JP2023137036A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To enhance the convenience.SOLUTION: When a sound volume adjustment button or a light amount adjustment button is operated and a sound volume adjustment image 51 or a light amount adjustment image 52 is displayed in a case where a movable body 40 moves to a movable position, the sound volume adjustment image or light amount adjustment image is displayed at a position where a sound volume icon 51a and a light amount icon 52a are not covered by the movable body. On the other hand. a sound volume meter and a light amount meter are covered by the movable body. Since a portion of the sound volume adjustment image and the light amount adjustment image is displayed when the movable body moves to the movable position, it is possible to identify that the sound volume and the light amount can be adjusted. Consequently, the convenience can be enhanced.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 42

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine on which games can be played.

Conventionally, as a gaming machine, a game ball, which is a game value, is fired into a game area, and when the game ball enters a winning area such as a winning slot, the prize ball is paid out to the player, and the result of the fluctuating display of identification information. 2. Description of the Related Art Gaming machines (for example, pachinko machines) that can change the gaming state depending on the situation are known.

Also, if you perform a game start operation after setting the number of bets for one game using the gaming value, the fluctuating display of identification information will start, and if you perform a stop operation after the fluctuating display has started, the fluctuating display of identification information will stop. However, there are known gaming machines (for example, slot machines) in which winnings can occur based on the display results derived at this time, and the gaming state can be changed depending on the type of winning.

In such a gaming machine, the volume adjustment screen (predetermined image) overlaps with the first decorative pattern but does not overlap with the second decorative pattern, and the volume adjustment screen has a higher display priority than the first decorative pattern. Gaming machines are known (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP2020-115916A

By the way, in a game machine equipped with a movable body, if a predetermined image cannot be visually recognized when the movable body moves, it is not possible to recognize whether or not the operation for displaying the predetermined image is valid, which results in a lack of convenience.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a gaming machine that can enhance convenience.

(Means 1) In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a gaming machine equipped with a movable body, comprising an operation means for performing an operation, and an image display means capable of displaying an image, the operation means includes a specific operation means, and based on the operation of the specific operation means, it is possible to cause the image display means to display a predetermined image, and when the movable body moves, the image display area of the image display means can be displayed. A portion of the image display area may be partially covered by the movable body, and when a portion of the image display area is covered by the movable body, the operation of the specific operation means is enabled, and the movable body causes the image display area to be partially covered. When the specific operation means is operated when a portion of the display area is covered, the predetermined image is displayed at a position where a portion of the predetermined image is not covered by the movable body.
Therefore, when the movable body moves, it can be recognized that the operation of the specific operation means is enabled, so that convenience can be improved.

(Means 2) In the gaming machine of Means 1, the operation means includes a special operation means different from the specific operation means, and the special operation means includes a light emitting means capable of emitting light when the operation is enabled. On the other hand, the specific operation means does not include the light emitting means, and the operation of the special operation means is disabled when a part of the image display area is covered by the movable body.
Therefore, unlike the special operation means, the specific operation means cannot determine whether the operation is valid or not based on the light emitted from the light emitting means. To enhance convenience by making it possible to recognize that the operation of an operating means is enabled, and to make it possible to cover most of the image display area with the movable body, thereby enhancing the presentation effect.

(Means 3) In the gaming machine of Means 1 or 2, the movable body includes a first movable body and a second movable body, and the first movable body is larger than the second movable body. The area covering the display area is small, and it is more advantageous when the second movable body moves than when the first movable body moves, and a part of the predetermined image is not covered by the first movable body. is covered by the second movable body.
Therefore, when executing a movable object effect with a low advantage, visibility of the predetermined image is ensured by not covering a part of the image, while when executing a movable object effect with a high advantage, the visibility of the predetermined image is ensured. By allowing a part of a predetermined image to be hidden with priority given to the appearance of the physical presentation, it is possible to enhance the presentation effect while increasing convenience.

It is a front view of a pachinko machine. It is a rear view of the pachinko machine. It is a front view showing the game board unit alone. It is a front view showing a part of the game board unit in an enlarged manner. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing various electronic devices installed in a pachinko machine. 12 is a flowchart (1/2) showing an example of a procedure of reset start processing. 12 is a flowchart (2/2) illustrating a procedure example of reset start processing. 3 is a flowchart specifically illustrating an example of a procedure for checking the occurrence of a power outage. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for interrupt management processing. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for processing a switch input event. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the 1st special symbol memory update process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the 2nd special symbol memory update process. It is a flowchart showing a configuration example of special symbol game processing. It is a flowchart showing a procedure example of special symbol variation pre-processing. It is a flowchart showing a procedure example of special symbol storage area shift processing. It is a diagram showing a configuration column of a special symbol jackpot stop symbol selection table. It is a figure showing an example of a stop symbol selection table at the time of a small hit. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a structure of a number-of-times counter value management process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of special symbol stop display processing. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a configuration example of display output management processing. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a structure of variable prize winning device management processing. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the big prize opening pattern setting process. It is a flowchart showing a procedure example of a big winning opening pattern setting process at the time of a jackpot. It is a flowchart showing a procedure example of a big winning opening pattern setting process when a small hit occurs. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a big prize opening opening/closing operation process. It is a flowchart showing a procedure example of a big winning opening opening/closing operation process when a small hit occurs. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for processing when passing through a specific area. It is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the big winning opening opening/closing operation process at the time of a jackpot. It is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the big prize opening closing process. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for termination processing. It is a flowchart showing a configuration example of normal symbol game processing. It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of variation of performance symbols. It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of variation of performance symbols. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of reset start processing (sub). It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of production control processing. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of image restoration processing. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of working memory performance management processing. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of production design management processing. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of production design variation pre-processing. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of production selection processing. It is an explanatory diagram of the selection probability of a presentation pattern. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between a movable body and display positions of a volume adjustment image and a light amount adjustment image. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between a movable body and display positions of a volume adjustment image and a light amount adjustment image. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a display mode of a right-handed hitting suggestion image. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between display positions of a right-handed hitting suggestion image, a volume adjustment image, and a light amount adjustment image. It is an explanatory view showing a modification of a display mode of a right-handed hitting suggestion image. It is an explanatory view showing a modification of a display mode of a right-handed hitting suggestion image. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between display positions of a right-handed hitting suggestion image, a volume adjustment image, and a light amount adjustment image. It is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of background production. It is an explanatory view showing an example of performance in a time saving state. It is an explanatory view showing an example of performance in a time saving state. It is an explanatory view showing an example of performance in a time saving state. It is an explanatory view showing an example of performance in a time saving state. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of how an image is constructed after the power is restored.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter abbreviated as "pachinko machine") 1. As shown in FIG. Further, FIG. 2 is a rear view of the pachinko machine 1. The pachinko machine 1 uses game balls as a game medium, and players borrow game balls from a game hall operator and play games on the pachinko machine 1. In addition, in the game on the pachinko machine 1, each game ball is a medium that has a game value, and the privilege (profit) that the player enjoys as a result of the game is, for example, the game ball that the player has acquired. It can be converted into gaming value based on the number of . The overall configuration of the pachinko machine 1 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

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

The outer frame unit 2 is a structure made by combining wood and metal materials into a vertically elongated rectangular shape. It is fixed using In addition, in the vertically long rectangular outer frame unit 2, wood is used for parts corresponding to the upper and lower short sides, and metal materials are used for parts corresponding to the left and right long sides.

The integral door unit 4 has a structure in which a saucer unit 6 is integrated at a lower position thereof. The integral door unit 4 and the inner frame assembly 7 are attached to the island equipment via the outer frame unit 2, and each operates to open and close via a hinge mechanism (not shown). The opening/closing axis of the hinge mechanism (not shown) extends vertically along the left side end when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 1.

A unified lock unit 7a is provided inside the right side edge (left side edge in FIG. 2) of the inner frame assembly 7 when viewed from the front in FIG. Correspondingly, locking tools (not shown) are also provided on the right edges (back sides) of the integral door unit 4 and the outer frame unit 2, respectively. As shown in FIG. 1, when the integral door unit 4 and the inner frame assembly 7 are closed with respect to the outer frame unit 2, the unified lock unit 7a on the back side is locked together with the integral door unit 4 and the inner frame assembly. 7 cannot be opened.

Furthermore, a cylinder lock 6a with a keyhole is provided on the right side edge of the saucer unit 6. For example, when the manager of the game center inserts a special key into the keyhole and twists the cylinder lock 6a clockwise, the unified lock unit 7a is activated and the integrated door unit 4 together with the inner frame assembly 7 can be opened. . When the whole is opened from the outer frame unit 2 to the front side (moved like a door), the back side of the pachinko machine 1 is exposed at the front side.

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

Furthermore, the pachinko machine 1 includes the above game board unit 8 as a game unit. The game board unit 8 is supported by the above-mentioned inner frame assembly 7 behind (inside) the integral door unit 4. The game board unit 8 can be attached to and detached from the inner frame assembly 7, for example, with the integral door unit 4 opened to the front side. A vertically oblong window 4a is formed in the center of the integral door unit 4, and a glass unit (no reference numeral) is installed within this window 4a. The glass unit is, for example, a combination of two transparent plates (glass plates) cut to match the shape of the window 4a. The glass unit is attached to the back side of the integral door unit 4 via a mounting tool (not shown). A game area 9a (board surface, game board) is formed on the front side of the game board unit 8, and this game area 9a is visible to the player from the front side through the window 4a. When the integral door unit 4 is closed, a space is formed between the inner surface of the glass unit and the board surface into which game balls can flow.

The saucer unit 6 has a shape that projects from the integral door unit 4 toward the front side as a whole, and has an upper tray 6b formed on its upper surface. This upper tray 6b can store game balls lent to players (rental balls) and game balls won by winning (prize balls). Further, in the saucer unit 6, a lower tray 6c is formed at a position below the upper tray 6b. This lower tray 6c stores game balls that are further paid out when the upper tray 6b is full. The pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment is a model connected to a card unit, and the game balls borrowed by the player are transferred from the payout device unit 172 on the back side to the tray unit 6 (upper tray 6b or lower tray) separately from the prize balls. 6c).

A lending operation section 14 is provided on the upper surface of the saucer unit 6, and a ball lending button 10 and a return button 12 are arranged on this lending operation section 14. When a player operates the ball rental button 10 with a valuable medium (for example, a magnetic recording medium, a storage IC built-in medium, etc.) inserted into a card unit (not shown), the number of balls corresponding to a predetermined frequency unit (for example, 5 degrees) is (For example, 125 game balls) are lent. For this reason, a frequency display section (not shown) is arranged on the top surface of the lending operation section 14, and the remaining frequency of the valuable medium inserted into the card unit is displayed on this frequency display section. Note that by operating the return button 12, the player can receive the return of valuable media with remaining credits. In this embodiment, a gaming machine connected to a card unit is taken as an example, but the pachinko machine 1 may be a cash machine (a gaming machine not connected to a card unit).

Further, on the side of the lending operation section 14, a volume adjustment button 13a and a light amount adjustment button 13b are provided. Both the volume adjustment button 13a and the light amount adjustment button 13b are formed in a vertically long rectangular shape, and are configured such that their upper and lower ends can be pressed down. When the upper end of the volume adjustment button 13a is pressed, the volume of the audio output from the speakers 54a to 54c can be increased, and when the lower end of the volume adjustment button 13a is pressed, the volume of the sound output from the speakers 54a to 54c can be increased. It is now possible to reduce the volume of the audio output from the. Similarly, when the upper end of the light amount adjustment button 13b is pressed, the light amount of the frame lamps 46, 50 and the board lamp 53 (see FIG. 3) can be increased, and the lower end of the light amount adjustment button 13b is pressed. When pressed, the amount of light from the frame lamps 46, 50 and the board lamp 53 can be reduced.

A handle unit 16 is installed at the lower right portion of the saucer unit 6. By operating the handle unit 16, the player can operate the launch control board set 174 and launch (drive) a game ball toward the game area 9a (see FIG. 3) (ball launch device). The fired game ball rises from the lower edge of the game board unit 8 along the left side edge, is guided by an outer band (not shown), and is thrown into the game area 9a. A large number of obstacle nails, windmills (no reference numerals in the figure), etc. are arranged within the game area 9a, and the thrown game ball flows down within the game area 9a while being guided and guided by the obstacle nails and windmills. Note that the configuration within the game area 9a (board surface, game board) will be further described later with reference to other drawings.

[Configuration of the front of the frame]
A lens unit 47 and an upper right illumination unit 49 are installed in the integrated door unit 4 as components for presentation. Of these, a frame lamp 46 is incorporated in the lens unit 47, and a right frame lamp 50 is incorporated in the upper right illumination unit 49.

The various frame lamps 46 and 50 described above perform effects by emitting light (lighting, blinking, change in brightness gradation, change in color tone, etc.) of built-in LEDs, for example. Further, each of the integrated door units 4 includes speakers 54a to 54d. These speakers 54a to 54d are used to output sound effects, BGM, audio, etc. (general sound) to execute the performance.

Further, in the center of the saucer unit 6, a production button 45 is installed at a position in front of the upper tray 6b. By pressing and operating this performance button 45, the player can switch the performance contents (for example, the background screen displayed on the liquid crystal display 42), for example, while the symbols are changing, while the jackpot is confirmed, or during a jackpot game. It is possible to generate some kind of performance (a preview performance, a definite promotion performance, a promotion performance during a major role, etc.).

Further, a jog dial 45a is installed around the production button 45 so as to surround the production button 45 (operation input receiving means, rotary selector). By rotating the jog dial 45a, the player can change the performance content displayed on the liquid crystal display 42, for example. Note that the effect button 45 is provided with a valid lamp that emits light when the operation of the effect button 45 is valid.

[Backside configuration]
As shown in FIG. 2, the back side of the pachinko machine 1 includes a power supply control unit 162, a main control board unit 170, a payout device unit 172, a channel unit 173, a firing control board set 174, and a payout control board unit 176. , a back cover unit 178, etc. are installed. In addition, on the back side of the pachinko machine 1, there are various electronic devices (including a control computer not shown) that make up the power supply system and control system of the pachinko machine 1, an external terminal board 160, a power cord (power plug) 164, A ground wire (ground terminal) 166, connection wiring (not shown), etc. are installed.

The above-mentioned dispensing device unit 172 has, for example, a prize ball tank 172a and a prize ball case (no reference numerals), of which the prize ball tank 172a is installed at the upper edge (back side) of the inner frame assembly 7. In this state, game balls supplied from a supply route (not shown) can be stored. The game balls stored in the prize ball tank 172a are led to the prize ball case through an upper prize ball gutter (not shown). The channel unit 173 guides the game balls sent out from the payout device unit 172 toward the tray unit 6 on the front side.

The external terminal board 160 is for connecting the pachinko machine 1 to external electronic equipment (for example, a data display device, a hall computer, etc.), and from this external terminal board 160, the game of the pachinko machine 1 can be Various external information signals representing the progress status, maintenance status, etc. (e.g. prize ball information, door opening information, symbol confirmation number information, jackpot information, starting opening information, etc.) are output to external electronic equipment. ing.

The power cord 164 secures the power (electric power) necessary for the operation of the pachinko machine 1 by being connected to a power supply device (for example, AC 24V) installed in, for example, an island facility in a game parlor. Further, the ground wire 166 is connected to a ground terminal similarly installed on the island equipment, thereby ensuring the grounding of the pachinko machine 1.

[Game board unit configuration]
FIG. 3 is a front view showing the game board unit 8 alone. The game board unit 8 includes a game board 9 serving as a base, and a game area 9a is formed on the front side of the game board 9. The game board 9 is made of, for example, a transparent resin plate, and when the game board unit 8 is fixed to the inner frame assembly 7, the front surface of the game board 9 is parallel to the glass unit. On the front surface of the game board 9, the above-mentioned game area 9a is formed inside a firing rail (no reference numeral) installed in a substantially circular shape.

The left side of the game area 9a is the first game area (hereinafter also referred to as left-handed area) used in the normal game state (non-time saving state), and the right side of the game area 9a is the first game area used in the normal game state (non-time saving state). This is the second gaming area (hereinafter also referred to as the right-handed playing area) used in the game mode, small winning game status, and time saving status. In addition, in this embodiment, a non-time-saving state may be called a non-time-saving state, and a time-saving state may be called a time-saving state.

A guide passage 18 is formed at the top of the game area to guide the game ball launched toward the top of the game area 9a to the right-hand hitting area.

Furthermore, within the gaming area 9a, a starting gate 20, a normal winning hole 22, a first starting winning hole 26, a variable starting winning device 28, a variable winning device 30, etc. are distributed and installed.

Among these, the normal winning hole 22 is arranged on the left side of the gaming area 9a. The first starting prize opening 26 is arranged at the center of the lower part of the gaming area 9a. The starting gate 20, the variable starting winning device 28, and the variable winning device 30 are arranged on the right side of the gaming area 9a.

The game ball launched into the gaming area 9a may enter the first starting prize opening 26, the normal winning opening 22, pass through the starting gate 20, or enter the variable starting prize opening when activated. The ball enters the device 28 or the variable prize winning device 30 during the opening operation.

The game balls that have passed through the starting gate 20, the game balls that have entered the normal winning hole 22, the first starting winning hole 26, the variable starting winning device 28, and the variable winning device 30 form a game board (game board unit 8). It is collected to the back side of the game board unit 8 through a through hole formed in a plywood material, a transparent plate, etc.).

Here, in this embodiment, due to the configuration of the game area 9a (board surface), when the game ball is entered into the first starting winning hole 26 or the normal winning hole 22, the game ball is placed in the left-handed hitting area in the gaming area 9a. It is necessary to type (perform the so-called "left-handed hit").

On the other hand, when entering the game ball into the starting gate 20, the variable starting winning device 28, and the variable winning device 30, it is necessary to hit the gaming ball into the right-handed hitting area in the gaming area 9a (performing what is called "right-handed hitting"). There is.

When the game ball passes through the starting gate 20, an operation lottery (normal symbol lottery) is performed. The variable start prize winning device 28 is activated when a predetermined operating condition is satisfied (when the normal symbol is won in the normal symbol lottery and the normal symbol is stopped and displayed in a winning manner for a predetermined stop display time).

The variable start winning device 28 includes a plate-shaped opening/closing member 28a. The opening/closing member 28a can be reciprocated in the front and rear directions with respect to the board surface by the function of a link mechanism using, for example, a solenoid (not shown). In the normal state, the opening/closing member 28a is housed inside the board surface of the game board 9. At this time, it is difficult for the game ball to enter the second start winning port 28b of the variable start winning device 28, and the game ball flows downstream without rolling on the upper surface of the opening/closing member 28a. Then, when the variable start winning device 28 operates, the opening/closing member 28a becomes in a state of protruding forward of the board (ie, toward the player). The opening/closing member 28a is inclined from the right side to the left side as viewed in the figure. Further, a second starting prize opening 28b is provided on the left side of the opening/closing member 28a. When the opening/closing member 28a protrudes, the game ball rolls on the upper surface of the opening/closing member 28a and is guided to the second starting prize opening 28b. As a result, when the opening/closing member 28a protrudes, it becomes less difficult for the game ball to enter the second starting prize opening 28b of the variable starting prize winning device 28, and the game ball on the opening/closing member 28a enters the second starting prize opening 28b. It becomes possible to let the ball enter.

The variable winning device 30 operates when a prescribed condition is met (when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a jackpot mode or when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a small win mode).

The variable winning device 30 includes a plate-shaped opening/closing member 30a. The opening/closing member 30a is capable of reciprocating in the front and rear directions with respect to the board surface by the function of a link mechanism using, for example, a solenoid (not shown). In the normal state, the opening/closing member 30a protrudes from the board surface of the game board 9 toward the player. At this time, since the game balls roll on the upper surface of the opening/closing member 30a, the game balls cannot flow into the variable winning device 30. Then, when the variable winning device 30 operates, the opening/closing member 30a is drawn into the inside of the board, allowing the game balls to flow into the variable winning device 30. When the game ball flows into the variable winning device 30, it becomes possible to enter the game ball into the big winning hole 30b provided in the variable winning device 30. In addition, hereafter, the big winning a prize opening 30b may be simply called a big winning a prize opening.

Here, a count switch 84 is provided in the variable winning device 30 to detect a game ball that has entered the variable winning device 30 (that is, the big winning opening 30b), and a specific area ( A V winning a prize opening) switch 85a and a non-specific area (non-V winning a prize mouth) switch 85b are provided side by side. The specific area switch 85a and the non-specific area switch 85b are composed of sensors through which game balls can pass. The passing area of the game ball in the specific area switch 85a is the specific area 30d, and the passing area of the gaming ball in the non-specific area switch 85b is the non-specific area 30e.

Then, the game ball that enters the variable winning device 30 (wins) is distributed to either the specific area 30d or the non-specific area 30e. The game balls that have passed through the specific area 30d or the non-specific area 30e will be recovered to the back side of the game board unit 8 through the through hole on the downstream side.

Note that the game ball entering (entering) each winning hole or winning device is also referred to as "winning." In particular, winning in the starting winning hole (first starting winning hole, second starting winning hole) is also referred to as starting winning.

A liquid crystal display 42 (image display) is installed in the game board unit 8, and various effect images including effect symbols corresponding to special symbols are displayed on the liquid crystal display 42. Specifically, on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42, for example, in synchronization with the variable display of the first special symbol and the variable display of the second special symbol, multiple types of performance symbols (numbers, etc.) different from the special symbol are displayed. (e.g., symbols shown) are displayed in a changing manner. Here, in synchronization (in other words, in parallel) with the fluctuating display of the first special symbol, the fluctuating display of the second special symbol, and the fluctuating display of the normal symbol, each production of "left", "middle", and "right" is performed. In the symbol display areas 42L, 42C, and 42R, performance symbols are displayed in a variable manner (eg, vertically scrolled or updated). In addition, in this embodiment, the effect pattern that is variably displayed in the effect pattern display area 42L is the left symbol, the effect pattern that is variably displayed in the effect pattern display area 42C is the middle symbol, and the effect pattern that is variably displayed in the effect pattern display area 42R. The effect pattern that is performed is sometimes referred to as the right pattern.

Further, for example, a display area is provided on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42 for displaying a pending display corresponding to a variable display whose execution is pending. In this example, a first hold display area 42a for displaying a hold display corresponding to the variable display of the first special symbol, and a second hold display area 42a for displaying a hold display corresponding to the variable display of the second special symbol. A region 42b is provided.

Note that the number of pending variable displays is also referred to as the number of pending memories or the number of working memories. The number of pending memories corresponding to the first special symbol is also referred to as the first number of pending memories or the first number of working memories, and the number of pending memories corresponding to the second special symbol is also referred to as the second number of pending memories or the second number of working memories. Further, the sum of the first number of pending memories and the number of second pending memories is also referred to as the total number of pending memories or the total number of working memories.

Further, on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42, when the volume adjustment button 13a is operated, a volume adjustment image 51 indicating the currently set volume is displayed, and when the light amount adjustment button 13b is operated, the current setting A light amount adjustment image 52 is displayed that shows the amount of light that is currently being used. The volume adjustment image 51 includes a volume icon 51a indicating that it is a volume adjustment image, and a volume meter 51b indicating the set volume. Further, the light amount adjustment image 52 includes a light amount icon 52a indicating that it is a light amount adjustment image, and a light amount meter 52b indicating the set light amount. The volume adjustment image 51 and the light amount adjustment image 52 have different display positions in the left-right direction. Specifically, the volume adjustment image 51 is displayed on the right side, and the light amount adjustment image 52 is displayed on the left side.

Furthermore, a movable body 40 for presentation is provided in front of the liquid crystal display 42. The movable body 40 is movable in the vertical direction. In the pachinko machine 1, various effects can be executed in the process of displaying variable effects of effect symbols. The performances that can be executed by the pachinko machine 1 include performances in which the movable body 40 operates. The movable body 40 operates in conjunction with the effect image on the liquid crystal display 42, suggesting a jackpot or small win. Note that even if the movable body 40 operates, there may be a miss, but the selection ratio of the performance pattern by the movable body 40 is set so that there is a high possibility of a jackpot or small hit when the movable body 40 operates. ing.

The movable body 40 is movable downward from the initial position (the position shown in FIG. 3) to the movable position (the position shown in FIG. 42). The movable body 40 is visible even in the initial position, but becomes visible as a whole when moved to the movable position. When the movable body 40 moves to the movable position, a portion of the liquid crystal display 42 is covered.

Furthermore, the movable body 40 includes a front movable body 40a and a rear movable body 40b arranged on the back side (behind) of the front movable body 41 (see FIGS. 42 and 43). When the performance of the specific performance pattern is selected, the rear movable body 40b moves when the movable body 40 moves to the movable position, and the rear movable body 40b appears from behind the front movable body 40a. The rear movable body 40b has a larger area covering the liquid crystal display 42 than the front movable body 40a. As a result, when the rear movable body 40b appears, the entire liquid crystal display 42 is covered.

In addition, an out port 32 is formed in the game area 9a, and game balls that do not enter (win) the various winning ports are finally collected through the out port 32 to the back side of the game board unit 8. In addition, all the game balls hit into the game area 9a, including the game balls that entered the normal winning hole 22, the first starting winning hole 26, the second starting winning hole 28b, and the variable winning device 30, are removed from the game board. It is collected behind Unit 8. The collected game balls are discharged from the back side of the pachinko machine 1 to the outside of the frame through an out passage assembly (not shown), and further join the supply route of the island equipment (not shown).

FIG. 4 is an enlarged front view of a part of the game board unit 8 (the lower right position within the window 4a).

The game board unit 8 is provided with a normal symbol display device 33 and a normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a at the lower right position in the window 4a, for example, as well as a first special symbol display device 34 and a second special symbol display device 35. , a first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, a second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a, and a game state display device 38 are provided.

Among these, the normal symbol display device 33 displays the normal symbols in a variable manner by, for example, alternately lighting two lamps (LEDs), and then stops displaying the normal symbols by lighting or extinguishing the lamps. In addition, in this embodiment, the probability of winning is 1/1, so the winning symbols always stop. The normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a displays the memorized number of 0 to 4, for example, by a combination of two lamps (LEDs) turning off, turning on, and blinking. For example, in a display mode in which both lamps are turned off, the number of memories is 0, and in a display mode in which one lamp is turned on, the number of memories is 1, and in a display mode in which the same one lamp is blinking, the number of memories is 1. In a display mode where the number of memories is 2, and one lamp is blinking and the other lamp is lit, the number of memories is 3, and in a display mode where both lamps are blinking, the number of memories is 4. For example, display the number of items. Although two lamps (LEDs) are used here, the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a may be configured using four lamps (LEDs). In this case, the number of working memories can be displayed by the number of lit lamps.

Each time a game ball passes through the starting gate 20, the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a changes to the display mode after increasing by one in order to remember that the passage that triggers the operation lottery has occurred. (up to a maximum of 4), and each time the passage of the normal symbol starts to change, the display mode changes one by one to the display mode after the symbol decreases. In addition, in this embodiment, when the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a is not lit (memory number is 0), the game ball passes through the starting gate 20 in a state where the normal symbol can already start changing (when the stop display is displayed). However, the display mode does not change. That is, the number of memories (maximum 4) represented by the display mode of the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a represents the number of passes in which the variation of the normal symbol has not yet started at that time.

Further, the first special symbol display device 34 and the second special symbol display device 35 can display the fluctuating state and stop state of the special symbol using, for example, a 7-segment LED (with dots) (symbol display means, first symbol display means, second symbol display means). In addition, the special symbol display devices 34 and 35 may have a configuration in which a plurality of dot LEDs are arranged geometrically (for example, in a circular shape). In addition, in this embodiment, since the first special symbol and the second special symbol are not changed simultaneously, the first special symbol display device 34 is used for the variable display of the special symbol. The second special symbol display device 35 is used for displaying variations of normal symbols. Then, the normal symbols of the type determined by the lottery are stopped and displayed by the second special symbol display device 35. The variable display by the second special symbol display device 35 is performed in synchronization with the variable display by the normal symbol display device 33.

In addition, the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a and the second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a each have 0 to 4 lights, depending on the display mode consisting of, for example, a combination of two lamps (LEDs) turning off, turning on, and blinking. Displays the number of memories (memory number display means). For example, in a display mode in which both lamps are turned off, the number of memories is 0, and in a display mode in which one lamp is turned on, the number of memories is 1, and in a display mode in which the same one lamp is blinking, the number of memories is 0. In a display mode where the number of memories is 2, and one lamp is blinking and the other lamp is lit, the number of memories is 3, and in a display mode where both lamps are blinking, the number of memories is displayed. For example, four items are displayed.

Each time a game ball enters the first starting prize opening 26, the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a increases by one and changes to the display mode after increasing by one to remember that the ball has entered. (up to a maximum of 4), and each time the special symbols start to fluctuate with the arrival of the ball, the display mode changes one by one to a state after the number of special symbols decreases. In addition, the second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a is set to one each time a game ball enters the variable starting winning device 28 (second starting winning opening 28b) to remember that the ball has entered the ball. The display mode changes to an increased display mode (up to a maximum of 4 symbols), and changes to a display mode that decreases one symbol each time the special symbols start to fluctuate with the entry of the ball. In addition, in this embodiment, when the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a is not lit (the number of memories is 0), the first special symbol is already in the state where it can start changing (when the stop display is displayed) and the first starting winning hole is activated. Even if a game ball enters the ball 26, the display mode does not change. In addition, when the second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a is not lit (the number of memories is 0), the variable start winning device 28 (second start winning prize Even if a game ball enters the mouth 28b), the display mode does not change. In other words, the number of memories (maximum 4) represented by the display mode of each special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, 35a is the number of incoming balls for which fluctuation of the first special symbol or the second special symbol has not yet started at that time. It represents the number of times.

Further, the game state display device 38 includes five LEDs corresponding to, for example, jackpot type display lamps 38a, 38b, small win display lamp 38c, time saving state display lamp 38e, and firing position designation lamp 38f. In addition, in this embodiment, the above-mentioned normal symbol display device 33, normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, first special symbol display device 34, second special symbol display device 35, first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, second special A symbol operation memory lamp 35a is mounted on a single integrated display board 90 and attached to the game board unit 8.

