuously executed during the fluctuation. The small symbol 56 is variablely displayed without displaying the symbol corresponding to the pseudo-continuous symbol.

Then, as shown in FIG. 44 (6), the decorative symbol 41 (first decorative symbol, second decorative symbol, and third decorative symbol) revariates. At this time, the small symbol 56 is continuously produced during the fluctuation.
After that, the reach effect is executed, and finally, the decorative symbol 41 is fixedly stopped by the combination of the numbers when the determination result of the special symbol lottery is out of order.

[Variable production example 5]
FIG. 45 is an explanatory diagram of a variation effect example 5 performed by using the image display unit 114. Note that the variation effect example 41 is an example of a variation effect performed by the effect control unit 300 using the image display unit 114 in a high-probability time-saving game state.
In the following description, the points different from each of the above-mentioned effects will be mainly described, and the points that match each of the above-mentioned variable effects may be omitted.

First, in the variation effect example 5, the gaming state is the high-probability time-saving gaming state, and the variable pedestal 43 and the background image 59 are displayed in a display mode different from the low-probability time-saving non-game state (see, for example, FIG. 42).
Further, in the pachinko gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment, the electric tulip 123 is arranged on the right side in the gaming area 111. Therefore, in the high-probability gaming state, a right-handed image 79 is displayed on the display screen of the image display unit 114 in order to instruct the player to shoot the game ball toward the right side in the game area 111. ..

As shown in FIG. 45 (1), the decorative symbol 41 (“555”) of the second display mode is fixedly stopped in the image display unit 114. The decorative symbol 41 displayed at this time corresponds to a sequence of numbers that are finally stopped before the jackpot game is executed, that is, when the jackpot is won.

Then, the small symbol 56, like the decorative symbol 41, is also fixedly stopped due to the arrangement of the numbers "555". Then, in the present embodiment, the small symbol 56 is displayed in a common display mode in the low-probability time-saving game state and the high-probability time-saving game state. That is, the small symbol 56 has the same display position, pattern, color, and other design and display size on the display screen of the image display unit 114 in the low-probability time-saving game state and the high-probability time-saving game state. There is.

Then, as shown in FIG. 45 (2), the variable display of the decorative symbol 41 and the small symbol 56 is started along with the variable display of the special symbol due to the winning of the second starting port 122. At this time, the small symbol 56 performs variable display by displaying the next number string in order from the first number string (“174” (see FIG. 38) of the first number string 56e1) as the effect during change.
Further, as shown in FIG. 45 (3), the decorative symbol 41 and the small symbol 56 are displayed in a variable manner, respectively.

Then, as shown in FIG. 45 (4), the first decorative symbol (number "6") and the third decorative symbol (number "2") are temporarily stopped. Further, as shown in FIG. 45 (5), the second decorative symbol (number “3”) is temporarily stopped. At this time, the small symbol 56 is continuously executed during the fluctuation.

After that, as shown in FIG. 45 (6), the decorative symbol 41 is fixedly stopped. The combination "632" of the decorative symbols 41 shown is a combination when the determination result of the special symbol lottery is out of order.

Then, as shown in FIG. 45 (7), the decorative symbol 41 and the small symbol 56 each start to fluctuate with the start of the fluctuation display of the next special symbol. The small symbol 56 displays the next number string in order from the first number string (“174” (see FIG. 38) of the first number string 56e1) as an effect during fluctuation.
After that, as shown in FIG. 45 (8), the decorative symbol 41 and the small symbol 56 each perform the effect during fluctuation.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the decorative symbols 41 having different designs are displayed in the low-probability time-saving game state (an example of the first effect mode) and the high-probability time-saving game state (an example of the second effect mode). It is possible. On the other hand, the small symbol 56 having the same design is displayed in the low-probability time-saving game state and the high-probability time-saving game state.
In the present embodiment, the small symbol 56 is an auxiliary position of the decorative symbol 41. Therefore, for the small symbol 56, the load related to the display control is reduced without changing the design. In addition, the small design 56 always maintains a relatively simple (simplified) design so that the player can easily see it.

