JP2021100517A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of improving amusement of games.SOLUTION: A Pachinko game machine is provided, including: a game area where game balls are to flow down; count means for counting predetermined game balls: and special presentation means for performing, at a predetermined timing, a special presentation corresponding to a counted number of the predetermined number of game balls that is counted by the count means. In this manner, it is possible to perform the special presentation corresponding to the counted number of the predetermined number of game balls at the predetermined timing. Thereby, an unprecedent new presentation effect can be given.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 15

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

Conventionally, as a gaming machine, a gaming machine that executes an RTC effect that performs a predetermined effect at a predetermined timing has been disclosed (Patent Documents 1 to 3).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2017-38970 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2017-23192 JP-A-2018-50930

However, in the above-mentioned conventional pachinko gaming machine, a predetermined effect is automatically performed at a predetermined timing regardless of the time during which the player is playing the game, so that the game is immediately started by the player. A predetermined production may be performed. As a result, it is conceivable that the player's interest in the predetermined production will gradually decrease. Therefore, the interest of the game may be lost.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine which has been created in order to solve the above-mentioned problems and can enhance the interest of gaming.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the gaming machine of the present invention responds to a gaming area in which a gaming ball flows down, a counting means for counting a predetermined gaming ball, and a counting number of a predetermined gaming ball counted by the counting means. It is equipped with a special production means for executing the special production at a predetermined timing.

According to this, a special effect corresponding to the count number of a predetermined game ball is executed at a predetermined timing, which is an unprecedented effect, so that the interest of the game can be enhanced.

It is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which enlarges and shows the indicators provided in the pachinko gaming machine shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the electric structure of the main control board and peripheral equipment provided in the pachinko gaming machine shown in FIG. 1 by a block. It is explanatory drawing which shows the electric structure of the sub-control board and the peripheral device provided in the pachinko gaming machine shown in FIG. 1 by a block. It is a flowchart of the main control processing on the main side executed by the game control microcomputer. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a main-side timer interrupt process executed by the game control microcomputer in the main-side main control process shown in FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a start port sensor detection process executed by the game control microcomputer in the main timer interrupt process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart of the out-ball count processing executed by the game control microcomputer in the main side timer interrupt processing shown in FIG. It is a flowchart of the timing processing which the game control microcomputer executes in the main side timer interrupt processing shown in FIG. It is a flowchart of the sub-side main control process executed by the production control microcomputer. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a 1 ms timer interrupt process executed by the effect control microcomputer in the sub-side main control process shown in FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a 10 ms timer interrupt process executed by the effect control microcomputer in the sub-side main control process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart of the reception command analysis processing which the production control microcomputer executes in the 10ms timer interrupt processing shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the special effect selection table. It is a figure which shows the state which a special effect is executed.

The gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, a pachinko gaming machine will be described as a gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. In the following description, when the direction of each part of the pachinko gaming machine is explained, the direction seen from the player who plays the game facing the pachinko gaming machine is used as a reference. Specifically, the left-right direction and the up-down direction of each part of the pachinko gaming machine are the left-right direction and the up-down direction as seen from the player. Further, the direction approaching the player is the front, and the direction away from the player is the rear.

[Main configuration of pachinko game machines]
As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko gaming machine 1 includes a gaming machine frame 16. The gaming machine frame 16 is composed of a front frame 18, an inner frame (not shown), and an outer frame (not shown) in this order from the front side. The front frame 18 includes a handle 4, a hit ball supply plate (also referred to as an upper plate) 24, a surplus ball saucer (also referred to as a lower plate) 25, an effect button 9, an effect lever 6, a speaker 8, and a left side lamp. It includes a 23a and a right side lamp 23b.

The handle 4 is provided at the lower right of the front frame 18, that is, at a position where a player who plays a game facing the pachinko gaming machine 1 can hold it with his right hand. The handle 4 includes a touch switch 92 (FIG. 3), a firing lever 4a, and a firing stop button 4b. The touch switch 92 outputs a signal indicating that the player has touched the handle 4, and is arranged at a portion touched by the right hand of the player holding the handle 4. The firing lever 4a is for adjusting the firing strength of the game ball, and is rotatably provided on the handle 4. The launch stop button 4b is for stopping the launch of the game ball when the game ball is being launched, and is provided at a position that can be operated by the thumb of the right hand holding the handle 4. The hit ball supply plate 24 is provided on the lower center side of the front frame 18. The hit ball supply plate 24 is for storing the game balls to be supplied to the launching device 90 (FIG. 3). The hit ball supply plate 24 stores the game balls paid out from the ball rental device 80 (FIG. 3) and the prize ball payout device 400 (FIG. 3). The surplus ball tray 25 is provided below the hit ball supply plate 24 in the front frame 18. The surplus ball tray 25 stores game balls that exceed the number that can be stored in the hit ball supply plate 24.

The effect button 9 is provided on a portion of the front frame 18 that covers the upper part of the hit ball supply plate 24. In other words, the effect button 9 is provided at a position in the front frame 18 where the player facing the pachinko gaming machine 1 can press and operate with his / her right or left hand. In the present embodiment, the effect button 9 is a push-on type button switch. The effect button 9 has a built-in effect button lamp 9c (FIG. 4) and an effect button vibration motor 9b (FIG. 4). The effect button lamp 9c lights up or blinks when the effect button 9 is pressed during the period when the effect button 9 is pressed. The surface of the effect button 9 is formed of a translucent material, and is devised so that the player can visually recognize the light emitted by the effect button lamp 9c. The effect button vibration motor 9b vibrates the effect button 9, and vibrates at a predetermined timing during a period in which the pressing operation of the effect button 9 is effective. In the present embodiment, the effect button lamp 9c is an LED.

The effect button 9 has a built-in elastic member (not shown) such as a spring for returning the pressed effect button 9 to the position before the pressing operation, and the effect button 9 releases the pressing operation state. Then, the restoring force of the elastic member returns to the state before the pressing operation. When the player presses the effect button 9 during the period in which the effect button 9 is pressed, a specific effect is performed. Hereinafter, a specific effect performed by the operation of the effect button 9 is referred to as a button effect.

An effect lever 6 is provided on the left side of the surplus ball tray 25 in the front frame 18, that is, on the lower left end side of the front frame 18. In other words, the effect lever 6 is provided in the front frame 18 at a position where the player facing the pachinko gaming machine 1 can operate it with his left hand. That is, the effect lever 6 is provided at a position in the front frame 18 where the player facing the pachinko gaming machine 1 can be operated with the left hand, and the effect button 9 is in the front frame 18 where the player is in the left hand. It is provided at a position where it can be pressed with the right hand while the effect lever 6 is being operated.

The effect lever 6 is formed in a rod shape that can be grasped by the left hand, and can be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise, as well as pushed backward. Further, the effect lever 6 is provided with an effect lever vibration motor 6d (FIG. 4). The effect lever vibration motor 6d vibrates the effect lever 6, and vibrates at a predetermined timing during a period in which the operation of the effect lever 6 is effective. When the player operates the effect lever 6 during the period in which the operation of the effect lever 6 is valid, a specific effect is performed. Hereinafter, a specific effect performed by the operation of the effect lever 6 is referred to as a lever effect.

Of the front frame 18, the left side lamp 23a is provided on the left side, and the right side lamp 23b is provided on the right side. The front frame 18 of the portion where the left side lamp 23a and the right side lamp 23b are provided has translucency, and a plurality of LEDs are arranged inside the translucent portion. Each LED can emit a plurality of colors, and lights or blinks according to the content of the effect, and further changes the emitted color. Speakers 8 are provided in the upper left and right corners of the front frame 18, respectively, and output sounds such as music, sound effects, and notification sounds according to the content of the production.

Further, the pachinko gaming machine 1 includes a gaming board 2, a glass plate 5, and an effect display device 7. The game board 2 is arranged at substantially the center of the game board 2, that is, at a position substantially facing the player's face. The effect display device 7 is arranged on the rear side of the game board 2, and its screen is exposed from substantially the center of the game board 2. The game board 2 includes a fixed winning device 10, a first large winning device 30, a second large winning device 33, a gate 12, a normal variable winning device (also referred to as an electric chew) 20, a general winning opening 13. The display device 50, the center decoration body 14, and the rail member 17 are provided.

On the board surface of the game board 2, a game area 3 in which the game ball flows down (rolls) is formed. The game area 3 has a left game area 3a formed on the left side of the screen of the effect display device 7 and a right game area 3b formed on the right side of the screen of the effect display device 7. A plurality of game nails (not shown) for changing the flow direction of the game ball are driven into the board surface of the game board 2. The front surface of the game board 2 is covered with a transparent glass plate 5.

Further, although not shown in FIG. 1, LEDs are provided at a plurality of locations on the game board 2. Each of these LEDs is collectively referred to as a panel lamp (indicated by reference numeral 2a in FIG. 4). Each LED constituting the board lamp 2a can emit a plurality of colors, lights or blinks according to the content of the effect, and further changes the emitted color. That is, the pachinko gaming machine 1 lights or blinks the left side lamp 23a, the right side lamp 23b, and the board lamp 2a according to the content of the effect during the game control, and outputs sound from each speaker 8.

The fixed winning device 10 is arranged at substantially the center of the lower side of the game board 2. The fixed winning device 10 has a first starting port 11 capable of winning (winning) one game ball at a time. The first starting port 11 is always open, and the probability that the game ball wins the first starting port 11 does not change substantially. The gate 12 is arranged in the right game area 3b, and is configured so that a game ball flowing down the right game area 3b can pass through. The gate 12 is arranged above the first prize-winning device 30 and the second prize-winning device 33, which will be described later.

The ordinary variable winning device 20 is arranged below the gate 12 in the right game area 3b. The ordinary variable winning device 20 includes a movable member (electric tulip) 21.
The movable member 21 is configured to be rotatable with the base end as a rotation axis, and the second starting port 22 is opened and closed by the movable member 21 opening and closing operation. When the movable member 21 is opened, the second starting port 22 is opened, and one game ball is easily won (winning) in the second starting port 22. Further, when the movable member 21 is closed, the second starting port 22 is closed, and the game ball cannot win a prize in the second starting port 22.
In the example shown in FIG. 1, the variable winning device 20 is usually arranged on the right side of the game area 3, but may be arranged on the lower side of the game area 3.

The first big prize device 30 is arranged on the right side of the fixed prize device 10 in the game board 2, and the second big prize device 33 is arranged on the upper side of the first big prize device 30. The first big winning device 30 and the second big winning device 33 are arranged below the gate 12 and the ordinary variable winning device 20 in the right game area 3b.

