JP4290086B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine, and more particularly to a gaming machine that changes the time of a game effect by operating means.

  In recent gaming machines, in order to achieve high-level symbol variation (game effects), the symbol variation is not controlled directly by the main control means but via the sub-control means (display control means). By performing the control, the control is distributed. Specifically, the main control unit determines a variation pattern associated with the time and content of the symbol variation, and outputs a variation pattern designation command indicating the variation pattern to the sub-control unit. Further, the main control means outputs a confirmation command for instructing the stop of symbols in each column when the time of symbol variation corresponding to the variation pattern has elapsed. Then, the sub control means performs an effect corresponding to the variation pattern on the symbol display device when the variation pattern designation command is input, and ends the symbol variation performed on the symbol display device when the confirmation command is input. To do.

In recent years, game machines tend to have a longer time for symbol variation in order to increase interest. However, for some players, long-term symbol variation may be uncomfortable. In order to solve such a problem, there has been proposed a gaming machine capable of shortening and stopping symbol fluctuations by operating an operation means such as a shortening button by a player (for example, Patent Document 1). reference).
JP 2000-317077 A

  By the way, when the symbol variation is shortened and stopped by the operation of the operation means, it is necessary to perform rewriting in a time shortened from the symbol variation time originally performed according to the variation pattern. And it is necessary to rewrite the time of the symbol variation by both the main control means and the sub control means. However, if the time rewriting is not performed normally, there is a possibility that a defect may occur in the symbol variation performed in the symbol display device. For example, when the symbol variation time is rewritten only by the main control means and not by the sub control means, the above-mentioned confirmation command is input to the sub control means at an unexpectedly early timing. As a result, there is a problem that a part of the image displayed on the symbol display device is lost at the end of symbol variation.

  Therefore, when the player operates the operating means, the signal from this operating means is input to the main control means to rewrite the time of symbol fluctuation, while the main control means changes the symbol fluctuation time to the sub-control means. A method of outputting a time change command for changing the time can be considered.

  However, since the timing at which the operating means is operated by the player is not constant, this must be taken into account when rewriting the variable time. That is, at the start of symbol variation, a plurality of commands (a variation pattern designation command, a left symbol designation command, a right symbol designation command, a middle symbol designation command, a plurality of advance notice commands) are output from the main control means to the sub-control means. ing. Even if the operating means is operated during this period and the main control means outputs a time change command, other commands are input on the sub-control means side (see FIG. 3). For this reason, there is a problem that the timing for inputting the time change command to the sub-control means is greatly delayed. As a result, an error occurs between the symbol variation time rewritten by the main control means and the symbol variation time changed by the sub-control means, and the main time before the symbol variation time changed by the sub-control means elapses. The confirmation command is input from the control means. Therefore, as in the conventional case where the time change command is not output from the main control means, there may be a problem that a part of the image displayed on the symbol display device is lost at the end of symbol variation.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is that when the operation means is operated, the game effect time rewritten by the main control means and the symbol variation time changed by the sub-control means. It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine that can reduce errors that occur between them as much as possible.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 1 is characterized in that a variation pattern designation command indicating a variation pattern associated with a time and content of a game effect, a symbol designation command indicating a symbol derived by the game effect , Generate and set an effect content designation command indicating the content of the game effect and a confirmation command for instructing the stop of the symbols in each row, and change a plurality of types of commands necessary for executing the game effect once. Based on the main control means for outputting in the order set for each predetermined interrupt period from the output of the pattern designation command, and the input of the variation pattern designation command, the symbol designation command and the production content designation command, display control means is a sub-control means for generating and outputting an effect data designating a presentation execution in time and content, before input On the basis of the effect data, there are provided a symbol display means for executing a game effect by changing or stopping a plurality of types of symbols in a plurality of columns, and an operation means operated during a game to change the time of the game effect. A plurality of gaming machines required to execute a single game effect from the start of variable display to the final stop of the change pattern designation command, the symbol designation command, and the effect content designation command. a period until the type of command is input to the display control means, than the time required to input the maximum number of commands required to perform a single game effects of the display control unit It was longer period, a command input period, after the end of the command input period, the main control means outputs said confirmation command to the display control unit If said operating means during said command input period has been operated, the main control means rewrites the time of game effects, the time change command for changing the time of game effects, termination of said command input period the output to the display control unit after the time change command said display control means is input, changes the time of game effects, the time obtained by subtracting the command input period after said main control means rewrites time The gist of the gaming machine is characterized by that.

  Therefore, according to the first aspect of the present invention, even if the operation means is operated during the command input period, the main control means does not output the time change command immediately, but after the command input period ends. Output to the control means. That is, the main control means outputs the time change command while reliably avoiding the command input period in which a plurality of types of commands are output. Thereafter, when the time change command is input, the sub control means changes the game effect time to a time obtained by subtracting the command input period from the time rewritten by the main control means. Therefore, it is possible to reduce as much as possible the error that occurs between the game effect time rewritten by the main control means and the game effect time changed by the sub-control means. Thereby, at the same time as the game effect time changed by the sub-control means elapses, a confirmation command for instructing stop of the symbols in each column is input from the main control means. Therefore, it is possible to minimize the possibility that a part of the image displayed on the symbol display device will be lost at the end of symbol variation.

  The “game effect time” refers to the time from when a plurality of types of symbols start to fluctuate in a plurality of columns until all symbols are confirmed and stopped.

  An example of the contents of the game effect is to perform a variable display of symbols by the symbol display means. For example, when multiple types of symbols fluctuate in the left, right, and middle three columns, and stop in the order of left → right → middle, for example, all the columns are confirmed and stopped with completely different types of symbols, With the column fixed and stopped with the same type of symbols, the right column of symbols is fixed and stopped with a different type of symbol from the left and middle columns, or the right and middle columns are fixed and stopped with the same type of symbols. In this state, it is possible to perform a lost effect in which the symbols in the left column are fixedly stopped with symbols of a different type from the right column and the middle column. In addition, in the state where the left column and the right column are confirmed and stopped with the same type of symbols, the middle row of the symbols is determined and stopped with a type of symbols different from the symbols of the left and right columns, For example, it is possible to perform a big hit effect in which all rows are confirmed and stopped with the same kind of symbols. Further, examples of the symbol variation display include a high-speed variation in which symbols in all rows vary at a high speed, a low-speed variation in which symbols vary at a low speed, and a frame feed variation in which each symbol varies, for example, about 3 symbols per second. Further, the contents of the game effect include generating sound from the sound generating means, causing the light emitting means to emit light, and the like.

  “The symbol designating command” is a command for designating a symbol to be fixed and stopped. For example, when a plurality of types of symbols fluctuate in the left, right, and middle three columns, the left symbol that designates the left symbol to be stopped Examples include a designation command, a right symbol designation command for designating the right stop symbol, and a middle symbol designation command for designating the stop symbol.

  The “production content designation command” is a command that designates what kind of production content is to be produced, and includes, for example, a notice command indicating a notice content that suggests development of a game effect. As the advance notice command, a reach advance notice command for notifying that it may become a reach, a jackpot advance notice command for notifying that it may be a big hit, and a specific big hit for notifying that each symbol will be a big hit with a specific symbol combination For example, confirmation notice command. Moreover, examples of the production content designation command other than the advance notice command include a temporary stop symbol designation command for designating a symbol to be temporarily stopped before a re-lottery for re-variation of all symbols. Furthermore, as the effect content designation command other than the notice command, the re-lottery pattern command for instructing the execution of the re-lottery that re-varies all the symbols after temporarily stopping with the symbol combination in which all symbols become a big hit, or the normal effect A shortened effect pattern command for instructing execution of a shortened effect that is a short-time effect is included.

  The command output from the main control unit to the sub-control unit after the command input period ends includes a fixed command for instructing stop of symbols in each column. It is not included in any of “designation command”, “design designation command”, and “production content designation command”.

  As an aspect of changing the game effect time, for example, the game effect time can be shortened. In this case, the problem that some players feel uncomfortable with a long-time game effect is solved by operating the operation means. Here, as a mode of shortening the game effect time, the symbol variation time may be rewritten to a time shorter than a preset time (Claim 3). Further, among the high-speed fluctuation, the low-speed fluctuation, and the frame feed fluctuation constituting the symbol fluctuation, the omissible fluctuation (for example, the low-speed fluctuation) is omitted to shorten the symbol fluctuation time.

  Another aspect of changing the game effect time is to extend the game effect time. In such a case, since more game effects can be executed within the game effect time, the degree of freedom of the game effects is increased. Here, as a mode of extending the game effect time, the symbol variation time may be rewritten to a time longer than a preset time. In addition, among the high-speed fluctuation, the low-speed fluctuation, and the frame feed fluctuation constituting the symbol fluctuation, it is possible to extend the symbol fluctuation time by extending the time of at least one fluctuation.

  As an operation means, a mechanical switch (mechanical switch) that outputs an operation signal only while operating the operation button, for example, an electromagnetic switch (proximity switch) that outputs an operation signal when a player's hand approaches, An optical sensor, for example, a touch sensor that outputs an operation signal when a player's hand comes into contact therewith can be used. When the main control means is composed of main control means and overall control means (Claim 4), examples of the input destination of the operation signal include main control means and overall control means, but manage the symbol variation time for each variation pattern. It is preferable that the main control means. This is because when an operation signal is input to the overall control means, information indicating that at least one of the time and content of the game effect has been changed needs to be output to the main control means. Examples of the place where the operation means is provided include an outer frame, a front frame, a glass holding frame, an upper ball tray, a lower ball tray, an operation handle used for launching a game ball, and the back side of an ashtray. When there are a plurality of modes of “changing the contents of the game effect”, a plurality of operation means may be provided so as to correspond to the above modes.

  Note that “when the operation means is operated” refers to a case where the operation signal output by the operation of the operation means is switched from the off state to the on state, or from the on state to the off state. .

  The command input period includes variable ones whose length increases or decreases according to the number of commands input to the sub-control means, and constant ones that are always set to a constant length. Preferably there is. In this way, control for changing the command input period is not necessary, and the load on the main control means can be reduced.

  As a mode of outputting the time change command to the sub-control means after the command input period ends, the time change command is output at the same time as the command input period ends, or after the command input period ends. And then output. As a mode in which the time change command is output after the command input period ends, the time change command is output when a delay time set to be equal to or longer than the length of the command input period has passed (Claim 2). , And so on. As a method for outputting the time change command to the sub-control means after the command input period ends, there is a method of counting the delay time, etc., but a method of not counting the delay time is used. May be included. As a specific example of the case where the delay time is not counted, the main control means determines whether or not the command input period is in progress at every predetermined period, and is not in the command input period (that is, the command input period ends) Output a time change command when it is determined. In addition, as a specific example of the case where the delay time is not counted, a time change command is output via the output buffer (the time change command is temporarily held in the output buffer and output at a predetermined timing). Can be mentioned. In this case, the delay time is not counted, but the time elapsed until the time change command is read from the output buffer and output is the delay time.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, when the operation means is operated during the command input period, the main control means has a delay time set longer than the length of the command input period. The gist is to start counting and to output the time change command to the display control means after completion of the counting of the delay time.

  Therefore, according to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to reliably prevent the time change command from being input to the sub-control means during the command input period. In addition, since the time change command is output after the delay time count ends, when there are a plurality of sub-control means, the output timing of the time change command to each sub-control means can be reliably synchronized. Thereby, it is possible to prevent a shift in the performance execution timing due to the time change command executed by each sub-control means. Further, it is possible to prevent at least one of the sub-control means from generating and outputting effect data that does not correspond to the time change command.

  The “delay time” is necessary for executing the game effect once from the change pattern designation command, the symbol designation command, and the effect content designation command until the symbol variation display is started and stopped. It is preferable that the length is set to be equal to or longer than the length of a period until a correct command is input to the sub-control means (that is, a command input period). For example, when the command input period is 80 ms, it is preferably set to 80 ms or more and 200 ms or less, particularly about 80 ms. In this way, it is possible not only to prevent the time change command from being input to the sub-control means during the command input period, but also to set the delay time as short as possible, thereby quickly changing the game effect time. can do. Note that the delay time is not necessarily constant.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect, the main control unit sets a symbol variation time for each variation pattern before the symbol display unit starts symbol variation display. When the operation means is operated during a command input period, the main control means sends a variable time reduction command for rewriting the symbol fluctuation time to a time shorter than a preset time after the command input period ends. The gist is to output to the display control means .

  Therefore, according to the third aspect of the invention, the symbol variation time is shortened by rewriting the symbol variation time. Therefore, by setting a plurality of types (for example, 1 s, 3 s, etc.) of shortening modes of the symbol variation time, the symbol variation time can be rewritten to various times. Therefore, since it is possible to give diversity to the performance execution when the symbol variation time is shortened, it is possible to improve the interest.

  The “symbol variation time” refers to the time from the start of variation of multiple types of symbols in a plurality of columns to the final stop of symbols (all symbols) in each column.

  As a mode of outputting the variable time shortening command after the end of the command input period, the variable time shortening command is output immediately after the end of the command input period or after a short time after the command input period ends. And so on. As a mode of outputting the variable time shortening command after the command input period ends, the variable time shortening command has passed a delay time (claim 2) set to be longer than the length of the command input period. If you do, you can output.

  In addition, when the operation means is operated immediately before the symbol display means ends the symbol change display, the main control means preferably invalidates the operation of the operation means.

  For example, when the symbol display by the symbol display means is continuously performed a plurality of times (for example, twice), the next symbol variation display is started immediately after the first symbol variation display is finished, and accordingly Input of commands to the sub-control means is also started. Therefore, if the symbol display means operates the operating means immediately before the symbol variation display is finished, the output timing of the time change command may be within the command input period in the next symbol variation display. On the other hand, according to the present invention, even if the operating means is operated immediately before the first symbol variation display is ended, the operation of the operating means is invalidated. It is possible to prevent the command input period in the symbol variation display. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the time change command from affecting the next symbol variation.