In the above example, the two different production modes are described by using the low-probability time-saving game state and the high-probability time-saving game state, but the present invention is not limited to these. For example, the two different production modes may simply be a high-probability gaming state and a low-probability gaming state, or a time-saving non-game state and a time-saving gaming state.

Next, the effect performed when the jackpot game of the present embodiment is being executed will be specifically described.
FIG. 46 is an explanatory diagram of an effect executed on the display screen of the image display unit 114 when the jackpot game is being executed.

First, as shown in FIG. 46 (1), the decorative symbol 41 is fixedly stopped in the combination when the determination result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit.
Then, when the jackpot game is started, as shown in FIG. 46 (2), the opening image 75 and the right-handed image 79 are displayed on the display screen of the image display unit 114.
The opening image 75 is an image for notifying the player of the start of the jackpot game. Specifically, in the opening image 75 of the present embodiment, the text of "BIG Bonus! Congratulations" is displayed. The opening image 75 has contents that suggest the type of jackpot (for example, the total number of rounds).

Further, the right-handed image 79 is a display prompting the player to shoot the game ball toward the large winning opening 125 (see FIG. 1). In the present embodiment, the large winning opening 125 is arranged on the right side of the game area 111. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the right-handed image 79 is displayed when the jackpot game is being executed.
The right-handed image 79 is displayed when the player is in an advantageous state by hitting right (by changing the hitting force of the game ball). That is, the right-handed image 79 is an image for notifying the player that the player is in an advantageous state by hitting right (by changing the hitting force of the game ball).

Further, in the present embodiment, the right-handed image 79 is continuously displayed at least during the jackpot game. For example, when the jackpot game is started, the right-handed image at the beginning of the mode different from the right-handed image 79 may be temporarily displayed. The right-handed image at the beginning differs from the right-handed image 79 in display mode such as display size and display design. For example, the right-handed image at the beginning is larger in size than the right-handed image 79, and a conspicuous design with high decorativeness can be adopted.

Further, in the present embodiment, with the start of the jackpot game, the decorative symbol 41, the variable pedestal 43, the hold pedestal 45, the variable image 51, the hold image 52, the hold number display 55, and the small symbol 56 are displayed respectively. It will be erased.

Then, as shown in FIG. 46 (3), when the round game in which the large winning opening 125 is opened is started, the right-handed image 79, the round progress image 76, and the round image are displayed on the display screen of the image display unit 114. 77 and the jackpot symbol display image 78 are displayed, respectively.

The round progress image 76 is a display showing the number of rounds achieved with respect to the total number of rounds in the jackpot game. For example, if a jackpot of 10 rounds (10R) is won, the round progress image 76 displays 10 white circles and changes the white circles to another color each time each round is digested.

The round image 77 is an image for notifying the player of the number of rounds of the round currently being executed in the jackpot game. For example, in the round image 77, when the jackpot of 10 rounds is won, the display is performed in order from "Round 1" to "Final Round (Round 10)".

The jackpot symbol display image 78 (an example of a suggestion image) is an image that suggests the type of jackpot when the jackpot game is being executed. That is, it is an image suggesting three decorative symbols 41 that are aligned when the jackpot is won. In the present embodiment, one of the three decorative symbols 41 that are aligned when the jackpot is won is displayed.
In the example shown in FIG. 46, when the jackpot was won, the decorative symbol 41 was fixedly stopped at "555". Therefore, the number "5" is displayed as the jackpot symbol display image 78. In the present embodiment, the jackpot symbol display image 78 uses the material data (see FIG. 35 (B)) of the decorative symbol 41 of the second display mode.

Then, in this embodiment, when the jackpot symbol display image 78 is displayed, the decorative symbol 41 and the small symbol 56 are not displayed. On the other hand, separately, only a part of the decorative symbol 41 is displayed by the jackpot symbol display image 78. In this way, various images such as the decorative symbol 41 and the small symbol 56 of the present embodiment are not displayed on the display screen, and the load related to the control of the image display is reduced.