Further, the first prize-winning device 30 includes a first opening / closing member 31 that opens / closes the first prize opening 32, and the second prize-winning device 33 has a second opening / closing member that opens / closes the second prize opening 35. 34 is provided. The first large winning opening 32 and the second large winning opening 35 are each formed to a size capable of winning (winning) a plurality of game balls at the same time. In the present embodiment, the first opening / closing member 31 and the second opening / closing member 34 are each formed in a long plate shape in the left-right direction, and are configured to be rotatable with the left and right lower ends as rotation axes. Hereinafter, when the matters common to the first large winning opening 32 and the second large winning opening 35 are explained, they are simply referred to as the large winning opening. The large winning opening, the second starting opening 22, and the general winning opening 13 are examples of the entry openings of the present invention.

Inside the second prize-winning device 33, there are a specific area (also referred to as a V-winning area, not shown) and a non-specific area (not shown), which are areas through which the game ball winning the second prize-winning opening 35 can pass. ) Is formed. Further, inside the second special winning device 33, a distribution member (not shown) for distributing the game ball winning in the second large winning opening 35 to a specific area or a non-specific area, and the distribution member are driven. A distribution member solenoid 35d (FIG. 3) is provided.

The indicators 50 are provided outside the game area 3 of the game board 2 and below the first grand prize device 30. As shown in FIG. 2, the indicators 50 include a first special symbol display 51 that variablely displays the first special symbol (also referred to as a first special symbol) and a second special symbol (also referred to as a second special symbol). A second special symbol display 52 for variably displaying a normal symbol and a normal symbol display 53 for variably displaying a normal symbol (also referred to as a normal symbol) are provided. Further, the indicators 50 display the number of stored operations of the first special symbol display 51a and the second special symbol display 52, which display the number of stored operations of the first special symbol display 51. A second special figure hold indicator 52a and a normal figure hold indicator 53a for displaying the number of stored operation hold of the normal symbol indicator 53 are provided. Hereinafter, when the matters common to the first special symbol and the second special symbol are explained, they are simply referred to as special symbols. Further, when the matters common to the first special symbol display 51 and the second special symbol display 52 are explained, it is simply referred to as a special symbol display. The special symbol is an example of the identification symbol of the present invention. The special symbol display is an example of the identification symbol display means of the present invention.

In the present embodiment, the first special symbol display 51 and the second special symbol display 52 are each composed of eight LEDs. The lit LED (□) and the extinguished LED (■) each represent a special symbol, and the state in which the LED lit portion flows in a predetermined direction (for example, from left to right) represents a variation display of the special symbol. Hereinafter, the fluctuation pattern of the special symbol from the start of the fluctuation display of the special symbol to the final display of the special symbol is referred to as a special symbol fluctuation pattern.

Further, in the present embodiment, the ordinary symbol display 53 is composed of two LEDs. The lit LED (□) and the extinguished LED (■) represent a normal symbol, and the state in which each LED is lit alternately represents a variable display of the normal symbol. Further, when the game ball passes through the gate 12, a lottery for determining whether or not the ball is a hit is executed, and the normal symbol display 53 fluctuates and displays the normal symbol. Then, the normal symbol display 53 confirms and displays the normal symbol corresponding to the lottery result after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the variable display of the normal symbol. When the normal symbol confirmed and displayed by the normal symbol display 53 is a normal symbol indicating a hit, the normal variable winning device 20 operates to open and close the movable member 21, and the second starting port 22 opens or closes. ..

When the game ball passes through the gate 12 while the normal symbol display 53 is displaying the normal symbol in a variable manner, the operation of the normal symbol display 53 due to the passage is temporarily suspended (operation suspended). The storage number indicating the number of operation hold is displayed by the normal figure hold indicator 53a. The reserved variable display of the normal symbol is performed after the current variable display of the normal symbol is completed. Hereinafter, the number of stored operation hold of the normal symbol display 53 is referred to as the normal symbol hold number.

When the game ball wins the first starting port 11, a jackpot determination (also referred to as a jackpot lottery) for determining whether or not it is a jackpot is executed, and the first special symbol display 51 fluctuates and displays the first special symbol. Then, the first special symbol display 51 confirms and displays the first special symbol corresponding to the result of the jackpot determination after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the variable display of the first special symbol. Here, if the first special symbol that is confirmed and displayed is a special symbol indicating a jackpot, a jackpot occurs, the first prize winning device 30 operates, the first opening / closing member 31 opens / closes, and the first The big winning opening 32 opens and closes. When the game ball wins the first starting port 11 while the first special symbol display 51 is displaying the first special symbol in a variable manner, the operation of the first special symbol display 51 triggered by the winning is activated. The number of stored items that are held and indicate the number of operation holds is displayed by the first special figure hold indicator 51a. Hereinafter, the number of stored operation hold of the first special symbol display 51 is referred to as the first special symbol hold number.

Further, when the game ball wins the second starting port 22, a jackpot determination (also referred to as a jackpot lottery) is executed, and the second special symbol display 52 variablely displays the second special symbol. Then, the second special symbol display 52 confirmably displays the second special symbol corresponding to the result of the jackpot determination after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the variable display of the second special symbol. Here, if the second special symbol that is confirmed and displayed is a special symbol indicating a jackpot, a jackpot occurs, the second prize winning device 33 operates, the second opening / closing member 34 opens / closes, and the second The big winning opening 35 opens and closes. When the game ball wins the second starting port 22 while the second special symbol display 52 is displaying the second special symbol in a variable manner, the operation of the second special symbol display 52 triggered by the winning is activated. The second special figure hold indicator 52a displays the number of stored items that are held and indicate the number of operation holds. Hereinafter, the number of stored operation hold of the second special symbol display 52 is referred to as the second special symbol hold number. In addition, when explaining matters common to the first special figure reservation number and the second special figure reservation number, it is simply referred to as the special figure reservation number.

Hereinafter, the period from when the special symbol display starts the variable display of the special symbol to the final display of the special symbol is referred to as one fluctuation of the special symbol. Further, each time the special symbol is changed once, the number of reserved special symbols decreases by one, which is called digestion of the number of reserved special symbols. In addition, the period required from the opening of the large winning opening to the closing is called the opening period of the large winning opening, and the period from the opening of the large winning opening to the opening of the next opening is called a round. The game from the start of the first round to the end of the final round is called a jackpot game. If the jackpot is determined to be a jackpot, the type of jackpot is determined by lottery. Depending on the type of jackpot, the opening and closing of the big winning opening (one or both of the first big winning opening 32 and the second big winning opening 35), the opening period of the big winning opening, the maximum number of rounds that can be performed, and the like are different.

The pachinko gaming machine 1 has a normal probability (hereinafter referred to as a normal probability) and a probability higher than the normal probability (hereinafter referred to as a high probability) as the probability of being determined as a big hit in the jackpot determination (hereinafter referred to as a jackpot probability). And are set. Hereinafter, the gaming state in which the jackpot probability is set to the normal probability is referred to as a normal probability state, and the gaming state in which the jackpot probability is set to a high probability is referred to as a high probability state. In the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment described below, when the game ball that has won the second big winning opening 35 during the big hit game passes through the above-mentioned specific area (V winning), the big hit game is completed. The later gaming state shifts to the high probability state. That is, the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment is a so-called V-certain machine.

The general winning opening 13 is arranged on the left side of the fixed winning device 10 in the game board 2. The rail member 17 is arranged along the periphery of the game board 2. The rail member 17 guides the game ball launched by the launching device 90 (FIG. 3) to the game area 3. An out port 19 for discharging a game ball that has not won a prize anywhere is opened in the lower center of the game board 2.

The center decoration body 14 is arranged at the upper part of the game board 2. The center decorative body 14 has a translucent property, and a plurality of LEDs that light up and blink according to the content of the effect are provided inside the center decorative body 14.
Further, the pachinko gaming machine 1 includes a movable body 15. The movable body 15 is arranged behind the center decorative body 14. FIG. 1 shows a state in which the movable body 15 is substantially hidden by the center decorative body 14. The movable body 15 descends downward at a predetermined timing according to the content of the effect, and is displaced so as to be visible to the player. The out port 19 is an example of the discharge means of the present invention.

The effect display device 7 displays moving images such as effect images, message images, and demonstration images, and still images. The player plays the game while viewing those images from the front of the pachinko gaming machine 1.
Further, the effect display device 7 displays the effect (decoration) symbol as the effect image in a variable manner in synchronization with the variable display of the special symbol. In the present embodiment, the effect symbol is a symbol representing arithmetic numbers 1 to 9. In addition, the effect symbol may include a symbol representing a non-numeric character such as an alphabet or a special character, or may be combined with a symbol representing a non-numeric character. In the present embodiment, the left effect symbol display area, the middle effect symbol display area, and the right effect symbol display area are set in order from the left as the area in which the effect display device 7 variablely displays the effect symbol. The left effect symbol 9L is displayed in the left effect symbol display area, the middle effect symbol 9C is displayed in the middle effect symbol display area, and the right effect symbol 9R is displayed in the right effect symbol display area. Hereinafter, when items common to the left effect symbol display area, the middle effect symbol display area, and the right effect symbol display area are described, they are simply referred to as the effect symbol display area.

In the present embodiment, the main variation pattern (variation mode) of each effect symbol is a variation pattern that moves from the top to the bottom of the screen so that the numbers represented by the effect symbols are in ascending order, that is, a variation pattern that scrolls in the vertical direction. Is. As the variation pattern, a side-scrolling method in which the effect symbols move from one of the left and right sides of the screen to the other, a method in which the effect symbols are displayed in ascending order of numbers at the same display position, and the like can also be used.

Further, the effect display device 7 displays a background image as an effect image on the background of each effect symbol. For example, the background image is a moving image of a TV drama or a movie, a moving image obtained by animating the moving image, an animation, or a moving image original to a pachinko machine maker. In the present embodiment, the effect display device 7 is a liquid crystal display device. As the effect display device 7, an organic EL display device, a display device using a dot matrix LED, or the like can also be used.

The effect display device 7 displays each effect symbol in a variable manner in synchronization with the variable display of the special symbol, and at the same time the special symbol is confirmed and displayed, each effect symbol is confirmed and displayed, and the jackpot determination result is displayed. Here, the final display is a stop display state in which the effect symbol is completely stopped without shaking up and down or re-changing.