  Here, “immediately before the symbol display means ends symbol variation display” refers to any time during the symbol variation display until the symbol variation display ends. When the time of the game effect is shortened by the time change command, if the operation timing of the operation means is within the command input period, the time immediately before the symbol display means ends the symbol variation display is reduced. Preferably, it is set to be equal to or longer than the time obtained by adding the delay time to the above time. On the other hand, if the operation timing of the operation means is not within the command input period, it is preferable that the time immediately before the symbol display means finishes the symbol change display is set to be equal to or longer than the shortened game effect time. . In this way, the time for invalidating the operation of the operation means becomes longer than the shortened game effect time (or the time obtained by adding the delay time). Therefore, it is possible to prevent the overall symbol variation time from being extended in spite of operating the operating means in order to shorten the game effect time.

  Further, when the operation means is operated immediately before the symbol display means finishes changing the symbol display, the operation means may be invalidated by outputting an operation signal by operating the operation means. For example, the operation signal is prevented from being taken in by the main control means, and the operation signal input to the main control means is deleted. Also, omitting a part of the processing performed by the main control means, for example, omitting the processing for generating the time change command by the main control means, or omitting the processing for rewriting the symbol variation time. Can be mentioned.

  Note that, when the operation means is operated before the symbol display means starts the variable display of the symbols, the main control means may invalidate the operation of the operation means.

  If the operation of the operation unit is not invalidated within the period “before starting the variable display of symbols”, the time change command is output to the sub-control unit. For example, the sub-control unit includes a sub CPU. In this case, there is a possibility that the sub CPU is burdened or malfunctions. However, according to the present invention, when the operation means is operated at a timing before the symbol variation display is started, the operation of the operation means is invalidated. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the time change command from being output to the sub-control means immediately after the start of the symbol variation display. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the time change command from affecting the change display.

  “Before starting symbol variation display” means that after all symbols have been confirmed and stopped in the previous symbol variation display, multiple types of symbols begin to vary in multiple columns in the current symbol variation display. The period until. The same applies to the case where, after the symbol variation display is finished, the number of game balls to be started is decremented by one and a new symbol variation display is started.

  In addition, when the operation means is operated before the symbol display means starts the variable display of the symbols, the operation means may be invalidated by outputting an operation signal by operating the operation means. In addition, it is possible to prevent the main control means from capturing the operation signal, or to delete the operation signal. In addition, it is possible to prevent the main control means from generating the time change command or not to rewrite the symbol variation time.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect, the main control means includes a variation pattern designation command indicating a variation pattern in which the time and contents of the game effect are associated with each other and a symbol derived from the game effect. Main control means for generating and outputting a designation command, and provided between the main control means and the display control means , based on at least one of the inputted variation pattern designation command and the symbol designation command, makes decisions suggestive effect content deployment of game effects by outputting the effect contents designation command showing contents of game effects for the previous SL display controller, specifically the game effects the previous SL display control means executes The gist of the present invention is that it includes overall control means for comprehensively controlling general contents and counting the delay time.

Therefore, according to the fourth aspect of the invention, the delay time is counted not by the main control means but by the overall control means, so that the burden on the main control means can be reduced. Even when a plurality of processes need to be performed in a short period of time, these processes can be shared between the main control means and the overall control means, so that the processing speed of the processes performed by the main control means is improved. Further, when there are a plurality of sub-control means such as display control means, the sub-control means can be controlled in synchronization by the overall control means even if there is an error in the accuracy of the sub-CPU in each sub-control means. Can do. In addition, the overall control means can also determine the contents of the effect suggesting the development of the game effect based on at least one of the variation pattern designation command and the symbol designation command, thereby reducing the burden on the main control means. it can.

  In the present invention, since the overall control means, not the sub-control means, determines the production contents, it is preferable that the time change command is output after being delayed until the end of the command input period. When the overall control means determines the production contents, the overall control means outputs a plurality of types of commands to the sub-control means within the command input period. For this reason, it is necessary to output the time change command with a delay until after the end of the command input period.

  The “variation pattern designation command” is a first variation pattern designation command output from the main control means or a second fluctuation pattern output from the overall control means based on the input first fluctuation pattern command. It is a specified command. The first variation pattern designation command and the second variation pattern designation command may be the same or different from each other, but are preferably the same commands. This is because it is not necessary for the overall control means to generate the second variation pattern designation command based on the input first variation pattern designation command. That is, the data can be output as the second variation pattern designation command without any change to the data of the input first variation pattern designation command. Here, “the same command” means that the data configuration of the first variation pattern designation command and the data configuration of the second variation pattern designation command are the same. On the other hand, when the first variation pattern designation command and the second variation pattern designation command are different from each other, a part of the data of the first variation pattern designation command is deleted or the data of the first variation pattern designation command is used. What added new data may be output as a 2nd fluctuation pattern designation command. Further, data obtained by rewriting the data of the first variation pattern designation command with another data may be output as the second variation pattern designation command.

The invention according to claim 5 is the invention according to claim 3, wherein when the operation means is operated, the main control means generates a shortened effect pattern command indicating a shortened effect pattern performed within the time after rewriting, The summary is that the shortened effect pattern command is output to the display control means prior to the variable time shortening command, and the display control means generates shortened effect data based on the input shortened effect pattern command. To do.

  Therefore, according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, when the player operates the operation means, a shortened effect is performed instead of the game effect that should have been originally performed. Therefore, it is possible not only to shorten the game effect but also to prevent a decrease in game performance by performing the shorten effect.

  Further, by separately setting the shortening effect pattern command for instructing the shortening effect and the variable time shortening command for instructing the time reduction, it is possible to avoid performing two processes at the same time by the sub-control means. Therefore, the burden on the sub control means can be reduced.

  If the variable time shortening command is first output to the sub-control means and the shortened effect pattern command is output later, the start of the shortened effect must be delayed until the command input period (delay time) elapses. As a result, the time for shortening production is reduced. However, in the present invention, since the shortened effect pattern command is output to the sub-control means before the variable time shortening command, the shortened effect pattern command is output without waiting for the command input period to elapse. Therefore, the shortened effect can be started without waiting for the command input period to elapse, and the shortened effect time can be prevented from being reduced.

Further, according to the invention of claim 1, the command input period is set longer than the time required to input the maximum number of commands required to perform a single game effects of the display control unit It is. For this reason, even when the number of commands input to the display control means increases within the command input period (for example, when changing the model), the time required for command input may be shorter than the command input period. . In this case, the game effect program for executing the game effect can be used without changing the command input period. Therefore, versatility can be given to the game effect program.

  Note that the number of commands required to execute one game effect is not constant, and the content of the game effect is complicated (for example, when the number of symbols to be combined increases or the number of notices increases) Etc.) may increase. Here, the “maximum number of commands necessary to execute one game effect” means a variation pattern designation command, a symbol designation command, and an effect content designation command output to the sub-control means in one game effect. The maximum number of

As described above in detail, according to the first to fifth aspects of the present invention, when the operation means is operated, the game effect time rewritten by the main control means and the symbol change time changed by the display control means It is possible to reduce errors that occur during

  In particular, according to the invention described in claim 4, the burden on the main control means can be reduced.

  In addition, according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to start the shortened effect without waiting for the command input period to elapse, and to prevent a reduction in the time for the shortened effect.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment in which a gaming machine of the present invention is embodied in a pachinko machine 10 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 1 schematically shows the surface side of the pachinko machine 10. On the front side of the opening of the outer frame 11 that forms the outer shell of the machine body, a vertical rectangular middle frame 12 for setting various game components is assembled in an openable and detachable manner. Further, on the front side of the middle frame 12, a glass holding frame 14 provided with a glass frame for protecting the game board 13 disposed inside the machine and a top ball tray 15 are opened and closed in a horizontally opened state. It is assembled as possible. A frame lamp 16 a is provided on the front side of the glass holding frame 14, and a board surface lamp 16 b is provided in the game area 13 a of the game board 13. The frame lamp 16a and the board surface lamp 16b are adapted to perform effects by lighting decoration such as lighting (flashing) and extinguishing according to various game performance states (big hit, reach, etc.). In addition, on both sides of the upper ball tray 15, speakers 17 are provided for outputting various sounds (sound effects, language sounds, etc.) according to the game performance state. A lower ball tray 19, an operation handle 20, an ashtray 23, and the like are mounted below the upper ball tray 15 on the front side of the middle frame 12.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a frame-shaped large decorative member 21 having a rectangular opening is attached to a substantially central portion of the game area 13 a of the game board 13. On the back side of the large decorative member 21, a liquid crystal symbol display device 18 (symbol display means) having a visible display portion H (display screen) is disposed. The visible display portion H is exposed from the rectangular opening and is visible. In the liquid crystal symbol display device 18, a game effect (display effect) based on a varying image (or image display) is performed. In the liquid crystal symbol display device 18, a symbol combination game is performed in which a plurality of types of symbols (“0” to “9” symbols) are varied in a plurality of columns and a symbol combination is derived in relation to the display effect. It is like that. Further, when a plurality of types of symbols are temporarily stopped with a symbol combination that is a big hit, the liquid crystal symbol display device 18 performs a re-lottery in which all symbols are re-variable to be confirmed and stopped. At this time, all symbols are fixedly stopped at a specific symbol (a symbol that triggers the probability variation) or a non-specific symbol (a symbol that does not trigger the probability variation).

  As shown in FIG. 1, below the liquid crystal symbol display device 18, there is provided a start winning opening 22 in which an ordinary electric accessory 22a is integrally formed. The ordinary electric accessory 22a is composed of a pair of blade members, and is opened and closed by an excitation action of a solenoid (not shown). Also, below the start winning opening 22, a large winning opening 24 that is opened and closed by a solenoid (not shown) is arranged. When a game ball is detected at the start winning opening 22, a symbol combination game is performed by the liquid crystal symbol display device 18, and a prize ball is paid out.

  The upper ball tray 15 is provided with a shortening switch SW1 as “operation means”. The shortening switch SW1 is operated during the game in order to shorten the remaining time of the game effect by the liquid crystal symbol display device 18. The shortening switch SW1 is turned on when operated by the player and outputs an operation signal S1 (see FIG. 3) to the main CPU 31a of the main control board 31. Further, the shortening switch SW1 is turned off when not being operated by the player, and the operation signal S1 is not output. As the shortening switch SW1 of the present embodiment, a touch sensor that outputs an operation signal S1 when a player's hand touches is used. Note that the shortening switch SW1 may be provided in another place such as the ashtray 23 or the operation handle 20.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the pachinko machine 10 includes a main control board 31, a sound / lamp control board 32, a display control board 33, and an overall control board 37. An overall control board 37 is connected to the main control board 31, and an audio / lamp control board 32 and a display control board 33 are connected to the overall control board 37. The control signal output from the main control board 31 is input to the overall control board 37, and the control signal output from the overall control board 37 is input to the sound / lamp control board 32 and the display control board 33. It has become.

  The main control board 31 includes a main CPU 31a (main control means) constituting a part of “main control means”, and a ROM 31b and a RAM 31c are connected to the main CPU 31a. The main CPU 31a uses a jackpot determination random number, a jackpot design random number, a reach determination random number, a lost left design random number, a lost middle design random number, a lost right design random number, and a variation pattern distribution used in various lotteries relating to the symbol combination game. The values of various random numbers such as random numbers are updated at predetermined intervals. Then, the main CPU 31a rewrites the value before update by setting the updated value in the setting area of the RAM 31c. The RAM 31c stores (sets) various information that can be appropriately rewritten during the operation of the pachinko machine 10. The ROM 31b stores a control program for controlling the pachinko machine 10 (main processing program, timer interrupt processing program, power-off processing program, etc.) and a plurality of types of variation patterns. The fluctuation pattern is a period from the start of the change of the symbols in each column displayed on the liquid crystal symbol display device 18 (starting the symbol combination game) to the stop of the symbols in all columns (termination of the symbol combination game). The pattern which becomes the base of this game effect (a display effect, a light emission effect, and an audio effect) is shown.

  The variation pattern is associated with the time and content of the game effect for each variation pattern, and at least the time of the game effect can be specified. The variation patterns for the symbol combination game are classified into a loss effect, a lose reach effect, and a jackpot effect, and a plurality of types of variation patterns are assigned to each category. Lost effect (normal fluctuation) is an effect that the symbol combination game is developed so as to stop at the combination of lost without passing the reach effect. The lost reach effect is an effect that the symbol combination game is developed so as to stop at the lost combination after reaching the reach effect. The jackpot effect is an effect in which the symbol combination game is developed so as to stop at the jackpot combination after reaching the reach effect. The reach effect is an effect that is performed after the reach (normal reach, super reach, etc.) is formed and until it is stopped or temporarily stopped by a combination of big hits or combinations of losers. The normal reach effect refers to an effect in which after the middle symbol is changed in a state where the left symbol and the right symbol are stopped with the same symbol, the symbol combination is stopped and the symbol combination is derived. This normal reach production has a high appearance rate, but the reliability that is a big hit is low. In addition, the super reach effect is an effect in which, for example, a special effect is performed in a state where the left symbol and the right symbol are stopped at the same symbol, and after the middle symbol is changed, the symbol combination is stopped and the symbol combination is derived. . This super reach production has a lower appearance rate than the normal reach production, but is highly reliable as a big hit. The “special effect” means, for example, an effect in which a character appears, an effect in which the background is switched, an effect in which the sound is increased, or an effect in which the blinking of the lamp is intense.