Note that "variable display" of special symbols means, for example, displaying multiple types of special symbols in a variable manner (the same applies to normal symbols). The variations include updated display of a plurality of symbols, scroll display of a plurality of symbols, deformation of one or more symbols, enlargement/reduction of one or more symbols, and the like. In the variation of special symbols and normal symbols described below, a plurality of types of special symbols or normal symbols are updated and displayed. In the variation of performance symbols described below, a plurality of types of performance symbols are scrolled or updated, or one or more performance symbols are deformed or enlarged/reduced. Note that the variation also includes a mode in which a certain symbol is displayed blinking. At the end of the variable display, a predetermined special symbol is stopped and displayed (also referred to as derivation or derivation display) as a display result (the same applies to the variable display of other symbols described later). Note that the variable display may be expressed as a variable display or fluctuation.

[Outline of game progress]
The gaming states of the pachinko machine 1 include a normal state (non-time-saving state) and a time-saving state in which the probability of a jackpot is the same as in the normal state, but the efficiency of changing special symbols is improved compared to the normal state. In addition, in this embodiment, a special pattern may be abbreviated as a special pattern, and a normal pattern may be abbreviated as a common pattern. Also, the first special symbol may be abbreviated as special symbol 1, and the second special symbol as special symbol 2.

In the pachinko machine 1, when the gaming state is the normal state, it is advantageous for the player to perform a firing operation (so-called left-handed shooting operation) aiming at the left side of the gaming area 9a. The normal state is a state that is controlled in the same way as the initial setting state of the pachinko machine 1 (for example, when a predetermined return process is not executed after power is turned on, as in the case where a system reset is performed). In the normal state, when the player performs a left-handed operation by rotating the handle unit 16 provided in the pachinko machine 1 and a game ball enters the first starting prize opening 26, the first special symbol display device 34 displays the first The variable display of special symbols begins. In addition, since the time during which the opening/closing member 28a protrudes in the normal state is extremely short, it is impossible for a game ball to enter the second starting prize opening 28b during the normal state.

In addition, if the game ball enters the starting winning hole during the period when the special symbol fluctuation display is being executed, the jackpot gaming state, and the small winning gaming state are being controlled (a starting winning has occurred, but the starting winning is not If the variable display of the special symbol based on the winning cannot be executed immediately), the variable display of the special symbol based on the winning is suspended until a predetermined upper limit number (for example, 4).

If a jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed in the variable display of the first special symbol, it becomes a "jackpot", and if a small winning symbol different from the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed, it becomes a "small win". Moreover, if a missed symbol is stopped and displayed, it becomes a "miss". In addition, in this embodiment, a small hit is not set for the first special symbol.

After the display result in the variable display of the first special symbol becomes a "jackpot", the game is controlled to a jackpot game state as an advantageous state advantageous to the player. In the jackpot game state, the player performs a right-handed operation by rotating the handle unit 16 provided in the pachinko machine 1.

In the jackpot game state, the jackpot opening 30b formed by the variable winning device 30 is opened in a predetermined manner. The open state is set at the earlier timing of the elapse of a predetermined period (for example, 29 seconds) or the timing until the number of game balls that have entered the big prize opening 30b reaches a predetermined number (for example, 10 balls). will continue until The predetermined period is the upper limit period during which the big prize opening 30b can be opened in one round, and hereinafter also referred to as the upper limit opening period. One cycle in which the big prize opening 30b is opened in this way is called a round (round game). In the jackpot game state, the round can be executed repeatedly until it reaches a predetermined upper limit number of times.

In the jackpot game state, the player can obtain a prize ball by entering the game ball into the jackpot opening 30b. Therefore, the jackpot gaming state is an advantageous state for the player. The greater the number of rounds in the jackpot gaming state and the longer the open upper limit period, the more advantageous it is for the player.

In addition, the jackpot type is set in "Jackpot". For example, multiple types of jackpot opening modes (number of rounds and upper limit opening period) and gaming states after the jackpot gaming state (normal state, time-saving state, etc.) are prepared, and jackpot types are set accordingly. . As the jackpot type, there may be provided a jackpot type in which a large number of prize balls can be obtained, and a jackpot type in which a few prize balls or almost no prize balls can be obtained.

After the jackpot gaming state ends, the time saving state may be controlled depending on the jackpot type. In this embodiment, all jackpots are controlled to shorten the time. When the jackpot game is finished and the gaming state is controlled to a time-saving state, it is advantageous for the player to perform a firing operation (right-handed shooting operation) aiming at the right side of the gaming area. When the player performs a right-handed operation by rotating the handle unit 16 of the pachinko machine 1 and the game ball passes through the starting gate 20, the normal symbol display device 33 starts to display the normal symbols in a variable manner. In addition, if the game ball passes through the starting gate 20 during the period during which the previous fluctuating display of normal symbols is being executed (the gaming ball passes through the starting gate 20, but the fluctuating display of the regular symbols based on the passage cannot be executed immediately) ), the variable display of normal symbols based on the passage is suspended up to a predetermined upper limit number (for example, 4).

In this variable display of ordinary symbols, if the symbol per ordinary symbol is stopped and displayed, the display result of the ordinary symbol becomes "per ordinary symbol". On the other hand, if a normal symbol other than the common symbol (ordinary symbol is off) is stopped and displayed, the display result of the ordinary symbol becomes "ordinary symbol is off". When it becomes a "normal map hit", opening control is performed to keep the variable start winning device 28 open for a predetermined period of time (the second start winning opening 28b becomes open).

In the time-saving state, the probability of "hitting a common symbol" with the fluctuating display of the regular symbol is the same as in the normal state (non-time-saving state), but when the probability of "hitting the common symbol" with the fluctuating display of the regular symbol The opening period of the second starting prize opening 28b may be longer than in the non-time saving state. Specifically, in this embodiment, the opening modes of the second starting winning hole 28b include a short opening in which the second starting winning hole 28b is opened for an extremely short time so that it is impossible to win a game ball, and a short opening. There is a long opening in which the second starting prize opening 28b is opened so that a plurality of game balls can be won. In the non-time saving state, only short opening is performed, but in the time saving state, long opening may be performed. As a result, although it is impossible to enter the game ball into the variable start winning device 28 in the normal state, it becomes possible to enter the game ball into the variable start winning device 28 in the time saving state. Furthermore, in the time-saving state, the time for fluctuating display of the normal symbols is also shorter than in the non-time-saving state.

Then, when the long opening is performed, multiple game balls can be won in the second starting winning hole 28b, so special symbol retention memory (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated as "special symbol retention") occurs. It becomes easier to do. In addition, in the time saving state, the variation time of the special symbol is shorter than in the normal state. Therefore, in the time saving state, the long opening makes it easier for the game ball to enter the second starting winning hole 28b than in the normal state, and since the fluctuation time of the special symbol is shorter than in the normal state, the special symbol is more likely to be won than in the normal state. becomes more likely to be displayed in a fluctuating manner.

The time saving state continues until a predetermined termination condition is satisfied, such as a predetermined number of variable displays of special symbols being executed. The condition where the end condition is that the variable display of the special symbol has been executed a predetermined number of times is also referred to as number-cutting (number-of-time cutting definite variation, etc.).

When the game ball enters the second starting winning hole 28b formed in the variable starting winning device 28, the second special symbol display device 35 starts variable display of the second special symbol.

In the variable display of the second special symbol, if a jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed, it becomes a "jackpot", and if a small winning symbol different from the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed, it becomes a "small win". Further, if a losing symbol different from the jackpot symbol or the small winning symbol is stopped and displayed, it becomes a "loser".

After the display result in the variable display of the second special symbol becomes a "jackpot", the game is controlled to a jackpot game state as an advantageous state advantageous to the player. Further, after the display result in the variable display of the second special symbol becomes "small win", the game is controlled to a small win game state.

In the small winning game state, the large winning opening 30b formed by the variable winning device 30 is opened in a predetermined manner. The open state is set at the earlier timing of the elapse of a predetermined period (for example, 29 seconds) or the timing until the number of game balls that have entered the big prize opening 30b reaches a predetermined number (for example, 10 balls). will continue until In the small winning game state, only one round can be executed.

Then, in the small winning game state, when the game ball that enters the big winning opening 30b passes through the specific area 30d, the small winning gaming state is controlled to be in the jackpot gaming state after the small winning gaming state ends. At this time, the small winning gaming state is set as the first round, and the jackpot gaming state starts from the second round.

On the other hand, when the game ball that has entered the big winning opening 30b passes through the non-specific area 30e, the small winning gaming state ends without developing into a jackpot gaming state. After the small win game state ends without being controlled by the jackpot game state, the game state is not changed and the game state continues to be the same as before when the display result of the special symbol fluctuation display becomes "small win". controlled.

In addition, in this embodiment, the jackpot of the first special symbol is only a two-round jackpot where the number of rounds is "2". Further, the jackpot of the second special symbol is only a two-round jackpot where the number of rounds is "2". Further, when the small win develops into a jackpot with the second special symbol, the number of rounds develops into a 10-round jackpot with a number of "10" (hereinafter, the small win may be referred to as a 10-round small win). Then, you can get a prize ball for the 2nd round jackpot of the 1st special symbol and the 10th round small hit of the 2nd special symbol, but for the 2nd round jackpot of the 2nd special symbol, the big prize opening 30b opens instantly. Therefore, it is rare for a game ball to enter the big winning hole 30b.

Then, after the 2nd round jackpot of the 1st special symbol is over, when the time saving state is controlled, the total number of fluctuations of special symbol 1 and special symbol 2 is 108 times, and the number of fluctuations of special symbol 2 is 100 times. When either of these is reached, the time saving state ends.

In addition, when the time is shortened after the end of the 2nd round jackpot of the 2nd special symbol, the total number of fluctuations of special symbol 1 and special symbol 2 is 10,008 times, and the number of fluctuations of special symbol 2 is 10,000 times. When either of these is reached, the time saving state ends.

In addition, when the time is shortened after the completion of the 10th round small hit of the second special symbol, the total number of fluctuations of special symbol 1 and special symbol 2 is 108 times, and the number of fluctuations of special symbol 2 is 100 times. When either of these conditions is reached, the time saving state ends.

[Progress of production, etc.]
In the pachinko machine 1, various performances are performed according to the progress of the game. The effect is performed by displaying various effect images on the liquid crystal display 42.

As a performance executed according to the progress of the game, the "left", "middle", and "right" performance symbol display areas 42L, 42C, and 42R provided on the liquid crystal display 42 display a variable display of the first special symbol. Alternatively, in response to the start of the variable display of the second special symbol and the start of the variable display of the normal symbol, the variable display of the production symbol is started. At the timing when the display result (also referred to as a confirmed special symbol) is stopped and displayed in the variable display of the first special symbol or the variable display of the second special symbol, the final effect symbol (three A combination of production symbols) is also stopped and displayed. Similarly, at the timing when the display result (also referred to as a fixed normal symbol) is stopped and displayed in the fluctuating display of normal symbols, the final performance symbol (combination of three performance symbols) that is the display result of the fluctuating display of performance symbols also stops. Is displayed.

During the period from when the fluctuating display of the performance symbols is started until it ends, the manner of the fluctuating display of the performance symbols may become a predetermined ready-to-win mode. Here, the li-zhi mode refers to a performance pattern that has not yet been stopped and displayed when the performance design that is stopped and displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42 constitutes a part of a jackpot combination or a small win combination that will be described later. This refers to the manner in which the fluctuating display continues.

Moreover, the ready-to-win effect is executed in response to the above-mentioned ready-to-win mode being entered during the variable display of the effect symbols. In the pachinko machine 1, the percentage of display results (results of display of variable display of special symbols and display results of variable display of production symbols) of "jackpot" depending on the performance mode (also called jackpot reliability or jackpot expectation). A plurality of types of reach effects with different percentages of "small wins" (also referred to as small win reliability and small win expectation) are executed. The reach performance includes, for example, normal reach and super reach, which has higher jackpot reliability than normal reach.

When the display result of the variable display of the special symbols becomes a "jackpot", a fixed effect pattern that becomes a predetermined jackpot combination is derived on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42 as a display result of the variable display of the effect patterns. (The display result of the fluctuating display of production symbols is a "jackpot"). For example, the same performance symbols (for example, "7", etc.) are all stopped and displayed on predetermined effective lines in the "left", "middle", and "right" performance symbol display areas 42L, 42C, and 42R.

When the display result of the variable display of the special symbols becomes a "small hit," the display result of the variable display of the production symbols will be a fixed effect pattern (for example, , "1 3 5", etc.) are derived (the display result of the fluctuating display of the production symbols becomes "small hit"). For example, performance symbols constituting a chance are displayed in a stopped state on predetermined effective lines in the "left", "middle", and "right" performance symbol display areas 42L, 42C, and 42R.

If the display result of the variable display of the special symbol is "miss", the mode of the variable display of the production symbol does not become a reach mode, and the display result of the variation display of the production symbol is a fixed production symbol of a non-reach combination. (Also referred to as "Non-Reach Off") may be stopped and displayed (the display result of the fluctuating display of production symbols becomes "Non-Reach Off"). In addition, if the display result is "miss", after the mode of fluctuating display of the production symbols changes to the reach mode, a predetermined reach combination that is not a jackpot combination ("missing the reach") will be displayed as the display result of the variation display of the production symbols. '') may be displayed in a stopped state (the display result of the fluctuating display of the effect symbols may be "out of reach").

The performances that can be executed by the pachinko machine 1 include displaying a pending display and a variable display display. In addition, as other effects, for example, a preview effect that foretells the reliability of the jackpot is executed while the effect symbols are being displayed in a variable manner. The preview performance includes a preview performance that foretells the reliability of a jackpot in a fluctuating display that is currently being executed, and a pre-read preview performance that foretells the reliability of a jackpot in a fluctuating display before execution (a fluctuating display whose execution is pending). As a pre-read preview performance (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a pre-read performance), a performance that changes the display mode of a variable display compatible display (a pending display or an active display) to a different mode than usual may be performed.

In addition, in this embodiment, in the normal state and the time saving state, a variable display of the effect pattern corresponding to the special symbol is performed, but in the time saving condition, a variable display of the effect pattern corresponding to the second special symbol is performed, and in the first special condition, a variable display of the effect pattern corresponding to the second special symbol is performed. The structure is such that the variable display of the performance symbols corresponding to the symbols is not performed. In addition, when the first special symbol is displayed in a time-saving state, a pending display will not be performed, and the remaining fluctuations in the time-saving state will not be displayed until the eighth time the first special symbol is displayed. The number display is not updated. Therefore, in other words, in the time saving state, only the variable display of the performance symbols corresponding to the second special symbol is performed, and only the suspended display of the second special symbol is displayed. In addition, the remaining variation count display will not be updated in the time saving state until the 8th variation display of the 1st special symbol is performed, and from the 9th and subsequent variation display of the 1st special symbol, the remaining variation display will not be updated. Display is performed.

In addition, on the liquid crystal display 42, by temporarily stopping the performance symbols during the fluctuating display of the performance symbols and then restarting the fluctuating display, one fluctuating display can be made to appear pseudo-like multiple fluctuating displays. A pseudo-continuous performance may also be executed.

The performance is also executed during the jackpot game state or the small win game. Performances during a jackpot or small win include a display that notifies the number of rounds, a right-handed hit suggestion display that encourages right-handed hitting, and a display that shows the number of prize balls. In addition, in this embodiment, the volume adjustment button 13a and the light intensity adjustment button 13b can be operated even during a jackpot or a small win.

In addition, the jackpot game during the small win game state and some jackpot types (jackpot type of the jackpot game state in the same manner as the small win game state, for example, the jackpot type that makes the subsequent gaming state a high probability state). By performing a common performance depending on the state, the player may not be able to tell whether the player is currently in a small win game state or a jackpot game state. In such a case, by executing a common performance after the end of the small win gaming state and after the end of the jackpot gaming state, it is possible to make it impossible to distinguish between a high probability state and a low probability state. It's okay.

Further, for example, when a variable display of special symbols is not being executed, a demonstration image is displayed on the liquid crystal display 42.

[Control configuration]
Next, a configuration related to control of the pachinko machine 1 will be explained. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing various electronic devices installed in the pachinko machine 1. The pachinko machine 1 is equipped with a main control device 70 (main control computer) that serves as the center of control operations, and this main control device 70 mainly has the function of controlling the progress of games in the pachinko machine 1. There is. Note that the main control device 70 is built into the main control board unit 170.

The main control device 70 is also equipped with a circuit board (main control board) on which a main control CPU 72, which is a central processing unit, is mounted, and the main control CPU 72 has a ROM 74, a RAM ( It is configured as an LSI that integrates semiconductor memories such as RWM) 76 and the like. The main controller 70 is also equipped with a random number generator 75 and a sampling circuit 77. Among these, the random number generator 75 generates hardware random numbers (for example, 0 to 65535 in decimal notation) for determining the jackpot in the special symbol lottery and the hit determination in the regular symbol lottery. is input to the main control CPU 72 through the sampling circuit 77. In addition, the main control device 70 is equipped with peripheral ICs such as an input/output (I/O) port 79, a clock generation circuit (not shown), and a counter/timer circuit (CTC), which are connected to the main control CPU 72 as well as other peripheral ICs. Mounted on the board. Note that a signal transmission path, a power supply path, a control bus, and the like are formed as wiring patterns on the circuit board (or the inner layer portion).

The starting gate 20 described above is integrally provided with a gate switch 78 for detecting passage of a game ball. In addition, the game board unit 8 includes a first starting winning opening switch 80 corresponding to the first starting winning opening 26, a second starting winning opening switch 82 corresponding to the second starting winning opening 28b, and a second starting winning opening switch 82 corresponding to the variable winning opening 30. A count switch 84, a specific area switch 85a corresponding to the specific area 30d of the variable winning device 30, and a non-specific area switch 85b corresponding to the non-specific area 30e of the variable winning device 30 are provided.

The first starting winning port switch 80 detects the entry of a game ball into the first starting winning port 26, and the second starting winning port switch 82 detects the entering of a gaming ball into the second starting winning port 28b. belongs to. When a game ball is detected by the first starting winning port switch 80 or the second starting winning port switch 82, a predetermined number (one) of gaming balls are paid out as a prize ball based on this detection information.

Further, the count switch 84 is for counting the number of balls that have entered the variable winning device 30 (big winning hole 30b). When game balls are detected by the count switch 84, a predetermined number (for example, 15) of game balls are paid out as prize balls based on this detection information.

The specific area switch 85a is for detecting that a game ball has entered the specific area 30d of the variable winning device 30. Further, the non-specific area switch 85b is for detecting that a game ball has entered the non-specific area 30e of the variable winning device 30.

Similarly, the game board unit 8 is provided with a normal winning hole switch 81 that detects the entry of a game ball into the normal winning hole 22. When a game ball is detected by the normal prize opening switch 81, a predetermined number (6) of game balls are paid out as prize balls based on this detection information.

Winning detection signals from these switches are input to the main control CPU 72 via an input/output driver (not shown). In addition, due to the configuration of the game board unit 8, in this embodiment, the detection signals from the gate switch 78, the normal prize opening switch 81, the count switch 84, the specific area switch 85a, and the non-specific area switch 85b are connected to the panel relay terminal board 87. The panel relay terminal board 87 is provided with wiring patterns, connection terminals, etc. for relaying each winning detection signal.

The above-mentioned normal symbol display device 33, normal symbol working memory lamp 33a, first special symbol display device 34, second special symbol display device 35, first special symbol working memory lamp 34a, second special symbol working memory lamp 35a and game The display operation of the status display device 38 is controlled based on a control signal from the main control CPU 72. The main control CPU 72 outputs control signals to these display devices 33, 34, 35, 38 and lamps 33a, 34a, 35a according to the progress of the game, and controls the lighting state of each LED. Furthermore, these display devices 33, 34, 35, 38 and lamps 33a, 34a, 35a are mounted on one integrated display board 90 and installed in the game board unit 8, as described above. Control signals are transmitted from the main control CPU 72 to the display board 90 via the panel relay terminal board 87 .

Further, the game board unit 8 is provided with a normal electric accessory solenoid 88 corresponding to the variable start winning device 28 and a special winning opening solenoid 89 corresponding to the variable winning device 30. These solenoids 88 and 89 are operated (excited) based on control signals from the main control CPU 72, and open and close (operate) the variable start winning device 28 and the variable winning device 30, respectively. Note that control signals are also transmitted from the main control CPU 72 to these solenoids 88 and 89 via the panel relay terminal board 87.

In addition, a glass frame release switch 91 is installed on the integrated door unit 4, and a plastic frame release switch 93 is installed on the inner frame assembly 7. When the integral door unit 4 is opened independently, a contact signal from the glass frame release switch 91 is input to the main control device 70 (main control CPU 72), and the inner frame assembly 7 is opened from the outer frame unit 2. Then, a contact signal from the plastic frame release switch 93 is input to the main control device 70 (main control CPU 72). The main control CPU 72 can detect the open state of the integral door unit 4 and the inner frame assembly 7 from these contact signals. Note that when the main control CPU 72 detects the open state of the integrated door unit 4 or the inner frame assembly 7, it generates a door open information signal as an external information signal.

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

A payout device board 100 is installed together with a payout motor 102 (for example, a stepping motor, a payout means) in a prize ball case (not shown) of the payout device unit 172, and a drive circuit for the payout motor 102 is installed on this payout device board 100. It is provided. The payout device board 100 specifically controls the rotation angle of the payout motor 102 based on the payout number instruction signal from the payout control device 92 (payout control CPU 94), and pays out the specified number of game balls from the prize ball case. Let it come out. The paid-out game balls are sent to the tray unit 6 through the payout channel in the channel unit 173.

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

Further, in the pachinko machine 1, a full tank switch 161 is installed, for example, inside the lower tray 6c (in a position at the back when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 1). The actually paid out prize balls (game balls) are discharged into the upper tray 6b through the channel unit 173, but when the upper tray 6b is full of game balls, the game balls that are paid out more than that are discharged into the upper tray 6b as described above. It flows into the lower plate 6c like this. Further, when the lower tray 6c becomes full of game balls, the full tank switch 161 is turned on and a full tank detection signal is input to the payout control device 92 (payout control CPU 94). In response to this, even if the payout control CPU 94 receives the prize ball instruction command from the main control CPU 72, it temporarily suspends any further prize ball operations and stores the remaining number of unpaid prize balls in the RAM 98. Furthermore, the memory in the RAM 98 can be backed up even when the power is cut off, so even if a power outage (including momentary power outage) occurs during a game, the information on the number of remaining prize balls that have not been paid out will not be lost. .

Further, on the back side of the pachinko machine 1, a firing solenoid 110 is installed together with a firing control board 108. Further, a ball feeding solenoid 111 is provided within the saucer unit 6. The launch control board 108, the launch solenoid 110, and the ball feed solenoid 111 constitute the launch control board set 174 described above, and the launch control board 108 is provided with a drive circuit for the launch solenoid 110 and the ball feed solenoid 111. ing. Of these, the ball feeding solenoid 111 performs an operation to feed the game balls stored in the tray unit 6 one by one to a predetermined shooting position within the shooting machine case. Further, the firing solenoid 110 performs an operation of hitting the game balls sent out to the firing position and continuously (intermittently) firing the game balls one by one toward the game area 9a as described above. Note that the game balls are fired at intervals of, for example, about 0.6 seconds (within 100 balls per minute).

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

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

Further, the saucer unit 6 has a built-in frequency display board 122 and a loan/return switch board 123. Among these, the power display board 122 is provided with a power display section display (7 segment LED for 3 digits). Further, the lending and return switch board 123 is equipped with a switch module connected to the ball lending button 10 and the return button 12, respectively, and when the ball lending button 10 or the return button 12 is operated, the operation signal is transmitted to the lending/returning button 12. and is transmitted from the return switch board 123 to the card unit via the game ball etc. lending device connection terminal board 120. Further, from the card unit, a frequency signal indicating the remaining frequency of the valuable medium is transmitted to the frequency display board 122 via the gaming ball etc. lending device connection terminal board 120. A display circuit (not shown) on the frequency display board 122 drives a display based on the frequency signal, and numerically displays the remaining frequency of the valuable medium. In addition, if no valuable medium is inserted into the card unit, or if the remaining count of the loaded valuable medium becomes 0, the display circuit of the count display board 122 drives the display to display a demonstration (valuable medium It is also possible to display a display prompting the user to input

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

In addition, the production control device 124 is equipped with an input/output driver (not shown) and various peripheral ICs, as well as a lamp drive circuit 132 and a sound drive circuit 134. The performance control CPU 126 controls the performance based on commands for performance sent from the main control CPU 72, and gives commands to the lamp drive circuit 132 and the sound drive circuit 134 to cause the frame lamps 46, 50 and the board lamp 53 to emit light. and actually output sound effects, voices, etc. from the speakers 54a to 54d.

The production control device 124 and the main control device 70 are interconnected, for example, via a communication harness (not shown). However, communication between them is performed only in one direction from the main control device 70 to the production control device 124, and communication in the opposite direction is not performed. In addition, a parallel format may be adopted for the communication harness depending on the bus width of various commands sent from the main control device 70 to the production control device 124, or each driver IC (I/O) A serial format may be adopted depending on the hardware configuration.

The lamp drive circuit 132 includes, for example, switching elements such as a PWM (pulse width modulation) IC and a MOSFET (not shown). ) to manage operations such as light emission and blinking. The various lamps include, in addition to the frame lamps 46 and 50, a board lamp 53 for decoration and presentation installed on the game board unit 8. The board lamp 53 is an LED built into the movable body 40 or the game board 9.

The acoustic drive circuit 134 is, for example, a sound generator incorporating a sound ROM, an acoustic control IC, an amplifier, etc. (not shown), and drives the speakers 54a to 54d to output sound.

In this embodiment, a glass frame illumination board 136 is installed on the inner surface of the integrated door unit 4, and drive signals from the lamp drive circuit 132 and the acoustic drive circuit 134 are transmitted to various frame lamps via the glass frame illumination board 136. 46, 50, a panel lamp 53, and speakers 54a to 54d. Further, a production button 45 is connected to the glass frame illumination board 136, and when the player operates the production button 45, a contact signal is inputted to the performance control device 124 through the glass frame illumination board 136. Further, a jog dial 45a is connected to the glass frame illumination board 136, and when the player rotates the jog dial 45a, the rotation signal is input to the performance control device 124 through the glass frame illumination board 136. Furthermore, when an operation performance that prompts the operation of the performance button 45 is executed, the performance control CPU 126 lights up the enable lamp of the performance button 45. Here, an example is given in which the production button 45 and jog dial 45a are connected to the glass frame illumination board 136, but when installing a saucer illumination board, the production button 45 and jog dial 45a are connected to the saucer illumination board. You can leave it there.

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

The ROM 128 of the performance control CPU 126 stores a basic program regarding the control of the performance, and the performance control CPU 126 executes the control of the performance in accordance with this program. The control of the effect includes, as described above, the control of the effect using the frame lamps 46, 50, the board lamp 53, etc., and the speakers 54a to 54d, as well as the control of the effect using the image display using the liquid crystal display 42. included. The effect control CPU 126 transmits basic information regarding the effect (for example, effect number) to the display control CPU 146, and upon receiving this, the display control CPU 146 specifically selects an image for the effect based on the basic information. Control the display.

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

Additionally, a power control unit 162 (power control means) is installed on the back side of the inner frame assembly 7. This power supply control unit 162 has a built-in switching power supply circuit, and when it takes in external power (for example, AC 24V, etc.) from the island equipment through the power cord 164, it can generate necessary power (for example, DC +34V, +12V, etc.) from there. The power generated by the power supply control unit 162 is distributed to the main control device 70, payout control device 92, production control device 124, and inverter board 158. Further, power is supplied to the launch control board 108 via the payout control device 92, and power is also supplied to the card unit via the game ball etc. lending device connection terminal board 120. Note that low voltage power (for example, DC +5V) for logic is generated by a power supply IC (such as a three-terminal regulator) built into each device. Further, as described above, the power supply control unit 162 is grounded to the island equipment through the ground wire 166.

The external terminal board 160 is connected to the payout control device 92, and various external information signals generated by the main control device 70 (main control CPU 72) are sent from the external terminal board 160 to the outside via the payout control device 92. This is what will be output. The main control device 70 (main control CPU 72) and the payout control device 92 (payout control CPU 94) can output external information signals to the outside of the pachinko machine 1 through the external terminal board 160. The signals output from the external terminal board 160 are compiled by, for example, a hall computer (not shown) in a game hall. Although a configuration in which the external information signal is routed through the payout control device 92 is exemplified here, a configuration in which the external information signal is directly output from the main control device 70 to the external terminal board 160 may also be used.

The above is an example of the configuration regarding control of the pachinko machine 1. Next, control processing executed by the main control CPU 72 of the main control device 70 will be explained.

[Reset start (main) processing]
When the pachinko machine 1 is powered on, the main control CPU 72 starts a reset start process. The reset start process prepares the initial state of the pachinko machine 1 by restoring the gaming state (so-called power restoration) based on the backup information saved at the time of the previous power cut, or conversely clearing the backup information. This is a process for Further, the reset start process is positioned as a main process (main control program) for ensuring stable gaming operation of the pachinko machine 1 after adjusting the initial state.

6 and 7 are flowcharts illustrating an example of a procedure of reset start processing. Hereinafter, the processing performed by the main control CPU 72 will be explained step by step.

Step S101: The main control CPU 72 first sets the top address of the stack area in the stack pointer.

Step S102: Next, the main control CPU 72 sets the vector type interrupt mode (mode 2) and modifies the default RST type interrupt mode (mode 0). Thereby, the main control CPU 72 can thereafter refer to any address (with the least significant bit being 0) as an interrupt vector and execute the designated interrupt handler.

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

Step S104: Next, the main control CPU 72 permits access to the work area of the RAM 76. Specifically, the RAM protect setting value of the work area is reset (00H). As a result, access to the work area of the RAM 76 is permitted from now on.