The design of the jackpot symbol display image 78 is not limited to the decorative symbol 41 of the second display mode described above. The design of the jackpot symbol display image 78 may be the same as, for example, the decorative symbol 41 of the first display mode. Further, the jackpot symbol display image 78 may have a different design from the decorative symbol 41 as long as the content suggests the decorative symbol 41 in an aspect of notifying that the jackpot has been won.

After that, as shown in FIG. 46 (4), the final round is reached. In this example, since it is a big hit for 10 rounds, "Final Round" is displayed as the round image 77. Further, in the round progress image 76, the colors of up to 9 out of 10 white circles are changed.

Then, as shown in FIG. 46 (5), when the jackpot game ends, the ending image 81 is displayed on the display screen of the image display unit 114. The ending image 81 is an image for notifying the player of the end of the jackpot game. In this example, the ending image 81 includes the character string "Special Time !!" indicating that the gaming state after the jackpot game is a high-probability time-saving gaming state. The right-handed image 79 may be displayed together with the ending image 81 during the ending in the jackpot game.
As described above, the jackpot game effect is executed while displaying various effect images on the image display unit 114.

Then, when the jackpot game is completed, as shown in FIG. 46 (6), the decorative symbol 41 (“555”) of the second display mode is displayed on the image display unit 114 in a definitely stopped state.
At this time, as described above, on the display screen of the image display unit 114, the deleted variable pedestal 43, hold pedestal 45, variable image 51, hold image 52, hold number display 55, and small symbol 56 are displayed again. Is displayed.
Then, as shown in FIG. 46 (7), the decorative symbol 41 and the small symbol 56 are varied and displayed along with the variable display of the special symbol.

(Other production examples)
FIG. 47 is an explanatory diagram of another effect example of the small symbol 56.
Subsequently, another production example regarding the display position of the small symbol 56 will be described. In the above-described embodiment, the display position of the small symbol 56 on the display screen of the image display unit 114 is fixed. On the other hand, the display position of the small symbol 56 on the display screen of the image display unit 114 may be changed according to the content of the effect.

As an example in which the display position of the small symbol 56 changes, an effect example that can be executed when the variable effect pattern EB1 is selected will be specifically described.
The variable display of the decorative symbol 41 is started along with the variable display of the special symbol, and the first decorative symbol (number "7") and the third decorative symbol (number "7") are temporarily stopped after the pseudo-continuous effect. Then, the reach state is reached, and as shown in FIG. 47 (1), the SP reach effect is executed. At this time, the small symbol 56 is displayed at the right end of the display screen of the image display unit 114.
After that, as shown in FIG. 47 (2), the small symbol 56 is displayed at the left end of the display screen of the image display unit 114. That is, the display position of the small symbol 56 is changed on the display screen.

Then, as shown in FIG. 47 (3), after the display position of the small symbol 56 is changed, the movable accessory 115 moves from the standby position to an appearance position that overlaps with the display screen of the image display unit 114. .. In this example, the movable accessory 115 is displayed on the right side of the display screen. The appearance position of the movable accessory 115 overlaps with the position where the small symbol 56 was initially displayed.
As described above, the display position of the small symbol 56 is changed in advance with the movement of the movable accessory 115. Then, the small symbol 56 is moved to a position not hidden by the movable accessory 115.

After that, as shown in FIG. 47 (4), as the movable accessory 115 moves to the appearance position, the SPSP reach effect develops. During the execution of the SPSP reach effect, the decorative symbol 41, the variable pedestal 43, the hold pedestal 45, the variable image 51, and the hold image 52 are not displayed. Further, in this example, the movable accessory 115 moves from the appearance position to the standby position.

Then, as shown in FIG. 47 (5), the small symbol 56 is displayed at the center and the lower end of the display screen of the image display unit 114. That is, the display position of the small symbol 56 is further changed on the display screen.