  The ROM 31b shown in FIG. 2 stores a variation pattern distribution table (see FIG. 4) in which variation patterns P1 to P5 for symbol combination games are distributed. In the variation pattern distribution table of the present embodiment, a variation pattern P1 for a loss effect, a variation pattern P2, P3 for a loss reach effect, and a variation pattern P4, P5 for a jackpot effect are distributed. Note that the fluctuation patterns P2 and P4 indicate patterns in the case of normal reach, and the fluctuation patterns P3 and P5 indicate patterns in the case of super reach. As shown in FIG. 5, the variation pattern distribution random numbers (in this embodiment, 50 integers from 0 to 49) are distributed to the variation patterns P1 to P5. Note that the fluctuation pattern P1 indicates a pattern serving as a base for the loss effect. The variation pattern P2 indicates a pattern that becomes a base for a lost reach effect in which the middle symbol stops at a symbol different from the jackpot symbol in the case of normal reach. The variation pattern P3 indicates a pattern that becomes the base of the lost reach production in which the medium symbol stops at a symbol different from the big hit symbol after the development of super reach. The variation pattern P4 indicates a pattern that becomes a base of a jackpot effect in which the middle symbol stops at the jackpot symbol in the case of normal reach. The variation pattern P5 indicates a pattern that becomes a base of a jackpot effect in which the middle symbol stops at the jackpot symbol after the development of super reach. Also, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the time for the lost effect, the lost reach effect, and the jackpot effect (symbol variation time) is different for each of the variation patterns P1 to P5. Specifically, the loss effect is executed for 10 seconds based on the fluctuation pattern P1. Further, the lose reach effect is executed for 19 seconds based on the fluctuation pattern P2, and the lose reach effect is executed for 39 seconds based on the fluctuation pattern P3. Furthermore, the big hit effect is executed for 25 seconds based on the fluctuation pattern P4, and the big hit effect is executed for 45 seconds based on the fluctuation pattern P5.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the symbol variation display performed by the liquid crystal symbol display device 18 is divided into a plurality of sections K1 to K6 according to the progress state. In the section K1, the normal change before the reach formation is executed, but no notice that suggests the development of the game effect is executed. In the section K2, the normal fluctuation is executed and the reach notice for notifying the reach can be executed. In the section K3, a reach effect is executed, and a jackpot notice for notifying the jackpot can be executed. In the section K4, a reach effect is executed, and a big hit confirmation notice for notifying that a big hit is decided can be executed. In the section K5, a reach effect is executed, and a specific jackpot finalizing notice for notifying that each symbol will be a big hit with a specific symbol combination may be executed. In the section K6, a re-lottery is executed in which all the temporarily stopped symbols are changed again. It should be noted that in the effect executed based on the variation pattern P1 (losing effect), the symbol variation display is divided only into the sections K1 and K2 according to the progress status, so that only the reach notice can be executed. Further, in the production based on the fluctuation patterns P2 and P3 (hasleach production), the fluctuation display is divided into sections K1 to K3 according to the progress status, so that the reach notice and the big hit notice can be executed. Furthermore, in the production based on the fluctuation patterns P4 and P5 (big hit production), the fluctuation display is divided into sections K1 to K6 according to the progress status, so the reach notice, the big hit notice, the big hit final notice and the specific big hit final notice are executed. Can be done.

  Next, various processes related to the symbol combination game executed by the main CPU 31a (such as jackpot determination, reach determination, stop symbol, variation pattern determination) will be described.

  The main CPU 31a shown in FIG. 2 reads from the RAM 31c the value of the jackpot determination random number and the value of the jackpot symbol that are updated at predetermined intervals when the winning of the game ball is detected, and stores the value in the RAM 31c. Store (store) in a predetermined storage area. Then, immediately before the start of the symbol combination game, the main CPU 31a compares the jackpot determination random number stored in the predetermined storage area of the RAM 31c with the jackpot determination value stored in the ROM 31b. A big hit judgment (hit lottery) is performed. When the determination result of the big hit determination is affirmative (the value of the random number for big hit determination matches the big hit determination value), the main CPU 31a determines the big hit. In the present embodiment, the numerical value that can be taken as the jackpot determination random number is set to 0 to 946 (a total of 947 different integers). Then, the main CPU 31a uses the three jackpot determination values determined in advance from the numbers that can be taken as the jackpot determination random numbers, and sets the jackpot lottery probability to 3/947 (= 315.7 / 1) to the jackpot. Make a decision.

  When the big hit is determined, the main CPU 31a shown in FIG. 2 sets the symbols (stopped symbols left, middle, and right) that are finally stopped by the liquid crystal symbol display device 18 to symbols of the same type in all columns. Decide to be. Specifically, stop symbol left, stop symbol middle, and stop symbol right (each stop symbol is the same type) are determined based on the value of the jackpot symbol random number stored in the RAM 31c. The determined stop symbol left, stop symbol, and stop symbol right are finally derived as a left symbol, a middle symbol, and a right symbol on the liquid crystal symbol display device 18. In the present embodiment, 10 possible integers from 0 to 9 are assumed as numerical values that can be used as random numbers for jackpot symbols, and one numerical value is associated with each symbol type (for example, symbol “7” is a jackpot symbol). The random number value “7” is associated). Then, the main CPU 31a stores the data corresponding to the determined stop symbol left, stop symbol, and stop symbol right in the RAM 31c until the process related to the next symbol combination game is performed.

  Further, the main CPU 31a determines whether or not each stop symbol is the specific symbol based on the value of the jackpot symbol random number stored in the RAM 31c. Specifically, if the value of the random number for the jackpot symbol is “1”, “3”, “5”, “7”, “9”, it is determined that each stop symbol is a specific symbol, and for the jackpot symbol If the value of the random number is “0”, “2”, “4”, “6”, “8”, it is determined that each stop symbol is not the specific symbol but the non-specific symbol. When it is determined that each stop symbol is a specific symbol, the main CPU 31a determines that the jackpot lottery probability fluctuates with a high probability after the jackpot game effect (the effect that is performed after all symbols are confirmed and stopped with a combination of jackpots). Start the probability variation. When the probability variation is started, the main CPU 31a performs a big hit determination by using 15 big hit determination values from among the numbers that can be taken by the big hit determination random number and setting the lottery probability of the big hit as 15/947. . That is, the number of jackpot determination values at the time of probability change is five times that before the probability change. Note that the probability variation may be continued until the next big hit effect is started, or until the symbol variation display is executed a plurality of times (for example, 10,000 times). , It may be continued.

  Then, the main CPU 31a reads the value of the variation pattern distribution random number from the RAM 31c, and determines one variation pattern from the variation patterns P4 and P5 for the big hit effect based on the value. Specifically, the main CPU 31a determines one variation pattern from the variation patterns P4 and P5 regardless of whether it is a big hit with a specific symbol or a big hit with a non-specific symbol.

  When the determination result of the big hit determination is negative (the value of the big hit determination random number and the big hit determination value do not match), the main CPU 31a reads the reach determination random number value read from the RAM 31c and the reach stored in the ROM 31b. A reach determination is made as to whether or not to execute the lose reach by comparing with the determination value. When the determination result of reach determination is affirmative (the value of the reach determination random number matches the reach determination value), the main CPU 31a determines the loss reach. The main CPU 31a determines the stop symbols left, middle, and right so that the left column and the right column are the same type of symbols, and the middle column is a different type of symbols from the left and right columns. Specifically, the stop symbol left and the stop symbol right (both stop symbols are of the same type) are determined based on the value of the lost symbol for random symbol. Then, the stop symbol is determined based on the value of the lost symbol random number. If the value of the random symbol for losing symbol and the random number value for the losing left symbol (or the value of the random number for the losing right symbol) match, the main CPU 31a determines that the symbol in the stop symbol and the symbol in the stop symbol left (or the symbol in the stop symbol right) ) Is determined so that the stop symbol does not match. In the present embodiment, 10 integers from 0 to 9 can be used as the random numbers for the left symbol, the random symbol for the middle symbol, and the random symbol for the right symbol in the same manner as the random number for the big hit symbol. One numerical value is associated with each symbol type. Further, the main CPU 31a reads the value of the variation pattern distribution random number from the RAM 31c, and determines one variation pattern from the variation patterns P2 and P3 for the lose reach effect based on the value.

  If the determination result of reach determination is negative (the reach determination random number value and the reach determination value do not match), the main CPU 31a shown in FIG. 2 determines a loss (a loss without a reach). Then, the main CPU 31a determines stop symbols left, middle, and right so that all the columns do not become the same type of symbols. Specifically, the stop symbol left is determined based on the value of the lost symbol for the left symbol, the stop symbol is determined based on the value of the random symbol for the lost symbol, and the stop is determined based on the value of the random number for the lost symbol Determine the symbol right. When the value of the lost symbol random number and the value of the lost right symbol random match, the main CPU 31a determines the stop symbol right so that the stop symbol left does not match the stop symbol right. The main CPU 31a reads the value of the variation pattern distribution random number from the RAM 31c, and determines the variation pattern P1 for the loss effect based on the value.

  Then, the main CPU 31a that has determined the stop symbol and the variation pattern outputs a predetermined control command to the central CPU 37a of the central control board 37 at a predetermined timing. Specifically, the main CPU 31a first generates and outputs a first variation pattern designation command A1 (variation pattern designation command) that designates a variation pattern and instructs the start of symbol variation (see FIG. 3). ). Next, the main CPU 31a executes a first left symbol designating command B1 (design symbol designating command) for designating the stop symbol left, a first right symbol designating command C1 (design symbol designating command) for designating the stop symbol right, The first medium symbol designating command D1 (design symbol designating command) is designated (see FIG. 3).

  Further, the main CPU 31a shown in FIG. 2 confirms a symbol variation time predetermined for each variation pattern P1 to P5 stored in the ROM 31b, and sets the symbol variation time as a variation timer in the RAM 31c (temporarily). Remember. The symbol variation time stored as the variation timer is the remaining symbol variation time of the symbol variation display. Here, the RAM 31c has a function as “symbol changing time storage means”.

  The main CPU 31a starts subtraction of a variation timer (symbol variation time) stored in the RAM 31c when the variation display of the symbol is started on the liquid crystal symbol display device 18. This variation timer (symbol variation time) is subtracted every predetermined interrupt period (4 ms). That is, the main CPU 31a has a function as “symbol changing time subtracting means”.

  Further, the main CPU 31a subtracts a variation timer (symbol variation time) and measures (confirms or determines) the remaining symbol variation time of the symbol variation display. Specifically, after subtracting the symbol variation time, the main CPU 31a determines whether or not the symbol variation time stored in the variation timer (in other words, the remaining symbol variation time) has become 0 ms. ing. That is, the main CPU 31a has a function as “remaining symbol variation time determination means”.

  When it is determined that the remaining symbol fluctuation time is 0 ms, the main CPU 31a shown in FIG. 2 ends the subtraction of the fluctuation timer and also determines the first confirmation command E1 (in FIG. 3) is output to the overall CPU 37a of the overall control board 37.

  On the other hand, when determining that the remaining symbol variation time is not 0 ms, the main CPU 31a determines whether or not the shortening switch SW1 has been operated, that is, the operation signal S1 from the shortening switch SW1 is changed from the off state to the on state. It is determined whether or not it has been switched. That is, the main CPU 31a has a function as “operation determination means”. When the main CPU 31a determines that the shortening switch SW1 has been operated, the variation timer (symbol variation time) stored in the RAM 31c is set to a time shorter than a preset time (1000 ms (= 1 second)). It is supposed to be rewritten. At the same time, the main CPU 31a generates a first variation time reduction command T1 (see FIG. 3) and outputs it to the overall CPU 37a of the overall control board 37. That is, the main CPU 31a has a function as “first abbreviated command output means”.

  When the shortening switch SW1 is operated, the main CPU 31a shown in FIG. 2 determines whether or not the remaining symbol variation time is longer than 1 second. That is, the main CPU 31a determines whether or not the shortening switch SW1 is operated immediately before the liquid crystal symbol display device 18 ends the symbol variation display. When the remaining symbol variation time is shorter than 1 second, the main CPU 31a does not output the first variation time shortening command T1 and does not rewrite the symbol variation time. That is, the main CPU 31a invalidates the operation of the shortening switch SW1.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the overall control board 37 includes an overall CPU 37a (overall control means) constituting a part of "main control means", and a ROM 37b and a RAM 37c are connected to the overall CPU 37a. . The overall CPU 37a updates the values of various random numbers such as a random number for notice effect distribution, a random number for re-drawing pattern distribution, and a random number for temporary stop symbol distribution used for determining the contents of the effect at predetermined intervals. . Then, the overall CPU 37a sets the updated value in the setting area of the RAM 37c and rewrites the value before the update.

  The ROM 37b stores a notice pattern distribution table (see FIG. 7) in which notice patterns YP1 to YP5 for notice are distributed. Each of the notice patterns YP1 to YP5 is assigned a random number value for notice effect distribution (in this embodiment, 50 different integers from 0 to 49). The notice pattern YP1 indicates a pattern in the case where no notice command indicating notice contents indicating the development of the game effect is included at all. The notice pattern YP2 shows a pattern in the case of including a reach notice command Y1 (effect content designation command) for notifying that it may become reach. The notice pattern YP3 shows a pattern in the case of including a jackpot notice command Y2 (effect contents designation command) for notifying that a big hit may be made in addition to the reach notice command Y1. The notice pattern YP4 shows a pattern in a case where a jackpot confirmation notice command Y3 (effect content designation command) for notifying that the big hit has been confirmed is included in addition to the reach notice command Y1 and the jackpot notice command Y2. The notice pattern YP5 includes a reach notice command Y1, a jackpot notice command Y2, and a jackpot confirmation notice command Y3, as well as a specific jackpot confirmation notice command Y4 (production content designation command) for notifying that each symbol will be a big hit with a specific symbol combination. The pattern when including is shown. In the reach notice that is executed based on the reach notice command Y1, an effect that the red robot makes a face from the bottom of the screen is performed. In the jackpot notice executed based on the jackpot notice command Y2, an effect that the whole body of the red robot appears on the screen is performed. In the big hit finalizing notice executed based on the big hit finalizing notice command Y3, an effect of enlarging the red robot is performed. In the specific jackpot confirmation notice executed based on the specific jackpot confirmation notice command Y4, an effect is produced in which the giant robot changes from red to gold.

  Further, the ROM 37b shown in FIG. 2 stores a re-lottery pattern determination table (see FIG. 8) to which the re-lottery re-lottery patterns SP1 to SP3 are distributed. Each re-lottery pattern SP1 to SP3 is assigned a random number for re-lottery pattern distribution (in this embodiment, 50 different integers from 0 to 49). In the re-lottery executed based on the re-lottery pattern SP1, there is an effect that after all the symbols are temporarily stopped at the non-specific symbols, all the symbols are re-variable and fixed and stopped at the combination of the non-specific symbols or the specific symbols. To be done. In the re-lottery executed based on the re-draw lottery pattern SP2, after all the symbols are temporarily stopped with non-specific symbols, all the symbols are re-variable and an effect is made to confirm and stop with a combination of specific symbols. There will be a stage where a red robot appears. In the re-lottery executed based on the re-lottery pattern SP3, after all the symbols are temporarily stopped at the specific symbols, all the symbols are re-variable and fixed and stopped at the combination of the specific symbols, and a huge golden robot appears Production to be performed.

