JP2024020055A - gaming machine - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] To improve gameplay. SOLUTION: When a ready-to-reach state occurs, an effect control CPU 126 vibrates a vibration motor 14a. When the vibration motor 14a vibrates, the ball rental button 10, the return button 12, the volume adjustment button 13a, the light amount adjustment button 13b, and the production button 45 vibrate. Since prize balls are paid out when a jackpot is reached, the game can be played even if there are only a few remaining game balls. Therefore, even if there are only a small number of game balls remaining when the player hits the jackpot, there is no need to receive new game balls. And when a reach state occurs, there is a possibility of a jackpot. Therefore, when the reach state occurs, the ball lending button 10 is vibrated and the player who touches the ball lending button 10 is confused about the operation, thereby preventing additional and unnecessary lending of game balls. can. [Selection diagram] Figure 31

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.

Among such gaming machines, gaming machines that can vibrate the operating section are known (for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-200638

However, the gaming machine of Patent Document 1 has room for improvement in terms of improving gameplay.

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

(Means 1) In order to solve the above problems, the present invention
In a gaming machine that can suggest the display result of variable display of identification information,
a lending operation means for performing an operation for receiving the lending of gaming media;
Vibrating means capable of vibrating at least the lending operation means,
When suggesting a display result of the variable display of the identification information, it is possible to vibrate the lending operation means by the vibration by the vibration means.
Therefore, when there is a possibility that the display result of the variable display will be an advantageous display result in which the player can obtain the game media, it is possible to prevent the player from receiving the loan of the game media in advance, thereby improving the gameplay. can be done.

(Means 2) In means 1,
If the rental operation means is operated while the rental operation means is vibrating due to vibrations caused by the vibration means, the vibrations of the rental operation means are amplified.
Therefore, when there is a possibility that the display result of the variable display will be an advantageous display result in which the player can obtain the game media, it is possible to prevent the player from receiving the loan of the game media in advance, thereby improving the gameplay. can be done.

(Means 3) In means 1,
a variable display of production identification information corresponding to the variable display of the identification information;
It is possible to correspond to the variable display of the identification information and to variably display the reduced identification information in a form smaller than the presentation identification information,
It is possible to suggest the variable display of the identification information based on the display result of the variable display of the performance identification information during the variable display of the reduced identification information,
When suggesting the display result of the variable display of the identification information based on the display result of the variable display of the production identification information, it is possible to vibrate the lending operation means by the vibration of the vibration means.
Therefore, when there is a possibility that the display result of the variable display will be an advantageous display result in which the player can obtain the game media, it is possible to prevent the player from receiving the loan of the game media in advance, thereby improving the gameplay. be able to.

It is a front view of a pachinko machine. It is a rear view of the pachinko machine. It is a front view showing a game board unit provided in a pachinko machine. It is a front view showing a part of the game board unit in an enlarged manner. It is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship between a game board and an image. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the line of sight of a player playing a game. It is a diagram showing an example of a display image displayed on a gaming machine. It is a diagram showing an example of a display image displayed on a gaming machine. 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. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of difference ball management processing. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for difference pitch calculation processing. It is a figure showing the relationship between "actual difference ball," "calculation difference ball," and "transmission difference ball." 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for differential pitch limiting device management processing. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of difference ball related performance command management processing. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of production control processing. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of difference pitch restriction device related performance management processing. It is a figure which shows the example of a performance of a 1st performance performed independently, a 2nd performance performed independently, a 3rd performance performed independently, and a 3rd performance and a two-dimensional code display simultaneously executed. It is an explanatory diagram showing the contents of each display accompanying calculation of a difference ball. 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. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for operation detection validation processing. It is an explanatory diagram showing transition of a type of performance image of a preview performance (1/4). It is an explanatory diagram showing transition of a type of performance image of a preview performance (2/4). It is an explanatory diagram showing a transition of a kind of performance image of a preview performance (3/4). It is an explanatory diagram showing a transition of a type of performance image of a preview performance (4/4). It is an explanatory view showing an example of operation timing of a vibration motor. It is an explanatory view showing an example of output timing of a stop sound. It is an explanatory view showing an example of output timing of a stop sound. It is an explanatory view showing an example of output timing of a stop sound. It is an explanatory view showing an example of output timing of a stop sound. It is an explanatory diagram showing the transition of the effect image of the timer effect (1/3). It is an explanatory diagram showing the transition of the effect image of the timer effect (2/3). It is an explanatory diagram showing the transition of the effect image of the timer effect (3/3). FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing update timing of a timer display displayed in a timer effect.

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.

The pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment is capable of handling prize balls (game balls paid out by winning into a prize opening, etc.) and foul balls (game balls fired by a firing device but returned without reaching the game area). If the difference between the number of balls (game balls fired by the firing device) and the number of balls (game balls fired by the firing device) exceeds a predetermined upper limit number (in this embodiment, 95,000 balls), the game is stopped (also known as a stoppage). ). Note that the prize ball is a game ball that is paid out by winning a prize in a prize opening or the like. A foul ball is a game ball that is fired by a firing device but returns without reaching the game area. A shot ball is a game ball shot by a shooting device in response to a handle operation.

[overall structure]
The pachinko machine 1 mainly includes an outer frame unit 2, an integral door unit 4 (glass frame, window frame), 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 game operation section 6d is provided on the upper surface of the saucer unit 6, and this game operation section 6d includes a ball rental button 10 that is operated to receive game balls for lending, and a valuable medium ( A return button 12 is arranged to be operated to return a magnetic recording medium, a storage IC built-in medium, etc.). When a player operates the ball lending button 10 with a valuable medium inserted into a card unit (not shown), a number of game balls (for example, 125) corresponding to a predetermined frequency unit (for example, 5 degrees) are lent. . For this reason, a frequency display section (not shown) is arranged on the top surface of the game operation section 6d, 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).

Furthermore, a volume adjustment button 13a and a light amount adjustment button 13b are provided on the side of the game operation section 6d. 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 and 50 can be increased, and when the lower end of the light amount adjustment button 13b is pressed, the light amount of the frame lamps 46 and 50 can be increased. , 50 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.

In addition, in this embodiment, when suggesting the display result of the variable display of the special symbol in the process of the variable display of the special symbol while playing the game, the production button 45, the ball lending button 10, the return button 12, The volume adjustment button 13a and the light amount adjustment button 13b can be vibrated.

[Back side 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 a part of the board has a design attached thereto. Specifically, colors and patterns are added as designs. The portion of the game board 9 other than the portion with the design is transparent. Therefore, when the game board 9 is viewed from the front, the back of the game board 9 can be visually recognized through the transparent portion of the game board 9. In this embodiment, a design is attached to the game board 9 so that the parts other than the design part are transparent, but the entire game board 9 may be configured to have transparency.

Further, 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 30c, and the passing area of the gaming ball in the non-specific area switch 85b is the non-specific area 30d.

Then, the game ball that enters the variable winning device 30 (wins) is distributed to either the specific area 30c or the non-specific area 30d. The game balls that have passed through the specific area 30c or the non-specific area 30d 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.

In this embodiment, when a game ball enters the normal winning hole 22, "6" prize balls are paid out. Furthermore, when a game ball enters the first starting winning hole 26 or the second starting winning hole 28b, "one" winning ball is paid out. Furthermore, when a game ball enters the big prize opening 30b, "15" prize balls are paid out.

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, in the center of the image display area of the liquid crystal display 42, for example, multiple types of performance symbols different from the special symbols are displayed in synchronization with the variable display of the first special symbol and the variable display of the second special symbol. A variable display (such as a pattern indicating a number or the like) is performed. 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 other words, variable display of performance symbols is performed in each of the "left", "middle", and "right" performance symbol rows. 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, at the lower end of the image display area of the liquid crystal display 42, a display area is provided 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.

Furthermore, at the right end of the image display area of the liquid crystal display 42, a mini symbol display area 42c is provided for displaying mini symbols that correspond to special symbols and are smaller than the performance symbols. There is.

Further, at the right end of the image display area of the liquid crystal display 42, a first reserved memory number display area 42d for displaying the number of reserved memories corresponding to the first special symbol is provided, and a second reserved memory number display area 42d is provided. A second pending storage number display area 42e is provided for displaying the pending storage number corresponding to the special symbol.

Further, at the left end of the image display area of the liquid crystal display 42, there is provided a variation number display area 42f for displaying the remaining number of variations in the time saving state, which will be described later.

Furthermore, decorative accessories 40a and 40b are provided between the liquid crystal display 42 and the game board 9. The upper accessory 40a is arranged to cover the upper end of the image display area of the liquid crystal display 42. Therefore, even if an image is displayed at the upper end of the image display area of the liquid crystal display 42, it cannot be viewed. Therefore, no image is displayed in this portion. Further, the accessory 40b covers a portion of the lower end of the image display area of the liquid crystal display 42, but does not cover the entire lower end of the image display area. Therefore, a pending display can be displayed in the image display area at the lower end.

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).

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.

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 by, for example, 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 changes to the display mode after increasing by one each time a game ball enters the second starting prize opening 28b in order to remember that the ball has entered. (up to a maximum of 4), and each time the special symbol starts to change with the arrival of the ball, the display mode changes to a state in which the number of special symbols decreases by one. 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 game ball is placed in the second starting prize opening 28b while the second special symbol is already ready to start changing (when the stop display is displayed). The display mode does not change even if the ball enters the ball. 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 The symbol operation memory lamp 35a and the game status display device 38 are 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, 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).

Based on the results of the internal lottery, if a jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed in the variable display of the first special symbol, it will be a "jackpot", and if a small win symbol different from the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed, it will be a "small win". Become. Moreover, if a missed symbol is stopped and displayed, it becomes a "miss". In addition, in the variable display of the first special symbol, if the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed, it will not become a "small hit".

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 prize balls (for example, 15 balls) by entering the game balls into the jackpot hole 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 "win", control is performed to operate the variable start winning device 28 for a predetermined period of time.

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, as a protruding aspect of the second starting prize opening 28b, a short opening is adopted in which a game ball can be guided to the second starting winning opening 28b for an extremely short time so that winning of the game ball is impossible. There is also a long opening, which has a longer protrusion than the short opening, and allows a game ball to be guided to the second starting prize opening 28b for a long time 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 is 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, a plurality of game balls can be won in the second starting winning hole 28b, so that the second special symbol is more likely to be held and stored. 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. A 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.).

In addition, when the player performs a right-handed operation by rotating the handle unit 16 provided in the pachinko machine 1 and a game ball enters the second starting prize opening 28b, a second special symbol is displayed on the second special symbol display device 35. The variable display of will start.

Based on the results of the internal lottery, if a jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed in the variable display of the second special symbol, it will be a "jackpot", and if a small winning symbol different from the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed, it will be a "small win". becomes. 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. In the jackpot game state, the same game as above is performed.

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

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 gaming state, when the game ball that enters the big winning opening 30b passes through a specific area, 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 a non-specific area, 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, there is a 2-round jackpot with the number of rounds "2" as the jackpot of the first special symbol. Further, when the first special symbol develops from a small hit to a jackpot, 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). Further, the second special symbol jackpot includes a 2-round jackpot where the number of rounds is "2" and a 6-round jackpot where the number of rounds is "6". Furthermore, when the second special symbol develops from a small hit to a jackpot, the number of rounds develops into a 10-round jackpot with a number of "10". In addition, in the second round jackpot of the second special symbol, the opening time of the big winning hole 30b is set so that it is difficult to enter the game ball into the big winning hole 30b.

Then, after the 2nd round jackpot or 10th round small hit of the 1st special symbol is controlled to shorten the time, the total number of fluctuations of special symbol 1 and special symbol 2 will be 108 times, and the fluctuation of special symbol 2 will be 108 times. When the number of times reaches 100, 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 6th round jackpot or 10th round small hit of the second special symbol ends, the total number of fluctuations of special symbol 1 and special symbol 2 will be 108 times, and the fluctuation of special symbol 2 will be 108 times. When the number of times reaches 100, 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, in the "left", "middle", and "right" performance symbol display areas provided on the liquid crystal display 42, a variable display of the first special symbol or a second special symbol is displayed. In response to the start of the variable display of the normal symbols, the variable display of the performance symbols 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.

In addition, in this embodiment, it is possible to simultaneously execute the variable display of the first special symbol and the variable display of the second special symbol, but in the normal state, the variable display of the first special symbol and the variable display of the second special symbol can be executed in parallel. A variable display is performed, and in the time saving state, a variable display of the performance symbol corresponding to the second special symbol is performed. Further, the mini symbols and the fourth symbol are displayed in a variable manner regardless of the gaming state.

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 active lines in the "left", "middle", and "right" performance symbol display areas.

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, 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.

Even during the jackpot game state, a jackpot performance for notifying the jackpot game state is executed. As the jackpot performance, a performance that notifies the number of rounds or a promotion performance that indicates that the value of the jackpot game state is improved may be executed. Further, even during the small winning game state, a small winning performance for notifying the small winning gaming state is executed. 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. You can.

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.

[About the positional relationship between the image and the game board]
Next, the positional relationship between the image displayed on the liquid crystal display 42 and the game board 9 will be explained using FIG. 4.

As shown in FIG. 5, the image displayed from the liquid crystal display 42 includes a production pattern 43. The effect pattern 43 is displayed in the central area of the image display area of the liquid crystal display 42. The presentation pattern 43 includes, for example, three presentation patterns: a left presentation pattern 43L, a middle presentation pattern 43C, and a right presentation pattern 43R, which are displayed side by side on the left, middle, and right on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42. Ru. 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.

A first reservation display area 42a and a second reservation display area 42b in the lower end area of the image display area of the liquid crystal display 42 indicate the number of reservations stored for each of the first special symbol and the second special symbol. A hold display (indicated by reference numerals M1 and M2 in the figure) is displayed. These pending displays M1 and M2 can be displayed when the production symbol is subject to change, and the respective display numbers represent the number of pending memories of the corresponding first special symbol and second special symbol, and are displayed during the game. The number of displayed items also increases or decreases in conjunction with changes in the number of reserved memories.

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 (○). For example, it is displayed in the shape of a star (☆).