Hereinafter, the effect symbol indicating that the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot is referred to as a jackpot effect symbol, and the effect symbol indicating that the result of the jackpot determination is a loss is referred to as a loss effect symbol. In the present embodiment, the jackpot effect symbol is a state in which each effect symbol is aligned with the effect symbols representing the same number, that is, a so-called doublet state. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the left effect symbol 9L, the middle effect symbol 9C, and the right effect symbol 9R, which are confirmed and displayed, are aligned with "7", respectively. Further, the lost effect symbol is a symbol in a state in which each effect symbol represents the same number and is not aligned, that is, a state in which the numbers are not doublet. For example, the confirmed display of the left effect symbol 9L is "7", the middle effect symbol 9C is "6", and the right effect symbol 9R is "7".
Hereinafter, the effect symbol that the effect display device 7 fluctuates and displays in synchronization with the special symbol is referred to as an effect symbol variation pattern, and the image displayed in the background of the effect symbol variation pattern is referred to as a background image. The background image is a still image or a moving image.

The effect symbol variation pattern is variablely displayed in synchronization with the variation display of the special symbol variation pattern, and when the operation suspension of the special symbol display occurs, the operation of the effect display device 7 for the effect symbol is also suspended. That is, the number of operation hold of the special symbol display and the number of operation hold of the effect display device 7 for the effect symbol match. The number of operation hold of the effect display device 7 corresponding to the first special figure hold number and the operation hold number of the effect display device 7 corresponding to the second special figure hold number are displayed on the effect display device 7 by the hold image. To. Therefore, the player can know the number of the first special figure hold and the number of the second special figure hold by counting the number of the hold images displayed on the effect display device 7, and can know the number of the first special figure hold and the number of the first special figure hold. It is possible to know the number of operation suspensions of the effect display device 7 due to the second special figure reservation number. The number of pending operations of the effect display device 7 with respect to the effect symbol may be notified to the player by using a lamp or the like around the effect display device 7 without displaying it on the effect display device 7.

Further, in the pachinko gaming machine 1, in addition to notifying the result of the jackpot determination by the above-mentioned effect symbol, the background image displayed on the effect display device 7, the sound output from the speaker 8, the lighting of the board lamp 2a, and the accessory. The result of the jackpot determination is notified by using the operation and the like in combination. Specifically, various effects such as advance notice effect and reach effect are applicable.

[Main electrical components of pachinko machines]
Next, the main electrical configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.
The pachinko gaming machine 1 includes a main control board 60 (FIG. 3), a payout control board 73 (FIG. 3), a sub control board 100 (FIG. 4), an image control board 200 (FIG. 4), and a lamp control board 79. (FIG. 4) and a voice control board 78 (FIG. 4) are provided.

As shown in FIG. 3, a game control one-chip microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as a game control microcomputer) 61 is mounted on the main control board 60. The game control microcomputer 61 includes a CPU 62, a ROM 63, a RAM 64, and an input / output circuit 65. The CPU 62 executes winning prize detection, jackpot determination, update of random numbers for each type, and the like. The ROM 63 stores various tables such as a computer program executed by the CPU 62, a jackpot determination table Ta1, a jackpot type determination table Ta2, a reach determination table Ta3, a special figure variation pattern selection table Ta4, and a normal hit determination table Ta5. ing. The game control microcomputer 61 generates random numbers used in various determinations (lottery) such as jackpot random numbers, jackpot type random numbers, reach random numbers, fluctuation pattern random numbers, and ordinary hit random numbers. The ordinary hit random number is a random number used in the lottery of ordinary symbols.

The RAM 64 is used as a work memory or the like when the CPU 62 executes a computer program. Further, the RAM 64 is provided with a first special figure reservation storage unit 64a, a second special figure reservation storage unit 64b, a normal figure reservation storage unit 64c, and a count number storage unit 64d. The first special figure reservation storage unit 64a includes first to fourth storage areas. That is, the maximum number of first special figure reservations that can be stored is four. In each storage area, a jackpot random number, a jackpot type random number, a reach random number, and a fluctuation pattern random number acquired by the game control microcomputer 61 due to the game ball winning a prize in the first starting port 11 (FIG. 1) are stored. To. When the game ball wins the first starting port 11 (FIG. 1) while the first special symbol display 51 (FIG. 2) is displaying the first special symbol in a variable manner, the first special due to the winning. The variable display of the symbol is temporarily suspended (operation suspended), and the jackpot random number or the like acquired due to the winning is stored in the first special symbol reserved storage unit 64a.

On the other hand, the second special figure reservation storage unit 64b includes the first to fourth storage areas. That is, the maximum number of second special figure reservations that can be stored is four. In each storage area, a jackpot random number, a jackpot type random number, a reach random number, and a fluctuation pattern random number acquired by the game control microcomputer 61 due to the game ball winning a prize in the second starting port 22 (FIG. 1) are stored. To. When the game ball wins the second starting port 22 (FIG. 1) while the second special symbol display 52 (FIG. 2) is displaying the second special symbol in a variable manner, the second special due to the winning. The variable display of the symbol is temporarily suspended (operation suspended), and the jackpot random number or the like acquired due to the winning is stored in the second special symbol reserved storage unit 64b.

The jackpot random numbers and the like are stored in order from the first storage areas of the first special figure reservation storage unit 64a and the second special figure reservation storage unit 64b in the order of occurrence of the operation hold, that is, the acquisition order by the game control microcomputer 61. Therefore, when the jackpot random number or the like is stored in the first to fourth storage areas, the jackpot random number or the like stored in the fourth storage area is the newest information in time and is stored in the first storage area. The jackpot random numbers that are given are the oldest information in terms of time. The jackpot random numbers and the like stored in each storage area are shifted one by one to the older storage area in the order of storage each time the variable display of the special symbol ends once. For example, the jackpot random number stored in the second storage area shifts to the first storage area. Further, the determination (lottery) based on the jackpot random number stored in the first storage area is executed before the variation display of the special symbol by the special symbol display ends and the next variation display starts.

The normal figure reservation storage unit 64c stores a normal hit random number acquired by the game control microcomputer 61 due to the game ball passing through the gate 12 (FIG. 1). As described above, the operation of the normal symbol display 53 due to the game ball passing through the gate 12 when the normal symbol is displayed in a variable manner is temporarily suspended (operation suspended), and is acquired due to the passage. The generated normal hit random number is stored in the normal figure reservation storage unit 64c. In the present embodiment, the normal figure reservation storage unit 64c has a total of four storage areas for holding. The maximum number of stored operation hold of the normal symbol display 53 is four.

The count number storage unit 64d stores the count number counted in the out-ball counting process described later. The count number storage unit 64d has a storage area capable of storing a plurality of count numbers.

Further, the RAM clear switch 66 is mounted on the main control board 60. When the pachinko gaming machine 1 is started with the RAM clear switch 66 pressed, the RAM 64 and the RAM 120 (FIG. 4) of the sub-control board 100 are initialized. Further, the indicators 50 are electrically connected to the main control board 60. Further, the main control board 60 has a first start port sensor 11a, a second start port sensor 22a, a gate sensor 12a, a first special winning opening sensor 32a, and a second large winning opening via a relay board 74. Sensor 35a, specific area sensor 35b, non-specific area sensor 35c, general winning opening sensor 13a, out opening sensor 19a, electric chew solenoid 20a, first big winning opening solenoid 30a, second big winning opening The solenoid 33a and the distribution member solenoid 35d are electrically connected.

The first start port sensor 11a is provided directly below the first start port 11 (FIG. 1), and outputs a signal indicating that the game ball has won the first start port 11 to the main control board 60. The second starting port sensor 22a is provided directly below the second starting port 22 (FIG. 1), and outputs a signal indicating that the game ball has won the second starting port 22 to the main control board 60. The gate sensor 12a is provided in the passage region of the game ball in the gate 12 (FIG. 1), and outputs a signal indicating that the game ball has passed through the gate 12 to the main control board 60. The first large winning opening sensor 32a is provided directly below the first large winning opening 32 (FIG. 1), and outputs a signal indicating that the game ball has won the first large winning opening 32 to the main control board 60. To do.

The second large winning opening sensor 35a is provided directly below the second large winning opening 35 (FIG. 1), and outputs a signal indicating that the game ball has won the second large winning opening 35 to the main control board 60. To do. The specific area sensor 35b is provided in a specific area inside the second large winning opening 35 (FIG. 1), and outputs a signal indicating that the game ball has passed through the specific area to the main control board 60. The non-specific area sensor 35c is provided in the non-specific area inside the second large winning opening 35 (FIG. 1), and outputs a signal indicating that the game ball has passed through the non-specific area to the main control board 60. .. The general winning opening sensor 13a is provided directly below the general winning opening 13 (FIG. 1), and outputs a signal indicating that the game ball has won the general winning opening 13 to the main control board 60. The out port sensor 19a is provided directly below the out port 19, and outputs a signal indicating that the game ball has passed through the out port 19 and is discharged from the game board 2 to the main control board 60.

The electric chew solenoid 20a normally opens and closes and drives the movable member 21 (FIG. 1) of the variable winning device 20. The first grand prize opening solenoid 30a opens and closes and drives the first opening / closing member 31 (FIG. 1) of the first winning device 30. The second special winning opening solenoid 33a opens and closes and drives the second opening and closing member 34 (FIG. 1) of the second big winning device 33. The distribution member solenoid 35d drives a distribution member provided inside the second special winning device 33.

Further, the ball lending device 80, the card unit 76, and the prize ball payout device 400 are electrically connected to the main control board 60 via the payout control board 73. The card unit 76 is provided adjacent to the pachinko gaming machine 1, and reads or writes the balance on the prepaid card.

The ball lending device 80 includes a ball lending motor 81 and a ball lending sensor 82. The ball lending motor 81 drives a member for paying out the game ball as a lending ball, and the ball lending sensor 82 sends a signal indicating that the game ball has been paid out by the member through the payout control board 73 to the main control board. Output to 60. The game control microcomputer 61 counts the number of balls rented by the ball renting device 80 based on the signal output from the payout control board 73. When the ball lending button (not shown) is operated when the balance equal to or greater than the minimum balance that can be paid out is recorded on the prepaid card inserted in the card unit 76, the ball lending device 80 is activated and The minimum number of rental balls is paid out to the hit ball supply plate 24.

The prize ball payout device 400 includes a prize ball motor 401 and a prize ball sensor 402. The prize ball motor 401 drives a member that pays out the game ball as the prize ball, and the prize ball sensor 402 sends a signal indicating that the game ball has been paid out by the member through the main control board 73 via the payout control board 73. Output to 60. The game control microcomputer 61 counts the number of prize balls paid out by the prize ball payout device 400 based on the signal output from the payout control board 73.