  The ROM 37b shown in FIG. 2 stores a temporary stop symbol determination table (see FIG. 9) to which temporary stop symbols 0 to 9 before re-lottery are assigned. The temporary stop symbols 0 to 9 are assigned random values for temporary stop symbol distribution (50 integers from 0 to 49 in this embodiment). The temporary stop symbols 0 to 9 are determined based on the re-lottery pattern determined from the re-lottery pattern determination table (see FIG. 8).

  Further, the ROM 37b stores shortened effect selection tables 1 and 2 (see FIG. 10) to which the shortened effects TP1 to TP8, which are effects shorter than the normal game effect, are distributed. In the shortened effect TP1, an effect in which the characters “skip” are displayed is executed. In the shortening effect TP2, an effect in which the characters “reach?” Are displayed is executed, and in the shortening effect TP3, an effect in which the characters “big hit?” Are displayed. Further, in the shortened effect TP4, the character “big hit” is displayed, and the effect that the “giant red robot” appears is executed, and in the shortened effect TP5, the character “probable big hit” is displayed. At the same time, the production of the appearance of a “giant golden robot” is executed. Further, in the shortened effect TP8, an effect in which the characters “reach” are displayed is executed. In the shortened effect TP6, an effect in which the characters “probability changed?” Are displayed, and in the shortened effect TP7, an effect in which the characters “probability confirmed” is displayed. Yes.

  When the first variation pattern designation command A1 is input from the main CPU 31a, the overall CPU 37a stores the variation pattern designated by the first variation pattern designation command A1 in the RAM 37c. The general CPU 37a turns on (stores in the RAM 37c) a changing flag indicating that the symbol is changing. Further, the overall CPU 37a confirms the symbol variation time corresponding to the variation pattern stored in the RAM 37c from the ROM 37b, and sets (temporarily stores) the symbol variation time in the RAM 37c as a variable timer. The symbol variation time stored as the varying timer is the remaining symbol variation time of the symbol variation display. Then, the overall CPU 37a starts to subtract the symbol variation time stored as the variation timer. At this time, the symbol variation time is subtracted every predetermined interrupt period (4 ms).

  Also, the overall CPU 37a shown in FIG. 2 outputs the first fluctuation pattern designation command A1 input from the main CPU 31a as a second fluctuation pattern designation command A2 (fluctuation pattern designation command) (see FIG. 3). It has become. Note that the second variation pattern designation command A2 is a command having the same data configuration as the first variation pattern designation command A1. The second variation pattern designation command A2 is output to the sub CPU 32a of the sound / lamp control board 32 and the sub CPU 33a of the display control board 33. As a result, the specific contents of the game effects executed by the sound / lamp control board 32 and the display control board 33 are comprehensively controlled by the overall control board 37.

  Furthermore, when the first left symbol designation command B1 is input from the main CPU 31a, the general CPU 37a shown in FIG. 2 stores the stop symbol left designated by the command B1 in the RAM 37c. The overall CPU 37a outputs the first left symbol designation command B1 as the second left symbol designation command B2 (design symbol command). The second left symbol designation command B2 is a command having the same data configuration as the first left symbol designation command B1. Similarly, when the first right symbol designation command C1 is input from the main CPU 31a, the general CPU 37a stores the stop symbol right designated by the command C1 in the RAM 37c, and the first middle symbol designation command D1 When input, the stop symbol designated by the command D1 is stored in the RAM 37c. Then, the overall CPU 37a outputs the first right symbol designation command C1 as the second right symbol designation command C2 (design symbol command), and the first middle symbol designation command D1 as the second middle symbol designation command D2 ( Is output as a symbol designating command). The second right symbol designation command C2 has the same data configuration as the first right symbol designation command C1, and the second middle symbol designation command D2 has the same data configuration as the first middle symbol designation command D1. Are the same commands. Also, these symbol designation commands B2, C2, and D2 are output to the sub CPU 33a of the display control board 33.

  Further, the overall CPU 37a shown in FIG. 2 determines whether all of the variation pattern, the stop symbol left, the stop symbol right, and the stop symbol are stored in the RAM 37c. When the variation pattern and each stop symbol are stored, the overall CPU 37a determines whether or not the variation pattern stored in the RAM 37c is the variation pattern P4 or P5. That is, the overall CPU 37a determines whether or not the variation pattern is selected when the big hit effect is executed. In the case of the variation pattern P4 or P5, the overall CPU 37a uses the stop symbol left stored in the RAM 37c to determine whether or not the jackpot symbol is a specific symbol that triggers the probability variation to start. It has become. When the jackpot symbol is a specific symbol, the overall CPU 37a turns on (stores in the RAM 37c) a specific symbol jackpot flag (TO flag).

  Then, the general CPU 37a shown in FIG. 2 acquires values of the notice effect distribution random number, the re-lottery pattern distribution random number, and the temporary stop symbol distribution random number from the RAM 37c. Next, the overall CPU 37a uses the notice pattern allocation table (see FIG. 7), the re-lottery pattern determination table (see FIG. 8), and the temporary stop symbol determination table (see FIG. 9) to provide specific performance contents ( The notice pattern, the redrawing pattern, and the temporary stop pattern) are determined. The overall CPU 37a stores the determined notice pattern and re-lottery pattern in the RAM 37c. Further, the overall CPU 37a, based on the determined production contents (notice pattern, re-lottery pattern, temporary stop symbol), produce content designation commands (preliminary commands Y1-Y4, re-lottery pattern command F1, temporary stop symbol designation command G1 ) Is set.

  When the first confirmation command E1 for instructing the stop of all symbols is input from the main CPU 31a, the general CPU 37a shown in FIG. 2 turns off the changing flag set by the general CPU 37a. It has become. The general CPU 37a clears the changing timer stored in the RAM 37c (sets to 0 second). Further, the overall CPU 37a outputs the first confirmation command E1 as the second confirmation command E2 (see FIG. 3) to the sub CPU 33a of the display control board 33 and the sub CPU 32a of the sound / lamp control board 32. . The second confirmation command E2 is a command having the same data configuration as the first confirmation command E1.

  The general CPU 37a determines whether or not the first variable time shortening command T1 is input from the main CPU 31a. That is, the overall CPU 37a has a function as “short command input determination means”. In other words, the overall CPU 37a determines whether or not the first variation time reduction command T1 is generated by the main CPU 31a. When the overall CPU 37a determines that the first fluctuation time reduction command T1 has been input, the overall CPU 37a checks the fluctuation pattern stored in the RAM 37c. Further, the overall CPU 37a checks the remaining symbol variation time stored in the RAM 37c as a variation timer.

  Then, the overall CPU 37a shown in FIG. 2 determines the progress of the symbol variation display at the time of the input of the first variation time shortening command T1 based on the confirmed variation pattern and the remaining symbol variation time (that is, the symbol variation display). In which section (see FIG. 6)). More specifically, the overall CPU 37a calculates the elapsed time from the start of symbol variation display based on the difference between the symbol variation time predetermined for the confirmed variation pattern and the remaining symbol variation time. Thereby, the overall CPU 37a can determine which section the symbol variation display is in.

  The overall CPU 37a confirms the notice pattern or the redrawing pattern stored in the RAM 37c. Then, the overall CPU 37a determines one shortened effect from the shortened effect selection table 1 (see FIG. 10) based on the determined section and the confirmed notice pattern. For example, in the case of the section K2 and the notice pattern YP1, the shortening effect TP1 is determined. Further, the overall CPU 37a determines one shortened effect from the shortened effect selection table 2 (see FIG. 10) based on the determined section and the confirmed re-lottery pattern.

  When the shortened effect is determined, the overall CPU 37a shown in FIG. 2 generates a shortened effect pattern command H1 (effect content designation command) indicating a shortened effect pattern performed within the time after rewriting. The overall CPU 37a sends the shortened effect pattern command H1 to the sub CPU 32a of the sound / lamp control board 32 and the sub of the display control board 33 prior to the second variation time reduction command T2 (see FIG. 3). It outputs to CPU33a.

  When the first variation time reduction command T1 is input, the overall CPU 37a sets (stores) the delay time t1 (80 ms) (see FIG. 3) in the RAM 37c as a delay timer. The delay time t1 stored as this delay timer becomes the remaining delay time. The delay time t1 is set to be longer than the length of the command input period on the display control board 33. That is, the overall CPU 37a has a function as “delay time setting means”. The command input period is a period during which a command necessary for executing a game effect once from the start of the variable display of symbols to the final stop is input to the sub CPU 33a. It should be noted that the number of commands required for one symbol variation display is maximized when the variation pattern P4 or P5 is stored in the RAM 37c and the announcement pattern YP5 is stored in the RAM 37c among the announcement patterns YP1 to YP5. . Specifically, the second variation pattern designation command A2, the second left symbol designation command B2, the second right symbol designation command C2, the second middle symbol designation command D2, the reach notice command Y1. The jackpot notice command Y2, the jackpot confirmation notice command Y3, the specific jackpot confirmation notice command Y4, the re-lottery pattern command F1, the temporary stop symbol designation command G1, and the shortened effect pattern command H1 are required. The command input period is longer than the time required for causing the sub CPU 33a to input the maximum number of commands required for one symbol change display. That is, the command input period is set to a time obtained by adding a sufficient time to the time required for causing the sub CPU 33a to input the maximum number of commands. The command input period starts when the second variation pattern designation command A2 is input to the sub CPU 33a, and ends after 80 ms.

  The overall CPU 37a shown in FIG. 2 starts to subtract (count) the delay timer set in the RAM 37c. The delay time t1 set as the delay timer starts to be subtracted from the next interrupt for which the delay timer is set, and thereafter is subtracted every predetermined interrupt cycle (4 ms). . That is, the overall CPU 37a has a function as “delay time subtracting means”.

  Further, the overall CPU 37a subtracts the delay timer (delay time t1) and measures (confirms and determines) the remaining delay time. Specifically, after subtracting the delay time t1, the overall CPU 37a determines whether or not the delay time t1 (in other words, the remaining delay time) stored as the delay timer has become 0 ms. Yes. That is, the overall CPU 37a has a function as “remaining delay time determination means”.

  If it is determined that the remaining delay time is 0 ms, the overall CPU 37a shown in FIG. 2 sends a second variable time shortening command T2 (time change command, variable time shortening command) to the voice / lamp control board 32. The data is output to the sub CPU 32a and the sub CPU 33a of the display control board 33. That is, the overall CPU 37a has a function as “second shortened command output means”. The second variation time shortening command T2 is a command having the same data configuration as the first variation time shortening command T1. If the symbol display is performed on the liquid crystal symbol display device 18 and the command input period has elapsed (remaining delay time = 0 ms), the overall CPU 37a determines the second variation. The time reduction command T2 is immediately output.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the display control board 33 includes a sub CPU 33a that constitutes a part of the “sub control means”, and a ROM 33b and a RAM 33c are connected to the sub CPU 33a. The RAM 33c temporarily stores (sets) various information that can be appropriately rewritten during the operation of the pachinko machine 10. Various image information (design image information, background image, character image, appearance character image, reach effect, etc.) is stored in the ROM 33b.

  The ROM 33b stores a plurality of types of normal effect data (effect data) for display effects used when a normal game effect (normal effect) is performed. Each normal effect data is stored in association with each of the variation patterns P1 to P5. The normal effect data is information for the sub CPU 33a to control the display content (symbol variation, character motion, etc.) of the liquid crystal symbol display device 18, that is, the time and content based on the variation patterns P1 to P5. This is information for instructing execution of production.

  Further, the ROM 33b shown in FIG. 2 stores a plurality of types of shortening effect data for display effects used when a shortening effect that is a shorter effect than the normal effect is performed. The shortened effect data is information for the sub CPU 33a to instruct the execution of the effect in a time shorter than the time based on the already set variation pattern. The shortening effect is determined by the notice patterns YP1 to YP5 and the re-lottery patterns SP1 to SP3.

  The second variation pattern designation command A2 is input from the overall CPU 37a to the sub CPU 33a shown in FIG. The sub CPU 33a receives the second left symbol designation command B2, the second right symbol designation command C2, and the second middle symbol designation command D2 from the general CPU 37a.

  When the second fluctuation pattern designation command A2 is input, the sub CPU 33a turns on (stores in the RAM 33c) a changing flag indicating that the symbol is changing. Further, the sub CPU 33a checks the symbol variation time from the ROM 33b according to the variation pattern determined by the main CPU 31a, and sets (temporarily stores) the symbol variation time in the RAM 33c as a variation timer. The symbol variation time stored as the varying timer is the remaining symbol variation time of the symbol variation display.

  Then, the sub CPU 33a sets (generates) any one of the plurality of types of normal effect data stored in the ROM 33b. Further, the sub CPU 33a stores the set normal effect data in the storage area of the RAM 33c. Further, the sub CPU 33a designates a symbol to be stopped in the symbol combination game based on the second left symbol designation command B2, the second right symbol designation command C2, and the second middle symbol designation command D2. ing. For example, when the second left symbol designation command B2 for designating the symbol “1” is input, “1” is displayed as the left symbol.

  As a result, since one liquid crystal type symbol display device 18 can enjoy symbol combinations of different kinds of effects, a freshness is produced in the symbol variation display, and it becomes possible to attract the player's interest.

  When the shortened effect pattern command H1 is input from the overall CPU 37a shown in FIG. 2, the sub CPU 33a sets (generates) any one of a plurality of types of the shortened effect data stored in the ROM 33b. It is supposed to do. Then, the sub CPU 33a changes the normal effect data stored in the storage area of the RAM 33c to the set shortened effect data. In the present embodiment, the sub CPU 33a deletes the normal effect data stored in the storage area of the RAM 33c and stores the set shortened effect data. Thereby, the effect by the liquid crystal symbol display device 18 is switched from the normal effect to the shortened effect. More specifically, when the shortening effect pattern command H1 is input, the sub CPU 33a converts the shortening effect data into a display signal and outputs the display signal to the liquid crystal symbol display device 18. As a result, the liquid crystal symbol display device 18 executes a shortening effect based on the display signal.