In the example of FIG. 5, all four pending displays M1 are lit to indicate that the number of pending memories for the first special symbol is four, and all pending displays M2 are lit to indicate that the number of pending memories for the first special symbol is four. This indicates that the number of reserved memory 2 special symbols is 4.

In addition, the number of reserved memories of the first special symbol is displayed in the first reserved memory number display area 42d and the second reserved memory number display area 42e in the right end area of the image display area of the liquid crystal display 42. It is displayed numerically as a number display 44a, and the number of reserved memories of the second special symbol is displayed numerically as a second reserved memory number display 44b. Further, a mini symbol 44c is displayed in a mini symbol display area 42c at the right end area of the image display area of the liquid crystal display 42. This mini symbol 44c is a "fourth performance symbol" following the left, middle, and right performance symbols, and is displayed in a variable manner in synchronization with the variable display of the special symbol.

Further, in the variation number display area 42f in the left end area of the image display area of the liquid crystal display 42, a variation number display 51 indicating the remaining number of variations of the symbol in the time saving state is displayed. The variation number display 51 of this embodiment is displayed as "Time saving remaining ○○○ times". That is, the variable number display 51 includes a change display 51a (remaining ○○○ times) in which the display mode changes when the special symbol is displayed in a variable manner as the game progresses, and a change display 51a (remaining ○○○ times) that displays the special symbol as the game progresses. and a non-changing display 51b (time saving) in which the display mode does not change when the variable display is performed.

Further, an effect image 48 is displayed at approximately the center of the image display area of the liquid crystal display 42 (the display area of the effect pattern 43 and the area around it). For example, a preview performance image is displayed when a preview performance that foretells the reliability of a jackpot is executed. The preview performance images include a preview performance image that foretells the jackpot reliability in the fluctuating display that is being executed, and a pre-read preview performance image that foretells the jackpot reliability in the fluctuating display before execution (fluctuating display whose execution is pending). be. The prefetch preview effect image includes an image that changes the display mode of the hold displays M1 and M2 to a different mode from normal, and a effect image that is displayed separately from the hold displays M1 and M2.

In this embodiment, when the player looks straight ahead at the transparent portion of the game board 9 (a portion other than the portion with the design) in a normal gaming posture, the transparent portion of the game board 9 shows the image on the liquid crystal display 42. There is a portion that overlaps the end area of the display area. Specifically, the transparent portion of the game board 9 overlaps the first hold display area 42a, the second hold display area 42b, the mini symbol display area 42c, the second hold memory number display area 42e, and the variable number display area 42f. .

As described above, part of the pending display M1 and the pending display M2 are displayed in the first pending display area 42a, the second pending storage number display 44b is displayed in the second pending display area 42b, and the mini symbol display area 42c is A second pending memory number display 44b is displayed in the symbol 44c, a second pending memory number display area 42e, and a variation number display 51 is displayed in the variation number display area 42f.

As a result, the transparent part of the game board 9 includes a part of the hold display M1, a part of the hold display M2, a part of the second hold memory number display 44b, a part of the mini symbol 44c, and a part of the variation number display 51. superimposed on In the variable number display 51, the game board 9 is superimposed on a "time saving" portion where the display mode does not change as the game progresses.

Although the transparent portion of the game board 9 is transparent, from the perspective of a player playing a game in an adjacent seat, the player who plays the game in the adjacent seat can see the pending display M1, the pending display M2, the second pending storage number display 44b, and the mini symbol 44c superimposed on the gaming board 9. , it becomes difficult to visually recognize the variation number display 51. Thereby, the player who plays the game can play the game without feeling the disadvantage of being unable to concentrate on the game due to the image on the liquid crystal display 42 being seen by other players.

On the other hand, the transparent portion of the game board 9 does not overlap with the performance symbols 43 or the performance image displayed approximately at the center of the image display area of the liquid crystal display 42. In this way, since the game board 9 is not superimposed on important images related to the results of the internal lottery, the progress of the game is not hindered.

Further, a part of the reservation display M1 and a reservation display M2) can be displayed in the end region overlapping with the transparent portion of the game board 9. This makes it possible to improve the visibility of images other than the pending display, which have a low degree of attention, and to improve the gameplay.

Furthermore, it is possible to display mini symbols 44c in a smaller form than the performance symbols 43 in an end region overlapping with the transparent portion of the game board 9. Thereby, since the mini symbols 44c are displayed in association with the performance symbols 43, it is possible to prevent the progression of the game from being hindered even if the mini symbols 44c are displayed in the end area. Therefore, it is possible to widen the display area of the performance symbols 43 to ensure visibility of the performance symbols 43, and improve the gameplay.

In addition, there is a change display 51a (remaining ○○○ times) in which the display mode changes when the special symbol is displayed in a variable manner as the game progresses, and a variable display of the special symbol is performed as the game progresses. It is possible to display a non-changing display 51b (time saving) in which the display mode does not change when the display mode changes. A non-changing display 51b (time saving) in which the display mode does not change can be displayed in the end region overlapping with the transparent part of the game board 9 when the special symbols are displayed in a variable manner as the game progresses. As a result, the non-changing display 51b can be checked even as the game progresses, but the changing display 51a changes as the game progresses, so the display area of the changing display 51a is widened and the changing display 51a By ensuring visibility, the gameplay can be improved.

[About the player's line of sight]
FIG. 6 shows an example of a player's line of sight when playing a game.

As shown in FIG. 6, in this embodiment, the game board 9 is placed in front of the liquid crystal display 42, and accessory objects 40a and 40b are provided between the liquid crystal display 42 and the game board 9. , the liquid crystal display 42 and the game board 9 are arranged at a predetermined interval in the front-rear direction.

Then, when the player N takes a gaming posture and plays a game, he or she can visually check the liquid crystal display 42 placed on the back side, so that the end area where the transparent part of the game board 9 overlaps can be viewed. becomes easier. Therefore, in the image display area of the liquid crystal display 42, specific images (reservation display M1, reservation display M, second reservation memory number display 44b, mini symbol 44c, variation number display 51) are displayed in the end region overlapping with the game board 9. ), the specific image can be viewed directly. Therefore, the convenience when playing games does not decrease.

As described above, by displaying the performance symbols 43 and the performance images 48 in the central area of the image display area of the liquid crystal display 42, which is wider in area than the end area that overlaps with the transparent portion of the game board 9, , it is possible to appeal the pachinko machine P not only to the players playing the game, but also to other players playing the game in the surrounding area.

In addition, by displaying specific images that do not need to appeal to surrounding players in the end area that overlaps with the game board 9, which can be seen only by the player playing the game, the display area for the effect patterns 43 and effect images 48 can be displayed. It is possible to prevent the visibility of a specific image superimposed on the game board 9 from being obstructed due to the transparency of the game board 9 while ensuring a sufficient amount of information.

In addition, among the variable number display 51, the change display 51a whose display mode changes as the game progresses is displayed in an area that does not overlap with the game board 9, so that not only the player playing the game but also the surrounding players It is possible to emphasize the development of the game. On the other hand, since the non-changing display 51b, whose display mode does not change as the game progresses, attracts less attention from surrounding players, by displaying it in the end area overlapping with the game board 9, the effect pattern 43 It is possible to secure a sufficient central area for displaying the image and the effect image 48.

Note that the specific image may be configured with a changing display in which the display mode changes by operating the effect button 45 and a non-changing display in which the display mode does not change even if the effect button 45 is operated. In this case as well, the game development can be more appealing to the surrounding players regarding the change display.

[Hit-WIN function]
In the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, information terminals owned by players (electronic devices such as mobile phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), personal computers, notebook personal computers, etc. that can use a web browser, etc.), and a server and It is possible to acquire game history information from the pachinko machine 1 using a terminal capable of establishing communication with the pachinko machine 1.

Here, the "gaming history information" is classified into information specific to the model and information common to all models. Model-specific information includes reach effects, preview effects, jackpot effects, number of changes in symbols, types of jackpots, accomplished missions, number of big prize draws, number of jackpots, number of prize balls won, and number of consecutive hits (within a specified period). This information is related to the number of consecutive jackpot wins), the type of character set by the player, level value, experience value, etc. In addition, the information common to all models is given according to each gaming history information mentioned above, and can be exchanged for prizes or benefits that can be used on information terminals or during games. This is information related to possible point values.

The player then imports, for example, game history information from the start of the game to the end of the game on any pachinko machine 1 into his own information terminal, and transmits it to the server for storage. Further, the player can check the game history information stored in the server in this way on the information terminal. In this embodiment, a series of functions executed by such a gaming system is referred to as a "hit-WIN function."

In this embodiment, the liquid crystal display 42 not only displays effect images in accordance with the progress of the game, but also displays a two-dimensional code containing predetermined information in response to the player's operations.

Here, the "two-dimensional code" means, for example, a QR code (registered trademark) or a password made of character or numerical data. In this embodiment, as described later, a QR code is described as the two-dimensional code, but instead of the QR code, a bar code, a one-dimensional code such as a string of characters or numbers, etc. may be used.

In the pachinko machine 1, game history information is added and accumulated (accumulated) according to game processing. For example, experience points include the gaming state when the internal lottery was held (high probability gaming state, low probability gaming state, time-saving gaming state, non-time-saving gaming state described later), fluctuation pattern number (reach mode, etc.), and special symbols. The value to be acquired is set in advance according to the type of game, the specific content of the executed variable performance, etc., and experience values are added and accumulated according to the game processing. The level value is set to increase by "1" when a certain number of experience values are accumulated, and the level value is added and accumulated according to the added and accumulated experience values. These experience values and level values can be used, for example, as various parameters indicating the growth of the character set by the player.

Furthermore, players can obtain various benefits by accessing the server using an information terminal. For example, from the server, you can receive benefits such as strategy information for Pachinko machine 1, unreleased information, basic specifications of Pachinko machine 1, information such as ringtones such as melodies and voices related to Pachinko machine 1, incoming images, music, standby screen, icons, etc. Obtainable.

[Display image displayed on Pachinko machine 1 by Uchi-WIN function]
Next, an example of a display image displayed on the liquid crystal display 42 of the pachinko machine 1 will be explained using FIGS. 7 and 8. Note that display control in FIGS. 7 and 8 is performed by an effect control CPU 126, which will be described later.

When a player operates the production button 45 while a demo display is being performed on the pachinko machine 1, the "Tachi-WIN Menu" screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display 42, as shown in FIG. 7(a). is displayed. At least the following menu items are displayed on the "Win-Win Menu": "New Registration", "Password Input", "Quick Start", "Trial Game", "End of Game", and "Back".

When "New Registration" is selected by operating the production button 45 and jog dial 45a in the "Tachi-WIN Menu", the pachinko machine 1 generates a first two-dimensional code including the URL of the server. Then, as shown in FIG. 7(b), in the pachinko machine 1, the generated first two-dimensional code is displayed on the liquid crystal display 42.

By reading this first two-dimensional code with an information terminal and accessing the server, advance registration (new registration) of the WIN function can be performed.

Further, when "password input" is selected by operating the production button 45 and jog dial 45a in the "hit-WIN menu", an input screen for inputting a password is displayed as shown in FIG. 8(a).

On this input screen, by operating the production button 45 and jog dial 45a, you can input the password issued by the server, and when the password is input, the game using the WIN function starts by inputting the password. be done.

In a game using the Hit-WIN function by entering a password, the player-specific information that identifies the player is registered in the server in advance, and the password issued by the server is acquired by the Pachinko machine 1 to play the Win-WIN function. To make a player play a game using . In a game using the win-win function by entering a password, character information and performance custom setting information set by the player on the server are stored, and the performance mode is changed based on the character information and custom setting information.

Furthermore, when "Quick Start" is selected by operating the performance button 45 and jog dial 45a in the "Beat-WIN Menu", a game using the Batch-WIN function by quick start is started.

In games using the Uchi-WIN function using Quick Start, it is assumed that the player-specific information that identifies the player has been registered on the server in advance, and the Uchi-WIN function can be played without having the server issue a password. The player is made to play the game used.

Furthermore, when "Trial Game" is selected by operating the performance button 45 and jog dial 45a in the "Beat-WIN Menu", a game using the Batch-WIN function is started as a trial game.

The Hit-WIN function using the trial game allows a player to play a game using the Hit-WIN function without registering player-specific information that identifies the player in the server in advance. After the game using the Uchi-WIN function is completed, the player-specific information that identifies the player is registered in the server, and the gaming history information accumulated from the game using the Uchi-WIN function is Stored in association with player-specific information.

In addition, when "End the game" is selected by operating the production button 45 and jog dial 45a in the "Uchi-WIN menu", the pachinko machine 1 saves the game history information accumulated in the pachinko machine 1 and the URL of the server. A second two-dimensional code is generated. Then, as shown in FIG. 8(b), in the pachinko machine 1, the generated second two-dimensional code is displayed on the liquid crystal display 42.

By reading this second two-dimensional code with an information terminal and transmitting the game history information included in the second two-dimensional code to the server, game history information regarding the performance of the pachinko machine 1 can be stored in the server. .

Then, depending on the game history information stored in the server, it is possible to accumulate point values that can be exchanged for prizes, benefits, etc. that can be used on the information terminal or during the game. That is, depending on the gaming history information stored in the server, it is possible to obtain prizes, benefits, etc. that can be used on the information terminal or during the game.

In addition, when "Back" is selected by operating the production button 45 and the jog dial 45a in the "Beat-WIN Menu", the screen of the "Beat-WIN Menu" is erased from the liquid crystal display 42.

[Control configuration]
Next, a configuration related to control of the pachinko machine 1 will be explained. FIG. 9 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 big winning a prize opening switch 83, a specific area switch 85a corresponding to a specific area of the variable winning device 30, and a non-specific area switch 85b corresponding to a non-specific area 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.

In addition, as information regarding the variable display of special symbols, a maximum of four pending memories (working memories) generated in the first starting winning hole 26 and the second starting winning hole 28b are stored in the RAM 76. The main control CPU 72 refers to the RAM 76 and, if there is a pending memory, reads the pending memory and executes a process of executing variable display of special symbols and transmitting a corresponding command to the performance control CPU 126.