Step S105: The main control CPU 72 also initializes a mask register to set an interrupt mask. Specifically, a value that enables CTC interrupts is stored in a mask register.

Step S106: The main control CPU 72 refers to the previously saved input signal from the RAM clear switch and confirms whether the RAM clear switch has been operated (switch ON). If the RAM clear switch is not operated (No), then step S107 is executed.

Step S107: Next, the main control CPU 72 checks whether backup information is stored in the RAM 76, that is, whether the backup validity determination flag is set. If the backup was successfully completed in the previous power-off process and the backup validity determination flag (for example, "A55AH") is set (Yes), then the main control CPU 72 executes step S108.

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

Step S109: The main control CPU 72 resets the backup validity determination flag (for example, to "0000H").
Step S110: The main control CPU 72 also clears the command that was waiting to be sent immediately before the previous power-off occurred.

Step S111: Next, the main control CPU72 executes production control return processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sends return commands to the performance control device 124 (for example, model designation command, special symbol probability state designation command, performance command when the number of working memories increases, performance command when the number of working memories decreases, number cut Send a counter remaining number command, special game state designation command, symbol fluctuation display designation command, symbol stop display designation command, small win opening designation command, small win large winning opening designation command, etc.). In response to this, the production control device 124 changes the production state that was being executed at the time of the previous power cut (for example, internal probability state, display mode of production symbols, production display mode of the number of working memories, sound output content, light emitting state, etc.) can be restored.

Step S112: The main control CPU 72 executes state recovery processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sets various values in the work area of the RAM 76 based on the backup information, and sets various values to the gaming state that was being executed at the time of the previous power cut (for example, the display mode of special symbols, internal probability state, (working memory contents, various flag states, random number update state, etc.). The main control CPU 72 also restores the backed up PC register values.

On the other hand, if the RAM clear switch was operated when the power was turned on (step S106: Yes), the backup validity determination flag was not set (step S107: No), or the backup information was not normal. (Step S108: No), the main control CPU 72 moves to step S113.

Step S113: The main control CPU 72 clears the storage contents of the RAM 76 other than the prohibited area. As a result, the work area and stack area of the RAM 76 are all initialized, and even if valid backup information is stored, its contents are erased.
Step S114: The main control CPU 72 also initializes the RAM 76.

Step S115: The main control CPU72 executes production control output processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 outputs a command (command necessary for production control) to be transmitted to the production control device 124 after initial setting.

Step S116: The main control CPU 72 executes payout control output processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 outputs an instruction command to the payout control device 92 to start paying out prize balls.

Step S117: The main control CPU 72 executes CTC initial setting processing and initializes the CTC (counter/timer circuit), which is a peripheral device. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sets an interrupt vector register and also sets an interrupt count value (for example, 4 ms) in the CTC. As a result, the next time a CTC interrupt occurs, the main control CPU 72 can continue processing from the backed up program address of the PC register.

When the above procedure is executed in the reset start process, the main control CPU 72 shifts to the main loop shown in FIG. 7 (connection symbol A→A).

Steps S118 and S119: The main control CPU 72 prohibits interrupts and then executes a power-off occurrence check process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 bit-checks the input port of the main power cutoff detection signal and monitors the occurrence of power cutoff (drop in drive voltage). When the power is cut off, the main control CPU 72 clears the output port buffers corresponding to the normal electric accessory solenoid 88, the big prize opening solenoid 89, etc., and clears the entire work area of the RAM 76 except for the backup validity determination flag and the sum check buffer. Back up the contents of and save the sum result value in the sum check buffer. Then, the main control CPU 72 stores the above-mentioned valid value (for example, "A55AH") in the backup validity determination flag area, prohibits access to the RAM 76, and stops the process (NOP). On the other hand, if power interruption does not occur, the main control CPU 72 next executes step S120. Note that there is also a known programming example in which the CPU executes processing when such a power-off occurs as non-maskable interrupt (NMI) processing.

Step S120: The main control CPU 72 executes initial value update random number update processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 increments random numbers for updating (changing) initial values of various software random numbers. In this embodiment, various random numbers (e.g., jackpot symbol random numbers, reach determination random numbers, fluctuation pattern determination random numbers, etc.) other than the jackpot determination random number (hardware random number) and the hit determination random number (hardware random number) corresponding to normal symbols are used. is generated programmatically. These software random numbers are updated by a loop counter within a predetermined range in another interrupt process (step S201 in FIG. 9). (the random number may not be the target) is changed. The random number for updating the initial value is used to randomly change this initial value, and in step S120, the random number for updating the initial value is updated. Note that step S120 is executed after interrupts are prohibited in step S118 because a similar process is executed in another interrupt management process (step S202 in FIG. ). As mentioned above, in this embodiment, the jackpot determination random number and the hit determination random number are hardware random numbers generated by the random number generator 75, and the update cycle thereof is faster than the timer interrupt cycle (for example, several ms). (for example, several μs), there is no need to update the initial values of the jackpot determination random number and the hit determination random number.

Steps S121 and S122: The main control CPU 72 allows interrupts and executes other random number update processing. The random numbers updated in this process are random numbers (reach determination random numbers, variation pattern determination random numbers, etc.) that are not related to determination of winning type (hit type) among software random numbers. This process is performed in the remaining time when a timer interrupt occurs during execution of the main loop and the main control CPU 72 executes another interrupt management process (FIG. 9). Note that the details of the interrupt management process will be described later.

[Power outage check process]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart specifically showing a procedure example of the above-mentioned power-off occurrence check process.
Step S130: First, the main control CPU 72 sets conditions for checking for occurrence of power outage. This check condition can be set, for example, as an on-counter value for confirming that the main power-off detection signal is continuously output.

Step S132: Next, the main control CPU 72 reads the main power-off detection switch input port and checks whether a main power-off detection signal is output (checks a specific bit). Although not particularly shown, a main power-off detection switch is mounted on the main controller 70, for example, and this main power-off detection switch monitors the drive voltage supplied from the power supply control unit 162 and determines the voltage level. Outputs a main power failure detection signal when the voltage falls below the reference voltage. Note that the main power-off detection switch may be built into the power supply control unit 162. When the main control CPU 72 confirms that the main power-off detection signal is not being output at this point in time (No), the main control CPU 72 exits from this process and returns to the reset start process. On the other hand, if it is confirmed that the main power cutoff detection signal is output (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S134.

Step S134: The main control CPU 72 checks whether the above check conditions are satisfied. Specifically, the on-counter value set in step S130 is subtracted by 1, for example, and it is checked whether the result becomes 0 or not. If the on-counter value is not 0 at this point in time (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to step S132 and reconfirms the main power-off detection switch input port. Then, when the check condition is satisfied by repeating the loop from step S134 to step S132 (step S134: Yes), the main control CPU 72 next proceeds to step S136.

Step S136: The main control CPU 72 clears the output port buffer corresponding to the test signal terminal and command control signal in addition to the output port corresponding to the normal electric accessory solenoid 88 and the big winning opening solenoid 89 as described above.

Step S138, Step S140: Next, the main control CPU 72 adds the entire contents of the work area of the RAM 76, excluding the backup validity determination flag and the sum check buffer, in 1-byte units, and repeats the addition until the addition is completed for the entire area. .
Step S142: When the sum calculation is completed for all areas (step S140: Yes), the main control CPU 72 stores the sum result value in the sum check buffer.

Step S144: Next, the main control CPU 72 stores the valid value in the backup validity determination flag area as described above.

Step S146: The main control CPU 72 also stores "01H" indicating access prohibition in the protect value of the RAM 76, and prohibits access to the work area (including the prohibited area and the stack area) of the RAM 76.

Step S148: The main control CPU 72 then enters a standby loop and stops all other processes in preparation for the main power cutoff. After the main power is turned off, backup power is supplied from a backup power circuit (not shown) (for example, a circuit including a capacitive element mounted in the main controller 70), so the memory contents of the RAM 76 are lost even after the main power is turned off. It is retained without doing anything. Note that the backup power supply circuit may be built into the power supply control unit 162, for example.

Through the above processing, all the information stored in the work area of the RAM 76 to be backed up (to be summed) is retained as memory in the RAM 76 even after the main power is turned off. Further, the retained memory is restored as backup information when the power is turned off, after confirming that the checksum is normal in the previous reset start process (FIG. 6).

[Interrupt management processing (timer interrupt processing)]
Next, interrupt management processing (timer interrupt processing) will be explained. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for interrupt management processing. The main control CPU 72 executes interrupt management processing at predetermined time intervals (for example, several milliseconds) based on an interrupt request signal from the counter/timer circuit. Each step will be explained below.

Step S200: First, the main control CPU 72 converts the values of the registers (accumulator A and flag register F, and each pair of general-purpose registers B to L) used during the execution of the main loop into R.
It is evacuated to the evacuation area of AM76. After the values are saved, other values can be written to the registers (A to L) during interrupt management processing.

Step S201: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a lottery random number update process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 updates the value of a counter for generating various random numbers for lottery. The value of each counter is incremented in the counter area of the RAM 76, and the value is looped within a specified range. The various random numbers include, for example, jackpot symbol random numbers.

Step S202: The main control CPU 72 executes the initial value update random number update process here as well. The contents of the processing are the same as those described above.

Step S203: The main control CPU 72 executes input processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 inputs various switch signals from the input/output (I/O) port 79. Specifically, the passage detection signal from the gate switch 78, the first starting winning opening switch 80, the normal winning opening switch 81, the second starting winning opening switch 82, the count switch 84, the specific area switch 85a, the non-specific area switch The input state (ON/OFF) of the winning detection signal from 85b is read.

Step S204: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes switch input event processing. In this process, among the switch signals input in the previous input process, the gate switch 78, the first starting winning opening switch 80, the normal winning opening switch 81, the second starting winning opening switch 82, the count switch 84, the specific area switch 85a Based on the winning detection signal or the passing detection signal from the non-specific area switch 85b, an event occurring during the game is determined, and further processing is executed depending on the event that has occurred. Note that the specific details of the switch input event processing will be described later using another flowchart.

In this embodiment, when a winning detection signal (ON) is input from the first starting winning port switch 80 or the second starting winning port switch 82, the main control CPU 72 selects a signal corresponding to the first special symbol or the second special symbol, respectively. It is determined that an event that triggers an internal lottery (lottery trigger) has occurred. Further, when a passage detection signal (ON) is input from the gate switch 78, the main control CPU 72 determines that an event that triggers a lottery corresponding to the normal symbol has occurred. When determining that any of the events has occurred, the main control CPU 72 executes processing corresponding to each event. In addition, the process executed when the winning detection signal is input from the first starting winning a prize opening switch 80 or the second starting winning a prize opening switch 82 will be described later using another flowchart.

Step S205, Step S206: The main control CPU 72 executes the special symbol game process and the normal symbol game process during the interrupt management process. These processes are for concretely advancing the game in the pachinko machine 1. Among these, in the special symbol game process (step S205), the main control CPU 72 controls the execution of the internal lottery corresponding to the first special symbol or the second special symbol, and controls the first special symbol display device 34 and the second special symbol. 2. Controls the variable display and stop display by the special symbol display device 35, and controls the operation of the variable winning device 30 according to the display results. The details of the special symbol game process will be described later using another flowchart.

In addition, in the normal symbol game processing (step S206), the main control CPU 72 controls the variable display and stop display by the above-mentioned normal symbol display device 33, and operates the variable start winning device 28 according to the display result. control. For example, the main control CPU 72 stores the random number (random number determined per normal symbol) acquired upon passage of the starting gate 20 in the previous switch input event process (step S204), and during this normal symbol game process. A random number is read out from memory, and it is determined whether it falls within a predetermined winning range (operational lottery execution means). If the random number falls within the winning range, the normal symbol display device 33 causes the normal symbol to be variably displayed and the normal symbol is stopped and displayed in a predetermined winning mode, and then the main control CPU 72 activates the normal electric accessory solenoid 88. It excites and activates the variable start winning device 28 (movable piece actuating means). On the other hand, if the random number value is outside the winning range, the main control CPU 72 stops displaying the normal symbols in a winning manner after the variable display.

Step S207: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a prize ball payout process. In this process, a prize ball instruction is given to the payout control device 92 to instruct the number of prize balls based on winning detection signals input from various switches 81, 82, 84, 85a, and 85b in the previous input process (step S203). Output the command.

Step S208: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes external information processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sends the above-mentioned external information signals (for example, prize ball information, door opening information, symbol confirmation number information, jackpot information, starting opening information, etc.) to the hall computer of the gaming hall through the external terminal board 160. Store in port output request buffer.

In addition, in this embodiment, among various external information signals, for example, "Jackpot 1" to "Jackpot 5" are outputted as jackpot information to the outside, so that an external electronic device (data display (external information signal output means) can provide a variety of jackpot information to players (external information signal output means). In other words, by dividing and outputting jackpot information into multiple jackpots 1 to 5, jackpot types (winning types) can be aggregated and managed from these combinations on a hall computer (not shown), and internally Recognizing changes in the probability state (low probability state or high probability state) or shortening state of symbol fluctuation time, or occurrence of a small hit (a hit where the conditional device does not operate) that is not classified as a "jackpot" even if it is other than non-winning. It becomes possible to aggregate and manage information. In addition, based on the jackpot information, for example, a data display device (not shown) counts and displays the number of jackpots that have occurred within the past few business days for each pachinko machine 1, and recognizes whether or not each machine is currently hitting a jackpot. Or, it is possible to recognize whether or not the symbol fluctuation time is currently being shortened for each machine. In this external information processing, the main control CPU 72 controls in detail the output status (ON or OFF set) of each of "Jackpot 1" to "Jackpot 5".

Step S209: The main control CPU 72 also executes test signal processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 generates various test signals representing its own internal state (for example, normal symbol game management state, special symbol game management state, jackpot, probability variation function in operation, time reduction function in operation). and stores them in the port output request buffer. Using this test signal, the internal state of the main control CPU 72 can be tested, for example, outside the main control device 70.

Step S210: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes display output management processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 controls the normal symbol display device 33, the normal symbol memory lamp 33a, the first special symbol display device 34, the second special symbol display device 35, the first special symbol memory lamp 34a, and the second special symbol memory lamp 33a. Controls the lighting state of the operation memory lamp 35a, the game state display device 38, etc. Specifically, the drive signal stored in the port output request buffer in the previous special symbol game process (step S205) or normal symbol game process (step S206) is outputted to the port. Note that the drive signal is stored in the port output request buffer as byte data to be applied to each LED. As a result, each LED is driven in a predetermined display mode (a mode that displays changing symbols, displaying stoppages, displaying the number of active memories, displaying the game status, etc.).

Step S211: The main control CPU 72 also executes output management processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 outputs the external information signal (byte data) stored in the port output request buffer in the previous external information process (step S208). In addition, the main control CPU 72 outputs the drive signals, test signals, etc. of the normal electric accessory solenoid 88 and the big prize opening solenoid 89 stored in the port output request buffer to the port.

Step S212: The main control CPU72 executes production control output processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 checks whether there is a command (command necessary for production control) that should be sent to the production control device 124 in the command buffer, and if there is an unsent command, the command to be output is sent. Port output.

Step S213: Then, the main control CPU 72 clears the port output request buffer stored in the current CTC interrupt.

In addition, in this embodiment, an example is given in which the processing of steps S205 to S212 (gaming control program module) is executed as a timer interrupt processing, but these processing is incorporated into the main loop of the CPU and executed. There are also known programming examples.

Step S214: When the above processing is completed, the main control CPU 72 stores a value (01H) specifying the end of the interrupt in the interrupt program counter, and ends the CTC interrupt.

Steps S215 and S216: Then, the main control CPU 72 restores the saved values of the registers (A to L) and permits the next CTC interrupt. After this, the main control CPU 72 returns to the main loop (program address indicated by the stack pointer).

[Switch input event processing]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of switch input event processing (step S204 in FIG. 9). Each step will be explained below.

Step S10: The main control CPU 72 checks whether a winning detection signal has been input (a lottery opportunity has occurred) from the first starting winning opening switch 80 corresponding to the first special symbol. If the input of this winning detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S12 and executes the first special symbol memory update process. The specific contents of the process will be further described later using another flowchart. On the other hand, if the winning detection signal is not input (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S14.

Step S14: Next, the main control CPU 72 checks whether a winning detection signal has been input (a lottery opportunity has occurred) from the second starting winning opening switch 82 corresponding to the second special symbol. If the input of this winning detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S16 and executes the second special symbol memory update process. Similarly, the specific contents of the process will be further described later using another flowchart. On the other hand, if the winning detection signal is not input (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S18.

Step S18: The main control CPU 72 checks whether a winning detection signal has been input from the count switch 84 corresponding to the big winning opening 30b of the variable winning device 30. If the input of this winning detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S20 and executes the big winning opening counting process. On the other hand, if the winning detection signal is not input (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S22.

Step S20: In the big winning hole counting process, the main control CPU 72 counts the number of winning balls to the variable winning device 30 for each round during the jackpot game. The main control CPU 72 then proceeds to step S22.

Step S22: The main control CPU 72 checks whether a passage detection signal has been input from the gate switch 78 corresponding to the normal symbol. If the input of this passage detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S24 and executes a normal symbol memory update process. In the normal symbol memory update process, the main control CPU 72 checks whether the current number of normal symbols in working memory is less than the upper limit number (for example, 4), and if the upper limit number has not been reached, acquires a random number per normal symbol. do. Further, the main control CPU 72 increments the number of normal symbol working memories by one. Then, the main control CPU 72 stores the obtained random number value per normal symbol in the random number storage area of the RAM 76. On the other hand, if the passage detection signal is not input (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S26.

Step S26a: The main control CPU 72 checks whether a passage detection signal has been input from the specific area switch 85a corresponding to the specific area 30d in the variable winning device 30 (namely, the big winning opening 30b). If the input of the passage detection signal corresponding to the specific area 30d is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S27 and executes the specific area passing process. On the other hand, if the input of the passage detection signal corresponding to the specific area 30d is not confirmed (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S26b.

Step S26b: The main control CPU 72 checks whether a passage detection signal has been input from the non-specific area switch 85b corresponding to the non-specific area 30e in the variable winning device 30 (namely, the big winning opening 30b). When the input of the passage detection signal corresponding to the non-specific area 30e is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S28 and executes the non-specific area passing process. On the other hand, if the input of the passage detection signal corresponding to the non-specific area 30e is not confirmed (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the interrupt management process (FIG. 9).

Step S27: In the specific area passing process, the main control CPU 72 stores in the storage area of the RAM 76 the fact that passing of the specific area 30d has been confirmed. Further, a specific area passing command indicating that the specific area 30d has been moved is generated. The specific area passage command is transmitted to the production control device 124 in production control output processing (step S212 in FIG. 9).

Step S28: In the non-specific area passing process, the main control CPU 72 generates a non-specific area passing command indicating that the non-specific area 30e has been passed. The non-specific area passage command is transmitted to the production control device 124 in production control output processing (step S212 in FIG. 9).

[First special symbol memory update process]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the first special symbol storage update process (step S12 in FIG. 10). Hereinafter, the procedure of the first special symbol storage update process will be explained step by step.

Step S30: First, the main control CPU 72 refers to the value of the first special symbol working memory number counter and confirms whether the working memory number is less than the maximum value (for example, 4). The working memory number counter represents the number (number of sets) of jackpot determination random numbers, jackpot symbol random numbers, etc. stored in the random number storage area of the RAM 76. Here, the random number storage area of the RAM 76 is divided into four sections for the first special symbol and four sections (for example, 2 bytes each) for the second special symbol, and each section contains the jackpot determining random number and the second special symbol. Jackpot symbol random numbers can be stored in sets (sets) one by one. At this time, if the value of the working memory number counter corresponding to the first special symbol has reached the maximum value (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the switch input event process (FIG. 10). On the other hand, if the value of the working memory number counter is less than the maximum value (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S31. In addition, in this embodiment, the number of active memories in the first special symbol, that is, the maximum number of pending memories in the first special symbol is set to four.

Step S31: The main control CPU 72 adds one to the first special symbol operation memory number. The first special symbol working storage number counter is stored, for example, in the working storage number area of the RAM 76, and the main control CPU 72 increments (+1) its value. Based on the value of the counter added here, the lighting state of the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a is controlled in the display output management process (step S210 in FIG. 9).

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

Step S33: Next, the main control CPU 72 acquires the jackpot symbol random number value corresponding to the first special symbol from the jackpot symbol random number counter area of the RAM 76. This random number value is also acquired by specifying the address of the jackpot symbol random number counter area. When the main control CPU 72 reads the jackpot symbol random number from the designated address, it saves this as the jackpot symbol random number corresponding to the first special symbol at the transfer destination address.

Step S34: Further, the main control CPU 72 sequentially acquires a reach determination random number and a fluctuation pattern determination random number from the fluctuation random number counter area of the RAM 76 as random values regarding the fluctuation conditions of the first special symbol (fluctuation pattern determination element acquisition means). Acquisition of these random numbers is similarly performed by specifying the address of the variable random number counter area. When the main control CPU 72 obtains the reach determination random number and the fluctuation pattern determination random number from the specified address, the main control CPU 72 saves them at the transfer destination address.

Step S35: The main control CPU 72 transfers the saved jackpot determination random number, jackpot symbol random number, reach determination random number, and fluctuation pattern determination random number to the random number storage area corresponding to the first special symbol, and transfers these random numbers to an empty section in the area. (storage means, lottery element storage means). The plurality of sections are set in order (for example, first to fourth), and if all the first to fourth sections are empty at this stage, each random number is stored in order from the first section. Alternatively, if the first section is already filled and the other second to fourth sections are empty, each random number is stored in order from the second section. Note that the random number storage area is read in a FIFO (First In First Out) format.

Step S38: Next, the main control CPU 72 sets a production command when the number of working memories increases regarding the first special symbol. Specifically, a 1-word long value is obtained by adding the increased number of working memories (for example, "01H" to "04H") to the lower byte of the preceding value of the upper byte that indicates the type of command (for example, "BBH"). Generate production commands. At this time, the second digit of the lower byte is set to "0" by default, thereby indicating that the value is "a result (change information) of an increase in the number of working memories." In other words, if the lower byte is "01H", this means that the current number of working memories is "01H" as a result of increasing by one from the previous number of working memories "00H". Similarly, if the lower byte is "02H" to "04H", it means that the previous working memory number was increased by one from "01H" to "03H", and the current working memory number is "02H" to "03H". 04H". Note that the preceding value "BBH" is a value indicating that the current production command is a working memory number command for the first special symbol.

Step S39: Then, the main control CPU72 executes the production command output setting process regarding the first special symbol. This process is for transmitting the performance command when the number of working memories increases, generated in step S38, to the performance control device 124 (memory number notification means).

When the above procedure is completed or the first special symbol operation memory number has reached 4 (step S30: No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the switch input event process (FIG. 10).

[Second special symbol memory update process]
Next, FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the second special symbol storage update process (step S16 in FIG. 10). Hereinafter, the procedure of the second special symbol storage update process will be explained in order.

Step S40: The main control CPU 72 refers to the value of the second special symbol working memory number counter and confirms whether the working memory number is less than the maximum value. Similarly to the above, the second special symbol working storage number counter represents the number (number of sets) of jackpot determination random numbers, jackpot symbol random numbers, etc. stored in the random number storage area of the RAM 76. At this time, if the value of the second special symbol operation memory number counter has reached the maximum value (for example, 4) (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the switch input event process (FIG. 10). On the other hand, if the value of the second special symbol operation storage number counter is still less than the maximum value (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S41 and thereafter. In addition, in this embodiment, the number of active memories in the second special symbol, that is, the maximum number of pending memories in the second special symbol is set to three.

Step S41: The main control CPU 72 adds one to the second special symbol working memory number (increments the value of the second special symbol working memory number counter). Similar to the previous step S31 (FIG. 11), the lighting state of the second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a is controlled in the display output management process (step S210 in FIG. 9) based on the value of the counter added here. That will happen.

Step S42: Then, the main control CPU 72 acquires the jackpot determination random value corresponding to the second special symbol from the random number generator 75 through the sampling circuit 77 (acquisition of second lottery element, lottery element acquisition means). The method of acquiring the random value is the same as that in step S32 (FIG. 11) described above.

Step S43: Next, the main control CPU 72 acquires the jackpot symbol random number value corresponding to the second special symbol from the jackpot symbol random number counter area of the RAM 76. The method for acquiring the random number value is the same as that in step S33 (FIG. 11) described above.

Step S44: Further, the main control CPU 72 sequentially acquires the reach determination random number and the fluctuation pattern determination random number regarding the fluctuation condition of the second special symbol from the fluctuation random number counter area of the RAM 76 (fluctuation pattern determining element acquisition means). Obtaining these random numbers is also performed in the same manner as step S34 (FIG. 11) described above.

Step S45: The main control CPU 72 transfers the saved jackpot determination random number, jackpot symbol random number, reach determination random number, and fluctuation pattern determination random number to the random number storage area corresponding to the second special symbol, and transfers these random numbers to an empty section in the area. (memory means). The storage method is similar to step S35 (FIG. 11) described above.

Step S48: Next, the main control CPU 72 sets a production command when the number of working memories increases regarding the second special symbol. Here, a 1-word long production command is created by adding the increased number of working memories (for example, "01H" to "04H") to the lower byte of the preceding value (for example, "BCH") of the upper byte that indicates the type of command. generate. Similarly, for the second special symbol, by setting the second digit of the lower byte to "0" by default, it is possible to indicate that the value is "a result of an increase in the number of working memories (change information)". can. The preceding value "BCH" is a value indicating that the current performance command is a working memory number command for the second special symbol.

Step S49: Then, the main control CPU 72 executes the production command output setting process regarding the second special symbol. As a result, preparations are made for transmitting an effect command and the like when the number of working memory increases regarding the second special symbol to the effect control device 124 (memory number notification means). Furthermore, upon completion of the above procedure, the main control CPU 72 returns to switch input event processing (FIG. 10).

[Special symbol game processing]
Next, details of the special symbol game process executed in the interrupt management process (FIG. 9) will be explained. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the configuration of the special symbol game process. The special symbol game processing includes execution selection processing (step S1000), special symbol variation pre-processing (step S2000), special symbol variation processing (step S3000), special symbol stop display processing (step S4000), and variable winning device management processing. The configuration includes a subroutine (program module) group of (step S5000). Here, first, the basic flow of the special symbol game process will be explained along with each process.

Step S1000: In the execution selection process, the main control CPU 72 selects the jump destination of the process to be executed next (any of steps S2000 to S5000) from the "jump table". For example, the main control CPU 72 sets the program address of the process to be executed next as the jump destination address, and also sets the end of the special symbol game process in the stack pointer as the return destination address.

Which process is selected as the next jump destination depends on the progress of the processes performed so far (special symbol game management status). For example, if the special symbol has not yet started variable display (special symbol game management status: 00H), the main control CPU 72 selects the special symbol variation pre-processing (step S2000) as the next jump destination. On the other hand, if the special symbol variation pre-processing has already been completed (special symbol game management status: 01H), the main control CPU 72 selects the special symbol variation processing (step S3000) as the next jump destination, and selects the special symbol variation processing (step S3000). If the process has been completed (special symbol game management status: 02H), the special symbol stop display process (step S4000) is selected as the next jump destination. In addition, in this embodiment, a process is selected by specifying a jump destination address in a "jump table", but apart from such a selection method, a "process flag" or a "process selection flag" etc. are used to select a process. There are also known programming examples where the CPU selects the next process to execute. In such a programming example, the CPU calls each process, and in the first step, refers to each flag and performs a conditional branch (continuation/return). However, in the selection method of this embodiment, the main control There is no need for the CPU 72 to call each process one by one.

Step S2000: In the special symbol variation preprocessing, the main control CPU 72 performs work to prepare conditions for starting variable display of the special symbol. Note that the specific contents of the process will be described later using another flowchart.

Step S3000: In the special symbol variation process, the main control CPU 72 performs drive control of the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35 while counting the variation timer. Specifically, an ON or OFF drive signal (1 byte data) is output for each segment and dot (numbers 0 to 7) of the 7-segment LED. The pattern of the drive signal changes with the passage of time, and thereby the special symbol is displayed in a variable manner.

Step S4000: In the special symbol stop display process, the main control CPU 72 performs drive control of the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35. Similarly, an ON or OFF drive signal is outputted to each segment and dot of the 7-segment LED, but the pattern of the drive signal is constant, and thereby the special symbol is displayed in a stopped state.

Step S5000: The variable winning device management process is selected when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a winning mode (a mode other than non-winning mode) in the previous special symbol stop display process. Note that a jackpot game or a small win game is started depending on the manner in which the special symbols are stopped and displayed.

[Jackpot game]
For example, when the special symbols are stopped and displayed in a two-round jackpot mode, an opportunity occurs to shift from the normal state to a jackpot game state (a special game state advantageous to the player). During the jackpot game, the jump destination is set to the variable winning device management process in the previous execution selection process (step S1000), and the variable display of special symbols is not performed. In the variable winning device management process, the big winning opening solenoid 89 is energized for a predetermined period of time (for example, 29 seconds or until counting 10 winnings) for a preset number of consecutive operations (for example, 2 times). The winning device 30 opens and closes in a predetermined pattern (continuous operation of special electric accessories). During this period, the player is given an opportunity to win a large number of prize balls at once by making the variable prize winning device 30 win the game balls intensively (special game execution means). In addition, the opening and closing operations of the variable winning device 30 at the time of a jackpot are called a "round", and if the number of consecutive operations is two in total, these may be collectively referred to as "2 rounds", and the number of consecutive operations is If the number of consecutive operations is 1 in total, these may be collectively referred to as "1 round", and if the number of consecutive operations is 10 times in total, these may be collectively referred to as "10 rounds".