  Further, when the second variation time shortening command T2 is input from the general CPU 37a, the sub CPU 33a shown in FIG. 2 changes the symbol variation time stored as a variation timer in the RAM 33c. . Specifically, the sub CPU 33a is changed to a time (920 ms) obtained by subtracting the command input period (80 ms) from the time (1000 ms) rewritten by the main CPU 31a.

  Thereafter, when the second confirmation command E2 is input from the overall CPU 37a, the sub CPU 33a turns off the changing flag stored in the RAM 33c. The sub CPU 33a clears the changing timer stored in the RAM 33c (sets to 0 second). Further, the sub CPU 33a applies all of the information to the liquid crystal symbol display device 18 based on the second left symbol designating command B2, the second right symbol designating command C2 and the second middle symbol designating command D2 inputted at the start of the change. The stop of the symbol is instructed. As a result, the designated symbol is stopped and displayed on the liquid crystal symbol display device 18. At this time, when all the symbols stop and the display result is a big hit, the big hit game effect is started, and there is a chance to acquire a large number of game balls (prize balls) by opening the big prize opening 24 (see FIG. 1). Is granted.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the sound / lamp control board 32 includes a sub CPU 32a constituting a part of “sub control means”, and a ROM 32b and a RAM 32c are connected to the sub CPU 32a. The RAM 32c temporarily stores (sets) various information that can be appropriately rewritten during the operation of the pachinko machine 10. Various control programs and the like are stored in the ROM 32b.

  Further, the sub CPU 32a is configured to set normal production data (production data) for sound production and normal production data (production data) for light emission used when normal production is performed. Normal effect data for sound effects and normal effect data for light emission effects are associated with each of the variation patterns P1 to P5. The normal effect data for sound effect is information for the sub CPU 32a to control the sound output mode (type of sound effect, type of language sound, sound output time, etc.) of the speaker 17, that is, the variation patterns P1 to P1. This is information for instructing execution of the production with time and content based on P5. Further, the normal effect data for the light emission effect is information for the sub CPU 32a to control the light emission output mode of the frame lamp 16a and the panel lamp 16b, that is, the time and content based on the variation patterns P1 to P5. This is information for instructing execution of production.

  Note that the normal effect data for the sound effect and the light effect has the same data configuration as the normal effect data for the display effect. Also, the normal effect data for audio effects and the normal effect data for light emission effects have the same data structure. Accordingly, the shortened effect data for the sound effect and the light effect are also in the same data configuration as the shortened effect data for the display effect. In addition, the shortening effect data for the sound effect and the shortening effect data for the light emission effect have the same data structure. Furthermore, the shortened effects for the sound effects and the light emitting effects are effects corresponding to the shortened effects TP1 to TP8. In the shortened effect TP1, a sound “skip” is output from the speaker 17, and a part of the frame lamp 16a and the panel lamp 16b is turned on. In the shortened effect TP2, a voice “Leach may” is output from the speaker 17, and all of the frame lamp 16a and the panel lamp 16b blink. In the shortened effect TP8, a voice “reach” is output from the speaker 17, and all of the frame lamp 16a and the panel lamp 16b are turned on. In the shortened effect TP3, a sound “Big hits” is output from the speaker 17, and all of the frame lamp 16a and the panel lamp 16b are lit. In the shortened effect TP4, a sound “big hit” is output from the speaker 17, and all of the frame lamp 16a and the panel lamp 16b flash intensely. In the shortened effect TP5, a sound “probability big hit” is output from the speaker 17, and all of the frame lamp 16a and the panel lamp 16b flash more intensely. In the shortened effect TP6, a sound “probable change” is output from the speaker 17, and all of the frame lamp 16a and the panel lamp 16b are turned on. In the shortened effect TP7, the sound “confirmed with certainty” is output from the speaker 17, and all of the frame lamp 16a and the panel lamp 16b flash intensely.

  The second variation pattern designation command A2 is input from the overall CPU 37a to the sub CPU 32a shown in FIG. When the second variation pattern designation command A2 is input, the sub CPU 32a sets (generates) any one of a plurality of types of normal effect data for sound effects, and sets the normal effect data thus set. Are stored in the storage area of the RAM 32c. Further, the sub CPU 32a sets (generates) any one of the plurality of types of normal effect data for the light emission effect, and stores the set normal effect data in the storage area of the RAM 32c. Thereby, the sub CPU 32a performs sound control based on the sound effect normal effect data corresponding to the second variation pattern designation command A2, and the light emission effect normal corresponding to the second variation pattern designation command A2. Light emission control is performed based on the effect data. More specifically, the sub CPU 32a converts normal effect data for sound effects stored in the RAM 32c into sound signals and outputs the sound signals to the speaker 17. As a result, the speaker 17 can perform a predetermined notification operation (sound output) based on the audio signal. Further, the sub CPU 32a converts the normal effect data for the light emission effect stored in the RAM 32c into a light emission control signal and outputs it to the frame lamp 16a and the panel lamp 16b. As a result, the frame lamp 16a and the panel lamp 16b can perform a predetermined notification operation (lighting, blinking, etc.) based on the light emission control signal.

  Thereafter, when the second confirmation command E2 is input from the overall CPU 37a shown in FIG. 2, the sub CPU 32a instructs the speaker 17 to stop the sound output and turns off the frame lamp 16a and the panel lamp 16b. It comes to direct.

  Further, when the shortened effect pattern command H1 is input from the overall CPU 37a, the sub CPU 32a sets any one of a plurality of types of shortened effect data for sound effects. The sub CPU 32a is configured to change the normal effect data for sound effects stored in the storage area of the RAM 32c to the set sound effect data for sound effects. In the present embodiment, the sub CPU 32a deletes the normal effect data for sound effects stored in the storage area of the RAM 32c, and stores the set shortened effect data for sound effects. Thereby, the effect by the speaker 17 is switched from the normal effect to the shortened effect. More specifically, when the shortening effect pattern command H1 is input, the sub CPU 32a converts the sound effect shortening effect data into an audio signal and outputs it to the speaker 17. As a result, the speaker 17 executes a shortened effect based on the audio signal. Note that the type and sound output time of the sound output from the speaker 17 in the shortened presentation of the present embodiment are different from the type of sound and the sound output time output from the speaker 17 in the normal effect.

  Further, the sub CPU 32a is configured to set any one of a plurality of types of shortened effect data for the light emitting effect. Then, the sub CPU 32a changes the normal effect data for the light emission effect stored in the storage area of the RAM 32c to the set shortened effect data for the light emission effect. In the present embodiment, the sub CPU 32a erases the normal effect data for the light emission effect stored in the storage area of the RAM 32c, and stores the set short effect data for the light emission effect. Thereby, the effect by the frame lamp 16a and the board lamp 16b is switched from the normal effect to the shortened effect. More specifically, when the shortened effect pattern command H1 is input, the sub CPU 33a converts the normal effect data into a light emission control signal and outputs it to the frame lamp 16a and the panel lamp 16b. As a result, the frame lamp 16a and the panel lamp 16b execute a shortened effect based on the light emission control signal. In addition, the lighting mode and lighting time of the frame lamp 16a and the panel lamp 16b in the shortening effect of the present embodiment are different from the lighting mode and lighting time of the lamps 16a and 16b in the normal effect.

  Next, a process (special symbol start process) performed by the main CPU 31a of the main control board 31 will be described. The special symbol start process is a process executed to newly start the symbol variation display after the previous symbol variation display ends or after the big hit effect ends. Note that a program for performing this process is executed in the main CPU 31a every predetermined interrupt period (every 4 ms).

  The special symbol start process is started when a winning of a game ball is detected by the start winning port 22. In this case, the main CPU 31a subtracts 1 from the start holding ball, and the big hit determination random number, the big hit design random number, the reach determination random number, the lost left design random number, the lost middle design random number, the lost random number stored in the RAM 31c at the time of winning Read out the random number for the right design, the random number for the fluctuation pattern distribution, etc. Subsequently, the main CPU 31a performs determination based on these random number values, and determines any one of the variation patterns P1 to P5. Then, the main CPU 31a sets the first variation pattern designation command A1 indicating the determined variation pattern, and outputs it to the overall CPU 37a of the overall control board 37. The set first variation pattern designation command A1 is output after the next interrupt process. Further, the main CPU 31a checks a symbol variation time predetermined for each variation pattern P1 to P5, and sets the symbol variation time as a variation timer in the RAM 31c. Further, the main CPU 31a determines the stop symbol left, the stop symbol right, and the stop symbol right based on the values of the jackpot symbol random number, the lost symbol random number, the loss middle symbol random number, and the lose right symbol random number. The main CPU 31a then includes a first left symbol designating command B1 for designating the stop symbol left, a first right symbol designating command C1 for designating the stop symbol right, and a first middle symbol designating command D1 for designating the stop symbol. Is output to the overall CPU 37a of the overall control board 37. The set first left symbol designating command B1, first right symbol designating command C1, and first middle symbol designating command D1 are the next interrupt processing (the first variation pattern designating command A1 is output). Are sequentially output every 4 ms.

  Next, processing (special symbol variation processing) performed by the main CPU 31a of the main control board 31 will be described. Note that a program for performing this process is executed in the main CPU 31a every predetermined interrupt period (every 4 ms).

  First, in step S110 shown in FIG. 11, the main CPU 31a reads the symbol variation time set as the variation timer in the special symbol start process. In step S120, the main CPU 31a counts the symbol variation time (subtraction of the variation timer), and proceeds to the processing in step S130.

  In step S130, the main CPU 31a determines whether or not the variation timer is 0 ms, that is, whether or not the symbol variation display has ended. If the variation timer is not 0 ms (step S130: Y), the main CPU 31a determines that the symbol variation display is being executed, and proceeds to the processing of step S140. In step S140, the main CPU 31a determines whether or not the shortening flag is off (not stored in the RAM 31c). That is, the main CPU 31a determines whether or not the shortening switch SW1 has been operated even once during the current symbol variation display. If it is determined that the shortening flag is off (step S140: Y), the main CPU 31a proceeds to the process of step S150.

  In step S150, the main CPU 31a determines whether or not the operation signal S1 input from the shortening switch SW1 is switched from the off state to the on state. That is, the main CPU 31a determines the rising edge of the operation signal S1. When it is determined that the operation signal S1 has not been switched from the off state to the on state (step S150: N), the main CPU 31a ends the process here. That is, when the operation signal S1 is not switched to the ON state, the main CPU 31a does not perform processing such as rewriting of the variation timer (processing in steps S160 to S190). On the other hand, when it is determined that the input operation signal S1 is switched from the off state to the on state (step S150: Y), the main CPU 31a proceeds to the process of step S160.

  In step S160, the main CPU 31a determines whether or not the remaining symbol variation time stored as the variation timer is longer than 1 second, that is, the timing at which the operation signal S1 input from the shortening switch SW1 is switched on. It is determined whether or not the change display is just before ending. When the remaining symbol variation time is shorter than 1 second (step S160: N), the main CPU 31a does not perform the setting of the first variation time shortening command T1 and the variation timer rewriting processing (steps S170 and S180). Then, the process proceeds to step S190. As a result, the operation of the shortening switch SW1 immediately before the symbol variation display ends is invalidated.

  On the other hand, when the remaining symbol variation time is longer than 1 second (step S160: Y), the main CPU 31a proceeds to the process of step S170. In step S170, the main CPU 31a sets the first variation time reduction command T1, and outputs it to the overall CPU 37a of the overall control board 37 after the next interrupt processing. In step S180, the main CPU 31a rewrites the remaining symbol variation time stored as the variation timer to a time (1 second) shorter than a preset time. The rewritten remaining symbol variation time is set to a length that allows the shortening effects TP1 to TP8 to be executed to the end. Thereafter, the main CPU 31a proceeds to the process of step S190. In step S190, the main CPU 31a turns on the shortening flag (stores in the RAM 31c) and ends the processing here.

  After that, since the special symbol variation process is continuously executed at the next interrupt, the variation timer (symbol variation time) is decremented by 4 ms. In this case, since the shortening flag is turned on in step S190, the main CPU 31a determines “NO” in step S140. That is, the main CPU 31a determines that the shortening switch SW1 has already been operated at least once during the current symbol variation display, and ends the processing here. In other words, the shortening flag is a flag for invalidating the second and subsequent operations of the shortening switch SW1 when the shortening switch SW1 is operated a plurality of times for one symbol change display.

  When the variation timer rewritten in step S180 reaches 0 ms, the main CPU 31a sets “NO” in step S130. Further, even when the variation timer is subtracted without being rewritten because the shortening switch SW1 is not operated, when the variation timer reaches 0 ms, the main CPU 31a determines “NO” in the step S130. Therefore, the main CPU 31a determines that the symbol variation display has been completed, and proceeds to the processing of step S200. In step S200, the main CPU 31a sets the first confirmation command E1 for instructing the stop of the symbols in each column, and proceeds to the process of step S210. In step S210, since the symbol variation display has ended, the main CPU 31a turns off the shortening flag that is no longer necessary, and ends the processing here.

  Next, processing (timer interrupt processing) performed by the overall CPU 37a of the overall control board 37 will be described. Note that a program for performing this processing is executed by the overall CPU 37a every predetermined interrupt cycle (every 4 ms).

  In the process (variation process) of step S310 shown in FIG. 12, the first variation pattern designation command A1, the first left symbol designation command B1, the first right symbol designation command C1, from the main CPU 31a, When a command such as the first medium symbol designation command D1, the first variable time shortening command T1, and the first confirmation command E1 is input, the overall CPU 37a executes a subroutine shown in FIG. These commands are input to the overall CPU 37a at different interrupt cycles. Specifically, one command is input per interrupt.

  The subroutine in FIG. 13 includes the processes of steps S410 to S660. In step S410, the overall CPU 37a determines whether or not the changing flag is turned on (during symbol change). If it is determined that the changing flag is off (step S410: N), the symbol combination game has not been performed, that is, the symbol change display has not yet started, and therefore the overall CPU 37a is stored in the RAM 37c. The process proceeds to the process of step S430 without subtracting the changing timer (the process of step S420).