Moreover, the big winning hole switch 83 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 big prize opening switch 83, 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 30c 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 30d 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.

The main control CPU 72 determines the prizes corresponding to various winning openings when the detection signals from the first starting winning opening switch 80, the normal winning opening switch 81, the second starting winning opening switch 82, and the big winning opening switch 83 are input. The ball is set (stored) in the RAM 76. If multiple signals are input, the total value is set as the number of prize balls.

Further, a performance display monitor 95 is connected to the main control CPU 72. A performance display monitor 95 is provided on the back side of the game board 9. The main control CPU 72 causes the performance display monitor 95 to display registered setting values, base ratios, and error numbers according to the type of error.

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 winning opening switch 81, the big winning opening switch 83, the specific area switch 85a, and the non-specific area switch 85b are connected to the panel relay terminal board. 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 closed independently, a contact signal (closing signal) from the glass frame open switch 91 is input to the main controller 70 (main control CPU 72), and the inner frame assembly 7 is input from the outer frame unit 2 to the inner frame assembly 7. When the plastic frame opening switch 93 is closed, a contact signal (closing signal) is input to the main control device 70 (main control CPU 72). The main control CPU 72 can detect the closed state of the integrated door unit 4 and the inner frame assembly 7 from these contact signals (closed signals).

In addition, when the main control CPU 72 detects an open state of either the integrated door unit 4 or the inner frame assembly 7 without receiving a closing signal, it generates a door open information signal as an external information signal, and also sends a message to the production control CPU 126. Generate a release command to send. In addition, when the main control CPU 72 detects the closed state of both the integrated door unit 4 and the inner frame assembly 7 by inputting a closing signal, it generates a door closing information signal as an external information signal and sends it to the production control CPU 126. Generate a command.

Further, a magnetic sensor 86 is connected to the main control CPU 72. The magnetic sensor 86 of this embodiment detects the strength of the magnetic field around the pachinko machine 1, and when the strength of the detected magnetic field exceeds an initially set threshold, the main control CPU 72 detects the strength of the magnetic field surrounding the pachinko machine 1. Detects that a fraudulent act in which game balls are manipulated using

In this embodiment, the magnetic sensor 86 is provided on the back side of the game board 9. In addition, when the magnetic sensor 86 is provided on the back side of the game board 9, it can be placed near the board material (for example, plywood or acrylic board) that makes up the game board 9. can be easily detected. For example, when providing the magnetic sensor 86 on the back side of the game board 9, the magnetic sensor 86 can be placed a predetermined distance away from the board material that makes up the game board 9 by providing the magnetic sensor 86 directly on the board material that makes up the game board 9. It becomes easier to detect the magnetism on the front side of the game board 9 compared to the case where it is provided.

In the magnetic sensor 86 of this embodiment, the main control CPU 72 executes initial setting when the power is turned on, and sets a reference value (for example, "0") that takes into account the surrounding magnetic field. Then, if the value changed from this reference value exceeds a certain value (threshold value), an error is determined. Therefore, the surrounding magnetic field environment when the power is turned on affects the setting of the reference value set in the initial setting. For this reason, as will be described later, initial settings are made with the surrounding magnetic field environment (eg, earth's magnetism, motor, solenoid) in a constant state. Specifically, when both the integral door unit 4 and the inner frame assembly 7 remain closed for a predetermined period of time (2.5 seconds in this example), the initial setting is performed and the reference value is set. Furthermore, if another 0.5 s has passed after the initial setting of the magnetic sensor 86 is completed, that is, both the integrated door unit 4 and the inner frame assembly 7 remain closed for a specific period of time (3.0 s in this example). In this case, the performance control CPU 126 performs the initial operation of the movable body 40.

Further, a reset switch 73 is connected to the main control CPU 72. The main control CPU 72 clears the RAM when the power is turned on with the reset switch 73 pressed, and does not clear the RAM when the power is turned on without the reset switch 73 being pressed.

Further, the main control CPU 72 is connected to a foul ball sensor 71a, an out switch 71b, and a fired ball sensor 71c.

The foul ball sensor 71a detects a game ball that is fired by the firing device but returns without reaching the game area. This returned game ball is called a foul ball (returned ball).

The out switch 71b is arranged in the out passage on the back side of the game board 9, and game balls that have entered various winning holes or the out opening 32 are guided to the out passage and detected by the out switch 71b.

The shot ball sensor 71c detects a game ball shot by the shooting device.

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. Furthermore, 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 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 sent 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 transmitted from the main control CPU 72, and gives commands to the lamp drive circuit 132 and the sound drive circuit 134 to control the frame lamps 46, 50 and the board surface of the game board 9. Processing is performed such as making the board lamp 53 (omitted in FIG. 3) for decoration and presentation provided on the screen emit light, and actually outputting 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. Note that the various lamps include a panel lamp 53 in addition to the frame lamps 46 and 50.

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 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. 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.

Furthermore, the glass frame illumination board 136 is connected to a ball rental button 10, a return button 12, a volume adjustment button 13a, and a light amount adjustment button 13b. When the player operates these buttons, the contact signals are input to the performance control device 124 through the glass frame illumination board 136.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, a vibration motor 14a is provided within the upper tray 6b. The vibration motor 14a is connected to a motor control board 14b. Then, a motor control signal from the production control device 124 is input to the motor control board 14b. The motor control board 14b controls driving of the vibration motor 14a based on the motor control signal. The vibration motor 14a can vibrate, for example, when suggesting a display result of a variable display of a special symbol. When the vibration motor 14a is driven, the ball rental button 10, return button 12, volume adjustment button 13a, light amount adjustment button 13b, and production button 45 vibrate.

Note that the performance control CPU 126 controls the display of the screens shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 based on the operation of the performance button 45 and jog dial 45a. When the WIN function is enabled (playing by password input, quick start, or trial game), game history information is stored in the RAM 130. Then, the game history information is cleared when the second two-dimensional code is displayed or when the power is cut off.

In addition, a panel illumination board 138 is installed on the game board unit 8, and a movable body motor 57 is connected to this panel illumination board 138. The movable body motor 57 drives the movable body 40 via, for example, a link mechanism (not shown). A drive signal from the production control CPU 126 is applied to the movable body motor 57 via the panel illumination board 138. Note that in this embodiment, the movable body 40 does not move, so the movable body motor 57 is not used.

The liquid crystal display 42 is installed on the back side of the game board 9, and its display screen is visible through a substantially rectangular opening formed in the game board 9. 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 effects includes control of effects using the frame lamps 46, 50 and speakers 54a to 54d as described above, as well as control of effects using image display using the liquid crystal display 42. 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 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.

10 and 11 are flowcharts illustrating an example of the 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 (remaining counter number command, special gaming state 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.

In addition, the display states of the display devices 33, 34, 35, 38 and lamps 33a, 34a, 35a on the integrated display board 90 will be the state before the power outage, if the game has not shifted to the stopped state before the power outage. to return to. In addition, in this embodiment, when the game is in a stopped state, the display devices 33, 34, 35, 38 and the lamps 33a, 34a, 35a on the integrated display board 90 are changed to a display suspended state. All lights go out. Additionally, measurement of the variable display time of the special symbols and normal symbols is stopped, and the variable display of the special symbols and normal symbols is stopped. If the game is in a stopped state before the power is cut off, the display content is reset and the display is stopped in this process, and all of these lights are turned on. Therefore, for example, if the game is shifted to a stop state while the symbols are being displayed in a fluctuating manner before the power is cut off, the fluctuating display of the symbols is stopped and the fluctuating display is not continued after the power is restored.

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. 9 (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 loop counters within a predetermined range in another interrupt process (step S201 in FIG. 10). (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. 10). Note that the details of the interrupt management process will be described later.

[Power outage check process]
FIG. 12 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 time (No), the main control CPU 72 exits from this process and returns to the reset start process (main). 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 S135.

Step S135: The main control CPU 72 clears the count value of the differential pitch storage counter that stores the differential pitch. As a result, the difference ball is cleared when the power is cut off.

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 processing (main) (FIGS. 10 and 11).

[Interrupt management processing (timer interrupt processing)]
Next, interrupt management processing (timer interrupt processing) will be explained. FIG. 13 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 big winning opening switch 83, the specific area switch 85a, the non-specific Reads the input state (ON/OFF) of the winning detection signal from the area switch 85b.

Step S204a: 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 big winning opening switch 83, the specific area Events that occur during the game are determined based on the winning detection signal or passage detection signal from the switch 85a and the non-specific area switch 85b, and further processing is executed depending on each event that occurs.

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.

Step S204b: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes difference ball management processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 stops the game when the difference (difference) obtained by subtracting the number of game balls used in the game from the number of game balls given to the player becomes 95,000 or more. Execute processing to transition to the state. In this embodiment, prize balls and foul balls will be taken as examples of game balls given to players, and fired game balls (hereinafter also referred to as shot balls) will be taken as examples of game balls used in games. listed.

Step S204c: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes difference pitch related performance command management processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 executes a process of transmitting a command for executing an effect according to the number of difference balls.

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 processing (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 described above, 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.

That is, in the special symbol game process and the normal symbol game process, the main control CPU 72 controls the normal symbol display device 33, the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, and the first special symbol display device on the integrated display board 90, depending on the game situation. 34, controls the display of the second special symbol display device 35, the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, the second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a, and the game state display device 38.

Step S207: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a prize ball payout process. In this process, a prize ball instruction command for instructing the number of prize balls to the payout control device 92 is output based on the winning detection signals inputted from the various switches 81 to 83 in the previous input process (step S203).

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).

[Ball difference management process]
FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure of the differential pitch management process executed in step S204b of FIG. 13.

Step S300: The main control CPU 72 checks whether or not a payout of prize balls has occurred based on the detection signals of each winning hole switch 80 to 83.

As a result, if it is confirmed that the prize ball has been paid out (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes step S302. On the other hand, if it cannot be confirmed that the prize ball has been paid out (No), the main control CPU 72 executes step S304.

Step S302: The main control CPU 72 executes a process of storing the number of prize balls determined based on the detection signals of each winning hole switch 80 to 83 in the number of prize balls counter.

Step S304: The main control CPU 72 executes a process of checking whether or not there are the number of balls to be shot based on the detection signal of the shot ball sensor 71c.

As a result, if it is confirmed that there is a number of balls to be fired (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes step S306. On the other hand, if it cannot be confirmed that the number of balls to be fired is present (No), the main control CPU 72 executes step S308.

Step S306: The main control CPU 72 executes a process of storing the number of shot balls in the number of shot balls counter. For example, when firing is detected once, "1" is stored in the fired ball number counter, and when firing is detected twice, "2" is stored in the fired ball number counter.

Step S308: The main control CPU 72 executes a process of checking whether there is a foul ball count based on the detection signal of the foul ball sensor 71a.

As a result, if it is confirmed that there is a foul ball count (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes step S310. On the other hand, if it cannot be confirmed that there is a foul ball count (No), the main control CPU 72 executes step S312.

Step S310: The main control CPU 72 executes a process of storing the number of foul balls in the foul ball number counter. For example, if a foul ball is detected once, "1" is stored in the foul ball counter, and if a foul ball is detected twice, "2" is stored in the foul ball counter. .

Step S312: The main control CPU 72 executes difference pitch calculation processing. The differential pitch calculation process is a process for calculating the differential pitch based on the number of awarded pitches, the number of fired pitches, the number of foul pitches, and the like. Note that details of the difference pitch calculation process will be described later.

Step S314: The main control CPU 72 executes difference pitch restriction management processing. The difference ball restriction management process is a process that causes the game to enter a game stop state based on the difference ball calculated in the difference ball calculation process. Note that details of the difference pitch calculation process will be described later.
After completing the above processing, the process returns to the calling source.

[Difference pitch calculation process]
FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure of the difference pitch calculation process executed in step S312 of FIG.

Step S320: The main control CPU 72 executes a process to confirm whether or not this is the first process after the power is turned on. Whether or not this is the first processing after power-on can be confirmed by the power-on flag. The power-on flag is turned off when the power is turned on, and turned on when this process is executed once.

As a result, if it is confirmed that this is the first processing after power-on (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes step S326 and step S328. On the other hand, if it cannot be confirmed that this is the first process after the power is turned on (No), the main control CPU 72 executes step S322.

Step S322: The main control CPU 72 executes a process of storing "100000 (100,000 shots)" in the calculation difference ball. The reason why the calculation difference ball is set to ``100,000 (100,000 shots)'' instead of ``0'' is because the game starts with firing, so setting it to ``0'' will result in a negative value. This is because the processing on the program becomes complicated.

Step S324: The main control CPU 72 executes the process of calculating the calculation difference pitch using the following first calculation formula.
(First calculation formula) Difference ball for calculation = Difference ball for calculation + Prize ball number counter - Number of fired balls counter + Number of foul balls counter For example, if the "difference ball for calculation" is "100000", the "number of prize balls counter" ” is “10”, the “launched ball counter” is “1”, and the “foul ball number counter” is “2”, the calculated “difference ball for calculation” is “100011 (= 100000+10-1+2)".

Step S326: The main control CPU 72 executes a process of storing the calculated value of the "difference ball for calculation" in the difference ball storage counter.
After completing the above processing, the process returns to the calling source.

By executing such processing, the main control CPU 72 calculates the number of prize balls (first information) and the number of fired balls, which is information necessary for calculating the difference pitch and is different from the number of prize balls (first information). The difference pitch can be calculated based on the number of foul pitches (second information) and the number of foul pitches (second information).

[Relationship between “actual difference ball” and “calculation difference ball”]
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the relationship between the "actual difference ball" and the "calculation difference ball".

When the "actual difference ball" is "0 balls", the "calculation difference ball" is "100,000 balls".

When the "actual difference ball" is "1000 balls", the "calculation difference ball" is "101000 balls".

When the "actual difference ball" is "2000 balls", the "calculation difference ball" is "102000 balls".

When the "actual difference ball" is "3000 balls", the "calculation difference ball" is "103000 balls".

When the "actual difference ball" is "10,000 balls", the "calculation difference ball" is "110,000 balls".

When the "actual difference ball" is "90,000 balls", the "calculation difference ball" is "190,000 balls".