In addition, when the main control CPU 72 sets the big winning opening opening pattern (number of rounds, number of opening/closing operations per round, opening time, etc.) in the variable winning device management process, the main control CPU 72 controls the opening/closing operation of the variable winning device 30 for one round. Each time the round is completed, the value of the round number counter is incremented by 1. The value of the round number counter is stored in the count area of the RAM 76, for example, with an initial value of 0. The main control CPU 72 also generates a round number command representing the value of the round number counter. The round number command is transmitted to the production control device 124 in production control output processing (step S212 in FIG. 9). When the value of the round number counter reaches the set number of consecutive operations, the main control CPU 72 ends the jackpot game (big win) for that round.

Then, when the jackpot game ends, the main control CPU 72 changes the state (time saving state) after the jackpot game ends based on the game state flag (time saving flag) (time saving state transition means). In the "time saving state", the time saving function is activated, and the fluctuation time of the normal symbols is shortened, and the opening time of the variable start prize winning device 28 is extended to increase the number of openings (so-called electric chew support is performed).

[Small winning game]
Further, in this embodiment, a small win is provided as a winning type other than non-winning (losing). When a small win is won, a small win game is performed separately from the jackpot game, and the variable winning device 30 opens and closes (special game execution means). For example, when a special symbol is stopped and displayed in a small win mode, an opportunity occurs to shift from the normal state to a small win state (a special game state advantageous to the player). During a small hit, the jump destination is set to the variable winning device management process in the previous execution selection process (step S1000), and the special symbol is not displayed in a variable manner. In the variable winning device management process, the big winning opening solenoid 89 is energized for a preset number of times (for example, 10 times) until it counts 10 winnings for a certain period of time (for example, 29 seconds), and thereby the variable winning opening The device 30 opens and closes in a predetermined pattern (operation of special electric accessories). During this period, the player is given an opportunity to win a certain amount of prize balls by intensively placing game balls into the variable winning device 30 (special game execution means).

In addition, in the variable winning device management process during the small winning, when the game ball that enters the variable winning device 30 passes through the specific area 30d, the player is given an opportunity to start a jackpot game. That is, it is determined whether or not to start the jackpot game depending on whether the game ball passes through the specific area 30d during the small hit.

In addition, if the small winning game ends without the game ball passing through the specific area 30d, the "time saving function" will not be activated again, so the benefit of shifting to the "time saving state" will not be granted ( (This is not a prerequisite for this.) (Except when the upper limit has been reached.)

[Multiple winning types]
In this embodiment, in addition to the above-mentioned "2 round jackpot", "10 round small win" is provided as a plurality of winning types. These jackpots are started when the special symbols are stopped and displayed in a jackpot mode, and also when the special symbols are stopped and displayed in a small win mode and the game ball passes through the specific area 30d during the small win. Sometimes. If a jackpot is started when the game ball passes through the specific area 30d during a small hit, the number of rounds is counted with the small hit as the first round.

The above-mentioned "2nd round jackpot" corresponds to the type of the first special symbol or the second special symbol that is stopped and displayed at the time of winning. Therefore, hereinafter, the "winning type" will be appropriately referred to as the "winning symbol."

[2nd round jackpot symbol]
In the above-mentioned special symbol stop display process, when the first special symbol is stopped and displayed in the form of "2 round symbol", an opportunity to shift from the normal state to the jackpot game state occurs (special game execution means ). In this case, the big prize opening 30b is opened one by one over a sufficiently long time (for example, a maximum opening time of 29.0 seconds) from the first round, and this continues until the second round (final round). . In this winning game, it is possible to award balls (prize balls) for two rounds to the player (specific value special game). In addition, when a specified number of wins (for example, 10 times = 10 game balls) occur within one round, the big winning hole 30b is closed without waiting for the longest opening time to elapse. Then, by activating, for example, the "time saving function" after the end of the jackpot game, the player is given the privilege of shifting to the "time saving state" as a result.

[2nd round jackpot symbol]
In the above special symbol stop display process, when the second special symbol is stopped and displayed in the "2 round symbol" mode, an opportunity to shift from the normal state to the jackpot game state occurs (special game execution means ). In this case, the grand prize opening 30b is opened once in a short time (for example, 0.2 second opening time) during which it is difficult to win the game ball. In this winning game, it is possible to award two rounds worth of balls (prize balls) to the player, but since the opening time of the big prize opening 30b is short, it is rare to get the prize balls. Furthermore, when a specified number of wins (for example, 10 times = 10 game balls) occur within two rounds, the big winning opening 30b is closed without waiting for the longest opening time to elapse. Then, by activating, for example, the "time saving function" after the end of the jackpot game, the player is given the privilege of shifting to the "time saving state" as a result.

[10 rounds small winning pattern]
In the above special symbol stop display process, when the second special symbol is stopped and displayed in the form of "10 round small winning symbol", an opportunity to shift from the normal state to the small winning state occurs. Then, when the game ball passes through the specific area 30d during a small hit, an opportunity to shift from the small hit to the jackpot game state occurs. Starting from the second round, the big prize openings are opened one by one over a sufficiently long time (for example, a maximum opening time of 29.0 seconds), and this continues until the 10th round (the final round). This jackpot game of "10 round small winning symbols" allows players to receive balls (prize balls) for 10 rounds (specific value special game). Furthermore, when a specified number of wins (for example, 10 times = 10 game balls) occur within one round, the big winning opening is closed without waiting for the longest opening time to elapse.

In this embodiment, the player is given a privilege to shift the internal state to the "time saving state" after the end of the jackpot game, depending on the type of symbol. Furthermore, when a game ball passes through the specific area 30d during a small win and a jackpot game is started, the player is given a privilege to shift the internal state to a "time saving state" after the jackpot game ends. In addition, if you win a small hit in the internal lottery in the "time saving state" and the game ball passes through the specific area 30d during the small winning and the jackpot game starts, the "time saving state" will continue even after the jackpot game ends ( resumed).

In addition, in this embodiment, the second special symbol has a higher small hit probability than the first special symbol, but the second special symbol allows the game ball to pass through the specific area 30d more than the first special symbol. It is also possible to adopt a configuration other than this embodiment, such as making it easier to win or winning a small hit only with the second special symbol, so that the advantage regarding the small win is different between the first special symbol and the second special symbol. It is.

[Special symbol variation pre-processing]
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of special symbol variation pre-processing. Each step will be explained below.

Step S2100: First, the main control CPU 72 checks whether the first special symbol working memory number or the second special symbol working memory number remains (greater than 0). This confirmation can be performed by referring to the value of the working memory number counter stored in the RAM 76. When the number of working memories of both the first special symbol and the second special symbol is 0 (No), the main control CPU 72 executes the demonstration setting process of step S2500.

Step S2500: In this process, the main control CPU 72 generates a command for demonstration production. The demonstration production command is output to the production control device 124 in the production control output process (step S212 in FIG. 9). When the demonstration setting process is executed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol game process. Note that when returning, it returns to the last address as described above (the same applies thereafter).

On the other hand, if the value of the working memory number counter for either the first special symbol or the second special symbol is greater than 0 (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S2200.

Step S2200: The main control CPU72 executes special symbol storage area shift processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 selects one of the lottery random numbers (jackpot determination random number, jackpot symbol random number, first special symbol variation random number) stored in the random number storage area of the RAM 76 that corresponds to the second special symbol. is read out preferentially. At this time, if random numbers are stored in two or more sections (only the first special symbol is applicable), the main control CPU 72 reads out the random numbers in order from the first section, erases (consumes) them, and then converts the remaining random numbers into 1 Move (shift) to the previous section one by one. The read random numbers are stored, for example, in another temporary storage area. If the random number corresponding to the second special symbol is not stored, the main control CPU 72 reads the random number corresponding to the first special symbol and stores it in a temporary storage area. Each random number stored in the temporary storage area is used for internal lottery in the next jackpot determination process. As a result, in this embodiment, the variable display of the second special symbol is performed with priority over the first special symbol. It should be noted that the program may be such that the random numbers are simply read out in the order in which they were stored, without providing such a priority order for each special symbol. In addition, in this process, the main control CPU 72 subtracts the value of the working memory number counter (the first special symbol or the second special symbol, whichever has undergone the random number shift) stored in the RAM 76 by one; Set the latter value as the "number of working memories at the start of fluctuation." As a result, the display mode of the number of memories stored by the first special symbol working memory lamp 34a or the second special symbol working memory lamp 35a changes (decreases by 1) in the above display output management process (step S210 in FIG. 9). . After completing the steps up to this point, the main control CPU 72 next executes step S2300.

[Special symbol storage area shift processing]
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the above special symbol storage area shift process. In the previous special symbol variation preprocessing, if the value of the working memory counter corresponding to the first special symbol or the second special symbol is greater than "0" (step S2100 in FIG. 14: Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes this special symbol storage area shift process. Each step will be explained below.

Step S2210: The main control CPU 72 checks whether the oldest one among the current working memories corresponds to the first special symbol. That is, when accessing the storage area of the RAM 76, if the oldest working memory does not correspond to the first special symbol but corresponds to the second special symbol (No), the main control CPU 72 The process advances to step S2212.

Step S2212: The main control CPU 72 specifies the second special symbol as the special symbol whose storage area is to be shifted. This designation is performed, for example, by setting "02H" as the target symbol designation value.

Step S2214: On the other hand, if the oldest working memory corresponds to the first special symbol (Step S2210: Yes), the main control CPU 72 specifies the first special symbol as the special symbol to which the storage area is to be shifted. . The designation in this case is performed, for example, by setting "01H" as the target symbol designation value.

Step S2216: The main control CPU 72 shifts the random number storage area of the RAM 76 for the target special symbol specified in either step S2212 or step S2214. In addition, the specific contents of the process are as already described in the previous special symbol variation pre-process.

Step S2218: Next, the main control CPU 72 subtracts the value of the working memory counter for the target special symbol. For example, if the object to which the current storage area is to be shifted is the second special symbol, the main control CPU 72 subtracts (-1) the value of the working memory counter corresponding to the second special symbol.

Step S2220: Then, the main control CPU 72 sets the "number of working memories at the start of variation" from the value of the working memory counter after the subtraction. Incidentally, here, for both the first special symbol and the second special symbol, the value of the working memory counter may be added and then the "number of working memories at the start of variation" may be set.

Step S2222: The main control CPU 72 also checks whether the special symbol to which the current storage area is to be shifted is the second special symbol.

Step S2224: If the target is the second special symbol (Step S2222: Yes), the main control CPU 72 sets a performance command when the number of working memories decreases regarding the second special symbol. The effect command set here is also generated as a one-word long command, but its structure is in contrast to the above-mentioned "effect command when the number of working memories increases." In other words, the command when the number of working memories decreases has a value of the lower byte representing the number of working memories after the decrease (for example, "00H" to "03H") for the preceding value of the upper byte representing the command type (for example, "BCH"). "), and the value of the lower byte is further added (logical summed) with an additional value (for example, "10H") that means "reduction in the number of working memories due to consumption". Therefore, for the lower byte, by ORing the added value "10H", the second digit becomes "1", and this value represents "the result (change information) due to a decrease in the number of working memories". Become something. In other words, if the lower byte of the command is "13H", it means that the previous working memory number "4" (command notation is "14H") has been decreased by one, and the current working memory number is "3" (command notation is "14H"). The notation is "13H"). Similarly, if the lower byte is "12H" to "10H", this is the result of each of the previous working memory numbers "3" to "1" (command notation is "13H" to "11H") reduced by one. , indicates that the current working memory number is "2" to "0" (command notation is "12H" to "10H"). Note that the preceding value "BCH" is a value indicating that the current performance command is a working memory number command for the second special symbol.

Step S2226: If the current target is the first special symbol (Step S2222: No), the main control CPU 72 sets a performance command when the number of working memories decreases regarding the first special symbol. The command in this case is the same as above except that the preceding value is a value representing that it is a working memory number command for the first special symbol (for example, "BBH").

Step S2228: Then, the main control CPU 72 executes production command output processing. This process is for transmitting the production command when the number of working memories decreases set in the previous step S2224 or step S2226 to the production control device 124 (memory number notification means).
After completing the above procedure, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol variation preprocessing (FIG. 14).

[See Figure 14: Special symbol variation pre-processing]
Step S2300: The main control CPU 72 executes a jackpot determination process (internal lottery). In this process, the main control CPU 72 first sets a range of jackpot values, and determines whether the read random value is included within this range (internal lottery execution means). If the random number value read at this time is included in the range of the jackpot value, the main control CPU 72 sets the jackpot flag (01H) and then proceeds to step S2400.

If the above-mentioned jackpot flag is not set, the main control CPU 72 next sets a range of small winning values in the same jackpot determination process, and determines whether or not the read random value is included within this range (execution of lottery). means). The "small hit" here refers to anything other than non-winning (losing), but has a different nature from the "big hit". That is, a "big hit" generates an opportunity (a turning point in the game) to shift to the above-mentioned "time saving state", but a "small hit" does not generate such an opportunity. A "small win" is positioned as something that satisfies the condition for operating only the variable prize winning device 30 (the condition for operating the conditional device is not satisfied). Furthermore, if the game ball passes through the specific area 30d during a "small hit", it is positioned as a development of a "big win" (the conditions for operating the conditional device are met). In any case, if the read random value is within the range of the small winning value, the main control CPU 72 sets the small winning flag and then proceeds to step S2400. In this way, in this embodiment, the range of the jackpot value and the small win value is predefined in the program as the winning range other than non-winning. A jackpot determination may be made by writing each of these into the ROM 74, reading them out, and comparing them with random numbers.

Here, as a specific example, in this embodiment, in the internal lottery of special symbols, if the special symbol is the first special symbol, the probability of winning the jackpot is set to about 1/319, and the probability of winning the small jackpot is set to about 1/319. The probability is set to about 1/500. Furthermore, in the case of the second special symbol, the probability of winning the jackpot is set to about 1/319, and the probability of winning the small jackpot is set to about 1/1. Therefore, when the internal lottery regarding the second special symbol is executed, it means that a small win will almost always be won. In order to satisfy these jackpot winning probabilities and small winning winning probabilities, the range of jackpot values and the range of small winning values are set by the main control CPU 72 and compared with the read random number values. Note that the probability of winning a small hit for the first special symbol may be set to 0, and only the second special symbol may be awarded a small win.

Step S2400: The main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the value (01H) has been set to the jackpot flag in the previous jackpot determination process. If the value (01H) is not set in the jackpot flag (No), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S2402.

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

Step S2404: The main control CPU 72 executes a stop symbol determination process on miss. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sets the stop symbol number data when the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35 misses. In addition, the main control CPU 72 generates a stop symbol command and a lottery result command (when losing) to be transmitted to the production control device 124. These commands are transmitted to the production control device 124 in production control output processing (step S212 in FIG. 9).

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

Step S2405: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes off-time variation pattern determination processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines by lottery the variation pattern number at the time of a miss for the special symbol (variation pattern selection means). The variation pattern number distinguishes the type (pattern) of the variation display of the special symbol and corresponds to the variation time required for the variation display.

Here, the variation time at the time of a miss is the "number of operating memories at the start of variation display (0 to 3)" set in step S2200, for example, except when performing a variation to execute a reach effect. (For example, the number of working memories at the start of variable display is 0 → about 12.5 seconds, the number of working memories at the start of variable display is 1 → about 8 seconds, the number of working memories at the start of variable display is 2 number → about 5 seconds, number of working memory at the start of variable display is 3 → about 2.5 seconds). Note that the stop display time of the symbol at the time of miss is constant (for example, about 0.5 seconds) regardless of the variation pattern. The main control CPU 72 sets the value of the determined fluctuation time (when it misses) in the fluctuation timer, and also sets the value of the stop display time when it misses on the stop symbol display timer.

In the present embodiment, if the result of an internal lottery using a special symbol is non-winning, control is performed such that, for example, a "reach effect" is generated and the result is a loss, or a "reach effect" is not generated and the result is a loss. We are planning to do this. In the "losing time variation pattern selection table", variation patterns corresponding to multiple types of effects, such as "non-reach effects" and "reach effects" are defined in advance, and if it falls under non-winning, the One of the fluctuation patterns will be selected from among them. Note that the reach performance includes various reach performances such as normal reach performance, long reach performance, and super reach performance.

The above steps S2404 and S2405 are control procedures when the jackpot determination result is a loss (other than non-winning), but when the determination result is a jackpot (step S2400: Yes) or a small hit (step S2402: Yes) , the main control CPU 72 executes the following procedure. First, the case of jackpot will be explained.

Step S2410: The main control CPU 72 executes a jackpot stop symbol determination process (winning type determining means). In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the type of the current winning symbol (the jackpot stop symbol number) for each special symbol (first special symbol or second special symbol) based on the jackpot symbol random number. The relationship between the jackpot symbol random number value and the type of winning symbol is defined in advance in a special symbol determination data table (winning type defining means). Therefore, the main control CPU 72 can refer to the jackpot stop symbol selection table in the jackpot stop symbol determination process and determine the type of winning symbol based on the jackpot symbol random number from the stored contents.

[Winning symbol at jackpot]
In this embodiment, there are roughly two types of winning symbols that are selectively determined at the time of a jackpot. The breakdown of the two types is the "1st winning symbol" and the "2nd winning symbol." If the type of special symbol is the 1st special symbol, the winning type is determined to be the "1st winning symbol," and the special symbol If the type is the second special symbol, the winning type is determined to be the "second winning symbol."

Further, the first winning symbol includes a "2nd round jackpot symbol", and the second winning symbol includes a "2nd round jackpot symbol". In this embodiment, the winning symbols selected at the time of jackpot are stored in the RAM 76.

[Special symbol jackpot stop symbol selection table]
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the configuration columns of the special symbol jackpot stop symbol selection table.

As shown in FIG. 16(a), when the current jackpot result corresponds to the first special symbol, the main control CPU 72 performs a selection lottery based on the jackpot symbol random number, and selects the first special symbol jackpot stop symbol selection table. Selectively determine the winning symbols shown in the figure. Further, in the first special symbol jackpot stop symbol selection table, for example, 2-byte command data is defined as a stop symbol command at the time of winning, as shown in the third column from the left. The stop symbol command is written as a combination of MODE value and EVENT value, for example, and the MODE value "B1H" in the upper byte indicates that the current winning symbol was selected when the first special symbol hit the jackpot. represents. Further, the EVENT value "01H" in the lower byte represents the type of the corresponding winning symbol in the selection table.

If the result of this jackpot corresponds to the first special symbol and the "2nd round jackpot symbol" is selected as the winning symbol, the stop symbol command at the time of winning will be written as "B1H01H". Become. Further, in this embodiment, the number of determination values is distributed so that when a jackpot is won, the percentage of "2 round jackpot symbols" selected is 100%.

In addition, if the "2 round jackpot symbol" is selected, the conditions for ending the time saving state are that the total number of changes of special pattern 1 and number of changes of special pattern 2 is 108 times, and the number of changes of special pattern 2 is 100 times. Until one of these is reached.

As shown in FIG. 16(b), when the current jackpot result corresponds to the second special symbol, the main control CPU 72 performs a selection lottery based on the jackpot symbol random number, and uses the second special symbol jackpot stop symbol selection table. Selectively determine the winning symbols shown in the figure. Similarly, in the second special symbol jackpot stop symbol selection table, for example, 2-byte command data is defined as a stop symbol command at the time of winning, as shown in the third column from the left. Here too, the stop symbol command is written as a combination of the above MODE value - EVENT value, and among these, the MODE value "B2H" in the upper byte is the one selected when the current winning symbol was a jackpot of the second special symbol. It represents that. Further, the EVENT value "01H" in the lower byte represents the type of the corresponding winning symbol in the selection table.

If the result of the current jackpot corresponds to the second special symbol, the "2nd round jackpot symbol" is selected as the winning symbol, and the stop symbol command is written as "B2H01H".

Further, when the "2nd round jackpot symbol" is selected, time saving state C is selected as the time saving state. Therefore, the condition for ending the time saving state is until the total number of variations of special figure 1 and number of variations of special figure 2 reaches either 10008 times or the number of variations of special figure 2 reaches 10000 times.

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

[See Figure 14: Special symbol variation pre-processing]
Step S2412: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a jackpot fluctuation pattern determination process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the fluctuation pattern (fluctuation time and stop display time) of the first special symbol or the second special symbol by lottery based on the fluctuation pattern determination random number shifted in the previous step S2200. Further, the main control CPU 72 sets the determined variable time value in the variable timer, and also sets the value of the stop display time in the stop symbol display timer. Generally, in the case of jackpot reach variation, a longer variation time is determined than in the case of a miss.

In this embodiment, when a jackpot is determined as a result of the internal lottery, control is performed to generate, for example, a "reach effect" on the presentation to make it a jackpot. In the "Jackpot Time Variation Pattern Selection Table", variation patterns corresponding to multiple types of "reach effects" are defined, and when a jackpot occurs, one of the variation patterns is selected from among them. It turns out. Note that the reach performance includes various reach performances such as a normal reach performance, a long reach performance, and a special reach performance. In addition, when winning with the time reduction function activated, a variation pattern with a short variation time (a variation pattern that does not perform a reach effect) is selected instead of a variation pattern with a long variation time. .

A full rotation reach pattern is set as a selectable variation pattern in case of a jackpot. Full rotation reach pattern is pseudo fluctuation 1 from when the symbol starts to fluctuate until it temporarily stops → after pseudo fluctuation 1, from when the symbol starts to fluctuate again until it temporarily stops → pseudo fluctuation 2 → after pseudo fluctuation 2, the symbol It consists of a pseudo variation 3 from when the symbol starts to fluctuate again until it temporarily stops, followed by a pseudo variation 4 from when the symbol starts to fluctuate again until it stops after the pseudo fluctuation 3. Then, in pseudo variation 4, a full rotation reach effect is executed in which a variable display is performed with the effect symbols aligned, and a jackpot occurs with any combination.

Step S2414: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes jackpot and other setting processing. In this process, the value (01H) of the time-saving flag corresponding to time-saving states A to C is stored in the flag area of the RAM 76 as a gaming state flag corresponding to the winning symbol type (big hit stop symbol number) determined in step S2410. (time saving state transition means, time saving function activation means).

In addition, in the process of step S2414, the main control CPU 72 determines the display mode of the stop symbols (jackpot symbols) by the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35 based on the jackpot symbol number. In addition, the main control CPU 72 generates a lottery result command (at the time of jackpot) as well as the above-mentioned stop symbol command (at the time of jackpot). These stop symbol commands and lottery result commands are also transmitted to the production control device 124 in the production control output process.

Next, the process when a small hit occurs will be explained.

Step S2407: The main control CPU 72 executes a small hit stop symbol determination process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the type of winning symbol at the time of a small hit (the symbol number that stops at the time of a small hit) based on the jackpot symbol random number. Similarly here, the relationship between the jackpot symbol random number value and the type of winning symbol at the time of a small hit is predefined in the small hit stop symbol selection table (winning type specifying means). In this embodiment, in order to reduce the load on the main control CPU 72, the jackpot symbol random number is used to determine the winning symbol at the time of the small hit, but a separate dedicated random number may be used.

[Winning symbol at small hit]
In this embodiment, the winning symbol selectively determined at the time of small hit is only the "second winning symbol".

The second winning symbol includes a "10 round small winning symbol". In this embodiment, the winning symbol selected at the time of small hit is stored in the RAM 76.

[Stop symbol selection table for small hit]
FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the configuration columns of the small hit stop symbol selection table. The main control CPU 72 determines the type of winning symbol by referring to the small hit stop symbol selection table (winning type defining means) shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 17, as a result of the current small win, the second special symbol is determined to be the "10 round small win symbol". In the special symbol small hit stop symbol selection table, for example, 2-byte command data is defined as a stop symbol command at the time of winning, as shown in the third column from the left. Here too, the stop symbol command is written as a combination of the above MODE value - EVENT value, and among these, the MODE values of the upper byte "B1H" and "B2H" mean that the winning symbol this time is the 1st special symbol, the 2nd special symbol, etc. This indicates that the special symbol was selected when a small hit was made. Further, the EVENT value "01H" of the lower byte each represents the type of the corresponding winning symbol in the selection table.

As a result of the current small hit, if the "10 round small winning symbol" is selected as the winning symbol, the stop symbol command will be written as "B2H02H".

In addition, when "10 round small winning symbol" is selected, the conditions for ending the time saving state are that the total number of fluctuations of special pattern 1 and special pattern 2 is 108 times, and the number of fluctuations of special pattern 2 is 108 times. Until one of the times is reached.

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

[See Figure 14: Special symbol variation pre-processing]
Step S2408: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a small hit fluctuation pattern determination process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the fluctuation pattern (fluctuation time and stop display time) of the first special symbol or the second special symbol by lottery based on the fluctuation pattern determination random number shifted in the previous step S2200 (fluctuation pattern selection means). Further, the main control CPU 72 sets the determined value of the fluctuation time in the fluctuation timer, and sets the value of the stop display time in the stop symbol display timer.

In this embodiment, when a small win is determined as a result of the internal lottery, control is performed to generate, for example, a "reach effect" as a small win. In the "Small hit fluctuation pattern selection table", fluctuation patterns corresponding to multiple types of "reach effects" are defined, and if it corresponds to a small hit, one of the fluctuation patterns is selected from among them. will be done. Note that the reach performance includes various reach performances such as a normal reach performance, a long reach performance, and a special reach performance. In addition, when winning with the time reduction function activated, a variation pattern with a short variation time (a variation pattern that does not perform a reach effect) is selected instead of a variation pattern with a long variation time. .

Step S2409: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a small hit and other setting process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the display mode of the stopped symbols (small winning symbols) by the second special symbol display device 35 based on the small winning stop symbol number. In addition, the main control CPU 72 generates a stop symbol command and a lottery result command (at the time of a small hit) to be transmitted to the production control device 124. These stop symbol commands and lottery result commands are also transmitted to the production control device 124 in the production control output process.

Step S2415: Next, the main control CPU72 executes special symbol variation start processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 selects variation pattern data based on the variation pattern number (miss/hit). At the same time, the main control CPU 72 sets a special symbol variation start flag in the flag area of the RAM 76. Further, when the value of the time saving flag (01H) is set, processing according to the time saving state is executed. Then, the main control CPU 72 generates a special symbol variation start command to be sent to the production control device 124. The special figure variation start command is a command that can specify the variation pattern determined in step S2405, step S2408, and step S2412. This special symbol variation start command is also transmitted to the production control device 124 in the production control output process described above. After completing the above procedure, the main control CPU 72 sets the special symbol variation processing (step S3000) as the next jump destination, and returns to the special symbol game processing.

Step S2416: The main control CPU 72 executes the number-of-times counter value management process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 executes a process of updating the value of the number-of-times counter value. Specifically, the process shown in FIG. 18 is performed. In FIG. 18, the main control CPU 72 resets the time saving flag when the number of times the special symbol is displayed in a variable manner in the time saving state reaches a specified number of times. Therefore, in the final change of the time saving state, the time saving state ends before the special symbol starts changing. Moreover, such processing may be executed during special symbol stop display processing.

[Figure 13: Special symbol fluctuation processing, special symbol stop display processing]
In the special symbol fluctuation process, as described above, the main control CPU 72 loads the value of the fluctuation timer from the register to the timer counter, and then loads the timer value according to the passage of time (the number of clock pulses or the value of the interrupt counter). Decrement the value of the counter. Then, the main control CPU 72 controls the variable display of the special symbols as described above while referring to the value of the timer counter until the value becomes 0. Then, when the value of the timer counter becomes 0, the main control CPU 72 sets the special symbol stop display processing (step S4000) as the next jump destination.

In the special symbol stop display process, the main control CPU 72 controls the stop display of the special symbol based on the stop symbol determined in the stop symbol determination process (steps S2404, S2407, and S2410 in FIG. 14). In addition, the main control CPU 72 generates a symbol stop command to be sent to the production control device 124. The symbol stop command is sent to the production control device 124 in the production control output process described above. When the stopped symbols are displayed for a predetermined period of time during the special symbol stop display process, the main control CPU 72 erases the symbol changing flag.

[Counter value management process]
FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for the number-of-times counter value management process. The procedure will be explained below according to an example procedure.

Step S2420: The main control CPU 72 performs a process of loading the number-cutting counter value of the first number-cutting counter (a counter that counts the number of variations of special symbols) or the second number-cutting counter (a counter that counts the number of variations of regular symbols). Execute. The first number-cutting counter is composed of a number-cutting counter corresponding to the first special symbol and a number-cutting counter corresponding to the second special symbol. The number of fluctuations can be counted separately. The "time-cutting counter value" is set in the time-saving count area of the RAM 76 in the "time-saving state." In this embodiment, when transitioning to the "low probability time reduction state", the number cut-off counter for the high probability state is not set, and the number cut-off counter for the time reduction state is set to a predetermined value.

Step S2422: The main control CPU 72 checks whether the loaded counter value is 0 or not. At this time, if the number-cutting counter value is already 0 (Yes), the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol game process. On the other hand, if the number cutting counter value is not 0 (No), after generating a number cutting counter value command (such as a time saving number designation command), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S2424.

Step S2424: The main control CPU 72 decrements (subtracts by 1) the number-of-times counter value.

Step S2426: Then, the main control CPU 72 determines whether the subtraction result is 0 or not. As a result of the subtraction, if the value of the number cutting counter is 0 (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes step S2428. On the other hand, if the value of the number-cutting counter is not 0 (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol variation pre-processing (FIG. 14).

Step S2428: The main control CPU 72 executes a process of resetting the flag when the count cut function is activated. In this embodiment, when transitioning to the "time saving state", the number-of-time cut-off counter related to the time saving state is set to a predetermined value, so only the time saving flag is reset in this case.

When the above processing is completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol variation preprocessing (FIG. 14). Note that the number-of-times counter value management process may be executed when fluctuation is stopped.

[Special symbol stop display processing]
Next, FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of special symbol stop display processing. Each step will be explained below.

Step S4100: The main control CPU 72 subtracts the value of the stop symbol display timer (decrements by the interrupt period).

Step S4200: Then, the main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the stop display time has ended based on the value of the stop symbol display timer subtracted this time. Specifically, if the value of the stop symbol display timer is not 0 or less, the main control CPU 72 determines that the stop display time has not ended yet (No). In this case, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol game process, jumps from the execution selection process (step S1000 in FIG. 13) and repeatedly executes the special symbol stop display process in the next interrupt cycle.