  In step S430, the overall CPU 37a determines whether or not the first variation pattern designation command A1 is input from the main CPU 31a. When the first variation pattern designation command A1 is input (step S430: Y), the overall CPU 37a proceeds to the process of step S440. On the other hand, when the first variation pattern designation command A1 is not input (step S430: N), the overall CPU 37a proceeds to the process of step S480 without performing the processes of steps S440 to S470.

  In step S440, the overall CPU 37a stores the variation pattern designated by the first variation pattern designation command A1 in the RAM 37c, and proceeds to the processing in step S450. The stored variation pattern is used for determining a notice and determining a shortened effect. Then, the overall CPU 37a sets the second variation pattern designation command A2 in step S450, and proceeds to the processing in step S460. The second variation pattern designation command A2 is output to the sub CPU 33a of the display control board 33 and the sub CPU 32a of the sound / lamp control board 32 after the next interrupt process. Further, since the first variation pattern designation command A1 is input in the process of step S430, the overall CPU 37a turns on the varying flag (stores in the RAM 37c) in step S460, and proceeds to the process of step S470. . Further, the overall CPU 37a confirms the symbol variation time from the ROM 37b from the variation pattern stored in the RAM 37c in step S470, and sets (temporarily stores) a changing timer (design variation time) in the RAM 37c. For example, when the variation pattern P1 is stored in the RAM 37c, the symbol variation time is set to 10 seconds.

  In step S480, the overall CPU 37a determines whether or not the first left symbol designation command B1 is input from the main CPU 31a. When the first left symbol designation command B1 is not input (step S480: N), the overall CPU 37a proceeds to the process of step S510 without performing the processes of steps S490 and S500. On the other hand, when the first left symbol designation command B1 is input (step S480: Y), the overall CPU 37a stores the stop symbol symbol designated by the first left symbol designation command B1 in the RAM 37c in step S490, The process proceeds to step S500. The stored stop symbol left is used to determine the advance notice. In step S500, the overall CPU 37a sets a second left symbol designation command B2. The second left symbol designation command B2 is a command output to the sub CPU 33a of the display control board 33 after the next interrupt process.

  In step S510, the overall CPU 37a determines whether or not the first right symbol designation command C1 is input from the main CPU 31a. If the first right symbol designation command C1 has not been input (step S510: N), the overall CPU 37a proceeds to the process of step S540 without performing the processes of steps S520 and S530. On the other hand, if the first right symbol designation command C1 is input (step S510: Y), the overall CPU 37a stores the stop symbol right designated by the first right symbol designation command C1 in the RAM 37c in step S520, and The process proceeds to step S530. The stored stop symbol right is not particularly used for determining the advance notice. In step S530, the overall CPU 37a sets the second right symbol designation command C2. The second right symbol designating command C2 is a command that is output to the sub CPU 33a of the display control board 33 after the next interrupt process.

  In step S540, the overall CPU 37a determines whether or not the first medium symbol designation command D1 is input from the main CPU 31a. If the first medium symbol designation command D1 has not been input (step S540: N), the overall CPU 37a proceeds to the process of step S570 without performing the processes of steps S550 and S560. On the other hand, when the first middle symbol designation command D1 is input (step S540: Y), the overall CPU 37a stores the stop symbol designated by the first middle symbol designation command D1 in the RAM 37c in step S550, The process proceeds to step S560. The stored stop symbol is not particularly used for determining the advance notice. In step S560, the overall CPU 37a sets a second medium symbol designation command D2. The second medium symbol designation command D2 is a command output to the sub CPU 33a of the display control board 33 after the next interrupt processing. Note that the processing of steps S570 to S660 will be described later.

  Here, when the subroutine shown in FIG. 13 ends, the overall CPU 37a shifts to the process (effect determination process) in step S320 shown in FIG. 12, and executes the subroutine shown in FIG.

  The subroutine of FIG. 14 includes the processes of steps S810 to S880. In step S810, the overall CPU 37a determines whether all of the variation pattern, the stop symbol left, the stop symbol right, and the stop symbol are stored in the RAM 37c. If even one of the variation pattern and each stop symbol is not stored (step S810: N), the overall CPU 37a ends this subroutine without performing the processing of steps S820 to S880. For example, when the processes of steps S820 to S880 are executed once, the overall CPU 37a sets “NO” as the determination in step S810. On the other hand, when all of the variation pattern and each stop symbol are stored (step S810: Y), the overall CPU 37a proceeds to the process of step S820. In step S810, the overall CPU 37a makes an affirmative determination only when the stop symbol is stored in the process of step S550 shown in FIG.

  In step S820, the overall CPU 37a determines whether or not the variation pattern stored in the RAM 37c in the process of step S440 is the variation pattern P4 or P5. That is, the overall CPU 37a determines whether or not the variation pattern is selected when the big hit. When the variation pattern is P4 or P5 (step S820: Y), the overall CPU 37a proceeds to the process of step S830. On the other hand, when the pattern is neither the variation pattern P4 nor P5, that is, any one of the variation patterns P1, P2, and P3 (step S820: N), the overall CPU 37a performs the processing of step S850 without performing the processing of steps S830 and S840. Migrate to

  In step S830, the overall CPU 37a determines whether or not the jackpot symbol is a specific symbol that triggers the probability variation to start. Specifically, the stop symbol left stored in the RAM 37c in the process of step S490 is confirmed, and it is determined whether or not the stop symbol left is a specific symbol. Since the variation patterns P4 and P5 are patterns for executing the big hit effect, all the symbols are the same. Therefore, instead of using the stop symbol left for determining whether the symbol is a specific symbol, the stop symbol right or the stop symbol may be used.

  When the big hit symbol is the specific symbol (step S830: Y), the overall CPU 37a turns on the specific symbol big hit flag (TO flag) in step S840 (stores in the RAM 37c), and proceeds to the processing of step S850. The specific symbol jackpot flag is used for determining the advance notice and the redrawing pattern. On the other hand, when the jackpot symbol is not a specific symbol (step S830: N), the overall CPU 37a proceeds to the process of step S850 without performing the process of step S840.

  In step S850, the overall CPU 37a obtains from the RAM 37c the values of the effect distribution random numbers (notification effect distribution random numbers, re-lottery pattern distribution random numbers, temporary stop symbol distribution random numbers) that are updated at predetermined intervals. Acquire, and the process proceeds to step S860. In step S860, the overall CPU 37a determines specific contents of effects of the symbol combination game. More specifically, the overall CPU 37a determines the notice pattern from the notice pattern distribution table (see FIG. 7), determines the re-lottery pattern from the re-lottery pattern decision table (see FIG. 8), and temporarily stops the symbol decision table (see FIG. 9), the temporary stop symbol is determined. For example, the variation pattern P5, the value of the random number for distribution of the notice effect is 40, the value of the random number for re-drawing pattern distribution is 24, the value of the random number for temporary stop symbol distribution is 11, and the specific symbol jackpot flag is turned on. If so, the overall CPU 37a determines the notice pattern YP5 from the notice pattern distribution table. Next, the overall CPU 37a determines the re-lottery pattern SP2 from the re-lottery pattern determination table. Furthermore, the overall CPU 37a determines the temporary stop symbol 2 from the temporary stop symbol determination table.

  In step S870, the overall CPU 37a stores the notice pattern and the redrawing pattern determined in step S860 in the RAM 37c, and the process proceeds to step S880. In step S880, the overall CPU 37a performs a production content designation command (reach notice command Y1, jackpot notice command Y2, jackpot confirmation notice command Y3, specific jackpot confirmation notice command Y4, re-lottery pattern command F1, temporary stop symbol designation command G1, etc.) Is set to end this subroutine. When the example shown in step S860 is used, the following command is set. First, on the basis of the notice pattern YP5 determined in step S860, the reach notice command Y1, the jackpot notice command Y2, the jackpot confirmation notice command Y3, and the specific jackpot confirmation notice command Y4 are set. Further, the corresponding re-lottery pattern command F1 is set based on the re-lottery pattern SP2 determined in step S860, and the corresponding temporary stop symbol designating command G1 is set based on the temporary stop symbol 2 determined in step S860. Set. It should be noted that the effect content designation command set in step S880 is sent to the sub CPU 32a of the sound / lamp control board 32 and the sub CPU 33a of the display control board 33 every time an interrupt is executed once from the next interruption process. One output (every 4 ms).

  When the subroutine shown in FIG. 14 is completed, the overall CPU 37a proceeds to the process of step S330 (shortening switch process) shown in FIG. 12, and executes the subroutine shown in FIG. In step S910 of FIG. 16, the overall CPU 37a determines whether or not the shortening flag is turned on. If the shortening flag is not turned on, the overall CPU 37a ends this subroutine. Thereafter, the overall CPU 37a shifts to the process (variation process) of step S310 shown in FIG. 12 in the next interrupt process, and executes the subroutine shown in FIG. In this case, if the changing flag is turned on in the previous interrupt process, the changing timer (symbol changing time) is further subtracted in the process of step S420. If the first variation pattern designation command A1, the first left symbol designation command B1, the first right symbol designation command C1 and the first middle symbol designation command D1 have already been input, the overall CPU 37a The determinations in steps S430, S480, S510, and S540 are NO, and the process proceeds to step S570.

  In step S570, the overall CPU 37a determines whether or not the first variable time reduction command T1 has been input. When the first variable time reduction command T1 is not input (step S570: N), the overall CPU 37a proceeds to the process of step S620 without performing the processes of steps S580 to S610. On the other hand, when the first variable time reduction command T1 is input (step S570: Y), the overall CPU 37a proceeds to the process of step S580. In the process of step S580 shown in FIG. 13 (shortening effect determination process), the overall CPU 37a executes a subroutine shown in FIG.

  The subroutine of FIG. 15 includes the processes of steps S710 to S750. In step S710, the overall CPU 37a confirms the variation pattern stored in the RAM 37c in step S440, and proceeds to the process in step S720. In step S720, the overall CPU 37a checks the changing timer (remaining symbol changing time) stored in the RAM 37c, and proceeds to the process of step S730. In step S730, the overall CPU 37a displays what symbol variation display is being performed during the operation of the shortening switch SW1 based on the variation pattern confirmed in step S710 and the remaining symbol variation time confirmed in step S720 ( Which section of the sections K1 to K6 is present) is determined. For example, in the case of the fluctuation pattern P4 and the remaining symbol variation time is 9 seconds, the difference between the symbol variation time (25 seconds) and the remaining symbol variation time (9 seconds) of the variation pattern P4, that is, the symbol variation display The elapsed time from the start of is calculated as 16 seconds. As a result, it is determined that the symbol variation display is in the section K4 (see FIG. 6). Further, when the remaining pattern variation time is 38 seconds in the variation pattern P5, the difference between the symbol variation time (45 seconds) and the remaining symbol variation time (38 seconds) is calculated as 7 seconds. Thereby, it is determined that the symbol variation display is in the section K2 (see FIG. 6).

  In step S740, the overall CPU 37a confirms the notice pattern and re-lottery pattern stored in the effect determination process (step S880) shown in FIG. 14, and proceeds to the process in step S750. In step S750, if the section determined in step S730 is any one of sections K1 to K5, the overall CPU 37a shortens based on the section determined in step S730 and the notice pattern confirmed in step S740. One shortening effect is determined from the effect selection table 1 (see FIG. 10), and this subroutine is terminated. For example, in the section K2 and the notice pattern YP5, the overall CPU 37a determines the shortening effect TP2. In step S750, if the section determined in step S730 is section K6, the overall CPU 37a selects the shortening effect based on the section determined in step S730 and the re-lottery pattern confirmed in step S740. One shortening effect is determined from Table 2 (see FIG. 10), and this subroutine is terminated.

  When the subroutine shown in FIG. 15 ends, the overall CPU 37a proceeds to the process of step S590 shown in FIG. In step S590, the overall CPU 37a sets the shortened effect pattern command H1 to be output to the sub CPU 33a of the display control board 33 and the sub CPU 32a of the sound / lamp control board 32, and proceeds to the process of step S600. The set shortened effect pattern command H1 is output after the next interrupt process. Further, the timing at which the shortened effect pattern command H1 is output is delayed when other untransmitted commands are accumulated. For this reason, the shortening effect time in the present embodiment varies. Further, since the first variable time shortening command T1 is input in the process of step S570, the overall CPU 37a turns on the shortening flag (stores in the RAM 37c) in step S600, and proceeds to the process of step S610. The shortening flag is turned on after the first variation time shortening command T1 is input until the second variation time shortening command T2 is set, that is, until the delay timer subtraction is completed. . In step S610, the overall CPU 37a sets the delay timer to the delay time t1 (80 ms), and proceeds to the process of step S620.

  In step S620, the overall CPU 37a determines whether or not the first confirmation command E1 is input from the main CPU 31a. If the first confirmation command E1 has not been input (step S620: N), the overall CPU 37a ends this subroutine without performing the processing of steps S630 to S660. Thereafter, since the variation process is continuously executed in the next interrupt process, the variation timer (symbol variation time) stored in the RAM 37c is decremented by 4 ms in the process of step S420.

  On the other hand, when the first confirmation command E1 is input (step S620: Y), the overall CPU 37a turns off the changing flag that was turned on in step S460 in step S630, and proceeds to the process of step S640. . In step S640, the overall CPU 37a clears the changing timer set in step S470 (sets to 0 seconds), and proceeds to the process in step S650. In step S650, the overall CPU 37a clears (deletes) the variation pattern, stop symbol left, stop symbol right, stop symbol, notice pattern, re-lottery pattern, and specific symbol jackpot flag stored in the RAM 37c, and step S660. Move on to processing. In step S660, the overall CPU 37a sets the second confirmation command E2 and ends this subroutine. The second confirmation command E2 is a command for stopping and displaying the symbols, stopping the sound output from the speaker 17, and turning off the frame lamp 16a and the panel lamp 16b.

  In addition, the process of step S430-step S470, the process of step S480-step S500, the process of step S510-step S530, the process of step S540-step S560, the process of step S570-step S610, the process of step S620-step S660 is followed. It may be changed. For example, after performing the process of step S540 to step S560, the process of step S440 to step S470 may be performed.