When the "actual difference ball" is "95,000 balls", the "calculation difference ball" is "195,000 balls".

When the "actual difference ball" is "100,000 balls", the "calculation difference ball" is "200,000 balls".

Here, the "difference pitch" is the value obtained by subtracting the "out pitches (the number of pitches consumed by firing, etc.)" from the "safe pitches (the number of pitches acquired by prize balls, etc.)." Note that the "difference ball" can also be a value obtained by subtracting the "safe ball" from the "out ball," but the plus and minus values are simply reversed and the value of the difference ball itself does not change.

In this way, the difference pitch is calculated based on the relationship between the "safe pitch" and the "out pitch," so even if you get 95,000 shots, it may not be possible to stop the game. For example, if you have already hit 5,000 shots at the beginning of the game, you will stop hitting when you get 100,000 shots (difference of balls 95,000 = -5,000 + 100,000).

[Difference ball restriction device management process]
FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure of the difference pitch limiting device management process executed in step S314 of FIG.

Step S340: The main control CPU 72 executes a process of checking whether the value of the difference ball storage counter is 195,000 or more. Note that when the value of the difference ball storage counter is 195,000, it means that the difference ball has reached 95,000 shots.

As a result, if it is confirmed that the value of the difference pitch storage counter is 195,000 or more (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes step S342. On the other hand, if it cannot be confirmed that the value of the differential pitch storage counter is 195,000 or more (No), the main control CPU 72 executes step S346.

Step S342: The main control CPU 72 executes a process to check whether the gaming state is in a jackpot or a small win. The gaming status can be confirmed by the gaming status flag (0: normal status, 1: jackpot, 2: small jackpot). The main control CPU 72 sets the value of the gaming state flag according to the gaming state.

As a result, if it is confirmed that the gaming state is a jackpot or a small jackpot (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes step S344. On the other hand, if it cannot be confirmed that the gaming state is a jackpot or a small jackpot (No), the main control CPU 72 executes step S346.

Step S344: The main control CPU 72 executes a process of activating the difference pitch limiting device. The difference pitch limiting device is not a physical device but a control flag. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 executes a process of turning on the difference pitch limiting device flag.

Here, if the gaming state is in the jackpot or small hit (step S342: Yes), the difference ball restriction device does not operate, but since the jackpot or small hit will end eventually, the difference ball limit will be limited at that point. The device is activated. That is, by executing the processing in step S342 and step S344, when the gaming state is in the middle of a jackpot or a small win, the difference ball limiting device can be activated after the jackpot or small win ends. In addition, in the case of a game that leads from a small hit to a jackpot (a game where a jackpot is achieved by passing through a specific area during a small win), the difference ball restriction device can be activated after the jackpot ends instead of after the small hit ends.

The differential ball limiter flag cannot be turned off simply by turning the power back on after being turned off, but can be turned off by clearing the RAM.

Step S346: The main control CPU 72 executes a process of checking whether the difference pitch limiting device is in operation. If the difference ball restriction device flag is on, it can be determined that the difference ball restriction device is in operation, and if the difference ball restriction device flag is off, it can be determined that the difference ball restriction device is not in operation. I can do it.

As a result, if it is confirmed that the difference pitch limiting device is in operation (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes step S348. On the other hand, if it cannot be confirmed that the difference pitch limiting device is in operation (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the calling source and continues the process.

Step S348: The main control CPU 72 executes a process of transitioning to a game stop state. By shifting to the game stop state, the game is discontinued. In the game stop state, the game is stopped (a state in which the symbols do not fluctuate, no pending extinguishment is performed, and no prize balls are played), firing is stopped (a state in which game balls cannot be fired), and the movable device controlled by the main control CPU 72 Operation of (solenoids and motors) is also interrupted. Further, when the special symbols and the normal symbols are being displayed in a variable manner, the main control CPU 72 stops measuring the variable display time of the special symbols and the normal symbols, and stops the variable display of the special symbols and the normal symbols. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S349.

Step S349: Also, in the game stop state, the main control CPU 72 controls the normal symbol display device 33, the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, the first special symbol display device 34, and the second special symbol display device 35 on the integrated display board 90. , the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, the second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a, and the gaming state display device 38 are all turned off. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S350.

Step S350: The main control CPU 72 displays "ER5" on the performance display monitor 95, indicating that the game has entered the stopped state. The main control CPU 72 then returns to the calling source. However, since the game is in a stopped state, the main control CPU 72 does not execute the game.

[Difference pitch related production command management processing]
FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure of the difference pitch related effect command management process executed in step S204c of FIG. 13.

Step S380: The main control CPU 72 executes a process of checking whether the value of the difference ball storage counter is 190,000. Note that when the value of the difference ball storage counter is 190,000, it means that the difference ball has reached 90,000 shots.

As a result, if it is confirmed that the value of the difference ball storage counter is 190000 (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes step S382. On the other hand, if it cannot be confirmed that the value of the difference pitch storage counter is 190000 (No), the main control CPU 72 executes step S384.

Step S382: The main control CPU72 executes the first effect command generation process. The generated command is transmitted to the production control device 124 in a command transmission process (not shown).

Step S384: The main control CPU 72 executes a process to check whether the value of the difference ball storage counter is 195,000 or more and the gaming state is in the jackpot or small win.

As a result, if it is confirmed that the value of the difference ball storage counter is 195000 or more and the gaming state is in the jackpot or small win (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes step S386. On the other hand, if the value of the difference ball storage counter is 195,000 or more and it cannot be confirmed that the gaming state is in the jackpot or small win (No), the main control CPU 72 executes step S388.

Step S386: The main control CPU72 executes a second effect command generation process. The generated command is transmitted to the production control device 124 in a command transmission process (not shown).

Step S388: The main control CPU 72 executes a process of checking whether the value of the difference ball storage counter is 195,000 or more and whether the gaming state is the normal state. Note that the normal state is a state other than a jackpot or a small jackpot.

As a result, if it is confirmed that the value of the difference ball storage counter is 195000 or more and the gaming state is the normal state (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes step S390. On the other hand, if the value of the difference ball storage counter is 195,000 or more and it cannot be confirmed that the gaming state is the normal state (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the calling source and performs the processing. continue.

Step S390: The main control CPU 72 executes a third effect command generation process. The generated command is transmitted to the production control device 124 in a command transmission process (not shown).
After completing the above processing, the process returns to the calling source.

[Production control processing]
FIG. 7 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 production control processing includes command reception processing (step S400), working memory production management processing (step S401), production symbol management processing (step S402), display output processing (step S404), lamp drive processing (step S406), and sound output. The configuration includes a subroutine group of processing (step S408), effect 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 S400: 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 S401a: In the difference ball limiting device related performance process, the performance control CPU 126 performs control to execute the performance according to the command transmitted by the difference ball related performance command management process of FIG.

Step S401b: 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 output process, the performance control CPU 126 transmits the performance contents (for example, BGM, audio data, etc. during the variable display performance, the reach performance, the mode transition performance, the jackpot performance, etc.) to the sound drive circuit 134. 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 S409: In the next vibration motor drive process, when suggesting the display result of the variable display of the special symbol, the performance control CPU 126 sends the performance content (for example, the vibration pattern of the vibration motor 14a, etc.) to the motor control board 14b. instruct. Thereby, the vibration motor 14a vibrates according to the content of the performance. By driving the vibration motor 14a, it is possible to vibrate the ball rental button 10, the return button 12, the volume adjustment button 13a, the light amount adjustment button 13b, and the production button 45.

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.

[Difference ball restriction device related performance management processing]
FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure of the difference pitch limiting device related performance management process executed by the performance control CPU 126. This process is executed within the interrupt process executed by the production control CPU 126.

Step S364: The production control CPU 126 executes a process of checking whether or not the first production command has been received.

As a result, if it is confirmed that the first effect command has been received (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 executes step S366. On the other hand, if it cannot be confirmed that the first performance command has been received (No), the performance control CPU 126 executes step S368.

Step S366: The performance control CPU 126 executes a first performance execution process for executing the first performance. The display of the effect image by the first effect is, for example, the display shown in FIG. 21(a).

Step S368: The production control CPU 126 executes a process of checking whether or not the second production command has been received.

As a result, if it is confirmed that the second effect command has been received (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 executes step S370. On the other hand, if it cannot be confirmed that the second performance command has been received (No), the performance control CPU 126 executes step S372.

Step S370: The performance control CPU 126 executes a second performance execution process for executing the second performance. The display of the effect image by the second effect is, for example, the display shown in FIG. 21(b).

Step S372: The production control CPU 126 executes a process to check whether or not the third production command has been received.

As a result, if it is confirmed that the third effect command has been received (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 executes step S374. On the other hand, if it cannot be confirmed that the third effect command has been received (No), the effect control CPU 126 returns to the calling source and continues the process.

Step S374: The performance control CPU 126 executes a process to check whether the hit WIN function is valid.

As a result, if it is confirmed that the WIN function is valid (Yes), the production control CPU 126 executes step S378. On the other hand, if it cannot be confirmed that the WIN function is valid (No), the production control CPU 126 executes step S376.

Step S376: The performance control CPU 126 executes a third performance execution process that executes a third performance. The display of the effect image by the third effect is, for example, the display shown in FIG. 21(c). Then, the production control CPU 126 returns to the calling source and continues the process.

Step S378: The production control CPU 126 executes a third production execution process for executing a third production, and simultaneously executes a second two-dimensional code display process for displaying a second two-dimensional code. The display of the effect image by the third effect and the display of the second two-dimensional code at the same time is, for example, the display shown in FIG. 21(d). Then, the production control CPU 126 returns to the calling source and continues the process.
After completing the above processing, the process returns to the calling source.

[Specific example of production]
FIG. 21 shows (a) display of the effect image by the first effect, (b) display of the effect image by the second effect, (c) display of the effect image by the third effect, and (d) display of the effect image by the third effect. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the simultaneous display of a display and a 2nd two-dimensional code display.

In FIG. 21(a), the first round performance during the jackpot is being executed. The screen also displays the number of rounds, textual information for right-handed hitting that encourages right-handed hitting, and an image of an arrow. It is assumed that the difference pitch has reached 90,000 shots at this point. In this case, the first effect is executed.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 21(a), a first effect image E1 is displayed at the bottom of the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42 as a first effect. The first effect image E1 is an image that includes text information such as "5000 shots remaining until the game is stopped."

In FIG. 21(b), the performance of the fifth round during the jackpot is being executed. Note that this 5th round is not the 5th round following FIG. 21(a), but the 5th round of another jackpot. The screen also displays the number of rounds, textual information for right-handed hitting that encourages right-handed hitting, and an image of an arrow. It is assumed that the difference pitch has reached 95,000 shots at this point. In this case, the second effect is executed.

As shown in FIG. 21(b), specifically, a second effect image E2 is displayed at the lower part of the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42 as a second effect. The second performance image E2 is an image that includes text information such as "The game will be discontinued after the winning game ends."

In FIG. 21(c), a normal state effect is displayed. At this point, it is assumed that the difference ball reaches 95,000 shots, or the difference ball reaches 95,000 shots during the jackpot, the jackpot game ends, and the game returns to the normal state. In this case, the third effect is executed. FIG. 21(c) shows a case where the third effect is executed in a state where the hit WIN function is not valid.

As shown in FIG. 21(c), specifically, when the WIN function is not valid, a third effect image E3 is displayed at the top of the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42 as a third effect. The third performance image E3 is an image that includes text information such as "The game is stopped" and "The game is stopped because the difference ball has reached the upper limit." At this time, since each symbol (special symbol, normal symbol, performance symbol) does not change due to the game stop, the left performance symbol, middle performance symbol, and right performance symbol on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42 are hidden, and the The 4 symbols and mini symbols are also displayed in a stopped state.

Furthermore, the markers M1 and M2 representing the storage numbers (pending) of each of the first special symbol and the second special symbol displayed in the pre-change display area X1 are not consumed. Therefore, the markers M1 and M2 are not moved and displayed in the changing display area X2.

In addition, if the difference ball reaches 95,000 shots during symbol fluctuation, the fluctuation can be forcibly ended at that point and the game can be stopped.

In addition, in this example, an example is given in which the left effect symbol, the middle effect symbol, and the right effect symbol on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42 are hidden when the game is shifted to the stopped state, but the liquid crystal display 42 The left effect pattern, middle effect pattern, and right effect pattern on the display screen may be displayed in a stopped state.

The first effect image E1 and the second effect image E2 are images to be displayed during the game, so they are displayed in a small size so as not to interfere with the game, but the third effect image E3 is displayed when the game is stopped. Since the image is an image that is displayed in a larger size than the first effect image E1 and the second effect image E2.

FIG. 21(d) shows a case where the third effect is executed in a state where the hit WIN function is enabled. In this case, the second two-dimensional code is displayed while the third effect is being executed.

As shown in FIG. 21(d), specifically, as a third effect, a third effect image E3 is displayed on the upper part of the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42 in the same manner as described above. Then, while displaying the third effect image E3, a second two-dimensional code E4 is displayed at the center of the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42 as the second two-dimensional code. The player can obtain the game history by reading the second two-dimensional code E4 using the information terminal.

Note that the first, second, and third effects not only display images on the liquid crystal display 42, but also output warning sounds from the speakers 54a to 54d and light up the frame lamps 46 and 50. You can also do that.

Further, in this embodiment, an example is given in which the third effect image and the second two-dimensional code are displayed simultaneously, but the second two-dimensional code may be displayed with priority. In this case, the second two-dimensional code may be first displayed, and after a predetermined time, the display of the second two-dimensional code is ended and the third effect image is started to be displayed.

[Contents of each display associated with calculation of difference balls]
FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing the contents of each display accompanying calculation of the difference ball by each of the above processes. "Game control" in the figure indicates control by the main control device 70 (main control CPU 72), and "performance control" indicates control by the production control device 124 (performance control CPU 126).

As shown in FIG. 22, when the difference ball reaches 90,000 shots, the performance control CPU 126 displays on the liquid crystal display 42 5,000 shots remaining (the above-mentioned first performance) that can specify that there are 5,000 shots remaining until the game is stopped. (See FIG. 21(a)).

When the difference in balls reaches 95,000 shots or more, the main control CPU 72 shifts the game to a halt state. At this time, the main control CPU 72 controls the normal symbol display device 33, the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, the first special symbol display device 34, the second special symbol display device 35, and the first special symbol operation memory lamp on the integrated display board 90. 34a, the second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a and the gaming state display device 38 are completely turned off, and these displays are put into a display hibernation state.

In addition, the main control CPU 72 displays "ER5" on the performance display monitor 95 indicating that the game has entered the game stop state.

Further, when the special symbol or the normal symbol is being displayed in a variable manner, the main control CPU 72 stops measuring the variation time and stops the variable display.

Further, if the winning WIN function is not valid, the performance control CPU 126 only displays a stoppage display on the liquid crystal display 42 that can specify that the game has entered the stoppage state (see FIG. 21(c)). On the other hand, when the winning WIN function is enabled, the performance control CPU 126 displays a stoppage display (the above-mentioned third performance) on the liquid crystal display 42 that can specify that the game has shifted to the stopped state, and also displays a second two-dimensional code. is displayed (see FIG. 21(d)).

Then, when a power failure recovery accompanied by RAM clearing is performed while the game is in the game stop state, the main control CPU 72 clears the difference ball and returns the game to a playable state.

At this time, the main control CPU 72 controls the normal symbol display device 33, the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, the first special symbol display device 34, the second special symbol display device 35, and the first special symbol operation memory lamp on the integrated display board 90. 34a, the second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a and the game state display device 38 are turned on, and the display suspension state of these displays is canceled. At this time, the main control CPU 72 resets the display contents, so the symbol fluctuation display and the game state display before the power cut is not carried over.

Further, the performance control CPU 126 returns the liquid crystal display 42 to the normal game screen.

With the above-described configuration, it is possible to detect that the game will be shifted to the stopped state in stages, and when the state is shifted to the stopped game state, each display on the integrated display board 90 will eventually be stopped. Furthermore, since the liquid crystal display 42 also displays that the game has shifted to the stopped game state, it is possible to clearly display that the game has shifted to the stopped game state. This eliminates the inconvenience of the player trying to start playing even though the game has entered the stopped state. Furthermore, by displaying on the performance display monitor 95, it is possible to clearly display to the staff at the gaming parlor that the game has entered the stopped state.

In this embodiment, the performance display monitor 95 displays "ER5" when the game enters the game stop state, but the performance display monitor 95 may also be turned off.

[Working memory performance management processing]
FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a 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. 7).

[Production design management processing]
FIG. 24 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.

In addition, in the performance pattern stop display process, the performance control CPU 126 stops the performance pattern 43 at a predetermined stop position, but when stopping the performance pattern 43, it changes the direction of movement after the performance pattern 43 passes the stop position. The effect pattern 43 may be displayed as if it is bouncing by being reversed and then stopped at a stop position. For example, in a normal state, the vehicle is stopped after passing the stop position, and in a time saving state, the vehicle is stopped at the stop position without passing the stop position.

The production control CPU 126 outputs a stop sound after the production pattern 43 passes the stop position and before the production pattern 43 stops at the stop position, and when the production pattern 43 passes the stop position. There are times when a stop sound is output after the effect pattern 43 passes the stop position and when the effect pattern 43 stops at the stop position. The performance control CPU 126 determines at which timing the stop sound is to be outputted in accordance with the game situation in performance symbol variation pre-processing.

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. 25 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure of the production 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.

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. 7) and lamp drive process (step S406 in FIG. 7). 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, when 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 production 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.

In addition, the production control CPU 126 performs the variation in any one of the small hit variation production pattern selection process (step S608), the jackpot variation production pattern selection process (step S610), and the loss variation production pattern selection process (step S612). Select a performance pattern, and the variable performance patterns include a variable performance pattern in which the performance symbol stops at the stop position after passing the stop position, and a variable performance pattern in which the performance symbol stops at the stop position without passing the stop position. included.

In this embodiment, the variable effect pattern in which the effect pattern stops at the stop position after passing the stop position is selected in the small hit time variable effect pattern selection process (step S608) rather than the loss time variable effect pattern selection process (step S612). ) and the jackpot time-varying performance pattern selection process (step S610), the movement distance from when the performance symbols pass the stop position to when the performance symbols stop at the stop position is longer.

Therefore, the degree of expectation that a jackpot or small win will occur depending on the moving distance when the performance symbol 43 stops increases.

In addition, the fluctuating performance patterns in the small hit time fluctuating performance pattern selection process (step S608), the jackpot time fluctuating performance pattern selection process (step S610), and the loss time fluctuating performance pattern selection process (step S612) include reach fluctuations, In the reach variation, the display direction of the middle performance symbol 43C changes in the center performance symbol row of the plurality of performance symbol rows on the left center right, and the display direction of the left performance symbol 43L and the right performance symbol 43R changes in the left and right performance symbol rows. Performance symbols of a plurality of performance symbol rows may be displayed so that the display direction does not change.

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 determines whether or not to execute the preview performance during the current variable display performance, and when it is determined to determine the preview performance, selects the content of the preview performance to be executed by lottery. 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, the selection ratio of preview effects is set low when there is no winning (lose), but the selection ratio of preview effects is set relatively high when winning a jackpot or small win to increase the player's expectations. has been done.

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.

In this embodiment, the preview performance selected in the performance selection process includes an operation performance using the vibration motor 14a (see FIG. 9). When the operation effect is selected, the vibration motor 14a vibrates while the symbols are being displayed in a fluctuating manner to prompt the operation of the effect button 45, as well as the operation of the ball lending button 10, the return button 12, and the volume adjustment button. A warning is given to the player not to operate the button 13a or the light amount adjustment button 13b.

If it is selected to perform the operation performance, the performance control CPU 126 controls the vibration motor 14a based on the performance pattern in the vibration motor drive process (step S409 in FIG. 19) of the performance control process. The performance patterns of the operation performance include patterns in which the strength of the vibration of the vibration motor 14a differs, and patterns in which the timing at which the operation performance is executed (at which timing during the variable display of the special symbol is executed) is different. Then, when the effect button 45 is operated, the effect control CPU 126 displays an effect image according to the expectation degree of a jackpot or a small win.

Since the operation performance is selected with a probability according to the result of the internal lottery, the display result of the variable display of the special symbol is suggested by the execution of the operation performance. When performing an operation performance, the performance control CPU 126 displays a performance image that prompts the operation of the performance button 45 on the liquid crystal display 42, and when the performance button 45 is operated, displays the performance image in response to the operation. . The operation performance may be executed, for example, when the performance symbol stops in a ready-to-win state during the variable display of the mini symbol, and may be performed when a jackpot or small win is suggested.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the preview effects selected in the effect selection process include a timer effect. In the timer effect, two timer displays are displayed on the liquid crystal display 42. One of the two timer displays has an initial value of 14 seconds and the other has an initial value of 5 seconds, and the respective values are counted down at the same time. Then, when the countdowns on both timer displays are counted down to 0 seconds without being interrupted midway, the expectation level of a jackpot or small win increases. The two timer displays have different time update speeds, with the 5 second timer display having a longer update cycle than the 14 second timer display. In other words, a 5-second timer display has a faster update speed than a 14-second timer display.

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 performance control CPU 126 displays a remaining variation number display 51 (see FIG. 5) indicating the remaining variation number of the time saving state on the liquid crystal display 42, and displays the variation number display 51 every time a variation display of a special symbol is performed. Update.

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 processing (step S504 in FIG. 24), the fluctuation 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.

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. 24).

[Operation detection valid processing]
The performance control CPU 126 generates a timer interrupt that occurs every time a predetermined time elapses. Then, the production control CPU 126 executes the operation detection validating process within the timer interrupt. The operation detection validation process is a process of selecting whether or not to accept each operation of the ball lending button 10, return button 12, volume adjustment button 13a, light amount adjustment button 13b, production button 45, etc. as valid, for example.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure of the production symbol variation pre-processing. The procedure will be explained below using an example procedure.

Step S700: The production control CPU 126 performs an operation in which the operation of the operated button is not detected when any of the ball rental button 10, the return button 12, the volume adjustment button 13a, the light intensity adjustment button 13b, and the production button 45 is operated. Check whether 8 ms has elapsed in the non-detection state. As a result, when it is confirmed that the operation non-detection state has passed for 8 ms (Yes), the production control CPU 126 executes step S702. On the other hand, if it is detected that the operation non-detection state has not elapsed for 8 ms (No), the process ends.

Step S702: The performance control CPU 126 checks whether 8 ms has elapsed in the operation detection state in which the operation of the operated button is detected. As a result, if it is confirmed that 8 ms has elapsed in the operation detection state (Yes), the production control CPU 126 executes step S704. On the other hand, if it is detected that the operation detection state has not elapsed for 8 ms (No), the process ends.

Step S704: The performance control CPU 126 enables operation detection of the operated button operation and accepts the button operation. Then, processing and control are executed according to the type of button operated.

In this way, when a button operation is performed, if the operation non-detection state or operation detection state is less than a predetermined time (8 ms in this example), the button operation is invalidated and the operation is not accepted. This can prevent erroneous detection of button operations due to vibration of the vibration motor 14a.

In this embodiment, the operation non-detection state or the operation detection state is determined by counting 8 ms, but the determination may be made by counting different times such as 16 ms, 4 ms, 2 ms, 1 ms, etc. Further, the time for determining the operation non-detection state and the time for determining the operation detection state may be set to different times. Further, the above determination may also be made regarding the effect button 45 to enable the operation.

[Specific example of preview performance]
Next, using FIGS. 27 to 30, we will discuss a specific example of executing a preview effect in which the ball rental button 10, the return button 12, the volume control button 13a, the light intensity control button 13b, and the effect button 45 are vibrated by the vibration motor 14a. explain.

FIGS. 27 to 30 are continuous diagrams showing examples of effect images corresponding to variable display and static display of special symbols. FIG. 31 is an explanatory diagram showing the timing at which the vibration motor 14a vibrates.

Note that the liquid crystal display 42 shown in FIGS. 27 to 30 and the liquid crystal display 42 shown in FIG. 4 are the same, but are shown in simplified form in FIGS. 27 to 30 for explanation of the images.

As shown in FIG. 27, the performance pattern 43 includes, for example, a left performance pattern 43L, a middle performance pattern 43C, and a right performance pattern 43R. They are displayed on the right side as a production pattern row. 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 FIGS. 27 to 30, an example will be explained in which a variable display of the special effect design corresponding to the first special pattern is performed, but a variable display of the special effect effect pattern corresponding to the second special pattern or a normal The variable display of the graphic performance 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.

In addition, here, regarding the fluctuation of the special symbol at the time of winning (big hit), 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. Note that the background image is omitted in FIGS. 27 to 30.

As shown in FIG. 27(a), for example, in a state before the first special symbol starts changing (a state in which a demonstration is not being performed), three performance symbols 43L, 43C are displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42. , 43R columns are displayed in a large size. 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, this example shows a case where the number of pending memories for the first special symbol is four, and as a result, four pending displays M1 corresponding to the first special symbol are displayed, for example, in the shape of a circle (○). ing.

Furthermore, a first pending memory number display 44a, a second pending memory number display 44b, and a mini symbol 44c are displayed. The mini symbol 44c is a "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.

As shown in FIG. 27(b), for example, in synchronization with the start of variation of the first special symbol, a variable display effect is started by scrolling and varying three symbol rows on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42. . 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. Further, the pending display M1 is displayed in the pre-change display area X1 of the band-shaped portion in the lower part of the liquid crystal display 42 before the change starts, but after the change starts, it is displayed in the lower left part of the liquid crystal display 42. The special symbol (performance symbol) continues to be displayed until the special symbol (effect symbol) is stopped and displayed. 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 number of pending memories in the first pending memory number display 44a is subtracted by "1", and the variable display of the mini symbols 44c is started.

Here, as shown in FIG. 27(b), as the fluctuation starts, the number of reserved memories of the first special symbol decreases by one, and in conjunction with this, the display number of the reserved display M1 decreases by one. The amount has been reduced by 50%. For example, if there were 4 pending memories up to that point, the earliest (oldest) memory number display in the pending display M1 is moved to the changing 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.

Then, by moving the pending display M1 that was at the top in the storage order to the changing display area X2, there are only 3 remaining displays in the pre-change display area X1, so the 3 pending displays M1 that remained on the screen is shifted in one direction (in this case, to the left) by one. 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."

As shown in FIGS. 27(c) and 28(d), for example, after a certain amount of time (about half of the fluctuation time) has passed, the left production symbol 43L first temporarily stops in synchronization with the first special symbol. . At this time, in this example, after the left effect symbol 43L once passes the stop position L (FIG. 27(c)), the moving direction is reversed by the bound display and it temporarily stops at the stop position (FIG. 28(d)). .

Temporary stop is also called temporary stop display. For example, during the variable display from the start of the variable display of the performance symbols until the final performance symbol that is the variable display result is derived and displayed, the fluctuation speed of the performance symbols is 0'', and the effect pattern is displayed in a stationary state, causing, for example, slight shaking or expansion/contraction (in other words, a state in which one variable display is not completed). In such a display state, although the display result in the variable display is not definitively displayed, the player can recognize that the effect symbols are not changing due to scroll display or update display. Note that the temporary stop display may include displaying the decorative pattern in a complete stop for a period shorter than a predetermined time (for example, 1 second) without causing slight shaking or expansion/contraction. On the other hand, to stop display (derive display) the variable display result means to completely or finally stop the identification information such as a decorative pattern to end the variable display.

In this example, the effect symbol representing the number "8" is temporarily stopped at 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 symbol 44c continues to be displayed in a variable manner without stopping.

As shown in FIGS. 28(e) and 28(f), following the left presentation symbol 43L, the right presentation symbol 43R temporarily stops in synchronization with the first special symbol. At this time, in this example, after the left effect symbol 43L once passes the stop position L (FIG. 28(e)), the moving direction is reversed by the bound display and it temporarily stops at the stop position L (FIG. 28(f)). ).

