JP2021185931A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To improve an interest for a game by a notification performance associated with a generation of a ball entry easy state in which an entry of a game ball into a variable start port is made easier, when an execution number of times of winning/losing determinations reaches a prescribed number of times without execution of a special game.SOLUTION: A game machine generates a first ball entry easy state on the basis of an execution of a special game, generates a second ball entry easy state on the basis of a count value of an execution number of times of winning/losing determinations reaching a prescribed value, and gives a notification based on the count value. When the special game is executed, or when the power is supplied together with an erase operation, the count value is reset to an initial value. When the power is supplied without the erase operation, the count value is not reset to the initial value. Moreover, after the special game is executed, or after the power is supplied together with the erase operation, no notification is given. After the power is supplied without the erase operation, the notification is given.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 22

Description

The present invention relates to a ball game machine such as a pachinko machine.

Conventionally, as a gaming machine of this type, even if the variable display game is played a predetermined number of times since the previous big hit state of the variable display game played by the variable display device based on the entry of the game ball into the starting port, the next A device that generates a specific gaming state when the big hit state of the above does not occur has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the specific game state, the time required for one game of the normal fluctuation display game is shortened (normal time reduction state), or the opening time of the normal fluctuation prize device is extended when a specific result is derived in the normal fluctuation display game. I'm doing it.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2005-52245

The above-mentioned specific game state (easy-to-enter state) occurs when a big hit is not achieved even if the hit / fail judgment is performed a predetermined number of times, and the player is rescued when the so-called fitting ceiling is reached. It is something to do. For this reason, it is considered that the player is of great concern as to how long the game should be continued to reach the ceiling.

The gaming machine of the present invention generates an easy-to-enter state in which the gaming ball is easily entered into the variable starting port when the number of executions of the hit / fail determination reaches a predetermined number of times without executing the special game. The main purpose is to improve the entertainment of the game by notifying the occurrence of the easy-to-enter state.

The gaming machine of the present invention has adopted the following means in order to achieve the above-mentioned main object.

The first gaming machine of the present invention is
It is a gaming machine that advances the game based on the launch of the gaming ball.
A starting port including a variable starting port that changes the possibility of entering a game ball,
A hit / fail determination means for determining a hit / fail based on the entry of a game ball into the starting port,
A special game execution means for executing a special game when the result of the winning / failing determination is winning, and
A first ball entry easy state generating means for generating a first ball entry easy state that facilitates entry of a game ball into the variable starting port based on the execution of the special game, and a ball entry easy state generation means.
A counting means that counts the number of times the hit / fail determination is executed and resets the counted count value to the initial value when the special game is executed.
A second easy-to-enter state generating means for generating a second easy-to-enter state in which the game ball can easily enter the variable starting port based on the fact that the counted value reaches a specified value.
An information storage means for storing game information including the count value counted by the counting means, and
When a predetermined erasing operation is performed when the power is turned on, the game information stored in the information storage means is erased and restored from the initial state, and the game information is stored in the information storage means and the power is supplied. When the erasing operation is not performed at the time of turning on, the state returning means for returning from the state before the power cutoff based on the game information stored in the information storage means, and the state returning means.
A notification means that performs notification based on the counted value, and
Equipped with
The notification means does not perform the notification after returning from the initial state by the state returning means and after the special game is executed, and after returning from the state before the power cutoff by the state returning means, the notification means is described. Notify,
The gist is that.

The first gaming machine of the present invention generates the first easy ball entry state based on the execution of the special game, and the number of executions of the hit / fail determination reaches the specified number of times without the special game being executed. Based on this, a second easy ball entry state is generated. The number of times the hit / fail determination is executed is counted by the counting means, and is reset to the initial value when the special game is executed. In such a game machine, information storage means for storing game information including the count value counted by the counting means, and game information stored in the information storage means when a predetermined erasing operation is performed when the power is turned on. If the game information is stored in the information storage means and the erase operation is not performed when the power is turned on after erasing and returning from the initial state, before the power is cut off based on the game information stored in the information storage means. It is provided with a state return means for returning from the state of the above and a notification means for performing notification based on the count value. Then, the notifying means does not give a notification after returning from the initial state by the state returning means and after the special game is executed, and gives a notification after returning from the state before the power is cut off by the state returning means. When the gaming machine returns from the initial state or a special game is executed, the counting means starts counting from the initial value, and a second easy ball entry state occurs based on the fact that the counting value reaches the specified value. On the other hand, when the gaming machine returns from the state before the power is cut off, the counting means starts counting from the value stored in the information storage means, and the second ball entry easy state is based on the fact that the counting value reaches the specified value. Occurs. Therefore, in the latter case, it is difficult for the player to grasp the guideline for reaching the ceiling. Therefore, in the latter case, by notifying the player based on the counting value of the counting means, the player can easily recognize how long the game should be continued to generate the second easy-to-enter ball state, and the game is enjoyed. Can be improved.

The second gaming machine of the present invention is
It is a gaming machine that advances the game based on the launch of the gaming ball.
A starting port including a variable starting port that changes the possibility of entering a game ball,
A hit / fail determination means for determining a hit / fail based on the entry of a game ball into the starting port,
A special game execution means for executing a special game when the result of the winning / failing determination is winning, and
A first ball entry easy state generating means for generating a first ball entry easy state that facilitates entry of a game ball into the variable starting port based on the execution of the special game, and a ball entry easy state generation means.
A counting means that counts the number of times the hit / fail determination is executed and resets the counted count value to the initial value when the special game is executed.
A second easy-to-enter state generating means for generating a second easy-to-enter state in which the game ball can easily enter the variable starting port based on the fact that the counted value reaches a specified value.
An information storage means for storing game information including the count value counted by the counting means, and
When a predetermined erasing operation is performed when the power is turned on, the game information stored in the information storage means is erased and restored from the initial state, and the game information is stored in the information storage means and the power is supplied. When the erasing operation is not performed at the time of turning on, the state returning means for returning from the state before the power cutoff based on the game information stored in the information storage means, and the state returning means.
A notification means that performs notification based on the counted value, and
Equipped with
The notification means does not perform the notification after returning from the initial state by the state returning means and after the special game is executed, and after returning from the state before the power cutoff by the state returning means, the game. Is performed based on the fact that
The gist is that.

In the second gaming machine of the present invention, the first easy-to-enter state is generated based on the execution of the special game, and the number of executions of the hit / fail determination reaches the specified number of times without the special game being executed. Based on this, a second easy ball entry state is generated. The number of times the hit / fail determination is executed is counted by the counting means, and is reset to the initial value when the special game is executed. In such a game machine, information storage means for storing game information including the count value counted by the counting means, and game information stored in the information storage means when a predetermined erasing operation is performed when the power is turned on. If the game information is stored in the information storage means and the erase operation is not performed when the power is turned on after erasing and returning from the initial state, before the power is cut off based on the game information stored in the information storage means. It is provided with a state return means for returning from the state of the above and a notification means for performing notification based on the count value. Then, the notifying means does not give a notification after returning from the initial state by the state returning means and after the special game is executed, and gives a notification after returning from the state before the power is cut off by the state returning means. When the gaming machine returns from the initial state or a special game is executed, the counting means starts counting from the initial value, and a second easy ball entry state occurs based on the fact that the counting value reaches the specified value. On the other hand, when the gaming machine returns from the state before the power is cut off, the counting means starts counting from the value stored in the information storage means, and the second ball entry easy state is based on the fact that the counting value reaches the specified value. Occurs. Therefore, in the latter case, it is difficult for the player to grasp the guideline for reaching the ceiling. Therefore, in the latter case, by notifying the player based on the counting value of the counting means, the player can easily recognize how long the game should be continued to generate the second easy-to-enter ball state, and the game is enjoyed. Can be improved. In addition, since the notification is performed on the condition that the game is started, the remaining amount until the second easy entry state occurs at the time of opening the hall, for example, as compared with the notification before the game is started. It is possible to avoid inconveniences such as a flood of players to a gaming machine with a small number of times. Here, "the game has started" means that the game ball has been launched into the game area based on the operation of the player, that the game ball has entered the predetermined entry port, and that the start opening has. This includes the fact that the game ball has entered and the symbol change has started.

The third gaming machine of the present invention is
It is a gaming machine that advances the game based on the launch of the gaming ball.
A starting port including a variable starting port that changes the possibility of entering a game ball,
A hit / fail determination means for determining a hit / fail based on the entry of a game ball into the starting port,
A special game execution means for executing a special game when the result of the winning / failing determination is winning, and
A first ball entry easy state generating means for generating a first ball entry easy state that facilitates entry of a game ball into the variable starting port based on the execution of the special game, and a ball entry easy state generation means.
A counting means that counts the number of times the hit / fail determination is executed and resets the counted count value to the initial value when the special game is executed.
A second easy-to-enter state generating means for generating a second easy-to-enter state in which the game ball can easily enter the variable starting port based on the fact that the counted value reaches a specified value.
An information storage means for storing game information including the count value counted by the counting means, and
When a predetermined erasing operation is performed when the power is turned on, the game information stored in the information storage means is erased and restored from the initial state, and the game information is stored in the information storage means and the power is supplied. When the erasing operation is not performed at the time of turning on, the state returning means for returning from the state before the power cutoff based on the game information stored in the information storage means, and the state returning means.
A notification means that performs notification based on the counted value, and
Equipped with
The notification means performs the notification in the first notification mode after returning from the initial state by the state return means and after the special game is executed, and returns from the state before the power cutoff by the state return means. After that, the notification is performed in a second notification mode different from the first notification mode.
The gist is that.

In the third gaming machine of the present invention, the first easy-to-enter state is generated based on the execution of the special game, and the number of executions of the hit / fail determination reaches the specified number of times without the special game being executed. Based on this, a second easy ball entry state is generated. The number of times the hit / fail determination is executed is counted by the counting means, and is reset to the initial value when the special game is executed. In such a game machine, information storage means for storing game information including the count value counted by the counting means, and game information stored in the information storage means when a predetermined erasing operation is performed when the power is turned on. If the game information is stored in the information storage means and the erase operation is not performed when the power is turned on after erasing and returning from the initial state, before the power is cut off based on the game information stored in the information storage means. It is provided with a state return means for returning from the state of the above and a notification means for performing notification based on the count value. Then, the notification means performs notification in the first notification mode after the gaming machine returns from the initial state and after the special game is executed, and after the gaming machine returns from the state before the power is cut off, the first notification is performed. Notification is performed in a second notification mode different from the mode. When the gaming machine returns from the initial state or a special game is executed, the counting means starts counting from the initial value, and a second easy ball entry state occurs based on the fact that the counting value reaches the specified value. On the other hand, when the gaming machine returns from the state before the power is cut off, the counting means starts counting from the value stored in the information storage means, and the second ball entry easy state is based on the fact that the counting value reaches the specified value. Occurs. Therefore, by making the notification mode different depending on whether the count value is reset to the initial value or not, it is possible to perform notification suitable for each case, and it is possible to improve the entertainment of the game.

The fourth gaming machine of the present invention is
It is a gaming machine that advances the game based on the launch of the gaming ball.
A starting port including a variable starting port that changes the possibility of entering a game ball,
A hit / fail determination means for determining a hit / fail based on the entry of a game ball into the starting port,
A special game execution means for executing a special game when the result of the winning / failing determination is winning, and
A first ball entry easy state generating means for generating a first ball entry easy state that facilitates entry of a game ball into the variable starting port based on the execution of the special game, and a ball entry easy state generation means.
A counting means that counts the number of times the hit / fail determination is executed and resets the counted count value to the initial value when the special game is executed.
A second easy-to-enter state generating means for generating a second easy-to-enter state in which the game ball can easily enter the variable starting port based on the fact that the counted value reaches a specified value.
An information storage means for storing game information including the count value counted by the counting means, and
When a predetermined erasing operation is performed when the power is turned on, the game information stored in the information storage means is erased and restored from the initial state, and the game information is stored in the information storage means and the power is supplied. When the erasing operation is not performed at the time of turning on, the state returning means for returning from the state before the power cutoff based on the game information stored in the information storage means, and the state returning means.
A notification means that performs notification based on the counted value, and
Equipped with
The notification means performs the notification in the first notification mode based on the fact that the game is started after the state return means returns from the initial state and after the special game is executed, and the state return means. After returning from the state before the power cutoff, the notification is performed in a second notification mode different from the first notification mode based on the fact that the game is started.
The gist is that.

In the fourth gaming machine of the present invention, the first easy-to-enter state is generated based on the execution of the special game, and the number of executions of the hit / fail determination reaches the specified number of times without the special game being executed. Based on this, a second easy ball entry state is generated. The number of times the hit / fail determination is executed is counted by the counting means, and is reset to the initial value when the special game is executed. In such a game machine, information storage means for storing game information including the count value counted by the counting means, and game information stored in the information storage means when a predetermined erasing operation is performed when the power is turned on. If the game information is stored in the information storage means and the erase operation is not performed when the power is turned on after erasing and returning from the initial state, before the power is cut off based on the game information stored in the information storage means. It is provided with a state return means for returning from the state of the above and a notification means for performing notification based on the count value. Then, the notification means performs notification in the first notification mode after the gaming machine returns from the initial state and after the special game is executed, and after the gaming machine returns from the state before the power is cut off, the first notification is performed. Notification is performed in a second notification mode different from the mode. When the gaming machine returns from the initial state or a special game is executed, the counting means starts counting from the initial value, and a second easy ball entry state occurs based on the fact that the counting value reaches the specified value. On the other hand, when the gaming machine returns from the state before the power is cut off, the counting means starts counting from the value stored in the information storage means, and the second ball entry easy state is based on the fact that the counting value reaches the specified value. Occurs. Therefore, by making the notification mode different depending on whether the count value is reset to the initial value or not, it is possible to perform notification suitable for each case, and it is possible to improve the entertainment of the game. In addition, since the notification is performed on the condition that the game is started, the remaining amount until the second easy entry state occurs at the time of opening the hall, for example, as compared with the notification before the game is started. It is possible to avoid inconveniences such as a flood of players to a gaming machine with a small number of times. Here, "the game has started" means that the game ball has been launched into the game area based on the operation of the player, that the game ball has entered the predetermined entry port, and that the start opening has. This includes the fact that the game ball has entered and the symbol change has started.