  When the subroutine shown in FIG. 13 ends, the overall CPU 37a proceeds to the process (effect determination process) in step S320 shown in FIG. 12, and executes the subroutine shown in FIG. In step S810 of FIG. 14, the overall CPU 37a determines whether all of the variation pattern, stop symbol left, stop symbol right, and stop symbol are stored in the RAM 37c. However, since the variation pattern, the stop symbol left, the stop symbol right, and the stop symbol are not stored in the RAM 37c, the overall CPU 37a ends the present subroutine without performing the processing of steps S820 to S880.

  When the subroutine shown in FIG. 14 is completed, the overall CPU 37a proceeds to the process of step S330 (shortening switch process) shown in FIG. 12, and executes the subroutine shown in FIG.

  The subroutine of FIG. 16 includes the processes of steps S910 to S950. In step S910, the overall CPU 37a determines whether or not the shortening flag is turned on. When the shortening flag is turned on (step S910: Y), the overall CPU 37a proceeds to the process of step S920. In step S920, the overall CPU 37a subtracts the delay time t1 of the delay timer, and the process proceeds to step S930.

  In step S930, the overall CPU 37a determines whether or not the delay time t1 of the delay timer has reached 0 ms. If the delay time t1 is not 0 ms (step S930: N), the overall CPU 37a determines that the command input period has not ended, and ends the processing here. Note that the subtraction of the delay time t1 is continued in the subsequent shortening switch processing, and the delay time t1 is subtracted by 4 ms. When the delay time t1 reaches 0 ms (step S930: Y), the overall CPU 37a determines that the command input period has ended, and proceeds to the process of step S940.

  While the delay time t1 is being subtracted (during the command input period), the overall CPU 37a sends the second variable time reduction command T2 to the sub CPU 33a of the display control board 33 and the sub CPU 32a of the sound / lamp control board 32. There is no particular processing to output to. Therefore, the overall CPU 37a reliably outputs a second variable time shortening command T2 while avoiding a command input period during which a plurality of types of commands are output.

  In step S940, the overall CPU 37a sets the second variable time reduction command T2, and proceeds to the process of step S950. The second variation time reduction command T2 is output to the sub CPU 33a of the display control board 33 and the sub CPU 32a of the sound / lamp control board 32 after the next interrupt processing. In step S950, since the subtraction of the delay time t1 has been completed, the overall CPU 37a turns off the shortening flag that is no longer necessary, and ends this subroutine. In this case, the overall CPU 37a determines “NO” in step S910 in the shortening switch process by the next interruption. Therefore, the overall CPU 37a ends this subroutine without subtracting the delay time t1.

  Next, processing (timer interrupt processing) performed by the sub CPU 33a of the display control board 33 will be described. Note that a program for performing this processing is executed in the sub CPU 33a every predetermined interrupt period (every 4 ms).

  In step S1010 shown in FIG. 17, the sub CPU 33a determines whether or not the changing flag is turned on. That is, the sub CPU 33a determines whether or not a symbol combination game is being performed on the liquid crystal symbol display device 18. When the changing flag is turned on (step S1010: Y), the sub CPU 33a proceeds to the process of step S1020. In step S1020, the sub CPU 33a subtracts the changing timer stored in the RAM 33c, and the process proceeds to step S1030. In step S1030, the sub CPU 33a determines the liquid crystal symbol display device 18 based on the value of the changing timer subtracted in step S1020, the normal effect data set in step S1090, or the shortened effect data set in step S1100. The liquid crystal symbol display device 18 is caused to execute a normal effect or a shortened effect. Then, the sub CPU 33a proceeds to the process of step S1040. On the other hand, if it is determined that the changing flag is off (step S1010: N), the symbol combination game has not been performed, that is, the symbol change display has not yet started. Without subtracting (the processes of steps S1020 and S1030), the process proceeds to the process of step S1040.

  Step S1030 is a process in which the overall CPU 37a outputs to the liquid crystal symbol display device 18 while monitoring the changing timer, and is a process necessary for changing the shortening effect time. For example, when the shortening switch SW1 is operated simultaneously with the start of symbol variation display, the maximum number of commands required for one symbol variation display (for example, from the second variation pattern designation command A2 to the shortening effect pattern command H1). 11 (see FIG. 3)) may be output. In this case, the shortened effect time is a time (956 ms) obtained by subtracting a period (11 × 4 ms = 44 ms) during which 11 commands are input to the sub CPU 33a from the time (1000 ms) when the main CPU 31a rewrites. On the other hand, when the shortening switch SW1 is operated after the command input period has elapsed (remaining delay time = 0 ms), the overall CPU 37a immediately outputs the shortening effect pattern command H1, so the shortening effect time remains 1000 ms. . Therefore, the shortened presentation time varies from 1000 ms at the longest to 956 ms at the shortest. For this reason, the optimal timing for switching from the display such as “skip” or “big hit” to the display such as “3” or “7” (stop symbol) varies depending on the length of time of the shortening effect. Further, immediately before the end of the shortening effect (when the value of the changing timer approaches 0), all symbols determined by the main CPU 31a are displayed while swinging up and down. It depends on the length of time. Therefore, unless the changing timer is monitored and the output is performed on the liquid crystal symbol display device 18, the stop symbol which is the greatest concern for the player cannot be displayed when the time of the shortening effect fluctuates. , There is a possibility that it is not possible to display a state where all symbols swing up and down.

  In step S1040, the sub CPU 33a determines whether or not a command is input from the overall CPU 37a. When no command is input (step S1040: N), the sub CPU 33a ends the process here. On the other hand, when a command is input (step S1040: Y), the sub CPU 33a proceeds to the process of step S1050. In step S1050, the sub CPU 33a determines the type of the input command. Then, the input commands are the second variation pattern designation command A2, the second left symbol designation command B2, the second right symbol designation command C2, the second middle symbol designation command D2, the reach notice command Y1, the jackpot In the case of any one of the notice command Y2, the big hit confirmation notice command Y3, the specific big hit confirmation notice command Y4, the re-lottery pattern command F1, and the temporary stop symbol designation command G1, the sub CPU 33a proceeds to the process of step S1060. If the input command is the shortened effect pattern command H1, the sub CPU 33a proceeds to the process of step S1100. Furthermore, when the input command is the second variable time shortening command T2, the sub CPU 33a proceeds to the process of step S1110. Furthermore, when the input command is the second confirmed command E2, the sub CPU 33a proceeds to the process of step S1120.

  In step S1060, the sub CPU 33a determines whether or not the input command is the second variation pattern designation command A2. When the input command is the second variation pattern designation command A2 (step S1060: Y), the sub CPU 33a proceeds to the process of step S1070. In step S1070, the sub CPU 33a turns on the changing flag indicating that the symbol is changing, and proceeds to the process of step S1080. In step S1080, the sub CPU 33a sets a changing timer according to the changing pattern determined by the main CPU 31a, and proceeds to the process of step S1090. For example, the changing timer is set to 10 seconds for the fluctuation pattern P1, and the changing timer is set to 19 seconds for the fluctuation pattern P2. On the other hand, when the input command is not the second variation pattern designation command A2 (step S1060: N), that is, the second left symbol designation command B2, the second right symbol designation command C2, and the second middle symbol. In the case of the designation command D2, reach notice command Y1, jackpot notice command Y2, jackpot confirmation notice command Y3, specific jackpot confirmation notice command Y4, re-lottery pattern command F1, and temporary stop symbol designation command G1, the sub CPU 33a performs steps S1070, The process proceeds to step S1090 without performing the process in S1080.

  In step S1090, the sub CPU 33a stores the data of the variation pattern, left symbol, right symbol, middle symbol, notice pattern, redrawing pattern, and temporary stop symbol designated in the commands in the storage area of the RAM 33c. Then, the sub CPU 33a sets display effect normal effect data (stored in the storage area of the RAM 33c) based on the variation pattern, and ends the processing here. Thereby, the generation of the normal performance data is started.

  If the input command is the shortened effect pattern command H1 in step S1050, the sub CPU 33a uses the normal effect data for display effects stored in the storage area of the RAM 33c in step S1090 in step S1100. And the processing here is terminated.

  If the input command is the second variable time reduction command T2 in step S1050, the sub CPU 33a rewrites the variable timer stored in the RAM 33c in step S1110, and ends the processing here. To do. Specifically, the sub CPU 33a rewrites the time of the changing timer to 920 ms.

  When the input command is the second confirmed command E2, the sub CPU 33a proceeds to the process of step S1120. In step S1120, the sub CPU 33a turns off the changing flag that was turned on in step S1070, and proceeds to the process of step S1130. In step S1130, the sub CPU 33a clears the changing timer set in step S1080 or the changed timer rewritten in step S1110 (sets to 0 second), and proceeds to the processing in step S1140. . In step S1140, the sub CPU 33a determines the left symbol, right symbol, and middle symbol stored in step S1090 as the fixed stop symbols. As a result, the liquid crystal symbol display device 18 is instructed to stop all symbols, and the processing here ends. At this time, since the changing flag is off, the fixed stop symbol determined in step S1140 is not output in the process of step S1030. For this reason, the fixed stop symbol is output in the process of step S1140. In addition, you may make it output a fixed stop symbol by a process (illustration omitted) different from step S1140.

  Therefore, for example, when the shortening switch SW1 is operated and the shortening effect TP4 is executed when the big hit effect is being performed, the letters “hit” are displayed on the liquid crystal symbol display device 18 and a huge red color is displayed. The robot appears. In this case, since the symbol variation time is shortened, the player does not feel the symbol variation display uncomfortable. In addition, since the shortening effect TP4 is executed even if the symbol variation time is short, the player will continue to be interested in the effect executed on the liquid crystal symbol display device 18. Therefore, even when the symbol variation time is shortened, the interest can be improved.

  In addition, when the shortening switch SW1 is operated and the shortening effect TP5 is executed when the big hit effect is being performed, the letters “probable big hit” are displayed on the liquid crystal display device 18 and a huge golden color is displayed. The robot appears. In this case, the player can see a golden robot that is more eye-catching than the red robot, and is therefore more interested in the performance performed on the liquid crystal symbol display device 18. In addition, the shortening effect TP5 in which the golden robot appears has a higher reliability than the shortening effect TP4 in which the red robot appears, so that the player will make a jackpot notice with a reliability of 100%. Thus, it is possible to know that the winning effect TP5 is executed and at the same time that it is a big hit. Therefore, the improvement of the further interest can be aimed at.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

  (1) According to the pachinko machine 10 of the present embodiment, even if the shortening switch SW1 is operated during the command input period, the overall CPU 37a does not immediately output the second variable time shortening command T2, After the command input period ends, the data is output to the sub CPUs 32a and 33a. That is, the overall CPU 37a reliably outputs a second variable time shortening command T2 while avoiding a command input period during which a plurality of types of commands are output. Thereafter, when the sub CPUs 32a and 33a input the second variation time reduction command T2, the time obtained by subtracting the command input period (80ms) from the time (1000ms) when the main CPU 31a rewrites the remaining symbol variation time of the game effect. Change to (920 ms). Therefore, an error generated between the remaining symbol variation time of the game effect rewritten by the main CPU 31a and the remaining symbol variation time of the game effect changed by the sub CPU 33a can be reduced as much as possible. Accordingly, at the same time as the remaining symbol variation time of the game effect changed by the sub CPU 33a elapses, the overall CPU 37a inputs the second confirmation command E2 for instructing the stop of the symbols in each column. . Therefore, it is possible to minimize the possibility that a part of the image displayed on the liquid crystal symbol display device 18 is lost at the end of symbol variation.

  That is, a large number of commands (for example, eleven commands (see FIG. 3) from the second variation pattern designation command A2 to the shortened effect pattern command H1) output from the overall CPU 37a to the sub CPU 33a are on standby. Commands are output in turn every interrupt cycle (4 ms). For this reason, the timing at which the second variation time reduction command T2 is output to the sub CPU 33a is after all the waiting commands are output. Therefore, although the shortening effect time is substantially reduced by the length of the input period of all commands, the sub CPU 33a cannot recognize it. Therefore, if the remaining symbol variation time of the game effect changed by the sub CPU 33a is a time (1000 ms) in which the length of the input period of all commands is not subtracted, the remaining symbol variation time of the game effect has elapsed. The second confirmation command is input before the operation. As a result, since the symbol variation ends earlier than planned, there is a possibility that it is impossible to display on the liquid crystal symbol display device 18 how all symbols are fixed and stopped, but in this embodiment, the possibility is small. Become.

  (2) The main CPU 31a of the present embodiment is obtained by adding the functions of the symbol variation time subtraction unit, the remaining symbol variation time determination unit, the operation determination unit, and the first shortened command output unit to the existing main CPU 31a. Therefore, it is not necessary to make a hardware change such as adding a new electrical component (such as an IC) to the main control board 31. Therefore, an increase in cost of the main control board 31 can be suppressed.

  (3) The overall CPU 37a of this embodiment adds functions of a shortened command input determining means, a delay time setting means, a delay time subtracting means, a remaining delay time determining means, and a second shortened command output means to the existing overall CPU 37a. Therefore, it is not necessary to make a hardware change such as adding a new electric component (IC or the like) to the overall control board 37. Therefore, an increase in cost of the overall control board 37 can be suppressed.

  In addition, you may change embodiment of this invention as follows.

  In the above embodiment, when the shortening switch SW1 is operated, the sub CPU 33a changes the symbol variation time stored as the variation timer in the RAM 33c to a shorter time, thereby playing the game by the liquid crystal symbol display device 18. The remaining time of production (remaining symbol fluctuation time) was shortened. However, when the shortening switch SW1 is operated, the sub CPU 33a may change the symbol variation time stored in the RAM 33c to a longer time, thereby extending the remaining symbol variation time. In such a case, since more game effects can be executed within the remaining symbol variation time, the degree of freedom of game effects is increased.

  In the above embodiment, the delay time t1 is counted by the overall CPU 37a of the overall control board 37, but the delay time t1 may be counted by the main CPU 31a of the main control board 31.

  Specifically, the main CPU 31a counts the delay time t1 (80 ms), and outputs a first variable time shortening command to the general CPU 37a (or the sub CPU 33a) after the count ends. Then, the sub CPU 33a rewrites the remaining symbol fluctuation time of the changing timer to a time obtained by subtracting 80 ms from the time (1000 ms) where the main CPU 31a rewrites.

  In this way, even if the shortening switch SW1 is operated immediately after the start of fluctuation when a large number of commands are input from the main CPU 31a to the general CPU 37a, the main CPU 31a immediately outputs the first fluctuation time shortening command. Instead, the data is output to the general CPU 37a (or the sub CPU 33a) after the command input period ends. Thereafter, the sub CPU 33a changes the remaining symbol fluctuation time of the changing timer to a time (920 ms) obtained by subtracting the command input period from the main CPU 31a to the general CPU 37a from the time (1000 ms) rewritten by the main CPU 31a. Therefore, an error generated between the remaining symbol variation time of the game effect rewritten by the main CPU 31a and the changing timer (remaining symbol variation time) changed by the sub CPU 33a can be reduced as much as possible.

  As another specific example, the main CPU 31a delays a time required for outputting a command to the general CPU 37a + a time (for example, 24 ms) having a margin, and the general CPU 37a after the delayed time elapses. In response to this, the first fluctuation time reduction command is output. The general CPU 37a, to which the first variable time reduction command is input, delays the time necessary for outputting the command to the sub CPU 33a + the time (for example, 56 ms) that has a margin, and then sends the sub CPU 33a to the sub CPU 33a. 2 command to shorten the fluctuation time is output. Further, the sub CPU 33a rewrites the remaining symbol fluctuation time of the changing timer to a time obtained by subtracting (24ms + 56m = 80ms) from the time (1000ms) when the main CPU 31a rewrites.

  In this way, even if the shortening switch SW1 is operated immediately after the start of fluctuation when a large number of commands are input from the main CPU 31a to the general CPU 37a, the main CPU 31a immediately outputs the first fluctuation time shortening command. Instead, the data is output to the overall CPU 37a after the command input period ends. Thereafter, when the sub CPU 33a inputs the second variation time shortening command, the input period of the command from the main CPU 31a to the general CPU 37a from the time (1000 ms) when the main CPU 31a rewrites the remaining symbol variation time of the variable timer. It is changed to the time (920 ms) obtained by subtracting. Therefore, an error generated between the remaining symbol variation time of the game effect rewritten by the main CPU 31a and the changing timer (remaining symbol variation time) changed by the sub CPU 33a can be reduced as much as possible.

  In the above embodiment, when the symbol variation display is being performed, when the delay time t1 (80 ms) elapses after the shortening switch SW1 is operated, the second variation time shortening command T2 is sent to the voice / lamp. The sub CPU 32a of the control board 32 and the sub CPU 33a of the display control board 33 are input. However, when the symbol variation display is performed, it is determined whether or not the command input period has elapsed when the shortening switch SW1 is operated. For example, after the symbol variation display is started. It may be determined whether or not a predetermined time (240 ms) or more has elapsed, and only when it has elapsed, the second variable time shortening command T2 may be immediately input to the sub CPUs 32a and 33a. That is, the second variable time shortening command T2 may be delayed and output only when the command input period has not elapsed. That is, the delay time t1 may not always be constant.

  In the above embodiment, the general CPU 37a performs subtraction of the delay timer set to the delay time t1 (80 ms). However, the overall CPU 37a may set the delay timer to 0 ms and add the delay timer until the delay time t1 is reached.

  In the above embodiment, the overall CPU 37a determines the shortened effect from the shortened effect selection table 1 based on the determined section and the confirmed notice pattern. For example, in the case of the section K2 and the notice pattern YP2, the shortening effect TP2 is determined. However, the shortening effect may be determined based on the shortening effect selected by the shortening effect selection table 1. For example, in the case of the section K2 and the notice pattern YP5, the overall CPU 37a first selects the shortened effect TP2 as a reference. Then, the overall CPU 37a determines one shortened effect from the four shortened effects TP2 to TP5 using a random number.

  In the above embodiment, when the shortening switch SW1 is operated before the liquid crystal symbol display device 18 starts the symbol variation display, the main CPU 31a does not output the first variation time shortening command T1. Also good. That is, the main CPU 31a may invalidate the operation of the shortening switch SW1.

  In this way, when the shortening switch SW1 is operated at a timing before the symbol variation display is started, the operation of the shortening switch SW1 is invalidated. Therefore, immediately after the start of symbol variation display (for example, during the command input period), the second variation time reduction command T2 is output to the sub CPU 32a of the sound / lamp control board 32 and the sub CPU 33a of the display control board 33. Can be prevented. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the second variation time reduction command T2 from affecting the variation display.

  Next, in addition to the technical ideas described in the claims, the technical ideas grasped by the embodiment described above are listed below.

  (1) In any one of claims 1 to 6, when the operation means is operated immediately before the symbol display means finishes changing the symbol display, the main control means operates the operation means. Disable it.

  (2) In any one of claims 1 to 6, when the operation means is operated before the symbol display means starts the variable display of the symbols, the main control means operates the operation means. Disable it.

  (3) The operation means according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein when the symbol display is performed by the symbol display means and after the command input period has elapsed, When is operated, the main control means immediately outputs the time change command.

  (4) In any one of claims 1 to 6, the main control means may be operated by the operation means a plurality of times in response to a single symbol change display performed by the symbol display means. In such a case, invalidate the operation of the operation means for the second and subsequent times.

  (5) In Claim 4, the fluctuation pattern designation command is the first fluctuation pattern designation command output from the main control means or the overall control means based on the inputted first fluctuation pattern designation command. To the sub-control means, and the first variation pattern designation command and the second variation pattern designation command are the same command.

  (6) In Claim 4, the main control means is a symbol variation time subtraction means for subtracting a symbol variation time for each variation pattern stored in the symbol variation time storage means, and whether or not the operating means has been operated. When it is determined that the operation means has been operated, the remaining symbol variation time is less than the time during which a shortened effect with a shortened symbol variation time can be executed by subtracting the symbol variation time. A remaining symbol variation time determining means for determining whether or not the time has become shorter, and a first variation time shortening command is generated when it is determined that the remaining symbol variation time is not shorter than a time during which a shortening effect can be executed. And first abbreviated command output means for outputting it to the overall control means.

  (7) In the technical idea (6), the overall control unit includes: a shortened command input determining unit that determines whether the first variable time shortening command is input from the first shortened command output unit; When it is determined that the first variable time shortening command has been input, a delay time setting means for setting a delay time longer than the length of the command input period; and the delay time set by the delay time setting means A delay time subtracting means for subtracting, a remaining delay time determining means for determining whether or not the remaining delay time has become zero due to the completion of the subtraction of the delay time, and when it is determined that the remaining delay time has become zero, And a second shortened command output means for outputting two variable time shortening commands to each of the sub-control means.

  (8) In the technical idea (7), the second variation time reduction command is the same command as the first variation time reduction command.

  (9) In claim 4, the main control means subtracts the symbol variation time for each variation pattern stored in the symbol variation time storage means by the symbol variation time subtraction means, and whether the operating means has been operated. If the operation determining means determines whether the operation means has been operated or not, the remaining symbol variation time is shorter than the time during which a shortened effect in which the symbol variation time is shortened can be performed by subtracting the symbol variation time. Is determined by the remaining symbol variation time determining means, and when it is determined that the remaining symbol variation time is not shorter than the time during which the shortening effect can be executed, the first shortened command output means Generating one variable time reduction command and outputting it to the overall control means;

  (10) In the technical idea (9), the overall control means determines whether or not the first variable time shortening command is input from the first shortened command output means by the shortened command input determining means, When it is determined that the first variable time shortening command has been input, a delay time setting means sets a delay time longer than the command input period, and sets the delay time set by the delay time setting means. When subtracting by the delay time subtracting means, the remaining delay time determining means determines whether or not the remaining delay time has become zero by the end of the subtraction of the delay time, and when it is determined that the remaining delay time has become zero, (2) A second variable time shortening command is output to each sub-control means by the shortening command output means.

  (11) In any one of claims 1 to 6, the main control unit includes a symbol variation time subtracting unit that subtracts a symbol variation time for each variation pattern stored in a symbol variation time storage unit; An operation determination unit that determines whether or not the operation unit has been operated, and a time during which it is possible to execute a shortened effect that shortens the symbol variation time by subtracting the symbol variation time when it is determined that the operation unit has been operated. The remaining symbol variation time determining means for determining whether or not the remaining symbol variation time has become shorter than the time when the remaining symbol variation time is determined not to be shorter than the time during which the shortening effect can be executed. The first shortened command output means for generating the variable time shortening command and the length of the command input period when it is determined that the first variable time shortening command has been generated. Delay time setting means for setting the upper delay time, delay time subtracting means for subtracting the delay time set by the delay time setting means, and whether or not the remaining delay time has become zero due to completion of the subtraction of the delay time A remaining delay time determining means for determining whether the remaining delay time is zero, and a second reduced command output means for outputting a second variable time shortening command to the sub-control means when it is determined that the remaining delay time has become zero. To prepare.

The front view which shows the pachinko machine in this embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a main control board, a general control board, a display control board, an audio / lamp control board, etc. in a pachinko machine. Operation signal, first variation pattern designation command, first left symbol designation command, first right symbol designation command, first middle symbol designation command, first variation time reduction command, first confirmation command, 2 variation pattern designation command, second left symbol designation command, second right symbol designation command, second middle symbol designation command, second variation time reduction command, re-lottery pattern command, temporary stop symbol designation command, The time chart which shows the output aspect of a shortening effect pattern command and a 2nd confirmation command. A variation pattern distribution table used when determining a variation pattern. The table which shows the fluctuation pattern distribution random number. The time chart which shows the production | presentation performed based on a fluctuation pattern. A notice pattern distribution table used when determining a notice pattern. The re-lottery pattern determination table used when determining a re-lottery pattern. A temporary stop symbol determination table used when determining a temporary stop symbol. The shortening effect selection table 1 and the shortening effect selection table 2 used when determining the shortening effect. The flowchart which shows the special symbol fluctuation | variation process performed in main CPU of a main control board. The flowchart which shows the timer interruption process performed in the integrated CPU of a general control board. The flowchart which shows the fluctuation | variation process performed in the integrated CPU of a general control board. The flowchart which shows the production | presentation determination process performed in the integrated CPU of a general control board. The flowchart which shows the shortening production | presentation determination process performed in the integrated CPU of a comprehensive control board. The flowchart which shows the shortening switch process performed in the integrated CPU of a general control board. The flowchart which shows the timer interruption process performed in sub CPU of a display control board.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Pachinko machine 18 as game machine ... Liquid crystal type symbol display device 31a as symbol display means ... Main CPU as main control means
32a... Sub CPU constituting part of sub control means
33a... Sub CPU constituting part of sub control means
37a: General CPU as general control means
A1: First variation pattern designation command A2 as variation pattern designation command Second variation pattern designation command B1 as variation pattern designation command First left symbol designation command B2 as symbol designation command As symbol designation command Second left symbol designating command C1... First right symbol designating command C2 as symbol designating command second right symbol designating command D1 as symbol designating command first middle symbol designating command as symbol designating command D2 ... second medium symbol designation commands P1 to P5 as symbol designation commands ... variation pattern SW1 ... shortening switch t1 as operating means ... delay time T2 ... second variation time shortening as time change command and variation time shortening command Command Y1 ... Reach notice command as a production content designation command 2 ... effect contents jackpot announcement command Y3 ... specific jackpot finalized prior notice command as a jackpot determined prior notice command Y4 ... effect contents specified command as the effect contents specified command as a designated command

Claims (5)

A variation pattern designation command indicating a variation pattern in which the time and content of the game effect are associated, a symbol designation command indicating a symbol derived by the game effect, an effect content designation command indicating the content of the game effect, and a stop of the symbols in each column Generate and set a definite command for instructing a plurality of types of commands necessary for executing a game effect once in the order in which they are set for each predetermined interrupt cycle from the time of output of the variation pattern designation command. Main control means for outputting;
Display that is sub-control means for generating and outputting effect data instructing the execution of the effect with the time and content of the game effect based on the input variation pattern specifying command, the symbol specifying command, and the effect content specifying command Control means ;
Based on the effect data that has been input, a symbol display means for executing a game effect by changing or stopping a plurality of types of symbols in a plurality of columns,
A gaming machine comprising operating means operated during a game in order to change the time of the game production,
Among the variation pattern designation command, the symbol designation command, and the effect content designation command, a plurality of types of commands necessary for executing a game effect once until the symbol variation display is started and stopped is displayed. It is a period until it is input to the control means , and a period set longer than the time necessary for causing the display control means to input the maximum number of commands necessary to execute one game effect , Command input period
After the command input period ends, the main control means outputs the confirmation command to the display control means,
When the operation means is operated during the command input period, the main control means rewrites the time of the game effect and sends a time change command for changing the time of the game effect after the end of the command input period. Output to the display control means ,
The display control means to which the time change command is inputted changes the game effect time to a time obtained by subtracting the command input period from the time rewritten by the main control means. The main control means starts counting the delay time set to be longer than the length of the command input period when the operation means is operated during the command input period, and after the delay time count ends, The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein a time change command is output to the display control means . The main control means sets the symbol variation time for each variation pattern before the symbol display means starts symbol variation display,
When the operation means is operated during the command input period, the main control means sends a variable time reduction command for rewriting the symbol fluctuation time to a time shorter than a preset time after the command input period ends. The game machine according to claim 1, wherein the game machine is output to the display control means . The main control means includes
Main control means for generating and outputting a variation pattern designation command indicating a variation pattern associated with the time and content of the game effect and a symbol designation command indicating a symbol derived from the game effect;
Provided between the main control means and the display control means , based on at least one of the input variation pattern designation command and the symbol designation command, to determine the production content suggesting the development of the game production, by outputting the effect contents designation command showing contents of game effects for the previous SL display control means, as well as overall control of the specific content of the game effects the previous SL display control means executes the delay time The gaming machine according to claim 2, further comprising a general control unit that counts the number of times. When the operating means is operated, the main control means generates a shortened effect pattern command indicating a shortened effect pattern to be performed within the time after rewriting, and the shortened effect pattern command is preceded by the variable time shortening command. the output to the display control unit, wherein the display control unit, the gaming machine according to claim 3, characterized in that to produce a shortening effect data on the basis of the shortening effect pattern command entered.

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