In this example, the effect symbol representing the number "8" is temporarily stopped at the middle position of the screen. Then, since the same type of symbols are temporarily stopped in the left performance pattern 43L and the right performance pattern 43R, a ready-to-win state occurs when the left performance pattern 43L and the right performance pattern 43R are temporarily stopped. Therefore, if the same symbol temporarily stops at the medium performance symbol 43C and the three performance symbols become confirmed performance symbols, it becomes a jackpot. That is, a ready-to-win state occurs when the left performance symbol 43L and the right performance symbol 43R temporarily stop, thereby suggesting a display result of the variable display of the special symbol.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 28(f) and 31, when the operation performance is selected in the performance selection process (step S614) of FIG. vibrate. When the vibration motor 14a vibrates, the ball rental button 10, the return button 12, the volume adjustment button 13a, the light amount adjustment button 13b, and the production button 45 vibrate. At this time, the mini symbol 44c continues to be displayed in a variable manner without stopping.

By vibrating the effect button 45, the user is prompted to operate the effect button 45. At this time, when the player operates the performance button 45, a performance image that suggests the result of the internal lottery such as the expected jackpot, in other words, a performance image that suggests the display result of the variable display of special symbols is displayed on the liquid crystal display 42. is displayed.

On the other hand, since prize balls are paid out when a jackpot is reached, the game can be played even if there are only a few remaining game balls. Therefore, even if there are only a small number of game balls remaining when the player hits the jackpot, there is no need to receive new game balls. And when a reach state occurs, there is a possibility of a jackpot. Therefore, when the reach state occurs, the ball lending button 10 is vibrated and the player who touches the ball lending button 10 is confused about the operation, thereby preventing additional and unnecessary lending of game balls. can.

Conventionally, after winning an internal lottery, it takes a predetermined variable amount of time to shift to the jackpot gaming state, so players may accidentally perform operations to receive additional game balls, which may result in unnecessary play. Players have sometimes suffered disadvantages due to the lending of game balls. However, in this embodiment, the vibration of the ball lending button 10 prevents the player from operating the ball lending button 10, thereby preventing the player from receiving unnecessary lending of game balls. This prevents people from being disadvantaged.

Further, by vibrating the return button 12 when a reach state occurs, the player who touches the return button 12 is confused about the operation, thereby stopping the game in a state where a jackpot may occur. This can prevent the game from becoming less interesting.

In addition, by vibrating the volume adjustment button 13a and the light amount adjustment button 13b when a ready-to-reach state occurs, the player who touches the volume adjustment button 13a or the light amount adjustment button 13b is confused about how to operate the production button 45. This allows the player to concentrate on the operation performance using the , thereby preventing the player from overlooking the operation performance and preventing the game from becoming less interesting.

In addition, in this embodiment, when the ball lending button 10 is operated and a game ball is lent, the lent game ball is paid out to the upper tray 6b, so if the ball lending button 10 is vibrated, the ball lending button 10 is operated. When this is done, the game ball flowing down the upper tray 6b vibrates, resonates with the ball lending button 10 provided on the upper tray 6b, and the vibration is amplified. Therefore, in this embodiment, the operation of the ball lending button 10 is suppressed by vibrating the ball lending button 10, and when the vibrating ball lending button 10 is operated, the vibration is amplified, thereby preventing the game from being played. It becomes possible to raise the warning level against the rental of game balls, which is inconvenient for the player, and it is possible to reliably notify that the operation of the vibrating ball rental button 10 is prohibited. This prevents the player from receiving unnecessary loan of game balls.

As shown in FIG. 29(g), when a ready-to-reach state occurs, a ready-to-reach effect corresponding to the ready-to-reach state is executed. In the reach effect, for example, the reach state occurs when the display direction of the medium effect pattern 43C changes and the medium effect pattern 43C temporarily stops so that the display directions of the left effect pattern 43L and the right effect pattern 43R do not change. . That is, while the visible surface of the middle effect pattern 43C changes, the reach state occurs so that the visible surfaces of the left effect pattern 43L and the right effect pattern 43R do not change.

Specifically, the left presentation pattern 43L and the right presentation pattern 43R are moved to the upper left and upper right corners of the screen of the liquid crystal display 42 and are displayed in a reduced size, with the display direction not changing in a manner accompanied by vertical shaking. A temporary stop is displayed. At this time, the left presentation pattern 43L and the right presentation pattern 43R repeat short periodic movements.

On the other hand, the medium effect pattern 43C is enlarged and displayed at the center of the screen of the liquid crystal display 42, and is also displayed in a variable manner so that the display direction changes in a manner of rotating counterclockwise around a vertical axis. At this time, the medium effect pattern 43C moves in a long non-periodic manner.

In other words, in the reach state, the middle effect pattern 43C, the left effect pattern 43L, and the right effect pattern 43R perform variable display on different trajectories (up and down movement and rotation around the vertical axis), and the left effect pattern 43L and the right effect pattern The symbol 43R repeats a periodic motion at a fast speed, and the middle performance symbol 43C aperiodically operates at a slow speed slower than the left performance symbol 43L and the right performance symbol 43R. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the middle performance symbol 43C from being confused with the left performance symbol 43L and the right performance symbol 43R, and it is possible to improve the gameplay.

In this way, while the display direction of the middle effect pattern 43C changes, a variable display is performed so that the display directions of the left effect pattern 43L and the right effect pattern 43R do not change, so that the left effect pattern 43L and the right effect pattern 43R is visible only from the front, but the middle effect pattern 43C is visible from the side and top. In addition, in FIG. 29(g), a state in which the effect pattern representing the number "7" is rotated in the medium effect pattern 43C is shown.

As shown in FIG. 29(h), as the variable display of the medium effect pattern 43C continues, the type of effect pattern changes. FIG. 29(h) shows how the medium effect pattern 43C changes from the number "7" to the effect pattern representing the number "8" and the effect pattern representing the number "8" is rotating. .

As shown in FIG. 29(i), in this example, in the process of variable display, it is possible to display the middle effect pattern 43C, the left effect pattern 43L, and the right effect pattern 43R in a superimposed manner. For example, the left effect pattern 43L and the right effect pattern 43R can be displayed so as to be superimposed on the upper layer of the middle effect pattern 43C.

When the middle performance pattern 43C, the left performance pattern 43L, and the right performance pattern 43R are displayed in a superimposed manner, the medium performance pattern 43C, the left performance pattern 43L, and the right performance pattern 43R perform different operations. For example, the middle presentation pattern 43C performs a rotational motion, but the left presentation pattern 43L and the right presentation pattern 43R swing up and down.

At this time, the movement amount of the left effect pattern 43L and the right effect pattern 43R is smaller than the movement amount of the middle effect pattern 43C. This makes it easier to distinguish between the middle performance symbol 43C, the left performance symbol 43L, and the right performance symbol 43R, making it easier to understand the development of the game, and thus improving the gameplay.

As shown in FIG. 30(j), in this example, when the fluctuating display of the effect symbol representing the number "8" is being performed, the number "8" will stop as it is and become a jackpot, or A performance image is displayed to arouse the player's sense of expectation by making it impossible for the player to recognize whether the number changes to "9" without hitting the jackpot.

Specifically, the effect image 52 is displayed so as to be superimposed on the medium effect pattern 43C. At this time, the effect image 52 has a higher display priority than the middle effect pattern 43C, and a lower display priority than the left effect image 43L and the right effect image 43R. In other words, the effect image 52 is displayed in a higher layer than the middle effect pattern 43C, and is displayed in a lower layer than the left effect pattern 43L and the right effect pattern 43R. Therefore, when the effect image 52 is displayed, the middle effect pattern 43C is not visible, but the left effect pattern 43L and the right effect pattern 43R are visible.

As shown in FIG. 30(k), the last medium effect symbol 43C temporarily stops in synchronization with the stop display of the first special symbol. At this time, the effect image 52 is erased. Then, the left performance symbol 43L, middle performance symbol 43C, and right performance symbol 43R become the same size and are temporarily stopped. If the result of this internal lottery is a jackpot win and the first special symbol is stopped and displayed in a winning (jackpot) manner, the performance symbol will also be stopped and displayed in a winning (jackpot) manner. . In other words, in the illustrated example, the effect symbol representing the number "8" is temporarily stopped at the middle position of the screen, and in this case, the combination of the effect symbols is "8" - "8" - "8". Since this is a jackpot, it is expressed in the production that this change corresponds to a normal "jackpot". Moreover, at this time, the left presentation pattern 43L, the middle presentation pattern 43C, and the right presentation pattern 43R all perform a common action by shaking in the vertical direction.

As shown in FIG. 30(l), the left performance symbol 43L, the middle performance symbol 43C, and the right performance symbol 43R are completely stopped and displayed as fixed performance symbols. Moreover, the mini pattern 44c also stops. As a result, a jackpot is determined by the combination of "8"-"8"-"8". At this time, after the performance symbol is rotated again, a different performance symbol may be determined. This may rank up to a time-saving jackpot or a jackpot with a large number of rounds. When the left performance symbol 43L, middle performance symbol 43C, and right performance symbol 43R come to a complete stop, the mini symbol 44c also stops in the same combination as the performance symbol 43.

Furthermore, 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 emits light. 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. That is, in this embodiment, three rows of performance symbols are displayed in a variable manner, and one time of variable display ends when the three rows of performance symbols are stopped and displayed. 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, although the above-mentioned example is for winning, in the case of winning (non-winning), after the reach effect is executed during the fluctuating display effect, the effect pattern is a loser in the stop display effect (for example, "8"). - "7" - "8", etc., where different numbers line up) 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.

In addition, in this embodiment, an example is given in which the vibration of the vibration motor 14a is generated when the left presentation pattern 43L and the right presentation pattern 43R temporarily stop and a reach state occurs (the mini pattern 44c continues to fluctuate). However, the timing at which the vibration motor 14a is vibrated can be different from that in this embodiment.

For example, the left performance symbol 43L, the right performance symbol 43R, and the middle performance symbol 43C temporarily stop when a combination of the same symbols that results in a jackpot (or a combination of specific symbols that results in a jackpot), and the mini symbol 44c continues to fluctuate. It is possible to vibrate the vibration motor 14a in the situation (for example, the situation in FIG. 30(k)).

In this case, when the production button 45 is operated when the operation production is executed, and the left production pattern 43L, right production pattern 43R, and middle production pattern 43C temporarily stop with the same symbol or a combination of specific symbols, the production Vibration of the button 45 executes a performance to celebrate the awarding of benefits such as a big hit or a small win.

In this situation, after a predetermined period of time (for example, several seconds) after the temporary stop, the left effect pattern 43L, right effect pattern 43R, and middle effect pattern 43C completely stop, a confirmation display is performed, and the mini pattern 44c stops. Then, the jackpot is confirmed (for example, the situation in FIG. 30(l)).

Then, after the left effect pattern 43L, right effect pattern 43R, and middle effect pattern 43C temporarily stop, but before the mini pattern 44c stops, it is a situation where it is certain that a jackpot will occur, and the ball lending button 10 etc. This is a situation in which it is certain that an erroneous operation will result if the operation is performed.

However, when the vibration motor 14a vibrates when the left performance symbol 43L, right performance symbol 43R, and middle performance symbol 43C temporarily stop, the ball rental button 10 vibrates, so the ball rental button 10 vibrates in advance of the situation where the occurrence of a jackpot is certain. Erroneous operation of the lending button 10 can be prevented.

[About the output mode of the stop sound of the production pattern]
Next, the output mode of the stop sound of the production pattern 43 will be explained using FIGS. 32 to 35. As explained in FIGS. 27 to 30, in this embodiment, the production control CPU 126 reverses the moving direction by the bound display after the production pattern 43 passes the stop position L, and stops the production pattern 43 at the stop position L. It is possible to do so.

Here, in the examples shown in FIGS. 32 to 35, the reach state does not occur, and when the production pattern 43 passes the stop position L when it becomes a miss, the direction of movement is reversed by the bound display (that is, toward the stop position L) This is an example in which the effect pattern 43 is stopped at the stop position L by changing the direction of variation. In addition, in the examples of FIGS. 32 and 33, and the examples of FIGS. 34 and 35, "8" has stopped on the left presentation pattern L, "5" has stopped on the right presentation pattern R, and the miss has been confirmed. .

In this embodiment, the amount of movement when returning to the stop position L after passing the stop position L is smaller when it is a miss than when it is a reach move or a chance move (suggestion of a small hit, etc.). Note that when returning to the stop position L, the movement is such that the movement direction stops at the stop position L due to the reaction when the moving direction is reversed.

In this way, by making the amount of movement smaller in the case of a miss than in the case where a reach or chance number is displayed, it is possible to immediately understand that the symbol performance is not one with high expectations.

Also in this case, either (1) a pattern in which a stop sound is output before the production pattern 43 returns to the stop position L, or (2) a pattern in which a production sound is output when the production pattern 43 stops at the stop position L. The player is selected depending on the gaming state and the like.

When the stop sound is set as in (1) above, the sense of immersion can be improved by making the effect pattern 43 feel physical mass. Furthermore, when setting a stop sound as in (2) above, it is possible to emphasize the aspect of the effect pattern 43 as an icon and give an impression that the variable display has ended. Furthermore, by outputting the stop sound in one of the patterns, it is possible to greatly vary the impression given to the player, and it is possible to improve the interest of the game.

Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 32(a) and 32(b), for example, when the internal lottery results in a loss in the normal state, the production control CPU 126 causes the left production symbol 43L to move past the stop position L. When passing, it is possible to output a stop sound after the left presentation pattern 43L passes the stop position L and before the left presentation pattern 43L stops at the stop position L. Further, the left performance symbol 43L stops at the stop position L until the output of the stop sound is finished. Thereby, it is possible to eliminate the unnaturalness in which the variable display is performed even after the output of the stop sound is finished.

At this time, when the left performance symbol 43L passes through the stop position L and returns to the stop position L (specifically, when the moving direction of the performance symbol 43 is reversed due to the bound display), a stop sound is output. Furthermore, the output of the stop sound ends before the vehicle stops at the stop position L.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 33(c) and 33(d), for example, when the right presentation pattern 43R passes the stop position L, the presentation control CPU 126 controls the performance after the right presentation pattern 43R passes the stop position L. Moreover, it is possible to output a stop sound before the right performance symbol 43R stops at the stop position L.

