JP4858929B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

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

Conventionally, the special symbol is variably displayed on the special symbol display device based on the winning of the game ball at the start winning opening, and the bonus symbol is awarded only when the variably displayed special symbol is a predetermined symbol. There is a pachinko machine (so-called first type pachinko machine) of a type that executes a special game advantageous to the player.
In such a pachinko machine, various effects are executed by a voice or an image during normal game or during a period from when a special symbol is variably displayed until it is stopped. In particular, in order to increase the player's expectation for a special game, a plurality of decorative symbols are variably displayed while the special symbol is variably displayed, resulting in a so-called reach state (a state where there is a possibility of shifting to a special game). In many cases, a special effect (so-called reach effect) is executed.

  As this type of gaming machine, for example, one having a decorative symbol display device in which a plurality of variable display portions are arranged in a matrix on a board surface is widely known. In such a gaming machine, a plurality of active lines are defined, and a combination of decorative symbols displayed on the variable display portion existing in each active line satisfies a certain condition (for example, n pieces existing on the active line) When (n-1) variable display portions of the variable display portions have the same type of decorative symbols and the last one decorative symbol is aligned, the jackpot symbol is completed). Reach production is executed when it is established (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below).

Japanese Patent No. 3586614

  In the above-mentioned pachinko machine, aiming to enhance the player by changing the reach effect between when the reach state is established with one active line and when the reach state is established with a plurality of active lines. However, when the game ball wins the start winning opening, the player simply passively looks at the effects from the decorative display etc. displayed variably until it stops, and is actively involved in the reach. There was a problem that the sense of acquiring the state and the jackpot was poor, and it was monotonous and lacked in the fun of the game.

  The present invention has been made in view of the circumstances described above, and can give a player a sense of being actively involved and gaining a reach state or a jackpot, thereby raising the player's mood. It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine that can be more enthusiastic about games.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, a gaming machine according to the present invention is a gaming machine that includes a plurality of variable display units in which symbols are variably displayed according to a lottery result, and a plurality of effective lines are set. Input means for receiving the input operation, pre-reach determination means for determining whether or not to execute the pre-reach effect according to the lottery result, and temporary stop on one or more variable display units when it is determined that the pre-reach effect should be executed From the first pre-reaching effect means that invalidates the symbol temporarily displayed on one or more other variable display portions while validating the displayed symbol, and the variable display portion invalidating the symbol, Input from the input means, a second pre-reaching effect means for selecting one or more variable display portions that are predicted to display the symbols that constitute the reach state together with the displayed symbols. And a third pre-reaching effect unit that selects a predicted variable display unit based on a selection operation and determines whether or not a reach state is established in an effective line including the selected variable display unit. And

According to such a configuration, the player can select the variable display unit that is expected to configure the reach state by operating the input means, so that the player is actively involved and obtains the reach state. A sense can be given to the player, and the player's mood can be raised and the game can be more enthusiastic.
Further, by determining whether or not the reach state is established in the active line including the variable display portion selected by the player, for example, in the case where the reach state occurs in the active line and in other active lines A reach effect (the former: high expectation level, the latter: low expectation level) can be performed differently from the case where the reach state is occurring, and the player's mood can be further enhanced.

  Here, in the above-described configuration, the first pre-reaching effect unit invalidates the symbol by setting the symbol temporarily stopped and displayed on the other variable display unit as a display with low visibility. Is preferred. Further, it is preferable that the second pre-reach effect means informs the player of a message prompting selection of the variable display unit. Furthermore, it is preferable that a reach production unit for performing a reach production is further provided, and the reach production unit performs a different reach production according to a determination result of the third pre-reach production unit.

  In addition, the simulation program according to the present invention includes a variable display function for variably displaying symbols on each of a plurality of variable display units constituting the display device in accordance with a lottery result on a computer including a display device and an input unit. A pre-reach determination function that determines whether or not a pre-reach effect can be executed according to the lottery result, and a symbol that is temporarily stopped and displayed on one or more variable display units when it is determined that the pre-reach effect should be executed. The symbol which constitutes the reach state together with the activated symbol from the first pre-reach effect function for invalidating the symbol temporarily displayed on the other one or more variable display units and the variable display unit invalidating the symbol A second pre-reaching effect function for selecting one or more variable display portions predicted to be displayed using the input means, and selection input from the input means And a third pre-reach effect function for selecting a predicted variable display unit based on the operation and determining whether or not a reach state is established in an effective line including the selected variable display unit. To do.

  According to such a simulation program, the same game as the above gaming machine can be realized by a computer such as a personal computer or a mobile phone, so that the player can enjoy the same game as the gaming machine by the computer.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to give the player a sense of being actively involved and acquiring a reach state or a jackpot, so that the player's mood can be raised and the game can be more easily absorbed. It becomes possible.

It is a front view which shows an example of the external appearance structure of the pachinko machine of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the symbol display part which concerns on the same embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the symbol display part which concerns on the same embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the pre-reach effect which concerns on the embodiment. It is a figure which shows the operation switch which concerns on the same embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the system configuration | structure of the pachinko machine concerning the embodiment. It is a functional block diagram which shows an example of a functional structure of the main control board which concerns on the embodiment. It is a functional block diagram which shows an example of a functional structure of the sub control board which concerns on the embodiment. It is a main flowchart which shows an example of the processing operation in a main control board. It is a flowchart explaining the detail of the general winning process in step S2 of FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the detail of the normal symbol action | operation gate passage process in step S3 of FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the detail of the normal symbol action | operation gate passage process in step S3 of FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the detail of the start winning process in step S4 of FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the detail of the start winning process in step S4 of FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the detail of the special game execution process in step S5 of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the processing operation in the normal game in a sub control board. It is a flowchart explaining the detail of a pre-reach effect process. It is a flowchart explaining the detail of a pre-reach effect process. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a structure of the simulation apparatus which concerns on a modification.

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, as an example of a gaming machine, a so-called first-class pachinko machine (hereinafter referred to as a pachinko machine) will be described as an example. Is also applicable. Moreover, it is applicable not only to a pachinko machine but also to a slot machine.

A. First embodiment (pachinko machine 100)
FIG. 1 is a front view showing an example of an external configuration of the pachinko machine according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 1, a pachinko machine (game machine) 100 includes a game board (gauge board) that constitutes a game board surface and a game machine frame that supports and fixes the game board.
The game board includes a plurality of nails 101, windmills 102a and 102b, a normal symbol operating gate 103, a normal electric accessory 104, a center decorative part 105, a special symbol display device 106, an effect display device 107, a normal symbol display device 108, an outside A rail 110, an inner rail 109, and the like are provided as game parts. Further, the game board is provided with a general winning port 111, a starting winning port 112, a big winning port 113, and an out port 114.
The inner rail 109 and the outer rail 110 are for guiding the launched game balls to the game area 115. The nail 101 and the windmills 102a and 102b are provided at predetermined positions in the game area 115. For example, the movement of the game ball that enters the game area 115 and moves from top to bottom in FIG. Or the winning of the game ball to the general winning port 111, the start winning port 112, and the big winning port 113 and the passing of the game ball to the normal symbol operating gate 103 are adjusted.

The special symbol display device 106 is provided on the side of the inner rail 109, and includes, for example, a 7-segment LED 116 that displays the special symbol and four LEDs 117 that display the number of winnings to the starting winning port 112 of the game ball. It is prepared for. Here, the special symbol is a symbol for indicating whether or not to generate a “hit” in accordance with the result of a lottery performed with the winning of the game ball at the start winning port 112 as a trigger.
In this embodiment, the 7-segment LED 116 is caused to emit light based on the winning of the game ball at the start winning opening 112, and “3” and “7”, which are special symbols corresponding to “big hit”, and “losing”. After the corresponding special symbol “-” is displayed in a variable manner, one of these three types of special symbols is stopped and displayed based on the result of the lottery.
The four LEDs 117 for displaying the number of lottery results held based on the winning of the game ball at the start winning opening 112 sequentially emit light each time the game ball wins the start winning opening 112, and also display a special symbol change display. Turns off sequentially when starting. That is, the number of light emission of the four LEDs 117 corresponding to the upper limit value of the number of holdings is notified to the player of the current number of holdings of the lottery result based on the winning of the game ball to the start winning opening 112.
As described above, in this embodiment, the upper limit value of the number of holds of the lottery result based on the winning of the game ball to the start winning opening 112 is set to four. Then, when the number of reserves is four and a game ball is won at the start winning opening 112, the number corresponding to winning at the start winning opening 112 without performing a lottery based on the winning of the game ball. Only to play the prize ball.

The effect display device 107 is provided at a substantially central position of the game area 115 so that it can be easily seen by the player, and includes a liquid crystal display device for displaying various effects.
In the effect display device 107 according to the present embodiment, nine symbol display portions (variable display portions) 118a to 118i of 3 rows × 3 columns arranged in a matrix are formed, and in each symbol display portion 118a to 118i, A plurality of types of decorative symbols are variably displayed. The effect display device 107 is formed with a total of eight effective lines, three in the horizontal direction, three in the vertical direction, and two in the diagonal direction. In the present embodiment, a well-known reach effect is performed as various effects, and an effect that gives the player a sense of being able to acquire a reach state or a jackpot according to his input operation (hereinafter referred to as “pre-reach effect”). Is done.