According to the gaming machine of the present invention, when the number of executions of the hit / fail determination reaches a predetermined number of times without executing the special game, the easy entry state is generated in which the gaming ball is easily entered into the variable starting port. In the above, the game entertainment can be improved by the notification effect related to the occurrence of the ball entry easy state.

It is a front view of the pachinko machine 1 as an Example of this invention. It is a back view of the pachinko machine 1. It is a schematic block diagram of the game board 20 which a pachinko machine 1 has. It is a block diagram which shows the electric structure of the pachinko machine 1. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the effect display of the effect display device 37. It is explanatory drawing explaining the specification of the pachinko machine 1. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the main control processing executed by the CPU 60a of a main control device 60. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a power-on process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the start winning process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a normal symbol game processing. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the ordinary symbol variation display related processing. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the game processing per ordinary symbol. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the special symbol game processing. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the special symbol game processing. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the special symbol variation display related processing. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the fluctuation pattern table. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the ceiling counter update process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the time saving flag setting process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a jackpot game processing. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a jackpot game processing. It is a flowchart which shows an example of hold display processing. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the symbol variation effect processing. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the symbol variation effect processing. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of each effect display in the case where the RAM clear process is performed and the case where the RAM clear process is not performed at the time of turning on the power. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the effect display when the number of consecutive deviations reaches a predetermined value. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of each effect display when the specific off hold occurs and the big hit hold occurs by the look-ahead determination. It is a flowchart which shows the symbol variation effect processing of a modification. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of each effect display when the variation display of a special symbol is started after the RAM clear processing is performed at the time of turning on the power, and when the variation display of a special symbol is started after the big hit game is completed.

Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to examples.

1 is a front view of the pachinko machine 1 of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a back view of the pachinko machine 1, and FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of a gaming board 20 included in the pachinko machine 1. FIG. Is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 1. In this embodiment, the variable display of the special symbol is started when the game ball enters the start port, and when the special symbol is stopped and displayed at the predetermined jackpot symbol, the jackpot game is started, so-called Seven. An example in which the present invention is applied to a machine type (type 1 type) gaming machine will be described.

[Appearance configuration of pachinko machine 1]
As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment includes a gaming board 20 in which a board surface is visibly arranged via a glass plate (transparent plate) 4 fitted in a front frame (glass frame) 3. It includes an upper tray 11 and a lower tray 12 for storing game balls, and a firing handle 13 for launching the game balls stored in the upper tray 11 to the game board 20. The pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment is a CR machine compatible with a prepaid card, and a CR unit 50 for reading and writing the prepaid card is provided on the left side of the pachinko machine 1.

The front frame 3 is fitted into the inner frame 5 and can be opened and closed with respect to the inner frame 5 with hinges provided on the upper and lower sides on the left side as fulcrums. Further, the inner frame 5 is fitted into the outer frame 2 and can be opened and closed with respect to the outer frame 2 with hinges provided on the upper and lower sides on the left side as fulcrums. The front frame 3 and the inner frame 5 are configured as a substantially rectangular plastic frame body. On the other hand, the outer frame 2 is configured as a substantially rectangular wooden frame, and is fixed to the island frame of the island equipment of the game hall.

Speakers 14 are provided on the upper left and right sides of the front frame 3 to sound various sound effects as the game progresses and to sound warning sounds for alerting the player. Further, the front frame 3 is provided with a plurality of LEDs 15 as frame-side decorative lamps that emit light according to the gaming state.

Prize balls and rental balls are paid out to the upper tray 11. A settlement display device 52 for displaying the balance of the prepaid card inserted in the CR unit 50 is provided on the upper right side of the upper tray 11, and the settlement display device 52 is a ball instructing the lending of a game ball. A lending button 53 and a settlement button 54 for instructing settlement (return) of the prepaid card inserted in the CR unit 50 are provided. Further, in the center of the upper surface of the upper tray 11, an effect button 16 for performing various effects according to the operation of the player is arranged. The lower saucer 12 can receive the ball overflowing from the upper saucer 11.

As shown in FIG. 2, the inner frame 5 on the back side of the pachinko machine 1 is provided with a ball tank 77, a tank rail 78, and a payout device 72. When a game ball enters each winning opening provided in the game board 20, the payout device 72 uses a predetermined number of game balls as prize balls from the ball tank 77 to the upper tray 11 via the tank rail 78. Pay out. Further, when the ball lending button 53 is operated, the payout device 72 pays out the lending ball to the upper tray 11.

The launch handle 13 is provided on the right side of the lower tray 12, and when the player rotates it clockwise, the launch motor 83 (see FIG. 4) of the launch device (not shown) is activated and the launch handle 13 is operated. The game balls are launched one by one toward the game board 20 with the firing power according to the rotation operation amount of 13.

[Structure of game board 20]
As shown in FIG. 3, the game board 20 is formed with a game area 21 surrounded by an outer rail 21a and an inner rail 21b. The game board 20 includes an effect display device 37 provided in a substantially central portion of the game area 21, a center accessory 38 including a warp entrance, a warp gutter, a stage, etc. arranged around the effect display device 37, and a center. The normal symbol actuating gate 22 arranged on the right side of the accessory 38, the normally open first starting port 23 arranged below the center accessory 38, and the open / close type arranged below the ordinary symbol actuating gate 22. The second starting opening 24, the large winning opening 25 located at the lower right of the game area 21, and the normally open normal winning opening 27 located at the lower left of the game area 21 can be entered in any of the winning openings. It is provided with an out port 29 for collecting the missing game ball. Further, a large number of nails 21c for guiding or playing a game ball flowing down the game area 21 are planted on the game board 20.

The second starting port 24 is a variable entry port configured as an ordinary electric accessory, and has a pair of left and right opening / closing blades (opening / closing members) 24b and a second starting port solenoid 24c (FIG. 6) for operating the opening / closing blades 24b. 4) and. The second starting port 24 is normally in a closed state in which the opening / closing blade 24b stands upright and it is difficult for the game ball to enter the ball. ) Is executed, the opening / closing blade 24b is opened to the left and right by the second starting port solenoid 24c, so that the game ball can be easily entered into the open state. A second starting port switch 24a for detecting the entry of a game ball and counting the number of incoming balls is attached to the second starting opening 24. The second starting port 24 is closed when the second starting port switch 24a counts the number of incoming balls of the game ball by a specified number or when a predetermined maximum opening time elapses before the specified number of balls is counted.

The large winning opening 25 is a variable entry opening configured as a special electric accessory, and includes an opening / closing plate (opening / closing member) 25b, a large winning opening solenoid 25c (see FIG. 4) for operating the opening / closing plate 25b, and a large winning opening solenoid 25c (see FIG. 4). To prepare for. This big winning opening 25 is normally closed by the opening / closing plate 25b so that the game ball cannot enter, and when the special symbol is stopped and displayed by the big hit symbol and the big hit game is executed. In addition, the opening / closing plate 25b is opened toward the front by the large winning opening solenoid 25c, so that the opening state is set so that the game ball can enter. A large winning opening switch 25a for detecting the entry of a game ball and counting the number of incoming balls is attached to the large winning opening 25. The large winning opening 25 is closed when the large winning opening switch 25a counts the number of balls entered or the predetermined maximum opening time elapses before the specified number is counted (round game). The jackpot game is performed by repeating the above round game a predetermined number of times.

The first starting port 23 enters the game ball by rotating the firing handle 13 (so-called left-handed) so that the player causes the game ball to flow down to the left side area (first game area) of the game area 21. Can be made to. On the other hand, the second starting opening 24 and the large winning opening 25 cannot allow the game ball to enter by hitting the left side, so that the game ball flows down to the right side area (second game area) of the game area 21. A game ball can be inserted by rotating the firing handle 13 (so-called right-handed hitting). However, since the second starting opening 24 and the large winning opening 25 are variable winning openings, respectively, the game ball enters only when the normal symbol is won or the special symbol is won by the big hit. It will be possible.

At the lower right of the game board 20, a first special symbol display device (first special symbol display device) 31, a second special symbol display device (second special symbol display device) 32, and a first special symbol hold number display are displayed. Device (1st special symbol hold number display device) 33, 2nd special symbol hold number display device (2nd special symbol hold number display device) 34, normal symbol display device (normal symbol display device) 35, and normal symbol A hold number display device (normal figure hold number display device) 36 and is arranged.

The first special figure display device 31 and the second special figure display device 32 are configured as a 7-segment display device in this embodiment, and represent a plurality of types of display modes by combining lighting and extinguishing of each segment. .. The first special figure display device 31 and the second special figure display device 32 start variable display of the special symbol by sequentially switching the display mode based on the entry of the game ball into the starting port, and the predetermined variable time When the lapse has passed, the special symbol is stopped and displayed by stopping and displaying in any of a plurality of predetermined stop display modes. Then, when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a predetermined stop display mode (big hit symbol), the jackpot game is executed. The first special figure display device 31 is a display device for the first start port entry ball that variablely displays a special symbol based on the entry of the game ball into the first start opening 23, and is a second special figure display device 32. Is a display device for entering the second starting opening, which displays a special symbol in a variable manner based on the entry of the game ball into the second starting opening 24. The special symbol displayed by the first special symbol display device 31 is also referred to as the first special symbol (first special symbol), and the special symbol displayed by the second special symbol display device 32 is the second special symbol (second special symbol). Also called a special figure).

When a game ball enters the first starting port 23 during the variable display of the special symbol or during the big hit game, the variable display of the first special symbol is suspended up to a predetermined number (4 times in the embodiment), and the current After the variation display is completed, the variation display of the reserved first special symbol is sequentially started. The reserved number of the first special symbol is displayed on the first special symbol reserved number display device 33. In addition, even when a game ball enters the second starting port 24 during the variable display of the special symbol or during the big hit game, the variable display of the second special symbol is suspended up to a predetermined number (for example, 4 times), and the current After the variation display is completed, the variation display of the second special symbol on hold is sequentially started. The reserved number of the second special symbol is displayed on the second special symbol reserved number display device 34.

In this embodiment, the normal figure display device 35 is configured as an LED display device having a plurality of display units. The normal symbol display device 35 variablely displays the normal symbol by repeatedly turning on and off each of the plurality of display units based on the fact that the gate switch 22a provided on the normal symbol operating gate 22 detects the game ball. Then, when the predetermined fluctuation time elapses, the normal symbol is stopped and displayed by turning on or off each of the plurality of display units. Then, when a specific display unit is lit among the plurality of display units, the design is a hit, and in other cases, the symbol is off. When the normal symbol is hit and stopped and displayed, the second starting port 24 is opened.

In this embodiment, when the game ball passes through the normal symbol operating gate 22 during the normal symbol variation display, the normal symbol variation display is suspended up to a predetermined number (for example, 4), and the current variation display is displayed. When it is finished, the variable display of the pending normal symbols is started in sequence. The reserved number of ordinary symbols is displayed on the normal symbol reserved number display device 36.

The effect display device 37 is an image display device composed of a liquid crystal display or the like, and in addition to displaying the effect symbols (pseudo symbols) 371L, 371C, 371R corresponding to the special symbol on the display screen, the reach effect and the big hit are announced. Various effects such as a notice effect and a suggestion effect suggesting a set value are displayed. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the effect display of the effect display device 37. As shown in the figure, in the center of the display screen of the effect display device 37, there are three effect symbols 371L on the left, middle, and right, which are composed of numbers, letters, characters, symbols, characters, etc. (numbers in the example of the figure). 371C and 371R are displayed. When the game ball enters the starting port (first starting port 23 or second starting port 24), the three effect symbols 371L, 371C, and 371R are displayed in a variable manner so as to scroll from top to bottom, and the predetermined variable time is set. When is elapsed, the stop display is displayed in the order of left, right, and middle. When the right effect symbol 371R is stopped and displayed and the right effect symbol 371R does not match the left effect symbol 371L, it is out (normally off). On the other hand, when the right effect symbol 371R matches the left effect symbol 371L, the reach is reached and the process shifts to the reach effect. Then, when the effect symbol 371C in the middle is stopped and displayed after the reach effect, if the effect symbol 371C in the inside does not match the left and right effect symbols 371L and 371R, the effect is out of reach (out of reach), and the effect in the middle is done. When the symbol 371C matches the left and right effect symbols 371L and 371R, it is a big hit.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the first and second reserved symbols 372a and 372b are also displayed in the corner (lower part) of the display screen of the effect display device 37. The first reserved symbol 372a is a symbol corresponding to the reserved storage of the first special symbol. The first reserved symbol 372a is additionally displayed one by one from the right side each time a game ball enters the first starting port 23 during the variation display of the special symbol, and each time the variation display of the first special symbol is started. It is erased one by one from the opposite side of the starting ball. Further, the second reserved symbol 372b is a symbol corresponding to the reserved storage of the second special symbol. The second reserved symbol 372b is additionally displayed one by one from the right side each time a game ball enters the second starting port 24 during the variation display of the special symbol, and each time the variation display of the second special symbol is started. It is erased one by one from the opposite side of the starting ball.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5, a character symbol 373 is also displayed in the display screen of the effect display device 37. The character symbol 373 is used, for example, to suggest the possibility (reliability) of a big hit or to suggest that a big hit will occur.

[Control circuit configuration]
Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the pachinko machine 1 has a main control device 60, a payout control device 70, a launch control device 80, a sub-integrated control device 90, and an effect display control device 91 as control circuits thereof. , A power supply board 95 (see FIG. 2). The main control device 60 is configured as a microprocessor centered on the CPU 60a, and in addition to the CPU 60a, a ROM 60b for storing a processing program or a table, a RAM 60c for temporarily storing data when the processing program is executed, an input / output port, and communication. It has a port and so on. Although not shown, the payout control device 70 and the launch control device 80 are also configured as a microprocessor centered on a CPU, and include a ROM, a RAM, an input / output port, a communication port, and the like in addition to the CPU. Further, the pachinko machine 1 is provided with an external connection terminal board 65, and a signal indicating a game state and a game result is transmitted to the hall computer 100 (see FIG. 4) by the external connection terminal board 65.