At this time, when the right performance symbol 43R passes the stop position L and returns to the stop position L (specifically, when the moving direction of the performance symbol 43 is reversed due to the bound display), a stop sound is output. Further, the right performance symbol 43R stops at the stop position L until the output of the stop sound ends. Thereby, it is possible to eliminate the unnaturalness in which the variable display is performed even after the output of the stop sound is finished.

In addition, as shown in FIGS. 34(a) and 34(b), for example, in the time saving state, the production control CPU 126 controls, when the left production symbol 43L passes the stop position L, the left production symbol 43L It is possible to output a stop sound when the left effect pattern 43L stops at the stop position L after passing by.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 35(c) and 35(d), for example, when the right presentation pattern 43R passes the stop position L, the presentation control CPU 126 Moreover, when the right performance symbol 43R stops at the stop position L, it is possible to output a stop sound.

Note that the performance control CPU 126 can vary the output timing of the stop sound depending on the gaming state. For example, the production control CPU 126 is configured so that the production pattern 43 stops at the stop position L after passing the stop position L in the normal state, and after passing the stop position L and before stopping at the stop position L, the production control CPU 126 makes a stop sound. Output.

On the other hand, in the time saving state, the effect pattern 43 is configured to stop at the stop position L without passing through it, and a stop sound is output when stopping at the stop position L. This makes it easier to understand that the gaming state has changed, and the gameplay can be improved.

Further, the performance control CPU 126 changes the output timing of the stop sound according to the variation time of the performance symbol 43. For example, in the case of long-term fluctuation, the production pattern 43 is configured to stop at the stop position L after passing the stop position L, and a stop sound is output after passing the stop position L and before stopping at the stop position L. . In the case of short-time fluctuations, the performance pattern 43 is configured to stop at the stop position L without passing through it, and a stop sound is output when stopping at the stop position L. Thereby, by matching the fluctuation time and the output timing of the stop sound, it is possible to make the game play out naturally, and it is possible to improve the gameplay.

Further, the performance control CPU 126 can output a common stop sound even if the output timing of the stop sound is different. For example, the production control CPU 126 can output a common stop sound although the output timing of the stop sound is different between the normal state and the time saving state. This makes it possible to provide the player with the fun of guessing whether or not the gaming state has changed, thereby improving the gameplay.

Furthermore, the production control CPU 126 can output different stop sounds depending on the output timing of the stop sound. For example, the production control CPU 126 can output different stop sounds depending on the output timing of the stop sound by making the output timing different between the normal state and the time saving state. This makes it easier to understand that the gaming state has changed, and the gameplay can be improved.

In addition, during a variable display due to a specific variation pattern (such as a highly anticipated special reach) or while displaying a production image on the full screen, the production pattern 43 does not stop at the stop position L after passing the stop position L. It is also possible to configure the system so that no stop sound is output. In this case, a production pattern in which the production pattern 43 does not stop at the stop position L after passing the stop position L (non-bound pattern) or a production pattern in which a stop sound is not output (non-stop sound pattern) is provided, and a non-bound pattern is provided. may be used alone for a variable display, or a combination of a non-bound symbol and a non-stop sound symbol may be used for a variable display.

In addition, although this embodiment does not cite an example in which the medium effect pattern 43C passes the stop position L and then stops at the stop position L, the medium effect pattern 43C also stops at the stop position L after passing the stop position L. Then, a stop sound may be outputted before or when stopping at the stop position L in the same manner as above.

[Specific example of timer production]
Next, a specific example of executing the timer effect will be described using FIGS. 36 to 37. Note that detailed description of the same parts as those described in FIGS. 27 to 30 will be omitted.

FIGS. 36 and 37 are continuous diagrams showing examples of effect images corresponding to variable display and static display of special symbols.

As shown in FIGS. 36(a) and 36(b), for example, three symbol rows scroll and fluctuate on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42 in synchronization with the start of fluctuation of the first special symbol. A variable display effect is started.

As shown in FIG. 36(c), for example, characters 55 reading "Timer activation!" are displayed in the center of the screen to indicate to the player that a timer effect is to be started. Further, the first timer display 56a is displayed at the top of the screen, and the second timer display 56b is displayed at the top of the screen.

The time that is updated and displayed by the timer effect by the first timer display 56a and the time that is updated and displayed by the timer effect by the second timer display 56b are displayed in a common display mode. For example, both have the same number design and the same number of digits after the decimal point. Therefore, while executing the timer effect by the first timer display 56a and the timer effect by the second timer display 56b, by giving each effect a commonality, it becomes easier to understand the content of the game, and the gameplay is improved. be able to.

The first timer display 56a is set to 14 seconds ("14:00" in the figure) as an initial value, and the second timer display 56b is set to 5 seconds ("5:00" in the figure) as an initial value. There is. In this example, since the timer subtraction display is performed, the time to reach 0 seconds in the timer display by the first timer display 56a is longer than the time to reach 0 seconds in the timer display by the second timer display 56b. It's longer. In this example, when both the time on the first timer display 56a and the time on the second timer display 56b reach 0 seconds, both the time on the first timer display 56a and the time on the second timer display 56b reach 0 seconds. The expectation level of a jackpot or small win is higher than if you don't.

As shown in FIG. 37(d), updating display (in this example, subtraction display) of the time on the first timer display 56a and the time on the second timer display 56b is started. In this way, the timer display by the first timer display 56a and the timer display by the second timer display 56b can be executed at the same time, and the start timing of the time update display in the timer display by the first timer display 56a and the second timer display can be executed at the same time. The start timing of the time update display in the timer effect by the display 56b is the same timing.

As shown in FIG. 37E, the time update cycle in the timer effect of the first timer display 56a is shorter than the time update cycle in the timer effect of the second timer display 56b.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 39, the first timer display 56a updates for one second in one frame, whereas the second timer display 56b updates for one second in two frames. Further, for example, when a certain amount of time (about half of the variable time) has passed, the left performance symbol 43L temporarily stops in synchronization with the first special symbol.

As shown in FIG. 38(f), following the left presentation pattern 43L, the right presentation pattern 43R temporarily stops in synchronization with the first special pattern. The illustrated example shows that the player is in a reach state.

As shown in FIG. 38(g), the last medium effect symbol 43C temporarily stops in synchronization with the stop display of the first special symbol. At this time, the time update display of the first timer display 56a and the time update display of the second timer display 56b are finished before the medium effect symbol 43C stops. For example, both the time on the first timer display 56a and the time on the second timer display 56b become 0 seconds.

Note that the timing at which the updated display of the first timer display 56a ends and the timing at which the updated display of the second timer display 56b ends may be the same, or one timing may be later than the other timing. good.

As shown in FIG. 38(h), the left presentation pattern 43L, middle presentation pattern 43C, and right presentation pattern 43R become the same size and temporarily stop. If the result of this internal lottery is a jackpot win and the first special symbol is stopped and displayed in a winning (jackpot) manner, the performance symbol will also be stopped and displayed in a winning (jackpot) manner. . That is, in the illustrated example, after the effect pattern representing the number "8" temporarily stops at the middle position of the screen, the left effect pattern 43L, middle effect pattern 43C, and right effect pattern 43R completely stop and become the final effect pattern. Stop display. As a result, a jackpot is determined by the combination of "8"-"8"-"8".

As described above, the speed of the update display of the first timer display 56a allows you to enjoy the dynamic feeling of the performance, and the slowness of the update display of the second timer display 56b allows you to thoroughly enjoy the content of the performance. can be improved.

In addition, although the above-mentioned example is for winning, in the case of winning (non-winning), after the reach effect is executed during the fluctuating display effect, the effect pattern is a loser in the stop display effect (for example, "8"). - "7" - "8", etc., where different numbers line up) 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.

Although this embodiment has been described using an example in which the timer display counts down to 14 seconds and 5 seconds, the initial value may be set to a different number of seconds from this embodiment. Further, the notice is not limited to a notice that counts down the time, but may be a notice that suggests that a privilege will be given when the counted-up time reaches a predetermined time.

Further, the benefits are not limited to jackpots and small wins, but may also be benefits in a different form from the benefits listed in this embodiment, such as a time saving state, a variable probability state, and a small win rush.

[Effects of this embodiment]
(a1) In a gaming machine (in this example, Pachinko machine 1) that can suggest the display result of variable display of identification information (in this example, special symbols),
A rental operation means (in this example, the ball rental button 10) that performs an operation to receive the rental of game media (in this example, game balls);
comprising a vibration means (in this example, the vibration motor 14a) capable of vibrating at least the lending operation means,
When suggesting the display result of the variable display of the identification information (in this example, when a ready-to-win state occurs in the effect pattern 43), the lending operation means is vibrated by the vibration by the vibration means (in this example, 13(d), Figure 14).
Therefore, even if a specific image is displayed in the edge area that overlaps with the game board, the specific image can be viewed, so there is no need to display the specific image in areas other than the edge area, and images other than the specific image can be viewed. The display area can be expanded. Therefore, the visibility of images other than the specific image can be improved, so that the gameplay can be improved.

(a2) If the rental operation means is operated while the rental operation means is vibrating due to vibrations caused by the vibration means, the vibrations of the rental operation means are amplified (in this example, in FIG. ).
Therefore, when the display result of the variable display may be an advantageous display result in which the player can obtain the game medium, it is possible to prevent the player from receiving the loan of the game medium in advance, and when playing the game. can improve the convenience of

(a3) Variable display of performance identification information (in this example, the performance pattern 43) corresponding to the variable display of the identification information (in this example, FIGS. 4 and 12 to 14);
In addition to responding to the variable display of the identification information, it is possible to variably display the reduced identification information (in this example, the mini pattern 44c) in a form that is smaller than the production identification information (in this example, the mini pattern 44c). , Fig. 4, Fig. 12 to Fig. 14),
During the variable display of the reduced identification information, it is possible to suggest the variable display of the identification information based on the display result of the variable display of the production identification information (in this example, FIG. 13(d)),
When the display result of the variable display of the performance identification information suggests the variable display of the identification information, the lending operation means vibrates due to the vibration by the vibration means (in this example, FIGS. 13(d) and 14 ).
Therefore, when the display result of the variable display may be an advantageous display result in which the player can obtain the game medium, it is possible to prevent the player from receiving the loan of the game medium in advance, and when playing the game. can improve the convenience of

In the above embodiment, when the vibration motor 14a vibrates, the ball rental button 10, the return button 12, the volume adjustment button 13a, the light amount adjustment button 13b, and the production button 45 vibrate. A different button from the above embodiment may be vibrated, such as a ball removal button that discharges the game balls from the lower tray 6c when the game balls are full.

In the above embodiment, when the vibration motor 14a vibrates, the ball lending button 10, the return button 12, the volume adjustment button 13a, the light amount adjustment button 13b, and the production button 45 are vibrated. 10, a motor that vibrates the production button 45, and a motor that vibrates the return button 12, the volume adjustment button 13a, and the light amount adjustment button 13b, or the ball lending button 10, the return button 12, and the volume adjustment button. 13a, the number of vibration motors to be provided may be different from that in the above embodiment, such as by providing a motor that vibrates the light amount adjustment button 13b and a motor that vibrates the effect button 45.

(b1) Also, a game machine (in this example, the game board 9 in this example) is equipped with a transparent game board (in this example, the game board 9) and an image display device that can display an image (in this example, the liquid crystal display 42). , in the pachinko machine 1),
The game board is arranged in front of the image display device (in this example, FIG. 5),
The image display area of the image display device is visible through an opening formed in the game board (in this example, FIGS. 3 and 4),
When the game board is viewed from the front, a part of the game board overlaps the end area of the image display area (in this example, FIG. 4),
The image display device displays a specific image (in this example, a pending display M1, a pending display M, a second pending storage number display 44b, a mini symbol 44c, and a variation frequency display 51) in the end region that overlaps with the game board. It is possible (in this example, FIG. 4).
Even if a specific image is displayed in the edge area that overlaps with the game board, the specific image can be viewed, so there is no need to display the specific image in areas other than the edge area, and the display area of images other than the specific image is reduced. can be made wider. Therefore, the visibility of images other than the specific image can be improved, so that the convenience when playing a game can be improved.

(b2) comprising a retention storage means (RAM 76 in this example) capable of storing information regarding variable display of identification information as retention storage;
The image display means can display a pending display (in this example, pending displays M1 and M2) corresponding to the pending memory as the specific image (in this example, FIG. 4).
Therefore, it is possible to improve the visibility of images other than the pending display, which attract less attention, and to improve the gameplay.

(b3) The image display means:
It is possible to perform a variable display of performance identification information (in this example, the performance pattern 43) corresponding to the variable display of identification information (in this example, FIG. 4),
It is possible to display, as the specific image, reduced identification information (in this example, the mini pattern 44c) in a smaller form than the production identification information (in this example, FIG. 4).
Therefore, since the reduced identification information is displayed along with the performance identification information, it is possible to prevent the progress of the game from being hindered even if the reduced identification information is displayed in the end area. Therefore, it is possible to widen the display area of the performance identification information to ensure visibility of the performance identification information, and it is possible to improve the gameplay.

(b4) The image display means:
A first image (in this example, the change display 51a of the number of changes display 51) whose display mode changes at a predetermined opportunity (in this example, when the special symbol is displayed in a variable manner);
A second image (in this example, the non-changing display 51b of the number of fluctuations display 51) whose display mode does not change at a predetermined opportunity (in this example, when the special symbol is displayed in a variable manner) can be displayed. ,
The second image can be displayed as the specific image.
Therefore, the second image can be confirmed even as the game progresses, but the first image changes as the game progresses, so the display area of the first image is widened and the first image can be visually confirmed. By ensuring the quality of the game, the gameplay can be improved.

In the embodiment described above, the reservation display M1, the reservation display M, the second reservation storage number display 44b, the mini symbol 44c, and the variation number display 51 have been described as examples of the specific images, but for example, the acquired number of game balls, An image different from the above embodiment, such as a selected song, may be used as the specific image.