Specifically, first, a change in symbols displayed on each of the symbol display units 118a to 118i (for example, switching or scrolling of symbols “0” to “9”) is triggered by the winning of the game ball at the start winning opening 112. Etc.) is started. Thereafter, when a predetermined time elapses, the symbols displayed on the symbol display portions 118a to 118i are temporarily stopped in sequence. Here, “temporary stop” is an unstable situation in which each symbol fluctuates until the change of each symbol completely stops (hereinafter referred to as “main stop”) in response to a single winning. State.
If the symbol does not fluctuate between the temporary stop and the elapse of a predetermined time (for example, 1 second), the main stop is performed. On the other hand, if a change in design occurs between the temporary stop and the elapse of a predetermined time, a reach effect or a pre-reach effect is performed.

For example, as shown in FIG. 2, a specific type of symbol (for example, “7”, etc .; hereinafter referred to as “big jackpot symbol”) corresponding to “big jackpot” is temporarily stopped on two symbol display portions 118a and 118i on an effective line. If it is, the reach state is established and the reach effect is performed.
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3, when a jackpot symbol temporarily stops on a certain symbol display unit 118a and a specific condition is satisfied, a pre-reach effect that is expected to develop into a reach state is performed. The specific condition is, for example, the case where the “big hit” is removed m times (m ≧ 1) in spite of the occurrence of the reach state, or the variation display of the symbol corresponding to “losing” is 1 This is the case when it is performed once (l ≧ 1). Of course, the present invention is not limited to this, and various conditions can be defined.

  Here, the outline of the pre-reach effect will be described. First, in the state where the symbol is temporarily stopped (see FIG. 4A), only the jackpot symbol (see symbol display unit 118a) is left and other symbols are invalidated. (In this embodiment, monochrome inversion display processing) is performed (see FIG. 4B). Instead of monochrome inversion display, semi-transparent display or mask display (that is, display with low visibility) may be used. Further, the number of symbols to be left and the number to be invalidated may be not only one but also a plurality.

  Then, the player is made to predict and select a symbol display unit (hereinafter, “reach prediction symbol display unit”) that is expected to display the symbols constituting the reach state together with the jackpot symbol. Specifically, first, a predicted reach symbol is displayed by displaying, for example, a telop display indicating that the reach predictive symbol display portion should be selected within a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) from among the symbol display portions 118b to 118i displayed in black and white. The player is prompted to select the display (see FIG. 4C).

  When the player confirms the telop display, the player performs prediction / selection of the reach prediction symbol display unit by using an operation switch (described later) including a cross key, a push button, and the like. For example, the player uses the cross key to move the cursor (not shown) on the symbol display portion to be selected as the reach prediction symbol display portion, and then presses a push button to confirm the selection. The reach prediction symbol display section selected by such an operation is displayed, for example, by light emission (see FIG. 4D). In the present embodiment, the number of selectable reach prediction symbol display units is three (in FIG. 4D, the symbol display units 118b, 118d, and 118i). The number can be arbitrarily set. In addition, when the player does not select the predicted reach symbol display unit within a predetermined time, for example, the symbol display unit displayed at the time of the cursor may be selected as the predicted reach symbol display unit.

  When such a selection operation is completed, the changes in symbols on the symbol display units 118b to 118i other than the symbol display unit 118a are resumed, and temporarily stop after a predetermined time. At this time, for example, as shown in FIG. 4 (e), the jackpot symbol constituting the reach state is displayed on any of the reach prediction symbol display units selected by the player (in FIG. 4 (e), the symbol display unit 118i). When (7 in this embodiment) is temporarily stopped and the reach state is established, the shift to the reach effect described above is made.

Here, when the reach state is established by the reach prediction symbol display unit selected by the player, it is possible to perform a reach effect that gives a sense of expectation more than the normal reach state. Further, when a plurality of reach prediction symbol display units can be selected, different reach effects may be performed according to the number of effective lines (hereinafter, reach lines) where the reach state is established.
For example, as the reach line increases, it is conceivable to perform a reach effect (a reach effect that increases the expectation) that gives the player a feeling that they are approaching a “big hit”.
Further, when there are three or more reach lines, the “big hit” may be determined. In other words, when “big hit” is confirmed by lottery, three or more reach lines may be displayed to notify the player that “big hit” has been confirmed. Furthermore, the reach state may be established not only in the predicted reach symbol display unit selected by the player but also in other symbol display units.

  By performing the pre-reach production described above, it is possible to give players a sense of being actively involved and gaining reach and jackpots, raising the player's mood and making them more engaged in the game. It becomes possible.

  In the above description, the case where nine symbol display portions are provided and the effective lines are set to eight lines has been described. However, the number n (n ≧ 3) of the symbol display portions and the number k of effective lines (k ≧ 1). ) Can be set arbitrarily. Further, the symbol display portions may be arranged in a substantially circular shape instead of being arranged in a matrix. Further, in the above example, the configuration that enables selection of the reach prediction symbol display unit after the symbols are temporarily stopped on all the symbol display units is illustrated, but the symbols are temporarily stopped on some symbol display units ( For example, it may be possible to select the predicted reach symbol display unit in a state where the jackpot symbol is temporarily stopped on a specific symbol display unit).

Returning to FIG. 1, an ordinary electric accessory 104 is provided below the effect display device 107. The ordinary electric accessory 104 opens and closes to guide the game ball to the start winning opening 112.
A big prize opening 113 is formed below the ordinary electric accessory 104. The big prize opening 113 becomes a “hit” and when the game shifts to a special game, the big prize opening door 120 falls and opens. In the present embodiment, a maximum of 15 unit games are executed in a special game. More specifically, during a unit game, when a game ball passes through a specific area (so-called V zone) 121 formed in the big prize opening 113, it may shift to the next unit game. As much as possible, a maximum of 15 unit games are executed. In the present embodiment, the specific area 121 is formed in the special winning opening 113, but the specific area 121 is not necessarily formed. In this case, when shifting to the special game, it is guaranteed that 15 unit games will be executed.
The center decorative component 105 is a molded product including a translucent part, and is provided around the effect display device 107. The center decoration part 105 plays a role of protecting the effect display device 107 or decorating the pachinko machine 100. Further, in the pachinko machine 100 shown in FIG. 1, the game ball that has entered the through portion 105 a formed at the upper part of the center decorative part 105 passes through the center decorative part 105 and is placed below the center decorative part 105. A flow path is formed so as to move to the formed stage 105b.

The normal symbol operation gate 103 is provided between the normal electric accessory 104 and the inner rail 109. For example, a game ball can pass through the normal symbol operation gate 103 from top to bottom. It is configured.
The normal symbol display device 108 is provided at a position facing the normal symbol operation gate 103 through the normal electric accessory 104. For example, the 7-segment LED 122 for displaying the normal symbol and the normal symbol operation gate 103 for the game ball are provided. And four LEDs 123 that display the number of passages to. Here, the normal symbol is a symbol for indicating whether or not the normal electric accessory 104 is to be released according to the result of a lottery performed with the passage of the game ball to the normal symbol operating gate 103 as a trigger.
The normal symbol display device 108 causes the 7-segment LED 122 to emit light based on the passage of the game ball to the normal symbol operation gate 103 and, for example, “7” and “−” as the normal symbols are alternately displayed in a variable manner. Either “7” or “−” is stopped and displayed. Then, when “7” is stopped and displayed, it is determined as “winning” and the ordinary electric accessory 104 is opened. On the other hand, when “−” is stopped and displayed, it is “lost”, and the ordinary electric accessory 104 is not opened.
The four LEDs 123 that display the number of passes of the game ball to the normal symbol operation gate 103 sequentially emit light each time the game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gate 103, and when the normal symbol variation display is started. Turns off sequentially. That is, the number of passages of the normal symbol operation gate 103 is notified to the player by the number of light emission of the four LEDs 123.

The general winning opening 111 is provided between the normal symbol operating gate 103 and the inner rail 109. When a gaming ball wins the general winning opening 111, a predetermined number of gaming balls are paid out.
The out port 114 is provided at the lowermost part of the game area 115 and collects game balls that have not won any of the start winning port 112, the general winning port 111, and the big winning port 113. The collected game balls are released to the outside of the pachinko machine 100.
The gaming machine frame includes an outer frame 124, a front frame 125, a transparent plate 126, a door 127, and a ball tray unit 128.
The outer frame 124 has an opening and is a frame for fixing the pachinko machine 100 to a position where it should be installed. The front frame 125 is a frame body aligned with the opening portion of the outer frame 124, and is attached to the outer frame 124 so as to be freely opened and closed by a hinge mechanism or the like.