On the other hand, if the value of the stop symbol display timer is 0 or less, the main control CPU 72 determines that the stop display time has ended (Yes). In this case, the main control CPU 72 next executes step S4250.

Step S4250: The main control CPU 72 generates a symbol stop command and a stop display time end command. The symbol stop command and the stop display time end command are sent to the production control device 124 in the production control output process described above. Also, the main control CPU 72 erases the symbol changing flag here. The "stop display time end command" is a command indicating that the stop display time of the special symbol has ended (elapsed).

Step S4300: Here, the main control CPU 72 checks whether the value of the jackpot flag (01H) is set. If the value of the jackpot flag (01H) is set (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S4350.

[When elected]
Step S4350: The main control CPU 72 sets the jump destination of the jump table to "variable winning device management process". Note that the main control CPU 72 executes a process of setting various functions to non-operation in this process. Specifically, the time saving function is deactivated. As a result, before the special game (big win) is started, the state is shifted to the normal state (non-time saving state).

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

[When not elected]
On the other hand, in cases other than the jackpot, the following procedure is executed.
That is, if the main control CPU 72 determines in step S4300 that the value of the jackpot flag (01H) is not set (No), then it executes step S4600.

Step S4600: The main control CPU 72 then checks whether the value of the small hit flag (01H) is set. Then, if the value of the small hit flag (01H) is not set and the win is simply a loss (No), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S4602. On the other hand, if the value of the small hit flag (01H) is set (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S4605.

Step S4602: The main control CPU 72 sets the address of the special symbol variation pre-processing (step S2000 in FIG. 13) as the jump destination address of the jump table. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S4610.

Step S4605: If the value of the small win flag (01H) is set (Step S4600: Yes), the main control CPU 72 sets the address of the variable winning device management process as the jump destination address of the jump table.

[Display output management processing]
Next, FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a configuration example of the display output management process (step S210 in FIG. 9) executed in the interrupt management process. The display output management process includes special symbol display setting processing (step S1200), normal symbol display setting processing (step S1210), status display setting processing (step S1220), working memory display setting processing (step S1230), and continuous operation count display setting. The configuration includes a subroutine group of processing (step S1240).

Of these, the special symbol display setting process (step S1200), the normal symbol display setting process (step S1210), and the working memory display setting process (step S1230) are performed on the first special symbol display device 34, the second Generates and outputs a drive signal to be applied to each LED of the special symbol display device 35, the normal symbol display device 33, the normal symbol working memory lamp 33a, the first special symbol working memory lamp 34a, and the second special symbol working memory lamp 35a. This is the process of

The status display setting process (step S1220) and the continuous operation count display setting process (step S1240) are processes for generating and outputting drive signals to be applied to each LED of the gaming status display device 38. First, in the status display setting process, the main control CPU 72 controls lighting of the time saving status display lamp 38e according to the value of the time saving flag. For example, if the time saving flag is set to a value (01H) when the power is turned on to the pachinko machine 1, the main control CPU 72 will turn on the LED corresponding to the time saving status display lamp 38e, regardless of whether the power is turned on or not. Outputs a lighting signal to the Furthermore, the main control CPU72 controls lighting of the firing position designation lamp 38f according to the special game management status. For example, when the variable winning device 30 is activated due to a jackpot game or a small win game, the main control CPU 72 outputs a lighting signal to the LED corresponding to the firing position designation lamp 38f. Further, if the value (01H) is set in the time saving flag, the main control CPU 72 outputs a lighting signal to the LED corresponding to the firing position designation lamp 38f in addition to the above-mentioned time saving status display lamp 38e. In addition, when the firing position designation lamp 38f shifts to the "time saving state" after the jackpot game, it lights up from the start of the jackpot game until the "time saving state" ends, and turns off (OFF) when the "time saving state" ends. Become.

The main control CPU 72 also controls lighting of the jackpot type display lamps 38a and 38b in the continuous operation count display setting process. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 outputs a lighting signal for either the jackpot type display lamp 38a or 38b based on the value of the above-mentioned continuous operation count status. At this time, the target for outputting the lighting signal is one of the display lamps 38a, 38b corresponding to the jackpot symbol designated by the value of the continuous operation count status. For example, if the value of the continuous operation count status specifies "2 rounds", the main control CPU 72 outputs a lighting signal to the lamp 38b representing "2 rounds (2R)". Further, if the value of the continuous operation count status specifies "1 round", the main control CPU 72 outputs a lighting signal to the lamp 38a representing "1 round (1R)".

[Variable winning device management process]
Next, details of the variable winning device management process will be explained. FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a configuration example of variable winning device management processing. The variable winning device management process includes a gaming process selection process (step S5100), a grand prize opening pattern setting process (step S5200), a grand prize opening opening/closing operation process (step S5300), a grand prize opening closing process (step S5400), and an end. The configuration includes a subroutine group of processing (step S5500).

Step S5100: In the game process selection process, the main control CPU 72 selects the jump destination of the process to be executed next (any one of steps S5200 to S5500). That is, the main control CPU 72 selects the program address of the process to be executed next from the jump table as the jump destination address, and also sets the end of the variable winning device management process in the stack pointer as the return destination address. Which process is selected as the next jump destination depends on the progress of the processes performed so far. For example, if the operation (opening/closing operation) of the variable winning device 30 has not yet started, the main control CPU 72 selects the big winning opening pattern setting process (step S5200) as the next jump destination. On the other hand, if the big winning hole opening pattern setting process has already been completed, the main control CPU 72 selects the big winning hole opening/closing operation process (step S5300) as the next jump destination, and the big winning hole opening/closing operation process is completed. If so, the big winning opening closing process (step S5400) is selected as the next jump destination. In addition, when the big winning hole opening/closing operation process and the big winning hole closing process are repeatedly executed over the set number of consecutive operations (number of rounds), the main control CPU 72 selects the end process (step S5500) as the next jump destination. . Each process will be explained in more detail below.

[Big prize opening pattern setting process]
FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the big winning opening opening pattern setting process. This process is for setting conditions such as the number of opening and closing operations of the variable winning device 30 and the time for each opening at the time of a jackpot or a small win. Each step will be explained below.

Step S5202: The main control CPU 72 checks whether the value of the jackpot flag (01H) is set. As a result of this confirmation, if the value of the jackpot flag (01H) is set (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S5203. On the other hand, if the value of the jackpot flag (01H) is not set (No), that is, if the value of the small win flag (01H) is set, the main control CPU 72 next executes step S5204.

Step S5203: The main control CPU 72 executes a jackpot opening pattern setting process. In this process, the opening pattern of the jackpot opening corresponding to the winning symbol at the time of jackpot is set based on the jackpot symbol-specific opening pattern setting table. Note that the specific contents of the process will be further described later with reference to another flowchart. The main control CPU 72 next executes step S5205.

Step S5204: The main control CPU 72 executes a large winning opening opening pattern setting process for small winning. In this process, the opening pattern of the big winning hole is set based on the opening pattern setting table for each symbol at the time of small hit. Note that the specific contents of the process will be further described later with reference to another flowchart. The main control CPU 72 next executes step S5205.

Step S5205: When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination to the big winning opening/closing operation process, and returns to the variable winning device management process.

[Big prize opening pattern setting process when hitting the jackpot]
FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for setting a pattern for opening a jackpot at the time of a jackpot. The contents will be explained below along with an example procedure.

Step S5210: The main control CPU 72 operates the condition device and accessory continuous operation device. Here, the "condition device" is a device whose operation is a necessary condition for the operation of the accessory continuous operating device, and the "accessory continuous operating device" is a device that continuously operates the variable prize winning device 30. This is a device that can This means that the variable winning device 30 will not operate in the jackpot game unless this conditional device is activated. The main control CPU 72 next executes step S5212.

Step S5212: The main control CPU 72 sets "big winning combination start (during jackpot game)" as an internal state flag for control. Further, the main control CPU 72 sets the value of the continuous operation count status according to the type of jackpot symbol. In this embodiment, a value representing "2 rounds" is set in the continuous operation count status depending on the type of jackpot symbol. The main control CPU 72 also generates a status command indicating that the jackpot is in progress. A status command indicating that the jackpot is in progress is transmitted to the production control device 124 in the production control output process described above. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5214.

Step S5214: The main control CPU 72 executes a jackpot opening pattern selection process by symbol. In this process, the main control CPU 72 refers to the opening pattern setting table for each jackpot symbol and selects an opening pattern corresponding to the type of winning symbol related to the special symbol. Here, the opening pattern represents a setting for operating the variable winning device 30, and represents, for example, settings such as the number of rounds to be executed, opening time, and interval time. The main control CPU 72 next executes step S5216.

Step S5216: The main control CPU 72 sets the operation of the variable prize winning device 30. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sets the type of variable winning device to be operated in each round (from the first round to the final round) in the variable winning device 30 during the jackpot game based on the opening pattern corresponding to the winning symbol. The main control CPU 72 next executes step S5218.

Step S5218: The main control CPU 72 sets the number of rounds to be executed. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sets the number of rounds to be executed during the jackpot game based on the opening pattern corresponding to the winning symbol. Note that in this embodiment, two rounds are set as the number of rounds to be executed. The main control CPU 72 next executes step S5220.

Step S5220: The main control CPU 72 sets a jackpot release timer. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sets the opening time (opening timer) for opening the jackpot for each round at the time of jackpot. In addition, in this embodiment, it is set for each round based on the opening time of the opening pattern corresponding to the winning symbol at the time of jackpot. For example, the opening time for opening the big prize opening is set to 29.0 seconds. Therefore, if the value of the opening timer is set to about 29.0 seconds, the opening time will be enough time to easily win the first prize opening during one opening (for example, when the firing control board The set 174 provides a time period during which 10 or more game balls are fired, preferably 6 seconds or more. The main control CPU 72 next executes step S5222.

Step S5222: The main control CPU 72 sets a jackpot interval timer. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sets a waiting time (interval timer) between rounds at the time of a jackpot. Note that in this embodiment, 1.0 seconds is set as the interval timer for the open pattern. For example, after the opening of the big prize opening between the first and second rounds is completed and the opening is temporarily closed, an interval timer of about 1.0 seconds is set. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5224.

Step S5224: The main control CPU 72 generates a continuous operation count command. The continuous operation number command can be generated based on the number of execution rounds set in the previous process (step S5218). Therefore, based on the number of execution rounds "2R" of the opening pattern corresponding to the winning symbol at the time of a jackpot, a value representing "2 rounds" is generated for the continuous operation number command. The generated continuous operation number command is sent to the production control device 124 in the production control output process described above.

After completing the above procedure, the main control CPU 72 returns to the big winning opening pattern setting process (FIG. 22).

[Big prize opening pattern setting process for small hit]
FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for setting a pattern for opening a large winning opening at the time of a small hit. The procedure will be explained below using an example procedure.

Step S5252: The main control CPU 72 sets "small winning start (small winning game in progress)" as an internal state flag for control. Further, the main control CPU 72 generates a status command indicating that a small hit is in progress. A status command representing a small hit is transmitted to the production control device 124 in the production control output process described above. The main control CPU 72 next executes step S5254.

Step S5254: The main control CPU 72 executes a small hit release pattern selection process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 refers to the small hit release pattern setting table and selects the release pattern. Here, the opening pattern represents a setting for operating the variable winning device 30, and represents, for example, settings such as the number of openings, opening time, and interval time. The main control CPU 72 next executes step S5256.

Step S5256: The main control CPU 72 sets the operation of the variable prize winning device 30. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sets the type of variable winning device to be operated during the small winning to the variable winning device 30 based on the opening pattern corresponding to the small winning. The main control CPU 72 next executes step S5258.

Step S5258: The main control CPU 72 sets the number of times of opening. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sets the number of openings to be performed during a small win based on the opening pattern corresponding to the small win. In addition, in this embodiment, one time is set as the number of openings of the opening pattern corresponding to a small hit. Main control CPU 72 next executes step S5260.

Step S5260: The main control CPU 72 sets a small hit release timer. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sets the opening time (opening timer) for each opening of the big winning hole based on the opening pattern corresponding to the small winning. In this embodiment, 0.5 seconds or 1.8 seconds is set based on the opening time of the opening pattern corresponding to the small hit. The main control CPU 72 next executes step S5262.

Step S5262: The main control CPU 72 sets a small hit interval timer. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sets the waiting time (interval timer) between openings of the big winning opening based on the opening pattern corresponding to the small winning. In addition, in this embodiment, since the number of openings of the big prize opening is one, the interval timer is not set (0.0 second is set). The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5264.

Step S5264: The main control CPU 72 sets an opening timer for the specific area 30d. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sets the opening time (opening timer) of the specific area 30d based on the opening pattern corresponding to the small hit. In this embodiment, the specific area 30d is always open, so this process is omitted.

After completing the above procedure, the main control CPU 72 returns to the big winning opening pattern setting process (FIG. 22).

[Big prize opening/closing operation processing]
FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure of the big winning opening opening/closing operation process. This process is mainly for controlling the opening/closing operation of the variable prize winning device 30. The following is a step-by-step explanation.

Step S5302: The main control CPU 72 checks whether the current internal state is "in a big role". Specifically, the main control CPU 72 accesses the flag buffer of the RAM 76, and determines whether the current internal state is "during a big win (during jackpot game)" depending on whether or not the internal state flag for control is set. Check to see if it is currently in a major role. In addition, the flag "during a big win (during a jackpot game)" is set by the main control CPU 72 during the previous process (during the jackpot opening pattern setting process: step S5212) or during the process when passing through a specific area, which will be described later. . As a result of this confirmation, if the current internal state is "in a big role" (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S5306. On the other hand, if the current internal state is not "big win" (No), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S5304.

Step S5304: The main control CPU 72 executes the large winning opening opening/closing operation process at the time of small winning. In this process, the main control CPU 72 operates the variable winning device 30 to open and close the big winning hole 30b based on the set opening pattern (outputs a drive signal to be applied to the big winning hole solenoid 89). Perform processing. Note that the specific contents of the process will be further described later with reference to another flowchart.

Step S5306: The main control CPU 72 executes a jackpot opening/closing operation process at the time of jackpot. In this process, the main control CPU 72 operates the variable winning device 30 to open and close the big winning hole 30b based on the set opening pattern (outputs a drive signal to be applied to the big winning hole solenoid 89). Perform processing. Note that the specific contents of the process will be further described later with reference to another flowchart.

After completing the above procedure, the main control CPU 72 returns to the variable winning device management process (FIG. 21).

[Big prize opening opening/closing operation process when winning a small hit]
FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for opening and closing the large winning opening when a small hit occurs. The contents will be explained below along with an example procedure.

Step S5310: The main control CPU72 opens the big prize opening 30b. Specifically, a drive signal to be applied to the big winning opening solenoid 89 is output. As a result, the variable prize winning device 30 operates and shifts from the closed state to the open state. The main control CPU 72 next executes step S5310b. In addition, when the big prize opening 30b has already been opened, the main control CPU72 executes step S5316.

Step S5312: The main control CPU 72 executes release timer countdown processing. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 executes the countdown of the timer set in the previous process (step S5260, step S5264, and step S5266 of the large winning opening pattern setting process (in FIG. 24)). The main control CPU 72 next executes step S5313.

Step S5314: The main control CPU 72 executes specific area opening/closing operation processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 outputs a drive signal to be applied to the inlet opening solenoid 86 to open and close the specific area 30d, based on the set opening pattern. The main control CPU 72 next executes step S5316. Note that in this embodiment, since the specific area 0d is always open, this process is omitted.

Step S5316: The main control CPU 72 checks whether the opening time of the big prize opening 30b has ended. Specifically, it is checked whether the value of the open timer for the big prize opening 30b after the countdown process is 0 or less. As a result of this confirmation, if the opening time of the big prize opening 30b has ended (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S5322. On the other hand, if the opening time of the big prize opening 30b has not ended (No), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S5317a.

Step S5317a: The main control CPU 72 checks whether the game ball has entered the big winning hole 30b. Specifically, it is checked whether the winning detection signal inputted from the count switch 84 is inputted. As a result of this confirmation, if the game ball enters the big prize opening 30b (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S5318. On the other hand, if the game ball has not entered the big winning hole 30b (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the variable winning device management process. Then, when the variable winning device management process is executed next, the jump destination is currently set to the big winning opening/closing operation process (FIG. 25), so the main control CPU 72 executes the steps S5310 to S5316 above. Execute repeatedly.

Step S5318: The main control CPU 72 executes winning ball count processing. In this process, the number of game balls won by the variable winning device 30 (opened big winning hole) during the opening time is counted. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 increments the count value based on the winning detection signal input from the count switch 84 during the open time. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5320.

Step S5320: The main control CPU 72 checks whether the current count is less than a predetermined number (10). This predetermined number determines the upper limit of the number of winning balls (the upper limit of the number of winning balls) that is allowed per opening (one shot at the time of a small hit) as described above. If the count number has not yet reached the predetermined number (Yes), the main control CPU 72 returns to the variable winning device management process. Then, when the variable winning device management process is executed next, the jump destination is currently set to the big winning opening/closing operation process (FIG. 25), so the main control CPU 72 executes the steps S5310 to S5320 above. Execute repeatedly.

If it is determined in the above step S5316 that the open time has ended (Yes), or if it is confirmed that the count number has reached the predetermined number in step S5320 (No), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S5322.

Step S5322: The main control CPU72 closes the big prize opening 30b. Specifically, the output of the drive signal that was being applied to the big prize opening solenoid 89 is stopped. As a result, the variable prize winning device 30 returns from the open state to the closed state. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5324.

Step S5324: The main control CPU 72 checks whether the specific area passage flag is ON. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 accesses the flag buffer area of the RAM 76 and checks whether the specific area passing flag is ON based on whether the value of the specific area passing flag is 01H. As a result of this confirmation, if the specific area passage flag is ON (Yes), that is, if the game ball passes through the specific area 30d while the big prize opening during the small hit is open, the main control CPU 72 Step S5326 is executed. On the other hand, if the specific area passing flag is not ON (No), that is, if the game ball does not pass through the specific area 30d while the big prize opening during the small hit is open, the main control CPU 72 Step S5328 is executed.

Step S5326: The main control CPU 72 executes a process when passing through a specific area. In this process, the main control CPU 72 operates the condition device and the accessory continuous operation device based on the fact that the game ball passed through the specific area 30d during the small hit, and continuously operates the variable winning device 30, that is, the jackpot Execute the process to start the game. Note that the specific contents of the process will be further described later with reference to another flowchart. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5328.

Step S5328: The main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination to the big winning hole closing process, and returns to the big winning hole opening/closing operation process (FIG. 25). Then, when the variable winning device management process is executed next, the main control CPU 72 executes the big winning opening closing process.

[Processing when passing through a specific area]
FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for processing when passing through a specific area. The contents will be explained below along with an example procedure.

Step S5350: The main control CPU 72 resets the small hit flag. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 accesses the flag buffer area of the RAM 76 and resets the value of the small hit flag to 00H. The main control CPU 72 next executes step S5352.

Step S5352: The main control CPU 72 declares the end of the small hit. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 deletes "small win in progress" from the internal state flag and declares the end of the small win as the internal state in the control process. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5354.

Step S5354: The main control CPU 72 operates the condition device and accessory continuous operation device. As a result, the variable winning device 30 can be operated continuously, and the jackpot game can be started. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5356.

Step S5356: The main control CPU 72 sets "big winning combination start (during jackpot game)" as an internal state flag for control. Further, the main control CPU 72 sets the value of the continuous operation count status according to the type of jackpot symbol. In this embodiment, a value representing "10 rounds" is set in the continuous operation count status depending on the type of jackpot symbol. The main control CPU 72 also generates a status command indicating that the jackpot is in progress. A status command indicating that the jackpot is in progress is transmitted to the production control device 124 in the production control output process described above. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5358.

Step S5358: The main control CPU 72 executes a pattern-specific opening pattern selection process when passing through a specific area. In this process, the main control CPU 72 refers to the opening pattern setting table for each symbol when passing through a specific area and selects an opening pattern corresponding to the type of winning symbol regarding the special symbol when a small hit occurs. For example, in the second special symbol, an opening pattern is selected in which the type of variable winning device to be activated is only the variable winning device 30, and the number of rounds to be executed is 10 rounds. Note that this number of rounds to be executed includes the operation of the variable prize winning device 30 that is opened by a small hit, so in the jackpot game that will start from now on, 9 rounds, which is 1 round subtracted from 10 rounds, will actually be played. It represents the number of rounds in a typical jackpot game. Then, an opening pattern is selected in which the opening time for opening the big prize opening per round is 29.0 seconds, and the interval time provided between each round is 1.0 seconds. Main control CPU 72 then executes step S5350.

Step S5360: The main control CPU 72 sets the operation of the variable prize winning device 30. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 operates a variable winning device that is operated every round (from the second round to the final round) during the jackpot game based on the release pattern corresponding to the winning symbol regarding the special symbol when a small win occurs. The type is set in the variable winning device 30. In addition, in this embodiment, since the opening pattern corresponding to the winning symbol related to the special symbol when all the small wins correspond to the second round to the final round, the big winning opening is opened, so the operation of the variable winning device 30 is Set. The main control CPU 72 next executes step S5362.

Step S5362: The main control CPU 72 sets the number of rounds to be executed. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sets the number of rounds to be executed during the jackpot game based on the opening pattern corresponding to the winning symbol related to the special symbol when the small win occurs. In addition, in this embodiment, the number of execution rounds of the opening pattern corresponding to the winning symbol regarding the special symbol when all the small wins are applied is set to 2 rounds for the first special symbol and 2 rounds for the second special symbol. be done. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5364.

Step S5364: The main control CPU 72 sets a jackpot release timer. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sets the opening time (opening timer) for opening the jackpot for each round at the time of jackpot. In addition, in this embodiment, it is set for each round based on the opening time of the opening pattern corresponding to the winning symbol regarding the special symbol when it corresponds to a small hit. For example, the opening time for opening the big prize opening is set to 29.0 seconds. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5366.

Step S5366: The main control CPU 72 sets a jackpot interval timer. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sets a waiting time (interval timer) between rounds at the time of a jackpot. In addition, in this embodiment, 1.0 seconds is set as the interval timer of the opening pattern corresponding to the winning symbol regarding the special symbol when it corresponds to a small hit. For example, after the opening of the big prize opening between the second and third rounds is completed and the opening is temporarily closed, an interval timer of about 1.0 seconds is set. The main control CPU 72 next executes step S5368. Further, a waiting period (interval period) from the end of the small hit until the start of the big hit is also set in the interval timer.

Step S5368: The main control CPU 72 generates a continuous operation count command. The continuous operation number command can be generated based on the number of execution rounds set in the previous process (step S5362). Therefore, based on the execution round number "10R" of the opening pattern corresponding to the winning symbol regarding the special symbol when a small hit occurs, a value representing "10 rounds" is generated for the continuous operation number command. The generated continuous operation number command is sent to the production control device 124 in the production control output process described above.

Step S5370: The main control CPU 72 executes a time reduction function setting process for each symbol when passing through a specific area. In this process, the value of the time reduction function activation flag (01H) is set in the flag area of the RAM 76 as a gaming state flag in correspondence with the winning symbol related to the special symbol when a small hit occurs. shortening function activation means).

When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the large winning opening opening/closing operation process (FIGS. 26 and 21) at the time of a small hit.

[Big prize opening opening/closing operation process when hitting a jackpot]
FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure for opening and closing the jackpot opening at the time of jackpot. The procedure will be explained below using an example procedure.

Step S5380: The main control CPU72 opens the big prize opening 30b. Specifically, a drive signal to be applied to the big winning opening solenoid 89 is output. As a result, the variable prize winning device 30 operates and shifts from the closed state to the open state. The main control CPU 72 next executes step S5382.

Step S5382: The main control CPU 72 executes release timer countdown processing. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 counts down the release timer set in the previous process. The main control CPU 72 next executes step S5386.

Step S5386: The main control CPU 72 checks whether the opening time of the big prize opening 30b has ended. Specifically, it is checked whether the value of the open timer for the big prize opening 30b after the countdown process is 0 or less. As a result of this confirmation, if the opening time of the big prize opening 30b has ended (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S5392. On the other hand, if the opening time of the big prize opening has not ended (No), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S5388.

Step S5388: The main control CPU 72 executes winning ball count processing. In this process, the number of game balls won by the variable winning device 30 (opened big winning hole) during the opening time is counted. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 increments the count value based on the winning detection signal input from the count switch 84 during the open time. Main control CPU 72 next executes step S5390.

Step S5390: The main control CPU 72 checks whether the current count is less than a predetermined number (9). This predetermined number defines the upper limit of the number of prize balls (upper limit of the number of prize balls) allowed per opening (one round during jackpot) as described above. If the count number has not yet reached the predetermined number (Yes), the main control CPU 72 returns to the variable winning device management process. Then, when the variable winning device management process is executed next, the jump destination is currently set to the big winning opening/closing operation process, so the main control CPU 72 repeatedly executes the steps S5380 to S5390 described above.

If it is determined in the above step S5386 that the open time has ended (Yes), or if it is confirmed that the count number has reached the predetermined number in step S5390 (No), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S5392.

Step S5392: The main control CPU72 closes the big prize opening. Specifically, the output of the drive signal that was being applied to the big prize opening solenoid 89 is stopped. As a result, the variable prize winning device 30 returns from the open state to the closed state. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5324.

Step S5394: The main control CPU 72 executes interval standby processing. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sets in the previous process (step S5222 of the jackpot opening pattern setting process (in FIG. 23) or step S5366 in the process when passing through a specific area (in FIG. 27)). Execute interval timer countdown. The main control CPU 72 next executes step S5314. Then, when the value of the interval timer becomes 0 or less, the main control CPU 72 next advances to step S5395. Although not particularly illustrated here, until the interval time elapses (until the interval timer value becomes 0), the main control CPU 72 controls the variable winning device management which is the caller from step S5394 for each interrupt. Return to the end address of the process (FIG. 21). Then, when the big prize opening opening/closing operation process is executed in the next call, step S5394 is executed directly instead of from the first step S5380.

Step S5395: The main control CPU 72 increments the value of the open count counter. The value of the open count counter is stored in the count area of the RAM 76, for example, with an initial value of 0.

Step S5396: The main control CPU 72 checks whether the value of the open count counter after incrementing has reached the set count within the current round. Here, the reason why the "number of times set within the current round" is determined is to correspond to an opening pattern such as "opening the variable winning device 30 multiple times within one round during a jackpot". . Note that this embodiment does not particularly adopt such an opening pattern, so the "number of times set within the current round" is set to once in each round. Therefore, since the counter value normally reaches the set number of times in one opening/closing operation (Yes), the main control CPU 72 then proceeds to step S5398.

Note that if a pattern is adopted in which the opening and closing operations are repeated multiple times within one round as described above, the counter value has not yet reached the set number of times at the end of one opening (No). In this case, when the main control CPU 72 returns to the variable winning device management process, the jump destination is currently set to the big winning opening opening/closing operation process, so the steps from step S5380 to step S5390 described above are repeatedly executed. As a result, the opening number counter is incremented in step S5395, and when the counter value reaches the set number of times (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S5398.

Step S5398: The main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination to the big winning hole closing process, and returns to the big winning hole opening/closing operation process (FIG. 25). Then, when the variable winning device management process is executed next, the main control CPU 72 executes the big winning opening closing process.

[Big winning opening closing process]
FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the big winning opening closing process. This big winning opening closing process is for continuing or ending the operation of the variable winning device 30. The following is a step-by-step explanation.

Step S5401: First, the main control CPU 72 checks whether the current game is in a big win (jackpot game), and if it is in a big win (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S5402.

Step S5402: The main control CPU 72 increments the round number counter described above. As a result, for example, when the first round ends and the second round begins, the value of the round number counter becomes "1". In addition, if the game ball passes through the specific area 30d during the small hit and the jackpot game is started after the small win ends, the opening of the big winning opening at the time of the small hit is treated as the first round, and the jackpot game is started. The first round will be treated as the second round.

Step S5404: The main control CPU 72 checks whether the value of the round number counter after incrementing has reached the set number of execution rounds. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 refers to the value of the round number counter after incrementing (1 to 7, 1 to 10), and if the value is less than the set number of execution rounds (6 or 9 after subtracting 1). If so (No), then step S5405 is executed.

Step S5405: The main control CPU 72 generates a round number command from the current round number counter value. This command is sent to the production control device 124 in the production control output process as described above. The production control device 124 can confirm the current number of rounds based on the received round number command.

Step S5406: The main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination to the big prize opening opening/closing operation process.

Step S5408: Then, the main control CPU 72 resets the winning ball number counter and returns to the variable winning device management process.

When the main control CPU 72 next executes the variable winning device management process, in the game process selection process (step S5100 in FIG. 21), the main control CPU 72 executes the big winning opening opening/closing operation process which is the next jump destination. After executing the big winning opening opening/closing operation process, the main control CPU 72 executes the big winning opening closing process again, and repeats steps S5402 to S5408. As a result, the opening/closing operation of the variable prize winning device 30 is continuously executed until the actual number of rounds reaches the set number of execution rounds (15 or 16).

If the actual number of rounds reaches the set number of execution rounds (step S5404: Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S5410.

Step S5410, Step S5412: In this case, the main control CPU 72 resets the round number counter (=0) and sets the next jump destination to the end process.

Step S5408: Then, the main control CPU 72 resets the winning ball number counter and returns to the variable winning device management process. As a result, the next time the main control CPU 72 executes the variable winning device management process, the end process will be selected.

[When winning a small hit]
On the other hand, in the case of a small hit, the following procedure is followed (special operation execution means).
Step S5411: When the main control CPU 72 confirms that the current game is not in the big prize (step S5401: No), it increments the value of the opening number counter.

Step S5413: Next, the main control CPU 72 checks whether the value of the incremented opening number counter has reached the set number of openings. The number of openings is set in the previous large winning opening opening pattern setting process (step S5258 in FIG. 24). If the value of the opening number counter has not yet reached the set number of openings (No), the main control CPU 72 executes step S5416.