Then, after the display position of the small symbol 56 is further changed, as shown in FIG. 47 (6), the movable accessory 115 and the other movable accessory 115 move from the standby position, respectively, and the image display unit It moves to the appearance position that overlaps with the display screen of 114. In this example, the other movable accessory 115 is displayed on the left side of the display screen. The appearance position of the movable accessory 115 overlaps with the position where the small symbol 56 is displayed and changed from the initial position.
As described above, the display position of the small symbol 56 changes in advance with the movement of the other movable accessory 115. Then, the small symbol 56 moves to a position where it is not hidden by another movable accessory 115.

Further, when the movable accessory 115 and the other movable accessory 115 return to the standby position, the second decorative symbol (number "7") is temporarily stopped as shown in FIG. 47 (7). That is, the first decorative symbol, the second decorative symbol, and the third decorative symbol are all in a temporarily stopped state.
Then, as shown in FIG. 47 (8), the confirmation stop is executed at the decorative symbol 41 of the first display mode. At this time, the small symbol 56 is synchronized with the decorative symbol 41, and is fixedly stopped at the same number combination (“777”) as the decorative symbol 41.

The variation display of the small symbol 56 may be executed by individually controlling the first small symbol, the second small symbol, and the third small symbol. For example, the small symbol 56 defines the relationship between different number strings 56e (for example, the preceding and following number strings 56e) by a function. Specifically, when changing from one digit string 56e to another digit sequence 56e, each of the three numbers (first small symbol, second small symbol, and third small symbol) constituting the one digit string 56e Is the sum of the numbers 1 and is displayed. In this way, the variation display of the small symbol 56 may be performed.

[Delayed production]
Next, the delay effect of the present embodiment will be described.
The delay effect is the effect time from the start to the stop display of the decorative symbol 41 and the small symbol 56 with respect to the variation time from the start to the stop display of the variation display of the special symbol based on the determination result of the preliminary determination. It is a production that suggests the possibility that a big hit game will be performed by making the difference.

First, the flow for deciding whether or not to execute the delay effect will be described.
FIG. 48 is a flowchart relating to the execution decision of the delay effect.
The effect control unit 300 determines whether or not to execute the pre-determination effect for the hold of the notification target based on the pre-determination result command and the hold number increase command (S3001). Then, when it is determined that the pre-determination effect is to be executed (Yes in S3001), it is determined whether or not to execute the delay effect (S3002). In the present embodiment, the delay effect is more likely to be executed in the case of a big hit than in the case where the preliminary determination result is out of order. That is, when the delay effect is executed, as a result, it becomes easy to win the jackpot.
Each determination of S3001 and S3002 is performed based on the effect random number.
Then, when it is determined not to execute the pre-determination effect (No in S3001), or when it is determined not to execute the delay effect (No in S3002), the process ends.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the delay effect is to be executed (Yes in S3002), it is determined whether or not there is a hold before the notification target (S3003).
Then, if there is no hold before the notification target (No in S3003), it is determined to perform the start delay effect when the variation effect of the notification target is executed (S3004). The start delay effect suggests a jackpot determination result related to the variation effect of the notification target when the variation effect of the notification target is being executed.
Then, when the execution of the start delay effect is determined, the pattern has an effect time corresponding to the variation time (variation pattern) of the special symbol from the plurality of variation effect patterns, and when the start delay effect is executed. A variable effect pattern that can be selected for is selected (S3005).

In addition, when it is determined that the delay effect is to be executed and there is a hold before the notification target (Yes in S3002, Yes in S3003), it is one before the notification target in the winning order. When the variable effect of the right based on the prize (hereinafter, simply referred to as "the right before the notification target") is executed, it is decided to perform the end-time delay effect (S3006). , When the variation effect of the right before the notification target is executed, the determination result of the jackpot of the notification target in which the variation effect is performed after that is suggested. That is, the delay effect at the end is a plurality of delay effects. It is a continuous advance notice effect that gives a notice effect across the pattern fluctuation.
Then, when the item of the end time delay effect is determined, it is a pattern having an effect time corresponding to the variation time (variation pattern) of the special symbol from the plurality of variation effect patterns, and when the end time delay effect is executed. A variable effect pattern that can be selected for is selected (S3007).