Further, the launching device 90 is electrically connected to the main control board 60 via the launch control circuit 75. The launch device 90 includes a launch motor 91, a touch switch 92, and a launch volume 93. The launch motor 91 drives a striking mallet (not shown) that strikes and launches a game ball. The touch switch 92 outputs a signal indicating that the player has touched the handle 4. The firing volume 93 adjusts the strength with which the hitting mallet hits the game ball according to the amount of rotation of the firing lever 4a (FIG. 1).

Further, the pachinko gaming machine 1 includes a power supply board 70. The power supply board 70 supplies electric power to the main control board 60 and the payout control board 73. Further, the power supply board 70 supplies electric power to each device electrically connected to the payout control board 73 via the payout control board 73. Further, the power supply board 70 supplies electric power from the main control board 60 to each sensor and solenoid electrically connected to the relay board 74 via the relay board 74. Further, the power supply board 70 supplies electric power to the indicators 50 electrically connected to the main control board 60 via the main control board 60.

The power supply board 70 is provided with a backup power supply circuit 71. The backup power supply circuit 71 supplies power necessary for holding information to the RAM 64 and the like of the main control board 60 when power is not supplied to the pachinko gaming machine 1 from the outside. A power switch 72 for turning on / off the main power supply for supplying electric power to the power supply board 70 is electrically connected to the power supply board 70.

The main control board 60 transmits various commands to the sub control board 100 (FIG. 4). The main control board 60 can transmit commands to the sub control board 100, but the sub control board 100 cannot transmit commands to the main control board 60. That is, the communication between the main control board 60 and the sub control board 100 is a unidirectional communication that can only be transmitted from the main control board 60 to the sub control board 100.

As shown in FIG. 4, a one-chip microcomputer for effect control (hereinafter referred to as an effect control microcomputer) 101 is mounted on the sub control board 100. The effect control microcomputer 101 includes a CPU 102, a ROM 110, a RAM 120, and an input / output circuit 103. The CPU 102 controls the effect as the game is played. In addition to the computer program for the CPU 102 to control the effect, the ROM 110 stores a special effect selection table Ta6 and a special figure effect selection table Ta7. The RAM 120 is used as a work memory when the CPU 102 executes a computer program. Further, the RAM 120 is provided with a first special figure holding effect storage unit 121, a second special figure holding effect storage unit 122, and the variable effect storage unit 123.

The first special figure reservation effect storage unit 121 has four storage areas including the first to fourth storage areas, and each storage area stores the first start winning command and the like output from the main control board 60. .. The first start winning command is a command including a jackpot random number, a jackpot type random number, a variation pattern random number, and a reach random number acquired by the game control microcomputer 61 when the game ball wins a prize in the first starting port 11.

On the other hand, the second special figure reservation effect storage unit 122 has four storage areas composed of the first to fourth storage areas, and each storage area issues a second start winning command or the like output from the main control board 60. Remember. The second start winning command is a command including a jackpot random number, a jackpot type random number, a variation pattern random number, and a reach random number acquired by the game control microcomputer 61 when the game ball wins a prize in the second starting port 22. The variation effect storage unit 123 stores a first start winning command, a second start winning command, and the like used for the variation of the variation effect pattern. The input / output circuit 103 transmits or receives data to and from each board connected to the sub-control board 100.

The image control board 200 is electrically connected to the sub control board 100. The image control board 200 includes an image control CPU 202, a VDP201 (Video Display Processor), a control ROM 203, a control RAM 204, a CGROM (Character Generator Read Only Memory) 205, and a VRAM (Video Random Access Memory) 206. And are implemented.

The image control CPU 202 controls the effect display device 7 to display an effect image such as a variable effect pattern, a button effect image, a lever effect image, and a preview image. The control ROM 203 stores a computer program for the image control CPU 202 to control the effect display device 7. The control RAM 204 is used as a work memory when the image control CPU 202 executes a computer program. The CGROM 205 stores image data for the effect display device 7 to display the effect image. The VDP 201 reads the image data from the CGROM 205 according to the display list created by the image control CPU 202, and expands the read image data into the expansion area in the VRAM 206. Then, the VDP 201 synthesizes the image data developed in the VRAM 206, and stores the synthesized image data in the frame buffer in the VRAM 206. Then, the VDP 201 converts the image data stored in the frame buffer in the VRAM 206 into an RGB signal and outputs the image data to the effect display device 7. As a result, the effect display device 7 displays the effect image.

The left side lamp 23a, the right side lamp 23b, and the panel lamp 2a are electrically connected to the sub control board 100 via the lamp control board 79. The effect control microcomputer 101 creates light emission pattern data that determines the light emission mode of each lamp using the data stored in the ROM 110, and transmits the light emission pattern data to the lamp control board 79. Then, the lamp control board 79 controls the light emission of each lamp according to the received light emission pattern data.

The movable body 15 is electrically connected to the lamp control board 79 via the relay board 77. A device (not shown) for operating the movable body 15 is connected to the movable body 15, and a movable body motor (not shown) for driving the device is connected to the device. .. The effect control microcomputer 101 creates operation pattern data for determining the operation pattern of the movable body 15 using the data stored in the ROM 110, and transmits the operation pattern data to the lamp control board 79. Then, the lamp control board 79 that has received the operation pattern data drives the movable body motor via the relay board 77 according to the operation pattern, and controls the operation of the movable body 15.

Each speaker 8 is electrically connected to the sub control board 100 via the voice control board 78. The voice control board 78 is equipped with a voice control CPU (not shown), a voice data ROM (not shown), a voice synthesis circuit (not shown), and an amplifier (not shown). .. The voice data ROM stores voice data for each speaker 8 to output sounds such as music and sound effects. The voice control CPU reads voice data from the voice data ROM based on the command received from the sub control board 100, and outputs the read voice data to the voice synthesis circuit. The voice synthesis circuit synthesizes the input voice data, converts the synthesized voice data into an analog voice signal, and outputs the synthesized voice data to the amplifier. The amplifier amplifies the input audio signal and outputs it to each speaker 8. Then, each speaker 8 outputs the sound indicated by the input audio signal.

Further, the effect button detection switch 9a, the effect lever push detection switch 6 g, the effect lever rotation detection switch 6h, the effect button vibration motor 9b, and the effect lever vibration motor 6d are electrically connected to the sub control board 100. Has been done. The effect button detection switch 9a outputs a signal indicating that the effect button 9 has been pressed to the sub-control board 100, and the effect control microcomputer 101 produces a button effect based on the signal input from the effect button detection switch 9a. To execute. The effect lever push detection switch 6g outputs a signal indicating that the effect lever 6 has been pushed into the sub-control board 100, and the effect control microcomputer 101 is based on the signal input from the effect lever push detection switch 6g. The lever effect performed when the effect lever 6 is pushed in is executed. The effect lever rotation detection switch 6h outputs a signal indicating that the effect lever 6 has been rotated to the sub-control board 100, and the effect control microcomputer 101 is based on the signal input from the effect lever rotation detection switch 6h. The lever effect performed when the effect lever 6 is rotated is executed.

The effect button vibration motor 9b is a member that vibrates the effect button 9, and is housed inside the effect button 9. The effect lever vibration motor 6d is a member that vibrates the effect lever 6, and is provided at a portion in contact with the effect lever 6 or inside the effect lever 6. The ROM 110 stores operation pattern data that determines the operation pattern of the effect button vibration motor 9b and operation pattern data that determines the operation pattern of the effect lever vibration motor 6d. The effect control microcomputer 101 reads the operation pattern data from the ROM 110 when the effect timing for vibrating the effect button 9 is reached, and drives and controls the effect button vibration motor 9b based on the read operation pattern data. Further, the effect control microcomputer 101 reads the operation pattern data from the ROM 110 when the effect timing for vibrating the effect lever 6 is reached, and drives and controls the effect lever vibration motor 6d based on the read operation pattern data.

[Explanation of game status]
Next, the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described. The special symbol display and the normal symbol display 53 of the pachinko gaming machine 1 are provided with a probability variation function and a variation time reduction function, respectively. The state in which the probability fluctuation function of the special symbol display is operating is called a "high probability state", and the state in which it is not operating is called a "normal probability state (non-high probability state)". In the high probability state, the jackpot probability is higher than in the normal probability state.
Further, the state in which the fluctuation time shortening function of the special symbol display is operating is called a "time saving state", and the state in which it is not operating is called a "non-time saving state". In the time saving state, the fluctuation time of the special symbol (the time required from the start of the fluctuation display to the final display) is shorter than that in the non-time saving state.

The probability fluctuation function and the fluctuation time shortening function of the special symbol display may be operated at the same time, or only one of them may be operated. Then, the probability fluctuation function and the fluctuation time shortening function of the normal symbol display 53 operate in synchronization with the fluctuation time shortening function of the special symbol display. That is, the probability fluctuation function and the fluctuation time shortening function of the normal symbol display 53 operate in the time saving state and do not operate in the non-time saving state. Therefore, in the time-saving state, the probability of being judged as a hit in the lottery of ordinary symbols is higher than in the non-time-saving state. That is, when the probability fluctuation function of the normal symbol display 53 is activated, the normal symbol that the normal symbol display 53 confirms and displays is determined to be a winning symbol (in the lottery of the normal symbol, it is determined to be a hit) as compared with the case where it is not activated. The probability of becoming a normal symbol indicating that it has been done) increases.

Further, in the time saving state, the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is shorter than in the non-time saving state. Further, in the time saving state, the opening time of the normally variable winning device 20 is longer than in the non-time saving state. That is, the opening time extension function of the normally variable winning device 20 is operating. In addition, in the time saving state, the number of times the normal variable winning device 20 is opened in the auxiliary game is larger than in the non-time saving state. That is, the function of increasing the number of times of opening of the normally variable winning device 20 is operating. The auxiliary game is a game in which the second starting port 22 is opened and closed in an opening pattern according to the current game state when the definitely displayed normal symbol is a predetermined specific ordinary symbol.

When the probability fluctuation function and the fluctuation time shortening function of the normal symbol display 53 and the opening time extension function and the opening number of times increasing function of the normal variable winning device 20 are operating, these functions are not operating. In comparison with the above, the normally variable winning device 20 is opened frequently, and the game ball frequently wins the second starting port 22. As a result, the ratio of the number of prize balls to the number of shot balls becomes high, so that the player can aim for a big hit without significantly reducing the number of game balls on hand. In this way, under the condition that the probability fluctuation function and the fluctuation time shortening function of the normal symbol display 53 and the opening time extension function and the opening number of times increasing function of the normal variable winning device 20 are operating, the normal variable winning is performed. The control that supports the winning of the second starting port 22 by the device 20 is called electric support control.