Step S5416: The main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination to the big prize opening opening/closing operation process. Then, the main control CPU 72 resets the winning ball number counter and returns to the variable winning device management process (step S5408).

When the main control CPU 72 next executes the variable winning device management process, in the game process selection process (step S5100 in FIG. 21), the main control CPU 72 executes the big winning opening opening/closing operation process which is the next jump destination. Then, after executing the big winning opening opening/closing operation process, the main control CPU 72 executes the big winning opening closing process again, and goes through the above steps S5401 to S5413 (No) to step S5416. , step S5408 is repeatedly executed. As a result, the opening/closing operation of the variable prize winning device 30 is repeatedly executed until the actual number of openings reaches the set number of openings. In this embodiment, since the number of openings is set to one, the opening/closing operation of the variable prize winning device 30 is not repeated and ends.

When the actual number of openings at the time of a small hit reaches the set number of openings (step S5413: Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S5414.

Step S5414, Step S5412: In this case, the main control CPU 72 resets the open count counter (=0) and sets the next jump destination to the end process.

Step S5408: Then, the main control CPU 72 resets the winning ball number counter and returns to the variable winning device management process. As a result, the next time the main control CPU 72 executes the variable winning device management process, the end process will be selected.

[End processing]
FIG. 30 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for termination processing. This termination process is for arranging conditions for terminating the operation of the variable prize winning device 30. The procedure will be explained below using an example procedure.

Step S5502: The main control CPU 72 checks whether the jackpot flag value (01H) is set, and if the jackpot flag value is set (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S5503. do.

Step S5503, Step S5504: In this case, the main control CPU 72 resets the jackpot flag (00H). As a result, the jackpot gaming state ends under the control process of the main control CPU 72. Moreover, the main control CPU 72 erases "during jackpot" from the internal state flag and declares the end of the big win as an internal state in the control process. Note that the main control CPU 72 resets the value of the continuous operation count status.

Step S5510: Next, the main control CPU 72 checks whether the value (01H) of the time saving function activation flag is set. This flag is also used in the jackpot and other setting processing (step S2414 in FIG. 14) during the special symbol change pre-processing, and the time reduction function setting processing for each symbol when passing through a specific area during the processing when passing through a specific area ( This is set in step S5370) in FIG.

Step S5512: Then, if the value of the time reduction function activation flag (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the time reduction flag) is set (step S5510: Yes), the main control CPU 72 sets the number of times of time reduction. In this embodiment, the condition for ending the time saving state is that the number of variations of the normal symbol or the number of variations of the special symbol reaches a predetermined number (see FIGS. 16 and 17). A first number-cutting counter for counting the number of variations of the special symbol in the time-saving state and a second number-cutting counter for counting the number of variations of the normal symbol in the time-saving state are provided in the time-saving count area of the RAM 76. ing. In this process, a value corresponding to the type of time saving state is set in the first time cutting counter and the second time cutting counter as the number of time saving times (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated as the number of time saving times). Note that if the value of the time reduction function activation flag is not set (step S5510: No), the main control CPU 72 does not execute step S5512 and proceeds to step S5514.

Step S5514: Then, the main control CPU 72 generates a status designation command based on the flag. Specifically, when the jackpot flag is reset or the jackpot ends, a state designation command representing "normal" as the gaming state is generated. Further, if the time saving flag is set, a state designation command representing "time saving in progress (time saving state)" is generated as an internal state according to the type of time saving state. These state designation commands are transmitted to the production control device 124 in production control output processing.

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

Step S5520, Step S5522: In the case of a small win, the main control CPU 72 resets the value of the small win flag (00H) and also deletes "small win in progress" from the internal state flag. Note that in the case of a small win, the internal conditional device does not operate, so this procedure is simply for the purpose of clearing the flag. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5524.

Step S5516: After the above procedure, the main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination to the big winning opening opening pattern setting process.

Step S5518: Then, the main control CPU72 sets the jump destination in the execution selection process (step S1000 in FIG. 13) in the special symbol game process to the special symbol variation pre-process. After completing the above procedure, the main control CPU 72 returns to the variable winning device management process.

[Normal symbol game processing]
Next, details of the normal symbol game process executed in the interrupt management process (FIG. 9) will be explained. FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing a configuration example of the normal symbol game process. The normal symbol game processing includes execution selection processing (step S1001), normal symbol fluctuation pre-processing (step S2001), normal symbol fluctuation processing (step S3001), normal symbol stop display processing (step S4001), and variable start winning device management. This configuration includes a group of subroutines (program modules) for processing (step S5001). Here, first, the basic flow of the normal symbol game process will be explained along with each process.

Step S1001: In the execution selection process, the main control CPU 72 selects the jump destination of the process to be executed next (any of steps S2001 to S5001) from the "jump table". For example, the main control CPU 72 sets the program address of the process to be executed next as the jump destination address, and also sets the end of the normal symbol game process in the stack pointer as the return destination address.

Which process is selected as the next jump destination depends on the progress of the processes performed so far (normal symbol game management status). For example, if the normal symbol has not yet started fluctuating display (normal symbol game management status: 00H), the main control CPU 72 selects the normal symbol fluctuation pre-processing (step S2001) as the next jump destination. On the other hand, if the normal symbol fluctuation pre-processing has already been completed (normal symbol game management status: 01H), the main control CPU 72 selects the normal symbol fluctuation processing (step S3001) as the next jump destination, and selects the normal symbol fluctuation processing (step S3001) as the next jump destination. If the process has been completed (normal symbol game management status: 02H), the normal symbol stop display process (step S4001) is selected as the next jump destination. In addition, in this embodiment, a process is selected by specifying a jump destination address in a "jump table", but apart from such a selection method, a "process flag" or a "process selection flag" etc. are used to select a process. There are also known programming examples where the CPU selects the next process to execute. In such a programming example, the CPU calls each process, and in the first step, refers to each flag and performs a conditional branch (continuation/return). However, in the selection method of this embodiment, the main control There is no need for the CPU 72 to call each process one by one.

Step S2001: In the normal symbol variation preprocessing, the main control CPU 72 performs work to prepare the conditions for starting the variable display of the normal symbols. Note that the specific contents of the process will be described later using another flowchart.

Step S3001: In the normal symbol fluctuation process, the main control CPU 72 performs drive control of the normal symbol display device 33 while counting the fluctuation timer. Specifically, an ON or OFF drive signal (1 byte data) is output for each dot of the 7-segment LED. The pattern of the drive signal changes with the passage of time, thereby causing a variable display of the normal symbols.

Step S4001: In the normal symbol stop display process, the main control CPU 72 performs drive control of the normal symbol display device 33. Similarly, an ON or OFF drive signal is outputted to each dot of the 7-segment LED, but the pattern of the drive signal is constant, and thereby a normal symbol is displayed in a stopped state.

Step S5001: The variable start winning device management process is selected when the normal symbol is stopped and displayed in a winning mode (a mode other than non-winning mode) in the previous normal symbol stop display process.

[Specific example of fluctuating display of production symbols]
Next, the variable display of effect symbols performed on the liquid crystal display 42 will be specifically explained. When an internal lottery regarding special symbols is performed in the pachinko machine 1, a fluctuation pattern (in other words, fluctuation time) is determined under the control of the main control CPU 72, and a fluctuation display using the first special symbol and the second special symbol is performed. .

Furthermore, when a normal symbol lottery is performed in the pachinko machine 1, a fluctuation pattern (in other words, a fluctuation time) is determined under the control of the main control CPU 72, and a fluctuation display of normal symbols is performed.

However, as mentioned above, the first special symbol, the second special symbol, and the regular symbol themselves are displayed by lighting and blinking using 7-segment LEDs, so they lack visual appeal. Therefore, in the pachinko machine 1, a variable display performance using performance symbols is performed as described above.

As shown in FIG. 32, the performance pattern 43 includes, for example, a left performance pattern 43L, a middle performance pattern 43C, and a right performance pattern 43R. displayed on the right. Each performance pattern represents, for example, the numbers "1" to "9". Here, the left presentation pattern 43L, the middle presentation pattern 43C, and the right presentation pattern 43R all constitute a pattern row in which the numbers are arranged in descending order from "9" to "1". Such symbol rows are displayed variably in a vertically flowing (scrolling) manner in the left area, middle area, and right area of the screen, respectively.

In this embodiment, the performance design includes a performance design corresponding to a special design (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a special performance design).

In addition, in FIG. 32, an example will be explained in which a variable display of the special effect design corresponding to the first special symbol is performed, but a variable display of the special effect effect pattern corresponding to the second special symbol or a general effect effect will be explained. The variable display of symbols is also performed in a similar manner. Further, the display mode of the special effect design and the display mode of the normal pattern effect pattern do not have to be the same as long as they are difficult to distinguish. For example, the shape may be slightly deformed, the color may be slightly different, the transparency may be slightly different, or the size may be slightly different.

FIGS. 32 and 33 are continuous diagrams showing examples of effect images corresponding to variable display and static display of special symbols. In addition, here, regarding the fluctuation of the special symbol at the time of non-winning (losing), an example of a variable display performance and a stop display performance (result display performance) performed using performance symbols is shown. This fluctuating display effect is carried out between when the special symbol (here, the first special symbol is used, but it may be the second special symbol) starts to fluctuate until it is displayed as a stop display (including a fixed stop). This corresponds to a series of performances. Further, the stop display performance is a performance that represents the stop display of the special symbol and the result of the internal lottery at that time as a combination of performance symbols. Here, first, before explaining the specific contents of the control processing, the basic flow of the variable display effect and stop display effect for each variation employed in this embodiment will be explained. Note that the background image is omitted in FIGS. 32 and 33.

[Before displaying fluctuation]
(a) in FIG. 32: For example, in the state before the first special symbol starts changing (state not in demonstration production), three production symbols 43L, 43C, and 43R are displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42. Columns are displayed larger. At this time, in accordance with the stop display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, the effect design is also in a state of being stopped and displayed.

In addition, at the bottom of the screen of the liquid crystal display 42, there is a reservation display (with reference symbols M1 and M2 in the figure) indicating the number of working memories (also referred to as the number of reservation memories) for each of the first special symbol and the second special symbol. It is to be displayed. These pending displays M1 and M2 can be displayed when the special effect design is subject to change, and the number of working memories of the first special symbol and the second special symbol (the first special The display number of the symbol working memory lamp 34a and the second special symbol working memory lamp 35a), and the display number increases or decreases in conjunction with changes in the number of working memories during the game. Further, in order to facilitate visual discrimination, the pending display M1, M2 corresponding to the first special symbol is displayed in the shape of a circle (○), for example, and the pending display M2 corresponding to the second special symbol is displayed in the shape of a circle (○). is displayed, for example, in the shape of a heart. In the example of (a) in FIG. 32, all four pending displays M1 are lit to indicate that the number of working memories of the first special symbol is four, and all pending displays M2 are not displayed ( (indicated by a broken line) indicates that the number of active memories of the second special symbol is 0 (memory number display performance execution means).

In addition, the number of working memories of the first special symbol is displayed in the special symbol 1 reservation display area Z1 at the upper right of the screen of the liquid crystal display 42. In addition, the number of working memories of the second special symbol is displayed in the special symbol 2 reservation display area Z2. Furthermore, mini symbols are displayed in the mini symbol display area Z3. This mini symbol is the "fourth production symbol" following the left, middle, and right production symbols, and is displayed in a variable manner in synchronization with the variable display of the special symbol.

(b) in FIG. 32: For example, in synchronization with the start of variation of the first special symbol, a variable display performance is started by scrolling and varying three symbol rows on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42 (performance execution means). That is, in synchronization with the start of fluctuation of the first special symbol, the columns of the left performance symbol 43L, middle performance symbol 43C, and right performance symbol 43R are vertically scrolled (flowing) within the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42. The variable display effect starts. In addition, the pending displays M1 and M2 are displayed in the pre-change display area X1 of the band-shaped part in the lower part of the liquid crystal display 42 before the start of the change, but after the start of the change, they are displayed in the lower left part of the liquid crystal display 42. It moves to the display area X2 during fluctuation according to the displayed pedestal image, and continues to be displayed until the fluctuation of the special symbol (performance symbol) is stopped and displayed (memory display performance during fluctuation). In addition, in the figure, the fluctuating display of the performance symbols is simply indicated by a downward arrow. In addition, during variable display, individual performance symbols are displayed in a transparent state (transparent display), so that the image that is the background of the performance design (background image) is displayed on the display screen in a state that is easy to see. has been done.

In addition, in synchronization with the start of variation of the first special symbol, the working memory number of the first special symbol in the special symbol 1 pending display area Z1 is subtracted by "1", and the variable display of the mini symbol in the mini symbol display area Z3 is started. be done.

(c) in FIG. 32: For example, after a certain amount of time (about half of the fluctuation time) has passed, the left effect symbol 43L first stops fluctuation. This example shows that the effect pattern representing the number "8" has stopped on the left side of the screen. Note that illustration of the background image is omitted here (the same applies hereafter). At this time, the mini symbols in the mini symbol display area Z3 that are the same as the left performance symbol 8L also stop.

Here, as shown in FIG. 32(b), the number of working memories of the first special symbol decreases by one with the start of variation, and accordingly, the number of displayed symbols of the pending display M1 decreases by one. has been decreased by one. For example, if there were 4 working memories up to that point, the earliest (oldest) memory number display in the pending display M1 is moved to the fluctuating display area X2, and the effect consumed by the internal lottery is adjusted. will be carried out. As a result, it is possible to inform the player that the number of working memories for the first special symbol has been consumed.

In the example of (c) in FIG. 32, the pending display M1, which was at the top in the storage order, moves to the changing display area X2, leaving only three displays in the pre-changing display area X1. , an effect is performed in which each of the three pending displays M1 remaining on the screen is shifted in one direction (to the left in this case) by one space. As a result, the context of changes in the number of working memories is accurately expressed in the performance, and the player is informed that ``the number of working memories has been consumed and the number has decreased by 1'' and that ``the number of working memories has been consumed and the special symbol It is possible to teach in an intuitive and easy-to-understand manner that "the current situation is changing."

(d) in FIG. 33: Following the left presentation pattern 43L, the right presentation pattern 43R stops changing. This example shows that the effect pattern representing the number "3" has stopped at the middle position of the screen. At this point, it has already been determined that the reach state will not occur, so it is almost obvious visually that the current fluctuation is a non-reach (normal) fluctuation. At this time, the mini symbols in the mini symbol display area Z3 that are the same as the right performance symbol 8R also stop. Note that reach fluctuations due to slip patterns, etc. are excluded here. A "sliding pattern" is, for example, once the production symbol representing the number "7" stops, then the symbol row slides by one symbol and the production symbol representing the number "8" stops, which develops into a reach. The idea is to do so. Alternatively, there is also a pattern where the performance symbol representing the number "9" stops, and then the symbol row slides in the opposite direction by one symbol, and the performance symbol representing the number "8" stops, which develops into a reach. be. In addition, for example, after a production pattern that represents a completely different number such as "5" stops, a character appears on the screen and the right production pattern row changes again, and the number "8" is displayed. There is also a pattern where the production pattern stops and develops into a reach.

(e) in FIG. 33: In synchronization with the stop display of the first special symbol, the last medium effect symbol 43C stops. If the result of this internal lottery is non-winning and the first special symbol is stopped and displayed in a non-winning (losing) manner, the performance symbol will also be stopped and displayed in a non-winning (losing) manner. be exposed. In other words, in the illustrated example, the effect symbol representing the number "1" has stopped at the middle position of the screen, and in this case, the effect symbol combination is "8" - "1" - "3". Because it is a deviation, the production is expressing that this change corresponds to a normal ``deviation.'' At this time, the mini symbols in the mini symbol display area Z3 that are the same as the medium performance symbol 8C stop, and the mini symbols are also stopped and displayed in a manner corresponding to the miss.

Further, when the stop display effect is performed, the hold display M1 that has been moved to the fluctuating display area X2 and continues to be displayed is also hidden. Therefore, it is possible to intuitively and easily instruct the player that ``the variation of the special symbols has ended''.

The above is an example of a variable display performance and a stop display performance (when not winning) that are performed using a performance symbol for each fluctuation. Through such a performance, it is possible to make the player have a sense of expectation for winning, and finally, the result of the internal lottery can be clearly taught in the performance.

In addition, the above example is for a non-winning time, but in the case of a jackpot (winning), after the reach effect is executed during the fluctuating display effect, the effect pattern appears in the jackpot mode (for example, "7") in the stop display effect. - "7" - "7", etc., where the same numbers are aligned) are stopped and displayed. At this time, the stop display mode of the performance symbols basically corresponds to the winning symbol internally selected by the main control CPU 72 (the stop display mode of the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35). selected. In addition, when a small hit (win) occurs, the performance pattern is stopped and displayed in a stop display effect in a small win format (for example, in a manner reminiscent of a small win according to a certain rule, such as "1" - "3" - "5"). Ru.

[Reset start processing (sub)]
FIG. 34 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of reset start processing (sub). Hereinafter, the processing performed by the production control CPU 126 will be explained step by step.

Step S301: The production control CPU 126 cancels the reset of the CPU. In order to guarantee normal operation in the production control device 124, the production control CPU 126 resets the CPU after power is turned on to the production control device 124, and waits until the output voltage normally rises to the operation guaranteed level and the peripheral circuits are stabilized. The reset state continues during this period. By doing so, it is possible to avoid the program from operating in a state where the production control device 124 is not stable. When the reset of the CPU is released, the execution of the control program in the production control device 124 is started using this as an opportunity.

Step S302: The production control CPU 126 executes system initialization processing. In the system initialization process, initial settings related to hardware, system operation settings, etc. are performed as necessary initial settings before various interrupt processes corresponding to the substance of production control are started. In the system initialization process, for example, in addition to settings related to access to each register and I/O port of the production control CPU 126, and each device connected to the production control CPU 126, clearing of the RAM 130 (main memory) and command buffer, etc. be exposed.

Step S303: The production control CPU 126 executes task execution pre-processing. Here, a "task" refers to an individual process that is executed due to the occurrence of an interrupt. In the task pre-execution process, advance preparations for executing the task are performed. For example, the performance control device 124 is provided with a plurality of LED lamps (hereinafter referred to as "status LEDs") that are visible from the back side of the pachinko machine 1, and these LED lamps are used to control the performance control device 124. The internal state is notified by a plurality of lighting patterns, and the initial state of the status LED is set during task execution pre-processing. In addition, frequency settings for command input/output ports necessary for receiving production commands transmitted from the main control device 70, setup of the RTC 184, permission for interruptions, etc. are performed. When the task pre-execution process is completed, the status LED lights up in a manner indicating the completion of the initialization process, and it becomes possible to receive various production commands and transitions to a state where various interruptions can occur.

Note that the production control device 124 handles various types of interrupts, such as timer interrupts that occur at preset time intervals and event interrupts that occur due to the occurrence of a predetermined event on the production control device 124. Interrupts may occur. In the following description, interrupts that occur periodically at regular intervals (for example, timer interrupts, event interrupts that occur at regular intervals, etc.) are referred to as "periodic interrupts." A priority order is set in advance for each interrupt, and when an interrupt occurs, the production control CPU 126 executes the corresponding interrupt process while controlling it according to the priority order.

Step S304: The production control CPU 126 sets the control state of the production control device 124 during recovery. Specifically, the returning flag is turned on.

Step S305: The production control CPU 126 draws a returning image on the liquid crystal display 42 indicating that the production control device 124 is returning.

Step S306: The production control CPU 126 executes production control main processing. In the performance control main process, other processes that are not executed in various tasks among the controls executed as the game progresses are executed.

The production control main process is built into an infinite loop, and once the production control main process has been executed once, the production control CPU 126 restarts execution of the next production control main process after a predetermined interval. do. Therefore, as long as the power supply to the pachinko machine 1 is maintained and the performance control device 124 is not restarted, the performance control CPU 126 continues to repeatedly execute the performance control main process. Further, during execution of the production control main processing, various interruptions occur due to various factors, and the production control CPU 126 executes processing according to each interruption that occurs. In these processes, display control on the liquid crystal display 42, audio output control on the speakers 54a to 54d, drive control of various lamps and movable motor 57, etc. are performed, and each device connected to the production control device 124 is controlled. By controlling the content of the performance, the content of the performance is constructed and the performance is realized.

In this way, the infinite loop corresponds to the main loop in the production control device 124, and the production control main processing is positioned as the main processing executed in the production control device 124.

In addition, in the main loop of the CPU initialization process in the effect control device 124, the effect control CPU 126 executes a voltage control monitoring process. In the voltage control monitoring process, the production control CPU 126 performs a monitoring process to release the cutoff of the 5V signal supplied to the external driver at a certain time. If voltages are simultaneously applied to lamps, movable bodies, etc., the lamps, movable bodies, etc. may generate excessive heat due to inrush current, leading to malfunction or failure. Therefore, the timing of voltage application (signal release timing) is shifted to disperse the rush current and protect the lamp, movable body, etc. from heat generation.

Furthermore, the production control CPU 126 executes watchdog clear processing. For example, the production control device 124 can be implemented with a watchdog timer connected to the production control CPU 126, a watchdog timer using a built-in function of the production control CPU 126, or a control program. In this case, three types of watchdog timers are operating in the production control device 124, and each watchdog timer uses different monitoring times to determine whether periodic interrupts are occurring normally (when the periodic interrupt occurs, It is possible to monitor whether the periodic interrupt processing is being executed normally. In the watchdog clearing process, the performance control CPU 126 executes clearing of all watchdog timers, etc. when the periodic interrupt process is normally executed. Note that the number of watchdog timers may be less than three types, or may be four or more types.

After completing the above procedure, the production control CPU 126 returns to the main loop of the CPU initialization process and executes the production control main process again. Note that the production control main process is executed at approximately constant intervals when the production control device 124 is in a normal state. For example, during normal operation, the production control main process is triggered by a frame interrupt while returning from a separately executed interrupt process, and two frame interrupts occur every 33.3ms (16.6ms apart). ) during which the processing of each step completes one cycle. Therefore, when each step of the production control main process has completed one cycle without delay, the production control CPU 126 performs a standby process in the remaining time until the next production control main process is called, and during that time waits for the start process (sleep). transition to the state. As the remaining time expires, the performance control CPU 126 ends the standby process, returns to the main loop, and calls the next performance control main process.

[Production control processing]
FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the production control process executed by the production control CPU 126. This effect control process is executed in the timer interrupt process (interrupt management process) that occurs during the execution of the effect control main process of the reset start process (sub). Note that the production control CPU 126 generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined interrupt cycle (for example, several tens of μs to several ms cycle) during execution of the reset start process, and executes the timer interrupt process.

The performance control process includes a command reception process (step S400a), an image restoration process (step S400b), a volume/light amount adjustment process (step S400c), a working memory performance management process (step S401), a performance symbol management process (step S402), The configuration includes a subroutine group of display output processing (step S404), lamp drive processing (step S406), sound drive processing (step S408), performance random number update processing (step S410), and other processing (step S412). The basic flow of the production control process will be explained below along with each process.

Step S400a: In the command reception process, the production control CPU 126 receives a production command transmitted from the main control CPU 72. In addition, the production control CPU 126 analyzes the received commands and stores them by type in the command buffer area of the RAM 130.

The production commands sent from the main control CPU 72 include, for example, (special symbols, normal symbols) production command when the number of working memories increases, (special symbols, normal symbols) production command when the number of working memories decreases, and starting winnings. Start-up prize winning sound control command that indicates that a prize has been won, a demonstration performance command that indicates that the state has entered the demo state, a lottery result command that indicates the results of an internal lottery or general drawing lottery, a variation pattern command that indicates a variation pattern, and a special command. Fluctuation start command that indicates that a symbol or normal symbol has started to fluctuate, Fluctuation display specification command that indicates that a special symbol or regular symbol is being fluctuated, Stop symbol command that indicates a stop symbol of a special symbol or regular symbol, Special A symbol stop display command that indicates that a symbol or normal symbol stops after changing, a symbol stop display command that indicates that a special symbol or a normal symbol is stopped and displayed, a state designation command that indicates the gaming state, and a jackpot round. A round number command that indicates the number of rounds, a firing position specification command, an error notification command that indicates the occurrence of an error and the type of error, a small winning opening specification command that indicates that it is the opening period for a small winning, and the large winning opening 30b opens with a small winning. A jackpot opening specification command indicating that the opening period of the jackpot is in progress, a jackpot opening specification command indicating that the jackpot opening 30b is open due to a jackpot. , a jackpot end production command that indicates that the ending period will be produced at the end of the jackpot, a number-cutting counter value command that indicates the remaining number of time reductions, and a variation pattern destination judgment command that indicates the judgment result of the variation pattern of the suspended variation display. , a stop display time end command, etc., which indicates that the stop display time at the end of symbol variation has ended.

Step S400b: In the image restoration process, the effect control CPU 126 executes the process of restoring the image before the power outage.

Step S400c: In the volume/light amount adjustment process, the production control CPU 126 displays a volume adjustment image on the liquid crystal display 42 in response to the operation of the volume adjustment button 13a, and displays the volume data of the audio output from the speakers 54a to 54d. set. As a result, in the sound output process of step S408, the sound output is controlled at the volume based on the set volume data. In addition, the performance control CPU 126 displays a light amount adjustment image on the liquid crystal display 42 in response to the operation of the light amount adjustment button 13b, and sets the light amount data of the frame lamps 46, 50 and the board lamp 53. Thereby, in the lamp drive process of step S406, lighting control of the lamp is performed with the light amount based on the set light amount data.

Step S401: In the working memory effect management process, the effect control CPU 126 controls the execution of the above-mentioned storage number display effect and the prefetch preview effect using the pending displays M1 and M2. The contents of the working memory performance management process will be further described later with reference to other drawings.

Step S402: In the performance symbol management process, the performance control CPU 126 controls the contents of the variable display performance and the stop display performance using the performance symbols, and controls the performance content when the variable winning device 30 is opened and closed. In addition, in this process, the performance control CPU 126 initializes the display mode of the performance symbols (material setting means) or changes the initial setting (material setting changing means). In addition, in this process, the performance control CPU 126 selects performance patterns for various preview performances (pre-ready notice performance before reach occurrence, notice performance after reach occurrence, etc.). The contents of the performance symbol management process will be further described later with reference to other drawings.

Step S404: In the display output process, the production control CPU 126 provides the production display control device 144 (display control CPU 146) with basic control information of production content (for example, the number of operating memories for each of the first special symbol and the second special symbol). , working memory performance pattern number, look-ahead preview performance pattern number, variable performance pattern number, variable time preview performance number, background pattern number, etc.). Thereby, the effect display control device 144 (display control CPU 146 and VDP 152) controls the display operation of the liquid crystal display 42 based on the instructed effect content (effect execution means).

Step S406: In the lamp drive process, the effect control CPU 126 outputs a control signal to the lamp drive circuit 132. In response to this, the lamp drive circuit 132 drives the various frame lamps 46, 50, panel lamp 53, etc. (turns on or off, flashes, changes brightness gradation, etc.) based on the control signal.

Step S408: In the next sound drive process, the performance control CPU 126 sends the sound drive circuit 134 the performance contents (for example, BGM, audio data, etc. during a variable display performance, a reach performance, a mode transition performance, a jackpot performance, etc.). Instruct. As a result, the speakers 54a to 54d output sounds according to the content of the performance. Note that, when the audio data is set in step S405, the performance control CPU 126 performs audio output control in accordance with the audio data in this process.

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

Step S412: In other processing, for example, the production control CPU 126 outputs a control signal to the driving IC of the movable body for production. The movable body for presentation operates using a corresponding solenoid as a driving source, and performs presentation in synchronization with the image display on the liquid crystal display 42 or independently.

Through the above performance control processing, the performance control CPU 126 can control the performance content in the pachinko machine 1 in an integrated manner. Next, the contents of the performance symbol management process executed in the performance control process will be explained.

[Image restoration processing]
FIG. 36 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of image restoration processing. The contents will be explained below along with an example procedure.

Step S800: First, the production control CPU 126 confirms whether or not it has received a command indicating the state before power outage from the main control CPU 72. A command indicating the state before the power cut is sent in step S111 in FIG. 6, and a command indicating that a special symbol or a normal symbol is being displayed in a variable manner is a command indicating that a special symbol or a normal symbol is being displayed in a variable manner, or a command indicating that a special symbol or a normal symbol is being displayed in a stopped state. A design stop display designation command indicating that the symbol is stopped, a small win opening designation command that indicates that it is the opening period for a small win, a small win large winning opening designation command that indicates that the large winning opening 30b is open due to a small winning, This includes a jackpot opening designation command indicating that it is the jackpot opening period, a jackpot opening designation command indicating that the jackpot opening 30b is being opened due to a jackpot, and the like.

Then, when it is confirmed that a command indicating the state before power outage has been received (step S800: Yes), the production control CPU 126 executes step S802. On the other hand, if it cannot be confirmed that the command indicating the state before power cut has been received (step S800: No), the effect control CPU 126 returns to the effect control process (FIG. 35).

Step S802: The production control CPU 126 checks whether the control state of the production control device 124 is returning (that is, checks whether the returning flag is turned on in step S304 of FIG. 34). When it is confirmed that the control state of the production control device 124 is returning (step S802: Yes), the production control CPU 126 executes step S804. On the other hand, if it cannot be confirmed that the control state of the production control device 124 is returning (step S802: No), the production control CPU 126 returns to the production control process (FIG. 35).

Step S804: The effect control CPU 126 draws the image before the power outage based on the command confirmed in step S800. Thereby, the image during recovery is switched to the image before power cutoff.

Step S806: The production control CPU 126 updates the control state of the production control device 124 to the state before the power cut. Specifically, the recovery flag is turned off, and a flag corresponding to the state before the power cut is turned on. Then, the performance control CPU 126 returns to the performance control process (FIG. 35).