Next, the variation effect pattern when the start delay effect and the end delay effect are executed will be specifically described.

(Delayed production at the start)
FIG. 49 is a diagram showing a setting example of a variation effect pattern table used in the variation effect pattern selection when the start delay effect is executed.
As shown in FIG. 49, a plurality of variable effect patterns are set in the variable effect pattern table for jackpots that is referred to when the start delay effect is executed. The variable effect patterns "EA1-SD" to "EA6-SD", "EB1-SD" to "EB14-SD", and "EC1-SD to EC2-SD" used in the start delay effect are shown in FIG. 21. The fluctuation patterns "PA1" to "PA6", "PB1" to "PB14", and "PC1 to PC2" shown in the above are associated with each other on a one-to-one basis.
Further, the basic configuration of each variation effect pattern shown in FIG. 49 is the same as that of the variation effect pattern shown in FIG. 32. However, the variation effect pattern used in the start delay effect is different from the variation effect pattern shown in FIG. 32 in that the timing at which the decorative symbol 41 and the small symbol 56 actually start to change after the variation effect itself is started is different. ..

FIG. 50 is an explanatory diagram of a variation effect pattern of the start delay effect.
Of the plurality of variable effect patterns that can be selected when the start delay effect is performed, the variable effect pattern EA1-SD will be specifically described as an example.
The basic configuration of the variation effect pattern EA1-SD is the same as that of the variation pattern EA1. The total effect time of the variable effect pattern EA1-SD coincides with the effect time of the variable effect pattern EA1.
However, in the variable effect pattern EA1-SD, the start timing of the variable display of the decorative symbol 41 and the small symbol 56 is different from that of the variable effect pattern EA1. As shown in FIG. 50 (1), in the variable effect pattern EA1, the variable display of the decorative symbol 41 and the small symbol 56 starts at the same time as the effect start timing. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 50 (2), the variation effect pattern EA1-SD has a variation start waiting period from the start of the effect to a predetermined time (for example, several milliseconds to several tens of milliseconds). It is provided. This is a predetermined period from the original timing of the start of fluctuation (timing of receiving the fluctuation start command), and a period of maintaining the display of the decorative symbol 41 and the small symbol 56 that have been fixedly stopped in the previous variation effect. Then, in the variable effect pattern EA1-SD, the variable display of the decorative symbol 41 and the small symbol 56 starts after a lapse of a predetermined time from the start of the effect. The timings of reach, SP development, SPSP development, temporary stop, and fixed stop in the fluctuation pattern EA1-SD are the same as those in the fluctuation pattern EA1.

Then, when the variation effect based on the variation effect pattern EA1-SD used in the start delay effect is executed, the start timing of the variation display of the decorative symbol 41 and the small symbol 56 is relative to the start timing of the variation display of the special symbol. The player can experience the delay.
The above contents are the same for other variable effect patterns, and for other variable effect patterns, the variation start waiting period is from the start of the effect to a predetermined time (for example, several milliseconds to several tens of milliseconds). Is provided. Similarly, for the small hit / miss variation effect pattern, the variation effect pattern for the start delay effect is provided.

(Delayed production at the end)
FIG. 51 is a diagram showing a setting example of a variation effect pattern table used in the variation effect pattern selection when the end delay effect is executed.
As shown in FIG. 51, a plurality of variable effect patterns are set in the variable effect pattern table for jackpots that is referred to when the delayed effect at the end is executed. The variable effect patterns "EA1-ED" to "EA6-ED", "EB1-ED" to "EB14-ED", and "EC1-ED to EC2-ED" used in the end delay effect are shown in FIG. 21. The fluctuation patterns "PA1" to "PA6", "PB1" to "PB14", and "PC1 to PC2" shown in the above are associated with each other on a one-to-one basis.
Further, the basic configuration of each variation effect pattern shown in FIG. 51 is the same as that of the variation effect pattern shown in FIG. 32. However, in the variation effect pattern used in the end delay effect, the timing of the variation stop of the decorative symbol 41 and the small symbol 56 is different from the variation effect pattern shown in FIG. 32.