The front frame 125 has a mechanism for launching a game ball, a mechanism for detachably storing a game board, a mechanism for guiding or collecting the game ball, and the like. Furthermore, electrical decoration parts 130a to 130d such as game effect lamps that are turned on according to the state of the game are provided on the peripheral edge of the front frame 125.
The transparent plate 126 is for protecting the game board, and is, for example, a transparent glass plate. A player plays a game through the transparent plate 126 while seeing through the game area 115 of the game board.
The door 127 is for supporting the transparent plate 126, and is attached to the front frame 125 so as to be freely opened and closed by a hinge mechanism or the like.
The ball tray unit 128 is provided below the front frame 125. The ball tray 128a stores a certain amount of game balls (rental balls and prize balls), a mechanism for storing game balls, and fires the game balls. A mechanism for sending out the game ball to the mechanism for the above, a ball removal mechanism for extracting the stored game ball into a ball exit storage box (so-called dollar box), a firing handle 131, an operation switch 132, and the like.
In the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, a push button type is adopted as the ball removing mechanism. More specifically, when the player presses the bullet release button 128b, a part of the bottom surface of the ball tray 128a is opened, and the game ball stored in the ball tray 128a is released to the outside. Speakers 133 that reproduce and output sound effects are provided on both sides of the ball removal mechanism.

The launch handle 131 is operated by the player when launching the game ball toward the game area 115. When the player rotates the launch handle 131, the game ball is guided toward the game area 115 by being guided by the inner rail 109 and the outer rail 110 at a speed corresponding to the rotation angle.
The operation switch (input unit) 132 is a unit that receives an input operation from the player, and includes a cross key 132a and a push button 132b as shown in FIG. Note that the configuration of the operation switch 132 is not limited to this, and any operation element capable of receiving an input operation such as a trackball, a jog dial, a joystick, a keyboard, or a touch panel can be applied.

(Outline of the game)
Here, an outline of the game in the pachinko machine 100 will be described.
First, in the state where the rented game balls (rental balls) are placed on the ball tray 128a, when the player turns the launch handle 131 in the clockwise direction toward FIG. 1, the game balls are moved to the game area. Fired at 115. The game ball that has entered the game area 115 collides with the nail 101 or the windmill 102 formed in the game area 115, and moves in the game area 115 from top to bottom while moving irregularly.

When the game ball wins the start winning opening 112, a predetermined number of prize balls (four prize balls in the present embodiment) are paid out to the ball tray 128a, and the special symbol display device 106 and the effect display device 107 Fluctuation display is started.
Here, when the result of the lottery executed based on the winning is “losing”, even if the pre-reach effect and the reach effect described above are not performed or these effects are performed, finally, Is a combination of decorative symbols corresponding to “losing” (for example, “368”) on each effective line formed on the effect display device 107, and a predetermined symbol corresponding to “losing” on the special symbol display device 106. Special symbols (for example, “-”) are stopped and displayed.

  On the other hand, when the result of the lottery executed based on the winning is “big hit”, after the pre-reach effect and the reach effect are performed, the effective line formed in the effect display device 107 is finally obtained. A combination of symbols (for example, “777”) is stopped and displayed, and a predetermined special symbol (for example, “7”) is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display device 106. As a result, it becomes a “hit” and the game shifts from normal game to special game.

  In the special game, the big prize opening door 120 falls down and the big prize opening 113 is opened. Each time a game ball wins the open big winning opening 113, a predetermined number of prize balls (15 prize balls in this embodiment) are paid out. In this embodiment, when the grand prize opening 113 is opened for 29.5 seconds or when a specific number of game balls are won in the grand prize opening 113, the grand prize opening door 120 is raised. Then, the big prize opening 113 is closed. In the following description, when the specific number is 10, that is, either the big prize opening 113 is opened for 29.5 seconds or ten game balls are won in the big prize opening 113. A description will be given by taking as an example a case where the grand prize opening door 120 is raised when the state is reached.

When the game ball passes through a specific area (so-called V zone) formed in the big prize opening 113 while the big prize opening 113 is open as described above, the big prize opening 113 is again opened. Open. In the present embodiment, the opening / closing operation of the grand prize winning opening 113 is performed up to 15 times. That is, as described above, in the special game, a unit game in which the opening / closing of the special winning opening 113 is set as a set is performed 15 times at maximum.
In this way, when a special game is executed, a large amount of prize balls are paid out in a short period of time, and a great merit can be given to the player.

When the game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gate 103, the normal symbol display device 108 (7-segment LED 122) starts to display the normal symbol in a variable manner. Thereafter, when a predetermined normal symbol (“7” in the present embodiment) is stopped and displayed on the normal symbol display device 108 (7-segment LED 122), the normal electric accessory 104 opens and closes. When the ordinary electric combination 104 is opened, it is possible for the game ball to win the start winning opening 112 without passing between nails (so-called life nails) above the start winning opening.
Further, in accordance with the result of the lottery executed based on the winning at the start winning opening, after the special game is executed, the mode is changed to either the “probability change mode” or the “short time mode”. At this time, when shifting to the “probability change mode”, “7” is displayed as a special symbol on the special symbol display device 106, and the effect display device 107 executes an effect indicating that it shifts to the “probability change mode”. , Inform the player. Further, when shifting to the “short time mode”, the special symbol display device 106 displays “3” as a special symbol, and the effect display device 107 executes an effect indicating that the mode is shifted to the “short time mode”. Inform the player.

Here, the “probability change mode” is a mode in which a “big hit” is made, and after a special game is executed, a state in which the probability of becoming a “big hit” is higher than in a normal game is formed. Further, in this “probability change mode”, after the execution of the special game, until the next special game starts, the operation of the ordinary electric accessory 104 is different from that in the normal game, and the game ball is placed in the start winning opening 112. It is also designed to form a state where it is easy to win.
On the other hand, the “short-time mode” is a “hit”, and after the special game is executed, until the game is executed 100 times, for example, the operation of the ordinary electric actor 104 is different from the normal game. This mode is a mode in which a ball is easy to win at the start winning opening 112 and returns to the normal game when the predetermined number of games are executed.

As described above, when the transition to the “probability change mode” is performed after the execution of the special game, it is possible to prevent the holding ball from being reduced as much as possible until the next special game is started. Further, even when the mode is shifted to the “short time mode”, it is possible to prevent the holding ball from being reduced as much as possible for a while after the execution of the special game.
When a game ball wins the general winning opening 111, a predetermined number of prize balls (four prize balls in this embodiment) are paid out to the ball tray 128a. If the game ball has not won any winning opening, the game ball flows into the out opening 114.

(System configuration)
Next, a system configuration such as an internal configuration of the pachinko machine 100 will be described. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of the pachinko machine 100.
Inside the housing of the pachinko machine 100, there are a main control board 201, a sub control board 202 connected to the main control board 201, a winning hole board 203, an LED drive board 204, a launch control board 205, a payout control board 206, A power receiving board 207, an electric decoration board 208, and the like are provided.

(Main control board 201)
The main control board 201 is provided with a main CPU 201a, ROM 201b, RAM 201c, and interface circuit (I / F circuit) 201d, which are connected to each other via a bus 201e.
The main CPU 201a reads (fetches), interprets (decodes), and executes instructions constituting the program. And main CPU201a reads the program, data, etc. which are memorize | stored in ROM201b, and controls the whole pachinko machine 100 based on these.
The ROM 201b stores programs and data necessary for the main CPU 201a to perform processing shown in FIG. 9 and the like to be described later, and control of other games. The RAM 201c is used as a work area when the main CPU 201a performs various controls and temporarily stores data and the like.
The I / F circuit 201d transmits and receives signals performed between the main control board 201, the sub control board 202, the winning hole board 203, the LED drive board 204, the launch control board 205, and the payout control board 206. Control the timing. However, between the main control board 201 and the sub control board 202, transmission of signals from the main control board 201 to the sub control board 202 is performed, but transmission of signals from the sub control board 202 to the main control board 201 is not performed. Not done. That is, only one-way transmission is possible.
In addition, the I / F circuit 201 d is supplied with predetermined power from the power supply device 209 disposed inside the housing of the pachinko machine 100 via the power receiving board 207. With this power, the main control board 201 can perform various processes described later.

(Sub control board 202)
The sub control board 202 is provided with a sub CPU 202a, ROM 202b, RAM 202c, image control processor 202d, image data ROM 202e, video RAM 202f, tone generator circuit 202g, amplifier 202h, and interface circuit (I / F circuit) 202i. The sub CPU 202a, ROM 202b, RAM 202c, image control processor 202d, tone generator circuit 202g, and I / F circuit 202i are connected to each other via a bus 202j. The image data ROM 202e and the video RAM 202f are connected to the image control processor 202d, and the amplifier 202h is connected to the sound source circuit 202g. Furthermore, an electrical decoration board 208 is connected to the I / F circuit 202i.
The sub CPU 202a reads (fetches), interprets (decodes), and executes instructions constituting the program. Then, the sub CPU 202a reads a program, data, and the like stored in the ROM 202b, and controls the entire sub control board 202, in particular, controls the effects for the player.
The ROM 202b stores programs and data necessary for the sub CPU 202a to execute processing shown in FIG. 10 to be described later and other effects during the game. The RAM 202c is used as a work area when the sub CPU 202a performs various controls, and temporarily stores data and the like.
The ROM 202b and the RAM 202c may be the same as the ROM 201b and the RAM 201c provided on the main control board 201, respectively, but it is preferable to use one having a larger capacity than these.