The main control device 60 controls the basic progress of the game. As shown in FIG. 4, the main control device 60 is back-wired with detection signals from the front frame opening switch 3a for detecting the opening of the front frame 3, the inner frame opening switch 5a for detecting the opening of the inner frame 5, and the like. It is input via the relay terminal board 64. Further, the main control device 60 includes a gate switch 22a for detecting the passage of the game ball through the normal symbol operating gate 22, and a first start port switch 23a for detecting the entry of the game ball into the first start port 23. The second starting port switch 24a for detecting the entry of the game ball into the second starting opening 24, the large winning opening switch 25a for detecting the entry of the game ball into the large winning opening 25, and the game ball for the normal winning opening 27. The detection signal from the normal winning opening switch 27a or the like for detecting the entry of the ball is input via the game board relay terminal plate 61. Further, the operation signal from the probability setting switch 98 and the RAM clear switch 99 is directly input to the main control device 60. On the other hand, from the main control device 60, a drive signal to the second starting port solenoid 24c, the winning opening solenoid 25c, and the like is output via the game board relay terminal plate 61. Further, from the main control device 60, the first special figure display device 31, the second special figure display device 32, the first special figure hold number display device 33, the second special figure hold number display device 34, and the normal figure display device 35. , The display signal to the normal figure hold number display device 36 and the like is output via the symbol display device relay terminal board 62. Further, the main control device 60 outputs a signal to the hall computer 100 via the back wiring relay terminal board 64 and the external connection terminal board 65.

As shown in FIG. 2, the probability setting switch 98 and the RAM clear switch 99 are provided in the main control device 60 on the back side of the pachinko machine 1. The probability setting switch 98 is a switch for setting the jackpot probability of the special symbol, and the RAM clear switch 99 is a switch for executing RAM clear. Further, the RAM clear switch 99 of this embodiment is also used for selecting a set value of the jackpot probability of the special symbol. That is, the probability setting switch 98 and the RAM clear switch 99 are used to select and set any of the six setting values (settings 1 to 6) to which different jackpot probabilities are assigned as the jackpot probabilities of the special symbols. .. The manager of the game hall inserts a predetermined key into the probability setting switch 98 and rotates it, and turns on the power while pressing the RAM clear switch 99. Then, the pachinko machine 1 is in a state where the RAM is cleared and the set value can be changed. When the pachinko machine 1 is in this state, the administrator can select a desired setting value from the settings 1 to 6 by pressing the RAM clear switch 99. In this embodiment, each time the RAM clear switch 99 is pressed, the pachinko machine 1 sequentially assigns numbers "1" to "6" corresponding to the set values currently selected for the first special figure display device 31. Display on. Therefore, the administrator selects a desired set value by repeatedly pressing the RAM clear switch 99 so that the number displayed on the first special figure display device 31 becomes a number corresponding to the desired set value. be able to. The set value selected by the operation of the RAM clear switch 99 is determined by the administrator rotating the key inserted in the probability setting switch 98 to return to the initial position, and is set as the jackpot probability of the special symbol. By performing such an operation, the administrator can set any of the settings 1 to 6 for each pachinko machine 1. In this embodiment, the probability setting switch 98 and the RAM clear switch 99 are used to select and set the set value, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a rotary knob or the like is operated from the outside. If it is possible, it may be configured to select or set the set value by using any other operating means, or it may be configured to provide a dedicated switch for selecting the set value. Further, the pachinko machine 1 is supposed to display information on the currently selected set value on the first special figure display device 31, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the pachinko machine 1 may be displayed on another display device. Alternatively, it may be notified by voice. For example, a display device capable of displaying the set value may be provided in the main control device 60 on the back side of the pachinko machine 1, and the display device may be a device dedicated to displaying the set value. Further, the setting value is not limited to 6 of settings 1 to 6, and any number may be used as long as it can be selected from a plurality of setting values.

The payout control device 70 controls the payout of prize balls and rental balls. A detection signal from a ball-out switch 76 for detecting ball-out of a ball tank (not shown) for storing game balls to be discharged to the upper tray 11 is input to the payout control device 70 via a back wiring relay terminal board 64. A detection signal from the payout switch 74 for detecting the game ball to be paid out to the upper saucer 11 is input via the payout relay terminal board 71 and the back wiring relay terminal board 64, and the full switch 75 to detect the fullness of the lower saucer 12. The detection signal from is directly input. On the other hand, the payout control device 70 outputs a drive signal to the payout motor 73 via the back wiring relay terminal board 64 and the payout relay terminal board 71. The payout control device 70 is configured to enable bidirectional communication with the main control device 60, and drives the payout motor 73 according to a command transmitted from the main control device 60 to pay out the prize balls. When a detection signal is input from either the out-of-ball switch 76 or the full switch 75, the payout control device 70 drives and stops the payout motor 73 until the detection status is resolved and the detection signal is no longer input, and the prize ball is awarded. The payout operation is interrupted.

Further, the payout control device 70 is configured to be communicable with the CR unit 50 via the CR unit terminal board 51. The CR unit terminal board 51 is configured to enable bidirectional communication with the settlement display device 52, and the payout control device 70 receives detection signals from the ball rental switch 53a and the settlement switch 54a provided in the settlement display device 52. It is input via the CR unit terminal board 51. The ball lending switch 53a detects the operation of the ball lending button 53 and outputs a detection signal, and the settlement switch 54a detects the operation of the settlement button 54 and outputs a detection signal. When the payout control device 70 inputs the ball lending command, the payout control device 70 drives the payout motor 73 to pay out the ball lending. Further, the payout control device 70 is configured to enable bidirectional communication with the launch control device 80, and when a predetermined launch stop condition such as inputting a detection signal from the full switch 75 is satisfied, the payout control device 70 is configured with respect to the launch control device 80. And send a launch stop command.

The launch control device 80 controls the launch of the game ball into the game area 21. The launch control device 80 has a rotation amount signal output in response to the rotation operation of the launch handle 13, a launch stop signal from the launch stop switch 81 that detects the operation of the launch stop button, and a launch handle 13 by the player. A touch signal or the like from the touch switch 82 that detects that the user is touching is input. On the other hand, the launch control device 80 outputs a drive signal to the launch motor 83. The launch control device 80 controls the launch motor 83 so that the game ball is launched into the game area 21 with the launch intensity based on the rotation amount signal. When the launch control device 80 is not inputting the touch signal or inputting the launch stop command, the launch control device 80 stops driving the launch motor 83 regardless of the operation of the launch handle 13 and does not launch the game ball.

The sub-integrated control device 90 controls the production of the game. The sub-integrated control device 90 is configured as a microprocessor centered on the CPU 90a, and includes a ROM 90b, a RAM 90c, an input / output port, a communication port, and the like in addition to the CPU 90a. The sub-integrated control device 90 can receive various commands from the main control device 60 by one-way communication via the effect relay terminal board 63, and performs effect control according to the received commands. A detection signal from the effect button switch 16a for detecting the operation (pressing) of the effect button 16 is input to the sub-integrated control device 90. On the other hand, the sub-integrated control device 90 outputs an audio signal to the speaker 14 and a lighting signal to various LEDs 15. Further, the sub-integrated control device 90 outputs a command for effect display control to the effect display control device 91 by one-way communication. The effect display control device 91 receives a command for effect display control from the sub-integrated control device 90, and controls the display of the effect display device 37 so that the effect image corresponding to the command is displayed on the effect display device 37. Do it.

The power supply board 95 is a DC power supply that converts an AC voltage from an external AC power supply into a DC voltage, and supplies power to each part of the pachinko machine 1 by operating a power switch (not shown). The power supply board 95 supplies power from the AC power supply to the RAM 60c or the like of the main control device 60 even when the power switch is turned off and the power of the pachinko machine 1 is turned off, and the data in the RAM 60c is the AC power supply. It is held by the power from. Further, the power supply board 95 includes a backup power supply composed of a capacitor or the like, and stores the power supplied from the AC power supply in the backup power supply. As a result, in the event of a power failure in which the power supply from the AC power supply is cut off, the power from the backup power supply is supplied to the RAM 60c and the like of the main control device 60, and the data and the like in the RAM 60c of the main control device 60 are stored for a certain period of time. Be retained.

[Outline of the game of pachinko machine 1]
Next, the outline of the game in the pachinko machine 1 thus configured will be described. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the specifications of the pachinko machine 1. In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, the jackpot probability of the special symbol differs depending on the gaming state and the set value. That is, as shown in FIG. 6A, when the gaming state is the normal gaming state, the jackpot probability of setting 1 is 1/320, the jackpot probability of setting 2 is 1/310, and setting 3 The jackpot probability of setting 4 is 1/300, the jackpot probability of setting 4 is 1/290, the jackpot probability of setting 5 is 1/280, and the jackpot probability of setting 6 is 1/270. On the other hand, when the gaming state is a probabilistic gaming state, the jackpot probability of setting 1 is 1/64, the jackpot probability of setting 2 is 1/62, and the jackpot probability of setting 3 is 1/60. The jackpot probability of setting 4 is 1/58, the jackpot probability of setting 5 is 1/56, and the jackpot probability of setting 6 is 1/54. When a big hit occurs with a special symbol, a 4-round big hit game (a big hit game in which a specified number of 10 pieces and a maximum opening time of 30 seconds is repeated 4 times) or a 10-round big hit game (the above round game is 10 times). Repeated jackpot game) is executed. When the jackpot game is executed, the gaming state after the jackpot game ends has a probability of 65% (probability variation jackpot). The probabilistic game state is a game state in which the winning probability (big hit probability) of the special symbol is higher than the normal game state. Further, when the big hit game is executed, a time-saving game state (a time-saving state, a first ball entry easy state) is also generated as a game state after the big hit game is completed.

Further, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the variation display of the special symbol is executed a specified number of times (900 times) without a big hit, a time-saving game state (b time-saving state) is used to rescue the player. , Second easy ball entry state) occurs. b The time saving state continues until the variable display of the special symbol is executed a predetermined number of times (900 times). Here, the specified number of times is a so-called addictive ceiling, and is set to a value exceeding the reciprocal of the jackpot probability. For example, when the jackpot probability is 1/300, it can be 301 times or more, particularly 700 times or more, or any number of 750 to 900 times.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6B, the hit probability of the normal symbol differs depending on the gaming state, and is 1/100 when the gaming state is the normal gaming state, and the gaming state is the time-saving gaming state (a time-saving state). , B time saving state), it is 1 / 1.1. When a hit occurs in the normal symbol, a game per normal symbol (game per normal symbol) in which the second starting port 24 (ordinary electric accessory) is opened is executed. When a hit occurs in a normal symbol when the game state is the normal game state, the game per game is executed with a specified number of 10 and a maximum opening time of 0.1 seconds, and the game state is a time-saving game state (a). If a hit occurs in a normal symbol in the time saving state, b time saving state), a game per normal symbol with a specified number of 10 and a maximum opening time of 5.8 seconds is executed. In this embodiment, both the a time saving state and the b time saving state have a time saving function in which the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is shorter than that in the normal gaming state, and a normal drawing in which the winning probability of the normal symbol is higher than that in the normal gaming state. It is a gaming state that activates the probability change function and the opening extension function in which the opening time of the second starting port 24 when the normal symbol is won is extended from the normal gaming state. In the a time saving state and the b time saving state, some of these three functions may be omitted. In particular, in the b time saving state, since the time saving gaming state occurs without going through the big hit, it is conceivable that the normal figure probability change function is not activated. In this case, the a time saving state and the b time saving state are different game states from each other, and the a time saving state in which the normal figure probability change function is activated is more advantageous to the player than the b time saving state. Of course, it is also conceivable that the time-saving state a is the same as the time-saving game state without activating the normal figure probability change function according to the time-saving state b. In this case, even if a situation occurs in which the a time saving state and the b time saving state overlap, it is not necessary to change the time saving game state.

In the pachinko machine 1 having such specifications, when the game ball enters the first starting port 23 by left-handed hitting (launching the game ball into the first game area), the variation display of the first special symbol is started. Then, when the first special symbol is stopped and displayed as the jackpot symbol, the jackpot is set and the jackpot game in which the jackpot 25 is opened is executed. The large winning opening 25 cannot enter a game ball by hitting left, and can enter a game ball by hitting right (launching a game ball into a second game area). Therefore, when the jackpot game is executed, the player hits right to digest the jackpot game.

The jackpot symbol includes a normal jackpot symbol and a probabilistic jackpot symbol. When the special symbol is stopped and displayed as a normal jackpot symbol, the gaming state after the jackpot game ends is a time saving state. When the jackpot game is executed with the normal jackpot symbol, the time saving state a continues until the variable display of the special symbol is executed a predetermined number of times (100 times). On the other hand, when the special symbol is stopped and displayed as the probability variation jackpot symbol, the gaming state after the jackpot game ends becomes the probability variation game state and the time saving state. When the jackpot game is executed with the probability variation jackpot symbol, the probability variation game state and the time saving state are until the variation display of the special symbol is executed a predetermined number of times (10000 times), that is, until the next jackpot is substantially generated. continue. Therefore, in the probabilistic game state and the time saving state, the player can make a big hit advantageously while suppressing the decrease in the number of balls held by hitting right, and has a chance to win a large number of balls in a short time. It becomes.

Further, when the variation display of the special symbol is executed a predetermined number of times (900 times) without the occurrence of a big hit, the gaming state becomes the time-saving gaming state (b time-saving state). The jackpot probability is 1/320 to 1/270, and the b time reduction state continues until the fluctuation display of the special symbol is executed a predetermined number of times (900 times). In the case of, a big hit can be generated.