FIG. 52 is an explanatory diagram of a variation effect pattern of the end delay effect.
Of the plurality of variable effect patterns that can be selected when the delayed effect at the end is performed, the variable effect pattern EA1-ED will be specifically described as an example.
The basic configuration of the variation effect pattern EA1-ED is the same as that of the variation pattern EA1. For example, the timing of the effect start of the variation effect pattern EA1-ED (the variation start of the decorative symbol 41 and the small symbol 56), the reach, the SP development, the SPSP development, and the temporary stop are the same as those of the variation effect pattern EA1. However, in the variable effect pattern EA1-ED, the timing of the fixed stop of the decorative symbol 41 and the small symbol 56 is different from that of the variable effect pattern EA1.
As shown in FIG. 52 (1), in the variation effect pattern EA1, for example, the decorative symbol 41 and the small symbol 56 are fixedly stopped after a predetermined time has elapsed from the temporary stop. The timing of the fixed stop of the variable effect pattern EA1 coincides with the timing of the fixed stop of the special symbol. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 52 (2), the variation effect pattern EA1-ED has a longer time from the temporary stop to the fixed stop than the variation pattern EA1 (for example, several milliseconds to several tens of milliseconds). Therefore, a period for extending the suspension of fluctuation is provided. Then, in the variable effect pattern EA1-ED, the decorative symbol 41 and the small symbol 56 are fixedly stopped after a lapse of a specific time longer than the predetermined time described above. That is, the timing of the fixed stop of the variable effect pattern EA1-ED is later than the timing of the fixed stop of the special symbol.

Then, when the variation effect is executed based on the variation effect pattern EA1-ED used in the delay effect at the end, the timing of the change stop of the decorative symbol 41 and the small symbol 56 is set with respect to the timing of the change stop of the special symbol. Players can experience the delay.
The above contents are the same for other fluctuation effect patterns, and a fluctuation stop extension period is provided so that the time from the temporary stop to the fixed stop is long (for example, several milliseconds to several tens of milliseconds). Has been done. Similarly, as for the variable effect pattern for small hit / miss, a variable effect pattern for delay effect at the end is provided.

In the end time delay effect, in the above example, by lengthening the time from the temporary stop to the fixed stop, the fixed stop of the decorative symbol 41 and the small symbol 56 is delayed compared to the fixed stop of the special symbol. However, the present invention is not limited to this aspect. As a result, the final stop of the decorative symbol 41 and the small symbol 56 may be delayed from the final stop of the special symbol, and the time may be longer at other timings.

FIG. 53 is an explanatory diagram of an effect example of the delay effect at the start of the present embodiment.
With reference to FIG. 53, the operation of the special symbol and the operation of the decorative symbol 41 and the small symbol 56 will be specifically described with respect to the start delay effect. The operation described below relates to the right to be notified.
As shown in FIG. 53, the variable display of the special symbol is started. The player can confirm the start of fluctuation of the special symbol by starting the LED of the first special symbol display 221 of the display 130 to start blinking.
On the other hand, on the display screen of the image display unit 114, the decorative symbol 41 and the small symbol 56 are the decorative symbol 41 (“234”) and the small symbol that were fixedly stopped in the previous variation effect at the timing of the start of the fluctuation of the special symbol. 56 (“234”) is displayed in a stopped state. After that, the decorative symbol 41 and the small symbol 56 start the variation display with a predetermined time difference from the variation start timing of the special symbol. At this time, as for the decorative symbol 41, the decorative symbol 41 (“234”) that has been fixedly stopped in the previous variation effect starts scrolling, and the small symbol 56 is the first digit string (“174” of the first digit string 56e1. (See FIG. 38 (B))), the display is started.