The effect display device 107 includes a liquid crystal display device, and is connected to the image control processor 202d. The image data ROM 202e stores image data such as characters, characters, and backgrounds displayed on the effect display device 107. In particular, the image data ROM 202e stores original image data and the like necessary for generating decorative symbols to be displayed on the nine symbol display units 118a to 118i constituting the effect display device 107.
The video RAM 202f is a memory used when the image control processor 202d creates an image to be displayed on the effect display device 107. The image data read from the image data ROM 202e is expanded in the video RAM 202f, and an image based on the expanded image data is displayed on the effect display device 107. Needless to say, instead of the liquid crystal display device 118, for example, the effect display device 107 may be configured using a plasma display or the like.
The sound source circuit 202g is for generating an audio signal corresponding to the game effect, and is connected to the amplifier 202h. The sound based on the sound signal generated by the sound source circuit 202g is amplified by the amplifier 202h and output from the speaker 133.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, as a peripheral device for performance, in addition to the performance display device 107 and the speaker 133, an electrical decoration component 130 that is turned on or off according to the state of the game is provided. For example, as the illumination component 130, an illumination component (LED) that is lit when a reach state is formed, an illumination component (LED) that is lit during execution of a special game, and an illumination component that is lit during a prize ball ( LED).
These effect peripheral devices are peripheral devices that are not directly related to the game, and output the effects during the game, and are controlled only by the sub-control board 202 and not by the main control board 201. .
The I / F circuit 202 i performs timing control when receiving a signal from the main control board 201. Further, the I / F circuit 202i detects the operation of the operation switch 132 and transmits the detection signal to the sub CPU 202a. Thereby, the sub CPU 202a recognizes the operation content of the operation switch 132.
The I / F circuit 202 i is supplied with predetermined power via the power receiving board 207 from the power supply device 209 arranged inside the housing of the pachinko machine 100. With this electric power, the sub-control board 202 can perform various processes described later.

(Electric board 208)
The above-mentioned electrical decoration part 130 is connected to the electrical decoration board 208, and the electric power supplied from the power supply device 209 arranged inside the housing of the pachinko machine 100 is output to the electrical decoration part. Thereby, the electrical decoration component 130 performs lighting or light extinction.

(Prize opening board 203)
On the winning opening board 203, a start winning opening switch 210 for detecting the winning of the game ball to the starting winning opening 112, a normal symbol operating gate switch 211 for detecting the passing of the gaming ball to the normal symbol operating gate 114, A general winning opening switch 212 that detects a winning of a game ball to the winning opening 111, a large winning opening switch 213 that detects a winning of a gaming ball to the big winning opening 113, and a specification formed in the large winning opening 113 A specific area detection switch 214 that detects passage of a game ball to the area 121 is connected.
Based on the signals transmitted from the start winning port switch 210, the normal symbol operating gate switch 211, the general winning port switch 212, the large winning port switch 213, and the specific area detecting switch 214, the winning port board 203 It identifies which region has passed and transmits a game ball passing signal indicating the identified result to the main control board 201.
Further, the prize winning board 203 has an ordinary electric accessory solenoid 215 for opening the ordinary electric accessory 104, a prize winning solenoid 216 for opening the prize winning opening 113, and the prize winning opening 113. A specific area solenoid 217 for controlling the movement of the game ball is connected. Specifically, the specific area solenoid 217 makes it easy to pass the game ball to the specific area until the specific area detection switch 214 detects the passage of the game ball to the specific area 121, and enters the specific area 121. When the passage of the game ball is detected, the state where the passage of the game ball to the specific area 121 becomes easy is released.
The prize opening board 203 outputs a current for driving the ordinary electric combination 104 to the ordinary electric combination solenoid 215 when an ordinary electric combination release instruction signal is input from the main control board 201 as will be described later. As a result, the ordinary electric accessory 104 performs an opening / closing operation.
In addition, when the prize winning hole opening instruction signal is input from the main control board 201, the prize winning hole board 203 outputs a current for driving the big prize winning hole door 120 to the big prize winning hole solenoid 216. As a result, the special winning opening 113 is opened. On the other hand, when a special winning opening closing instruction signal is input from the main control board 201, the output of the current for driving the special winning opening door 120 is stopped. Thereby, the special winning opening 113 is closed.
Further, when the game ball passes through the specific area, it is determined that the special game will be transferred to the next unit game, and when the specific area control instruction signal is input from the main control board 201, the winning opening board 203 is A current for releasing the state where the passing of the game ball to 121 is facilitated is output to the specific area solenoid 217.

(LED drive board 204)
A special symbol display device 106 and a normal symbol display device 108 are connected to the LED drive board 204. When a special symbol display instruction signal is input from the main control board 201 as described later, the LED drive board 204 receives the 7-segment LED 116 disposed in the special symbol display device 106 based on the special symbol display instruction signal, The four LEDs 117 that display the number of winnings are made to emit light. In addition, when the normal symbol display instruction signal is input from the main control board 201, the LED drive board 204, based on the normal symbol display instruction signal, the 7-segment LED 122 disposed in the normal symbol display device 108, and the gate passage The four LEDs 123 for displaying the numbers are caused to emit light.

(Launch control board 205)
The launch control board 205 is connected to a launch handle 131 for launching a game ball into the game area 115. The launch control board 205 detects that the launch handle 131 has been operated by the player, and transmits a launch operation detection signal indicating the detected result to the main control board 201. As a result, the main control board 201 recognizes that the firing handle 131 has been operated.
The main control board 201 transmits a launch permission signal to the launch control board 205 when the game balls are not stored in the ball tray 128a in a certain amount or more. Then, the launch control board 205 controls the launch handle 131 so that the game ball is launched toward the game area 115.
On the other hand, when a certain amount or more of the game balls are stored in the ball tray 128a, the main control board 201 transmits a launch non-permission signal to the launch control board 205. Thereby, the launch control board 205 controls the launch handle 131 so that the game ball is not launched toward the game area 115.

(Discharge control board 206)
When the payout control board 206 receives a prize ball number signal transmitted from the main control board 201 as will be described later, the number of prize balls (game balls) corresponding to the prize ball number signal is paid out to the ball tray 128a. Thus, the dispensing device 218 disposed inside the pachinko machine 100 is controlled. Thereby, the payout device 218 pays out a winning ball (game ball) corresponding to the winning.
The award opening board 203, the LED drive board 204, the launch control board 205, and the payout control board 206 operate based on the power supplied from the power supply device 209 via the power receiving board 207.

(Power receiving board 207)
When the power switch 219 disposed inside the pachinko machine 100 is turned on, the power receiving board 207 is supplied with power from the power supply device 209, and the power is supplied to the main control board 201 and the sub-control as described above. This is distributed to the board 202, the winning hole board 203, the LED driving board 204, the launch control board 205, the payout control board 206, and the decoration board 208.

Next, a functional configuration of the main control board 201 will be described.
FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the main control board 201. Each unit illustrated in FIG. 7 is realized by using a main CPU 201a, a ROM 201b, and a RAM 201c provided on the main control board 201.

(Winning determination unit 301)
The winning determination unit 301 determines which region the game ball has passed based on the game ball passing signal transmitted from the winning hole board 203. Specifically, based on the game ball passing signal, the winning determination unit 301 determines that the game ball is a start winning port 112, a normal symbol operating gate 103, a general winning port 111, a large winning port 113, and a specific area 121. Which of the above has been passed is determined.

(Payout instruction unit 303)
The payout instructing unit 303 transmits the award ball number signal indicating the number of winning balls to the payout control board 206 based on the result determined by the winning determination unit 301. Specifically, in this embodiment, when the winning determination unit 301 determines that the game ball has passed through the start winning port 112 (that the game ball has won the start winning port 112), the payout instructing unit 303 receives the award. The prize ball number signal indicating that the number of balls is “4” is transmitted to the payout control board 206.
When the winning determination unit 301 determines that the game ball has passed through the general winning opening 111, the payout instructing unit 303 sends the winning ball number signal indicating that the number of winning balls is “4” to the payout control board 206. Send. Further, when the winning determination unit 301 determines that the game ball has passed through the big winning opening 113, the payout instructing unit 303 sends the winning ball number signal indicating that the number of winning balls is “15” to the payout control board 206. Send.
Thereby, the payout control board 206 controls the payout device 218 so that payout according to the number of prize balls indicated in the prize ball number signal is made.