Note that the command indicating the state before power cut that is sent based on the production control return process at power-on (step S111 in FIG. 6) is a specific command (designation stop display command, small hit opening designation command, If the command is a command to open the big winning hole when the power is cut off (designation command to open the big winning hole when winning), the performance control CPU 126 draws the image before the power cut off upon receiving the command. However, if the command indicating the state before the power cut off is other than a specific command, The image is drawn from the image during recovery in response to a command (customer waiting command, fluctuation pattern designation command) transmitted based on the interrupt management process (timer interrupt process) shown in FIG.

[Working memory performance management processing]
FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of working memory performance management processing. The contents will be explained below along with an example procedure.

Step S700: First, the performance control CPU 126 receives the performance command when the number of working memories increases, which is transmitted from the main control CPU 72 when a game ball enters the first starting prize opening 26, the starting gate 20, and the second starting winning opening 28b. Check whether it was done or not. Specifically, the performance control CPU 126 accesses the command buffer area of the RAM 130 and checks whether the performance command for increasing the number of working memories is stored. If it is confirmed that the effect command when increasing the number of working memories is saved (step S700: Yes), the effect control CPU 126 executes step S702 and step S703. Note that if it cannot be confirmed that the effect command when increasing the number of working memories is saved (step S700: No), the effect control CPU 126 does not execute step S702 and step S703.

Step S702: The production control CPU 126 executes production selection processing when the number of working memories increases. In this process, the performance control CPU 126 selects a performance that displays the hold displays M1 and M2 corresponding to the first special symbol, the normal symbol, and the second special symbol.

Step S703: When displaying the pending displays M1 and M2, the production control CPU 126 executes a pre-read production management process. In this process, the performance control CPU 126 executes a process of determining by lottery whether or not to execute a pre-reading effect, and when it is determined to perform a pre-reading effect, determines what kind of content of the pre-reading effect is to be executed. Execute the process to determine.

The lottery probability of the look-ahead performance is set so that the probability of execution is high when the special symbol is a jackpot or small hit, and when the regular symbol is a long open. If it is determined to perform the pre-read effect, the effect control CPU 126 executes the pre-read effect in steps S404 to S408 of FIG.

In addition, as mentioned above, if the stop symbol corresponding to the long opening is selected in the normal symbol, it becomes easy to win a prize in the second starting winning hole 28b when the long opening is performed. In the second starting prize opening 28b, the probability of a small hit is approximately 1/1, and if it becomes a small hit, there is a possibility that it will develop from a small hit to a jackpot, and even if it does not become a small hit, it will be a jackpot. Therefore, by indicating that a stop symbol that becomes a long open is selected by the look-ahead effect, the expectation level of a jackpot is indicated.

There are various aspects of the look-ahead effect, such as changing the mode of the pending display, cutting in a performance image, changing the mode of background display on the liquid crystal display 42, and making a character corresponding to the look-ahead effect appear. It is provided. When the mode of the pending display changes, the color of the pending display changes each time the pending memory stored before the pending display to be read ahead is consumed, suggesting the degree of jackpot expectation, or the pending display changes. It also includes a mode in which the shape of the symbol changes to a different shape to indicate the expectation of a jackpot.

Step S704: The effect control CPU 126 confirms whether or not the effect command when the number of working memories decreases has been received from the main control CPU 72. Specifically, the performance control CPU 126 accesses the command buffer area of the RAM 130 and checks whether the performance command when the number of working memories decreases is stored. When it is confirmed that the performance command when the number of working memories decreases is saved (step S704: Yes), the performance control CPU 126 executes step S706. Note that if it cannot be confirmed that the performance command when the number of working memories decreases is saved (step S704: No), the performance control CPU 126 does not execute step S706.

Step S706: The production control CPU 126 executes production selection processing when the number of working memories decreases. In this process, the performance control CPU 126 executes a performance that slides the hold displays M1 and M2 corresponding to the first special symbol and the second special symbol. Furthermore, the performance control CPU 126 selects a performance that moves the pending display corresponding to the lottery element consumed by the internal lottery from the pre-change display area X1 to the fluctuating display area X2. The storage pending display moved to the display area X2 during fluctuation is erased when the fluctuation ends.

After completing the above procedure, the performance control CPU 126 returns to the performance control process (FIG. 35).

[Production design management processing]
FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the production symbol management process. The production symbol management process includes execution selection processing (step S500), production symbol variation pre-processing (step S502), production symbol variation processing (step S504), production symbol stop display processing (step S506), and when the variable winning device is activated. The configuration includes a subroutine group of processing (step S508). The basic flow of the production symbol management process will be explained below along with each process.

Step S500: In the execution selection process, the performance control CPU 126 selects the jump destination of the process to be executed next (any of steps S502 to S508). For example, the performance control CPU 126 sets the program address of the process to be executed next as the jump destination address, and also sets the end of the performance symbol management process in the "jump table" as the return destination address. Which process is selected as the next jump destination depends on the progress of the processes performed so far. For example, if the fluctuating display performance has not yet started, the performance control CPU 126 selects the performance symbol fluctuation pre-processing (step S502) as the next jump destination. On the other hand, if the production symbol fluctuation pre-processing has already been completed, the production control CPU 126 selects the production symbol variation processing (step S504) as the next jump destination, and if the production symbol variation processing has been completed, then The effect pattern stop display processing (step S506) is selected as the jump destination. Further, the variable winning device activation process (step S508) is selected as a jump destination when the variable winning device management process (step S5000 in FIG. 13) is selected in the main control CPU72. In this case, steps S502 to S506 are not executed.

Step S502: In the performance symbol variation preprocessing, the performance control CPU 126 performs work to prepare conditions for starting a variable display performance using performance symbols. In addition, in this process, the performance control CPU 126 selects the contents of the reach performance according to various conditions (lottery results, winning type, variation pattern, etc.), and selects the content of the reach performance for the preview performance (a reach other than the advance preview performance pattern). (pre-event notice pattern, post-reach notice pattern, etc.). In addition, the production control CPU 126 also controls demonstration production when the pachinko machine 1 is in a so-called customer waiting state. Note that the specific contents of the process will be described later using another flowchart.

Step S504: In the production symbol variation process, production control CPU 126 generates control information to instruct production display control device 144 (display control CPU 146) as necessary. For example, when performing a performance using the performance button 45 while executing a variable display performance using performance symbols, the performance control CPU 126 monitors whether or not the player operates the performance button, and the performance content is adjusted according to the result. (Button effect) control information is instructed to the display control CPU 146. In addition, in the production symbol variation process, the production control CPU 126 also executes a process of executing a pseudo variation (pseudo continuous notice).

Step S506: In the performance symbol stop display process, the performance control CPU 126 controls the content of the stop display performance using performance symbols and moving images in a manner according to the result of the internal lottery. That is, the performance control CPU 126 instructs the performance display control device 144 (display control CPU 146) to end the variable display performance and execute the stop display performance. In response to this, the performance display control device 144 (display control CPU 146) actually ends the variable display performance that has been executed up to that point on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42, and executes the stop display performance. As a result, the stop display performance is executed approximately in synchronization with the stop display of the special symbols, and the results of the internal lottery can be taught (disclosed, notified, notified, etc.) to the player in a performance manner (performance execution means ). In addition, at the time of a small hit, a stop display effect can be executed in a manner similar to or similar to that of a win.

Step S508: In the process when the variable winning device is activated, the performance control CPU 126 controls the content of the performance during the small hit or the jackpot (special game performance execution means). In this process, the performance control CPU 126 selects the content of the performance during the big win according to various conditions (for example, winning type). For example, in the case of a 10-round jackpot, the performance control CPU 126 selects a 10-round big winning performance pattern as the performance content to be displayed on the liquid crystal display 42, and instructs the performance display control device 144 (display control CPU 146) to select the performance pattern. . As a result, the image of the performance during the big win is displayed on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42, and the content of the performance changes as the round progresses.

[Pre-processing for production pattern variation]
FIG. 39 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for performance symbol variation pre-processing. The procedure will be explained below using an example procedure.

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

Step S602: The production control CPU 126 executes a demo selection process. In this process, the performance control CPU 126 selects a demonstration performance pattern. The demonstration performance pattern defines the content of the performance indicating that the pachinko machine 1 is in a so-called customer waiting state. In addition, if a command other than a specific command is received in a situation where the recovering image is displayed after a power outage recovery, the demo effect command will be received and the image will return to normal (displaying the demo effect). ).

When the above procedure is completed, the performance control CPU 126 returns to the last address of the performance symbol management process. The performance control CPU 126 then returns to the performance control process, and controls the content of the demonstration performance based on the demonstration performance pattern in the subsequent display output process (step S404 in FIG. 35) and lamp drive process (step S406 in FIG. 35). do.

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

Step S604: The performance control CPU 126 checks whether the current change is a loss (non-winning). Specifically, the performance control CPU 126 accesses the command buffer area of the RAM 130 and checks whether the lottery result command for non-winning is stored. As a result, if it is confirmed that the non-winning lottery result command is saved (Yes), the performance control CPU 126 executes step S612. Conversely, when it is confirmed that the lottery result command for non-winning is not saved (No), the performance control CPU 126 executes step S606. In addition, it is also possible to confirm whether or not the current variation is a loss based on a variation pattern command or a stop symbol command in addition to the lottery result command. That is, if the current variation pattern command corresponds to a missed normal variation or a missed reach variation, it can be determined that the current variation is a missed variation. Alternatively, if the current stop symbol command specifies a non-winning symbol, it can be determined that the current variation is a loss.

Step S606: If the lottery result command is other than non-winning (loss) (Step S604: No), then the performance control CPU 126 checks whether the current change is a jackpot. Specifically, the production control CPU 126 accesses the command buffer area of the RAM 130 and checks whether the lottery result command for the jackpot is stored. As a result, if it is confirmed that the lottery result command for the jackpot is saved (Yes), the performance control CPU 126 executes step S610. Conversely, if it is confirmed that the lottery result command for the jackpot is not saved (No), only the lottery result command for the small win remains, so in this case, the performance control CPU 126 executes step S608. In addition, it is also possible to confirm whether or not the current fluctuation is a jackpot based on the fluctuation pattern command or the stop symbol command. That is, if the current variation pattern command corresponds to a jackpot variation, it can be determined that the current variation is a jackpot. Furthermore, if the current stop symbol command corresponds to a jackpot symbol, it can be determined that the current variation is a jackpot.

Step S608: The production control CPU 126 executes a small winning variation production pattern selection process. In this process, the performance control CPU 126 determines the current performance pattern number based on the variable pattern command (for example, "C0H00H" to "D0H7FH") received from the main control CPU 72. The production pattern number is prepared in advance in correspondence with the variable pattern command, and the production control CPU 126 can refer to a production pattern selection table (not shown) and select the production pattern number corresponding to the variable pattern command at that time. can. Note that the effect pattern number may be prepared in pairs with the variable pattern command, or a plurality of effect pattern numbers may be prepared for one variable pattern command.

In addition, when a performance pattern number is selected, the performance control CPU 126 refers to a performance table (not shown), and determines the fluctuation schedule (variation time, type of reach, and reach occurrence timing) of the performance symbol corresponding to the fluctuation performance pattern number at that time, and stops. Determine the display mode, etc. The types of performance symbols determined here all correspond to the "combination of symbols at the time of small hit."

As described above, the performance when winning a small win may be the same as the performance when winning a small win, or it may be a performance exclusively for winning a small win that clearly discloses the winning of a small win.

The above procedure is for the case where the game corresponds to a "small hit", but when the game corresponds to a jackpot, the production control CPU 126 confirms that it is a "jackpot" in step S606 (Yes). In this case, the production control CPU 126 executes step S610.

Step S610: The performance control CPU 126 executes a jackpot time-varying performance pattern selection process. In this process, the performance control CPU 126 determines the current performance pattern number based on the variable pattern command (for example, "E0H00H" to "F0H7FH") received from the main control CPU 72. In the jackpot performance pattern selection process, the process may be further branched for each jackpot stop symbol. In addition, when the variation pattern is a variation pattern corresponding to a pseudo-continuous notice performance, the production control CPU 126 executes a process of selecting a production pattern for executing the pseudo-continuous notice production during the execution of the variation display production (when the variation pattern is off) The same is true). In the pseudo-continuous notice presentation, when the presentation pattern is temporarily stopped and then changed again, the pseudo-continuation pattern can be stopped at the middle presentation pattern.

In addition, in the case of non-election, the following procedure is executed. That is, when the performance control CPU 126 confirms that it is a failure in step S604 (Yes), it then executes step S612.

Step S612: The performance control CPU 126 executes the off-time variation performance pattern selection process. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 determines the effect pattern number at the time of failure based on the variation pattern command (for example, "A0H00H" to "A6H7FH") received from the main control CPU 72. The performance pattern numbers when the game is off are classified into "normal deviation fluctuations", "short time deviation fluctuations", "missing reach fluctuations", etc., and detailed reach fluctuation patterns are defined for the "missing reach fluctuations". Note that which performance pattern number the performance control CPU 126 selects is determined by the variable pattern command transmitted from the main control CPU 72.

When the performance pattern number at the time of a miss is selected, the performance control CPU 126 refers to a performance table (not shown) and determines the fluctuation schedule (variation time, presence or absence of reach, occurrence of reach, etc.) of the performance symbol corresponding to the fluctuation performance pattern number at that time. (reach type and reach occurrence timing) and the mode of stop display (for example, "7" - "2" - "4", etc.) are determined.

After executing any one of the above steps S608, S610, and S612, the production control CPU 126 next executes step S614.

Step S614: The production control CPU 126 executes production selection processing. In this process, the performance control CPU 126 selects by lottery the content of the preview performance to be executed during the current variable display performance. The content of the preview performance is determined based on, for example, the result of an internal lottery (winning or non-winning) and the current internal state (normal state, high probability state, time shortened state). As described above, the advance notice performance is for notifying the player of the possibility that a ready-to-win state will occur during the variable display performance, or of the possibility of a jackpot in the end. Therefore, when the game is not won, the selection ratio of the preview performance is set low, but when the game is won, the selection ratio of the preview performance is set relatively high in order to increase the player's expectations.

In this way, when the performance control CPU 126 wins the lottery to determine whether or not to execute the preview performance (when the prescribed performance execution conditions are met), the performance control CPU 126 determines whether or not the winning performance will be executed during the execution of the variable display performance (predetermined performance). A preview performance (relating to a predetermined performance that suggests whether or not the predetermined performance will be successful) is executed to suggest that the performance symbols will be stopped and displayed in a specific manner.

Furthermore, when it is determined in this preview selection process that the preview performance is to be executed, the performance control CPU 126 executes a process of determining at which timing during the variable display the preview performance is to be started. In addition, the preview performances include various preview performances that are executed during the variable display (step-up preview performance, conversation preview performance, cut-in preview performance, group preview performance, character falling performance, next preview performance, title color change performance) ), but also includes pseudo-continuous preview performances, look-ahead preview performances, memory marker change preview performances, etc.

Further, in this embodiment, as a preview effect, a background switching effect can be executed to switch the background display being displayed during the variable display of symbols. Then, by switching the background display using the background switching effect, the degree of expectation for a jackpot or small win is suggested.

Step S616: Production control CPU 126 executes mode production management processing. In this process, the performance control CPU 126 executes a process of selecting a performance according to the gaming state. For example, a process is executed to select a performance according to a normal state, a jackpot game state, a small win game state, and a time saving state.

Therefore, the performance control CPU 126 controls the performance state to be in the time saving state, for example, when the time saving state is present. As a result, the background displayed on the liquid crystal display 42 and the effect sounds output from the speakers 54a to 54d correspond to the time saving state. In addition, the production control CPU 126 displays a remaining variation number display indicating the remaining variation number of the time saving state on the liquid crystal display 42, but this remaining variation number display is not displayed when the variation display of the second special symbol is performed. Subtraction is displayed.

In the time saving state, when the first special symbol is displayed in a variable manner, the production control CPU 126 hides the production symbols 43L to 43R and only displays the mini symbol in a variable manner. Further, the pending displays M1 and M2 are hidden, and the subtraction of the display of the remaining number of variations in the time saving state is stopped until the eighth variation display of the first special symbol is performed. Therefore, in the time saving state, only the fluctuating display of the performance symbol corresponding to the second special symbol is performed, and only the pending display M2 corresponding to the second special symbol is displayed in the fluctuating display area X2. The remaining variation count display is always subtracted when the second special symbol is displayed as a variation, but when the first special symbol is displayed as a variation, the number of variations of the first special symbol after the 9th time is subtracted. The subtraction is displayed on the display, and the subtraction is not performed until the 8th variable display of the first special symbol is performed.

Also, for example, when in a small win game state or a jackpot game state, the background displayed from the liquid crystal display 42 and the effect sounds output from the speakers 54a to 54d correspond to the small win game state or the jackpot game state. Become. Then, in the small win game state or the jackpot game state, the performance control CPU 126 selects a performance that displays a right hit suggestion image that urges the player to shoot the game ball into the big winning opening 30b.

When the above procedure is completed, the performance control CPU 126 returns to the performance symbol management process (end address). As a result, in the subsequent performance symbol variation process (step S504 in FIG. 38), the variable display performance and the stop display performance are executed based on the actually selected fluctuation performance pattern, and also based on various advance notice performance patterns. A preview performance will be performed.

It should be noted that the performance control CPU 126 selects the performance data of the normal performance screen since it is in the normal state when selecting the variation pattern of the special performance design corresponding to the first special symbol. Furthermore, when selecting the variation pattern of the special effect pattern corresponding to the second special pattern, since it is certain that a jackpot will occur, the effect data on the jackpot preparation screen is selected. Further, when selecting the variation pattern of the normal pattern performance pattern corresponding to the normal pattern, since the time is in a time saving state, the performance data of the time saving performance screen is selected.

When selecting performance data for the normal performance screen, jackpot preparation screen, and time-saving performance screen, the performance to be displayed on each screen is also selected. Then, the performance control CPU 126 displays the selected performance screen and executes the selected performance in the subsequent performance symbol variation process (step S504 in FIG. 38).

[Production selection process]
FIG. 40 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure of the production selection process. The contents will be explained below along with an example procedure.

Step S850: First, the performance control CPU 126 executes a performance selection lottery for selecting the type of performance to be performed. Note that in the performance selection lottery, it may be determined not to perform the performance.

Moreover, the performance selected in the performance selection lottery includes a performance in which the movable body 40 is moved. The effects of moving the movable body 40 include effects in which the movable body 40 only moves to the movable position and effects in which the movable body 40 moves to the movable position and the rear side movable body 40b appears. The lottery is also conducted in such a way that the probability of the performance being executed is higher when the player wins a jackpot or a small jackpot than when the player loses. In addition, the expectation level of a jackpot or small hit is higher in a production in which the movable body 40 moves to a movable position and the rear movable body 40b appears than in a production in which the movable body 40 only moves to the movable position. .

Furthermore, the performances selected in the performance selection lottery also include an operation performance that prompts the user to operate the performance button 45. When the operation performance is selected, the performance control CPU 126 lights up the valid lamp of the performance button 45.

Step S852: The performance control CPU 126 checks whether the performance selected in the performance selection lottery is a background switching performance. When it is confirmed that it is a background switching effect (step S852: Yes), the effect control CPU 126 executes step S854. On the other hand, if it cannot be confirmed that it is a background switching effect (step S852: No), the effect control CPU 126 executes step S856.

Step S854: The performance control CPU 126 executes a performance pattern selection lottery for selecting a performance pattern for the background switching performance.

Step S856: The performance control CPU 126 sets the performance data of the performance selected in the performance selection lottery, and returns to the performance symbol variation pre-processing (FIG. 39). Then, based on the set performance data, the performance control CPU 126 performs processing to execute the performance in steps S404, S406, and S408 in FIG. 35. Note that this process is omitted when it is determined not to perform the effect.

[Background switching performance pattern]
FIG. 41 is an explanatory diagram of a performance pattern for background switching performance. In this embodiment, the background display displayed in the background effect includes two types of low expectation level backgrounds A and B and one type of high expectation level background. The high expectation background is a background display in which the expectation of a jackpot or small win is higher than the low expectation backgrounds A and B.

As shown in FIG. 41, the effect patterns for background switching effects include effect pattern A and effect pattern B. Then, in step S854 of FIG. 40, either effect pattern A or effect pattern B is selected.

Performance pattern A switches from a low expectation background to a low expectation background via a background switching performance. That is, if the background is a low expectation background A, it is switched to a low expectation background B, and if it is a low expectation background B, it is switched to a low expectation background A. Performance pattern B switches from a low expectation background to a high expectation background via a background switching performance.

In the case of a jackpot or a small hit, the number of judgment values is determined so that the selection ratio of performance pattern A is 20% and the selection ratio of performance pattern B is 80%. Further, in the case of a failure, the number of judgment values is determined so that the selection ratio of effect pattern A is 80% and the selection rate of effect pattern B is 20%.

By setting such a selection probability, when switching to a high expectation background, the expectation level for a jackpot or small hit becomes high.

[Display position of volume adjustment image and light intensity adjustment image]
Next, the display positions of the volume adjustment image 51 and the light amount adjustment image 52 will be explained using FIGS. 42 and 43. Note that the volume adjustment image 51 and the light amount adjustment image 52 are displayed when the performance control CPU 126 performs the processing of steps S400c and S404 in FIG. 35.

As shown in FIG. 42, even when the movable body 40 moves to the movable position, the operation of the volume adjustment button 13a or the light amount adjustment button 13b is enabled. Then, when the volume adjustment button 13a or the light amount adjustment button 13b is operated and the volume adjustment image 51 or the light amount adjustment image 52 is displayed, the volume icon 51a and the light amount icon 52a are placed in a position where they are not covered by the movable body 40. An adjustment image 51 or a light amount adjustment image 52 is displayed. On the other hand, the volume meter 51b and the light intensity meter 52b are covered by the movable body 40.

In this way, when the movable body 40 moves to the movable position, parts of the volume adjustment image 51 and the light amount adjustment image 52 are displayed, so that it can be identified that the volume and light amount can be adjusted. Thereby, convenience can be improved.

Further, since the volume icon 51a and the light amount icon 52a are displayed, it is possible to identify which one can be adjusted, thereby increasing convenience.

Note that when the volume adjustment image 51 is covered by the movable body 40, operating the volume adjustment button 13a changes the volume, so the volume can be adjusted while listening to the audio. Further, when the light amount adjustment image 52 is covered by the movable body 40, operating the light amount adjustment button 13b changes the light amount, so the light amount can be adjusted while watching the light amount.

Further, as shown in FIG. 43, if the rear movable body 40b appears when the movable body 40 moves to the movable position, the volume adjustment image 51 and the light amount adjustment image 52 are covered by the rear movable body 40b.

In the present embodiment, the expectation level of a jackpot or small hit is higher in a production in which the movable body 40 moves to a movable position and the rear movable body 40b appears than in a production in which the movable body 40 only moves to the movable position. The selection probability of the performance is set so that In other words, the performance in which the rear movable body 40b appears is a highly anticipated performance.

Therefore, when a highly anticipated performance is executed, the volume adjustment image 51 and the light amount adjustment image 52 are covered by the rear movable body 40b, thereby increasing attention to the performance and increasing the interest of the game. can be increased.

[Image suggesting right-handed hit during small hit]
Next, a right-handed hitting suggestion image displayed on the liquid crystal display 42 during a small win will be described using FIG. 44. Note that the right-handed hitting suggestion image is displayed when the performance control CPU 126 performs the processing of step S402 in FIG. 35 (specifically, step S616 in FIG. 39) and S404.

As shown in FIG. 44(a), when a small hit starts, a right-handed hitting suggestion image 200 that urges firing the game ball toward the big winning opening 30b (that is, encourages right-handed hitting) is displayed on the liquid crystal display. 42 is displayed at the bottom right of the screen. The right-handed hitting suggestion image 200 is composed of an image in which the words "Aim to the right" and a right-pointing arrow are displayed in a rectangular window.

As shown in FIG. 44(b), when 25 seconds have passed since the start of the display of the right-handed hitting suggestion image 200, that is, when the opening time of the grand prize opening 30b is 4 seconds remaining, the grand prize opening 30b is opened. The game is switched to a right-handed hitting suggestion image 201 that urges the user to shoot the game ball toward the player (that is, encourages right-handed hitting). In the right-handed hitting suggestion image 201, the words "Aim to the right" and the right-pointing arrow in the right-handed hitting suggestion image 200 are enlarged and displayed in a larger area than the right-handed hitting suggestion image 200. As a result, the right-handed hitting suggestion image 201 emphasizes right-handed hitting more than the right-handed hitting suggestion image 200.

Then, as shown in FIG. 45(a), when the right-handed hitting suggestion image 200 is displayed, the lower tray 6c becomes full of game balls, which turns on the full tank switch 161, causing a full tank error. If this occurs, characters 202 ("Please remove the balls") are displayed to prompt the player to eject the game balls from the lower tray 6c. At this time, the characters 202 urging the player to eject the game ball from the lower tray 6c are displayed at a position that does not overlap with the right-handed hitting suggestion image 200.

Further, as shown in FIG. 45(b), when the volume adjustment image 51 and the light amount adjustment image 52 are displayed while the right-handed hitting suggestion image 200 is displayed, the volume adjustment image 51 and the light amount adjustment image 52 are displayed. It is displayed in a position that is not superimposed on the right-handed hitting suggestion image 200.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 45(c), when the right-handed hitting suggestion image 201 is displayed, characters 202 ("Please remove the ball") prompting to eject the game ball from the lower tray 6c are displayed. In this case, the text 202 prompting to eject the game ball from the lower tray 6c is displayed in a higher layer than the right-handed hitting suggestion image 201, and the text 202 prompting to discharge the game ball from the lower tray 6c suggests right-handed hitting. It is displayed at a position superimposed on the image 201.

Further, as shown in FIG. 45(d), when the volume adjustment image 51 and the light amount adjustment image 52 are displayed while the right-handed hitting suggestion image 201 is displayed, the volume adjustment image 51 and the light amount adjustment image 52 are displayed. They are displayed in a higher layer than the right-handed player suggestion image 201, and the volume adjustment image 51 and the light amount adjustment image 52 are displayed at a position superimposed on the right-handed player suggestion image 201.

In this embodiment, when a small hit occurs, the game ball cannot be developed into a jackpot unless it enters the specific area 30d, so by hitting the right hand at the time of a small hit, the game ball is launched toward the big winning opening 30b. is important. Therefore, the right hitting suggestion image 200 that is displayed from the start of the small win is prevented from becoming invisible due to the text 202 prompting to eject the game ball from the lower tray 6c, the volume adjustment image 51, and the light amount adjustment image 52. , it is possible to reliably encourage the game ball to enter the big prize opening 30b.

On the other hand, since the right-handed playing suggestion image 201 is displayed on the entire screen, the characters 202 urging to eject the game ball from the lower tray 6c, the volume adjustment image 51, and the light intensity adjustment image 52 are superimposed on the right-handed playing suggestion image 201. Even if it is displayed in the right position, the player can recognize that it is necessary to hit right. Furthermore, since the right-handed hitting suggestion image 201 is displayed larger than the right-handed hitting suggestion image 200, it is possible to encourage the player to more reliably hit right-handed hitting just before the end of the small hit.

In addition, in this embodiment, the text 202 prompting to eject the game ball from the lower tray 6c, the volume adjustment image 51, and the light amount adjustment image 52 are not superimposed on the right-handed playing suggestion image 200, but are not superimposed on the right-handed playing suggestion image 201. However, the text 202 prompting to eject the game ball from the lower tray 6c, the volume adjustment image 51, and the light intensity adjustment image 52 are not superimposed on the right-handed playing suggestion image 201, and the right-handed playing suggestion image 200 It is also possible to have an overlapping configuration.

[Variation example of right-handed hitting suggestion image]
Next, modified examples of the right-handed hitting suggestion image will be described using FIGS. 46 to 48.

As shown in FIGS. 46(a) to 46(c), when the small winning starts, a right-handed hitting suggestion image 210 is displayed at the lower right of the screen of the liquid crystal display 42 to urge the player to hit right. The right-handed hitting suggestion image 210 is an image in which the words "Aim to the right" and a right-pointing arrow are displayed in a rectangular window, and a meter 210a is displayed in the grand prize opening 30b to indicate the time during which a game ball can win. It consists of The meter 210a is full at the start of the small win, and decreases as time passes. Then, the sound accompanying the decrease in the meter 210a is not output from the speakers 54a to 54d.

As shown in FIGS. 47(d) to 47(f), when the opening time of the big prize opening 30b becomes 5 seconds remaining, the right-handed game suggestion image 210 is switched to the right-handed game suggestion image 211. The right-handed hitting suggestion image 211 is composed of an image in which the words "Aim to the right" and a rightward arrow are displayed, and a countdown display 211a indicating the remaining opening time of the big prize opening 30b is displayed in the center of the screen. . Then, as the countdown display 211a progresses, audio is output from the speakers 54a to 54d. As a result, the right-handed hitting suggestion image 211 emphasizes right-handed hitting more than the right-handed hitting suggestion image 210.

Then, as shown in FIG. 48(a), when the right-handed hitting suggestion image 210 is displayed, the lower tray 6c becomes full of game balls, which turns the full tank switch 161 ON, causing a full tank error. If this occurs, characters 202 ("Please remove the balls") are displayed to prompt the player to eject the game balls from the lower tray 6c. At this time, the characters 202 are displayed at a position that does not overlap with the right-handed hitting suggestion image 210 including the meter 210a.

Further, as shown in FIG. 48(b), when the volume adjustment image 51 and the light amount adjustment image 52 are displayed while the right-handed hitting suggestion image 210 is displayed, the volume adjustment image 51 and the light amount adjustment image 52 are displayed. It is displayed in a position that is not superimposed on the right-handed hitting suggestion image 210 including the meter 210a.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 48(c), when the right-handed hitting suggestion image 211 is displayed, characters 202 ("Please remove the ball") prompting to eject the game ball from the lower tray 6c are displayed. In this case, characters 202 prompting the user to eject the game ball from the lower tray 6c are displayed at a position superimposed on the right-handed hitting suggestion image 211 including the countdown display 211a.