Further, in the start delay effect, not only the decorative symbol 41 and the small symbol 56, but also the variable image 51, the reserved image 52, and the reserved number display 55 are delayed with respect to the start timing of the variable display of the special symbol. ing.
On the display screen of the image display unit 114, at the timing of the start of fluctuation of the special symbol, the reserved image 52 is still displayed on the reserved pedestal 45 instead of the variable pedestal 43. This state is maintained until a predetermined time elapses from the start of the fluctuation of the special symbol. Then, the reserved image 52 is moved from the reserved pedestal 45 to the variable pedestal 43 at the timing when the variable display of the decorative symbol 41 and the small symbol 56 is started, and the display is changed as the variable image 51.

Then, in this example, the decorative symbol 41 and the small symbol 56 stop fluctuating at the timing when the special symbol stops fluctuating. That is, in the decorative symbol 41 and the small symbol 56, the timing of the fluctuation stop coincides with the timing of the fluctuation stop of the special symbol. In the illustrated example, the numbers of the decorative symbols 41 are aligned (“555”) for the right to be notified, and the result is a big hit.

As described above, in the start delay effect, although the player confirms that the special symbol has started to fluctuate, the game feels uncomfortable that the decorative symbol 41 and the small symbol 56 have not yet started to fluctuate. Will be remembered. As a result, in the delay effect at the start of the present embodiment, the player is expected to win the jackpot.
In particular, in the present embodiment, the variation effect of the small symbol 56 is simple unlike the decorative symbol 41, and is always performed in the same pattern. Therefore, the start of fluctuation of the small symbol 56 is easier for the player to confirm as compared with the decorative symbol 41. That is, it is easy for the player to notice that the timing of the start of fluctuation of the small symbol 56 is different from the timing of the start of fluctuation of the special symbol. Further, since the small symbol 56 always starts to change with the same combination of number strings (“174” in the present embodiment), the player can easily notice the start of the change of the small symbol 56.

FIG. 54 is an explanatory diagram of an effect example of a delay effect at the end of the present embodiment.
With reference to FIG. 54, the operation of the special symbol and the operation of the decorative symbol 41 and the small symbol 56 will be specifically described with respect to the end delay effect. The following operations relate to the rights established before the notification target and the rights to be notified, and will be described in this order.

As shown in FIG. 54, the variable display of the special symbol is started for the rights before the notification target. The player can confirm the start of fluctuation of the special symbol by starting the blinking of the LED of the first special symbol display 221 of the display 130. On the other hand, on the display screen of the image display unit 114, the decorative symbol 41 and the small symbol 56 for the rights prior to the notification target start the variable display in synchronization with the timing of the start of the variation of the special symbol.

After that, the special symbol stops changing for the rights before the notification target. The player can confirm that the special symbol has stopped fluctuating by displaying a predetermined lighting pattern on the LED of the first special symbol display 221 of the display 130. The display of the first special symbol display 221 in a predetermined lighting pattern continues for a certain period of time.
On the other hand, on the display screen of the image display unit 114, the decorative symbol 41 and the small symbol 56 for the rights prior to the notification target are in a state in which the variable display is continued even at the timing when the fluctuation of the special symbol is stopped. .. That is, the temporary stop display of the decorative symbol 41 is continuously performed even during the confirmation time of the special symbol.

Then, in the image display unit 114, the decorative symbol 41 and the small symbol 56 related to the right before the notification target fluctuate and stop with a predetermined time difference with respect to the timing of the fluctuation stop of the special symbol.
Further, in the image display unit 114, the variable image 51 displayed on the variable pedestal 43 is erased with a predetermined time difference with respect to the timing of stopping the fluctuation of the special symbol.