In the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the game ball passes through a specific area (V winning area) inside the second big winning opening 35 (FIG. 1) during the big hit game after winning the special big hit described later. , The game state after the jackpot game is completed is a high probability state and a time saving state while the electric support control is performed. This game state ends when the variable display of the special symbol is executed a predetermined number of times, or when the jackpot is won and the jackpot game is executed.

In addition, even if the special jackpot is won, if the game ball does not pass through the specific area (V winning area) inside the second jackpot 35 (FIG. 1) during the jackpot game, or if the normal jackpot is won. In the game state after the jackpot game is completed, the electric support control is performed and the normal probability state and the time saving state are set. This game state ends when the variable display of the special symbol is executed a predetermined number of times, or when the jackpot is won and the jackpot game is executed.
When playing the pachinko gaming machine 1 for the first time, the gaming state after the power is turned on is a normal probability state and a non-time saving state without performing electric support control.

[Big hit judgment table]
The jackpot determination table Ta1 is a table that the game control microcomputer 61 (FIG. 3) refers to when executing a jackpot determination as to whether or not it is a jackpot. The jackpot determination table Ta1 is configured by associating a gaming state (normal probability state and high probability state) with a jackpot random number. The jackpot random number is a random number selected from the jackpot random numbers generated by the jackpot random number counter. The computer program for operating the jackpot random number counter is stored in the ROM 63, and when the CPU 62 executes the computer program, the jackpot random number counter operates and a jackpot random number is generated. The jackpot random number counter may use a random number generation circuit such as a counter IC. Based on the jackpot determination table Ta1, it is determined whether the jackpot is a jackpot or a loss that is not a jackpot from the jackpot random numbers and the game state counted by the jackpot counter.

[Big hit type judgment table]
The jackpot type determination table Ta2 is a table that the game control microcomputer 61 (FIG. 3) refers to when executing the jackpot type determination when it is determined to be a jackpot. The jackpot type determination table Ta2 is configured by associating the type of lottery (whether the lottery of special figure 1 or the lottery of special figure 2) with the random number of the jackpot type. The jackpot type random number is a random number selected from the jackpot type random numbers generated by the jackpot type random number counter. The computer program for operating the jackpot type random number counter is stored in the ROM 63, and when the CPU 62 executes the computer program, the jackpot type random number counter operates and the jackpot type random number is generated. The jackpot type random number counter may use a random number generation circuit such as a counter IC.

In the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the types of jackpots include "10R special jackpot", "10R normal jackpot", "16R special jackpot", and "16R normal jackpot". The special jackpot is a jackpot that operates the first big prize device 30 and the second big prize device 33 in an open pattern that allows the game ball to pass through the specific area (V winning area) during the big hit game. The normal jackpot is a jackpot that operates the first big winning device 30 and the second big winning device 33 in an open pattern in which it is practically impossible for the game ball to pass through the specific area (V winning area) during the big hit game. Is. Based on the jackpot type determination table Ta2, the jackpot type is determined from the jackpot type random numbers and the lottery types counted by the jackpot type random number counter.

[Reach judgment table]
The reach determination table Ta3 is a table that the game control microcomputer 61 (FIG. 3) refers to when determining whether or not to select a special figure variation pattern in which reach appears when the result of the jackpot determination is a loss. Is. Here, the reach is a state in which there is only one special symbol that is variablely displayed among a plurality of special symbols, and it depends on which special symbol the variablely displayed special symbol is confirmed and displayed. It is a state where it is a combination of special symbols indicating a big hit. Further, the reach is a state in which only one of the effect symbols that are variablely displayed in each of the plurality of display areas of the effect display device 7 is variablely displayed, and the effect symbols are variablely displayed. It is a state in which a combination of jackpot effect symbols is used depending on which effect symbol is confirmed and displayed.

For example, when one of the combinations of jackpot effect symbols is "777", "7" is definitely displayed as the left effect symbol 9L in the left effect symbol display area, and as the right effect symbol 9R in the right effect symbol display area. "7" is definitely displayed, and the middle effect symbol 9C is variablely displayed in the middle effect symbol display area. The concept of reach includes a state in which the middle effect symbol 9C is scrolling, a state in which it is shaking, a state in which enlargement and reduction are repeated, and the like.

The reach random number is a random number for determining whether or not to select the special figure fluctuation pattern in which the reach appears when the result of the jackpot determination is a loss. The reach determination table Ta3 is configured by associating a game state (non-time saving state and time saving state) with a reach random number. The reach random number is a random number selected from the reach random numbers generated by the reach random number counter. Based on the reach determination table Ta3, the presence or absence of reach when the result of the jackpot determination is a loss is determined from the reach random numbers and the game state counted by the reach random number counter.

The reach random number determined to have reach is set to be smaller in the time-saving state than in the non-time-saving state. As a result, the probability of being determined to have reach in the time-saving state is lower than in the non-time-saving state. That is, since the probability of determining that there is no reach is high, the probability of selecting the special figure fluctuation pattern without reach is high accordingly. Therefore, in the time saving state, the pace of digestion of the number of reserved special figures becomes faster.

[Special figure fluctuation pattern selection table]
The special figure variation pattern selection table Ta4 is a table that the game control microcomputer 61 (FIG. 3) refers to when determining the special figure variation pattern by lottery. The special figure fluctuation pattern selection table Ta4 has a game state (non-time saving state and time saving state), a judgment (big hit judgment and reach judgment) result, a special figure hold number, a fluctuation pattern random number, a special figure fluctuation pattern, and a fluctuation. It is configured by associating the time with the stop time. The jackpot type may be associated with each other. The variation pattern random number is a random number selected from the variation pattern random numbers generated by the variation pattern random number counter. The computer program for operating the variation pattern random number counter is stored in the ROM 63, and when the CPU 62 executes the computer program, the variation pattern random number counter operates and the variation pattern random number is generated. Based on the special figure fluctuation pattern selection table Ta4, the special figure fluctuation pattern, the fluctuation time and the stop time of the special symbol are determined from the fluctuation pattern random number, the game state, the judgment result and the number of special figure reservations counted by the fluctuation pattern random number counter. Will be done.

[Normal collision detection table]
The ordinary hit determination table Ta5 is a table that the game control microcomputer 61 (FIG. 3) refers to when executing a lottery of ordinary symbols. The normal hit determination table Ta5 is configured by associating a game state (time saving state and non-time saving state) with a normal hit random number.

The normal hit random number is a random number selected from the normal hit random numbers generated by the normal hit random number counter. The computer program for operating the normal hit random number counter is stored in the ROM 63, and when the CPU 62 executes the computer program, the normal hit random number counter operates and a normal hit random number is generated. The normal hit random number counter may be one that uses a random number generation circuit such as a counter IC. Based on the normal hit determination table Ta5, from the normal hit random number and the game state counted by the normal hit counter, it is determined whether the normal hit corresponds to the lottery of the normal symbol or the loss is not the normal hit.

[Special production selection table]
The special effect selection table Ta6 is a table that the effect control microcomputer 101 (FIG. 4) refers to when executing a special effect in the special effect process (S137 of FIG. 13) described later. The special effect is an effect executed by the effect display device 7, the speaker 8, or the like. Specifically, the content of the special production is a competition in which a plurality of objects compete with each other for superiority or inferiority. The content of the special production is horse racing in this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 14, the special effect selection table Ta6 is configured such that the count number, the race rating, and the first place time range are associated with each other. The count number is the number of game balls discharged from the out port 19 within a predetermined time. The race rating indicates the race rating of the horse race. The race rating is higher in the order of "GIII", "GII", and "GI". As the number of counts increases step by step, the race rating is set to increase step by step. The first place time range is the time range for setting the time when the first place racehorse ran the race. The time of the first place is randomly set from the first place time range. In the same race rating, the result of the competition is set to be gradually superior as the number of counts increases gradually. Specifically, the first place time range is set to be faster.

[Special drawing production selection table]
The special figure effect selection table Ta7 is a table that the effect control microcomputer 101 (FIG. 4) refers to when the effect content executed by the effect display device 7, the speaker 8, or the like is selected. The special figure effect selection table Ta7 is configured by associating a special figure variation pattern, a determination result (big hit determination and reach determination), a special figure effect selection random number, and an effect content. The special figure fluctuation pattern and the judgment result correspond to the special figure fluctuation pattern and the judgment result set in the special figure fluctuation pattern selection table Ta4 described above, and the effect time to be executed is the special figure fluctuation pattern selection table Ta4. It is the same as the fluctuation time of the special figure fluctuation pattern set in. The special figure effect selection random number is a random number selected from the special figure effect selection random numbers generated by the special figure effect selection random number counter. Based on the special figure effect selection table Ta7, the effect content is determined from the special figure effect selection random number, the special figure variation pattern, and the determination result counted by the special figure effect selection random number counter.

[Main processing of the game control microcomputer 61]
Next, the main processing executed by the game control microcomputer 61 (FIG. 3) will be described with reference to the drawings. (Main control process on the main side)
First, the contents of the main control processing on the main side executed by the game control microcomputer 61 will be described with reference to FIG. 5, which shows the contents.
When the power of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned on, the game control microcomputer 61 reads out and executes the computer program of the main control process shown in FIG. 5 from the ROM 63 (FIG. 3). The game control microcomputer 61 first makes initial settings (step (hereinafter, abbreviated as S) 1). In this initial setting, for example, stack setting, constant setting, interrupt time setting, CPU62 setting, SIO (System Input / Output), PIO (Parallel Input / Output), CTC (Counter / Timer Circuit: interrupt) (Circuit for managing time) is set, and various flags, counters, timers, etc. are reset.

Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 executes interrupt prohibition (S2) and executes a normal symbol / special symbol main random number update process (S3). In this normal symbol / special symbol main random number update process, the initial values of each random number counter that generates the above-mentioned jackpot random number, jackpot type random number, reach random number, fluctuation pattern random number, and ordinary hit random number are added by "1" and updated. .. When the count value of each random number counter reaches the upper limit value, it returns to "0" and is added again by "1". The initial value of each random number counter may be a value other than "0" or may be randomly changed. Further, a numerical value of "2" or more may be added to the count value of each random number counter to update. Further, each random number may be a so-called hardware random number generated by using a known random number generation circuit including a counter IC or the like. When this hardware random number is used, software-based random number update processing (S3) is not required.

Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 executes the interrupt permission (S4). While the interrupt is permitted, the main timer interrupt process (S5) can be executed. The main timer interrupt process (S5) is executed based on, for example, an interrupt pulse input to the CPU 62 at a cycle of 4 msec. That is, it is executed in a cycle of 4 msec. Then, between the end of the main timer interrupt process (S5) and the start of the next main timer interrupt process (S5), the normal symbol / special symbol main random number update process (S3) is performed. Initial value update processing of various counters is executed. If an interrupt pulse is input to the CPU 62 in the interrupt prohibited state, the main timer interrupt process (S5) is not started immediately, but is started after the interrupt permission (S4) is executed. To.

(Main timer interrupt processing)
Next, the content of the main-side timer interrupt process (S5 in FIG. 5) executed by the game control microcomputer 61 will be described with reference to FIG.
The game control microcomputer 61 executes the output process (S10). In this output process, commands and the like set in the output buffer provided in the RAM 64 (FIG. 3) of the main control board 60 in each process described below are transmitted to the sub control board 100 (FIG. 4) and the payout control board 73 (FIG. 3). 3) Output to indicators 50 and the like. In particular, in the present embodiment, a normal symbol fluctuation start command for starting the fluctuation of the normal symbol, a normal hit start command for opening the second starting port 22 when the fluctuation of the normal symbol is stopped, and a special diagram for starting the fluctuation of the special symbol. The fluctuation start command is also output. Hereinafter, when the items common to the normal map fluctuation start command and the special map fluctuation start command are explained, they are simply referred to as the fluctuation start command.

Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 executes the input process (S11). In this input processing, various sensors mainly attached to the pachinko gaming machine 1 (first starting port sensor 11a, second starting port sensor 22a, first large winning opening sensor 32a, second large winning opening sensor 35a, gate Each detection signal detected by the sensor 12a, the outlet sensor 19a, etc. (FIG. 3) is read. Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 executes the timer update process (S12). In this timer update process, the subtraction counter operating as a timer is updated (subtracted).

Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 executes the prize ball control process (S13). In this prize ball control process, a payout command for paying out prize balls according to the type of winning opening is set in the output buffer of the RAM 64 based on the detection signals of various sensors read in the input process (S11). The payout command is a command output to the payout control board 73. Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 executes the normal symbol / special symbol main random number update process (S14). This normal symbol / special symbol main random number update process is the same as the normal symbol / special symbol main random number update process (S3) executed in the main side main control process of FIG. That is, the initial value update processing of each random number counter is performed after the execution period of the main side timer interrupt processing (S5) and the other periods (main side timer interrupt processing (S5) are completed, and then the next main side timer. It is performed in both the interrupt processing (period until the start of S5)).

Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 has a start port sensor detection process (S15), a normal operation process (S16), a special symbol standby process (S17), a special symbol variation process (S18), and an out-ball count process (S19), which will be described later. ), Timing determination process (S20), and other processes (S21) are executed to end the main timer interrupt process (S5). Other processes (S21) include security control processing for detecting and notifying an illegal prize, magnetic detection processing for detecting and notifying an illegal act using radio waves, and detecting the opening of the front frame 18 (FIG. 1) and the inner frame. The door opening process for notifying is performed, the fraudulent radio wave detection process for detecting and notifying fraudulent activity using radio waves, the impact detection process for detecting and notifying fraudulent activity that causes the pachinko gaming machine 1 to vibrate, and the like.

Then, until the next interrupt pulse is input to the CPU 62, the main control processes S2 to S4 are repeatedly executed (FIG. 5), and when the interrupt pulse is input (after about 4 msec), the process is repeated again. The main timer interrupt process (S5) is executed. In the output process (S10) of the main timer interrupt process (S5) executed again, the command set in the output buffer of the RAM 64 (FIG. 3) in the previous main timer interrupt process (S5) is transmitted. It is output to a predetermined board.

(Starting port sensor detection process)
Next, the contents of the start port sensor detection process (S15 in FIG. 6) executed by the game control microcomputer 61 will be described with reference to FIG. 7, which shows the contents.
The game control microcomputer 61 determines whether or not the game ball has passed through the gate 12 (FIG. 1) (S22), and if it determines that the game ball has passed (S22: Yes), executes the gate passing process (S23). ). In this gate passing process, it is determined whether or not the number of reserved figures is 4 or more, and if the number of reserved figures is not 4, "1" is added to the number of reserved figures and a lottery of ordinary symbols is performed. Performs the process of acquiring and storing the normal hit random number for the purpose.

Further, in S22, when it is determined that the game ball has not passed through the gate 12 (S22: No), it is determined whether or not the game ball has won the second starting port 22 (FIG. 1) (S24). .. Here, when it is determined that the game ball has won the second starting port 22 (S24: Yes), it is determined whether or not the second special figure reservation number U2 has reached the upper limit value "4" (S25). .. Here, if it is determined that the second special figure reservation number U2 has reached "4" (S25: Yes), the process proceeds to S30, but if the second special figure reservation number U2 has not reached "4". If it is determined (S25: No), 1 is added to the second special figure reservation number U2 (S26). Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 executes the second special figure-related random number acquisition process (S27). In this second special figure-related random number acquisition process, the jackpot random number counted by the jackpot random number counter, the jackpot type random number counted by the jackpot type random number counter, the reach random number counted by the reach random number counter, and the fluctuation pattern random number counter count. Fluctuation pattern random numbers are acquired, and each of the acquired random numbers is stored in a storage area corresponding to the current number of second special figure reservations in the second special figure reservation storage unit 64b. For example, when the current number of reserved second special figures is "3", each random number is stored in the fourth storage area.

Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 executes the second start winning command creation process (S28). In this second start winning command creation process, the second start winning command is created based on each random number group stored in the second special figure reservation storage unit 64b in S27. This second start winning command is composed of data indicating that the game ball has won a prize in the second starting port 22, data indicating each random number stored in the second special figure reservation storage unit 64b in S27, and the like. Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 sets the second start winning command created in S28 in the output buffer of the RAM 64 (S29). This set second start winning command is output to the sub control board 100 (FIG. 4) in the output process (S10 in FIG. 6), and the effect control microcomputer 101 is based on each random number included in the second start winning command. And execute the production.

Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 determines whether or not the game ball has won the first starting port 11 (FIG. 1) (S30). Here, when it is determined that the game ball has won the first starting port 11 (S30: Yes), it is determined whether or not the first special figure reservation number U1 has reached the upper limit value "4" (S31). .. Here, if it is determined that the first special figure reservation number U1 has reached "4" (S31: Yes), this start port sensor detection process is terminated, but the first special figure reservation number U1 is "4". When it is determined that the number has not reached (S31: No), 1 is added to the first special figure reservation number U1 (S32). Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 executes the first special figure-related random number acquisition process (S33). In this first special figure-related random number acquisition process, a jackpot random number, a jackpot type random number, a reach random number, and a fluctuation pattern random number are acquired, and each of the acquired random numbers is currently stored in the first special figure reservation storage unit 64a. 1st special figure Stored in the storage area according to the number of reserved numbers. For example, when the current number of reserved first special figures is "3", each random number is stored in the fourth storage area.

Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 executes the first start winning command creation process (S34). In this first start winning command creation process, the first start winning command is created based on each random number group stored in the first special figure reservation storage unit 64a in S33. This first start winning command is composed of data indicating that the game ball has won a prize in the first starting port 11, data indicating each random number stored in the first special figure reservation storage unit 64a in S33, and the like. Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 sets the first start winning command created in S34 in the output buffer of the RAM 64 (S35). This set first start winning command is output to the sub control board 100 (FIG. 4) in the output process (S10 in FIG. 6), and the effect control microcomputer 101 is based on each random number included in the first start winning command. And execute the production.

(Normal operation processing)
Next, the contents of the normal operation processing (S16 in FIG. 6) executed by the game control microcomputer 61 will be described.
When the number of reserved figures is not "0", the game control microcomputer 61 reads out the normal hit random numbers stored in the first storage area of the reserved storage unit 64c of the RAM 64. Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 selects the determination result of the lottery of the ordinary symbol from the read ordinary hit random number and the current game state based on the ordinary hit determination table Ta5.

Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 sets a normal symbol to be confirmed and displayed on the normal symbol display 53 based on the determination result of the lottery of the normal symbol. Regardless of the game state, if the lottery result is a hit, the normal winning symbol is selected, and if the lottery result is lost, it indicates that the normal lost symbol (in the lottery of the normal symbol, it is determined to be lost). Normal design) is selected. Further, the fluctuation time of the normal symbol and the opening time of the second starting port 22 are determined based on the gaming state. The normal symbol, the fluctuation time, and the opening time selected by the game control microcomputer 61 are set in the normal symbol fluctuation start command.

Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 subtracts "1" from the normal figure hold number U3, and stores each data stored in each storage area of the normal figure hold storage unit 64c, whichever has the oldest storage order. It shifts one by one to the area, that is, the side to be read. Further, the game control microcomputer 61 sets the normal figure fluctuation start command in the output buffer of the RAM 64. The normal-figure variation start command set in the output buffer of the RAM 64 is output to the indicators 50 and the sub-control board 100 in the output process of the main timer interrupt process (S10 in FIG. 6).

The normal symbol display 53 displays the fluctuation of the normal symbol based on the fluctuation time data included in the normal symbol fluctuation start command. Further, each time the normal symbol display 53 performs a variable display of the normal symbol, each data stored in each storage area of the normal symbol reservation storage unit 64c is shifted to the storage area having the older storage order. ..

Further, when the fluctuation time of the normal symbol ends, the game control microcomputer 61 sets the normal symbol fluctuation stop command for stopping the fluctuation display of the normal symbol in the output buffer provided in the RAM 64 (FIG. 3). The normal figure fluctuation stop command set in the output buffer of the RAM 64 is output to the indicators 50 and the sub control board 100 in the output process of the main timer interrupt process (S10 in FIG. 6). By the normal symbol fluctuation stop command, the normal symbol display 53 stops the fluctuation display of the normal symbol, and confirms and displays the normal symbol (normal hit symbol or normal lost symbol) included in the normal symbol fluctuation start command. Further, the game control microcomputer 61 drives the movable member 21 to open the second start port 22 for the opening time included in the normal figure fluctuation start command when the lottery of the normal symbol is successful. ..

(Special symbol standby processing)
In the special symbol standby process (S17 in FIG. 6), the game control microcomputer 61 processes the jackpot determination of whether or not the special symbol is a hit based on the jackpot determination table Ta1, and the jackpot type when the jackpot determination is a hit. Judgment of jackpot type based on judgment table Ta2, processing of judgment as to whether or not to select a special figure fluctuation pattern in which reach appears based on reach judgment table Ta3 when the jackpot judgment is lost, special figure fluctuation pattern The processing of selecting the special figure variation pattern based on the selection table Ta4 is executed. The game control microcomputer 61 issues a special figure variation start command including special symbol stop symbol data for confirming and displaying a special symbol jackpot symbol according to the type of jackpot and variation pattern data indicating a selected variation pattern. It is set in the output buffer provided in the RAM 64 (FIG. 3). By outputting the special symbol fluctuation start command, the number of special symbol reservations is exhausted, and the special symbol variation display by the special symbol display is executed. The game control microcomputer 61 is an example of the determination means of the present invention.