When the number of game balls acquired is displayed as the current number of acquired balls whose display mode changes as the game progresses, and the upper limit number of game balls whose display mode does not change as the game progresses (for example, 〇 balls ( Current number of acquired pieces)/○○○○ pieces (upper limit number of acquired pieces)) allows the upper limit number of acquired pieces whose display mode does not change as the game progresses to be superimposed on the game board. This allows you to check the upper limit of the number of acquired pieces even as the game progresses, but since the current number of acquired pieces changes as the game progresses, ensuring the visibility of the currently acquired number of pieces increases convenience. can be improved.

Additionally, if the currently selected song is displayed with the name of the currently selected song whose display format changes depending on the player's selection, and a song selection method whose display format does not change (for example, "Song A" is displayed at the top) However, "select with up and down keys" is displayed in the lower row), it is possible to overlap the game board with a music selection method whose display mode does not change as the game progresses. As a result, the song selection method can be confirmed even if the song is changed, but since the currently selected song name changes depending on the player's selection, by ensuring the visibility of the currently selected song name, Convenience can be improved.

In the above embodiment, the board surface of the game board 9 has been described with reference to an example in which it overlaps with a specific image. , a configuration may be adopted in which a portion of the game board other than the board surface overlaps with the specific image.

(c1) In addition, in a gaming machine (in this example, pachinko machine 1) that can perform performances,
The performance includes a first performance (in this example, a timer performance by the first timer display 56a) and a second performance (in this example, a timer performance by the second timer display 56b),
The first effect and the second effect are effects that update and display numerical information, and provide a benefit (in this example, 0 seconds) when the updated numerical information reaches a predetermined value (0 seconds in this example). This is a production that suggests that a jackpot) will be awarded.
The first performance and the second performance can be executed at the same time (in this example, FIGS. 36 to 38),
When the first effect and the second effect are executed at the same time, the update display start timing of the numerical information is the same or substantially the same timing (in this example, FIGS. 36 to 38);
The time it takes for the numerical information to reach a predetermined value in the second performance is longer than the time it takes for the numerical information to reach a predetermined value in the first performance (in this example, FIGS. 36 to 38, 39),
The update cycle of the numerical information in the second effect is shorter than the update cycle of the numerical information in the first effect (in this example, FIGS. 36 to 38 and 39)
Therefore, the speed of updating the first performance allows the player to enjoy the dynamic feeling of the performance, and the slowness of updating the second performance allows the player to thoroughly enjoy the contents of the performance, thereby improving the gameplay.

(c2) Furthermore, the numerical information updated and displayed by the first effect and the numerical information updated and displayed by the second effect can be displayed in a common display mode (in this example, FIGS. 36 to 36 38).
Therefore, by giving commonality to each performance while performing the first performance and the second performance, it becomes easier to understand the content of the game, and the gameplay can be improved.

(d1) Furthermore, in a gaming machine (in this example, Pachinko machine 1) that is capable of stopping variable display identification information (in this example, the effect pattern 43) at a predetermined stop position,
comprising a stop sound output means (in this example, the production control CPU 126) capable of outputting a stop sound when the identification information stops;
It is possible to stop the identification information at the stop position after the identification information passes the stop position (in this example, FIGS. 32 to 35),
When the identification information passes the stop position, the stop sound output means outputs the stop sound after the identification information passes the stop position and before the identification information stops at the stop position. is possible (in this example, FIGS. 32 to 33).
Therefore, it is possible to detect that the identification information that has passed the stop position is stopped, making it easier to understand the development of the game and improving the gameplay.

(d2) In a gaming machine (in this example, Pachinko machine 1) that is capable of stopping variably displayed identification information (in this example, production pattern 43) at a predetermined stop position,
comprising a stop sound output means (in this example, the production control CPU 126) capable of outputting a stop sound when the identification information stops;
It is possible to stop the identification information at the stop position after the identification information passes the stop position (in this example, FIGS. 32 to 35),
The stop sound output means outputs the stop sound after the identification information passes the stop position and when the identification information stops at the stop position when the identification information passes the stop position. is possible (in this example, FIGS. 34 to 35).
Therefore, it is possible to detect that the identification information that has passed the stop position is stopped, making it easier to understand the development of the game and improving the gameplay.

(d3) The stop sound output means varies the output timing of the stop sound depending on the gaming state (in this example, FIGS. 32 to 35).
Therefore, it becomes easier to understand that the gaming state has changed, and the gameplay can be improved.

(d4) The stop sound output means varies the output timing of the stop sound according to the variable display time of the identification information (in this example, FIGS. 32 to 35).
Therefore, by matching the variable display time and the output timing of the stop sound, it is possible to make the game play out naturally, and it is possible to improve the gameplay.

(d5) The stop sound output means can output the common stop sound even if the output timing of the stop sound is different (in this example, FIGS. 32 to 35).
Therefore, it is possible to provide the player with the fun of guessing whether or not the gaming state has changed, and it is possible to improve the gameplay.

(d6) The stop sound output means can output different stop sounds when output timings of the stop sounds are different (in this example, FIGS. 32 to 35).
Therefore, it becomes easier to understand that the gaming state has changed, and the gameplay can be improved.

(d7) The identification information stops at the stop position before the output of the stop sound ends (in this example, FIGS. 32 and 33).
Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the unnaturalness in which the variable display is performed even after the output of the stop sound is finished, and it is possible to improve the gameplay.

(d8) When variable display is performed using a specific variable display pattern or when a specific effect image is displayed, the identification information is not stopped at the stop position after the identification information has passed the stop position. , the stop sound is not output.
Therefore, it is possible to create a sense of expectation that variable display using a specific variable display pattern will be performed or that a specific effect image will be displayed.

(e1) Furthermore, in a gaming machine (in this example, Pachinko machine 1) that can display a plurality of pieces of identification information (in this example, the performance pattern 43L, the performance pattern 43C, and the performance pattern 43R),
The plurality of identification information includes first identification information (in this example, the effect pattern 43C) and second identification information (in this example, the effect pattern 43L, the effect pattern 43R) displayed at a different position from the first identification information. ), including
The first identification information and the second identification information can be displayed such that the display direction of the first identification information changes and the display direction of the second identification information does not change.
Therefore, it is possible to prevent the first identification information and the second identification information from being confused, and it is possible to improve the gameplay.

In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the enlarged effect pattern 43C is displayed between the reduced effect pattern 43L and the effect pattern 43R, but the first identification information and the second identification information are displayed in a manner different from the above embodiment. It is possible to display.

For example, while enlarging and displaying the performance pattern 43C and changing the display direction, it is possible to display the performance pattern 43L, the performance pattern 43C, and the performance pattern 43R in a reduced form without changing the display direction.

In addition, the performance patterns 43L, 43C, and 43R can be displayed in the same size, while changing the display direction of the performance pattern 43C and leaving the display directions of the performance patterns 43L and 43R unchanged. It is possible.

(e2) In a gaming machine (in this example, pachinko machine 1) that can variably display identification information using multiple identification information strings,
The display direction of the first identification information (in this example, the performance symbol 43C) changes in at least one first identification information column among the plurality of identification information columns (in this example, the left-center-right performance symbol row). At the same time, the identification information of the plurality of identification information strings is changed so that the display direction of the second identification information (in this example, the effect pattern 43L, the effect pattern 43R) does not change in the second identification information string different from the first identification information string. can be displayed (in this example, FIG. 29).
Therefore, it is possible to prevent the first identification information and the second identification information from being confused, and it is possible to improve the gameplay.

(e3) It is possible to operate the first identification information and the second identification information on different trajectories (in this example, FIG. 29),
The first identification information is displayed by a non-periodic operation (in this example, FIG. 29),
The second identification information is displayed by periodic operation (in this example, FIG. 29).
Therefore, it is possible to prevent the first identification information and the second identification information from being confused, and it is possible to improve the gameplay.

(e4) In a specific advantageous situation, it is possible to display a specific effect image (in this example, an effect image) that has a higher display priority than the first identification information and a lower display priority than the second identification information. In the example, FIG. 30(j)).
Therefore, it is possible to prevent the first identification information and the second identification information from being confused, and it is possible to improve the gameplay.

(e5) It is possible to display the first identification information and the second identification information in a superimposed manner (in this example, FIG. 29(i)),
When the first identification information and the second identification information are displayed in a superimposed manner, the first identification information and the second identification information perform different operations, and the amount of operation is greater than that of the first identification information. The amount of operation of the second identification information is smaller (in this example, FIG. 29(i)).
Therefore, it is possible to prevent the first identification information and the second identification information from being confused, and it is possible to improve the gameplay.

(e6) The first identification information and the second identification information operate on different trajectories (in this example, FIGS. 29(g) to (i)),
After indicating whether the display result of the variable display of the plurality of identification information is a specific display result, the first identification information and the second identification information operate on a common trajectory (in this example, Figure 30(k)).
Therefore, it is possible to prevent the first identification information and the second identification information from being confused, and it is possible to improve the gameplay.

(f1) Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the game control means (in this example, the main control CPU 72) capable of controlling the game and the performance can be controlled based on information from the game control means. A possible performance control means (in this example, the performance control CPU 126) and a first display means (in this example, an integrated display board 90) capable of displaying the game based on information from the game control means. The normal symbol display device 33, the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, the first special symbol display device 34, the second special symbol display device 35, the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, the second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a, and the game state A gaming machine (in this example, a display device 38), and a second display means (in this example, a liquid crystal display 42) capable of displaying information related to the game based on information from the performance control means. So, in pachinko machine 1),
Calculation means for calculating the difference between the number of game media used in the game and the number of game media given to the player (in this example, step S324 in FIG. 15);
A transition means (in this example, step S348 in FIG. 17) capable of transitioning to a game stop state based on the calculation result of the calculation means,
The game control means suspends the display by the first display means when transitioning to the game stop state (in this example, step S349 in FIG. 17),
The performance control means displays on the second display means that the game stop state has been entered when the game stop state has been entered (in this example, step S376 of FIG. 20, step S378, and FIG. 21(c) ), Figure 21(d)).
Therefore, it is possible to recognize that the display state of the first display means and the second display means has shifted to the game stop state, so that convenience can be improved.

(f2) A production control means (in this example, production control CPU 126) capable of controlling production based on control information transmitted from the game control means, and the production control means controls the transition to the game stop state. It is possible to execute a preview effect (in this example, the first effect) to give advance notice (in this example, step S366 in FIG. 20, FIG. 21(a)).
Therefore, it is possible to detect in advance that the game will shift to the stopped state by the preview performance, so that convenience can be improved.

(f3) A performance control means capable of controlling a performance based on control information transmitted from the game control means, and the performance control means is capable of executing a game stop performance that can specify that the game has shifted to the game stop state. (in this example, steps S376 and S378 in FIG. 20, FIG. 21(c), and FIG. 21(d)).
Therefore, it is possible to recognize that the game has shifted to the game stop state by the game stop effect, so that convenience can be improved.

(f4) An error display means (performance display monitor 95) is provided for displaying an error when the game enters a stopped state.
Therefore, since the error display allows the clerk at the game parlor to recognize that the game has entered the stopped state, convenience can be improved.

In the above embodiment, an example was given in which "100,000 (100,000 shots)" is set to the difference ball for calculation and the game is stopped when the number reaches 195,000 or more. The difference ball calculation method is such that if the difference ball number (maximum difference ball number) is 95,000 or more when the difference ball number increased from the time when the number decreased to the maximum, the game will be stopped. , a calculation method different from that of the above embodiment may be used.

In this embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to a pachinko machine has been described, but the present invention is applied to a slot machine in which the number of bets is set using medals and credits as game media (in other words, gaming value). Good too. When applied to slot machines, it is possible to pause the display related to the game depending on the difference between the number of medals or credits used in the game and the number of medals paid out or the number of credits added. It is.

In the present embodiment, the pachinko machine 1 is explained using as an example a pachinko machine 1 that stores loaned game balls in the upper tray 6b and shoots the game balls stored in the upper tray 6b. The present invention may also be applied.

A managed game machine, for example, is equipped with a managed game machine game board and a managed game machine frame, and circulates a certain number of game balls within the machine itself, and directly delivers the game balls to the players and the game balls used in the game. This is an enclosed gaming machine that does not require payouts. The managed gaming machine can play games by connecting it to a dedicated unit (IC card unit) dedicated to the managed gaming machine. For example, the management gaming machine frame manages the number of balls fired and the number of foul balls, and the main control CPU 72 transmits information on the number of prize balls to the management gaming machine slot, and the management gaming machine slot manages the number of prize balls and the number of foul balls. and calculate the difference pitch based on the number of foul pitches.

Furthermore, an example of a managed gaming machine is a so-called "medalless gaming machine" which does not require medals when playing a game. In medalless gaming machines, the gaming value is directly added to the credits (gaming points (gaming medals) that can be used for games) according to lending operations, etc., and the added number of credits (number of gaming medals) is displayed on the gaming medal number display device. is now displayed. Then, a game is played by setting the number of bets from among the added credits. Then, for example, the difference between the number of credits is calculated based on the number of credits awarded due to the occurrence of winning and the number of credits used to set the number of bets.

1 Pachinko machine 9 Game board 42 Liquid crystal display

Claims (3)

In a gaming machine that can suggest the display result of variable display of identification information,
a lending operation means for performing an operation for receiving the lending of gaming media;
Vibrating means capable of vibrating at least the lending operation means,
A gaming machine characterized in that when suggesting a display result of the variable display of the identification information, the lending operation means can be vibrated by vibrations by the vibration means. According to claim 1, when the lending operation means is operated while the lending operation means is vibrating due to vibrations caused by the vibration means, the vibration of the lending operation means is amplified. gaming machines. a variable display of production identification information corresponding to the variable display of the identification information;
It is possible to correspond to the variable display of the identification information and to variably display the reduced identification information in a form smaller than the presentation identification information,
It is possible to suggest the variable display of the identification information based on the display result of the variable display of the performance identification information during the variable display of the reduced identification information,
When the display result of the variable display of the production identification information suggests the display result of the variable display of the preceding identification information, it is possible to vibrate the lending operation means by the vibration of the vibration means. The gaming machine according to claim 1.