(Special symbol lottery section 304)
The special symbol lottery unit 304 generates and acquires a random number ranging from “0” to “65535”, for example, when the winning determination unit 301 determines that the game ball has won the start winning opening 112. For example, if no random number is stored in the special symbol random number storage area in the RAM 202 c, the acquired random number is output to the winning determination unit 305.
On the other hand, when a random number is stored in the special symbol random number storage area, the acquired random number is stored in the special symbol random number storage area. In the present embodiment, up to four random numbers acquired by the special symbol lottery unit 304 can be stored in the special symbol random number storage area, and the random number storage order can be identified. Then, the special symbol lottery unit 304 outputs the random number stored earliest in the special symbol random number storage area to the winning determination unit 305 and deletes the output random number from the special symbol random number storage region.

(Winning determination unit 305)
The winning determination unit 305 determines whether the random number output from the special symbol lottery unit 304 corresponds to “big hit” or “lost” based on the random number value output by the special symbol lottery unit 304. Furthermore, when “big hit” is true, it is determined whether to shift to “probability change mode” or “time reduction mode” after the “big win”. These determinations are made using, for example, a lottery table.
Then, if it corresponds to “big hit”, the bonus flag stored in the flag storage unit 302 is turned on. Further, when the “accuracy change mode” is applicable, the probability change flag stored in the flag storage unit 302 is turned on. On the other hand, in the case of “time reduction mode”, the time reduction flag stored in the flag storage unit 302 is turned on.
In the present embodiment, a lottery table that is different between the case of shifting to the “probability change mode” and the other cases (in the case of shifting to the “short-time mode” and when playing a normal game), It is determined whether it corresponds to the above-mentioned “big hit” or “losing”.
More specifically, in the present embodiment, the probability variation lottery table used when shifting to the “probability change mode”, the case of shifting to the “time reduction mode”, and the case of performing a normal game There are two lottery tables, the normal lottery table to be used.
And, in the case of shifting to the “probability mode”, the probability of being a “big hit” is higher than the case of shifting to the “short-time mode” and the case of performing a normal game. The contents of the two lottery tables are set.

(Special symbol display instruction unit 306)
The special symbol display instruction unit 306 determines the special symbol variation display time in the special symbol display device 106 based on the state of the flag stored in the flag storage unit 302, and determines the result determined by the winning determination unit 305. Based on this, the special symbol to be stopped and displayed on the special symbol display device 106 is determined.
In the present embodiment, the case where the probability variation flag or the time reduction flag is turned on (in the case of shifting to the “probability variation mode” or the “time reduction mode”) is more preferable than the case where the probability variation flag or the time reduction flag is turned on. The special symbol variation display time is made much shorter than when playing “games”.
Further, in the present embodiment, when it corresponds to “big hit” and shifts to “probability change mode”, “7” is determined as a special symbol to be stopped and displayed on the special symbol display device 106. On the other hand, when it corresponds to “big hit” and shifts to “time reduction mode”, “3” is determined as a special symbol to be stopped and displayed on the special symbol display device 106. Further, in the case of “losing”, “−” is determined as a special symbol to be stopped and displayed on the special symbol display device 106.

The special symbol display instruction unit 306 forms a display pattern based on the stop symbol determined in this way, the special symbol variation display time, and the like, and the special symbol display instruction signal indicating the display pattern is displayed on the LED drive board. 204. Accordingly, the 7-segment LED 116 of the special symbol display device 106 performs a light emission operation according to the display pattern indicated by the special symbol display instruction signal.
In this embodiment, in order to give the player a sense of being able to acquire a reach state or a jackpot according to his / her input operation, a special symbol stop display indicates “big hit” or “losing”. In order not to be notified in advance, the control is performed so that the fluctuation of the symbols displayed on the nine symbol display sections 118a to 118i is stopped in synchronization with the end timing of the special symbol fluctuation table time.

(Big prize opening opening instruction unit 307)
When the winning determination unit 305 determines that the lottery result by the special symbol lottery unit 304 corresponds to “big hit” by the winning determination unit 307 and the bonus flag in the flag storage unit 302 is turned on, The special winning opening release instruction signal is transmitted to the substrate 203. As a result, the special winning opening 113 is opened. After that, when it is determined that the game ball has passed the specific area 121 formed in the big prize opening 113 based on the result of the determination in the winning determination section 301, the special prize opening release instruction section 307 performs the specific area control. An instruction signal is transmitted to the winning opening board 203. As a result, the state in which the game ball can easily pass to the specific area 121 is released.
Thereafter, for example, when it is determined that ten game balls have passed through the prize winning opening 113, or when it has been determined that 29.5 seconds have elapsed since the prize winning opening 113 was opened, the prize winning opening releasing instruction unit 307 Then, a large winning opening closing signal is transmitted to the winning opening board 203. Thereby, the special winning opening 113 is closed.
When the big prize opening 113 is closed as described above, the big prize opening opening instructing unit 307 facilitates the passage of the game ball to the specific area 121 while the big prize opening 113 is being opened. It is determined whether or not the state has been released. As a result of this determination, when the state in which the passing of the game ball to the specific area 121 is released, the special winning opening release instruction unit 307 determines whether or not the special winning opening 113 is opened 15 times. . That is, it is determined whether or not 15 unit games have been consumed.

As a result of these determinations, when the state in which the passing of the game ball to the specific area 121 is facilitated and all the unit games in the special game have not been digested, the special winning opening release instructing unit 307 The prize winning opening instruction signal is transmitted to the prize winning board 203 to shift to the next unit game, and the operation for opening and closing the prize winning opening 113 as described above is repeated until all the unit games are consumed. Do.
On the other hand, when all the rounds of the special game have been completed, the special game has ended, and the special winning opening 113 is not opened. Further, when the game ball does not pass through the specific area 121 while the special winning opening 113 is opened, it is a so-called “punk” state, and whether or not all unit games in the special game have been consumed. Regardless, the special game is forcibly terminated. Accordingly, in this case as well, the special winning opening 113 is not opened.

(Normal symbol lottery section 309)
When the winning determination unit 301 determines that the game ball has passed the normal symbol operation gate 103, the normal symbol lottery unit 309 generates and acquires a random number within a predetermined range. When the normal symbol is not variably displayed on the normal symbol display device 108 (that is, there is no need to hold the lottery result of the normal symbol, and no random number is stored in the normal symbol random number storage area in the RAM 202c). In this case, the acquired random number is output to the winning determination unit 310.
On the other hand, if the number of random numbers stored in the normal symbol random number storage area is three or less and the normal symbol is displayed in a variable manner on the normal symbol display device 108, the obtained random number Are stored in the normal symbol random number storage area. As described above, in the present embodiment, up to four random numbers acquired by the normal symbol lottery unit 309 can be stored in the normal symbol random number storage area, and the random number storage order can be identified. . Then, the normal symbol lottery unit 304 outputs the random number stored earliest in the normal symbol random number storage area to the winning determination unit 310 and deletes the output random number from the normal symbol random number storage region.

(Winning determination unit 310)
The winning determination unit 310 determines whether the random number output from the normal symbol lottery unit 309 corresponds to “win” or “losing” based on the random number value output from the normal symbol lottery unit 309. This determination is performed using, for example, a lottery table.
In the present embodiment, using the lottery table that is different between the case of shifting to the “probability change mode” or the “time reduction mode” and the case of performing a normal game, either “winning” or “losing” described above is used. Judgment is made as to whether it corresponds.
Specifically, in the present embodiment, a special mode lottery table used when shifting to the “probability change mode” or the “short time mode” and a normal lottery table used when a normal game is being performed. There are two lottery tables.
The two lottery tables are set so that the probability of “winning” is significantly higher in the case of shifting to “probability mode” or “short-time mode” than in the case of playing a normal game. Is set. As a result, the probability of winning a normal symbol when the mode is shifted to the “probability change mode” or the “time reduction mode” is increased. Therefore, when the mode is shifted to the “probability change mode” or the “time reduction mode”, the normal electric accessory 104 is released more frequently than when the normal game is played, and the ball is held as much as possible. The game can be progressed without being reduced.

(Normal symbol display instruction unit 311)
The normal symbol display instruction unit 311 determines the normal symbol variation display time based on the state of the flag stored in the flag storage unit 302, and based on the lottery result determined by the winning determination unit 310, the normal symbol display time A normal symbol to be stopped and displayed on the display device 108 is determined. Then, a display pattern based on the determined stop symbol and the normal symbol variation display time is formed, and the normal symbol display instruction signal indicating the formed display pattern is transmitted to the LED drive board 204.
For example, in the present embodiment, the case where the probability change flag or the time reduction flag stored in the flag storage unit 302 is turned on (the case where the mode is shifted to the “probability change mode” or the “time reduction mode”). The normal symbol variation display time is made much shorter than when they are not turned on (than when the normal game is played).
If the result of the determination by the winning determination unit 310 is “winning”, for example, “7” is determined as a normal symbol to be stopped and displayed on the normal symbol display device 108. On the other hand, in the case of “losing”, for example, “−” is determined as a normal symbol to be stopped and displayed on the normal symbol display device 108.
Then, the normal symbol display instruction unit 311 forms a display pattern based on the stop symbol determined in this way, the normal symbol variation display time, and the like, and sends the normal symbol display instruction signal indicating the formed display pattern to the LED drive board. 204. Accordingly, the 7-segment LED 122 of the normal symbol display device 108 performs a light emission operation according to the display pattern indicated by the normal symbol display instruction signal.

(Normal electric accessory driving instruction unit 312)
Based on the state of the flag stored in the flag storage unit 302, the lottery result determined by the winning determination unit 310, etc., the normal electric combination driving instruction unit 312 determines the operation mode of the normal electric combination 104, A normal electric accessory release instruction signal indicating the determined operation mode is transmitted.
For example, in the present embodiment, the case where the probability change flag or the time reduction flag stored in the flag storage unit 302 is turned on (the case where the mode is shifted to the “probability change mode” or the “time reduction mode”). The operation mode (for example, the opening time) of the ordinary electric accessory 104 so that the game ball can easily win the start winning opening 112 rather than the case where they are not turned on (than when the normal game is performed). To decide.
Then, the ordinary electric accessory drive instructing unit 312 transmits the ordinary electric accessory release signal indicating the operation mode determined in this way to the prize opening board 203. Thereby, the ordinary electric accessory 104 operates in the operation mode indicated by the ordinary electric accessory release signal.

(Direction command generator 313)
The effect command generation unit 313 is the result of the determination by the winning determination unit 301, the result of determination by the winning determination unit 305 (special symbol lottery result), the state of the flag stored in the flag storage unit 302, and the special symbol display. Based on the special symbol variation display time determined by the instruction unit 306, an effect command corresponding to the current game state is generated and transmitted to the sub-control board 202.

Next, a functional configuration of the sub control board 202 will be described.
FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the sub control board 202. Each unit illustrated in FIG. 8 is realized by using a sub CPU 202a, a ROM 202b, and a RAM 202c provided on the sub control board 202.

(Direction command analysis unit 401)
The effect command analysis unit 401 analyzes the effect command transmitted from the main control board 201 (effect command generation unit 313). For example, when an effect command indicating a special symbol lottery result and a special symbol variation display time is input from the main control board 201, the current game mode is acquired with reference to the flag storage unit 411, and these information Are output to the stop symbol determination unit 402, the pre-reach effect determination unit 403, and the reach effect determination unit 404.
In addition, the process which the production | presentation command analysis part 401 performs is not limited to these, The process according to the content of the production | presentation command is performed suitably.

(Stop symbol determination unit 402)
Based on the information such as the special symbol lottery result output from the effect command analysis unit 401, the stop symbol determination unit 402 performs a combination of symbols to be displayed on the nine symbol display units 118a to 118i of the effect display device 107. To decide.
Specifically, if the lottery result of the special symbol is “big hit” and shifts to the “probability change mode”, at least one of the eight effective lines formed in the effect display device 107. A combination of any one of “111”, “333”, “555”, “777”, and “999” is determined as a combination of the decorative symbols to be displayed in the stop state.
In addition, when the special symbol lottery result is “big hit” and the mode shifts to the “time reduction mode”, “000”, “222”, “ The combination of any one of “444”, “666”, and “888” is determined as the combination of the decorative symbols that are to be stopped and displayed.
Furthermore, when the lottery result of the special symbol is “losing”, for example, “935”, “268”, etc., a combination that does not have the same type of symbols on any active line, Determine as a combination. The combination of decorative symbols to be stopped and displayed on the effect display device 107 may be determined by lottery, for example. The stop symbol determination unit 402 also determines a combination of decorative symbols to be temporarily stopped and displayed based on the lottery result.

(Pre-reach determination unit 403)
A pre-reach determination unit (pre-reach determination unit) 403 is a pre-reach effect that is expected to develop into a reach state based on information such as a lottery result of a special symbol, a probability variation flag, a time-short flag, and the like output from the effect command analysis unit 401. The determination result is output to the pre-reach effect execution unit 404.

(Prereach production execution unit 404)
The pre-reach effect execution unit (first to third pre-reach effect means) 404 includes a combination of decorative symbols to be displayed in a final stop determined by the stop symbol determination unit 402, a determination result output from the pre-reach determination unit 403, and a probability change flag. Based on the information such as the time reduction flag and the like, a pre-reach effect pattern that matches the conditions is selected from the PP database 405 in which a plurality of pre-reach effect patterns are stored in advance, and the selected pre-reach effect pattern is executed.

The pre-reach effect shown in FIG. 4 will be described as an example. First, the pre-reach effect execution unit (first pre-reach effect means) 404 selects a specific symbol from the symbols temporarily displayed on the symbol display units 181a to 181i. A pre-reach effect pattern that leaves a symbol (for example, “7”) and displays other symbols (for example, symbols other than “7”) in black and white reversed is selected from the PP database 405 and executed (FIG. 4 (FIG. 4)). a) and (b)).
Next, the pre-reach effect execution unit (second pre-reach effect means) 404 generates a pre-reach effect pattern that allows the player to predict and select the reach prediction symbol display unit from among the variable display units in which the symbols are displayed in black and white. This is selected from the PP database 405 and executed (see FIG. 4C).
After that, when a selection operation signal representing the selection operation of the predicted reach symbol display unit is input from the operation switch 123, the pre-reach effect execution unit 404 displays a pre-reach effect pattern that causes the selected reach prediction symbol display unit to emit and display the PP database. It selects from 405 and performs this (refer FIG.4 (d)).

The pre-reach production execution unit 404 includes a selection number counter (initial value; “0”) 404a that counts the number of selections of the reach prediction symbol display unit, and each time the player predicts the reach prediction symbol display unit, The count value of the selected number counter is incremented by “1”. Note that the maximum value of the selection number counter may be set according to the number of reach reachable symbol display units that can be selected (“3” in the present embodiment).
When such a selection operation is performed, the pre-reach effect execution unit (third pre-reach effect means) 404 resumes the variable display of the symbols on each symbol display unit. Then, the pre-reach effect execution unit 404 selects a pre-reach effect pattern for determining whether or not the reach state is established based on the symbol temporarily stopped in the reach prediction symbol display unit, and executes it. (See FIG. 4 (e)).
When the pre-reach effect execution unit 404 determines that the reach state is not established, the pre-reach effect execution unit 404 sends the combination of the decorative symbols to be displayed in the main stop determined by the stop symbol determination unit 402 to the image generation unit 409. On the other hand, when it is determined that the reach state is established, a reach effect execution command is sent to the reach determination unit 406 in order to develop the reach state.

(Reach determination unit 406)
The reach determination unit 406 determines whether or not the reach effect can be executed based on the special symbol lottery result output from the effect command analysis unit 401, information such as the probability variation flag and the time reduction flag, and executes the reach result. Output to the unit 407. When the reach determination unit 406 receives a command to execute the reach effect from the pre-reach effect execution unit 404, the reach determination unit 406 outputs the command to the reach effect execution unit 408 together with the special symbol lottery result.

(Reach production execution unit 407)
The reach effect execution unit (reach effect means) 407 includes information such as a combination of decorative symbols to be displayed in a real stop determined by the stop symbol determination unit 402, a determination result output from the reach determination unit 403, a probability variation flag, a time reduction flag, and the like. Based on the above, the reach effect pattern that matches the condition is selected from the RP database 408 in which a plurality of reach effect patterns are stored in advance, and the selected reach effect pattern is executed. In each reach effect pattern, a symbol change pattern to be displayed on the nine symbol change display portions 118a to 118i, a change time, or a special effect display is displayed, and then the symbols are temporarily stopped (so-called development type). An effect indicating that the mode changes to the probability change mode or the time reduction mode after the special game is executed. The contents set in the reach effect pattern are not limited to these.

(Image generation unit 409)
The image generation unit 409 includes a combination of symbols that are temporarily stopped or displayed on the symbol display units 118a to 118i determined by the stop symbol determination unit 402, execution results of the pre-reach effect execution unit 404 and the reach effect execution unit 407, Further, based on information output from the effect command analysis unit 402, image data to be displayed on the effect display device 107 is generated. For example, when performing a pre-reach effect, image data for displaying a symbol as shown in FIG. 4 is sequentially generated. When the analysis result indicating that the game ball has passed through the specific area 121 formed in the special winning opening 113 is output from the effect command analysis unit 401, the image generation unit 409 indicates that. Image data for informing the player is formed. Note that the image data generated by the image generation unit 409 is not limited to these.

(Voice generation unit 410)
The sound generation unit 410 generates sound data based on information output from the pre-reach effect execution unit 404, the reach effect execution unit 407, and the like, and outputs the sound data to the speaker 133.
For example, when an effect pattern that starts changing the symbols displayed on the symbol display units 118a to 118i is selected by the pre-reach effect execution unit 404 or the reach effect execution unit 407, according to the degree of progress of the effect pattern, Audio data that excites the expectation of “big hit” is generated and output to the speaker 133. Note that the audio data generated by the audio generation unit 410 is not limited to these.

Next, an example of a processing operation in the pachinko machine 100 according to the present embodiment configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 15.
(Processing of main control board 201)
FIG. 9 is a main flowchart showing an example of processing operation in the main control board 201.
In step S1 of FIG. 9, when the power switch 219 is turned on, the main control board 201 performs a game ball launch process. A specific example of this game ball launching process will be described. First, after the launch operation detection signal indicating that the launch handle 131 has been operated by the player is transmitted from the launch control board 205, the main control board 201, It is determined whether or not a certain amount of game balls are stored in the ball tray 128a.
If the result of this determination is that a certain amount or more of game balls are not stored in the ball tray 128a, the main control board 201 transmits a launch permission signal to the launch control board 205 and the game balls are directed to the game area 115. A command indicating that it has been fired is generated and transmitted to the sub-control board 202. Thereby, a game ball is launched into the game area 115 and an effect during the game is started.
On the other hand, when a certain amount or more of game balls are stored in the ball tray 128a, the main control board 201 transmits a launch non-permission signal to the launch control board 205, and the game balls cannot be launched into the game area 115. A command indicating this is generated and transmitted to the sub-control board 202. In this case, even if the player operates the launch handle 131, the game ball is not fired toward the game area 115. In addition, the player is notified by turning on the illumination part 130 that a certain amount or more of the game balls are stored in the ball tray 128a.

  Next, in step S2, the main control board 201 performs a general winning process. This general winning process is a process performed when a game ball launched into the game area 115 wins the general winning opening 111. Details of the general winning process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, in step S3, the main control board 201 performs normal symbol operation gate passage processing. This normal symbol operation gate passing process is a process performed when a game ball launched into the game area 115 passes through the normal symbol operation gate. The normal symbol operation gate passing process will be described later with reference to FIGS. 11A and 11B.

  Next, in step S4, the main control board 201 performs a start winning process. This start winning process is a process that is performed based on a winning of a game ball launched into the game area 115 to the start winning port 112. Details of the start winning process will be described later with reference to FIGS. 12A and 12B.

Next, in step S5, the main control board 201 performs a special game execution process. In this special game execution process, as a result of determining “big hit” by the winning determination unit 305, a special symbol or effect image is displayed on the special symbol display device 106 and the effect display device 107 to become “hit”, which is a special game. This is a process that is performed when a transition is made. Details of the special game execution process will be described later with reference to FIG.
As described above, the main control board 201 repeatedly performs the game ball firing process, the general winning process, the normal symbol operation gate passing process, the starting winning process, and the special game executing process, as shown in FIGS. 10 to 13 below. Thus, in the present embodiment, each process is repeatedly executed while omitting unnecessary processes according to the state of the game.

(General winning process)
Next, the details of the general winning process in step S2 of FIG. 9 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In addition, each process (including the partial process to which the code | symbol is not provided) can be arbitrarily changed in order within the range which does not produce contradiction in the processing content, or can be performed in parallel (this point is other The same applies to the flowchart of FIG.
In step S <b> 11 of FIG. 10, the winning determination unit 301 determines whether or not the gaming ball has won the general winning opening 111 based on the gaming ball passage signal transmitted from the winning opening board 203. If the result of this determination is that the game ball has won the general winning opening 111, the process proceeds to step S12, where the payout instruction unit 303 pays out the award ball number signal indicating that the number of winning balls is “4”. Transmit to the substrate 206. As a result, four prize balls are paid out to the ball tray 128a. In addition, the effect command generation unit 313 generates an effect command indicating that the general winning opening 111 has been won and transmits the effect command to the sub control board 202. Thereby, the sub-control board 202 informs the player that the general winning opening 111 has been won by, for example, lighting the electric decoration part 130. Then, the process returns to the main flowchart shown in FIG.
On the other hand, when the game ball has not won the general winning opening 111, it is not necessary to perform the process of step S12, and the process returns to the main flowchart shown in FIG.

(Normal symbol operation gate passing processing)
Next, the details of the normal symbol operation gate passing process in step S3 of FIG. 9 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 11A and 11B.
In step S21 of FIG. 11A, the winning determination unit 301 determines whether or not the gaming ball has passed through the normal symbol operation gate 103 based on the gaming ball passage signal transmitted from the winning opening board 203. If the result of this determination is that the game ball has passed through the normal symbol operation gate 103, the routine proceeds to step S22, where the normal symbol lottery unit 309 generates a random number and performs lottery (that is, obtains a random number).
Next, in step S23, the normal symbol lottery unit 309 determines whether or not the normal symbol is being variably displayed. If the result of this determination is that the normal symbol is variably displayed, the process proceeds to step S24, where the normal symbol lottery unit 309 counts the number of random numbers stored in the normal symbol random number storage area provided in the RAM 201c. It is determined whether or not there are three or less. As a result of this determination, if the number of random numbers stored in the normal symbol random number storage area is three or less, the process proceeds to step S25, where the normal symbol lottery unit 309 determines the normal symbol lottery result (step S22). 9) is stored in the normal symbol random number storage area, and the process returns to the main flowchart of FIG.

If it is determined in step S24 that the number of random numbers stored in the normal symbol random number storage area exceeds three, the random number acquired in step S22 may be suspended. Since normal symbols cannot be displayed based on, the process returns to the main flowchart of FIG.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S23 that the normal symbol is not being variably displayed, the process proceeds to step S26, and the normal symbol lottery unit 309 determines whether or not a random number is stored in the normal symbol random number storage area. Determine. As a result of this determination, if random numbers are stored, the process proceeds to step S27, and the normal symbol lottery unit 309 determines whether the number of random numbers stored in the normal symbol random number storage area is three or less. Determine whether.
As a result of this determination, if the number of random numbers stored in the normal symbol random number storage area is three or less, the process proceeds to step S28, where the normal symbol lottery unit 309 determines the normal symbol lottery result (step S22). Is stored in the normal symbol random number storage area.
Next, in step S29, the normal symbol lottery unit 309 reads the random number stored earliest in the normal symbol random number storage area, and proceeds to step S30.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S26 that no random number is stored, the normal symbol lottery unit 309 skips steps S27 to S29 and proceeds to step S30.
If it is determined in step S27 that the number of random numbers stored in the normal symbol random number storage area exceeds three, the random number acquired in step S22 may be suspended. Since the normal symbol display based on cannot be performed, the normal symbol lottery unit 309 returns to the main flowchart of FIG.

When the normal symbol lottery result (random number) is obtained as described above, the process proceeds to step S30, and the normal symbol lottery unit 309 outputs the obtained random number to the winning determination unit 310.
Next, in step S31, the winning determination unit 310 refers to the flag storage unit 302 to determine whether or not the time reduction flag or the probability variation flag is turned on. As a result of this determination, if the time reduction flag or the probability change flag is turned on, it is determined that the mode is shifting to the “time reduction mode” or “probability change mode”, and the process proceeds to step S32, where the winning determination unit 310 The special mode lottery table used in the case of the “short time mode” or “probability change mode” is read.
On the other hand, if it is determined that neither the time-saving flag nor the probability variation flag is turned on, it is determined that the game is in the normal game, and the process proceeds to step S33. The winning determination unit 310 is used when the game is in the normal game. The normal lottery table to be extracted is extracted.
As described above, when the lottery table is selected in step S33, the process proceeds to step S34 in FIG. 11B, and the winning determination unit 310 selects the lottery result (random number) output from the normal symbol lottery unit 309 in step S30. It is determined whether or not the lottery table corresponds to “winning”. That is, it is determined whether or not the normal symbol lottery is won.

As a result of this determination, if the normal symbol lottery is won, the process proceeds to step S35, and the normal symbol display instructing unit 311 and the ordinary electric accessory driving instructing unit 312 refer to the flag storage unit 302, and It is determined whether or not the probability variation flag is turned on. That is, it is determined whether or not a transition is made to either “time reduction mode” or “probability change mode”. As a result of this determination, if the time reduction flag or the probability change flag is turned on and the mode is shifted to the “time reduction mode” or “probability change mode”, the process proceeds to step S36.
In step S 36, when the transition to the “short time mode” is in progress, the normal symbol display instruction unit 311 displays the normal symbols in a variable manner during the default normal symbol fluctuation display time in the “short time mode”. A display pattern for stopping and displaying “7” indicating “win” is formed, and the normal symbol display instruction signal indicating the formed display pattern is transmitted to the LED drive board 204. Accordingly, the 7-segment LED 122 of the normal symbol display device 108 performs a light emission operation according to the display pattern indicated by the normal symbol display instruction signal.