Further, as shown in FIG. 48(d), when the volume adjustment image 51 and the light amount adjustment image 52 are displayed while the right-handed hitting suggestion image 211 is displayed, the volume adjustment image 51 and the light amount adjustment image 52 are displayed. It is displayed at a position superimposed on the right-handed hitting suggestion image 211 including the countdown display 211a.

In this modification, since the opening time of the grand prize opening 30b can be recognized from the display of the meter 210a, it is possible to encourage the game ball to enter the grand prize opening 30b more reliably.

Moreover, since the sound is also output when the countdown display 211a is performed, the opening time of the grand prize opening 30b can be recognized, so that it is possible to encourage the game ball to enter the grand prize opening 30b more reliably.

[Specific example of background switching effect]
Next, a specific example of the background switching effect will be described using FIG. 49. 49(a) shows the effect pattern A of FIG. 41, and FIG. 49(b) shows the effect pattern B of FIG. 41.

As shown in FIG. 49(a), in the normal state, a low expectation background is displayed. In the performance pattern A, when the background switching performance is executed, the background switching performance is executed after the variable display of the performance symbols is started.

When the background switching effect is executed, the entire screen of the liquid crystal display 42 is covered with the background switching effect image 220. A part of the background switching effect image 220 is transparent, and a part of the effect pattern and a part of the background image are displayed from this transparent part. The background image after switching can be visually recognized from this transparent portion.

In effect pattern A, since the low expectation level background is switched to the low expectation level background, the low expectation level background after switching can be visually recognized from the transparent portion of the background switching effect image. Specifically, when the low expectation background A is before switching, the low expectation background B can be visually recognized, and when the low expectation background B is before switching, the low expectation background A can be visually recognized. When the background switching performance is completed, the changing display of the performance symbols is performed with the background after switching being displayed.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 49(b), when the background switching effect is executed in the effect pattern B, similarly to the effect pattern A, the background switching effect is executed after the fluctuating display of the effect symbols starts. be done.

When the background switching effect is executed, the entire screen of the liquid crystal display 42 is covered with the background switching effect image 220. In production pattern A, the low expectation background after switching is displayed from the transparent part of the background switching production image 220, but in production pattern B, the high expectation background is displayed from the transparent part of the background switching production image 220. If this happens, the player will notice that the background will be switched to a high expectation background at the time of the background switching effect.

Therefore, in this embodiment, when displaying the background switching effect image 220 of the background switching effect, a dummy low expectation background (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a dummy background) is displayed from the transparent part of the background switching effect image 220. .

As a dummy background, low expectation background B is displayed when low expectation background A is before switching, and low expectation background A is displayed when low expectation background B is before switching. Thereby, it is possible to prevent it from being detected whether the effect pattern A or the effect pattern B is being used after switching at the time of the background switching effect. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the game from becoming less interesting due to prediction of the development of the performance. In the case of performance pattern B, the high expectation background is displayed after a high expectation entry performance suggesting that the high expectation background will be displayed after the end of the background switching performance is executed.

In this embodiment, two types of low expectation backgrounds are provided, so if one low expectation background is displayed before switching, the other low expectation background will be displayed as a dummy background. However, for example, if three or more types of low expectation backgrounds are provided, the method for determining the dummy background may be determined by lottery from low expectation backgrounds other than the low expectation background before switching. A method different from the form may be used.

[About production during time saving mode]
Next, the performance during the time saving state will be explained using FIGS. 50 to 53. The performance of this example is executed by the performance control CPU 126 executing step S616 in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 50(a), first, assume that a jackpot occurs in the normal state, and the number of working memories of the first special symbol is "4" at the time the jackpot occurs. Therefore, the working memory number "4" of the first special symbol is displayed in the special symbol 1 reservation display area Z1. Additionally, four pending displays M1 are displayed.

As shown in FIG. 50(b), when the ending performance is executed in the jackpot gaming state, the jackpot gaming state ends. In the illustrated example, the number of game balls acquired in the jackpot game state is displayed in the ending performance.

As shown in FIG. 50(c), when the jackpot game state ends, the time saving state starts, but since the working memory number of the first special symbol was "4" at the time the jackpot occurred, the time saving state started. In the first to fourth special symbol variable displays, the first special symbol is variable displayed. Therefore, the performance symbols 43L to 43R are not displayed, and the pending displays M1 and M2 are also not displayed. Then, characters 230 (“READY”) indicating that the time saving state is started are displayed in the center of the screen. Note that the right-handed hitting suggestion image 200 is displayed during the time saving state.

As shown in FIG. 51(d), when the first variable display of the first special symbol starts in the time saving state, the working memory number of the first special symbol displayed in the special symbol 1 pending display area Z1 is "3". ” is subtracted, and variable display of the mini symbols starts in the mini symbol display area Z3. At this time, the character 230 (``READY'') indicating that the time saving state is started remains displayed, and the production symbols 43L to 43R and the pending displays M1 and M2 also remain hidden. Further, since the first special symbol is not displayed 8 times, the remaining variation count display 232 ("100 remaining") is not displayed in a subtractive manner in the time saving state. Note that the right-handed hitting suggestion image 200 remains displayed during the time saving state.

As shown in FIG. 51(e), when the variable display of the first special symbol is stopped, the variable display of the mini symbol is stopped in the mini symbol display area Z3 ("8 1 3" in the example shown). At this time, the character 230 (``READY'') indicating that the time saving state is started remains displayed, and the production symbols 43L to 43R and the pending displays M1 and M2 also remain hidden.

As shown in FIG. 51(f), when the working memory is digested and the second variable display of the first special symbol starts, the working memory number of the first special symbol displayed in the special symbol 1 pending display area Z1 is subtracted to "2", and variable display of the mini symbols is started in the mini symbol display area Z3. At this time, the character 230 (``READY'') indicating that the time saving state is started remains displayed, and the production symbols 43L to 43R and the pending displays M1 and M2 also remain hidden. Further, since the first special symbol is not displayed 8 times, the remaining variation count display 232 ("100 remaining") is not displayed in a subtractive manner in the time saving state.

As shown in FIG. 52(g), when the working memory of the fourth first special symbol is consumed and the fluctuating display of the first special symbol is stopped, the fluctuating display of the mini symbol is stopped in the mini symbol display area Z3. (“6 4 3” in the example shown). At this time, the character 230 (``READY'') indicating that the time saving state is started remains displayed, and the production symbols 43L to 43R and the pending displays M1 and M2 also remain hidden.

As shown in FIG. 52(h), if a game ball enters the second starting winning hole 28b while the working memory of the first special symbol is being consumed, the working memory of the fourth first special symbol After the symbol has been digested, the variable display of the second special symbol is started. At this time, production symbols 43L to 43R are displayed, but the combination of mini symbols that stopped last after the working memory of the fourth 1st special symbol has been exhausted (that is, the combination of mini symbols corresponding to the 1st special symbol) is displayed. (combination) is displayed in the production patterns 43L to 43R (in this example, "6 4 3"). Further, a pending display M2 is displayed in the pre-change display area X1 and the changing display area X2. In addition, this example shows an example in which three working memories of the second special symbol occur. Further, the remaining variation count display 232 in the time saving state is displayed as a subtraction, and the remaining 100 times are subtracted from the remaining 99 times. Furthermore, the working memory number of the second special symbol displayed in the special symbol 2 reservation display area Z2 is subtracted to "2".

As shown in FIG. 52(i), when the second special symbol is displayed in a variable manner, the variable display of the performance symbols 43L to 43R corresponding to the second special symbol is started. Further, variable display of mini symbols is started in the mini symbol display area Z3. Then, the performance symbols 43L to 43R and the mini symbols that have been displayed in a variable manner are stopped and displayed. In addition, in the illustrated example, the manner in which the performance symbols 43L to 43R and the mini symbols are stopped and displayed is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 53(j), the variable display of the second special symbol is repeated in the time saving state, and for example, assume that the second special symbol stops when the remaining frequency display 232 shows 70 times remaining. At this time, it is assumed that a game ball wins in the first starting prize opening 26. It is also assumed that the number of fluctuations of the first special symbol in the time saving state is 8 times or less.

As shown in FIG. 53(k), next, when the variable display of the first special symbol starts, the variable display of the mini symbol starts in the mini symbol display area Z3. At this time, the performance symbols 43L to 43R and the pending displays M1 and M2 are hidden, and the background display is displayed. Further, since the first special symbol is not displayed 8 times, the remaining number of fluctuations display 232 ("70 remaining times") is not displayed in a subtractive manner in the time saving state. Note that the right-handed hitting suggestion image 200 remains displayed during the time saving state.

As shown in FIG. 53(l), when the variable display of the first special symbol is stopped, the variable display of the mini symbol is stopped in the mini symbol display area Z3. At this time, the performance symbols 43L to 43R and the pending displays M1 and M2 also remain hidden. The background display continues to be displayed as is.

As shown in FIG. 53(m), when a game ball enters the second starting prize opening 28b after the variable display of the first special symbol has stopped or while the variable display of the first special symbol is being performed. , the variable display of the second special symbol is started. At this time, the production symbols 43L to 43R are displayed, and the combination of mini symbols corresponding to the first special symbol that stopped due to the previous variation is displayed in the production symbols 43L to 43R (in this example, "3 8 1") ). Further, a pending display M2 is displayed in the changing display area X2. In addition, the remaining variation count display 232 in the time saving state is displayed as a subtraction, and is subtracted from the remaining 70 times to the remaining 69 times. Then, the variable display of the performance symbols 43L to 43R corresponding to the second special symbol is started, and the variable display of the mini symbols is started in the mini symbol display area Z3.

Thereafter, when a variable display of the first special symbol is performed in the time saving state, a similar display is performed. In addition, in the normal state, even if either the first special symbol or the second special symbol is variably displayed, the variably displayed or suspended display of the production symbol is performed as usual.

In the present embodiment, in the time saving state, when the regular lottery is won, the long opening is executed, so it becomes easier for the game ball to enter the second starting prize opening 28b than in the normal state. When a game ball enters the second starting prize opening 28b, a 10-round small hit can be generated, and if a second round jackpot is won, a long-term time-saving state is controlled, while the first starting winning opening 26 Since only round jackpots can occur, more advantageous hits can occur when the second special symbol is variably displayed than the first special symbol in the time saving state. Therefore, if the first special symbol is displayed in a variable manner in the time-saving state, the player may feel a sense of loss. For this reason, in the present embodiment, in the time saving state, the performance symbol corresponding to the first special symbol is not displayed in a variable manner, the display on hold is not performed, and the remaining variation number display is not subtracted. It becomes difficult for the player to notice that the first special symbol is displayed in a variable manner in the time saving state. Thereby, it is possible to increase the interest of the game in a time-saving state.

In addition, in this embodiment, when the first special symbol is displayed in a variable manner in the time saving state, the remaining variation count display 232 is displayed and the subtraction is not performed. The display mode when the remaining number of fluctuations is not updated in the time saving state may be different from the above embodiment, such as by superimposing an effect image that makes it invisible or by hiding the remaining number of fluctuations display 232.

Further, in the above embodiment, an example is given in which the remaining number of fluctuations in the time saving state is updated by displaying a subtraction in the remaining number of fluctuations display 232, but for example, the number of fluctuations executed in the time saving state is added. The display mode when updating the remaining number of fluctuations in the time saving state may be different from the above embodiment, such as changing the color or character according to the number of fluctuations in the time saving state.

Further, in this embodiment, an example is given in which the working memory is digested in the winning order, but it may be configured such that one of the first special symbol or the second special symbol is digested preferentially over the other.

[About constructing an image when the power is restored]
Next, construction of an image on the liquid crystal display 42 when the power is restored will be explained using FIG. 54.

As shown in FIG. 54, when the power is turned off and then turned on again to recover from the power outage, a recovery image 240 is first displayed. In the returning image 240, "Screen display is returning. Please continue playing the game." is displayed. Therefore, the player continues playing the game even when the returning image 240 is displayed.

Then, when a command indicating the state before power outage is received while the returning image 240 is being displayed, the image before power outage is drawn.

Specifically, for example, when a designation command during symbol fluctuation display is transmitted from the main control CPU 72 to the performance control CPU 126, a fluctuating display image 242 of the performance symbol is drawn on the liquid crystal display 42. Further, when a symbol stop display designation command is sent from the main control CPU 72 to the production control CPU 126, a production symbol stop display image 244 is displayed on the liquid crystal display 42. Further, when the small winning opening designation command is sent from the main control CPU 72 to the performance control CPU 126, the small winning opening image 246 is displayed on the liquid crystal display 42. Further, when the command for specifying opening of the large winning opening when a small hit is sent from the main control CPU 72 to the performance control CPU 126, a large winning opening opening image 248 when a small winning is displayed on the liquid crystal display 42.

In this embodiment, the stop display time of the symbol in the final variation in the time saving state is longer than that in the normal symbol variation (for example, 5 seconds). Therefore, if a power outage recovery is performed while the performance symbols are stopped and displayed, the image cannot be displayed after waiting until the symbol variation display starts or until the start of the symbol variation display (so-called waiting for the customer). If this is done, the display time of the returning image 240 will take a long time. Further, when the power failure recovery is performed during the opening performance of a small win, if the image is constructed after waiting until the start of the small win, the display time of the image 240 during recovery will take a long time. Furthermore, if the power is restored during a small win while the big winning opening 30b is open, if the player waits until the big winning opening 30b closes and then waits to build the image, the player can immediately resume playing. If you do not do so, you may be at a disadvantage.

Therefore, for example, by drawing an image when a design stop display command, a small hit opening designation command, and a small win large winning opening designation command are sent after the power is restored, the above problems can be solved. can be solved.

In addition, in this embodiment, it is possible to draw an image in the same way when a jackpot opening designation command or a jackpot opening jackpot opening designation command is transmitted after the power is restored.

[Effects of the above embodiment]
(a1) In the above embodiment,
A gaming machine (in this example, pachinko machine 1) equipped with a movable body (in this example, movable body 40),
It includes operation means for performing operations (in this example, the volume adjustment button 13a, light amount adjustment button 13b, and production button 45), and image display means that can display images (in this example, the liquid crystal display 42),
The operation means includes specific operation means (in this example, a volume adjustment button 13a and a light amount adjustment button 13b),
Based on the operation of the specific operation means, it is possible to display a predetermined image (in this example, a volume adjustment image 51 and a light amount adjustment image 52) on the image display means (in this example, FIG. 3);
When the movable body moves, a part of the image display area of the image display means may be covered by the movable body (in this example, FIG. 42);
The operation of the specific operation means is enabled when a part of the image display area is covered by the movable body,
When the specific operation means is operated when a part of the image display area is covered by the movable body, the predetermined image is displayed at a position where a part of the predetermined image is not covered by the movable body. (FIG. 42 in this example).
Therefore, when the movable body moves, it can be recognized that the operation of the specific operation means is enabled, so that convenience can be improved.

(a2) Furthermore, in the above embodiment,
The operation means is a special operation means different from the specific operation means (in this example, Pachinko machine 1),
Including operation means (in this example, the production button 45) for performing the operation,
The special operation means is equipped with a light emitting means that can emit light when the operation is enabled (in this example, an effective lamp shown in FIG. 5), while the specific operation means is not equipped with the light emitting means. First, when a part of the image display area is covered by the movable body, the operation of the special operation means is disabled.
Therefore, unlike the special operation means, the specific operation means cannot determine whether the operation is valid or not based on the light emitted from the light emitting means. To enhance convenience by making it possible to recognize that the operation of an operating means is enabled, and to make it possible to cover most of the image display area with the movable body, thereby enhancing the presentation effect.

(a3) Furthermore, in the above embodiment,
The movable body includes a first movable body (in this example, the front side movable body 40a) and a second movable body (in this example, the rear side movable body 40b),
The first movable body has a smaller area covering the image display area than the second movable body (in this example, FIGS. 42 and 43),
It is more advantageous when the second movable body moves than when the first movable body moves,
A part of the predetermined image is not covered by the first movable body, but is covered by the second movable body (in this example, FIGS. 42 and 43).
Therefore, when executing a movable object effect with a low advantage, visibility of the predetermined image is ensured by not covering a part of the image, while when executing a movable object effect with a high advantage, the visibility of the predetermined image is ensured. By allowing a part of a predetermined image to be hidden with priority given to the appearance of the physical presentation, it is possible to enhance the presentation effect while increasing convenience.

(b1) In the above embodiment,
A game machine (in this example, pachinko machine 1) that can display a performance image,
The effect images include a first effect image (in this example, the right-handed hitting suggestion image 200 shown in FIGS. 44 and 45) and a second effect image (in this example, the right-handed hitting suggestion image 201 shown in FIGS. 44 and 45). ) and a third effect image (in this example, the volume adjustment image 51 and the light amount adjustment image 52 shown in FIG. 45),
The first effect image is an image that urges you to shoot a game ball toward a predetermined area (in this example, the big winning hole 30b) (in this example, the right-handed hitting suggestion image 200 shown in FIGS. 44 and 45) ),
The second effect image is an image that prompts the player to shoot a game ball toward a predetermined area in a display mode different from the first effect image (in this example, the right-handed hitting suggestion image 201 shown in FIGS. 44 and 45) ),
The third effect image is an image with a display mode different from the first effect image and the second effect image (in this example, the volume adjustment image 51, the light amount adjustment image 52, and the game of the lower tray 6c shown in FIG. Characters 202) urging you to eject the ball,
The second effect image can be displayed when a predetermined time (in this example, 25 seconds) has elapsed since the first effect image was displayed (in this example, FIG. 44);
The third effect image can be displayed when displaying the first effect image and can be displayed when displaying the second effect image (in this example, FIG. 45),
It can be displayed so as to be superimposed on one of the first effect image or the second effect image, but not on the other (in this example, FIG. 45).
Therefore, the visibility of at least the first effect image or the second effect image can be ensured, thereby increasing the interest of the game.

(b2) In the above embodiment,
At least one of the first effect image and the second effect image further indicates the time during which the game ball can enter the predetermined area (in this example, the meter 210a in FIG. 47 countdown display 211a).
Therefore, it becomes possible to grasp the game situation, and the interest in the game can be increased.

(b3) Furthermore, in the above embodiment,
Equipped with audio output means (in this example, speakers 54a to 54d) capable of outputting audio,
The first effect image is an image in which a plurality of types of effect images are switched (in this example, the part where the meter 210a changes as shown in FIG. 46),
The second effect image is an image in which a plurality of types of effect images are switched (in this example, the part where the countdown display 211a changes as shown in FIG. 47),
When one of the first effect image or the second effect image is displayed and the effect image is switched, no sound is output, and when the effect image is switched while the other is displayed, the sound can be output. (in this example, FIGS. 46 and 47).
Therefore, it becomes possible to grasp the game situation, and the interest in the game can be increased.

(b4) Furthermore, in the above embodiment,
The display area of the second effect image is larger than that of the first effect image (in this example, FIGS. 46 and 47).
Therefore, even if the third effect image is superimposed on the second effect image, the second effect image can be made visible, and by enlarging the second effect image, the firing of the game ball into a predetermined area can be emphasized. This makes it possible to increase the interest of the game.

(c1) In the above embodiment,
A gaming machine (in this example, FIG. 41, FIG. 49) that can execute a background effect that can display a background image and also executes one of a plurality of types of background effects based on the progress of the game. In the example, in pachinko machine 1),
The plurality of types of background effects include a first background effect that can display a first background image (low expectation background A in this example), and a second background effect that can display a second background image (in this example, a low expectation background B) and a third background effect (in this example, a high expectation background) capable of displaying a third background image,
The third background effect is more advantageous than the first background effect and the second background effect,
The effect pattern of the background effect is a first effect pattern in which a background transition effect that displays a part of the second background image is executed while the first background effect is being executed, and the second background effect is executed. (In this example, effect pattern A shown in FIGS. 41 and 49(a)) and a background transition effect that displays a part of the second background image while the first background effect is being executed. , a second effect pattern (in this example, effect pattern B shown in FIGS. 41 and 49(b)) for executing the third background effect.
Therefore, when the background transition effect is executed, it is not possible to predict whether the subsequent background effect will be the second background effect or the third background effect, thereby increasing the interest of the game.

(c2) Furthermore, in the above embodiment,
The background transition effect is an effect in which a part of the background image is displayed transparently (in this example, FIG. 49).
Therefore, it is possible to enhance the presentation effect and increase the interest of the game.

(d) In the above embodiment,
A game control means (in this example, the main control CPU 72) that controls the game, and an image display control means (in this example, the performance control CPU 126) capable of displaying images based on information received from the game control means. ) and a gaming machine (in this example, pachinko machine 1),
The image display control means is configured to turn off the power when a power outage occurs in a specific situation (in this example, during the stop display of the performance symbols, during the opening performance of the small win, and during the opening of the big prize opening 30b for the small win). When the first information corresponding to the specific situation (in this example, a symbol stop display designation command, a small win opening designation command, and a small win opening large prize opening designation command) is received from the game control means after the game is inputted. It is possible to display the image before the power outage occurs, and if a power outage occurs in a situation other than the above-mentioned specific situation (in this example, while displaying a fluctuating symbol or waiting for the fluctuating symbol to begin displaying), the power is turned on. When second information (in this example, a designation command during symbol variation display) is received from the game control means after the second information is displayed, the image before the power outage occurs can be displayed.
Therefore, it is possible to restore the image depending on the game situation, so that the game progresses smoothly.
In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, as specific situations, the explanation has been given as an example of when the performance symbols are stopped and displayed, during the opening performance of a small win, and when the big prize opening 30b is opened in the small win. The situation and specific situation may be different from the above embodiment, such as when the big prize opening 30b is open in the middle or jackpot. The same applies to situations other than specific situations. If the specific situation is during the opening performance of a jackpot or when the jackpot opening 30b is open during a jackpot, the jackpot opening designation command and the jackpot opening jackpot opening designation command may be used as the first information.

(e1) In the above embodiment,
In a gaming machine (in this example, pachinko machine 1) that can perform variable display of identification information (in this example, special symbols),
It is possible to control to an advantageous state (in this example, a jackpot gaming state) based on the result of the variable display of the identification information, and also to create a special state (in this example, in which the variable display of the identification information is likely to be executed) after the end of the advantageous state. , time saving state) (in this example, step S2300 in FIG. 14 and step S5512 in FIG. 30),
The identification information includes first identification information (in this example, the first special symbol) and second identification information (in this example, the second special symbol),
The state control means is capable of terminating the special state based on the variable number of times the second identification information is displayed in the special state (in this example, step S2428 in FIG. 18);
The case where the variable display of the second identification information is executed is likely to be more advantageous than the case where the variable display of the first identification information is executed (in this example, FIGS. 16 and 17),
It is possible to perform a variable display of performance identification information (in this example, a performance pattern, a mini pattern) corresponding to the variable display of the identification information (in this example, FIGS. 32 and 33),
The performance identification information includes first performance identification information (in this example, a performance pattern) and second performance identification information (in this example, a mini pattern) having a smaller display area than the first performance identification information. (in this example, FIGS. 32 and 33),
A variable display number display (in this example, a remaining variation number display 232) that can specify the variable display number of the second identification information in the special state can be displayed (in this example, FIG. 50);
The variable display count display can be updated when the second identification information is variable displayed (in this example, FIG. 52),
When performing variable display of the first identification information in the special state, the display of the number of variable display times is not updated, and the second performance identification is performed without performing variable display of the first performance identification information. A variable display of information is executed (in this example, FIGS. 50 and 51).
Therefore, when performing variable display of the first identification information in a special state, it becomes difficult to recognize that the first identification information is being displayed in a variable manner, so it is possible to prevent the player from feeling a loss and improve the game. can increase interest.

(e2) Furthermore, in the above embodiment,
Further, when performing variable display of the second identification information in the special state, perform variable display of the first effect identification information and the second effect identification information (in this example, FIG. 52),
When performing the variable display of the second identification information after the variable display of the first identification information in the special state, the variable display result of the second performance identification information corresponding to the first identification information is After displaying the first performance identification information, variable display of the first performance identification information and the second performance identification information is performed (in this example, FIG. 52).
Therefore, it is possible to make the progress of the game smoother, and it is possible to increase the interest of the game.

(f) In the above embodiment,
In a gaming machine (in this example, pachinko machine 1) that can perform variable display of identification information (in this example, special symbols),
It is possible to control to an advantageous state (in this example, a jackpot gaming state) based on the result of the variable display of the identification information, and also to create a special state (in this example, in which the variable display of the identification information is likely to be executed) after the end of the advantageous state. , time saving state) (in this example, step S2300 in FIG. 14 and step S5512 in FIG. 30),
The identification information includes first identification information (in this example, the first special symbol) and second identification information (in this example, the second special symbol),
The state control means is capable of terminating the special state based on the variable number of times the second identification information is displayed in the special state (in this example, step S2428 in FIG. 18);
The case where the variable display of the second identification information is executed is likely to be more advantageous than the case where the variable display of the first identification information is executed (in this example, FIGS. 16 and 17),
It is possible to perform a variable display of performance identification information (in this example, a performance pattern, a mini pattern) corresponding to the variable display of the identification information (in this example, FIGS. 32 and 33),
The performance identification information includes first performance identification information (in this example, a performance pattern) and second performance identification information (in this example, a mini pattern) having a smaller display area than the first performance identification information. (in this example, FIGS. 32 and 33),
When executing variable display of the first identification information in the special state, variable display of the second effect identification information is executed without executing variable display of the first effect identification information (in this example, 50, Figure 51),
When performing variable display of the second identification information in the special state, perform variable display of the first effect identification information and the second effect identification information (in this example, FIG. 52),
When performing the variable display of the second identification information after the variable display of the first identification information in the special state, the variable display result of the second performance identification information corresponding to the first identification information is After displaying the first performance identification information, variable display of the first performance identification information and the second performance identification information is performed (in this example, FIG. 52).
Therefore, when performing variable display of the first identification information in a special state, it becomes difficult to recognize that the first identification information is being displayed in a variable manner, so it is possible to prevent the player from feeling a loss and improve the game. can increase interest.

[Modified example]

In the above embodiment, the time-saving state has been described as an example of the specific gaming state, but for example, a game state different from the time-saving state, such as a small hit rush or a probability fluctuation state, may be used as the specific gaming state.

In the above embodiment, an example has been given in which the specific gaming state ends when the number of variations of the normal symbol is a predetermined number of times in the specific gaming state, but for example, when the number of variations of the second special symbol is a predetermined number of times, It may be configured such that the specific gaming state ends at the end of the specific gaming state. In this case, when the number of fluctuations of the second special symbol is a predetermined number of times and the variable display of the first special symbol or the normal symbol is started, the production symbol is switched and the first specific production is executed, and the second special symbol is changed. When the number of variations of symbols is less than a predetermined number of times and variable display of a first special symbol or a normal symbol is started, it is possible to switch performance symbols and execute a second specific performance.

In the above embodiment, an example was given in which the time saving mode is controlled after the end of the jackpot, but even if the fluctuating display is finished a predetermined number of times (for example, 500 times) after the power is turned on to the pachinko machine or after the end of the jackpot, the next It may be configured such that the time saving state is controlled even when a jackpot does not occur. The fact that a variable display is performed a predetermined number of times (for example, 500 times) after the occurrence of a jackpot is referred to as reaching the ceiling, and the time saving state controlled thereby is referred to as ceiling time saving.

Note that it is preferable that the number of fluctuations n until the ceiling time reduction is controlled and the number N of time reductions in the ceiling time reduction are defined as follows.
2.5P≦n≦3.0P
0.4P≦N≦3.8P
(P = denominator of jackpot probability ML, n = number of operations, N = number of time savings)
Specifically, for example, if the jackpot probability is 1/300, the number of fluctuations n will be 750 to 900, and the number of time savings N will be 120 to 1140.

For example, when the time saving is controlled to the ceiling, the time saving state A or the time saving state B of the above embodiment may be controlled.

In the above embodiment, the pachinko machine 1 is described as an example in which a small hit develops into a jackpot when passing through the specific area 30d of the big winning opening 30b. The present invention may be applied to a probability-variable type gaming machine in which the probability of winning a jackpot varies depending on the case.

In the case of probability-variable type pachinko machines, the ST type (a type that sets a practical upper limit on the number of probability variations) or the loop type (a type that does not set a practical upper limit on the number of probability variations) has a book. The invention may be applied.

The present invention can also be applied to a pachinko machine with settings, a variable rate limiter machine, and a pachinko machine equipped with a performance display monitor.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was explained in which the present invention is applied to a pachinko machine that uses game balls, but the number of bets is set using medals and credits as gaming values, and the reels are rotated by operating the start lever. The present invention may be applied to a slot machine in which rotating reels are stopped by a stop button operation, and winnings can be generated depending on the type of symbol or combination of symbols when the reels are stopped.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be implemented with various modifications. The mode of presentation mentioned in one embodiment is an example, and is not limited to the mode of presentation described above.

The images listed as other examples of effects are just examples, and can be modified as appropriate. Further, the structure, board configuration, specific numerical values, etc. of the pachinko machine 1, including those shown in the drawings, are preferred examples, and it goes without saying that these can be modified as appropriate.

1 Pachinko machine 8 Game board unit 8a Game area 20 Starting gate 28 Variable start winning device 33 Normal symbol display device 33a Normal symbol operation memory lamp 34 First special symbol display device 35 Second special symbol display device 34a First special symbol operation memory Lamp 35a 2nd special symbol operation memory lamp 38 Game status display device 42 Liquid crystal display 45 Production button 70 Main control device 72 Main control CPU
74 ROM
76 RAM
124 Production control device 126 Production control CPU

Claims (1)

A gaming machine equipped with a movable body,
an operating means for performing the operation;
An image display means capable of displaying an image;
The operating means includes a specific operating means,
It is possible to cause the image display means to display a predetermined image based on the operation of the specific operation means,
When the movable body moves, a part of the image display area of the image display means may be covered by the movable body,
The operation of the specific operation means is enabled when a part of the image display area is covered by the movable body,
When the specific operation means is operated when a part of the image display area is covered by the movable body, the predetermined image is displayed at a position where a part of the predetermined image is not covered by the movable body. A gaming machine characterized by: