JP2023106668A - game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a game machine for previously reporting an arrival situation until a state in which the game machine cannot be played is reached to a player who starts a game using the game machine.SOLUTION: A game machine is configured so as to perform guidance for suggesting a situation of arrival of a maximum difference ball number at a reference value in the present point of time at timing for variably displaying the first pattern after each player who plays a game in the game machine starts a game while calculating the maximum difference ball number as a difference between a minimum value and a maximum value in a shift of the difference ball number of the game machine from predetermined count start timing to the present point of time and shifting to a game disabled state in which a game cannot be played in the game machine on the basis of arrival of the maximum difference ball number at a set reference value.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 30

Description

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

As a gaming machine, for example, a pachinko gaming machine that plays a game using game balls (pachinko balls) is known. In this pachinko game machine, a game area is formed on the front side of a game board arranged inside the machine, and a plurality of types of ball entrances are scattered in the game area. Moreover, the pachinko game machine is configured to award a prize ball according to the type of the ball entrance when a game ball enters the ball entrance. In addition, when a pachinko ball wins a prize in a starting prize-winning hole in the game area, the symbols displayed on the image display device start to change, and are stopped after a certain period of time. A game is started and the player can win a lot of pachinko balls (for example, see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-5605).

JP 2016-5605 A

In the pachinko machine, there are states that are advantageous to the player, such as a variable probability state and a time-saving state that make it easier to win the big win, and a small win rush state that makes it easier to win consecutive small wins. It is relatively easy to acquire a large number of prize balls in a normal game state. However, if the number of prize balls that the player can acquire becomes excessively large, it is not preferable because it will arouse the gambling spirit of the player. Therefore, in recent years, consideration has been given to limiting the number of prize balls given to players. When limiting the number of prize balls to be given to the player in this way, for example, the number of difference balls and the maximum number of difference balls are managed in real time, and when the number of difference balls or the maximum number of difference balls reaches the upper limit, the pachinko machine is operated. This will end the operation of the machine (make it impossible to play).

However, the problem with adopting such a system is that the number of difference balls or the maximum number of difference balls reaches the upper limit as the player plays the game, and the player suddenly becomes unable to play on the gaming machine. There is no choice but to forcibly end the game at an unexpected timing. In addition, the timing when the number of difference balls or the maximum number of difference balls reaches the upper limit is basically assumed to be in a state advantageous to the player as described above. may feel dissatisfied.

The present invention has been made to solve the problems in the prior art, and by informing a player who starts playing with a gaming machine in advance of the arrival status until the gaming machine becomes incapable of playing. To provide a game machine capable of avoiding as much as possible a situation that makes a player feel dissatisfied.

In order to achieve the above object, a gaming machine according to the present invention provides game information acquiring means for acquiring game information based on the establishment of a starting condition, and determines whether or not to provide a privilege based on the game information. Privilege award determination means, symbol variation means for performing variable display and static display of symbols indicating determination results by the privilege award determination means on a display device, and measurement for measuring a specific count number based on game media to be awarded to a player. means, game-disabled state transition means for shifting to a game-disabled state in which a game cannot be played in the gaming machine when the specific count number reaches a set reference value, and each player who plays a game in the gaming machine Guidance means for providing guidance suggesting the state of reaching the reference value of the specific count number at the present time at the timing of performing the first variable display of symbols after the player starts playing the game.
The "specific count" is, for example, the difference between the lowest and highest values in the transition of the number of difference balls in the gaming machine from a predetermined counting start timing to the current time, or the "maximum number of difference balls", or The difference between the number of acquired balls, which is the total number of game balls acquired by each player from the predetermined counting start timing to the present time, and the number of consumed balls, which is the total number of game balls consumed in the game. ”, etc.
In addition, "reaching the reference value" basically increases the number of difference balls (if the specific measurement number is the maximum number of difference balls, the maximum value of the number of difference It is premised that the specific measurement number reaches the reference value by increasing the maximum difference number of balls, but the difference number decreases (if the specific measurement number is the maximum difference number of balls, the difference number of balls The maximum number of difference balls, which is the difference from the maximum value, increases by lowering the minimum value of ), so that the specific count number reaches the reference value.

According to the gaming machine according to the present invention having the above-described configuration, it has a function of shifting to a non-playable state in which it is impossible to play a game on the gaming machine when the specific count reaches a set reference value. , at the timing when each player who plays a game on the gaming machine displays the first pattern variation after starting the game, by providing guidance suggesting the current status of reaching the reference value of the specific count number at the present time. It is possible to notify a player who starts a game with the game machine in advance of the arrival state until the game machine becomes incapable of playing, and a situation that makes the player feel dissatisfied can be generated. can be avoided as much as possible.

1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 1. It is explanatory drawing which expands and shows the display devices provided in the pachinko game machine shown in FIG. It is the figure which showed about the storage device with which a pachinko game machine is equipped. 1. It is explanatory drawing which shows with a block the electrical structure of the main-control board and peripheral equipment provided in the pachinko game machine shown in FIG. 1. It is explanatory drawing which shows with a block the electrical structure of the sub-control board and peripheral device which were provided in the pachinko game machine shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing of a big-hit determination table. It is explanatory drawing of a jackpot classification determination table. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a reach determination table; It is an explanatory diagram of a special figure variation pattern selection table. It is explanatory drawing which shows the memory content of a 1st special figure reservation memory|storage part. It is explanatory drawing which shows the memory content of a 2nd special figure reservation memory|storage part. It is explanatory drawing of the 1st special-figure reservation|reservation effect storage part. It is an explanatory diagram of a second special figure pending effect storage unit. It is a flow chart of the main side main control processing executed by the game control microcomputer. 15 is a flowchart of main side timer interrupt processing executed by the game control microcomputer in the main side main control processing shown in FIG. 14. FIG. 16 is a flowchart of a starting opening sensor detection process executed by a game control microcomputer in the main side timer interrupt process shown in FIG. 15. FIG. 16 is a flowchart of V winning detection processing executed by the game control microcomputer in the main side timer interrupt processing shown in FIG. 15; 16 is a flowchart of special symbol standby processing executed by the game control microcomputer in the main side timer interrupt processing shown in FIG. 15; 19 is a flowchart of a second special figure jackpot determination process executed by the game control microcomputer in the special symbol standby process shown in FIG. 18. FIG. It is a flow chart of the second special figure variation pattern selection process executed by the game control microcomputer in the special symbol standby process shown in FIG. FIG. 21 is a flow chart following the flow chart of FIG. 20; FIG. 16 is a flowchart of special symbol variation processing executed by the game control microcomputer in the main side timer interrupt processing shown in FIG. 15; 16 is a flow chart of extra ball-related processing executed by the game control microcomputer in the main side timer interrupt processing shown in FIG. 15. FIG. It is a flowchart of the sub-side main control processing executed by the effect control microcomputer. 24. It is a flowchart of the 1ms timer interruption process which the microcomputer for production|presentation control performs in the sub side main control process shown in FIG. 24. It is a flowchart of the 10ms timer interruption process which the microcomputer for production|presentation control performs in the sub side main control process shown in FIG. 26. It is a flowchart of the receiving command analysis process which the microcomputer for production|presentation control performs in the 10ms timer interruption process shown in FIG. 28. It is a flowchart of the fluctuation production|presentation start process which the microcomputer for production|presentation control performs in the reception command analysis process shown in FIG. 28 is a flowchart of difference ball notification processing executed by the effect control microcomputer in the received command analysis processing shown in FIG. 27; It is an example of the screen of the effect display device that guides the reaching state of the number of difference balls to the reference value. It is an example of the screen of the effect display device that guides the reaching state of the number of difference balls to the reference value. It is an example of the screen of the effect display device that guides the reaching state of the number of difference balls to the reference value. 28 is a flowchart of game impossibility notification processing executed by the effect control microcomputer in the received command analysis processing shown in FIG. 27; It is an example of the screen of the effect display device that is displayed when the pachinko gaming machine shifts to a non-playable state.

A gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a pachinko game machine will be described as a game machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the following explanation, when explaining the direction of each part of the pachinko gaming machine, the direction viewed from the player playing the game facing the pachinko gaming machine is used as a reference. Specifically, the left-right direction and the up-down direction of each part of the pachinko game machine are the left-right direction and the up-down direction viewed from the player. Also, the direction toward the player is defined as the front, and the direction away from the player is defined as the rear.

[Main Configuration of Pachinko Machines]
As shown in FIG. 1 , the pachinko gaming machine 1 has a gaming machine frame 16 . The game machine frame 16 is composed of a front frame 18, an inner frame (not shown), and an outer frame (not shown) in order from the front side. The front frame 18 includes a speaker 8, a left side lamp 23a, and a right side lamp 23b in addition to an operation console 25, which will be described later.

Here, the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment is a so-called "managed gaming machine" (also called "smart pachinko") that circulates and uses game balls enclosed inside the machine by an internal ball circulation mechanism. . This type of gaming machine electromagnetically stores and manages the "number of balls held" by the player, and does not physically pay out game balls. In other words, when a player performs a ball lending operation, the pachinko gaming machine 1 adds the number of game balls to be lent to the player to the number of balls possessed on the data and stores it. When game balls are used (shot) in a game, the number of game balls corresponding to that amount is subtracted from the number of balls and stored. Also, when prize balls are provided in accordance with the game played by the player, the number of game balls corresponding to the prize balls is added to the number of held balls on the data and stored. When the count value (stored value) of the number of possessed balls is 0, it means that the player does not own the game balls used in the game, and the player cannot play the game. As described above, the pachinko gaming machine 1 does not require the player to directly handle the game balls, and thus does not have a ball tray for storing the game balls so that the game balls can be put in and taken out as described later. 25 (FIG. 1) are arranged so as to be positioned below the front frame 18 .

In the following explanation, it is assumed that the pachinko gaming machine 1 is the above management gaming machine. It may be a general pachinko game machine that performs physical payouts.

Here, the operation table 25 has a shape projecting forward from the lower portion of the front frame 18, that is, is provided so as to approach the player side. The operation console 25 is provided with a handle 4, a performance button 9, a performance lever 6, a ball lending button 251, a return button 252, and a game ball number display 26. - 特許庁

The handle 4 is provided on the right side of the operation table 25 (bottom right of the front frame 18), that is, at a position where a player playing a game facing the pachinko gaming machine 1 can hold it with the right hand. The handle 4 includes a touch switch 92 (FIG. 4), a firing lever 4a, and a firing stop button 4b. The touch switch 92 outputs a signal indicating that the player has touched the handle 4, and is arranged at a portion touched by the right hand of the player holding the handle 4. As shown in FIG. The shooting lever 4a is for adjusting the shooting intensity of the game ball by the shooting device 90, and is rotatably provided on the handle 4. As shown in FIG. The shooting stop button 4b is for stopping the shooting of the game ball when the game ball is being shot, and is provided at a position that can be operated by the thumb of the right hand holding the handle 4.例文帳に追加

The production button 9 is provided on the upper surface of the operation table 25. - 特許庁In other words, the effect button 9 is provided at a position where the player can press it with his or her right hand or left hand, and at a position where a player who is operating the handle 4 with his right hand can press it with his left hand. there is In this embodiment, the effect button 9 is a push-on type button switch. The performance button 9 incorporates a performance button lamp 9c (Fig. 5) and a performance button vibration motor 9b (Fig. 5). The performance button lamp 9c lights up or flashes when the performance button 9 is pressed during the period when the performance button 9 is valid. The surface of the effect button 9 is formed of a translucent material, and is devised so that the player can visually recognize the light emitted from the effect button lamp 9c. The production button vibrating motor 9b vibrates the production button 9, and vibrates at a predetermined timing during a period when the production button 9 is effectively pressed. In this embodiment, the effect button lamp 9c is an LED.
The performance button 9 has a built-in elastic member (not shown) such as a spring for returning the pressed performance button 9 to the position before the pressing operation, and the performance button 9 is released from the pressed state. Then, the state before the pressing operation is restored by the restoring force of the elastic member. When the player presses the performance button 9 during the period in which the pressing operation of the performance button 9 is valid, a specific performance is performed. Hereinafter, a specific effect triggered by the operation of the effect button 9 will be referred to as a button effect.

The production lever 6 is provided in the lower left part of the operation table 25, that is, near the left end of the lower side of the front frame 18. - 特許庁In other words, the effect lever 6 is provided at a position where the player operating the handle 4 or the effect button 9 with the right hand can press it with the left hand.
The performance lever 6 is formed in a bar shape that can be grasped with the left hand, and can be pushed backward in addition to the rotation operation of right rotation or left rotation. In addition, the production lever 6 is provided with a production lever vibration motor 6d (FIG. 5). The production lever vibrating motor 6d vibrates the production lever 6, and vibrates at a predetermined timing in a period when the operation of the production lever 6 is effective. When the player operates the performance lever 6 during a period when the operation of the performance lever 6 is valid, a specific performance is performed. Hereinafter, a specific effect triggered by the operation of the effect lever 6 will be referred to as a lever effect.

On the other hand, the ball lending button 251 and the returning button 252 are provided on the upper surface of the operation table 25 in the front frame 18 . In the game parlor, a vertically long card unit 76 (FIG. 4) is arranged on the side (left side) of the pachinko game machine 1, and this card unit 76 is electrically connected to the pachinko game machine 1. . Although the specific structure is not shown, the card unit 76 has an insertion slot for inserting bills and an insertion slot for inserting a readable storage medium such as an IC card that stores money amount information. The money amount information corresponding to the banknote received or the amount information stored in the storage medium is output to the pachinko gaming machine 1 (more specifically, the frame control board 150 described later). Here, the pachinko game machine 1 inputs amount information managed by the card unit 76, and accepts rental of game balls up to the number corresponding to the amount information. For example, if the amount information is 1,000 yen, the lending of game balls is permitted within the range of the number of game balls corresponding to 1,000 yen (for example, up to 250). For example, when the player operates the ball lending button 251 to request the lending of game balls worth 500 yen, the pachinko gaming machine 1 lends a number of gaming balls (for example, 125 balls) corresponding to the 500 yen worth ( data). Specifically, the number of rental balls (125) is added to the number of balls held by the player (data). On the other hand, when the player operates the return button 252, the pachinko gaming machine 1 outputs game end information to the card unit 76 and resets the stored value of the number of balls (data) stored. The card unit 76, which receives the game end information from the pachinko game machine 1, releases the storage medium storing the amount information corresponding to the remaining amount at that point in time, and releases the storage medium. A part of it is exposed from the insertion slot so that it can be taken out.

In addition to the money amount information, the storage medium can also store the number of balls owned by the player (data). That is, when the player operates the return button 252, the pachinko gaming machine 1 resets the stored value of the number of balls (data) stored, and at the same time, sends the game end information and the balls to the card unit 76. If there is, the stored number of balls (data) is also output. Then, the card unit 76 stores the number of balls output from the pachinko gaming machine 1 in the storage medium, and then discharges the game medium storing the number of balls. On the other hand, when the player inserts the storage medium storing the number of balls in the card unit 76, the number of balls in the storage medium is stored in the pachinko machine 1 (more specifically, the frame control board described later). 150) and stored as the number of balls held. That is, by inserting a storage medium storing the number of balls in a player's possession into the card unit of another pachinko game machine, the player can play a game by moving the balls in his possession between a plurality of gaming machines (however, (Limited to stores where table movement is permitted).

The game ball number display 26 is provided on the upper surface of the operation table 25 (on the right side of the effect button 9) so that the display surface is horizontal or has a slightly downward angle. In other words, the display surface of the number-of-game-balls display 26 faces the side where the face of the player is positioned, making it easier to see when the player lowers his or her line of sight. The game ball number display 26 displays the aforementioned "number of balls" corresponding to the number of game balls owned by the player. On the other hand, the "number of difference balls" corresponding to the difference between the number of balls acquired and the number of consumption balls played in the pachinko machine 1 is also counted, and the lowest value in the transition of the "number of difference balls" on the day. And the difference between the highest value "maximum number of difference balls" is also counted. Also, based on the "maximum number of difference balls", a transition to a non-playable state, which will be described later, is performed. It should be noted that the "number of difference balls" and the "maximum number of difference balls" may be displayed on the game ball number display 26 as well.

Here, the "number of possession balls" is the number of rental balls, which is the number of game balls lent according to the ball lending operation, the number of acquired balls, which is the number of game balls given as prize balls according to the game, and the number of consumption balls. In relation to the number of balls, it is the number of balls calculated by the formula of "number of rental balls + number of acquired balls - number of consumed balls". As described above, the number of possessed balls is reset when the player finishes the game, that is, when the return button 252 is operated. Transfer to storage media. The current "number of balls held" is stored in the RAM (RWM) of the frame control board 150, for example.
On the other hand, the "number of difference balls" is the relationship between the total number of acquired balls and the total number of consumed balls in the game performed from the start of operation to the end of operation of the pachinko machine 1. It is the number of balls calculated by the formula of "number". The transition (history) of the "number of difference balls" up to the present including the current "number of difference balls" is stored in the RAM (RWM) of the main control board 60, for example. Unlike the above-described number of balls, this change in the number of difference balls is not reset when the player finishes the game (when the return button 252 is operated), but is set in advance by the employee of the game parlor. Reset based on operation. Output to the card unit 76 (transfer to a storage medium) is also not performed. That is, the transition of the "number of difference balls" is not counted and stored for each player, but is determined by a plurality of players who have played on the same gaming machine from a predetermined count start timing (specifically, at the time of the previous reset). The transition of the number of difference balls based on the game result of is counted and stored. In this embodiment, for example, by turning on the power of the pachinko gaming machine 1, the change in the number of difference balls is configured to be reset. However, it is also possible to reset the transition of the difference number only when the power is turned off, or when a special operation is performed in addition to the power being turned on.

Furthermore, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, the maximum difference number of balls (the difference between the minimum value and the maximum value in the transition of the number of difference balls from the counting start timing) is a predetermined "reference value" due to the increase in the number of acquired balls. is reached, the player is configured to shift to a non-playable state (a state in which the game for the day is finished) in which the player cannot play the game. For example, the standard value is 95,000, but the standard value can be changed as appropriate. In addition, "reach the reference value" basically assumes that the maximum difference number of balls reaches the reference value as the difference number of balls increases (highest value = current difference number of balls). A case where the maximum number of difference balls reaches the reference value due to the decrease in number (minimum value = current number of difference balls) may be included. In that case, when the maximum difference number of balls reaches a predetermined "reference number" due to an increase in the number of consumed balls, the game will be shifted to a non-playable state. In addition, after the pachinko machine 1 shifts to a non-playable state, not only the player who was playing the game but also the new player cannot play on the machine, and a special By operating, for example, starting (ram clearing) with the RAM clear switch 66 provided on the main control board 60 pressed down, the non-playable state is released. However, considering the purpose of shifting to the unplayable state (suppression of gambling), it is desirable to avoid canceling the unplayable state until business hours are over on the day of transition to the unplayable state. Basically, the non-playable state is released after the end of business hours and before the start of the next business hours.

In addition, the maximum ball difference is basically calculated on a business day basis, and the maximum ball difference across days is not calculated (however, when operating in a special business form such as all-night operation) exception). That is, the day's game performed in the pachinko game machine 1 is terminated according to the result of the transition of the number of difference balls for each business day (every operation) of the game parlor. Therefore, for this reason, when an employee of the game parlor resets the past change in the number of difference balls, the operation is normally performed after the end of the business hours (operating time of the pachinko game machine 1) every business day. Must be done before the start of the next business hour.
The details of the transition to the non-playable state based on the maximum number of difference balls will be described later.

A left side lamp 23a is provided on the left side of the front frame 18, and a right side lamp 23b is provided on the right side. A portion of the front frame 18 where the left side lamp 23a and the right side lamp 23b are provided is translucent, and a plurality of LEDs are arranged inside the translucent portion. Each LED is capable of emitting light in a plurality of colors, lights up or blinks according to the content of the presentation, and further changes the color of light emitted. The speakers 8 are provided in the upper left and right corners of the front frame 18, respectively, and output sounds such as music, sound effects, and notification sounds according to the content of the presentation.

Also, the pachinko game machine 1 includes a game board 2, a glass plate 5, and an effect display device 7. - 特許庁The game board 2 is arranged substantially in the center of the game board 2, that is, at a position substantially facing the player's face. The performance display device 7 is arranged on the rear side of the game board 2, and its screen is exposed from substantially the center of the game board 2.例文帳に追加The game board 2 includes a fixed winning device 10, a first big winning device 30, a second big winning device (V-attacker) 33, a gate 12, and a normal variable winning device (also called a normal electric accessory or electric chew). 20, a general prize winning port 13, indicators 50, a center decorative body 14, and a rail member 17. - 特許庁

A game area 3 in which game balls flow down (roll) is formed on the board surface of the game board 2 . The game area 3 has a left game area 3 a formed on the left side of the screen of the effect display device 7 and a right game area 3 b formed on the right side of the screen of the effect display device 7 . A plurality of game nails (not shown) are driven into the board surface of the game board 2 for changing the flowing direction of the game ball. The front side of the board surface of the game board 2 is covered with a transparent glass plate 5. - 特許庁Also, although not shown in FIG. 1, LEDs are provided at a plurality of locations on the game board 2 . These LEDs are collectively referred to as board lamps (indicated by reference numeral 2a in FIG. 5). Each LED that constitutes the board lamp 2a can emit light in a plurality of colors, lights up or blinks according to the content of the effect, and further changes the color of the emitted light. That is, the pachinko game machine 1 lights or blinks the left side lamp 23a, the right side lamp 23b and the board lamp 2a according to the content of the effect during game control, and outputs sound from each speaker 8. - 特許庁

The fixed prize winning device 10 is arranged substantially in the center of the lower side of the game board 2 . The fixed winning device 10 has a first starting port 11 that allows one game ball to win (enter a ball). The first starting port 11 is always open, and the probability that the game ball wins the first starting port 11 does not substantially change. The gate 12 is arranged in the right game area 3b, and is configured so that game balls flowing down the right game area 3b can pass therethrough. The normal variable winning device 20 is arranged below the gate 12 in the right game area 3b. The normal variable winning device 20 has a movable member (electric tulip) 21 . The movable member 21 is configured to be rotatable with its proximal end serving as a rotation axis, and the opening and closing of the movable member 21 opens and closes the second starting port 22 . When the movable member 21 is opened, the second starting port 22 is opened, and the game balls enter the second starting port 22 one by one (entering a ball) easily. Further, when the movable member 21 is closed, the second starting port 22 is closed and the game ball cannot enter the second starting port 22.例文帳に追加
In the example shown in FIG. 1, the normal variable winning device 20 is arranged on the right side of the game area 3, but it may be arranged on the lower side of the game area 3.

The first big winning device 30 is arranged on the right side of the fixed winning device 10 in the game board 2 , and the second big winning device 33 is arranged above the first big winning device 30 . The first big prize winning device 30 has a first opening/closing member 31 that opens and closes a first big winning hole 32, and the second big winning device 33 has a second opening/closing member 34 that opens and closes a second big prize hole 35. Prepare. The first big winning hole 32 and the second big winning hole 35 are each formed to have a size that allows a plurality of game balls to win (enter a ball) at the same time. In the present embodiment, the first opening/closing member 31 and the second opening/closing member 34 are each formed in a plate shape elongated in the left-right direction, and configured to be rotatable about the left and right lower ends thereof as a rotation axis. Hereinafter, when describing items common to the first big prize hole 32 and the second big prize hole 35, they are simply referred to as the big prize hole.
Inside the second big winning device 33, there are a specific area (also called a V winning area, not shown) and a non-specific area (not shown) through which the game balls that have won the second big winning opening 35 can pass. ) is formed. Further, inside the second big prize winning device 33, a distribution member (not shown) that distributes the game balls that have won the second big prize opening 35 to a specific area or a non-specific area, and a distribution member that drives A distribution member solenoid 35d (FIG. 4) is provided.

The display device 50 is provided outside the game area 3 of the game board 2 and below the first big winning device 30 . As shown in FIG. 2, the display devices 50 include a first special symbol display device 51 that variably displays a first special symbol (also referred to as a first special symbol) and a second special symbol (also referred to as a second special symbol). and a normal symbol display 53 for variably displaying a normal symbol (also referred to as a normal symbol). In addition, the display devices 50 display the first special symbol reservation display 51a that displays the number of memory of operation suspension of the first special symbol display 51, and the number of memory of operation suspension of the second special symbol display 52. It is provided with a second special figure suspension display 52a and a normal figure suspension display 53a for displaying the number of memory of operation suspension of the normal pattern display 53. - 特許庁Hereinafter, when describing matters common to the first special symbol and the second special symbol, it is simply referred to as a special symbol. In addition, when describing matters common to the first special symbol display device 51 and the second special symbol display device 52, they are simply referred to as special symbol display devices.

In this embodiment, the first special symbol display device 51 and the second special symbol display device 52 are each composed of eight LEDs. Lighted LEDs (□) and unlit LEDs (■) represent special symbols, and the state in which the LEDs light up in a predetermined direction (for example, from left to right) represents a variable display of the special symbols. Hereinafter, the variation pattern of the special symbol from when the special symbol starts the variable display until the special symbol is confirmed and displayed is called the special symbol variation pattern.
Further, in this embodiment, the normal symbol display 53 is composed of two LEDs. Lighted LEDs (□) and lighted LEDs (▪) represent normal symbols, and the state in which each LED is alternately lit represents a variable display of normal symbols. Further, when the game ball passes through the gate 12, a lottery for normal symbols is executed to determine whether or not the game ball wins, and the normal symbol display 53 variably displays the normal symbols. Then, the normal symbol display device 53 confirms and displays the normal symbol corresponding to the lottery result of the normal symbol after the lapse of a predetermined time from the start of the variable display of the normal symbol. When the normal pattern determined and displayed by the normal pattern display 53 is the normal pattern indicating winning, the normal variable winning device 20 operates to open and close the movable member 21 and the second starting port 22 to open and close.

When the game ball wins the first starting port 11, big win determination (also called big win lottery) for determining whether or not it is a big win is executed, and the first special symbol display 51 variably displays the first special symbol. Then, the first special symbol display device 51 confirms and displays the first special symbol corresponding to the result of the big hit determination after a predetermined time has passed since the variable display of the first special symbol is started. Here, when the first special symbol confirmed and displayed is a special symbol indicating a big win, a big win occurs, the first big winning device 30 operates, the first opening/closing member 31 opens and closes, and the first The big winning opening 32 opens and closes. In addition, as will be described later, when a small prize is won, the second big prize winning device 33 operates to open and close the second opening/closing member 34, and the second big prize opening 35 opens and closes. When the game ball wins the first starting port 11 while the first special symbol display 51 is displaying the first special symbol, the operation of the first special symbol display 51 is triggered by the winning. The memory number indicating the number of pending operations is displayed by the first special figure pending display 51a. Hereinafter, the memory number of operation suspension of the first special symbol display device 51 is referred to as the first special symbol suspension number.

Also, when the game ball wins the second starting hole 22, big hit determination (also called big hit lottery) is executed, and the second special symbol display 52 variably displays the second special symbol. Then, the second special symbol display device 52 confirms and displays the second special symbol corresponding to the result of the big hit determination after a predetermined time has passed since the variable display of the second special symbol is started. Here, when the second special symbol confirmed and displayed is a special symbol indicating a big win, a big win occurs, the first big winning device 30 operates, the first opening/closing member 31 opens and closes, and the first The big winning opening 32 opens and closes. In addition, as will be described later, when a small prize is won, the second big prize winning device 33 operates to open and close the second opening/closing member 34, and the second big prize opening 35 opens and closes. Furthermore, the distribution member solenoid 35d is operated in accordance with the opening of the second big winning port 35, and the game ball can pass through the specific area (V winning area) only for a predetermined period. When the game ball wins the second starting port 22 while the second special symbol display 52 is displaying the second special symbol, the operation of the second special symbol display 52 is triggered by the winning. The memory number indicating the number of pending operations is displayed by the second special figure pending display 52a. Hereinafter, the memory number of the operation suspension of the second special symbol display device 52 is referred to as the second special symbol suspension number. In addition, when describing the matter common to the first special figure reservation number and the second special figure reservation number, it is simply referred to as the special figure reservation number.

Hereinafter, the period from when the special symbol display device starts the variable display of the special symbols to when the special symbols are fixedly displayed is referred to as one variation of the special symbols. In addition, the fact that the special figure reservation number decreases by one each time the special symbol is changed once is called digestion of the special figure reservation number. Also, the period required from the opening of the large winning slot until it closes is called the opening period of the large winning slot, and the period from the opening of the large winning slot to the next opening is called the round. Also, a game from the start of the first round to the end of the final round is called a jackpot game. Also, when it is determined as a big win in the big win determination, the type of the big win is determined by lottery. Depending on the type of jackpot, the opening period of the jackpot, the maximum number of executable rounds, etc. differ. Furthermore, the pachinko game machine 1 also has a win called a small win in addition to the big win. When a small win is won, no big win game is played, but the big prize opening is opened only for a predetermined period. Especially in this embodiment, the first big winning opening 32 is opened in the big winning game, and the second big winning opening 35 is opened when the small winning is won.

In addition, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, in addition to the case where it is determined to be a big hit in the normal jackpot determination, the game ball that wins the second big winning hole 35 during the game passes through the above-mentioned specific area ( A jackpot game is also started when V winning). The pachinko gaming machine 1 of this embodiment is a model called a so-called one-kind-two-kind machine. In addition, the probability of being determined to be a big hit in the jackpot determination (hereinafter referred to as a jackpot probability) is basically fixed, and there is no high-probability state in which the jackpot probability is higher than normal in this model.

The general prize winning port 13 is arranged on the left side of the fixed prize winning device 10 in the game board 2 . The rail member 17 is arranged along the circumference of the game board 2 . The rail member 17 guides the game ball shot by the shooting device 90 ( FIG. 3 ) to the game area 3 . At the bottom center of the game board 2, an out port 19 for discharging game balls that have not won anywhere is opened. The center decorative body 14 is arranged on the upper part of the game board 2. - 特許庁The center decorative body 14 has translucency, and is provided with a plurality of LEDs that light up and blink in accordance with the contents of the performance.
The pachinko game machine 1 also includes a movable body 15 . The movable body 15 is arranged behind the center decorative body 14 . FIG. 1 shows a state in which the movable body 15 is substantially hidden by the center decorative body 14. FIG. The movable body 15 descends downward at a predetermined timing according to the content of the effect, and is displaced to a state visible to the player.

The effect display device 7 displays moving images and still images such as effect images, message images, and demonstration images. The player plays the game while looking at those images from the front of the pachinko game machine 1.例文帳に追加A performance display device 7 variably displays a performance (decorative) pattern as a performance image in synchronization with the variable display of the special pattern. In this embodiment, the production pattern is a pattern representing Arabic numerals 1-9. Note that the performance symbols may include symbols representing things other than numbers, such as alphabets and special characters, and may be combined with symbols representing things other than numbers. In this embodiment, a left effect symbol display area, a middle effect symbol display area, and a right effect symbol display area are set in order from the left as areas in which the effect display device 7 variably displays the effect symbols. A left performance symbol 9L is variably displayed in the left performance symbol display area, a middle performance symbol 9C is variably displayed in the medium performance symbol display area, and a right performance symbol 9R is variably displayed in the right performance symbol display area. Hereinafter, when describing items common to the left effect symbol display area, the middle effect symbol display area and the right effect symbol display area, they are simply referred to as the effect symbol display area.

In this embodiment, the main variation pattern (variation mode) of each effect pattern is a variation pattern that moves from the top to the bottom of the screen so that the numbers represented by the effect symbols are in ascending order, that is, a variation pattern that scrolls in the vertical direction. is. As a variation pattern, it is possible to use a horizontal scroll method in which the effect pattern moves from one side of the screen to the other, or a method in which the effect pattern is displayed at the same display position in ascending numerical order. In addition, the effect display device 7 displays a background image as the effect image in the background of each effect symbol. For example, the background image is a moving image such as a TV drama or a movie, a moving image obtained by converting the moving image into animation, an animation, or an original moving image of a pachinko machine manufacturer. In this embodiment, the effect display device 7 is a liquid crystal display device. As the effect display device 7, an organic EL display device, a display device using a dot matrix LED, or the like can be used.
A performance display device 7 variably displays each performance design in synchronism with the variable display of the special design, determines and displays each performance design at the same time as the special design is determined and displayed, and displays the big win determination result. Here, the fixed display means a stop display state in which the production pattern is completely stopped without fluctuating up and down or fluctuating again.

Hereinafter, the performance pattern indicating that the result of the big hit determination is a big hit is called a big hit performance pattern, and the performance pattern that shows that the result of the big hit determination is a loss is called a loss performance pattern. In the present embodiment, the jackpot effect pattern is a state in which each effect pattern is aligned with the effect patterns representing the same number, that is, a state of so-called double eyes. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the confirmed displayed left effect symbol 9L, middle effect symbol 9C and right effect symbol 9R are all set to "7". In addition, the lost performance pattern is a state in which the performance symbols representing the same number are not aligned, that is, the pattern is not in a grid pattern. For example, the confirmed and displayed left effect symbol 9L is "7", the middle effect symbol 9C is "6", and the right effect symbol 9R is "7".
Hereinafter, the production pattern displayed by the production display device 7 synchronously with the special pattern is referred to as a production design variation pattern, and the image displayed in the background of the production design variation pattern is referred to as a background image. A background image is a still image or a moving image.

The performance symbol variation pattern is variably displayed in synchronism with the variation display of the special symbol variation pattern, and when the suspension of the operation of the special symbol display device occurs, the operation of the performance display device 7 is also suspended. That is, the number of pending operations of the special symbol display and the number of pending operations of the effect display device 7 are the same. In addition, the operation pending number of the effect display device 7 corresponding to the first special figure pending number and the operation pending number of the effect display device 7 corresponding to the second special figure pending number are displayed on the effect display device 7 by the pending image be. Therefore, the player can know the first special figure pending number and the second special figure pending number by counting the number of pending images displayed on the effect display device 7, and the first special figure pending number and the second special figure pending number. It is possible to know the operation pending number of the effect display device 7 resulting from the second special figure pending number. It should be noted that the operation pending number of the effect display device 7 may not be displayed on the effect display device 7 but may be notified to the player using a lamp or the like around the effect display device 7 .

In addition, in the pachinko game machine 1, in addition to the notification of the result of the jackpot determination by the above-mentioned performance symbols, the background image displayed on the performance display device 7, the sound output from the speaker 8, the lighting of the board lamp 2a, the accessories The result of the jackpot determination is notified by using a combination of motions and the like. Specifically, various effects such as advance notice effects and ready-to-win effects are applicable.

Furthermore, in the pachinko game machine 1 of the present embodiment, the state of reaching the reference value of the maximum difference number of balls at the present time is displayed on the effect display device 7 . As described above, the pachinko gaming machine 1 shifts to a non-playable state in which it is not possible to play a game when the maximum number of difference balls reaches the set reference value, so that the player can operate the effect display device. By visually checking the state of reaching the reference value of the maximum difference number of balls displayed in 7, it is possible to predict in advance that the game will be shifted to the unplayable state. It should be noted that the state of reaching the reference value of the maximum difference number of balls may be always displayed on the performance display device 7 while the player is playing the game, or may be displayed only at a specific timing. In this embodiment, the symbols are displayed at the timing of performing the first variable display of the symbols after the player starts playing in the pachinko gaming machine 1 in particular.

[Storage device]
Next, the storage device 27 provided in the inner frame of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
The storage device 27 is a device that constitutes a part of the ball circulation mechanism in the pachinko gaming machine 1, which is a management gaming machine. Specifically, based on the rotating operation of the handle 4, the game balls stored in the storage device 27 are shot toward the game area 3, and after shooting, the game balls flow down the game area 3 and are provided in the game area 3. It is a device for re-storing game balls that have entered each of the ball entrances and game balls that have been discharged from the out port 19 without entering any of the ball entrances (that is, circulate the game balls).

The storage device 27 includes a storage portion 28 capable of storing a predetermined number of game balls, and a ball-striking mallet that hits the game balls stored in the storage portion 28 one by one with a shooting intensity corresponding to the rotation angle of the handle 4. 29. A game ball hit by the hitting mallet 29 goes to the game area 3 through a shooting path 36 extending upward from the storage part 28 . In addition, as long as the game ball that has passed through the launch path 36 can flow down the game area 3, the communication destination of the launch path 36 does not matter. For example, by connecting the shooting path 36 to the lower part of the rail member 17, the game ball is shot from the lower part to the upper part of the rail member 17, and the game ball that has passed through the rail member 17 reaches the rail member 17. You may make it flow down toward the game area 3 from the upper part of the rail member 17 along. Also, the shooting path 36 may be communicated with the upper end of the rail member 17 shown in FIG.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3, a shot ball sensor 36a for detecting game balls passing through the shooting path 36 is arranged in the middle of the shooting path 36. As shown in FIG. Therefore, every time a game ball is shot from the storage device 27, the game ball is detected by the shot ball sensor 36a. A game ball that has passed through the shooting path 36 and is shot into the game area 3 is a game ball that has been consumed in the game. decreases by one as the game ball is shot. Similarly, the "number of difference balls" stored in the RAM (RWM) of the main control board 60 is also decreased by one ball (in the case of the difference plus).

[Main electrical configuration of pachinko machine]
Next, the main electrical configuration of the pachinko game machine 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG.
The pachinko game machine 1 includes a main control board 60 (FIG. 4), a frame control board 150 (FIG. 4), a sub control board 100 (FIG. 5), an image control board 200 (FIG. 5), and a lamp control board 79. (FIG. 5) and an audio control board 78 (FIG. 5).

As shown in FIG. 3, on the main control board 60, a game control one-chip microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as a game control microcomputer) 61 is mounted. The game control microcomputer 61 includes a CPU 62 , a ROM 63 , a RAM 64 and an input/output circuit 65 . The CPU 62 executes detection of prize winning, determination of a big hit, updating of various random numbers, and the like. The ROM 63 contains a computer program executed by the CPU 62, a jackpot determination table Ta1 (FIG. 6), a jackpot determination table Ta2 (FIG. 7), a reach determination table Ta3 (FIG. 8), and a special figure variation pattern selection table Ta4 (FIG. 9). Various tables such as The game control microcomputer 61 generates random numbers used in various determinations (lottery), such as jackpot random numbers, jackpot type random numbers, reach random numbers, and variation pattern random numbers.

RAM 64 is used as a work memory or the like when CPU 62 executes a computer program. Further, the RAM 64 is provided with a first special figure reservation storage unit 64a, a second special figure reservation storage unit 64b, and a general figure reservation storage unit 64c. As shown in FIG. 10, the first special figure reservation storage unit 64a includes first to fourth storage areas. That is, the maximum number of first special figure reservations that can be stored is four. In each storage area, a jackpot random number, a jackpot type random number, a reach random number and a variation pattern random number obtained by the game control microcomputer 61 due to the game ball winning the first start hole 11 (FIG. 1) are stored. be. When the game ball wins the first starting port 11 (FIG. 1) while the first special symbol display device 51 (FIG. 2) is displaying the first special symbol, the first special resulting from the winning The variable display of the symbol is temporarily suspended (operation suspended), and the jackpot random number or the like acquired due to the winning is stored in the first special figure suspension storage section 64a.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 11, the second special figure reservation storage unit 64b has first to fourth storage areas. That is, the maximum number of second special figure reservations that can be stored is four. Each storage area stores a jackpot random number, a jackpot type random number, a reach random number, and a variation pattern random number acquired by the game control microcomputer 61 due to the game ball winning the second start hole 22 (FIG. 1). be. When the game ball wins the second starting port 22 (FIG. 1) while the second special symbol display 52 (FIG. 2) is displaying the second special symbol, the second special resulting from the winning The fluctuation display of the symbol is temporarily suspended (operation suspended), and the big hit random number or the like acquired due to the winning is stored in the second special figure suspension storage section 64b.

The jackpot random numbers are stored in the order of occurrence of operation suspension, ie, the order of acquisition by the game control microcomputer 61, from the first storage areas of the first special figure suspension storage section 64a and the second special figure suspension storage section 64b. Therefore, when the jackpot random numbers and the like are stored in the first to fourth storage areas, the jackpot random numbers and the like stored in the fourth storage area are the most recent information in terms of time, and are stored in the first storage area. The jackpot random numbers and the like are the oldest information in terms of time. The jackpot random numbers and the like stored in each storage area are shifted one by one to the storage area with the older storage order each time the variable display of the special symbols is completed. For example, the jackpot random numbers stored in the second storage area are shifted to the first storage area. Further, the determination (lottery) based on the jackpot random number or the like stored in the first storage area is executed before the variable display of the special symbol by the special symbol display is finished and the next variable display is started.

The normal pattern holding storage unit 64c (Fig. 4) is a normal winning random number acquired by the game control microcomputer 61 due to the game ball passing through the gate 12 (Fig. 1) (determines whether or not the normal pattern is winning) A random number for (lottery) is stored. When the game ball passes through the gate 12 while the normal symbol display 53 is displaying the normal symbols, the operation of the normal symbol display 53 caused by the passage is temporarily suspended (operation suspension), and the passage is performed. The normal random number acquired due to is stored in the normal pattern reservation storage unit 64c. The variation display of the normal symbols withheld is performed after the current variation display of the normal symbols is completed. In this embodiment, the general pattern suspension storage unit 64c has a storage area for performing a total of four suspensions, and the number of storage of operation suspensions of the normal design display device 53 is four at maximum. Hereinafter, the memory number of operation suspension of the normal symbol display 53 is referred to as the normal symbol suspension number.

The differential ball number storage unit 64d (FIG. 4) is a storage unit that stores the transition (history) of the differential ball number up to the present including the current differential ball number. The number of difference balls is the number of balls calculated by the formula of "number of acquired balls - number of consumed balls" as described above, and the number of difference balls is calculated according to the detection by the fired ball sensor 36a (occurrence of the number of consumed balls). The difference ball number stored in the storage unit 64d is subtracted. Also, when a game ball wins in a specific winning hole, the number of difference balls is added by the number of winning balls corresponding to the winning hole. For example, when a game ball wins in the first starting hole 11, three game balls (prize balls) are given, and as a result, the number of difference balls is increased by "3". Also, when a game ball wins in the general winning hole 13, 5 game balls (prize balls) are given, and as a result, the number of difference balls is increased by "5". Also, when a game ball wins in the second starting port 22, three game balls (prize balls) are given, and as a result, the number of difference balls is increased by "3". Also, when a game ball wins in the first big winning hole 32, 15 game balls (prize balls) are given, and as a result, the number of difference balls is increased by "15". Also, when a game ball wins in the second big winning hole 35, one game ball (a prize ball) is given, and as a result, the difference ball number is increased by "1". Note that the number of balls described here is merely an example, and can be changed as appropriate. Further, when the maximum number of difference balls based on the number of difference balls after updating reaches a predetermined reference value, the game shifts to a non-playable state in which the player cannot play the game. It should be noted that the difference ball number storage unit 64d may be stored in the frame control board 150, which will be described later, instead of the main control board 60. FIG.

A RAM clear switch 66 is mounted on the main control board 60 . The pachinko game machine 1 initializes the RAM 64 and the RAM 120 (FIG. 5) of the sub-control board 100 when it is started with the RAM clear switch 66 pressed. Also, in a state where the maximum number of difference balls reaches the reference value and the game is disabled, the game disabled state can be canceled by starting the game while the RAM clear switch 66 is pressed. Also, the display devices 50 are electrically connected to the main control board 60 . Further, on the main control board 60, via the relay board 74, a first starting hole sensor 11a, a second starting hole sensor 22a, a gate sensor 12a, a first big winning hole sensor 32a, and a second big winning hole Sensor 35a, specific area sensor 35b, non-specific area sensor 35c, general winning opening sensor 13a, electric tuning solenoid 20a, first big winning opening solenoid 30a, second big winning opening solenoid 33a, distribution The member solenoid 35d and the shot ball sensor 36a are electrically connected.

The first starting hole sensor 11a is provided directly under the first starting hole 11 (FIG. 1), and outputs a signal to the main control board 60 indicating that the game ball has entered the first starting hole 11. The second starting hole sensor 22a is provided directly under the second starting hole 22 (FIG. 1) and outputs a signal to the main control board 60 indicating that the game ball has entered the second starting hole 22. The gate sensor 12a is provided in the game ball passage area of the gate 12 (FIG. 1), and outputs a signal to the main control board 60 indicating that the game ball has passed through the gate 12. FIG. The first big winning hole sensor 32a is provided directly under the first big winning hole 32 (FIG. 1), and outputs a signal indicating that the game ball has won the first big winning hole 32 to the main control board 60. do. The second big winning hole sensor 35a is provided directly under the second big winning hole 35 (FIG. 1), and outputs a signal indicating that the game ball has won the second big winning hole 35 to the main control board 60. do. The specific area sensor 35b is provided within a specific area inside the second big winning hole 35 (FIG. 1), and outputs a signal to the main control board 60 indicating that the game ball has passed through the specific area. The non-specific area sensor 35c is provided in a non-specific area inside the second big winning hole 35 (FIG. 1), and outputs a signal indicating that the game ball has passed through the non-specific area to the main control board 60. . The general winning hole sensor 13a is provided directly under the general winning hole 13 (FIG. 1), and outputs a signal to the main control board 60 indicating that the game ball has entered the general winning hole 13.

The electric tuning solenoid 20a drives the movable member 21 (FIG. 1) of the normal variable winning device 20 to open and close. The first big prize opening solenoid 30a drives the first opening/closing member 31 (FIG. 1) of the first big prize winning device 30 to open and close. The second big winning opening solenoid 33a drives the second opening/closing member 34 (FIG. 1) of the second big winning device 33 to open and close. The distribution member solenoid 35 d drives a distribution member provided inside the second big winning device 33 . In particular, when a small win is won, the distribution member solenoid 35d is operated in accordance with the opening of the second big prize winning device 33, and the state in which the game ball can pass through the specific region (V prize prize region) only for a predetermined period. becomes. When a predetermined period elapses, the state returns to a state in which the game ball cannot pass through the specific area. 3, the shot ball sensor 36a detects a game ball shot to the game area 3 through the shot path 36, that is, a game ball consumed in the game.

Furthermore, the firing control circuit 75 (see FIG. 4) is electrically connected to the main control board 60 via the frame control board 150 . The main control board 60 outputs a launch permission signal to the launch control circuit 75 via the frame control board 150 when it is in a playable state in which it is possible to play a game. A launch device 90 is electrically connected to the launch control circuit 75 . The shooting device 90 includes a shooting motor 91 that drives a ball hitting mallet 29 (FIG. 3) that hits and shoots a game ball, a touch switch 92 that outputs a signal indicating that the player has touched the handle 4, and a shooting lever. A shooting volume 93 is provided for adjusting the strength of hitting the game ball by the ball hitting mallet 29 according to the amount of displacement caused by the rotation of the ball 4a. The shooting control circuit 75 strikes the ball-striking mallet 29 with a striking intensity corresponding to the amount of displacement of the shooting volume 93 in a state in which a shooting permission signal and a signal from the touch switch 92 indicating the player's contact with the handle 4 are input. The shooting motor 91 is controlled so as to be driven to periodically (for example, at intervals of 0.6 seconds) shoot game balls. On the other hand, the firing control circuit 75 stops driving the firing motor 91 in a state in which the firing permission signal is not input (a game disabled state to be described later).

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4, the frame control board 150 is electrically connected to the above-described firing control circuit 75, as well as the card unit 76, the ball lending button 251, the return button 252, the game ball number display 26, and the like. It is A frame control one-chip microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as a frame control microcomputer) 151 is mounted on the frame control board 150 .

The frame control microcomputer 151 includes a CPU 152 , a ROM 153 , a RAM 154 and an input/output circuit 155 . The CPU 152 of the frame control microcomputer 151 executes information transmission/reception (signal input/output) with the card unit 76, display control of the game ball number display 26, and the like. A computer program executed by the CPU 152 is stored in the ROM 153 . A RAM 154 is used as a work memory or the like when the CPU 152 executes a computer program. The RAM 154 is also provided with a number-of-balls storage unit 154a for storing the number of balls to be held.

In the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment, the frame control board 150 and the sub-control board 100 are connected. It is configured to be able to output information and the like. On the other hand, time information from a later-described RTC (real time clock) 124 mounted on the sub-control board 100 can be input to the frame control board 150 . However, the RTC 124 may be provided in the frame control board 150 . Input/output of information between the frame control board 150 and the sub-control board 100 may be performed via the main control board 60 .

On the other hand, the card unit 76 identifies the bill inserted into the slot or reads the storage medium inserted into the slot to specify the amount (balance) and sends the amount information to the pachinko game machine 1. output. This money amount information is input to the frame control microcomputer 151 of the frame control board 150 . The frame control microcomputer 151 specifies the amount (balance) from the amount information from the card unit 76, and within the range of the number of game balls corresponding to the amount, the number of balls to be rented according to the operation of the ball lending button 251 by the player. Controls granting (renting of game balls). In the case of this lending ball, the frame control microcomputer 151 lends the game balls to the player by adding the number of lending balls to the number of possessing balls stored in the possessing ball storage unit 154a. do. In addition, the frame control microcomputer 151 outputs game end information to the card unit 76 in response to the operation of the return button 252 by the player, and stores the stored value (number of balls) in the number-of-balls storage unit 154a. Reset. Further, the frame control microcomputer 151 resets the stored value of the number of held balls, and outputs the stored number of held balls (data) to the card unit 76 when there is a held ball. The card unit 76 stores the number of balls output from the frame control board 150 in the inserted storage medium, and then ejects the storage medium from the card unit 76 . On the other hand, when the player inserts a storage medium in which the number of balls in possession is stored into the card unit 76, the card unit 76 outputs the number of balls in the possession stored in the storage medium to the frame control board 150, and stores the number of balls in the possession. The number of balls held is stored in the section 154a. That is, by inserting a storage medium storing the number of balls in a player's possession into the card unit of another pachinko game machine, the player can play a game by moving the balls in his possession between a plurality of gaming machines (however, (Limited to stores where table movement is permitted).

The pachinko game machine 1 also includes a power board 70 . The power board 70 supplies power to the main control board 60 and the frame control board 150 . Also, the power board 70 supplies power through the frame control board 150 to each device electrically connected to the frame control board 150 . The power supply board 70 also supplies power from the main control board 60 through the relay board 74 to each sensor and solenoid electrically connected to the relay board 74 . In addition, the power supply board 70 supplies power through the main control board 60 to the displays 50 electrically connected to the main control board 60 .
A backup power supply circuit 71 is provided on the power supply board 70 . The backup power supply circuit 71 supplies power necessary for holding information to the RAM 64 of the main control board 60 and the like when power is not supplied to the pachinko gaming machine 1 from the outside. A power switch 72 is electrically connected to the power board 70 for turning on and off a main power supply that supplies power to the power board 70 .

The main control board 60 transmits various commands to the sub control board 100 (FIG. 5). The main control board 60 can send commands to the sub control board 100 , but the sub control board 100 cannot send commands to the main control board 60 . In other words, the communication between the main control board 60 and the sub-control board 100 is unidirectional communication in which only transmission from the main control board 60 to the sub-control board 100 is possible.

As shown in FIG. 5, the sub-control board 100 is mounted with a one-chip microcomputer for controlling effects (hereinafter referred to as a microcomputer for controlling effects) 101 . The effect control microcomputer 101 includes a CPU 102 , a ROM 110 , a RAM 120 and an input/output circuit 103 . The CPU 102 controls an effect along with the game. The ROM 110 stores computer programs for the CPU 102 to control the effects, as well as various tables such as the effect selection table Ta5 (not shown). RAM 120 is used as a work memory when CPU 102 executes a computer program. In addition, the RAM 120 is provided with a first special figure reservation effect storage unit 121, a second special figure reservation effect storage unit 122, and the variation effect storage unit 123. In addition, the microcomputer 101 for production|presentation control is an example of the control means of this invention.

As shown in FIG. 12, the first special figure pending effect storage unit 121 has four storage areas consisting of first to fourth storage areas, each storage area is the first output from the main control board 60 It memorizes the start winning command and the like. The first start winning command is a command including a jackpot random number, a jackpot type random number, a variation pattern random number and a reach random number obtained by the game control microcomputer 61 when the game ball has entered the first start port 11.
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 13, the second special figure pending effect storage unit 122 has four storage areas consisting of first to fourth storage areas, and each storage area is output from the main control board 60. It stores the second start winning command and the like. The second start winning command is a command including a jackpot random number, a jackpot type random number, a variation pattern random number and a reach random number acquired by the game control microcomputer 61 when the game ball has entered the second start port 22.
The variable effect storage unit 123 stores the first start winning command or the second start winning command used for the change of the variable effect pattern.
The input/output circuit 103 transmits data to or receives data from each board connected to the sub-control board 100 .

An image control board 200 is electrically connected to the sub-control board 100 . The image control board 200 includes an image control CPU 202, a VDP 201 (Video Display Processor), a control ROM 203, a control RAM 204, a CGROM (Character Generator Read Only Memory) 205, and a VRAM (Video Random Access Memory) 206. and are implemented. The image control CPU 202 controls the effect display device 7 to display effect images such as a variable effect pattern, a button effect image, a lever effect image and a notice image. The control ROM 203 stores a computer program for the image control CPU 202 to control the effect display device 7 . The control RAM 204 is used as a work memory when the image control CPU 202 executes computer programs. The CGROM 205 stores image data for the effect display device 7 to display effect images. The VDP 201 reads image data from the CGROM 205 according to the display list created by the image control CPU 202 and develops the read image data in the development area in the VRAM 206 . The VDP 201 synthesizes the image data developed in the VRAM 206 and stores the synthesized image data in the frame buffer in the VRAM 206 . The VDP 201 converts the image data stored in the frame buffer in the VRAM 206 into RGB signals and outputs them to the effect display device 7 . Thereby, the effect display device 7 displays the effect image. The CGROM 205 is an example of the effect storage means of the present invention.

The sub-control board 100 is electrically connected to the left side lamp 23a, the right side lamp 23b, and the board lamp 2a via the lamp control board 79. As shown in FIG. The effect control microcomputer 101 uses data stored in the ROM 110 to create light emission pattern data that determines the light emission mode of each lamp, and transmits the light emission pattern data to the lamp control board 79 . Then, the lamp control board 79 performs light emission control of each lamp according to the received light emission pattern data. The left side lamp 23a, the right side lamp 23b, the board lamp 2a, the effect button lamp, and the lamp control board 79 are examples of the effect means of the present invention.
The movable body 15 is electrically connected to the lamp control board 79 via the relay board 77 . A device (not shown) for operating the movable body 15 is connected to the movable body 15, and a movable body motor (not shown) for driving the device is connected to the device. . The production control microcomputer 101 creates operation pattern data for determining the operation pattern of the movable body 15 using data stored in the ROM 110 and transmits the operation pattern data to the lamp control board 79 . The lamp control board 79 that has received the operation pattern data drives the movable body motor via the relay board 77 according to the operation pattern, and controls the movement of the movable body 15 .

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

Also, the sub-control board 100 is electrically connected to the production button detection switch 9a, the production lever push detection switch 6g, the production lever rotation detection switch 6h, the production button vibration motor 9b, and the production lever vibration motor 6d. It is The production button detection switch 9a outputs a signal indicating that the production button 9 has been pressed to the sub-control board 100, and the production control microcomputer 101 performs button production based on the signal input from the production button detection switch 9a. to run. The production lever push-in detection switch 6g outputs a signal indicating that the production lever 6 has been pushed in to the sub-control board 100, and the production control microcomputer 101, based on the signal input from the production lever push-in detection switch 6g, A lever performance performed when a performance lever 6 is pushed is executed. The effect lever rotation detection switch 6h outputs a signal indicating that the effect lever 6 has been rotated to the sub-control board 100, and the effect control microcomputer 101, based on the signal input from the effect lever rotation detection switch 6h, A lever performance performed when a performance lever 6 is rotated is executed.

The production button vibration motor 9b is a member for vibrating the production button 9 and is housed inside the production button 9. - 特許庁The effect lever vibration motor 6d is a member that vibrates the effect lever 6, and is provided in a portion that contacts the effect lever 6 or inside the effect lever 6. The ROM 110 stores motion pattern data for determining the motion pattern of the performance button vibration motor 9b and motion pattern data for determining the motion pattern of the performance lever vibration motor 6d. A performance control microcomputer 101 reads operation pattern data from a ROM 110 when the performance timing for vibrating the performance button 9 comes, and drives and controls a performance button vibration motor 9b based on the read operation pattern data. In addition, the performance control microcomputer 101 reads the operation pattern data from the ROM 110 when the performance timing for vibrating the performance lever 6 comes, and drives and controls the performance lever vibration motor 6d based on the read operation pattern data.

A real-time clock (RTC) 124 is mounted on the sub-control board 100 . The RTC 124 measures the current date and time (date and time). For example, when power is supplied from an external power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 1, the RTC 124 operates by the power, and when power is not supplied from the external power supply, the backup power supply circuit 71 provided on the power supply board 70 is operated. operated by power supplied from Therefore, the RTC 124 can measure the current date and time even when the pachinko gaming machine 1 is not powered on. A backup power supply circuit for supplying power to the RTC 124 may be provided in the sub-control board 100 .

[Explanation of game state]
Next, the game state of the pachinko game machine 1 will be described. A normal symbol display device 53 of the pachinko game machine 1 has a probability variation function and a variation time shortening function. On the other hand, the special symbol display does not have the probability variation function, and only has the variation time shortening function.
In addition, the state in which the variable time reduction function of the special symbol display is operating is called "time-saving state", and the state in which it is not operating is called "non-time-saving state". In the time saving state, the fluctuation time of the special symbol (the time required from the start of the fluctuation display to the final display) is shorter than the non-time saving state.

The probability variation function and variation time shortening function of the normal symbol display 53 operate in synchronization with the variation time shortening function of the special symbol display. That is, the probability variation function and the variation time reduction function of the normal symbol display 53 operate in the time saving state and do not operate in the non time saving state. Therefore, in the time-saving state, the probability of being determined as winning in the lottery of normal symbols is higher than in the non-time-saving state. That is, when the probability variation function of the normal symbol display device 53 is activated, the normal symbol that the normal symbol display device 53 confirms and displays is a normal winning symbol (determined as winning in the normal symbol lottery) The probability of becoming a normal symbol indicating that it has been done increases.

In addition, in the time saving state, the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is shorter than in the non-working time saving state. For example, the variation time of normal symbols is 10 seconds in the non-time saving state, but is 1 second in the time saving state. Furthermore, in the time-saving state, the opening time of the normal variable winning device 20 is longer than in the non-time-saving state. That is, the opening time extension function of the normal variable winning device 20 is operating. For example, the opening time of the normal variable winning device 20 in the non-time saving state is 0.5 seconds, and the opening time of the normal variable winning device 20 in the time saving state is 3 seconds. In addition, in the time-saving state, the number of times the normal variable winning device 20 is opened in the auxiliary game is greater than in the non-time-saving state. In other words, the function of increasing the number of opening times of the normal variable winning device 20 is activated. The auxiliary game is a game of opening and closing the second starting port 22 in an opening pattern according to the current game state when the confirmed and displayed normal symbol is a predetermined specific normal symbol.

When the probability variation function and variation time shortening function of the normal symbol display device 53 and the opening time extension function and opening frequency increasing function of the normal variable winning device 20 are operating, when these functions are not operating. , the variable prize winning device 20 is opened frequently, and game balls enter the second starting port 22 frequently. As a result, since the ratio of the number of prize balls to the number of shot balls increases, the player can aim for a big win without greatly reducing the number of game balls in hand. In this way, under the condition that the probability variation function and the variation time shortening function of the normal symbol display 53 and the opening time extension function and the opening frequency increasing function of the normal variable winning device 20 are operating, the normal variable winning The control that supports the winning of the second starting port 22 by the device 20 is called electric support control.
In the pachinko game machine 1 of the present embodiment, when a jackpot is won in the lottery with the first special symbol, electric support control is performed after the jackpot game ends at a predetermined rate, and a time saving state (hereinafter, this state is referred to as a time saving game state). to move to. On the other hand, in the case of a big win in the lottery with the second special symbol (including a big win by V winning), the game always shifts to the time-saving game state after the big win game ends. In this time-saving game state (also referred to as a time-saving), the variable display of the special symbols is executed for a predetermined number of times, or a big win is won within a predetermined number of times (including a big win by V winning), and the big win game is executed. It ends by being done. Since the pachinko game machine 1 of the present embodiment is a one-type two-type mixed machine, there is no probability variable state, but the lottery of the second special symbol has a higher probability of a small hit than the lottery of the first special symbol, Moreover, if the player does not make a mistake in the operation after that, winning of a small win will result in a substantial 100% big win. That is, in the present embodiment, the time-saving gaming state corresponds to a rush state in which it is easier for the player to win a big win than in the normal gaming state.
In addition, when the pachinko game machine 1 is played for the first time, the game state after the power is turned on is a non-time saving state while the electric support control is not performed.

[Jackpot judgment table]
The big hit determination table Ta1 shown in FIG. 6 is a table that the game control microcomputer 61 (FIG. 4) refers to when executing the big hit determination as to whether or not the game is a big win. The big hit determination table Ta1 is configured by associating the type of lottery (lottery of special figure 1 or lottery of special figure 2) with a big hit random number. The jackpot random number is a predetermined random number selected from the jackpot random numbers generated by the jackpot random number counter. A computer program for operating the jackpot random number counter is stored in the ROM 63, and the CPU 62 executes the computer program to operate the jackpot random number counter and generate a jackpot random number. The jackpot random number counter may use a random number generation circuit such as a counter IC. In this embodiment, the jackpot random number counter counts 65536 jackpot random numbers from 0 to 65535 in total. That is, a total of 65536 jackpot random numbers from 0 to 65535 are generated. In this embodiment, a total of 205 jackpot random numbers from 0 to 204 are set in the jackpot determination table Ta1 as the jackpot random numbers at the time of lottery for the first special symbol (lottery for special figure 1). The game control microcomputer 61, when the jackpot random number obtained from the jackpot random number counter is any one of 0 to 204, determines that it is a jackpot in the jackpot determination, and when it is other than 0 to 204 out of 0 to 65535 , is not a jackpot, that is, it is determined to be a loss. Also, when it is determined to be a loss, especially when the big hit random number obtained from the big hit random number counter is any one of 205 to 206, it is determined to be a small hit.

On the other hand, in the jackpot determination table Ta1, a total of 205 jackpot random numbers from 0 to 204 are set as jackpot random numbers at the time of lottery for the second special symbol (lottery for special figure 2). The game control microcomputer 61, when the jackpot random number obtained from the jackpot random number counter is any one of 0 to 204, determines that it is a jackpot in the jackpot determination, and when it is other than 0 to 204 out of 0 to 65535 , is not a jackpot, that is, it is determined to be a loss. Also, when it is determined to be a loss, especially when the big hit random number obtained from the big hit random number counter is any one of 205 to 2216, it is determined to be a small hit. In other words, the special 1 lottery and the special 2 lottery have the same probability of being judged as a big hit, but the special 2 lottery has a higher probability of being judged as a small hit than the special 1 lottery. getting higher. In addition, in the lottery of special figure 2, the winning probability of the small win is about 1/30, and the winning probability is set very high compared to the big win. In particular, the small hit of the special figure 2 is an open pattern in which the second big winning device 33 can pass the game ball to the specific area (V winning area), and the second big winning device 33 is activated. . On the other hand, the small hit of the special figure 1 operates the second big winning device 33 in an open pattern in which the passage of the game ball to the specific area (V winning area) is substantially impossible. .

[Jackpot type determination table]
The jackpot type determination table Ta2 shown in FIG. 7 is a table referred to when the game control microcomputer 61 (FIG. 4) executes the jackpot type determination when it is determined as a jackpot. The jackpot type determination table Ta2 is configured by associating the type of lottery (either the lottery of the special figure 1, the lottery of the special figure 2, or the jackpot by V winning) and the jackpot type random number. The jackpot type random number is a predetermined random number selected from the jackpot type random numbers generated by the jackpot type random number counter. A computer program for operating the jackpot type random number counter is stored in the ROM 63, and when the CPU 62 executes the computer program, the jackpot type random number counter operates and a jackpot type random number is generated. The jackpot type random number counter may use a random number generation circuit such as a counter IC. In this embodiment, the jackpot type random number counter counts a total of 10 jackpot type random numbers from 0 to 9. That is, a total of 10 jackpot type random numbers from 0 to 9 are generated. In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, there are "4R jackpot (no time reduction)", "4R jackpot (time reduction 40 times)", and "10R jackpot (time reduction 40 times)" as types of jackpots. Then, in the pachinko machine 1, as shown in FIG. 7, in the lottery of the first special symbol (lottery of special figure 1), if the jackpot type random number is a value within the range of 0 to 4, "4R jackpot (time saving None)”, and if the jackpot type random number is 5 to 9, it is determined that you have won the “4R jackpot (shorter time 40 times)”. On the other hand, in the second special symbol lottery (including the jackpot due to V winning), if the jackpot type random number is a value within the range of 0 to 1, it is determined that you have won the “4R jackpot (40 times short time)”. , If the jackpot type random number is 2 to 9, it is determined that the “10R jackpot (40 times of time reduction)” has been won. In addition, the number of game balls that the player can acquire during the jackpot game is determined for each type of jackpot. 4R jackpot (time saving 40 times)” is 600 pieces.

In addition, the number of times of time saving of a time saving after the jackpot game is set for each type of jackpot. The number of time-saving a time-saving shows the upper limit for maintaining the time-saving game state (rush state) in which the electric support control that shifts after the jackpot game is completed is performed and the time-saving state is maintained. For example, if the number of times of time saving is 40 times, the time saving game state is maintained with the upper limit of the variable display of the special symbol being performed 40 times. However, even after the number of times of time saving is performed 40 times and the time saving game state is finished, a lottery with the second special symbol is performed for the remaining reservation. The period during which the remaining hold is consumed after the time-saving game state is finished is not the time-saving game state, but it may be included in the rush state because it is a state in which it is easier for the player to win a big win than in the normal game state. In addition, when a big win (including a big win by V winning) is won before reaching the upper limit number of times of time saving of a time saving, a time saving is temporarily terminated by executing the big win game.

[Reach determination table]
Reach determination table Ta3 shown in FIG. 8, when the game control microcomputer 61 (FIG. 4) determines whether or not to select a special figure variation pattern in which reach appears when the result of the big hit determination is a loss is a table that refers to Here, the reach means a state in which only one special symbol remains among a plurality of special symbols that is variably displayed, and it depends on which special symbol the variably displayed special symbol is fixedly displayed. It is a state in which special symbols are combined to indicate a big hit. In addition, the ready-to-win state is a state in which one of the performance symbols variably displayed in each of the plurality of display areas of the performance display device 7 remains, and is variably displayed. It is a state in which the combination of the big hit production pattern depends on which production pattern the existing production pattern is fixedly displayed.
For example, when one of the combinations of the jackpot performance symbols is "777", "7" is confirmed and displayed as the left performance symbol 9L in the left performance symbol display area, and as the right performance symbol 9R in the right performance symbol display area. It is a state in which "7" is fixedly displayed and the middle effect symbol 9C is variably displayed in the middle effect symbol display area. The concept of reach includes a state in which the medium effect pattern 9C is scrolled, a state in which it is swaying, a state in which expansion and contraction are repeated, and the like.

The reach random number is a random number for determining whether or not to select a special figure variation pattern in which reach appears when the result of the jackpot determination is a loss. The reach determination table Ta3 is configured by associating a game state with a reach random number. The reach random number is a predetermined random number selected from the reach random numbers generated by the reach random number counter. In this embodiment, the reach random number counter counts 256 reach random numbers from 0 to 255 in total. That is, a total of 256 reach random numbers from 0 to 256 are generated. A computer program for operating the reach random number counter is stored in the ROM 63, and when the CPU 62 executes the computer program, the reach random number counter operates to generate reach random numbers. In this embodiment, a total of 28 reach random numbers from 0 to 27 are set as the reach random numbers when the gaming state is a non-time saving state. The game control microcomputer 61 determines that there is a reach in the reach determination when the reach random number obtained from the reach random number counter when the game state is a non-time saving state is either 0 to 27, and determines that there is a reach in the reach determination. If it is other than 0 to 27, it is determined that there is no reach.

In addition, in this embodiment, a total of 12 reach random numbers from 0 to 11 are set as the reach random numbers when the game state is the time saving state. The game control microcomputer 61 determines that there is a reach in the reach determination when the reach random number acquired from the reach random number counter when the game state is a time saving state is any one of 0 to 11, and out of 0 to 255. If it is other than 0 to 11, it is determined that there is no reach.
Reach random numbers that are determined to have reach are set less in the time saving state than in the non-working time saving state. Thereby, the probability that it is determined that there is reach in the time saving state is lower than in the non time saving state. That is, since the probability of being determined to be without reach increases, the probability of selecting a special figure variation pattern without reach increases accordingly when selecting a special figure variation pattern. For this reason, in the time saving state, the pace of digestion of the number of reserved special figures becomes faster.

Incidentally, FIG. 8 basically shows a ready-to-win determination table corresponding to the first special symbol. The ready-to-reach determination table corresponding to the second special symbol may have the same content as the first special symbol, or may be a different table.

[Special figure variation pattern selection table]
The special figure variation pattern selection table Ta4 shown in FIG. 9 is a table referred to when the game control microcomputer 61 (FIG. 4) determines the special figure variation pattern by lottery. The special figure fluctuation pattern selection table Ta4 corresponds to the game state, the judgment (jackpot judgment and reach judgment) result, the special figure pending number, the fluctuation pattern random number, the special figure fluctuation pattern, the fluctuation time, and the stop time It is configured with In addition, you may match about a jackpot classification.

In addition, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the player performs the game along the intention of the development side, the fluctuation of the first special symbol is mainly performed in the non-time-saving state, and the second special pattern is performed in the time-saving state. Since the pattern is changed, in the example shown in FIG. 9, the special figure variation pattern selection table corresponding to the first special symbol in the non-time saving state, and the special figure variation pattern selection table corresponding to the second special symbol in the time saving state will be described as an example.

The variation effect pattern in the special figure variation pattern selection table Ta4 is a variation effect pattern that is variably displayed by the effect display device 7 corresponding to the selected special figure variation pattern, and is described for reference. The variation pattern random number is a predetermined random number selected from the variation pattern random numbers generated by the variation pattern random number counter. In this embodiment, the variation pattern random number counter counts a total of 100 variation pattern random numbers from 0 to 99. FIG. That is, a total of 100 variation pattern random numbers from 0 to 99 are generated. A computer program for operating the variation pattern random number counter is stored in the ROM 63, and when the CPU 62 executes the computer program, the variation pattern random number counter operates to generate variation pattern random numbers.

When the game state is a non-time saving state, it is determined as a jackpot in the jackpot determination of the first special symbol, and if the variation pattern random number obtained from the variation pattern random number counter is any of 0 to 94, the number of special symbols is reserved. Regardless, the special figure variation pattern P1 is selected. That is, the probability that the special figure variation pattern P1 is selected is 95%. Also, if the variation pattern random number is any one of 95 to 99, the special figure variation pattern P2 is selected regardless of the number of balls on hold. That is, the probability that the special figure variation pattern P2 is selected is 5%. The variation time of the special figure variation pattern P1 is 400,000 ms, and the stop time of the special symbol, that is, the time during which the special symbol is fixedly displayed is 500 ms. The variation time of the special figure variation pattern P2 is 150,000 ms, and the stop time of the special symbol is 500 ms. Further, when the special figure variation pattern P1 is selected, the effect display device 7 displays SP (super) reach developed from the ready-to-win state as the variable effect pattern. Further, when the special figure variation pattern P2 is selected, the effect display device 7 displays normal reach as the variation effect pattern.

In addition, when the gaming state is determined to be lost when the non-time saving state, and when it is determined that there is reach in the reach determination, that is, in the case of loss with reach, the variation pattern random number obtained from the variation pattern random number counter is any one of 0 to 9, regardless of the special figure reservation number, the special figure variation pattern P3 is selected. That is, the probability that the special figure variation pattern P3 is selected is 10%. Also, if the variation pattern random number is any one of 10 to 99, the special figure variation pattern P4 is selected regardless of the number of balls on hold. That is, the probability that the special figure variation pattern P4 is selected is 90%. The variation time of the special figure variation pattern P3 is 400,000 ms, and the stop time of the special symbol is 500 ms. The variation time of the special figure variation pattern P4 is 150,000 ms, and the stop time of the special symbol is 500 ms. Further, when the special figure variation pattern P3 is selected, the effect display device 7 displays SP reach developed from the reach state as the variation effect pattern. Further, when the special figure variation pattern P4 is selected, the effect display device 7 displays normal reach as the variation effect pattern.

In addition, when the gaming state is determined to be lost when the non-time-saving state, and when it is determined that there is no reach in the reach determination, that is, in the case of reach without loss, the number of special figures pending is 0 to 2 There, if the variation pattern random number obtained from the variation pattern random number counter is any of 0 to 99, the special figure variation pattern P5 is selected. That is, the probability that the special figure variation pattern P5 is selected is 100%. In addition, when the number of special figures pending is 3 to 4 and the variation pattern random number obtained from the variation pattern random number counter is any one of 0 to 99, the special figure variation pattern P6 is selected. That is, the probability that the special figure variation pattern P6 is selected is 100%. The variation time of the special figure variation pattern P5 is 10,000 ms, and the stop time of the special symbol is 500 ms. The variation time of the special figure variation pattern P6 is 5,000 ms, and the special symbol stop time is 500 ms. Further, when the special figure variation pattern P5 or the special figure variation pattern P6 is selected, the effect display device 7 displays normal variation as the variation effect pattern.

When the game state is the time saving state, it is determined that the second special symbol is a jackpot, and when the variation pattern random number obtained from the variation pattern random number counter is any one of 0 to 99, the special figure variation pattern P11 is selected. . In addition, if the player does not make a mistake in the operation of the 1-type 2-type mixing machine, the small win during the time-saving game is substantially a big win, so the big win includes the small win (the same applies hereinafter).

In addition, when the gaming state is determined to be a loss when the game state is a time saving state, and it is determined that there is a reach in the reach determination, that is, in the case of a loss with a reach, the variation pattern random number obtained from the variation pattern random number counter is 0 to If it is one of 99, the special figure variation pattern P12 is selected.

In addition, when the gaming state is determined to be a loss when the time saving state, when it is determined that there is no reach in the reach determination, that is, in the case of a loss without reach, the second special figure reservation number is 0, and fluctuation If the variation pattern random number obtained from the pattern random number counter is any of 0 to 99, the special figure variation pattern P13 is selected. Furthermore, when the gaming state is determined to be a loss when the time saving state, and it is determined that there is no reach in the reach determination, that is, in the case of a loss without reach, the number of second special figure reservations is 1 to 4. , If the variation pattern random number obtained from the variation pattern random number counter is either 0 to 99, the special figure variation pattern P14 is selected. The variation time of the special figure variation pattern P11 and the special figure variation pattern P12 is 30,000 ms, respectively, and the stop time of the special symbol is 500 ms. The variation time of the special figure variation pattern P13 is 10,000 ms, respectively, and the stop time of the special symbol is 500 ms, respectively. The variation time of the special figure variation pattern P14 is 3,000 ms, respectively, and the stop time of the special symbol is 500 ms, respectively. Further, when the special figure variation patterns P11 to P12 are selected, the effect display device 7 displays the reach dedicated to the rush state as the variation effect pattern. Further, when the special figure variation patterns P13 to P14 are selected, the effect display device 7 displays normal variation as the variation effect pattern.

As described above, the probability that development is selected to SP reach when in a non-time saving state is 95% if it is determined to be a jackpot in the jackpot determination, but it is determined to be a loss in the jackpot determination, and there is a reach is 10%. In addition, the probability that the normal reach stop is selected in the non-time saving state is 5% if it is determined to be a big hit in the big hit determination, but if it is determined to be a loss in the big hit determination and it is determined that there is a reach is 90%.
In other words, when the effect display device 7 develops to SP reach as a variable effect pattern, there is a high possibility that a big hit will occur. In other words, SP reach is a variation performance pattern in which the degree of expectation for the occurrence of a big win is higher than in the case of stopping at normal reach.

In addition, the special figure variation pattern selection table corresponding to the time saving state of the first special symbol and the special figure variation pattern selection table corresponding to the non-time saving state of the second special symbol are omitted, but each of the first special symbol non time saving It may be similar to the special figure variation pattern selection table corresponding to the state and the special figure variation pattern selection table corresponding to the time saving state of the second special symbol, or may be a different table.

[Main processing of game control microcomputer 61]
Next, the main processing executed by the game control microcomputer 61 (FIG. 3) will be described with reference to the drawings.
(Main side main control processing)
First, the contents of the main side main control process executed by the game control microcomputer 61 will be described with reference to FIG.
When the pachinko game machine 1 is powered on, the game control microcomputer 61 reads out and executes a computer program for main side main control processing shown in FIG. 14 from the ROM 63 (FIG. 4). The game control microcomputer 61 performs initial setting first. However, when the power is turned on while the RAM clear switch 66 is pressed (S1: YES), the RAM (RWM) 64 is also initialized (deleted memory contents). Furthermore, the command is also transmitted to the sub-control board 100, and the RAM (RWM) 120 of the sub-control board 100 is also initialized. On the other hand, when the game machine is powered on while the RAM clear switch 66 is not pressed (S1: NO), the RAM 64 and RAM 120 are not initialized (that is, the pending information stored in the RWM 64, The game state such as time reduction and probability variation, and the count of the number of variations are maintained in the state before the power is turned off). However, the transition (history) of the number of difference balls up to the present stored in the number of difference number storage unit 64d of the RAM 64 is reset (initialized) when the power is turned on regardless of whether the RAM clear switch 66 is operated or not. )do. By resetting the change in the number of difference balls, the maximum number of difference balls, which is the difference between the lowest value and the highest value, is also reset. However, it is also possible to reset the change in the number of difference balls only when a special operation is performed in addition to turning on the power. It should be noted that it is possible to store the difference ball number storage unit 64d in the RAM 154 of the frame control board 150 instead of the main control board 60. A reset command for the number of difference balls is sent to request resetting of the transition of the number of difference balls.

Here, the change in the number of difference balls is the total number of game balls acquired in the game from the predetermined count start timing (specifically, the time of the previous reset) to the present time as described above, and the number of acquired balls and the number of balls consumed in the game. It shows the transition of the difference from the number of consumed balls, which is the total number of game balls, and is updated in real time using the detection results of various sensors in the later-described difference ball-related processing (S20). Further, the change in the number of difference balls is not counted for each player, but the transition of the number of difference balls based on the game results of a plurality of players who have played on the same gaming machine from the counting start timing is recorded.

In this initialization (S2, S3), in addition to initialization of the RAM 64 and RAM 120, for example, stack setting, constant setting, interrupt time setting, CPU 62 setting, SIO (System Input/Output), PIO (Parallel) Input/Output), CTC (Counter/Timer Circuit: circuit for managing interrupt time), etc.

Furthermore, when the power is turned on while the RAM clear switch 66 is pressed (S1: YES), and when the game is disabled in the later-described ball-related processing (FIG. 23), , to return from the unplayable state to the playable state (S4). Specifically, all of the detection of a plurality of winning detection sensors are enabled, driving means such as the first big winning opening solenoid 30a and the electric tuning solenoid 20a can be driven, and the shooting device 90 (ball hitting mallet 29) shoots a game ball. Allows firing action. Also, all the LEDs of the indicators 50 (special symbol indicators 51, 52, normal symbol indicator 53, etc.) return to the lighting state. Then, it returns to the state where the variable display of the special figure and the variable display of the normal figure being executed are possible. In addition, the game control microcomputer 61 also transmits to the sub-control board 100 a game-ready notification command indicating that the game-ready state has been restored.

Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 executes interruption prohibition (S5), and executes a normal symbol/special symbol main random number update process (S6). In this normal symbol/special symbol main random number update process, the initial value of each random number counter that generates the aforementioned jackpot random number, jackpot type random number, reach random number and variation pattern random number is updated by adding "1" to each. When the count value of each random number counter reaches the upper limit, it returns to "0" and "1" is added again. The initial value of each random number counter may be a value other than "0", or may be changed randomly. Further, the count value of each random number counter may be updated by adding a numerical value of "2" or more. Also, each random number may be a so-called hardware random number generated using a known random number generating circuit such as a counter IC. If this hardware random number is used, the random number updating process (S6) by software is not required.

Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 executes interruption permission (S7). While the interrupt is enabled, the main side timer interrupt processing (S8) can be executed. The main-side timer interrupt processing (S8) is executed, for example, based on an interrupt pulse input to the CPU 62 at a 4 msec cycle. That is, it is executed at a 4 msec cycle. Then, after the main side timer interrupt processing (S8) is completed, until the next main side timer interrupt processing (S8) is started, the normal symbol/special symbol main random number update processing (S6) Initial value update processing of various counters is executed. If an interrupt pulse is input to the CPU 62 in the interrupt disabled state, the main timer interrupt processing (S8) is not started immediately, but is started after the interrupt permission (S7) is executed. be.

(Main-side timer interrupt processing)
Next, the contents of the main timer interrupt process (S8 in FIG. 14) executed by the game control microcomputer 61 will be described with reference to FIG.
The game control microcomputer 61 executes output processing (S10). In this output process, the commands set in the output buffer provided in the RAM 64 (FIG. 4) of the main control board 60 in each process described below are sent to the sub control board 100 (FIG. 5) and the frame control board 150 (FIG. 4). 4) and so on. Especially in this embodiment, when the normal pattern starts to change, the normal pattern fluctuation start command, which indicates that the pattern has started to fluctuate, and the special pattern indicates that the special pattern has started to fluctuate. It also outputs the special figure fluctuation start command. Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 executes input processing (S11). In this input process, various sensors (first starting hole sensor 11a, second starting hole sensor 22a, first big winning hole sensor 32a, second big winning hole sensor 35a, gate Each detection signal detected by the sensor 12a (FIG. 4) is read. Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 executes timer update processing (S12). In this timer update process, a subtraction counter operating as a timer is updated (decremented). Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 executes prize ball control processing (S13). In this prize ball control process, a payout command for paying out prize balls corresponding to the type of winning hole is set in the output buffer of the RAM 64 based on the detection signals of the various sensors read in the input process (S11). A payout command is a command output to the frame control board 150 . However, since the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment is a so-called "management gaming machine", the number of game balls for prize balls is added to the number of balls held on the data without physically putting out the game balls. , payout is performed by storing. Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 executes a normal symbol/special symbol main random number update process (S14). This normal design/special design main random number update process is the same as the normal design/special design main random number update process (S6) executed in the main side main control process of FIG. That is, the process of updating the initial value of each random number counter consists of the execution period of the main timer interrupt process (S8) and the other period (after the main timer interrupt process (S8) is completed, the next main timer interrupt process is performed). (period until the load processing (S8) is started).

Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 performs a start sensor detection process (S15), a V winning detection process (S16), a normal operation process (S17), a special symbol standby process (S18), and a special symbol variation process (S19), which will be described later. ), extra ball-related processing (S20), and other processing (S21), and the main-side timer interrupt processing (S8) ends. Other processing (S21) includes security control processing to detect and report fraudulent winning, magnetic detection processing to detect and report fraudulent activity using magnetism, and detection of opening of front frame 18 (Fig. 1) and inner frame. a door opening process for notifying by pressing a door, a fraudulent radio wave detection process for detecting and notifying fraudulent activity using radio waves, and an impact detection process for detecting and notifying fraudulent activity by vibrating the pachinko game machine 1, and the like. Then, until the next interrupt pulse is input to the CPU 62, the processing of S5 to S7 of the main side main control processing is repeatedly executed (FIG. 14), and when the interrupt pulse is input (after about 4 msec), Main side timer interrupt processing (S8) is executed. In the output processing (S10) of the main-side timer interrupt processing (S8) executed again, the commands set in the output buffer of the RAM 64 (FIG. 4) in the previous main-side timer interrupt processing (S8) Output to the board.

(Starting port sensor detection processing)
Next, the content of the start sensor detection process (S15 in FIG. 15) executed by the game control microcomputer 61 will be described with reference to FIG.
The game control microcomputer 61 determines whether or not the game ball has passed through the gate 12 (FIG. 1) (S30). ). In this gate passage processing, it is determined whether or not the normal pattern reservation number is 4 or more. A process of acquiring and storing a winning random number is performed.

Also, in S30, when it is determined that the game ball has not passed through the gate 12 (S30: No), it is determined whether or not the game ball has won the second starting port 22 (Fig. 1) (S32). . Here, when it is determined that the game ball has won the second starting port 22 (S32: Yes), it is determined whether or not the second special figure reservation number U2 has reached the upper limit value "4" (S33) . Here, if it is determined that the second special figure reservation number U2 has reached "4" (S33: Yes), the process proceeds to S38, but if the second special figure reservation number U2 has not reached "4" When determined (S33: No), 1 is added to the second special figure reservation number U2 (S34). Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 executes a second special figure related random number acquisition process (S35). In this second special figure related random number acquisition process, the jackpot random number counted by the jackpot random number counter, the jackpot type random number counted by the jackpot type random number counter, the reach random number counted by the reach random number counter, and the variation pattern random number counter counted A variation pattern random number is acquired, and each random number acquired is stored in a storage area corresponding to the current second special figure reservation number out of the second special figure reservation storage unit 64b (FIG. 11). For example, when the current second special figure pending number is "3", each random number is stored in the fourth storage area.

Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 executes a second start winning command creation process (S36). In this second starting winning command creation process, a second starting winning command is created based on each random number group stored in the second special figure reservation storage unit 64b in S35. This second starting winning command is composed of data indicating that the game ball has won the second starting opening, data indicating each random number stored in the second special figure reservation storage unit 64b in S35, and the like. Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 sets the second starting winning command created in S36 to the output buffer of the RAM 64 (S37). This set second start winning command is output to the sub-control board 100 (FIG. 5) in the output process (S10 in FIG. 15), and the effect control microcomputer 101 is based on each random number included in the second starting winning command. to execute the performance.

Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 determines whether or not the game ball has won the first starting hole 11 (FIG. 1) (S38). Here, if it is determined that the game ball has won the first start port 11 (S38: Yes), it is determined whether the first special figure reservation number U1 has reached the upper limit value "4" (S39) . Here, when it is determined that the first special figure reservation number U1 has reached "4" (S39: Yes), this starting opening sensor detection process is terminated, but the first special figure reservation number U1 is "4 " is not reached (S39: No), 1 is added to the first special figure reservation number U1 (S40). Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 executes a first special figure related random number acquisition process (S41). In this first special figure related random number acquisition process, a jackpot random number, a jackpot type random number, a reach random number, and a variation pattern random number are acquired, and the acquired random numbers are stored in the first special figure reservation storage unit 64a (FIG. 10) Among them, it is stored in a storage area corresponding to the current number of first special figure reservations. For example, when the current number of the first special figure reservation is "3", each random number is stored in the fourth storage area.

Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 executes first start winning command creation processing (S42). In this first starting winning command specifying process, a first starting winning command is created based on each random number group stored in the first special figure reservation storage unit 64a in S41. This first start winning command is composed of data indicating that the game ball has won the first start opening 11, data indicating each random number stored in the first special figure reservation storage unit 64a in S41, and the like. Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 sets the first starting winning command created in S42 to the output buffer of the RAM 64 (S43). This set first starting winning command is output to the sub-control board 100 (FIG. 5) in the output process (S10 in FIG. 15), and the effect control microcomputer 101 is based on each random number included in the first starting winning command. to execute the performance.

(V winning detection process)
Next, the content of the V winning detection process (S16 in FIG. 15) executed by the game control microcomputer 61 will be described with reference to FIG.
The game control microcomputer 61 determines whether or not the game ball has passed through the specific area provided in the second big winning hole 35 (S50). to move to. It should be noted that the specific area sensor 35b detects that the game ball has passed through the specific area provided in the second big winning hole 35. FIG. When it is determined that the game ball has not passed through the specific area provided in the second big winning hole 35 (S50: No), the V winning detection process is terminated.

When the game control microcomputer 61 determines that the game ball has passed through the specific area provided in the second big winning hole 35, that is, when it determines that it is a big win, it acquires a big win type random number and determines the kind of big win. (S51). However, the judgment of the type of the big win based on the V prize is made at the time of winning the small win (that is, at the time of winning the special symbol) just before the opportunity to open the second big prize opening 35, and in S51, only the judgment result is performed. You may make it acquire.

Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 turns on the jackpot flag indicating that the jackpot is determined in the jackpot determination (S52), and finishes the V winning detection process.

(Normal operation processing)
Next, the contents of the normal operation process (S17 in FIG. 15) executed by the game control microcomputer 61 will be described.
The game control microcomputer 61 adds the number of reserved normal patterns, displays variable normal patterns by the normal pattern display 53, determines whether the normal patterns are hit or not, and normal variable when the result of the hit determination is hit. Processing such as opening and closing operation of the winning device 20 is performed.

(Special symbol standby process)
Next, the contents of the special symbol standby process (S18 in FIG. 15) executed by the game control microcomputer 61 will be described with reference to FIG.
The game control microcomputer 61 determines whether or not the second special figure reservation number U2 is "0" (S60). A special figure jackpot determination process (FIG. 19) is executed (S61). Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 executes second special figure variation pattern selection processing (FIGS. 20 and 21), which will be described later (S62). Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 subtracts "1" from the second special figure reservation number U2 (S63), each stored in each storage area of the second special figure reservation storage unit 64b (FIG. 11) The data is shifted one by one to the storage area having the earlier storage order, that is, to the read side (S64). Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 executes a second special figure fluctuation start process (S65). That is, the second special symbol display device 52 is the second special symbol in the order in which the game control microcomputer 61 executes the win/loss determination based on the jackpot random numbers stored in the second special symbol reservation storage unit 64b (FIG. 11). Performs variable display. In addition, each time the second special symbol display device 52 performs the variable display of the second special symbol, each data stored in each storage area of the second special symbol reservation storage unit 64b, the order of storage is older. Shifted to storage.
In this second special figure fluctuation start process, a fluctuation start command is set in the output buffer of the RAM 64 to start the fluctuation display of the second special symbol. The fluctuation start command to be set in the output buffer of the RAM 64 includes the data of the special figure stop pattern set in the second special figure jackpot determination process (FIG. 19) described later and the second special figure variation pattern selection process (FIG. 20, FIG. 21) contains the data of the special figure variation pattern set in.

Further, when the game control microcomputer 61 determines that the second special figure reservation number U2 is "0" in S40 (S60: Yes), whether the first special figure reservation number U1 is "0" It is determined whether or not (S66), and if it is determined that it is not "0" (S66: No), the first special figure jackpot determination process (FIG. 19) described later is executed (S67). Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 executes a first special figure variation pattern selection process (FIGS. 20 and 21), which will be described later (S68). Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 subtracts "1" from the first special figure reservation number U1 (S69), each stored in each storage area of the first special figure reservation storage unit 64a (FIG. 10) The data is shifted one by one to the storage area having the earlier storage order, that is, to the read side (S70). Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 executes a first special figure fluctuation start process (S71). That is, the first special symbol display device 51 is the order in which the game control microcomputer 61 executes the win/loss determination based on the jackpot random numbers stored in the first special symbol reservation storage unit 64a (FIG. 10). Performs variable display. In addition, each time the first special symbol display device 51 performs the variable display of the first special symbol, each data stored in each storage area of the first special symbol reservation storage unit 64a, the order of storage is older. Shifted to storage.
In this first special figure variation start process, a variation start command is set in the output buffer of the RAM 64 to start the variation display of the first special symbol. The fluctuation start command to be set in the output buffer of the RAM 64 includes the data of the special figure stop pattern set in the first special figure jackpot determination process (FIG. 19) described later and the first special figure variation pattern selection process (FIG. 20, FIG. 21) contains the data of the variation pattern set in .

In addition, when the game control microcomputer 61 determines in S46 that the first special figure reservation number U1 is "0" (S66: Yes), the effect display device 7 displays the standby screen (demonstration screen for customer waiting). ) is displayed (S72). Here, when it is determined that the standby screen is displayed (S72: Yes), this special symbol standby process is terminated, and when it is determined that the standby screen is not displayed (S72: No), the standby screen A setting process is executed (S73). In this standby screen setting process, after a predetermined standby time has passed, a customer waiting standby command for displaying the standby screen is set in the output buffer of the RAM 64 .
Further, in this embodiment, the variable display of the first special symbol based on the first special figure reservation is performed only when the second special figure reservation number U2 is "0" (S60: Yes). That is, digestion of the second special figure reservation is executed with priority over digestion of the first special figure reservation.
However, if one of the special symbols is fluctuating, the special symbol standby processing is terminated without performing the processing after S60.

(Second special figure jackpot determination process (first special figure jackpot determination process))
Next, the contents of the second special figure jackpot determination process (first special figure jackpot determination process) executed by the game control microcomputer 61: S61 in FIG. 18) will be described with reference to FIG. The second special figure jackpot determination process (S61 in FIG. 18) and the first special figure jackpot determination process (S67 in FIG. 18) have the same process flow, so they will be described together. In addition, when describing matters common to the first special figure reservation storage unit 64a and the second special figure reservation storage unit 64b, they are simply referred to as special figure reservation storage units.

The game control microcomputer 61 reads the jackpot random number stored in the first storage area (FIGS. 10 and 11) of the special figure reservation storage section of the RAM 64 (S80), and refers to the jackpot determination table Ta1 (FIG. 6). (S81). Then, with reference to the jackpot random numbers in the jackpot determination table Ta1, it is determined whether or not there is a random number that is the same as the jackpot random number read in S80, that is, whether or not it is a jackpot (S82). For example, if the jackpot random number read in S80 in the second special jackpot determination process is "7", "7" exists in the jackpot random numbers 0 to 204 in the jackpot determination table Ta1, It is determined as a jackpot (S82: Yes).

When the game control microcomputer 61 determines that it is a jackpot in S82 (S82: Yes), the jackpot type random number stored in the first storage area (FIGS. 10 and 11) of the special figure reservation storage unit is read, and a plurality of The type of jackpot is determined by referring to the jackpot type determination table Ta2 (FIG. 7) in which the type of jackpot is set (S83). Depending on the type of jackpot, the jackpot pattern of the special pattern, the stop pattern of the special pattern, the distribution rate, the maximum number of rounds, and the jackpot effect pattern are different. In addition, depending on the type of jackpot, the number of fluctuations of the time saving a after the jackpot game is ended is also determined. Here, the distribution rate is the probability that a predetermined jackpot is selected from among a plurality of types of jackpots set in the jackpot type determination table. Also, the maximum number of rounds is the maximum number of rounds that can be executed in the jackpot game.

Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 turns on a jackpot flag indicating that a jackpot is determined in the jackpot determination (S84), and confirms and displays a special jackpot pattern corresponding to the type of jackpot determined in S83. The special figure stop pattern data is set in the special figure buffer provided in the RAM 64 (FIG. 4) (S85), and the second special figure jackpot determination process is finished. In addition, in S82, if it is determined that it is not a big hit, that is, if it is determined to be a loss (S82: No), the range of random numbers corresponding to the small hits in the big hit determination table Ta1 is further referred to, and the same as the big hit random number read in S80. Whether or not there is a random number, that is, whether or not it is a small win is determined (S86). For example, if the jackpot random number read in S60 in the second special jackpot determination process is "1234", then "1234" in the random number range 205 to 2216 corresponding to the small hit in the jackpot determination table Ta1. exists, it is determined to be a small hit (S86: Yes).

When the microcomputer 61 for game control determines that it is a small hit in S86 (S86: Yes), it turns ON a small hit flag indicating that it is determined as a small hit (S87). Further, in the case of a one-kind-two-kind mixing machine, even a small win is substantially a big win, so the kind of big win may be determined in the same manner as the big win at the time when it is determined as a small win.

On the other hand, when it is determined that it is not a small hit in S86 (S86: No), the special figure stop pattern data for confirming and displaying the special figure losing pattern is set in the special figure buffer (S85), and this second special Finish the jackpot determination process.

(Second special figure variation pattern selection process (first special figure variation pattern selection process))
Next, the second special figure variation pattern selection process (first special figure variation pattern selection process) executed by the game control microcomputer 61: S62, S68 in FIG. 18) See FIGS. 20 and 21 showing the contents I will explain as I go along. The second special figure variation pattern selection process (S62 in FIG. 18) and the first special figure variation pattern selection process (S68 in FIG. 18) are the same in process flow, so they will be collectively described. In addition, when describing matters common to the first special figure reservation storage unit 64a and the second special figure reservation storage unit 64b, they are simply referred to as special figure reservation storage units.

The game control microcomputer 61 determines whether or not the game state is in the time saving state (S90), and when it is determined that it is not in the time saving state (S90: No), whether or not the jackpot flag is ON. is determined (S91). Here, when it is determined that the jackpot flag is ON (S91: Yes), the special figure variation pattern is selected with reference to the special figure variation pattern selection table Ta4 (FIG. 9) (S92). Specifically, among the special figure variation pattern selection table Ta4, reference is made to the variation pattern random number in the case of a jackpot in a non-working time saving state. Then, the variation pattern random number stored in the first storage area (FIGS. 10 and 11) of the special figure reservation storage unit is acquired, and the special figure associated with the same variation pattern random number as the acquired variation pattern random number Choose a variation pattern.
Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 sets the variation pattern data indicating the selected variation pattern to the special figure variation pattern buffer provided in the RAM 64 (FIG. 4) (S96), and performs this second special figure variation pattern selection process. Finish.

In addition, the game control microcomputer 61 does not turn on the big hit flag in S91, that is, when it determines that it is lost (S91: No), the first storage area of the special figure reservation storage unit (FIGS. 10 and 11) , and determines whether or not the acquired reach random number is a reach establishment random number (S93). That is, the reach random number acquired from the first storage area of the special figure reservation storage unit determines whether it is the reach random number set to the non-time saving state in the reach determination table Ta3 (FIG. 8). For example, when the reach random number obtained from the first storage area of the special figure reservation storage unit is "20", the reach random number "20" is present in the reach random numbers 0 to 27 that are set to the non-time saving state Therefore, it is determined to be reach establishment random numbers (S93: Yes). Here, when the game control microcomputer 61 determines that the reach random number is the reach establishment random number (S93: Yes), the special figure fluctuation pattern is selected with reference to the special figure fluctuation pattern selection table Ta4 (FIG. 9). (S94). Specifically, among the special figure fluctuation pattern selection table Ta4, reference is made to the fluctuation pattern random number in the case of loss with reach in a non-time saving state. Then, the variation pattern random number stored in the first storage area of the special figure reservation storage unit is acquired, and the special figure variation pattern associated with the same variation pattern random number as the acquired variation pattern random number is selected. Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 sets the variation pattern data indicating the selected variation pattern to the special figure variation pattern buffer provided in the RAM 64 (FIG. 4) (S96), and performs this second special figure variation pattern selection process. Finish.

In addition, the game control microcomputer 61, when it is determined that the reach random number is not the reach establishment random number in S93 (S93: No), the special figure fluctuation pattern with reference to the special figure fluctuation pattern selection table Ta4 (Fig. 9) Select (S95).
Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 sets the variation pattern data indicating the selected variation pattern to the special figure variation pattern buffer provided in the RAM 64 (FIG. 4) (S96), and performs this second special figure variation pattern selection process. Finish.

Further, when the game control microcomputer 61 determines that the game is in the time saving state in S70 (S90: Yes), it determines whether or not the jackpot flag is ON (S97 in FIG. 21). Here, when it is determined that the jackpot flag is ON (S97: Yes), the special figure variation pattern is selected with reference to the special figure variation pattern selection table Ta4 (FIG. 9) (S98). Specifically, among the special figure variation pattern selection table Ta4, reference is made to the variation pattern random number in the case of a jackpot in the time saving state. Then, the variation pattern random number stored in the first storage area of the special figure reservation storage unit is acquired, and the special figure variation pattern associated with the same variation pattern random number as the acquired variation pattern random number is selected. Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 sets the variation pattern data indicating the selected variation pattern in the special figure variation pattern buffer provided in the RAM 64 (FIG. 4) (S96 in FIG. 20), and this second special figure variation pattern Finish the selection process.

In addition, the game control microcomputer 61 does not turn on the jackpot flag in S97, that is, when it determines that it is lost (S97: No), the first storage area of the special figure reservation storage unit (FIGS. 10 and 11) , and determines whether or not the acquired reach random number is a reach establishment random number (S99). That is, the reach random number acquired from the first storage area of the special figure reservation storage unit determines whether or not the reach random number is set to the time saving state in the reach determination table Ta3 (FIG. 8). For example, if the reach random number obtained from the first storage area of the special figure reservation storage unit is "8", the reach random number "8" is set in the time saving state because it exists in the reach random numbers 0 to 11 , is determined to be a reach establishment random number (S99: Yes). Here, when the game control microcomputer 61 determines that the reach random number is the reach establishment random number (S99: Yes), the special figure fluctuation pattern is selected with reference to the special figure fluctuation pattern selection table Ta4 (FIG. 9). (S100). Specifically, among the special figure variation pattern selection table Ta4, refer to the variation pattern random number in the case of loss with reach in the time saving state. Then, the variation pattern random number stored in the first storage area of the special figure reservation storage unit is acquired, and the special figure variation pattern associated with the same variation pattern random number as the acquired variation pattern random number is selected. Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 sets the variation pattern data indicating the selected variation pattern in the special figure variation pattern buffer provided in the RAM 64 (FIG. 4) (S96 in FIG. 20), and this second special figure variation pattern Finish the selection process.

In addition, the game control microcomputer 61, when it is determined that the reach random number is not the reach establishment random number in S99 (S99: No), the special figure fluctuation pattern with reference to the special figure fluctuation pattern selection table Ta4 (Fig. 9) Select (S101). Specifically, among the special figure variation pattern selection table Ta4, reference is made to the variation pattern random number in the case of reachless loss in the time saving state. Then, the variation pattern random number stored in the first storage area (FIGS. 10 and 11) of the special figure reservation storage unit is acquired, and the special figure associated with the same variation pattern random number as the acquired variation pattern random number Choose a variation pattern. Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 sets the variation pattern data indicating the selected variation pattern in the special figure variation pattern buffer provided in the RAM 64 (FIG. 4) (S96 in FIG. 20), and this second special figure variation pattern Finish the selection process.

The variation pattern data set in the special symbol variation pattern buffer in S96 is included in the variation start command set in S65 (FIG. 18) of the special symbol standby process described above, and output processing of the main side timer interrupt process (FIG. 15 S10), it is output to the sub-control board 100 (FIG. 5). In addition, the first special figure variation pattern selection process is also executed in the same flow as the second special figure variation pattern selection process, and the variation pattern data set in the special figure variation pattern buffer at S96 is S71 ( 18), and is output to the sub-control board 100 (FIG. 5) by the output processing (S10 in FIG. 15) of the main-side timer interrupt processing.

Although the explanation is omitted, even in the case of a small hit, the special figure fluctuation pattern corresponding to the small hit is selected with reference to the special figure fluctuation pattern selection table Ta4 (FIG. 9). In particular, in the one-kind-two-kind machine, even when a small win is won with the second special symbol, it is substantially a big win, so the same performance as in the case of a big win is selected.

(Special symbol variation processing)
Next, the contents of the special symbol variation process (S19 in FIG. 15) executed by the game control microcomputer 61 will be described with reference to FIG.
The game control microcomputer 61 determines whether or not the special symbol variation time (variation time determined according to the special symbol variation pattern selected in S62 or S68 of FIG. 18, see FIG. 9) has ended (S110). . Here, if it is determined that the process has not ended (S110: No), this special symbol variation process ends. As a result, the variable display of the special symbols is continued. On the other hand, if it is determined that the game has ended (S110: Yes), a variable stop command for stopping the variable display of the special symbol is set in the command buffer provided in the RAM 64 (FIG. 4) (S111). Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 changes the display of the special symbols according to the special symbol stop symbol data set in S85 (FIG. 19) of the second special symbol jackpot determination processing (first special symbol jackpot determination processing). A special symbol stop process is executed to stop at a symbol (a special symbol jackpot symbol or a special symbol losing symbol) (S112). Thereby, the special pattern is determined. In addition, the special symbol continues the stopped state (continues the fixed state of the special symbol) only for the stop time (for example, 500 ms) corresponding to the variation pattern selected in the special symbol variation pattern selection table Ta4, and then the next special Variation of the design is started.

Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 executes a game state management process. In this game state management process, for example, it is determined whether or not the time saving flag is ON, and if it is determined that it is ON, that is, in the time saving state, the number of fluctuations of the special symbol during the time saving state is subtracted. Decrease the value of the time saving counter counted by 1. The time saving counter is set to a predetermined value ("0 (no time saving)" or "40" at the end of the jackpot game in the present embodiment) at the end of a specific jackpot game. In addition, when the time saving flag is ON and the value of the time saving counter is "0", the change in the number of time saving times determined by the type of jackpot after the jackpot game ends (that is, the final change in the time saving game state) Since it shows that it has ended, the time saving flag is turned OFF with the end of this fluctuation.

The game control microcomputer 61 sets the game state designation command including the information of each flag in the output buffer of the RAM 64, and ends the game state management process. The game state designation command set in the output buffer of the RAM 64 is output to the sub-control board 100 in the output process (S10 in FIG. 15) of the main side timer interrupt process.

Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 determines whether or not the jackpot flag is ON (S114), and when it is determined that it is ON (S114: Yes), it executes a game state reset process. (S115). In this game state reset process, it is determined whether or not the time saving flag is ON, and when it is determined that it is ON, the time saving flag is turned OFF. In other words, during execution of the jackpot game, it is controlled to the normal probability state and non-time saving state.
Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 performs a jackpot opening setting to start a jackpot game (S116), and sets an opening command for executing the jackpot opening (S117). The opening of the big win is an effect such as displaying an effect image celebrating the occurrence of the big win on the effect display device 7 or reproducing a music piece celebrating the occurrence of the big win from each speaker 8 . In the opening setting, the execution time of the opening of the jackpot game is set to a predetermined timer.
Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 sets the value of the special electric role operation effective counter (S118), and ends this special symbol variation process. The special electric role operation effective counter is a counter that counts the remaining number of rounds in the jackpot game. Also, when it is determined in S114 that the jackpot flag is not ON (S114: No), this special symbol variation process is finished.

In the above pachinko machine of the present embodiment, a jackpot with time saving is won in the lottery of the first special symbols from the normal state, and after the jackpot game ends, the game shifts to a time saving state (a time saving). Since electric sapo control is performed in the a time saving state, it becomes easy to enter the ball into the second starting port 22, and the player aims at the second starting port 22 to play the game. The number of time-saving a differs depending on the type of jackpot, and is selected by lottery from 0 times (no time-saving) and 40 times (Fig. 7). For example, when 40 times is selected, the time saving state (rush state) continues until the special symbol changes 40 times at maximum. If you win a jackpot (including a jackpot due to a V prize) in the 40 fluctuations, you will be in a time-saving state again after the jackpot game (however, if you win a lottery with the first special symbol, it will not necessarily shift to a time-saving state. Not exclusively).

On the other hand, when the jackpot is not won within 40 times, the time-saving state is temporarily terminated, and a lottery is performed with the second special symbol remaining reserved. Then, if a big win is won (including a big win by V winning) in the variation of the remaining reservation of the second special symbol, the time-saving state is resumed after the big win game.

(Processing related to difference balls)
Next, the details of the extra ball-related processing (S20 in FIG. 15) executed by the game control microcomputer 61 will be described with reference to FIG.
The game control microcomputer 61, in the extra ball-related processing, first detects the ball sensor 36a (FIG. 3) provided in the shooting path 36 or the sensor corresponding to each winning hole provided in the game area 3 (for example, the first start It is determined whether or not a game ball is detected by the opening sensor 11a, the general winning opening sensor 13a, the second starting opening sensor 22a, the first big winning opening sensor 32a, and the second big winning opening sensor 35a. In addition, the shot ball sensor 36a detects the game ball shot to the game area 3 through the shot path 36, that is, the game ball consumed in the game. On the other hand, a sensor corresponding to each winning hole provided in the game area 3 detects that a game ball has won in each winning hole.

Then, when it is determined that the game ball is detected by the ball sensor 36a provided in the shooting path 36 or the sensor corresponding to each winning hole provided in the game area 3 (S120: Yes), the process proceeds to S121. Then, the number of difference balls stored in the number of difference balls storage unit 64d of the RAM 64 is updated. More specifically, the number of game balls acquired by the player by winning the winning slot and the number of game balls consumed by the player in the game are respectively counted, and the number of difference balls is updated based on the counting result. . For example, the difference ball number is subtracted according to the number of game balls detected by the shot ball sensor 36a. Also, when a game ball wins in the first start hole 11, three game balls (prize balls) are given, so the number of difference balls per one game ball detected by the first start hole sensor 11a is increased by "3". . Also, when a game ball wins in the general winning hole 13, five game balls (prize balls) are given, so the number of difference balls per one game ball detected by the general winning hole sensor 13a is increased by "5". Also, when a game ball wins in the second start hole 22, three game balls (prize balls) are given, so the number of difference balls per one game ball detected by the second start hole sensor 22a is increased by "3". . In addition, since 15 game balls (prize balls) are given when a game ball wins in the first big winning hole 32, the difference number of balls per one game ball detected by the first big winning hole sensor 32a is "15". To increase. Also, when a game ball wins in the second big winning hole 35, one game ball (a prize ball) is given, so the number of difference balls per one game ball detected by the second big winning hole sensor 35a is "1". To increase.

After that, the game control microcomputer 61 reads the transition (history) of the number of difference balls stored in the number of difference number storage unit 64d of the RAM 64, and the maximum number of difference balls, which is the difference between the lowest value and the highest value, is the "reference value". value” is reached (S122). The reference value is, for example, 95,000, but the reference value can be changed as appropriate. In addition, "reach the reference value" basically assumes that the maximum difference number of balls reaches the reference value as the difference number of balls increases (highest value = current difference number of balls). A case where the maximum number of difference balls reaches the reference value due to the decrease in number (minimum value = current number of difference balls) may be included.

When the game control microcomputer 61 determines in S122 that the maximum difference number of balls has reached the "reference value" (S122: YES), the game control microcomputer 61 further determines whether a jackpot game is currently being executed in the pachinko gaming machine 1. It is determined whether or not (S123). Then, when it is determined that the maximum difference number of balls has not reached the "reference value" in S122 (S122: No) and when it is determined that the jackpot game is in progress even if it reaches the reference value (S123: YES ), the process ends without transitioning to a game-disabled state. In addition, when it is determined that the jackpot game is in progress even if the reference value is reached (S123: YES), the process proceeds to S124 at the timing when the jackpot game ends. That is, regarding the jackpot game started before the maximum difference number of balls reaches the reference value, even if the maximum difference number of balls reaches the reference value during the jackpot game, the game is not forcibly ended during the jackpot game. , the game can be continuously executed at least until the jackpot game ends.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the maximum number of difference balls has reached the "reference value" and the jackpot game is not in progress (S123: No), a process for shifting from the playable state to the non-playable state is executed. Specifically, first, a game stop process is executed (S124). In this game stop processing, detection of all winning detection sensors that detect winning to each winning port of the game board 2 is disabled, and S15 to S19, etc. in the above-described main side timer interrupt processing (FIG. 15) are disabled. Stop the execution of the process. As a result, the winning detection of each winning opening becomes impossible, the large winning opening and the second start opening 22 are kept closed, and the LEDs of the indicators 50 (special symbol indicators 51, 52 and normal symbols display device 53, etc.) will be turned off (the fluctuation display of special and normal maps will not be displayed), and the measurement of the fluctuation time will be stopped (or interrupted) for the fluctuation display of special and normal maps that was in progress. . When this game stop processing (S124) ends, the game control microcomputer 61 next executes firing stop processing (S125). In this firing stop process, the firing permission signal that is always output in the normal state (game-enabled state) is stopped. As a result, the drive control of the shooting device 90 by the shooting control circuit 75 is stopped, and the game ball shooting operation becomes impossible. In this manner, the game stop processing (S124) and the firing stop processing (S125) are executed by the game control microcomputer 61, thereby shifting from the play-enabled state to the play-disabled state. It should be noted that the transition to the non-playable state may be executed by only one of the game stop processing and the firing stop processing.

It should be noted that once the playable state shifts to the unplayable state, the unplayable state continues until the power is turned on with the RAM clear switch 66 pressed (S4). That is, basically, simply by repeatedly turning on and off the power supply, even if the change in the difference number of balls is reset, the unplayable state is not released.

After completing S125, the game control microcomputer 61 sets a game impossibility notification command for executing notification regarding the game impossibility state under the control of the effect control microcomputer 101 (S126). This game impossibility notification command is transmitted to the sub control board 100 (production control microcomputer 101) and the frame control board 150 in the output process (S10) of the main side timer interrupt process (FIG. 15) described above.

(Sub-side main control processing)
Next, the sub-side main control processing executed by the effect control microcomputer 101 (FIG. 5) will be described with reference to FIG.
First, the effect control microcomputer 101 performs initial setting (S150). In this initial setting, for example, stack setting, constant setting, interrupt time setting, CPU 102 (FIG. 5) setting, SIO (System Input/Output), PIO (Parallel Input/Output), CTC (Counter/Timer) Circuit (circuit for managing interrupt time), resets various flags, counters and timers. Subsequently, the production control microcomputer 101 determines whether or not the power-off signal is ON and the contents of the RAM 120 (FIG. 5) are normal (S151). S151: No), initializes the RAM 120 (S152), and proceeds to S153. If the determination in S151 is affirmative (S151: Yes), the process proceeds to S153 without initializing the RAM 120 . That is, if the power-off signal is not ON, or if the contents of the RAM 120 are not normal even if the power-off signal is ON (S151: No), the RAM 120 is initialized. If the power-off signal is turned ON but the contents of the RAM 120 are maintained normally (S151: Yes), the RAM 120 is not initialized. Note that when the RAM 120 is initialized, the values of various flags, counters and timers are reset. Also, these S150 to S152 are executed only once after the power is turned on, and are not executed thereafter.

Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 prohibits interruption (S153), and executes random number update processing (S154). In this random number update process, the initial values of various effect determination random number counters are updated. Incidentally, the random number for determining the effect includes a variable effect pattern random number for determining a variable effect pattern, and an advance notice effect random number for determining various advance notice effects. The method of updating the random number can be the same method as the random number updating process performed by the game control microcomputer 61 described above. Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 executes command transmission processing (S155). In this command transmission process, various commands stored in the output buffer in the RAM 120 of the effect control microcomputer 101 are transmitted to the image control board 200, the sound control board 78, the lamp control board 79, and the like. Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 executes interruption permission (S156). Thereafter, S153 to S156 are repeatedly executed. Further, while the interrupt is enabled, it is possible to execute the reception interrupt process (S157), the 1 ms timer interrupt process (S158) and the 10 ms timer interrupt process (S159).

(Receive interrupt processing)
Next, the reception interruption process (S157 in FIG. 24) executed by the effect control microcomputer 101 will be described.
The effect control microcomputer 101 determines whether the signal level of the strobe signal (STB signal) given to the external INT (interrupt) input section of the effect control microcomputer 101 from the main control board 60 (FIG. 4) has changed. That is, it is determined whether or not it is time to receive a command. Specifically, for example, it is determined whether or not the signal level of the strobe signal has changed from high level to low level. If it is determined that it is not time to receive, the reception interrupt process is terminated, and if it is determined that it is time to receive, various commands transmitted from the main control board 60 are received, The received various commands are stored in the reception buffer of the RAM 120 (FIG. 4). This reception interrupt process is a process that is executed with priority over other interrupt processes (S158, S159).

(1 ms timer interrupt processing)
Next, it demonstrates, referring FIG. 25 which shows it about 1ms timer interrupt processing (S158 of FIG. 24) which the microcomputer 101 for production control performs.
The effect control microcomputer 101 executes this 1 ms timer interrupt process every time an interrupt pulse of 1 msec cycle is input to the sub-control board 100 . The effect control microcomputer 101 executes input processing (S160). In this input process, switch data (edge data and level data). Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 executes output processing (S161). In this output process, a variation start command set in the command buffer of the RAM 120 (FIG. 5) is output to the image control board 200 in S205 (FIG. 28) of the variation effect start process to be described later.

In addition, in order to light the board lamp 2a, the left side lamp 23a and the right side lamp 23b (FIG. 5) in accordance with the display of the effect display device 7, the lamp processing (S173 in FIG. 26) in the 10ms timer interrupt processing described later is performed. The lamp data created in the above manner is output to the lamp control board 79 (FIG. 5). That is, the board lamp 2a, the left side lamp 23a, and the right side lamp 23b are caused to emit light in a predetermined light emission mode according to the lamp data. Also, in order to drive the movable body 15 (FIG. 5) in accordance with the display of the effect display device 7, drive data (data for driving the movable body 15) is created, and the created drive data is output. That is, the movable body 15 is driven in a predetermined operation pattern according to the drive data.

Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 determines whether or not a variation start command has been output (S162). The variable start command is set in the command buffer of the RAM 120 (FIG. 5) at S205 (FIG. 28) of the variable effect start process to be described later, and is output to the image control board 200 at S161. Here, when the production control microcomputer 101 determines that the fluctuation start command is output (S162: Yes), it starts measuring the fluctuation time of the fluctuation production pattern (S163). Subsequently, watchdog timer processing for resetting the watchdog timer is performed (S164), and this 1ms timer interrupt processing is completed.

(10 ms timer interrupt processing)
Next, the 10 ms timer interrupt processing (S159 in FIG. 24) executed by the effect control microcomputer 101 will be described with reference to FIG.
The effect control microcomputer 101 executes this 10 ms timer interrupt process every time an interrupt pulse with a period of 10 msec is input to the sub-control board 100 . The effect control microcomputer 101 executes received command analysis processing (FIG. 27), which will be described later (S170), and executes switch state acquisition processing (S171). In this switch state acquisition process, the switch data created in the input process of the 1 ms timer interrupt process (S160 in FIG. 25) is stored in the RAM 120 as switch data for the 10 ms timer interrupt process. Subsequently, based on the switch data stored in the switch state acquisition process, a switch process for setting display contents such as button effects and lever effects displayed by the effect display device 7 is executed (S172). Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 executes lamp processing (S173). In this lamp processing, lamp data is created for controlling the light emission of each lamp (board lamp 2a, left side lamp 23a, right side lamp 23b, etc.) according to the display of the effect display device 7, time management of light emission effect, etc. I do. As a result, each lamp performs a light emitting effect that matches the display of the effect display device 7. - 特許庁

Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 executes sound control processing (S174). In this audio control processing, audio control data (data for controlling the output of audio from each speaker 8) is created, the created audio control data is output to the audio control board 78 (FIG. 5), and audio production is performed. Time management, etc. As a result, the sound is output from each speaker 8 in accordance with the display of the effect display device 7 . Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 executes other processing (S175), and ends this 10ms timer interrupt processing. In other processing (S175), processing such as updating the variable effect pattern random number, the notice effect random number for determining the notice effect, and the like is executed.

(Received command analysis processing)
Next, the reception command analysis process (S170 in FIG. 26) executed by the effect control microcomputer 101 will be described with reference to FIG.
The effect control microcomputer 101 determines whether or not the game state designation command is received from the main control board 60 (FIG. 4) (S180). A setting process is executed (S181). The game state specification command includes information indicating the game state (time saving state or non-time saving state). In this sub-side game state setting process, the received game state designation command is analyzed, and the game state flag is set based on the information included in the game state designation command. The game state flag is a flag indicating the currently set game state. When the information included in the game state specifying command indicates the non-time saving state, the game state flag "1" is set. Moreover, when the time saving state is shown, the game state flag "2" is set. The game state designation command also includes a game-disabled notification command indicating that the game has shifted to the game-disabled state, and a game-enabled notification command that indicates that the game has returned to the game-enabled state. Then, when the information included in the game state designation command indicates a transition to the game disabled state, the game disabled state flag indicating the game disabled state is turned ON. While the game-impossible state flag is ON, in the game-impossible notification process (FIG. 33) described later, the pachinko gaming machine 1 is notified to the surroundings that the game is not possible. On the other hand, if the information included in the game state designation command indicates that the game state has returned to the game enabled state, the game disabled state flag is switched from ON to OFF.

Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 determines whether or not an opening command has been received from the main control board 60 (S182), and when it is determined that it has been received (S182: Yes), the opening effect selection process is executed. (S183). In this opening effect selection process, the opening command is analyzed, and based on the analysis result, the pattern (contents) of the opening effect to be executed during the opening of the jackpot game is selected. Specifically, an opening performance pattern selection table (not shown) in which an opening performance pattern is set in association with each opening command is referred to, and an opening performance pattern associated with the received opening command is selected. Then, an opening effect start command for starting the opening effect in the selected opening effect pattern is set in the output buffer of the RAM 120 (FIG. 5).
Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 determines whether or not the round designation command is received from the main control board 60 (S184), and when it is determined that the command is received (S184: Yes), the round effect selection process is executed. (S185). In this round effect selection process, the type of effect to be executed in each round of the jackpot game is selected. This production is produced by images displayed by the production display device 7 and sounds output by the speakers 8, and differs depending on the type of the jackpot. Specifically, a round effect table (not shown) in which round effects are associated with each round designation command is referred to, and a round effect associated with the received round designation command is selected.
Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 determines whether or not the second large winning opening winning command has been received from the main control board 60 (S186). A special winning opening winning process is executed (S187). In this process at the time of winning the second big winning opening, a process of selecting a different effect depending on whether or not the game ball that has won the second big winning opening 35 has passed through the specific area is performed.

Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 determines whether or not an ending command has been received from the main control board 60 (S188), and when it is determined that it has been received (S188: Yes), an ending effect selection process is executed. (S189). In this ending effect selection process, the type of ending effect to be executed by the effect display device 7 and each speaker 8 at the end of the big win is selected according to the type of the big win that triggered the jackpot game being executed. . Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 determines whether or not a variation start command is received from the main control board 60 (S190), and when it is determined that it has been received (S190: Yes), a variation effect start process to be described later. (FIG. 28) is executed (S191).

Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 executes the difference ball notification process (FIG. 29) for providing guidance suggesting that the current maximum difference number of balls has reached the reference value (S192).

In addition, when the maximum number of difference balls of the pachinko game machine 1 reaches the reference value and the game is disabled (S124, S125), the effect control microcomputer 101 notifies the surroundings of the game disabled state. A game impossibility notification process (FIG. 33) is executed (S193).

Furthermore, the production control microcomputer 101 determines whether or not the fluctuation stop command is received from the main control board 60 (S194), and when it is judged to have been received (S194: Yes), the fluctuation production end processing is executed. (S195). In this fluctuation production end processing, the production control microcomputer 101 sets a fluctuation production end command for ending the fluctuation production in the output buffer of the RAM 120 (FIG. 5). When the set variable effect end command is transmitted to the image control board 200 (FIG. 5) by the command transmission process (S155 in FIG. 9C and the right effect pattern 9R (FIG. 1) are confirmed and displayed through a predetermined stop pattern. Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 executes other processing (S196), and ends this received command analysis processing. In other processing (S196), processing based on commands other than the above commands (for example, a normal symbol variation start command and a normal symbol variation stop command) is performed.

(Variation production start processing)
Next, the variable effect start process (S191 in FIG. 27) executed by the effect control microcomputer 101 will be described with reference to FIG. 28 showing it.
The effect control microcomputer 101 analyzes the received variation start command (S200). In the variation start command, the second special figure variation pattern selection process (first special figure variation pattern selection process): S92, S94, S95, S98, S100, S101 of FIG. 20) Second special figure variation pattern set in Information of, or information of the first special figure fluctuation pattern is included. Subsequently, if the variation start command analyzed in S200 is the first special figure variation start command, the effect control microcomputer 101 subtracts "1" from the value of the first special figure reservation effect counter, and the second special figure When it is a fluctuation start command, "1" is subtracted from the value of the second special figure pending effect counter (S201). Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 is stored in the special figure reservation effect storage unit (first special figure reservation effect storage unit 121 or second special figure reservation effect storage unit 122: FIG. 12, FIG. 13) Start winning Data such as commands and prefetch jackpot flags are shifted to older storage areas (S202). Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 selects a combination of the left effect pattern 9L, the middle effect pattern 9C and the right effect pattern 9R (FIG. 1) to be finally displayed when the effect display device 7 displays the variable effect pattern. , refers to a performance symbol selection table (not shown) (S203).

Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 executes effect content selection processing (S204). In the effect content selection process, the effect content to be performed in the pachinko game machine 1 is selected using the effect selection table Ta5 (not shown) in accordance with the variation of the effect symbols. The effect selection table Ta5 is configured by associating special figure variation patterns, determination results, effect selection random numbers, and effect contents as described above. The special figure variation pattern corresponds to the special figure variation pattern obtained by the analysis in S200. The effect selection random number is a random number selected within the range of random numbers counted by the effect selection random number counter. The effect control microcomputer 101 acquires the effect selection random number counted by the effect selection random number counter. Then, referring to the effect selection table Ta5, based on the information of the special figure variation pattern obtained by the analysis in S200, among the effect contents associated with the special figure variation pattern, the above acquired effect selection random number Select the associated performance content. Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 sets the effect symbol variation display start command for causing the effect display device 7 to start displaying the effect contents selected in S214 in the output buffer of the RAM 120 (S205).

(Split ball notification process)
Next, the differential ball notification process (S192 in FIG. 27) executed by the effect control microcomputer 101 will be described with reference to FIG.
The effect control microcomputer 101 first determines whether or not a new player has started a game. Specifically, after a state in which the game ball is not entered into any of the entrances provided in the game area 3 continues for a predetermined time or more (for example, 30 seconds or more), any entrance provided in the game area 3 When a game ball enters the ball mouth, it is determined that a new player has started a game. Alternatively, it may be determined that a new player has started a game when the shooting device 90 operates after the shooting device 90 has not operated for a predetermined period of time or more (for example, 30 seconds or longer). In addition, it may be determined whether or not a new player has started a game using the touch switch 92, an infrared sensor installed on the game table, a camera, or the like.

When it is determined that the new player has started playing (S210: YES), it is further determined whether or not the new player's first special symbol has started to change (S211). It should be noted that it is possible to determine whether or not the special symbols have started to fluctuate based on the fluctuation start command received from the main control board 60 .

When it is determined whether or not the new player's first special pattern has started to fluctuate (S211: Yes), in the transition of the difference ball number of the pachinko gaming machine 1 from the counting start timing (previous power ON) to the present The minimum value of the difference number of balls, the current number of difference balls and the reference value are acquired (S212). The transition (history) of the number of difference balls up to the present including the current number of difference balls of the pachinko game machine 1 is stored in the difference number storage unit 64d of the main control board 60, and information specifying them. is also sent to the sub-control board 100 as appropriate. The process of calculating the maximum value and the minimum value from the change in the number of difference balls may be performed by the main control board 60 or may be performed by the sub control board 100 . On the other hand, the reference value may be acquired from the main control board 60 together with the difference number of balls. On the other hand, when it is determined that it is not the timing when the new player's first special symbol variation has started (S211: No), the process is terminated without notifying the difference number.

After that, in S213, the effect control microcomputer 101 calculates the minimum value of the difference ball number in the transition of the difference ball number of the gaming machine from the counting start timing (previous power ON) acquired in S212 to the present and the current difference ball number. Based on the reference value, first, the difference between the minimum ball difference number and the current ball difference number is calculated as the difference difference ball number, and the activation delay difference ball number, which is the difference between the difference difference number and the reference value. Calculate For example, if the current differential ball number is plus 90,000 and the reference value is plus 95,000, the activation delay difference ball number is 5,000. In addition, when the current ball difference number is the maximum value of the difference ball number in the transition of the difference ball number of the gaming machine from the counting start timing (previous power ON) to the present, the difference difference number = maximum difference ball number becomes.

Subsequently, in S214, the effect control microcomputer 101 displays the activation delay difference number of balls calculated in S213 on the effect display device 7. FIG. As a result, it is possible to inform the player of the state of reaching the reference value of the maximum number of difference balls at the present point in time, that is, how long it will take to move to the unplayable state. However, to be precise, the status of reaching the maximum ball difference standard value is the current maximum ball difference in the transition of the game machine's difference ball number from the start of counting to the present. only if it is a value. It should be noted that the activation delay difference ball number may be guided by a specific numerical value, or may be indirectly guided by an image suggesting the numerical value without directly guiding the numerical value.

For example, FIG. 30 shows an example in which the activation delay difference number of balls is guided by a specific numerical value. A sentence 261 is displayed that reads XX shots until stop (XX is the number of balls with delay to activate). As a result, the displayed text 261 allows the player to accurately grasp the state of reaching the reference value of the maximum difference number of balls. On the other hand, FIG. 31 is an example of a case where the activation delay difference number of balls is indirectly guided by using an image. A suggested image 262 is displayed. There are a plurality of types of suggestive images 262, and each suggestive image 262 is associated with a range of the number of balls with a delay of activation. It is possible to grasp the arrival status of

Furthermore, the status of reaching the reference value of the maximum number of difference balls at the present time may be guided using the degree (percentage) of reaching, specifically the ratio of the number of difference difference numbers at the present time to the reference value, or A ratio of the difference between the number of difference balls at the present time with respect to the reference value and the reference value is calculated, and the calculated ratio is displayed on the effect display device 7. - 特許庁For example, FIG. 32 shows an example in which the ratio of the number of difference difference balls at the present time to the reference value is displayed. A sentence 263 is displayed that reads "XX% until the game is stopped (XX is the ratio of the number of difference difference balls at the present time to the reference value)". As a result, the displayed text 263 allows the player to easily grasp the state of reaching the reference value of the maximum difference number of balls.

It should be noted that the activation delay difference number of balls displayed on the effect display device 7 in S214 is hidden after a predetermined period of time has passed since it was displayed. Alternatively, it may be displayed continuously until the fluctuation of the first special symbol ends. Further, the guidance in S214 may be performed only when the activation postponement difference number is equal to or less than a threshold value (for example, 20,000), that is, when the maximum difference number is approaching the reference value to some extent. In addition, the activation delay difference number of balls displayed on the effect display device 7 may be fixed at the value at the start of the fluctuation of the first special symbol, or after the start of the fluctuation of the first special symbol, a new game ball is added to the game ball. When the activation delay difference number is changed by consuming or obtaining prize balls, the display contents may be updated in real time accordingly. Further, the activation delay difference number of balls may be the difference between the maximum difference number of balls and the reference value instead of the difference between the difference difference number of balls and the reference value. In addition, especially when the number of difference balls is negative (number of balls acquired < number of balls consumed), the difference between the maximum value of the difference number of balls and the current number of difference balls is calculated as the difference number of difference balls. Also good.

(Play impossible notification process)
Next, the game impossibility notification process (S193 in FIG. 27) executed by the effect control microcomputer 101 will be described with reference to FIG.
The effect control microcomputer 101 first determines whether or not the game disabled state flag is turned on in S220. The game-impossible state flag is OFF in the initial state, and is turned ON when a game-impossible notification command indicating that the game has shifted to the game-impossible state is received from the main control board 60, and then the game-enabled state is restored. When a playable notification command indicating is received, it is turned OFF (S181). That is, when the maximum number of difference balls reaches a predetermined reference value and the player shifts to a non-playable state in which the player cannot play a game, the non-playable state flag is turned on until the player returns to the playable state. It will be done.

Then, if it is determined that the game-disabled state flag is ON, that is, the pachinko gaming machine 1 is in a game-disabled state in which the game cannot be played (S220: YES), the process proceeds to S221. On the other hand, if it is determined that the game-impossible state flag is OFF, that is, the pachinko gaming machine 1 is not in the game-impossible state where it is impossible to play (S220: No), the pattern is continued. , and the accompanying effects are executed.

After that, in S221, the effect control microcomputer 101 stops the variation of the decorative symbols displayed on the effect display device 7 as shown in FIG. 34, and hides them. Furthermore, a dedicated moving image 264 that is displayed only in the play-disabled state is repeatedly displayed on the effect display device 7 (S222). This moving image 264 is a moving image that informs the surroundings that the table is in a non-playable state. For example, a voice saying "Please play on another machine" may be played periodically, or text with the same content may be displayed on the effect display device 7. FIG. As a result, it is possible to inform the surroundings that the game is in the unplayable state. Note that the moving image 264 is continuously displayed until the game is returned from the unplayable state to the playable state.

[Effects of Embodiment]
(1) If the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the embodiment described above is implemented, a game information acquiring means for acquiring game information based on the establishment of the starting condition, and whether or not to give a privilege based on the game information a symbol variation means for performing a variable display and a static display of a symbol indicating the determination result of the privilege grant determination means on a display device; measuring means for measuring; game-disabled state transition means for shifting to a game-disabled state in which a game cannot be played when the specific count reaches a set reference value; guidance means for providing guidance suggesting the state of reaching the reference value of the specific count number at the present time at the timing of performing the first fluctuation display of symbols after each player starts the game. . As a result, it becomes possible to inform in advance the state of arrival of the game machine to the point where the game machine becomes incapable of playing the game to the player who starts playing the game, thereby causing a situation in which the player feels dissatisfied. can be avoided as much as possible.
(2) Further, it has a deferred actuation number calculation means for calculating a deferred actuation number that is a difference between the specific number of measurements at the present time and the reference value, and the guide means calculates the deferred actuation number as the attainment status. invite. As a result, a player who starts playing with the gaming machine can accurately grasp the number of prize balls remaining until the gaming machine becomes unplayable.
(3) Further, it has activation ratio calculation means for calculating the ratio of the current specific number of measurements to the reference value or the ratio of the difference between the current specific number of measurements and the reference value to the reference value. , the guide means guides the ratio as the attainment status. As a result, it is possible to easily inform a player who starts playing a game on the gaming machine of the arrival state until the gaming machine becomes incapable of playing.
(4) In addition, the guiding means suggests the arrival state at the timing of performing the first pattern variation display after a state in which the game ball is not entered into the ball entrance provided in the game area continues for a predetermined time or longer. to guide you. As a result, it is possible to notify a player who newly starts playing a game on the gaming machine in advance of the progress until the gaming machine becomes unable to play, thereby preventing the player from feeling dissatisfied. It is possible to avoid it as much as possible.
(5) In addition, a shooting device for shooting game balls into the game area is provided, and the guide means is the timing for displaying the first symbol variation after the state in which the shooting device does not operate continues for a predetermined time or longer. provides guidance suggesting the arrival status. As a result, it is possible to notify a player who newly starts playing a game on the gaming machine in advance of the progress until the gaming machine becomes unable to play, thereby preventing the player from feeling dissatisfied. It is possible to avoid it as much as possible.
(6) The specific count number is the maximum number of difference balls, which is the difference between the lowest value and the highest value in the transition of the number of difference balls of the gaming machine from a predetermined counting start timing to the present time. As a result, when the maximum number of difference balls reaches the set reference value, it is equipped with a function to shift to a non-playable state in which it is not possible to play games on the gaming machine, while the maximum difference number of balls reaches the reference value. It is possible to notify in advance of the arrival status of

<Other embodiments>
(1) In the above-described embodiment, when the pachinko gaming machine 1 is shifted to a non-playable state in which a game cannot be played, for example, the winning hole sensor is disabled, pattern fluctuation is stopped, or the driving of the motor or solenoid is stopped. However, if it is possible for the player to make a transition to a state in which the game cannot be played, another method can be used to prevent the player from being able to play the game. It can be realized. For example, it is conceivable to forcibly turn off the power, black out the effect display device 7, or repeatedly output a warning sound.
(2) In addition, in the above-described embodiment, even if the maximum difference number of balls reaches the reference value during the jackpot game, the game is continued at least until the jackpot ends without shifting to the unplayable state. However, when the maximum difference number of balls reaches the reference value during the jackpot game, the game may be shifted to a game-disabled state at that time, that is, the game may be forcibly terminated during the jackpot game.
(3) In the above-described embodiment, the resetting of the transition (history) of the number of difference balls and the recovery from the unplayable state are performed based on the operations of the staff of the amusement arcade. It may be automatically performed on the gaming machine side according to the time and a predetermined time schedule.
(4) In addition, in the above-described embodiment, when the maximum number of difference balls reaches the reference value, the game machine is shifted to a non-playable state in which the game cannot be played. Alternatively, when the difference ball number reaches the reference value, the game machine may be shifted to a non-playable state in which a game cannot be played. In that case, what is reported in the differential ball number notification processing of FIG. 29 is not the current status of reaching the reference value of the maximum differential number of balls, but the status of reaching the reference value of the differential number of balls. In addition, the reference value is basically set by the value of the difference ball (plus difference ball) when the number of acquired balls is greater than the number of consumed balls (negative difference) when the number of consumed balls is greater than the number of acquired balls ball) value may be set.
(5) In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the number of difference balls and the number of balls in possession are managed within the pachinko game machine 1, but they may be managed by an external server. Similarly, an external server may be used to determine whether or not the maximum difference number of balls has reached the reference value.
(6) In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to a 1-kind 2-kind mixer has been described, but it is also possible to apply it to a machine other than a 1-kind 2-kind mixer. For example, it may be a fixed variable machine or an ST machine. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the pachinko gaming machine 1 is explained assuming that it is a managed gaming machine (smart pachinko). Instead, it may be a general pachinko game machine that physically pays out game balls.
(7) The present invention can also be applied to gaming machines other than pachinko gaming machines, such as reel-type gaming machines (also called slot machines or pachislot machines). When the present invention is applied to a reel-type gaming machine, the difference number of medals, which is the game medium of the reel-type gaming machine, corresponds to the difference number of balls, and the maximum number of difference corresponds to the maximum number of difference balls.

1 pachinko game machine 2a board lamp 7 effect display device 8 speaker 23a left side lamp 23b right side lamp 25 operating table 26 game ball number display 27 storage device 78 voice control board 79 lamp control board 101 effect control microcomputer 202 image control CPU
205 CG ROMs

Claims (6)

game information acquisition means for acquiring game information based on the establishment of a starting condition;
privilege grant determination means for determining whether or not to grant a privilege based on the game information;
a symbol variation means for performing, on a display device, a variation display and a static display of a symbol indicating the result of determination by the privilege provision determination means;
a measuring means for measuring a specific count based on game media given to a player;
a game-disabled state transition means for shifting to a game-disabled state in which a game cannot be played on the gaming machine when the specific count reaches a set reference value;
Guidance means for providing guidance suggesting that the current specific number of counts has reached the reference value at the timing when each player who plays a game in the gaming machine performs the first symbol variation display after the start of the game. and a gaming machine characterized by having: a deferred activation number calculation means for calculating a deferred activation number, which is the difference between the current specific measurement number and the reference value;
2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein said guide means guides said activation delay number as said arrival status. an activation ratio calculation means for calculating the ratio of the current specific count to the reference value or the ratio of the difference between the current specific count to the reference value and the reference value;
2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein said guide means guides said ratio as said attainment status. After a state in which the game ball is not entered into the ball entrance provided in the game area continues for a predetermined time or longer, the guide means performs guidance suggesting the arrival state at the timing of performing the first symbol variation display. 4. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by: Having a shooting device for shooting game balls to the game area,
3. The guide means, after the launching device has been inoperative for a predetermined time or more, provides guidance suggesting the arrival state at the timing when the first symbol variation display is performed. 4. The gaming machine according to any one of 3. 6. Any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the specific count number is a maximum difference ball number that is a difference between a minimum value and a maximum value in transition of the difference ball number of the gaming machine from a predetermined counting start timing to the present time. The game machine described.

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