[Main control processing]
Next, the operation of the pachinko machine 1, particularly the operation of the main control device 60 will be described in more detail. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the main control process executed by the CPU 60a of the main control device 60. This process is executed when the power switch of the pachinko machine 1 is operated. The main control processing is usually, after executing the power-on processing necessary for turning on the power of the pachinko machine 1 (S10), the random number update processing (S20), the winning confirmation processing (S30), and the start winning processing (S40). It is performed by repeatedly executing the symbol game process (S50), the normal symbol per game process (S60), the special symbol game process (S70), and the big hit game process (S80). In this embodiment, the time required for the processes of S20 to S80 is about 2 msec, and these processes are repeatedly executed at intervals of about 2 msec. By executing the main control process, the main control device 60 transmits various commands to the control device in charge and executes the process according to the command, thereby advancing the entire game of the pachinko machine 1.

[Power-on process]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the power-on process. In the power-on process of S10, the CPU 60a of the main control device 60 first completes the security check, and when access to the RAM 60c is permitted (S100), whether or not the backup flag is OFF (S102), the RAM It is determined whether or not the clear signal is OFF (S104). The backup flag is a flag indicating whether or not the data in the RAM 60c is normally held, and is turned ON if the data is normally held, and turned OFF if the data is not normally held. The RAM clear signal is turned on when the power is turned on while the RAM clear switch 99 is operated, and is turned off when the power is turned on when the RAM clear switch 99 is not operated.

If it is determined that the backup flag is OFF, or if it is determined that the backup flag is ON but the RAM clear signal is ON, the system starts (returns) from the initial state. That is, first, the stack setting process is performed (S106). Subsequently, the set value set by the probability setting switch 98 is read out (S108), and the initialization process for clearing and initializing the work area of the RAM 60c is performed (S110). Game information indicating a game state is stored in the work area of the RAM 60c. The game information includes various flags and set values of various counters, and the initialization process includes a process of clearing the values of these flags and counters and setting them as initial values. In addition, various flags include a normal symbol hit flag (normal symbol hit flag) indicating whether or not a normal symbol hit game is in progress, a big hit flag indicating whether or not a big hit game is in progress, and a probabilistic game state. Probability change flag indicating whether or not, a time saving flag indicating whether or not the time saving state (first ball entry easy state) is in progress, b time saving state (second ball entry easy state). b Time saving flag etc. are included. In addition, various counters include a probability variation counter that indicates the number of remaining fluctuations of the special symbol until the end of the probability variation game state, an a time reduction counter that indicates the number of remaining fluctuations of the special symbol until the end of the a time reduction state, and b time reduction state. B Time reduction counter that shows the number of remaining fluctuations of the special symbol until the end of Shown ceiling counters and the like are included. As described above, if the power is turned on while the probability setting switch 98 and the RAM clear switch 99 are being operated, the RAM is cleared, and the probability is set by being selected by the RAM clear switch 99 from the settings 1 to 6. One set value set (selected) by the switch 98 is activated. Then, the value 0 is set in the notification flag (S112), and the initial commands corresponding to the payout control device 70 and the sub-integrated control device 90 are transmitted (S114) to end the power-on process. The initial command transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 90 includes various flags and various counter values.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S102 and S104 that the backup flag is ON and the RAM clear signal is OFF, the system starts (returns) from the state immediately before the power is cut off. That is, first, the game information immediately before the power is cut off, which is stored and held in the work area of the RAM 60c, is read out (S116). The game information immediately before the power is cut off is information indicating the state of the game that was in progress immediately before the power was cut off. Subsequently, a power supply restoration process for restarting the game is performed according to the read game information (S118). Then, the value 1 is set in the notification flag (S120), and the return command corresponding to the payout control device 70 and the sub-integrated control device 90 is transmitted (S122) to end the power-on process. The return command transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 90 includes various flags and various counter values as in the initial command. When the power-on process is completed, the process returns to the main control process and proceeds to the next random number update process (S20).

Here, the notification flag indicates whether or not to execute the notification effect for notifying the remaining number of times until reaching the ceiling. If the value is 1, the notification effect is executed, and if the value is 0, the notification effect is executed. Indicates that the production will not be executed. The details of this notification effect will be described later.

[Random number update process]
The random number update process of S20 is a process of updating various determination random numbers. The random number for determination is, for example, a random number for jackpot determination (special symbol) used for jackpot determination (hit / fail determination) performed based on the entry of a game ball into the start port (first start port 23 or second start port 24). Random number for hit / fail judgment) and the big hit used to determine the big hit symbol to be stopped and displayed on the special figure display device (1st special figure display device 31 or 2nd special figure display device 32) when the result of the big hit judgment is a big hit. Random number for symbol determination, if the result of big hit judgment is out of order, the special symbol display device (1st special symbol display device 31 or 2nd special symbol display device 32) is stopped and displayed. Random numbers, random numbers for determining fluctuation patterns used to determine the fluctuation pattern (variation time) of special symbols, random numbers for determining whether or not the normal symbol is correct, which is used for determining whether or not the game ball passes through the normal symbol operating gate 22. Can be mentioned. When the random number update process is completed, the process returns to the main control process and proceeds to the next winning confirmation process (S30).

[Prize confirmation process]
The winning confirmation process of S30 detects the state of various sensors (first starting port switch 23a, second starting port switch 24a, gate switch 22a, large winning opening switch 25a, normal winning opening switch 27a, etc.) and determines the RAM 60c. Save in the state storage area of. Further, it is determined whether or not the game ball is detected by the switch related to the prize ball (the above-mentioned winning opening switch excluding the gate switch 22a), and if it is determined that the game ball is detected, the number of prize balls to be paid out is calculated and the prize ball information is obtained. It is stored in a predetermined prize ball information storage area of the RAM 60c. Then, when the prize ball information is not a value 0, the prize ball number designation command (prize ball information) is transmitted to the payout control device 70 to end the winning confirmation process. When the payout control device 70 receives the command to specify the number of prize balls, the payout control device 70 drives the payout motor 73 to pay out the game balls one by one, and each time the payout switch 74 detects the payout ball, the prize ball information (unpaid). The prize ball payout process for decrementing the number of game balls) by a value of 1 is executed. This prize ball payout process is repeatedly executed until the prize ball information reaches a value of 0. When the entry of a game ball is detected and a new prize ball number designation command is received from the main control device 60, the prize ball is paid out. The process is repeated until the value of the information becomes 0. When the winning confirmation process is completed, the process returns to the main control process and proceeds to the next start winning process (S40).

[Starting prize processing]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the start winning process. In the start winning process of S40, the CPU 60a of the main control device 60 first inputs a detection signal from the first start port switch 23a and determines whether or not a game ball has entered the first start port 23 ( S200). When it is determined that the game ball has entered the first starting port 23, is the current number of reserved first special symbols (number of reserved first special symbols) less than the upper limit (value 4 in this embodiment)? It is determined whether or not (S202). When it is determined that the reserved number of the first special symbol is less than the upper limit number, the reserved number of the first special symbol is incremented by a value of 1 and the display of the first special symbol reserved number display device 33 is updated (S204). The determination random number of the first special symbol is acquired and stored in a predetermined determination random number storage area of the RAM 60c (S206). Here, as the determination random number acquired in S206, information on the progress of the variable game of the first special symbol such as the above-mentioned big hit determination random number, big hit symbol determination random number, missed symbol determination random number, and variation pattern determination random number. Can be mentioned. Next, it is determined whether or not the jackpot flag has a value of 0 and both the a time saving flag and the b time saving flag have a value of 0 (S208). If it is determined that the jackpot flag has a value of 0 and both the a time saving flag and the b time saving flag have a value of 0, it is determined that the current gaming state is neither the jackpot gaming state nor the time saving gaming state, and the first special symbol The look-ahead determination process is performed (S210), and the first special symbol look-ahead determination command (first special figure look-ahead determination command) including the result of the look-ahead determination is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 90 (S212). The look-ahead judgment process of the first special symbol changes the first special symbol based on the judgment random numbers (random numbers for big hit judgment, random numbers for determining big hit symbols, random numbers for determining missed symbols, random numbers for determining fluctuation patterns) acquired in S206. It is a process performed based on the judgment random number prior to the hit / fail judgment performed immediately before the display. In this embodiment, the jackpot judgment using the jackpot judgment random number and the fluctuation pattern using the fluctuation pattern determination random number are used. Make a judgment. The first special figure look-ahead determination command includes the result of the jackpot determination of the first special symbol and the result of the variation pattern determination. In addition, when the probability variation flag has a value of 1, that is, when the current gaming state is the probability variation gaming state, the judgment random number that becomes a big hit only in the probability variation gaming state and does not become a jackpot in the normal gaming state is not subject to the look-ahead determination. good. On the other hand, if it is determined that the jackpot flag has a value of 1, or if it is determined that either the a time saving flag or the b time saving flag has a value of 1, the current gaming state is the jackpot gaming state or the time saving gaming state. It is determined that it is not suitable for executing the look-ahead determination of the first special symbol, and the look-ahead determination processing of S210 and S212 is skipped. Then, the first special symbol hold generation command (first special symbol hold generation command) is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 90 (S214), and the process proceeds to S216. The first special symbol hold generation command includes information regarding the number of holds of the first special symbol for displaying the first reserved symbol 372a on the effect display device 37. If it is determined in S200 that the game ball has not entered the first starting port 23, or if it is determined in S202 that the number of reserved first special symbols has reached the upper limit, the processes of S204 to S214 are performed. Is skipped and the process proceeds to the next S216 process.

It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the judgment random number storage area is divided into a hit / fail judgment storage area and a look-ahead judgment storage area, and the acquired judgment random number is stored in each storage area. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the judgment random number stored in the storage area is shared between the hit / fail judgment and the look-ahead judgment. Further, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the look-ahead determination is executed as it is when the determination random number is acquired, and then the acquired determination random number is stored in the determination random number storage area for the hit / fail determination. Regardless of which configuration is adopted, the look-ahead determination can be executed without any problem.

Next, the detection signal from the second start port switch 24a is input to determine whether or not the game ball has entered the second start port 24 (S216). When it is determined that the game ball has entered the second starting port 24, is the current number of reserved second special symbols (number of reserved second special symbols) less than the upper limit (value 4 in this embodiment)? It is determined whether or not (S218). When it is determined that the number of holdings of the second special symbol is less than the upper limit, the number of holdings of the second special symbol is incremented by a value of 1 and the display of the second special symbol holding number display device 34 is updated (S220). The determination random number of the second special symbol is acquired and stored in a predetermined determination random number storage area of the RAM 60c (S222). Here, as the determination random number acquired in S222, information on the progress of the variable game of the second special symbol such as the above-mentioned big hit determination random number, big hit symbol determination random number, missed symbol determination random number, and variation pattern determination random number. Can be mentioned. Next, it is determined whether or not the jackpot flag has a value of 0 (S224). When it is determined that the jackpot flag has a value of 0, it is determined that the current gaming state is not the jackpot gaming state, the pre-reading determination process of the second special symbol is performed (S226), and the second special symbol including the result of the pre-reading determination is performed. A look-ahead determination command (second special figure look-ahead determination command) is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 90 (S228). The pre-reading determination process of the second special symbol is a process performed based on the determination random number prior to the hit / fail determination performed immediately before the second special symbol is variablely displayed based on the determination random number acquired in S222. In the embodiment, the jackpot determination using the jackpot determination random number and the variation pattern determination using the variation pattern determination random number are performed. The second special figure look-ahead determination command includes the result of the jackpot determination of the second special symbol and the result of the variation pattern determination. On the other hand, if it is determined that the jackpot flag has a value of 1, it is determined that the current gaming state is the jackpot gaming state and it is not suitable for executing the look-ahead determination of the second special symbol, and the look-ahead determination processing of S226 and S228 is skipped. do. Then, the second special symbol hold generation command (second special symbol hold generation command) is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 90 (S230), and the process proceeds to S232. The second special symbol hold generation command includes information regarding the number of holds of the second special symbol for displaying the second reserved symbol 372b on the effect display device 37. If it is determined in S216 that the game ball has not entered the second starting port 24, or if it is determined in S218 that the number of reserved second special symbols has reached the upper limit, the processes of S220 to S230 are performed. Is skipped and the process proceeds to the next S232 process.

Next, the detection signal from the gate switch 22a is input to determine whether or not the game ball has passed through the normal symbol operating gate 22 (S232). When it is determined that the game ball has passed through the normal symbol operating gate 22, it is determined whether or not the current number of reserved normal symbols is less than the upper limit (for example, value 4) (S234). When it is determined that the number of reserved symbols is less than the upper limit, the number of reserved ordinary symbols is incremented by a value of 1 and the display of the ordinary symbol holding number display device 36 is updated (S236). Next, the determination random number of the ordinary symbol is acquired and stored in a predetermined determination random number storage area of the RAM 60c (S238). As the random number for determining the normal symbol, information regarding the progress of the variable game of the normal symbol such as the above-mentioned random number for determining whether or not the normal symbol is correct can be exemplified. Then, the normal symbol hold number instruction command is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 90 (S240), and the start winning process is completed. If it is determined in S232 that the game ball has not passed through the normal symbol operating gate 22, or if it is determined in S234 that the number of reserved symbols has reached the upper limit, the processes of S236 to S240 are skipped. The start winning process is completed. When the start winning process is completed, the process returns to the main control process and proceeds to the next normal symbol game process (S50).

[Ordinary symbol game processing]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a normal symbol game process. In the normal symbol game processing of S50, the CPU 60a of the main control device 60 first determines whether or not the normal symbol hit flag (normal symbol hit flag) has a value of 1 (step S300). The normal symbol hit flag is a flag indicating whether or not the game is being played per normal symbol. If it is determined that the normal symbol hit flag has a value of 1, it is determined that the normal symbol hit game is in progress, and the normal symbol game process is terminated. When the normal symbol game processing is completed, the process proceeds to the next S60 normal symbol game processing. On the other hand, if it is determined that the normal symbol hit flag is not a value 1 but a value 0, it is determined that the game is not in progress per normal symbol, and whether or not the normal symbol is in variable display (S302), and whether or not the normal symbol is in variable display (S302), the confirmed symbol of the normal symbol It is determined whether or not the display time is in effect (S304). If it is determined that the normal symbol is not in the variable display and the confirmed symbol is not in the display time, it is determined whether or not the number of reserved normal symbols is more than the value 0 (S306). When it is determined that the number of reserved symbols is not more than the value 0, that is, the value is 0, the ordinary symbol game process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the number of reserved normal symbols is larger than the value 0, the oldest normal symbol determination random number stored in the determination random number storage area is read out (S308), and the normal symbol is displayed in a variable manner. (S310), the normal symbol variation display-related processing for the purpose is executed, and the normal symbol game processing is terminated. Hereinafter, the details of the normal symbol variation display-related processing of S310 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

In the normal symbol variation display-related processing, it is determined whether or not the a time saving flag has a value of 0 (S350) and b whether or not the time saving flag has a value of 0 (S352). As described above, the a time saving flag is a flag indicating whether or not the a time saving state is in progress, and the a time saving state is generated when a big hit occurs. On the other hand, the b time saving flag is a flag indicating whether or not the b time saving state is in progress, and the b time saving state is generated when the ceiling of the fit is reached. If it is determined that both the a time saving flag and the b time saving flag have a value of 0, it is determined that the current gaming state is not the time saving gaming state (neither the a time saving state nor the b time saving state), and the acquired normal symbol is correct or not. A hit / fail judgment is made using a low-probability normal symbol hit judgment table based on a judgment random number (S354). On the other hand, if it is determined that either the a time saving flag or the b time saving flag has a value 1 instead of a value 0, the current gaming state is the time saving gaming state (either the a time saving state or the b time saving state). Judgment is made, and a hit / fail judgment is made using a high-probability normal symbol hit determination table based on the acquired random number for determining whether or not the normal symbol is correct (S356). The hit / fail judgment of the normal symbol is performed by comparing the random number for normal symbol hit / fail judgment with the hit value included in the normal symbol hit judgment table. If they do not match, it is judged to be out of alignment. The high-probability ordinary symbol hit determination table has more hit values than the low-probability ordinary symbol hit determination table. As a result of the hit / fail judgment, if it is determined to be a hit (“YES” in S358), the hit symbol is determined for the confirmed symbol of the normal symbol (S360), and the variation display of the normal symbol is started until the final symbol is confirmed and displayed. The fluctuation time (hit fluctuation pattern) of the normal symbol is determined (S362). Further, as a result of the hit / fail judgment, if it is determined to be out of order (“NO” in S358), the out-of-order symbol is determined as the definite symbol of the normal symbol (S364), and the variation display of the normal symbol is started and then the definite symbol is confirmed and displayed. The fluctuation time (out-of-bounds fluctuation pattern) of the normal symbol up to is determined (S366). The fluctuation time of the normal symbol is set to be shorter in the short-time gaming state than in the normal gaming state. When the fixed symbol and the fluctuation time (variation pattern) of the normal symbol are determined in this way, the fluctuation display of the normal symbol is started (S368), the reserved number of the normal symbol is decremented by a value of 1, and the normal symbol holding number display device 36 The display is updated (S370), the change start command of the normal symbol is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 90 (S372), and the normal symbol game process is terminated.

Returning to the normal symbol game process of FIG. 10 and starting the variable display of the normal symbol, the CPU 60a of the main control device 60 is displaying the normal symbol in the variable display in S302 when the normal symbol game process is executed next time. Next, in order to determine that there is, it is determined whether or not the fluctuation time of the normal symbol determined in S362 or S366 has elapsed (the variation due to the determined variation pattern is completed) (S312). If it is determined that the fluctuation time of the normal symbol has not elapsed, the normal symbol game processing is temporarily terminated, and if it is determined that the fluctuation time of the normal symbol has elapsed, the confirmed symbol of the normal symbol being displayed in the variation is displayed. Processing is performed (S314). Then, it is determined whether or not the confirmed symbol display time (for example, 0.5 seconds) has elapsed (S316). If it is determined that the confirmed symbol display time has not elapsed, the normal symbol game process is temporarily terminated. When the normal symbol game process is executed after the confirmed symbol of the normal symbol is displayed, it is determined in S304 that the confirmed symbol is in the display time, so it is determined in S316 whether or not the confirmed symbol display time has elapsed again. When the determination is made and it is determined that the time between the confirmed symbol display has elapsed, the display of the confirmed symbol is terminated (S318), and it is determined whether or not the confirmed symbol of the normal symbol is a winning symbol (S320).

When it is determined that the confirmed symbol of the normal symbol is not a hit symbol but a missed symbol, the normal symbol game process is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the confirmed symbol of the normal symbol is a hit symbol, the value 1 is set in the normal symbol hit flag (normal symbol hit flag) (S322), and the normal symbol game process is terminated. When the normal symbol game processing is completed, the process proceeds to the next S60 normal symbol per game processing.

[Game processing per normal symbol]
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the game processing per normal symbol. In the game processing per normal symbol in S60, the CPU 60a of the main control device 60 first determines whether or not the flag per normal symbol has a value of 1 (S400). If it is determined that the normal symbol per flag is not the value 1 but the value 0, it is determined that the normal symbol per game is not in progress, and the normal symbol per game process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the normal symbol hit flag has a value of 1, it is determined that the game is being played per normal symbol, and it is determined whether or not the second starting port 24 is open (S402). If it is determined that the second starting port 24 is not open, it is determined whether or not the opening waiting time has elapsed (S404). If it is determined that the opening waiting time has not elapsed, the game processing per normal symbol is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the opening waiting time has elapsed, the opening pattern (maximum opening time) of the second starting port 24 is determined (S406), and the second starting port 24 is opened so that the second starting port 24 is opened according to the determined opening pattern. The mouth solenoid 24c is controlled (S408) to temporarily end the game processing per normal symbol. The opening pattern of the second starting port 24 differs depending on the gaming state. In this embodiment, when the gaming state is the normal gaming state, an opening pattern that is opened once for a maximum of 0.1 seconds is set, and when the gaming state is the reduced working hours gaming state, a maximum of 5.8 is set. An opening pattern that is opened once per second is set.

When the second starting port 24 is opened, the detection signal from the second starting port switch 24a is used because it is determined by S402 that the second starting port 24 is being opened the next time the game processing for hitting a normal symbol is executed. Based on this, whether or not a specified number (for example, 10) of game balls have entered the second starting port 24 (S410), and the elapsed time from the start of opening the second starting port 24 is the maximum opening determined by S406. Whether or not the time has been reached (S412) is determined respectively. If it is determined that the specified number of game balls have not entered the second starting port 24 and the elapsed time since the opening of the second starting port 24 has not reached the determined maximum opening time, the second starting port 24 is determined. While maintaining the opening of the starting port 24, the game processing per normal symbol is temporarily terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that a specified number of game balls have entered the second starting opening 24, or if it is determined that the elapsed time from the start of opening the second starting opening 24 has reached the determined maximum opening time. , The second starting port 24 is closed (S414). Then, in order to end the game per normal symbol, a value 0 is set in the flag per normal symbol (S416), and the game process per normal symbol is terminated. When the game processing per normal symbol is completed, the process proceeds to the special symbol game processing of S70.

[Special symbol game processing]
13 and 14 are flowcharts showing an example of the special symbol game processing. In the special symbol game processing of S70, the CPU 60a of the main control device 60 first determines whether or not the jackpot flag has a value of 1 (S500). If it is determined that the jackpot flag has a value of 1, it is determined that the jackpot game is in progress, and the special symbol game process is terminated. When the special game process is completed, the process returns to the main control process and proceeds to the next big hit game process (S80). On the other hand, if it is determined that the jackpot flag is not the value 1 but the value 0, it is determined that the jackpot game is not in progress, and whether or not any of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is in variable display (S502). It is determined whether or not the confirmed symbol is being displayed (S504). If it is determined that neither the first special symbol nor the second special symbol is being displayed in a variable manner and the confirmed symbol is not being displayed, it is determined whether or not the number of reserved second special symbols is greater than the value 0 (S506). ). When it is determined that the number of holdings of the second special symbol is larger than the value 0, the oldest determination random number of the second special symbol stored in the determination random number storage area is read out (S508), and the second special symbol is read. The second special symbol variation display-related process for performing the variation display of (S510) is executed (S510), and the special symbol game process is terminated.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the reserved number of the second special symbol is a value 0, it is determined whether or not the reserved number of the first special symbol is larger than the value 0 (S512). When it is determined that the number of reserved 1st special symbols is larger than the value 0, the oldest determination random number of the 1st special symbol stored in the determination random number storage area is read out (S514), and the 1st special symbol is read. The first special symbol variation display-related process for performing the variation display of (S516) is executed (S516), and the special symbol game process is terminated. When it is determined in S512 that the number of reserved first special symbols is 0, the special symbol game processing is terminated. In S506 to S516, when the number of reservations of the first special symbol and the number of reservations of the second special symbol are both larger than the value 0, the variable display (digestion of the reservation) of the second special symbol is preferentially executed (special). (Fig. 2 Priority change). Of course, the present invention is not limited to this, and the variation display of the first special symbol (holding digestion) may be prioritized (special symbol 1 priority variation), and the variation display of the special symbol may be performed at the start port (starting port). It may be performed in the order in which the game balls enter the first starting port 23 and the second starting port 24) (variation in the order of entry), and the variation display of the first special symbol and the variation display of the second special symbol are displayed. It may be performed in parallel (simultaneous fluctuation). Hereinafter, the details of the second special symbol variation display-related processing of S510 and the first special symbol variation display-related processing of S516 will be described. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the special symbol variation display related processing. Hereinafter, in order to avoid duplication, the first special symbol variation display-related process and the second special symbol variation display-related process will be described using a common flowchart.

In the special symbol variation display-related processing, first, it is determined whether or not the probability variation flag has a value of 0 (S560). The probability variation flag is a flag indicating whether or not the current gaming state is the probability variation gaming state, and the probability variation game state is generated when a jackpot occurs in the probability variation jackpot symbol. When it is determined that the probability variation flag is a value 0, it is determined that the current gaming state is not the probability variation gaming state, the hit value for low probability corresponding to the set value is read (S562), and the probability variation flag is not the value 0 but the value 1. If it is determined that the current gaming state is the probabilistic gaming state, the winning value for high probability corresponding to the set value is read out (S564). Then, the big hit determination for determining whether or not it is a big hit is performed by comparing the random number for big hit determination acquired in S508 or S514 with the read hit value (S566). In the big hit determination, when the big hit determination random number matches any of the read hit values, it is determined to be a big hit, and when the big hit determination random number does not match any of the read hit values, it is determined to be out of order. Here, the winning value is read out from the settings 1 to 6 according to the currently set value and the current gaming state (normal gaming state or probabilistic gaming state). Different numbers of hit values are assigned to each of the settings 1 to 6, and in this embodiment, the larger the set value, the larger the assigned hit value. That is, the number of hit values is the smallest in setting 1, and the number of hit values is the largest in setting 6. Since the larger the number of assigned hit values, the higher the jackpot probability of the special symbol, setting 1 has the lowest jackpot probability and is the most disadvantageous setting value for the player, and setting 6 has the highest jackpot probability and is the most for the player. This is an advantageous setting value.

When the jackpot determination process is executed, it is determined whether or not the result of the jackpot determination process is a jackpot (S568). If it is determined that the jackpot is a big hit, the jackpot symbol is determined based on the random number for determining the jackpot symbol acquired in S508 or S514 (S570). In this process, a plurality of jackpot symbols (for example, 4R normal jackpot symbols) having different contents (number of rounds) of the jackpot game and game states (normal game state, probability variation game state) after the end of the jackpot game are performed using random numbers for determining the jackpot symbol. Or 10R normal jackpot symbol, 10R probability variation jackpot symbol, etc.) by selecting one symbol. The determined jackpot symbol is stored in the RAM 60c and stored until the end of the jackpot game. Subsequently, the variation pattern of the special symbol from the start of the variation display of the special symbol based on the random number for determining the variation pattern acquired in S508 or S514 and the variation pattern table for the jackpot to the stop display at the determined jackpot symbol ( The jackpot fluctuation pattern) is determined (S572).

On the other hand, if it is determined in S568 that the result of the jackpot determination process is out of order, the out-of-order symbol is determined based on the out-of-order symbol determination random number acquired in S508 or S514 (S580). Subsequently, the variation pattern of the special symbol from the start of the variation display of the special symbol based on the random number for determining the variation pattern acquired in S508 or S514 and the variation pattern table for deviation to the stop display at the determined deviation pattern ( The deviation variation pattern) is determined (S582).

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a variation pattern table. FIG. 16A shows a variation pattern table for deviation, and FIG. 16B shows a variation pattern table for jackpot. The variation pattern of the special symbol includes, for example, the normal variation patterns T1 to T3, the normal reach pattern T4, the SP (special) reach pattern T5, and the SPSP reach pattern T6 in order from the one with the shortest variation time. The SP (special) reach pattern T5 and the SPSP reach pattern T6 are reach patterns developed from the normal reach pattern T4.

As shown in FIG. 16A, the deviation variation pattern table includes normal fluctuation patterns T1 to T3, normal reach patterns T4, SP reach pattern T5, and SPSP reach pattern T6 as deviation fluctuation patterns. The pattern table is configured to have normal fluctuation patterns T1 to T3, normal reach patterns T4, SP reach patterns T5, and SPSP reach putters T6 in descending order of appearance rate. Further, in the deviation variation pattern table, when the gaming state is the time-saving gaming state (a time-saving state, b time-saving state), the average fluctuation time of the deviation variation pattern is shorter than that in the normal gaming state. It is configured as follows. As described above, the b time saving state is a time saving game state generated by reaching the ceiling, and when the b time saving state occurs, the jackpot probability is low, but the jackpot can be generated in most cases. .. Therefore, the deviation fluctuation pattern table is configured so that the average fluctuation time in the b time reduction state is shorter than that in the a time reduction state in order to shorten the time required for the big hit to occur during the b time reduction state. You may. For example, in the b time reduction state, the appearance rate of the out-of-reach may be lower than in the normal game state or the a time reduction state (for example, the normal reach may not appear).

As shown in FIG. 16B, the jackpot fluctuation pattern table includes SP reach pattern T11 and SPSP reach pattern T12 as jackpot fluctuation patterns, and the jackpot fluctuation pattern table is in order from the one with the highest appearance rate. The SPSP reach pattern T12 and the SP reach pattern T11 are configured. Therefore, the normal fluctuation pattern and the normal reach pattern do not cause a big hit, and the SPSP reach pattern has a higher reliability of the big hit than the SP reach pattern.

When the result of the jackpot determination in S568 is determined to be a jackpot, when the fluctuation pattern is determined, the fluctuation display of the special symbol is started (S574), the number of reserved special symbols is decremented by a value of 1, and the special symbol is displayed. The display of the hold number display device is updated (S576). In addition, a shift process is performed in which the judgment random number related to the hold to be digested this time is cleared and the judgment random number related to the remaining hold is shifted with the update of the hold number of the special symbol. Then, the special symbol variation start command (special symbol variation start command) is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 90 (S578), and the special symbol variation display-related processing is terminated. In these processes, when the variable display of the first special symbol is started, the reserved number of the first special symbol is decremented by a value of 1, and the display of the first special symbol reserved number display device 33 is updated, and then the first is performed. 1 The special symbol change start command (1st special symbol change start command) is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 90, and when the 2nd special symbol change display is started, the reserved number of the 2nd special symbol is valued. After decrementing only 1 and updating the display of the 2nd special figure hold number display device 34, the process is to transmit the 2nd special symbol change start command (2nd special figure change start command) to the sub-integrated control device 90. Upon receiving the special figure variation instruction command, the sub-integrated control device 90 transmits a control command to the effect display control device 91 so that the effect display device 37 starts the symbol variation effect. The special symbol variation start command includes the result of the jackpot determination, the variation pattern (variation time) of the special symbol, the confirmed symbol (big hit symbol or the missed symbol), and the like.

When it is determined that the result of the jackpot determination in S568 is not a jackpot but a deviation, when the fluctuation pattern is determined, the fluctuation display of the special symbol is started (S584), and the number of reserved special symbols is decremented by a value of 1. Then, after updating the display of the special figure hold number display device (S586), the ceiling counter update process for updating the ceiling counter is performed (S588). Then, the special symbol variation start command is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 90 (S578), and the special symbol variation display-related processing is terminated.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of the ceiling counter update process. In the ceiling counter update process, first, it is determined whether or not the probability variation flag has a value of 0 (S590) and whether or not the b time reduction flag has a value of 0 (S591). If it is determined that either the probability variation flag or the b time reduction flag has a value of 1, it is determined that the current gaming state is either the probability variation gaming state or the b time reduction state, and the ceiling counter is not updated. End the update process. On the other hand, if it is determined that both the probability variation flag and the b time reduction flag have a value of 0, it is determined that the current gaming state is neither the probability variation gaming state nor the b time reduction state, and the ceiling counter is incremented (counted) by the value 1 (counting). S592). The ceiling counter update process is executed when the result of the jackpot determination is out of order, and the ceiling counter is counted by a value of 1 when the gaming state is neither the probabilistic gaming state nor the b time reduction state. Therefore, the value of the ceiling counter is mainly a count of the number of times that the result of the jackpot determination is out of order in the normal gaming state. However, in this embodiment, since it is not a condition for counting the ceiling counter that the gaming state is not in the a time saving state, the ceiling counter is the same as in the normal gaming state even in the a time saving state. Is counted in. The ceiling counter may be configured to be counted only in the normal gaming state. The value of the ceiling counter is set (reset) to an initial value (value 0) when a big hit occurs, and counting is started from the initial value after the big hit game is completed. Further, the value of the ceiling counter is stored in the RAM 60c and is held in the RAM 60c even when the power is turned off. If the RAM clear processing is performed when the power is turned on, the value becomes the initial value (value 0). After being reset and turning on the power, counting starts from the initial value. On the other hand, if the RAM clearing process is not performed at the next power-on, the value of the ceiling counter starts counting from the value stored in the RAM 60c. In this embodiment, the ceiling counter is configured as an up counter that is incremented by a value of 1, but may be configured as a down counter that is decremented by a value of 1.

When the ceiling counter is counted (incremented), it is determined whether or not the value of the ceiling counter matches the specified value (S593). The specified value is a threshold value for determining the arrival of the ceiling, and is set to a value of 900 in this embodiment. If it is determined that the value of the ceiling counter does not match the specified value, it is determined that the ceiling has not been reached, and it is determined whether or not the notification flag is the value 1 (S594). As described above, the notification flag is a flag indicating whether or not to execute the notification effect for notifying the remaining number of times until reaching the ceiling. A value of 0 indicates that the notification effect is not executed, and a value of 1 indicates that the notification effect is not executed. Indicates that the production is to be executed. Therefore, if it is determined that the notification flag has a value of 1, a notification effect instruction command instructing execution of the notification effect is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 90 (S595), and the ceiling counter update process is terminated. Upon receiving the notification effect instruction command, the sub-integrated control device 90 transmits a control command to the effect display control device 91 so that the effect display device 37 starts the notification effect. On the other hand, if it is determined that the value of the notification flag is 0, the ceiling counter update process is terminated without transmitting the notification effect instruction command.

In S593, when it is determined that the value of the ceiling counter matches the specified value, it is determined that the ceiling has been reached, the value 1 is set in the ceiling arrival flag (S596), and the ceiling arrival effect for notifying that the ceiling has been reached is produced. A ceiling arrival effect instruction command instructing execution is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 90 (S597), and the ceiling counter update process is terminated. Upon receiving the ceiling arrival effect instruction command, the sub-integrated control device 90 transmits a control command to the effect display control device 91 so that the effect display device 37 executes the ceiling arrival effect.

Returning to the special symbol game processing of FIGS. 13 and 14, when the special symbol game processing is executed after the variable display of the special symbol (first special symbol or second special symbol) is started, the first special symbol game process is executed in S502. Since it is determined that either the symbol or the second special symbol is in the variable display, the CPU 60a of the main control device 60 determines whether or not the variable time has elapsed (S518). Since the fluctuation time is set according to the fluctuation pattern of the special symbol determined in S572 or S582, whether or not the fluctuation time has elapsed depends on the elapsed time from the start of the variation display of the special symbol and the determined variation. It can be done by comparing with the fluctuation time corresponding to the pattern. If it is determined that the fluctuation time has not elapsed, the special symbol game processing is temporarily terminated. When it is determined that the fluctuation time has elapsed, the symbol stop command is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 90 (S520), and the confirmed symbol of the special symbol being displayed in the variation is displayed (S522). Upon receiving the symbol stop command, the sub-integrated control device 90 transmits a control command to the effect display control device 91 so that the effect display device 37 ends the symbol variation effect. Then, it is determined whether or not the display time of the confirmed symbol has elapsed (S524). Here, the display time of the confirmed symbol is set to 0.5 seconds in this embodiment. If it is determined that the display time of the confirmed symbol has not elapsed, the special symbol game process is temporarily terminated. When the special symbol game process is executed after the stop display of the special symbol is made, it is determined in S504 that the confirmed symbol is being displayed. Therefore, in S524, it is determined again whether or not the display time of the confirmed symbol has elapsed. When it is determined that the display time of the confirmed symbol has elapsed, the display of the confirmed symbol is terminated (S526), and it is determined whether or not the confirmed symbol is a jackpot symbol (S528).

When it is determined in S528 that it is a big hit symbol, in order to generate a big hit, the operation of the condition device is started (S530), the operation of the accessory continuous operation device is started (S532), and the value 1 is set in the big hit flag (S532). S534). In order to stop the probability change function and the time saving function during the big hit game, the probability change flag is set to 0 when the probability change flag is 1 (S536, S538), and the time saving flag is set to 0 when the a time saving flag is value 1. (S540, S542), when the b time saving flag is a value 1, the b time saving flag is set to a value 0 (S544, S546). Then, the game state designation command is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 90 (S548), and the special symbol game process is terminated. The game state designation command includes the value of the jackpot flag, the value of the probability variation flag, the value of the a time saving flag, and the value of the b time saving flag. When the special symbol game process is completed, the process returns to the main control process and proceeds to the next big hit game process of S80.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S528 that the symbol is not a jackpot symbol but a missed symbol, it is determined whether or not the probability variation flag is a value 1 (probability variation game state) (S550), and the probability variation flag is not a value 1 but a value 0. If it is determined, the process proceeds to S558. When it is determined that the probability variation flag has a value of 1, the probability variation counter is decremented by the value 1 (S552), and it is determined whether or not the probability variation counter has a value of 0 (S554). The probability variation counter indicates the number of remaining fluctuations of the special symbol until the probability variation game state ends, and a predetermined value is set in the probability variation counter at the end of the jackpot game. In this embodiment, the value 10000 is set when the jackpot symbol is a probabilistic jackpot symbol (probability variation jackpot). Therefore, when the probabilistic jackpot is drawn, the probabilistic gaming state is substantially maintained until the next jackpot is drawn. If it is determined that the value of the probability variation counter is not 0, the process proceeds to S558 while maintaining the probability variation game state. On the other hand, if the probability variation counter determines that the value is 0, the probability variation flag is set to a value of 0 (S556) and then the process proceeds to S558 in order to end the probability variation game state. Then, the time saving flag setting process is executed (S558), the game state designation command is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 90 (S548), and the special symbol game process is terminated.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of the time saving flag setting process. In the time saving flag setting process, first, it is determined whether or not the time saving flag has a value of 1 (during the time saving state) (S600). When it is determined that the time saving flag is not the value 1 but the value 0, the process proceeds to S608. When it is determined that the a time saving flag has a value of 1, the a time saving counter is decremented by a value of 1 (S602), and it is determined whether or not the a time saving counter has a value of 0 (S604). The a time reduction counter indicates the number of remaining fluctuations of the special symbol until the end of the a time reduction state, and a predetermined value is set in the a time reduction counter at the end of the big hit game. In this embodiment, a value of 100 is set when the jackpot symbol is a normal jackpot symbol, and a value of 10000 is set when the jackpot symbol is a probabilistic jackpot symbol. Therefore, when the probabilistic jackpot is subtracted, the time saving state is maintained until the next jackpot is substantially subtracted. If it is determined that the a time saving counter is not a value 0, the process proceeds to S608 while maintaining the a time saving state, and if it is determined that the a time saving counter is a value 0, the a time saving flag is set to a value 0 in order to end the a time saving state. (S606), proceed to S608.

Next, it is determined whether or not the b time reduction flag has a value of 1 (during the b time reduction state) (S608). b When it is determined that the time saving flag is not the value 1 but the value 0, it is determined whether or not the value of the ceiling counter matches the specified value (value 900) (S610). If it is determined that the value of the ceiling counter does not match the specified value, the time saving flag setting process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the value of the ceiling counter matches the specified value, the initial value (value 0) is set in the ceiling counter (S612), and the b time reduction flag is set to the value 1 in order to generate the b time reduction state (s). S614), b A predetermined value is set in the time reduction counter (S616), and the time reduction flag setting process is terminated. As described above, the b time reduction counter indicates the number of remaining fluctuations of the special symbol until the end of the b time reduction state, and in this embodiment, a value 900 is set for the b time reduction counter, for example. Since the jackpot probability is 1/320 to 1/270, when the ceiling is reached and the b time reduction state occurs, the jackpot can be drawn in most cases.

In S608, when it is determined that the b time reduction flag has a value of 1, the b time reduction counter is decremented by the value 1 (S618), and it is determined whether or not the b time reduction counter has a value of 0 (S620). If it is determined that the value of the b time reduction counter is not 0, the time reduction flag setting process is terminated while maintaining the b time reduction state. On the other hand, if the b time reduction counter determines that the value is 0, the b time reduction flag is set to the value 0 (S622) in order to end the b time reduction state, and the time reduction flag setting process is terminated. That is, when the value of the b time reduction counter reaches 0 without being able to draw a big hit, the b time reduction state ends and the game shifts to the normal game state. In addition, if the game shifts to the normal game state without being able to draw a big hit in the b time reduction state, and the number of deviations further reaches the specified value, it is not considered to reach the ceiling and the b time reduction state is not generated. Alternatively, it may be regarded as reaching the ceiling, and the b time saving state may be generated.

[Big hit game processing]
19 and 20 are flowcharts showing an example of the jackpot game process. In the big hit game process of S80, the CPU 60a of the main control device 60 first determines whether or not the big hit flag has a value of 1 (during the big hit game) (S700). If it is determined that the jackpot flag is not the value 1 but the value 0, the jackpot game process is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the jackpot flag has a value of 1, whether or not the jackpot 25 is open (S702), whether or not the jackpot game start production is in progress (S704), and whether or not the jackpot game end production is in progress. Whether or not (S706) and whether or not the interval between openings is in progress (S708) are determined. If any of S702 to S708 is negatively determined, the jackpot game start effect command is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 90 (S710), and the jackpot game process is terminated. The sub-integrated control device 90 that has received the jackpot game start effect command starts the jackpot game start effect. When the jackpot game start effect is started, the next time the jackpot game process is executed, it is determined in S704 that the jackpot game start effect is in progress, so it is determined whether or not the jackpot game start effect time has elapsed. (S712). If it is determined that the jackpot game start effect time has not elapsed, the jackpot game process is temporarily terminated, and if it is determined that the jackpot game start effect time has elapsed, the jackpot 25 is opened by driving the jackpot solenoid 25c. (S714), the jackpot game process is terminated.