(Special symbol variation processing)
In the special symbol variation processing (S18 in FIG. 6), the game control microcomputer 61 issues a special symbol variation stop command to stop the variation display of the special symbol when the variation time of the special symbol ends in RAM 64 (FIG. 3). Set in the output buffer provided in. When the special symbol fluctuation stop command is output, the fluctuation display of the special symbol is stopped, and the special symbol stop process is executed in which the symbol (big hit effect symbol or loss effect symbol) corresponding to the special symbol stop symbol data is confirmed and displayed. Will be done.

Subsequently, when the jackpot determination determines that the jackpot is a jackpot, the game control microcomputer 61 sets an opening command for executing the jackpot opening in order to start the jackpot game. The jackpot opening is an effect of displaying an effect image celebrating the occurrence of a big hit on the effect display device 7 or playing a song celebrating the occurrence of a big hit from each speaker 8. In the opening setting, the execution time of the opening of the jackpot game is set to a predetermined timer.

Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 sets the value of the special electric service operation effective counter, and finishes this special symbol variation processing. The special electric service operation effective counter is a counter that counts the remaining number of rounds in the jackpot game.

(Out ball count processing)
Next, the contents of the out-ball counting process (S19 in FIG. 6) executed by the game control microcomputer 61 will be described with reference to FIG. The out-ball counting process is a process of counting and storing the number of game balls ejected from the out-port 19 at predetermined time intervals. The predetermined time is, for example, one hour.

The game control microcomputer 61 counts out balls (S40). The out ball is a game ball discharged from the out port 19. Specifically, the game control microcomputer 61 counts out balls based on the detection signal of the out port sensor 19a read in the input process (S11 in FIG. 6).

The game control microcomputer 61 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed from the time when the counting of the out balls is started or the time when the counting number is reset in S46 described later (S42). When the predetermined time has not elapsed (S42: NO), the game control microcomputer 61 ends the out-ball counting process.

On the other hand, when the predetermined time has elapsed (S42: YES), the game control microcomputer 61 stores the count number of the out balls (S44). As a result, the number of out balls from the time when the count of out balls is started or the time when the count number is reset in S46 described later to the time when a predetermined time elapses is stored as the count number. Specifically, the current count number is stored in the count number storage unit 64d. Further, the game control microcomputer 61 resets the count number (S46), and ends the out-ball count process. The out ball is an example of a predetermined game ball of the present invention. The out-ball counting process is an example of the counting means of the present invention.

(Timing judgment processing)
Next, the contents of the timing determination process (S20 in FIG. 6) executed by the game control microcomputer 61 will be described with reference to FIG. 9 showing the contents. The timing determination process is a process of determining whether or not the timing is a predetermined value and causing the effect control microcomputer 101 to execute a special effect. The predetermined timing is the timing at which the special effect is executed. The predetermined timing is set at a predetermined time (for example, three times (11:00, 16:00, 21:00)) only a few times a day. The time between the predetermined timings different from each other is set to be longer than the predetermined time described above.

The game control microcomputer 61 determines whether or not the current timing is a predetermined timing (S50). If the timing is not predetermined (S50: NO), the game control microcomputer 61 ends the timing determination process. On the other hand, when the timing is predetermined (S50: YES), the game control microcomputer 61 acquires the count number stored in the count number storage unit 64d (S52). In the present embodiment, the game control microcomputer 61 acquires the largest number of counts among the plurality of counts stored in the count number storage unit 64d.

Further, the game control microcomputer 61 determines whether or not the count number is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (S54). The predetermined number is 3000 in this embodiment. When the number of counts is less than the predetermined number (S54: NO), the game control microcomputer 61 ends the timing determination process.

On the other hand, when the count number is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (S54: YES), the game control microcomputer 61 sets the special effect execution command in the output buffer provided in the RAM 64 (FIG. 3) (S56). The special effect execution command is a command for executing a special effect. The special effect execution command includes the count number acquired in S52. The special effect execution command is output to the sub control board 100 in the output process of the main timer interrupt process (S10 in FIG. 6). As described above, when the count number is less than the predetermined number (S54: NO), the special effect execution command is not output, so that the special effect is not executed. Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 erases all the counts stored in the count number storage unit 64d (S58), and ends the timing determination process.

(Sub-side main control processing)
Next, the sub-side main control process executed by the effect control microcomputer 101 (FIG. 4) will be described with reference to FIG.
First, the effect control microcomputer 101 executes the initial setting (S100). In this initial setting, for example, stack setting, constant setting, interrupt time setting, CPU102 (FIG. 4) setting, SIO (System Input / Output), PIO (Parallel Input / Output), CTC (Counter / Timer) Circuit: Set the interrupt time), reset various flags, counters, timers, etc.

Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 determines whether or not the power cutoff signal is ON and the contents of the RAM 120 (FIG. 4) are normal (S101), and if a negative determination is made here (S101). S101: No), the RAM 120 is initialized (S102), and the process proceeds to S103. If an affirmative determination is made in S101 (S101: Yes), the process proceeds to S103 without initializing the RAM 120. That is, if the power off signal is not turned on, or if the contents of the RAM 120 are not normal even if the power off signal is turned on (S101: No), the RAM 120 is initialized, but due to a power failure or the like. If the power cutoff signal is turned on but the contents of the RAM 120 are kept normal (S101: Yes), the RAM 120 is not initialized. If the RAM 120 is initialized, the values of various flags, counters, timers, and the like are reset. Further, S100 to S102 are executed only once after the power is turned on, and are not executed thereafter.

Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 prohibits interruption (S103) and executes random number update processing (S104). In this random number update process, the initial values of various random number counters for determining the effect are updated. The random number for determining the effect includes a random number for the variable effect pattern for determining the variable effect pattern. The random number update method can be the same as the random number update process performed by the game control microcomputer 61 described above.

Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 executes a command transmission process (S105). In this command transmission process, various commands stored in the output buffer in the RAM 120 of the effect control microcomputer 101 are transmitted to the image control board 200, the voice control board 78, the lamp control board 79, and the like. Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 executes interrupt permission (S106). After that, S103 to S106 are repeatedly executed. Further, while the interrupt is permitted, the reception interrupt process (S107), the 1 ms timer interrupt process (S108), and the 10 ms timer interrupt process (S109) can be executed.

(Reception interrupt processing)
Next, the reception interrupt process (S107 in FIG. 10) executed by the effect control microcomputer 101 will be described.
The effect control microcomputer 101 determines whether or not the signal level of the strobe signal (STB signal) given to the external INT (interrupt) input unit of the effect control microcomputer 101 has changed from the main control board 60 (FIG. 3). That is, it is determined whether or not it is the timing to receive the command. Specifically, for example, it is determined whether or not the signal level of the strobe signal has changed from a high level to a low level. Then, if it is determined that it is not the timing to receive, the reception interrupt process is completed, and if it is determined that it is the timing to receive, various commands transmitted from the main control board 60 are received. The various received commands are stored in the reception buffer of the RAM 120 (FIG. 4). This reception interrupt process is a process that is executed in preference to other interrupt processes (S108, S109).

(1ms timer interrupt processing)
Next, the 1 ms timer interrupt process (S108 in FIG. 10) executed by the effect control microcomputer 101 will be described with reference to FIG. 11 showing it.
The effect control microcomputer 101 executes this 1 ms timer interrupt process every time an interrupt pulse having a 1 msec cycle is input to the sub control board 100. The effect control microcomputer 101 executes an input process (S110). In this input process, switch data (edge data and level) indicating that the switch is turned on based on the detection signals from the effect button detection switch 9a, the effect lever push detection switch 6g, and the effect lever rotation detection switch 6h (FIG. 4). Data) is created. Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 executes the output process (S111). In this output process, the fluctuation start command set in the output buffer of the RAM 120 (FIG. 4) is output to the image control board 200. The variation start command is an effect symbol variation display start command or the like, which will be described later.

Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 determines whether or not the fluctuation start command is output (S112). Here, when it is determined that the effect control microcomputer 101 has output the variation start command (S112: Yes), the effect control microcomputer 101 starts measuring the variation time of the variation effect pattern (S113). Subsequently, the watchdog timer process for resetting the watchdog timer is performed (S114), and the 1 ms timer interrupt process is completed.

(10ms timer interrupt processing)
Next, the 10 ms timer interrupt process (S109 in FIG. 10) executed by the effect control microcomputer 101 will be described with reference to FIG.
The effect control microcomputer 101 executes this 10 ms timer interrupt process every time an interrupt pulse having a cycle of 10 msec is input to the sub control board 100. The effect control microcomputer 101 executes a reception command analysis process (FIG. 13) described later (S120), and executes a switch state acquisition process (S121). In this switch state acquisition process, the switch data created in the input process of the 1 ms timer interrupt process (S110 in FIG. 11) is stored in the RAM 120 as the switch data for the 10 ms timer interrupt process. Subsequently, based on the switch data stored in the switch state acquisition process, a switch process for setting display contents such as a button effect and a lever effect displayed by the effect display device 7 is executed (S122). Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 executes the lamp processing (S123). In this lamp processing, lamp data for controlling the light emission of each lamp (board lamp 2a, left side lamp 23a, right side lamp 23b, etc.) according to the display of the effect display device 7, creation of lamp data, time management of light emission effect, etc. I do. As a result, each lamp performs a light emitting effect that matches the display of the effect display device 7.

Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 executes the voice control process (S124). In this voice control process, voice control data (data for controlling the output of voice from each speaker 8) is created, the created voice control data is output to the voice control board 78 (FIG. 4), and voice production is performed. Perform time management, etc. As a result, sound is output from each speaker 8 in accordance with the display of the effect display device 7. Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 executes other processing (S125), and ends the 10ms timer interrupt processing. In the other processing (S125), processing such as updating the variation effect pattern random number, the advance notice effect random number for determining the advance notice effect, and the like is executed.

(Received command analysis processing)
Next, the reception command analysis process (S120 in FIG. 12) executed by the effect control microcomputer 101 will be described with reference to FIG.
The effect control microcomputer 101 determines whether or not a game state designation command has been received from the main control board 60 (FIG. 3) (S130), and if it determines that the command has been received (S130: Yes), the sub-side game state. The setting process is executed (S131). The game state designation command includes information indicating the game state (normal probability state or high probability state, time saving state or non-time saving state). In this sub-side game state setting process, the received game state specification command is analyzed, and the game state flag is set based on the information included in the game state specification command. The game status flag is a flag indicating the game status currently set.

Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 determines whether or not the opening command has been received from the main control board 60 (S132), and if it determines that the opening command has been received (S132: Yes), executes the opening effect selection process. (S133). In this opening effect selection process, the opening command is analyzed, and the pattern (content) of the opening effect to be executed during the opening of the jackpot game is selected based on the analysis result. Specifically, the opening effect pattern selection table (not shown) in which the opening effect pattern is set in association with each opening command is referred to, and the opening effect pattern associated with the received opening command is selected. Then, the opening effect start command for starting the opening effect with the selected opening effect pattern is set in the output buffer of the RAM 120 (FIG. 4).

Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 determines whether or not the ending command has been received from the main control board 60 (S134), and if it determines that the ending command has been received (S134: Yes), executes the ending effect selection process. (S135). In this ending effect selection process, the type of ending effect to be executed by the effect display device 7 and each speaker 8 at the end of the jackpot is selected according to the type of the jackpot that triggered the jackpot game being executed. ..

Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 determines whether or not a special effect execution command has been received from the main control board 60 (S136), and if it determines that the special effect execution command has been received (S136: Yes), the special effect process described later. Is executed (S137).

Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 determines whether or not the special figure variation start command has been received from the main control board 60 (S138), and if it determines that it has been received (S138: Yes), the special figure variation effect. The start process is executed (S139). In the special figure variation effect start process, the special figure variation start command including the information of the special figure variation pattern is analyzed. Subsequently, when the special figure change start command is the first special figure change start command, the effect control microcomputer 101 subtracts the value of the first special figure hold effect counter by "1" and starts the second special figure change. If it is a command, the value of the second special figure hold effect counter is subtracted by "1".

Further, the effect control microcomputer 101 includes a start winning command and a look-ahead jackpot flag stored in the special figure hold effect storage unit (1st special figure hold effect storage unit 121 or 2nd special figure hold effect storage unit 122). Shift each data towards the old storage area. Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 combines the left effect symbol 9L, the middle effect symbol 9C, and the right effect symbol 9R (FIG. 1), which are finally confirmed and displayed when the effect display device 7 displays the variable effect pattern. , Refer to the effect symbol selection table (not shown) for selection.

Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 executes a special figure effect content selection process (not shown). In the special figure effect content selection process, the content of the effect performed by the pachinko gaming machine 1 as the effect symbol fluctuates is selected using the special figure effect selection table Ta7. As described above, the special figure effect selection table Ta7 is configured by associating the special figure variation pattern, the determination result, the special figure effect selection random number, and the effect content. The special figure fluctuation pattern corresponds to the special figure fluctuation pattern obtained by analyzing the special figure fluctuation start command. The special figure effect selection random number is a random number selected within the range of random numbers counted by the special figure effect selection random number counter. The effect control microcomputer 101 acquires the special figure effect selection random number counted by the special figure effect selection random number counter. Then, with reference to the special figure effect selection table Ta7, based on the information of the special figure variation pattern obtained by the analysis of the special figure variation start command, among the effect contents associated with the special figure variation pattern, the above Select the acquired special figure effect selection Select the effect content associated with the random number. Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 sets the effect symbol variation display start command for starting the effect display device 7 to display the selected effect content in the output buffer of the RAM 120.

Further, the effect control microcomputer 101 determines whether or not the special figure fluctuation stop command has been received from the main control board 60 (S140), and if it determines that the command has been received (S140: Yes), the special figure variation effect ends. The process is executed (S141). In this special figure variation effect end process, the effect control microcomputer 101 sets a special figure variation effect end command for ending the special symbol variation effect in the output buffer of the RAM 120 (FIG. 4). When the set special figure variation effect end command is transmitted to the image control board 200 (FIG. 4) by the command transmission process (S105 in FIG. 10), the image control board 200 is displayed on the effect display device 7 with the left effect symbol 9L, middle. The effect symbol 9C and the right effect symbol 9R (FIG. 1) are confirmed and displayed after passing through a predetermined stop pattern. Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 executes other processing (S142), and ends the reception command analysis processing. In the other processing (S142), processing based on commands other than the above commands is performed.

(Special production processing)
Next, a special effect process (S137 in FIG. 13) in which the effect control microcomputer 101 executes a special effect will be described.

The effect control microcomputer 101 selects the race rating and the first place time range corresponding to the count number included in the special effect execution command based on the special effect selection table Ta6 in response to receiving the special effect execution command. .. For example, when the count number is 4200, "GII" is selected for the race rating and "2 minutes 15 seconds to 2 minutes 20 seconds" is selected for the first place time range. Furthermore, the time of the first place is randomly set from "2 minutes 15 seconds to 2 minutes 20 seconds". The effect control microcomputer 101 executes a special effect using the race rating and the time of the first place.

The effect control microcomputer 101 displays a moving image 300 representing a horse racing race, which is the content of the special effect, on the effect display device 7 (FIG. 15). The moving image 300 has a race rating display unit 301 and a time display unit 302. The race rating display unit 301 is a portion for displaying the selected race rating. The time display unit 302 is a part that displays the set time of the first place. The moving image 300 shown in FIG. 15 shows a state in which the racehorse 304 running in the first place on the course 303 is located immediately before the goal 305.

When the special effect is executed, the selected race rating is displayed on the race rating display unit 301, and each of the racehorses 304 runs from the start (not shown) to the goal 305. Further, when the first racehorse 304 finishes, the set time of the first racehorse is displayed on the time display unit 302. In this way, the special effect according to the count number of the out balls is executed at a predetermined timing. The special effect processing is an example of the special effect means of the present invention.

[Effect of Embodiment]
(1) According to the above-mentioned pachinko gaming machine, a special effect according to the count number of out balls is executed at a predetermined timing, which is an unprecedented effect, so that the interest of the game is enhanced. Can be done.
(2) Further, in the same race rating, when the number of counts increases, the first place time range becomes faster, which is an unprecedented effect, so that the interest of the game can be further enhanced.
(3) Then, as the number of counts increases, an unprecedented effect of increasing the race rating is executed, so that the interest of the game can be enhanced.
(4) Further, when the count number of the out balls is less than the predetermined number, the special effect is not executed, so that the player's interest in the out balls is improved. Therefore, it is possible to enhance the interest of the game.
(5) Since a special effect is executed at a predetermined timing in relation to the count number of out balls, which is not possible in the past, it is possible to enhance the interest of the game.

<Other Embodiments>
(1) In the above-described embodiment, the content of the special production is horse racing, but instead of this, other competitions may be used. For example, in addition to boat races and athletics competing for time, martial arts and ball games that are not related to time may be used. In the case of martial arts where the time is not related, in the special effect selection table Ta6, for example, the winner's deciding technique is associated with the count number instead of the first place time range. In this case, as the number of counts increases, the difficulty level of the deciding technique increases, and the result of the competition is considered to be superior. Further, in the case of a competition (for example, tennis or baseball) which is not related to the time but is related to the score, the score of the winner is associated with the count number in place of the first place time range in the special production selection table Ta6. In this case, as the number of counts increases, for example, the score difference between the winner and the loser increases, and the result of the competition becomes superior.
(2) Further, although the content of the special production is a competition in which a plurality of objects compete with each other for superiority or inferiority, for example, an individual competition in which the superiority or inferiority with others does not compete may be used. When this competition is shooting, for example, the score is set to increase as the number of counts increases in the special effect selection table Ta6.
(3) And, the content of the special production is the production of only the same competition even if the count number is different, but instead of this, different competitions may be made based on the count number.
(4) In addition, specifically, the first place time range is set to be faster so that the result of the competition becomes superior when the number of counts increases, but instead, regardless of the number of counts. , The results of the competition may be the same. In this case, as the number of counts increases, only the race rating may increase.
(5) Then, as the number of counts increases step by step, the race rating and the first place time range are set to be gradually superior, but instead, the number of counts increases continuously. Therefore, the race rating and the first place time range may be set to be continuously superior.
(6) Further, in the special effect selection table Ta6, the first place time range is associated with the count number, but the first place time may be associated with the first place time range instead of the first place time range.
(7) Then, the race rating is set to be higher as the number of counts increases, but instead, the race rating may be the same regardless of the number of counts. Further, the race rating may be deleted from the special effect selection table Ta6. In this case, as the number of counts increases, only the first arrival time range may become faster.
(8) Further, when the count number is less than the predetermined number, the special effect is not executed, but instead, the special effect may be executed even if the count number is less than the predetermined number.
(9) The number of counts is the number of out balls counted, but instead of this, the game balls fired in the game area, the game balls won in each winning opening (entry opening), and the rental ball The number of game balls paid out from the payout device 80 and the prize ball payout device 400 may be counted.
(10) Further, in S52, the game control microcomputer 61 acquires the largest number of counts among the plurality of counts stored in the count number storage unit 64d. Instead, for example, 1 It is possible not to acquire the largest count number by acquiring the smallest count number or the like.
(11) Further, the predetermined timing is a predetermined time, but instead of this, when a big hit occurs, when the big hit ends, when the game ball passes through the gate 12, or when a normal hit occurs. It may be changed when it occurs, when reach occurs, or every time a predetermined number of game balls enter each starting port 11.
(12) The content of the special effect, the type and content of the race rating, the content of the moving image 300, the predetermined time, and the predetermined timing may be changed without departing from the gist of the present invention.

1 Pachinko game machine
3 Game area
7 Production display device 10 Fixed winning device 11 1st starting port 13 General winning port 19 Out port 22 2nd starting port 32 1st big winning opening 35 2nd big winning opening 35a 2nd big winning opening sensor 61 Game control microcomputer 64d Count number storage unit S19 Out-ball count processing S20 Timing judgment processing S137 Special effect processing Ta6 Special effect selection table

Claims (6)

The game area where the game ball flows down and
A counting means for counting a predetermined game ball and
A gaming machine including a special effect means for executing a special effect according to a count number of the predetermined game balls counted by the counting means at a predetermined timing. The content of the special production is
It is a competition in which multiple subjects compete for superiority and inferiority.
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the result of the competition becomes superior as the number of counts counted by the counting means increases. The content of the special production is
The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the rating of the competition increases as the number of counts counted by the counting means increases. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the special effect means does not execute the special effect when the number of counts counted by the counting means within a predetermined time is less than the predetermined number. .. Further provided with a discharge means for discharging the game ball that did not enter the ball entry port provided in the game area.
The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the predetermined gaming ball is the gaming ball ejected from the discharging means. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the predetermined timing is a predetermined time.

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