After that, as shown in FIG. 54, the next variation effect (notification target) of the variation effect in which the variation stop of the decorative symbol 41 and the small symbol 56 is delayed with respect to the timing of the variation stop of the special symbol is performed. The timing of the fluctuation start and fluctuation stop of the decorative symbol 41 and the small symbol 56 in this variation effect is synchronized with the timing of the fluctuation start and fluctuation stop of the special symbol. Then, in this example, finally, regarding the right to be notified, the numbers of the decorative symbols 41 are aligned (“222”), and it becomes a big hit.

As described above, in the delay effect at the end, although the player confirms that the special symbol has stopped fluctuating, the player feels uncomfortable that the decorative symbol 41 and the small symbol 56 have not yet stopped fluctuating. I will remember. As a result, in the end-time delay effect of the present embodiment, the player is expected to win the jackpot for the right of the notification target that starts to fluctuate next.

In particular, in the present embodiment, the fixed stop of the small symbol 56 is performed in such a manner that the first small symbol, the second small symbol, and the third small symbol are instantly stopped from the state in which the variation effect is performed. The fixed stop operation of the small symbol 56 does not include a state in which the small symbol 56 is temporarily stopped due to shaking or the like as in the decorative symbol 41. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the player can easily confirm the fixed stop by the small symbol 56.

As described above, in the delay effect of the present embodiment, by executing the delay effect at the start of fluctuation, the decorative symbol 41 (small symbol 56) is used for the time from the start to the stop display of the variation display of the special symbol. ) Is shortened from the actual start of fluctuation to the stop display. Further, in the delay effect of the present embodiment, by executing the delay effect at the end, the decorative symbol 41 (small symbol 56) actually changes with respect to the time from the start to the stop display of the variation display of the special symbol. The time from the start to the stop display becomes longer. As described above, in the pachinko gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment, the decorative symbol 41 (small symbol 56) actually starts to fluctuate with respect to the time from the start of the variable display of the special symbol to the stop display due to the delay effect. By making the time from when the game is stopped to when the game is stopped, the player feels uncomfortable, and the player is expected to win the jackpot.

In the delay effect of the present embodiment, the start delay effect and the end delay effect have been described separately, but both the start delay effect and the end delay effect are executed in the variable effect for one variation. It doesn't matter. When both effects are executed in the variation effect of the notification target, it is felt that the change start of the decorative symbol 41 and the small symbol 56 is delayed with respect to the variation start of the special symbol, and the decoration symbol 41 and the decoration symbol 41 and By making the small symbol 56 feel that the time from the temporary stop to the final stop is longer than usual, it is possible to expect a big hit. In addition, when both effects are executed in the change effect of the right before the notification target, the player feels uncomfortable at both the start and stop of the change of the decorative symbol 41 and the small symbol 56. Then, it is possible to expect a big hit for the notification target that starts to fluctuate.

Further, the delay effect may be continuously executed over a plurality of variable effects. For example, delay effects may be executed for the variation effect of the notification target and the variation effect before the notification target.

41 ... Decorative symbol, 56 ... Small symbol, 56e ... Number string, 100 ... Pachinko game machine, 114 ... Image display unit, 231 ... Random number acquisition unit, 233 ... Special symbol fluctuation control unit, 234 ... Special symbol determination unit, 300 ... Production control unit

Claims (1)

Acquisition means for acquiring game information when acquisition conditions are met,
Based on the acquired game information, a determination means for determining whether or not to perform a special game advantageous to the player, and
Image display means for displaying images and
The image display means includes a first symbol control means for varyingly displaying the first symbol based on the determination result of the determination means and then stopping and displaying the first symbol in a predetermined mode.
A second symbol control means in which the second symbol is variablely displayed based on the determination result of the determination means at a position different from the first symbol in the image display means and then stopped and displayed in a predetermined mode.
With
The first symbol can be displayed in either a first display mode or a second display mode simplified as compared with the first display mode, and the display mode of the second symbol is , A gaming machine that is the same as or similar to the first symbol displayed in the second display mode.