When the big winning opening 25 is opened, the next time the big hit game process is executed, it is determined in S702 that the big winning opening 25 is open, so that the big winning opening 25 is based on the detection signal from the big winning opening switch 25a. Whether or not the number of game balls entered into the winning opening 25 has reached the specified number (10 in the example) (S716), and the elapsed time (opening time) after opening the large winning opening 25 is the maximum opening. Whether or not the time (28 seconds in the embodiment) has been reached (S718) is determined respectively. When it is determined that the number of game balls entering the large winning opening 25 has not reached the specified number and the opening time of the large winning opening 25 has not reached the maximum opening time, the opening of the large winning opening 25 is maintained. The jackpot game process is temporarily terminated. On the other hand, even if it is determined that the number of game balls entered into the large winning opening 25 has reached the specified number, or even if the number of entering balls has not reached the specified number, the opening time of the large winning opening 25 becomes the maximum opening time. When it is determined that the game has been reached, the large winning opening 25 is closed (S720), and it is determined whether or not the current round game is the final round (S722). Since the number of rounds of the jackpot game is set by the jackpot symbol ("4R normal jackpot symbol", "10R normal jackpot symbol", "10R probability variation jackpot symbol"), whether or not this round game is the final round. The determination is made by determining whether or not the number of repetitions of the round game has reached the number determined according to the jackpot symbol. If it is determined that the current round game is not the final round, an interval between openings is generated (S724), and the jackpot game process is terminated. When the opening interval occurs, the next time the jackpot game process is executed, it is determined in S708 that the opening interval is in progress, so whether or not the opening interval time (for example, 2 seconds) has elapsed is determined. Judgment (S726). If it is determined that the opening interval time has not elapsed, the jackpot game process is temporarily terminated with the large winning opening 25 closed, and if it is determined that the opening interval time has elapsed, the large winning opening 25 is opened again. (S714), the jackpot game process is completed.

After repeating the round game of opening and closing the big winning opening 25 with the opening interval in between, when it is determined in S722 that this round game is the final round, the big hit game end effect command is transmitted to the sub integrated control device 90. (S728), the jackpot game process is completed. The sub-integrated control device 90 that has received the jackpot game end effect command starts the jackpot game end effect. When the jackpot game end effect is started, the next time the jackpot game process is started, it is determined in S706 that the jackpot game end effect is in progress, so it is determined whether or not the jackpot game end effect time has elapsed. (S730). If it is determined that the jackpot game end effect time has not elapsed, the jackpot game process is temporarily terminated, and if it is determined that the jackpot game end effect time has elapsed, the operation of the accessory continuous operation device is stopped (S732), and the conditions are met. The operation of the device is stopped (S734). Subsequently, the probability change flag setting process (S736) and the probability change counter setting process (S738) are performed, and the a time reduction flag setting process (S740) and the time reduction counter setting process (S742) are performed. The probability variation flag setting process is performed by setting a value 0 in the probability variation flag when the jackpot symbol is a normal jackpot symbol and setting a value 1 in the probability variation flag when the jackpot symbol is a probability variation jackpot symbol. The probability variation counter setting process is performed by setting a value of 10000 when the jackpot symbol is a probability variation jackpot symbol. Further, the a time saving flag setting process is performed by setting the value 1 in the a time saving flag regardless of whether the jackpot symbol is a normal jackpot symbol or a probability variation jackpot symbol. The time reduction counter setting process is performed by setting a value of 100 when the jackpot symbol is a normal jackpot symbol and setting a value of 10000 when the jackpot symbol is a probabilistic jackpot symbol. Next, the ceiling counter setting process is performed (S744). The ceiling counter setting process is performed by setting an initial value (value 0) in the ceiling counter. The ceiling counter setting process may be executed when the jackpot symbol is confirmed and displayed in S528 of the special symbol game process, or is determined to be a jackpot by the jackpot determination in S568 of the special symbol variation display related process. May be executed at times. Then, the value 0 is set in the notification flag (S746), the value 0 is set in the jackpot flag to end the jackpot game (S748), and the game state designation command is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 90 (S750). ), End the jackpot game process. The game state designation command includes the value of the probability change flag, the value of the time saving flag, the value of the ceiling counter, the value of the jackpot flag, and the like. When the jackpot game is executed, the value 0 is set in the notification flag. Therefore, after the jackpot game is completed, even if the ceiling counter is counted in S592 of the ceiling counter update process, the notification flag is set to 0 in S594. It is determined that there is, and the notification effect instruction command is not transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 90. That is, the notification effect is not executed.

Next, the processing of the sub-integrated control device 90 that has received various commands from the main control device 60 will be described. As described above, the commands received by the sub-integrated control device 90 from the main control device 60 include an initial command, a return command, a special figure fluctuation start command, a notification effect instruction command, a ceiling arrival effect instruction command, a symbol stop command, and a game. There are a state specification command, a big hit game start effect command, a big hit game end effect command, and the like. Further, as the processing of the sub-integrated control device 90, the hold display processing performed based on the game ball entering the first starting port 23 and the second starting port 24, and the symbol variation performed during the variable display of the special symbol. There are production processing, jackpot game production processing performed during the jackpot game, and the like. Hereinafter, the details of the hold display process and the symbol variation effect process will be described.

[Hold display processing]
FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an example of the hold display process. In the hold display process, the CPU 90a of the sub-integrated control device 90 first receives a special figure hold generation command (first special figure hold generation command or first special figure hold generation command) transmitted by the main control device 60 in S214 or S230 of the start winning process of FIG. 2 It is determined whether or not the special figure hold occurrence command) has been received (S800). If it is determined that the special figure hold occurrence command has not been received, the process proceeds to S812. On the other hand, if it is determined that the special figure hold occurrence command has been received, the special figure look-ahead determination command (first special figure look-ahead judgment command or second special figure look-ahead command) transmitted by the main control device 60 in S212 or S228 of the start winning process is further performed. It is determined whether or not the determination command) has been received (S802). If it is determined that the special figure hold occurrence command has been received but the special figure look-ahead determination command has not been received, the hold symbol is displayed (added) in the normal display (S808), and the process proceeds to S812. The hold symbol is displayed by displaying the first hold symbol 372a when the first special figure hold occurrence command is received, and the second hold when the second special figure hold occurrence command is received. This is done by displaying the symbol 372b.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the special figure look-ahead determination command is received together with the special figure hold occurrence command, it is determined whether or not the generated hold is a jackpot hold (S804) and whether or not the specified off hold is a specific hold (S806). do. The determination of S804 is performed by, for example, determining whether or not the result of the jackpot determination by the look-ahead determination is a jackpot, and the determination of S806 is, for example, the result of the jackpot determination by the look-ahead determination is off and the fluctuation pattern. It is performed by determining whether or not the result of the determination is a specific pattern (SP pattern or SPSP pattern). It should be noted that these determinations may be made on the condition that the lottery is performed and the result of the lottery is a winning result. If it is determined that the hold that has occurred is neither a big hit hold nor a specific off hold, the hold symbol is displayed (added) in the normal display (S808), and the process proceeds to S812. If it is determined that there is, the reserved symbol is displayed (added) in a specific display different from the normal display (S810), and the process proceeds to S812.

Next, whether or not the special figure change start command (first special figure change start command or second special figure change start command) transmitted by the main control device 60 is received in S578 of the special symbol change display related process of FIG. Is determined (S812). If it is determined that the special figure change start command has not been received, the hold display process is terminated, and if it is determined that the special figure change start command has been received, the hold display of the special symbol related to the change is deleted and the remaining hold display is displayed. Is shifted (S814), and the hold display process is terminated. The hold display is erased by erasing the first hold symbol 372a when the first special figure change start command is received, and the second hold when the second special figure change start command is received. This is done by erasing the symbol 372b.

[Design fluctuation effect processing]
22 and 23 are flowcharts showing an example of the symbol variation effect processing. In the symbol variation effect processing, the CPU 90a of the sub-integrated control device 90 first determines whether or not the special symbol variation start command transmitted by the main control device 60 is received in S578 of the special symbol variation display related process of FIG. (S900). If it is determined that the special figure fluctuation start command has not been received, the process proceeds to S920. On the other hand, if it is determined that the special symbol variation start command has been received, the stop symbol of the effect symbol is determined based on the confirmed symbol of the special symbol included in the special symbol variation start command (S902), and the variation pattern of the special symbol (variation). The variation pattern of the effect pattern is determined based on the time) (S904). The stop symbol of the effect symbol is determined by selecting the stop symbol of the effect symbol corresponding to the final symbol of the special symbol determined in S570 or S580 of the special symbol variation display related process from a plurality of stopped symbols stored in advance. It is done by. Further, the variation pattern of the effect symbol is determined from a plurality of variation patterns in which the variation pattern of the effect symbol corresponding to the variation pattern of the special symbol determined in S572 or S582 of the special symbol variation display related process is stored in advance. It is done by selection. When the stop symbol and the variation pattern of the effect symbol are determined in this way, the symbol variation effect for displaying the effect symbol in a variable manner is started (S906). The symbol variation effect is performed by transmitting a control command (symbol variation effect start command) instructing the start of the symbol variation effect to the effect symbol control device 91.

Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the ceiling arrival effect instruction command transmitted by the main control device 60 has been received in S597 of the ceiling counter update process of FIG. 17 (S908). When it is determined that the ceiling arrival effect instruction command has been received, the ceiling arrival effect indicating that the ceiling has been reached is executed (S910). The ceiling reaching effect is performed by transmitting a control command instructing the start of the ceiling reaching effect to the effect symbol control device 91. On the other hand, if it is determined that the ceiling arrival effect instruction command has not been received, it is determined whether or not the pending hold includes the jackpot hold (S912). If it is determined that the pending hold includes the jackpot hold, the process proceeds to S920, and if it is determined that the pending hold does not include the jackpot hold, the main controller 60 in S595 of the ceiling counter update process of FIG. It is determined whether or not the notification effect instruction command transmitted by the above is received (S914), and whether or not the ceiling counter included in the special figure fluctuation start command received in S900 is equal to or higher than a predetermined value (S916). The predetermined value is a threshold value for determining whether or not the number of fluctuations until reaching the ceiling is low, and is set as, for example, a value 100, a value 50, or a value 10. If it is determined that the notification effect instruction command has been received, or if it is determined that the ceiling counter is equal to or higher than the predetermined value even if the notification effect instruction command has not been received, the notification that the remaining number of fluctuations until reaching the ceiling is notified. Start the production (S918) and proceed to S920. The notification effect is performed by transmitting a control command (symbol variation effect start command) instructing the start of the notification effect to the effect symbol control device 91. On the other hand, if it is determined that the notification effect instruction command has not been received and the ceiling counter is not equal to or more than a predetermined value, the process proceeds to S920 without starting the notification effect. In this embodiment, if the value of the ceiling counter is equal to or higher than the predetermined value even if the notification effect instruction command is not received, the notification effect is started. However, if the notification effect instruction command is not received, the notification effect is started. , Regardless of the value of the ceiling counter, the notification effect may not be started. As described above, the notification flag is set to a value of 1 only when the RAM clear processing is not performed when the power is turned on, and is set to a value of 0 when the RAM clear processing is performed or the jackpot game is executed. Set. Therefore, the notification effect is executed during the period from when the power is turned on to when the big hit occurs (during the symbol variation effect) without performing the RAM clear process. When the jackpot hold is included in the hold during the occurrence, the notification effect is not executed because it is confirmed that the entangled state is canceled by the occurrence of the jackpot based on the jackpot hold. Further, since the notification effect is started together with the symbol variation effect, the notification effect is not executed unless the player fires the game ball and starts the game.

Next, it is determined whether or not the notification effect is being executed (S920) and whether or not the jackpot hold has occurred (S922). If it is determined that the notification effect is not being executed, or if it is determined that the big hit hold has not occurred even if the notification effect is being executed, the process proceeds to S926, and it is determined that the big hit hold has occurred while the notification effect is being executed. Then, since the state of being stuck is resolved by the occurrence of the jackpot based on the jackpot hold, the running notification effect is terminated (S924), and the process proceeds to S926. If a big hit hold occurs during the execution of the notification effect, the notification mode of the notification effect may be changed, for example, an effect of notifying the occurrence of a big hit (big hit notice effect) may be performed.

Next, it is determined whether or not the symbol stop command transmitted by the main control device 60 has been received in S520 of the special symbol game process of FIG. 13 (S926). If it is determined that the symbol stop command has not been received, the symbol variation effect processing is terminated, and if it is determined that the symbol stop command has been received, the effect symbol being changed is stopped and displayed at the stop symbol determined in S902. The effect is finished (S928), and it is determined whether or not the notification effect is being executed (S930). If it is determined that the notification effect is not being executed, the symbol variation effect process is terminated, and if it is determined that the notification effect is being executed, the notification effect is terminated (S932) and the symbol variation effect process is terminated.

FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of each effect display when the RAM clear processing is performed and when the RAM clear processing is not performed when the power is turned on. When the RAM clear processing is performed when the power is turned on, the value 0 is set in the ceiling counter and the value 0 is set in the notification flag. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 24A, the notification effect is not executed even if the symbol variation effect is shifted based on the entry of the game ball from the initial screen to the start port (first start port 23). On the other hand, when the RAM clear processing is not performed when the power is turned on, the value of the ceiling counter is a value stored in the RAM 60c (for example, the value 665), and the value 1 is set in the notification flag. Therefore, when the symbol variation effect is shifted based on the entry of the game ball from the initial screen to the start port (first start port 23), as shown in FIG. 24 (b), the notification display unit of the effect display device 37 The notification effect is executed at 374, and the number of remaining fluctuations until reaching the ceiling is notified by the notification effect (for example, a message such as "234 times until the special time" is displayed).

FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an effect display when the number of consecutive deviations reaches a specified value. When the number of consecutive disconnections reaches the specified number of times, the notification display unit 373 of the effect display device 37 executes the ceiling arrival effect, and in the ceiling arrival effect, the fit ceiling is reached as shown in FIG. 25 (a). You will be notified that you have done so (for example, a message such as "We are entering a special time, please prepare for right-handedness" is displayed). Then, when the b time reduction state occurs, the effect mode for the b time reduction state is set as the effect mode according to the game state, and as shown in FIG. 25 (b), the notification display unit 373 of the effect display device 37 sets the effect mode. b You will be notified that you have entered the time saving state (for example, a message such as "Special time! Please hit right" is displayed).

FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of each effect display when a specific off hold occurs due to a look-ahead determination and when a big hit hold occurs. If a specific off hold occurs during the execution of the notification effect, the execution of the notification effect is continued as shown in FIG. 26A, and if a big hit hold occurs during the execution of the notification effect, it is based on the jackpot hold. Since it is confirmed that the state of the entanglement is eliminated by the occurrence of the big hit, the execution of the notification effect ends as shown in FIG. 26 (b). It can be suggested that a big hit occurs to the player by the end of the notification effect during execution.

Here, many pachinko halls are equipped with a data display device mounted on the upper position of the pachinko machine, and the data display device includes "start (number of fluctuations from the previous jackpot)" and "total start". (Total number of fluctuations on the day) ”,“ Big hit (number of big hits on the day) ”, etc. are displayed. Therefore, when the player wants to know the number of fluctuations until reaching the ceiling (the number of fluctuations until entering the b time saving state), it is displayed as "start (number of fluctuations from the previous jackpot)" on the data display device. The value can be used as a guide. However, the "start (number of fluctuations from the previous jackpot)" displayed on the data display device is reset every day and starts from a value of 0, so the pachinko machine 1 itself retains the value of the ceiling counter on the previous day. When the business starts, there is a problem that the "start (number of fluctuations from the previous big hit)" cannot be used as a guide to the ceiling. Therefore, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the RAM clearing process is not performed when the power is turned on, that is, when the game is started while leaving the value of the ceiling counter on the previous day, the effect display device 37 of the pachinko machine 1 displays the ceiling. By executing a notification effect that notifies the remaining number of starts (remaining number of fluctuations) until arrival, the player can recognize how long the game should be continued to reach the ceiling, and the game entertainment can be improved. can.

In the pachinko machine 1 of the embodiment described above, a time saving state (first ball entry easy state) is generated based on the execution of the big hit game, and the ceiling counter that counts the number of consecutive misses has reached the specified value. Based on this, in the one that generates the b time saving state (second ball entry easy state), the notification effect based on the ceiling counter is executed. The ceiling counter is stored in the RAM 60c, and is reset to the initial value when the jackpot game is executed or the RAM clear process is executed in the power-on process, and is stored in the RAM 60c when the RAM clear process is not executed in the power-on process. It is maintained at the value that has been set. Then, after the jackpot game is executed or the power-on process is executed with the RAM clear process, the notification effect is not executed, and after the power-on process is executed without the RAM clear process, the notification effect is executed. To execute. When the power-on process is executed without the RMA clear process, the ceiling counter starts counting from the value stored in the RAM 60c, so that the player who started the game after the power is turned on remains until the ceiling is reached. It is difficult to know the number of times (the number of consecutive deviations). Therefore, after the power-on process is executed without clearing the RAM process, the player can recognize the guideline for reaching the ceiling by executing the notification effect based on the ceiling counter. Can be improved.

Moreover, in the pachinko machine 1 of the embodiment, the game is notified on condition that the game is started (the game ball is inserted into the start port) after the power-on process is executed without the RAM clear process. Perform the production. This avoids the inconvenience of a player rushing to a gaming machine that has a small number of remaining times to reach the ceiling when the hall is opened, for example, as compared with a gaming machine that executes a notification effect before the game is started. can.

In the above-described embodiment, after the jackpot game is executed or the power-on process is executed with the RAM clear process, the notification effect is not executed and the power-on process is executed without the RAM clear process. After that, the notification effect is executed, but after the big hit game is executed or the power-on process is executed with the RAM clear processing, the notification effect is executed in the first notification mode. After the power-on processing is executed without the RAM clear processing, the notification effect may be executed in a second notification mode different from the first notification mode. FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the symbol variation effect processing of the modified example. The symbol variation effect processing of the modified example is the same as the symbol variation effect process of the embodiment, except that the processes of S918A and S918B are executed instead of the process of S918. In the symbol variation effect processing of the modified example, if it is determined that the notification effect instruction command has been received in S914, or if it is determined in S916 that the ceiling counter is equal to or higher than a predetermined value even if the notification effect instruction command has not been received, the notification pattern The notification effect is started in A (S918A), and when it is determined that the notification effect instruction command has not been received and the ceiling counter is not equal to or higher than the predetermined value, the notification effect is started in the notification pattern B (S918B).

Here, the notification pattern A is a pattern for notifying the remaining number of fluctuations until reaching the ceiling, as shown in FIG. 24 (b) described above. On the other hand, in the notification pattern B, when the power-on processing is executed with the RAM clear processing, as shown in FIG. 28A, the notification pattern B notifies the cumulative number of fluctuations with the value 0 when the power is turned on. However, when the big hit game is executed, as shown in FIG. 28B, it is a pattern for notifying the cumulative number of fluctuations with the end time of the big hit game as a value of 0. In the modified example, the notification pattern A is a pattern for notifying the remaining number of fluctuations, the notification pattern B is a pattern for notifying the cumulative number of fluctuations, and the notification pattern A is a pattern for notifying the cumulative number of fluctuations. The notification pattern B may be a pattern for notifying the remaining number of fluctuations.

As described above, in the pachinko machine of the modified example, the notification effect is executed in the notification pattern A (first notification mode) after the jackpot game is executed or after the power-on processing is executed with the RAM clear processing. After the power-on processing is executed without the RAM clear processing, the notification pattern B (second notification mode) is executed. By making the notification mode different depending on whether the ceiling flag is reset to the initial value or not, it is possible to execute a notification effect suitable for each case, and it is possible to improve the entertainment of the game. Moreover, by executing such a notification effect on the condition that the game is started (the game ball is inserted into the starting port), the notification effect is executed even before the game is started. Therefore, for example, it is possible to avoid the inconvenience of a player rushing to a gaming machine having a small number of remaining times until reaching the ceiling when the hall is opened.

In the pachinko machine 1 and its modified example of the embodiment, the notification effect is executed every time the variation display of the special symbol is performed, but the notification effect is not limited to this, and for example, the special symbol up to the ceiling is reached. When the number of remaining fluctuations reaches a good number (for example, 500 more times, 300 more times, 100 more times, every 100 times, etc.), the notification effect may be executed. Alternatively, the notification effect may be executed at all times until the ceiling is reached.

In the pachinko machine 1 and its modified example of the embodiment, the notification effect is started at the start of the symbol variation effect, and the notification effect is terminated at the end of the symbol variation effect. However, the notification effect may be started at a predetermined timing during the symbol variation effect (for example, the timing at which the reach effect or the advance notice effect is executed).

In the pachinko machine 1 of the embodiment and its modification, the hit symbol of the special symbol is assumed to include the big hit symbol, but the small hit symbol may be included in addition to the big hit symbol. When the special symbol is stopped and displayed with the small hit symbol, the small hit game in which the opening time of the large winning opening 25 is shorter than the big hit game is executed. In this case, the ceiling counter is reset to the initial value when the big hit game is executed, but even if the small hit game is executed, it is not set to the initial value and may be counted in the same manner as the loss.

In the pachinko machine 1 of the embodiment, one jackpot probability selected based on the operation of the operating means (probability setting switch 98) from a plurality of different jackpot probabilities is set, but the presence or absence of the ceiling is used as the operating means. It may be possible to select by, or to change the number of fluctuations of the special symbol until reaching the ceiling based on the operation of the operating means.

In the embodiment, it is configured as a so-called seven machine type gaming machine, but it is not limited to this, and a specific area is provided inside the large winning opening opened during the small hit game, and the large hit during the small hit game. When a game ball enters the winning opening and the entered game ball passes through the specific area, it may be configured as a so-called type 1 type 2 mixer that develops into a big hit game. In this case, if the number of fluctuations of the special symbol reaches the specified number of times without the occurrence of a big hit, the b time reduction state may be generated as reaching the ceiling.

In the embodiment, the game balls supplied from the island equipment of the game hall are paid out to the upper tray 11 as prize balls or rental balls, but a so-called enclosed pachinko machine may be used. The enclosed pachinko machine plays a game by circulating the game balls enclosed inside. Further, the pachinko machines of Examples and Modifications may be applied to so-called managed gaming machines. The managed gaming machine restricts access to the main control device from the outside, and specific information (affects the performance of the game) from the frame control device (corresponding to the payout control device of the embodiment) to the main control device. Information other than information and information that may affect the result of the game) can be transmitted, and the frame control device is connected to the CR unit and is configured to be able to communicate with the outside only via the frame control device.

The correspondence between the main elements of the embodiment and the main elements of the invention described in the column of means for solving the problem will be described. In the embodiment, the first starting port 23 and the second starting port 24 correspond to the "starting port", the second starting port 24 corresponds to the "variable starting port", and the special symbol variation display related processing S560 to S566. The CPU 60a of the main control device 60 that executes the process corresponds to the "win / fail determination means", and the CPU 60a of the main control device 60 that executes the processes of the jackpot game processes S700 to 734, S748, and S750 is the "special game execution means". Correspondingly, the CPU 60a of the main control device 60 that executes the processing of the jackpot game processing S740 and S742 corresponds to the "first ball entry easy state generating means", and the CPU 60a of the main control device 60 that executes the ceiling counter update processing The CPU 60a of the main control device 60, which corresponds to the "counting means" and executes the processes of the time reduction flag setting processes S610 to S616, corresponds to the "second ball entry easy state generating means", and the RAM 60c becomes the "information storage means". The CPU 60a of the main control device 60 that executes the power-on processing corresponds to the "state return means", and the CPU 90a of the sub-integrated control device 90 that executes the processing of S918 of the symbol variation effect processing and the effect display control device 91. The effect display device 37 corresponds to the "notification means". As for the correspondence between the main elements of the examples and the main elements of the invention described in the column of means for solving the problem, the invention described in the column of means for solving the problems of the examples is carried out. Since it is an example for specifically explaining the mode for solving the problem, the elements of the invention described in the column of means for solving the problem are not limited. That is, the interpretation of the invention described in the column of means for solving the problem should be performed based on the description in the column, and the examples are the inventions described in the column of means for solving the problem. It is just a concrete example.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the examples, the present invention is not limited to these examples, and the present invention is carried out in various embodiments without departing from the gist of the present invention. Of course you get.

1 Pachinko machine, 2 Outer frame, 3 Front frame, 3a Front frame open switch, 4 Glass plate, 5 Inner frame, 5a Inner frame open switch, 11 Upper pan, 12 Lower pan, 13 Launch handle, 14 Speaker, 15 LED, 16 effect button, 16a effect button switch, 20 game board, 21 game area, 21a outer rail, 21b inner rail, 21c nail, 22 normal design operating gate, 22a gate switch, 23 1st start port, 23a 1st start port switch , 24 2nd start port, 24a 2nd start port switch, 24b open / close vane, 24c 2nd start port solenoid, 25 big prize opening, 25a big prize opening switch, 25b opening / closing plate, 25c big prize opening solenoid, 27 normal winning opening , 27a Ordinary winning opening switch, 29 out opening, 31 1st special symbol display device (1st special symbol display device), 32 2nd special symbol display device (2nd special symbol display device), 33 1st special symbol display device Display device (1st special symbol hold number display device), 34 2nd special symbol hold number display device (2nd special symbol hold number display device), 35 normal symbol display device (normal symbol display device), 36 normal symbol hold number Display device (normal figure hold number display device), 37 effect display device, 371L, 371C, 371R effect symbol (pseudo symbol), 372a 1st hold symbol, 372b 2nd hold symbol, 373 character symbol, 374 notification display unit, 38 Center accessory, 50 CR unit, 51 CR unit terminal board, 52 settlement display device, 53 ball lending button, 53a ball lending switch, 54 settlement button, 54a settlement switch, 60 main controller, 60a CPU, 60b ROM, 60c RAM , 61 game board relay terminal board, 62 symbol display device relay terminal board, 63 directing relay terminal board, 64 back wiring relay terminal board, 65 external connection terminal board, 70 payout control device, 71 payout relay terminal board, 72 payout device, 73 Payout motor, 74 Payout switch, 75 Full switch, 76 Ball out switch, 77 Ball tank, 78 Tank rail, 80 Launch control device, 81 Launch stop switch, 82 Touch switch, 83 Launch motor, 90 Sub integrated control device, 90a CPU, 90b ROM, 90c RAM, 91 effect display control device , 95 power supply board, 98 probability setting switch, 99 RAM clear switch, 100 hole computer.

Claims (1)

It is a gaming machine that advances the game based on the launch of the gaming ball.
A starting port including a variable starting port that changes the possibility of entering a game ball,
A hit / fail determination means for determining a hit / fail based on the entry of a game ball into the starting port,
A special game execution means for executing a special game when the result of the winning / failing determination is winning, and
A first ball entry easy state generating means for generating a first ball entry easy state that facilitates entry of a game ball into the variable starting port based on the execution of the special game, and a ball entry easy state generation means.
A counting means that counts the number of times the hit / fail determination is executed and resets the counted count value to the initial value when the special game is executed.
A second easy-to-enter state generating means for generating a second easy-to-enter state in which the game ball can easily enter the variable starting port based on the fact that the counted value reaches a specified value.
An information storage means for storing game information including the count value counted by the counting means, and
When a predetermined erasing operation is performed when the power is turned on, the game information stored in the information storage means is erased and restored from the initial state, and the game information is stored in the information storage means and the power is supplied. When the erasing operation is not performed at the time of turning on, the state returning means for returning from the state before the power cutoff based on the game information stored in the information storage means, and the state returning means.
A notification means that performs notification based on the counted value, and
Equipped with
The notification means does not perform the notification after returning from the initial state by the state returning means and after the special game is executed, and after returning from the state before the power cutoff by the state returning means, the notification means is described. Notify,
Pachinko machine.

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