On the other hand, when transitioning to the “probability change mode”, the normal symbol display instructing unit 311 displays the normal symbols in a variable manner during the default normal symbol change display time in the “probability change mode”, and then “wins”. A display pattern for stopping and displaying “7” indicating that the normal symbol is displayed, and the normal symbol display instruction signal indicating the formed display pattern is transmitted to the LED drive board 204. Accordingly, the 7-segment LED 122 of the normal symbol display device 108 performs a light emission operation according to the display pattern indicated by the normal symbol display instruction signal.
Next, in step S <b> 37, the ordinary electric accessory driving instruction unit 312 transmits the ordinary electric accessory release signal indicating the default operation mode in the “time reduction mode” or the “probability change mode” to the winning opening board 203. Thereby, the ordinary electric accessory 104 operates in the operation mode indicated by the ordinary electric accessory release signal. Then, the process returns to the main flowchart of FIG. The normal electric accessory release signal is transmitted after the normal symbol is stopped and displayed on the 7-segment LED 122 of the normal symbol display device 108.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S35 that neither the time reduction flag nor the probability variation flag is on, the normal game is in progress, so the process proceeds to step S38, and the normal symbol display instruction unit 311 displays the default during normal game. During the normal symbol variation display time, after the normal symbol is variably displayed, a display pattern is formed such that “7” indicating “winning” is stopped and displayed, and the normal symbol indicating the formed display pattern is formed. A display instruction signal is transmitted to the LED drive board 204. Accordingly, the 7-segment LED 122 of the normal symbol display device 108 performs a light emission operation according to the display pattern indicated by the normal symbol display instruction signal.
Next, in step S <b> 39, the ordinary electric accessory driving instruction unit 312 transmits the ordinary electric accessory release signal indicating the default operation mode during the normal game to the prize opening board 203. Thereby, the ordinary electric accessory 104 operates in the operation mode indicated by the ordinary electric accessory release signal. Then, the process returns to the main flowchart of FIG. The normal electric accessory release signal is transmitted after the normal symbol is stopped and displayed on the 7-segment LED 122 of the normal symbol display device 108.

  If it is determined in step S34 that the normal symbol lottery has not been won, the process proceeds to step S40, and the normal symbol display instruction unit 311 refers to the flag storage unit 302 to set the time reduction flag or the probability variation flag. Determine whether it is turned on. As a result of these determinations, if the time reduction flag or the probability change flag is turned on and the mode is shifted to the “time reduction mode” or “probability change mode”, the process proceeds to step S41, and the normal symbol display instruction unit 311 During the default normal symbol fluctuation display time in “mode” or “probability change mode”, after the normal symbol is variably displayed, a display pattern is formed so that “−” indicating “losing” is stopped and displayed. The normal symbol display instruction signal indicating the formed display pattern is transmitted to the LED drive board 204. Accordingly, the 7-segment LED 122 of the normal symbol display device 108 performs a light emission operation according to the display pattern indicated by the normal symbol display instruction signal. Then, the process returns to the main flowchart of FIG.

  If it is determined in step S40 that neither the time reduction flag nor the probability variation flag is on, the normal game is in progress, so the process proceeds to step S42, and the normal symbol display instruction unit 311 displays the default normal in normal game. After the normal symbol is variably displayed during the symbol variation display time, a display pattern is formed so that “-” indicating “losing” is stopped, and the normal symbol display instruction indicating the formed display pattern is formed. A signal is transmitted to the LED drive board 204. Accordingly, the 7-segment LED 122 of the normal symbol display device 108 performs a light emission operation according to the display pattern indicated by the normal symbol display instruction signal. Then, the process returns to the main flowchart of FIG.

  If it is determined in step S21 of FIG. 11A that the game ball has not passed through the normal symbol operation gate 103, the process proceeds to step S43, and the normal symbol lottery unit 309 is provided with the normal symbol provided in the RAM 201c. It is determined whether or not random numbers are stored in the random number storage area. If a random number is stored as a result of this determination, the normal symbol lottery unit 309 proceeds to step S29 described above. On the other hand, if no random number is stored, the normal symbol lottery unit 309 returns to the main flowchart shown in FIG.

(Start-up winning process)
Next, details of the start winning process in step S4 of FIG. 9 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 12A and 12B.
In step S61 of FIG. 12A, the winning determination unit 301 determines whether or not the game ball has passed through the start winning port 112 based on the game ball passing signal transmitted from the winning port substrate 203. If the result of this determination is that the game ball has passed through the start winning opening 112, the process proceeds to step S62, where the special symbol lottery unit 304 generates a random number and performs lottery (that is, obtains a random number).
Next, in step S63, the special symbol lottery unit 304 refers to the flag storage unit 302 and determines whether or not the bonus flag is turned on. If the result of this determination is that the bonus flag has been turned off, the process proceeds to step S64, and the special symbol lottery section 304 determines whether or not the special symbol is being variably displayed. If the result of this determination is that the special symbol is variably displayed, the process proceeds to step S65, where the special symbol lottery section 304 counts the number of random numbers stored in the special symbol random number storage area provided in the RAM 201c. It is determined whether or not there are three or less.
As a result of this determination, if the number of random numbers stored in the special symbol random number storage area is three or less, the process proceeds to step S66, where the special symbol lottery unit 304 determines the special symbol lottery result (step S62). Is stored in the special symbol random number storage area.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S63 that the bonus flag is not turned off (turned on), the special symbol lottery unit 304 proceeds to step S65 because the special game is being executed.
If it is determined in step S65 that the number of random numbers stored in the normal symbol random number storage area exceeds three, the random number acquired in step S62 may be suspended. Therefore, the special symbol lottery unit 304 returns to the main flowchart of FIG.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S64 that the special symbol is not being variably displayed, the process proceeds to step S67, where the special symbol lottery unit 304 determines whether or not a random number is stored in the special symbol random number storage area. Determine. If the result of this determination is that random numbers are stored, the process proceeds to step S68, where the special symbol lottery unit 304 determines whether the number of random numbers stored in the special symbol random number storage area is three or less. Determine whether.

As a result of the determination, if the number of random numbers stored in the special symbol random number storage area is three or less, the process proceeds to step S69, where the special symbol lottery unit 304 determines the special symbol lottery result (step S62). Is stored in the special symbol random number storage area.
Next, in step S70, the special symbol lottery unit 304 reads the random number stored earliest in the special symbol random number storage area, and proceeds to step S71.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S67 that no random number is stored, the special symbol lottery unit 304 skips steps S68 to S70 and proceeds to step S71.
If it is determined in step S68 that the number of random numbers stored in the special symbol random number storage area exceeds three, the random number acquired in step S62 may be suspended. Since the special symbol based on can not be displayed, the special symbol lottery unit 304 returns to the main flowchart of FIG.

When the special symbol lottery result (random number) is obtained as described above, the process proceeds to step S71, and the special symbol lottery unit 304 outputs the obtained random number to the winning determination unit 305.
Next, in step S72, the winning determination unit 305 refers to the flag storage unit 302 to determine whether or not the probability variation flag is turned on. If the result of this determination is that the probability variation flag is on, it is determined that the mode has been shifted to the “probability variation mode”, and the process proceeds to step S73. The lottery table for probability variation to be extracted is extracted.
On the other hand, if the probability variation flag is not turned on, the process proceeds to step S74, and the winning determination unit 305 refers to the flag storage unit 302 to determine whether or not the time reduction flag is turned on. As a result of this determination, if the time reduction flag is turned on, it is determined that the mode is shifted to the “time reduction mode”, the process proceeds to step S75, and the winning determination unit 305 refers to the flag storage unit 302. Add 1 to the number of time reductions. That is, the number of games in which the current game corresponds to the “short time mode” is counted.

Next, in step S76, the winning determination unit 305 extracts a normal lottery table to be used in the “time reduction mode”.
Next, in step S77, the winning determination unit 305 determines whether or not the “time saving mode” has ended by digesting the prescribed number of games. If the result of this determination is that the prescribed number of games has been exhausted and the “time reduction mode” has ended, the process proceeds to step S78, and the winning determination unit 305 refers to the flag storage unit 302 and turns off the time reduction flag.
If it is determined in step S77 that the prescribed number of games has not been consumed, the “time reduction mode” is ongoing, and thus the processing in step S78 is omitted.
If it is determined in step S74 that the time reduction flag is not turned on, the game is in a normal game, so the process proceeds to step S79, and the winning determination unit 305 selects a normal lottery table to be used during the normal game. Extract.

As described above, when the lottery table is extracted in steps S73, S76, and S79, the process proceeds to step S80 in FIG. 12B, and the winning determination unit 305 outputs the lottery result (random number) output from the special symbol lottery unit 304 in step S71. Determines whether or not it corresponds to “big hit” in the extracted lottery table. That is, it is determined whether or not a special symbol lottery is won.
As a result of this determination, if the special symbol lottery is won, the process proceeds to step S81, and the winning determination unit 305 further determines whether to shift to the “probability change mode” or the “short time mode” after the special game. Referring to the flag storage unit 302, the bonus flag is turned on and the process proceeds to step S82. On the other hand, if the special symbol lottery is not won, the process of step S81 is omitted and the process proceeds to step S82.
In step S82, the special symbol display instruction unit 306 refers to the flag storage unit 302 and determines whether or not the time reduction flag or the probability variation flag is turned on. As a result of this determination, if the time reduction flag or the probability variation flag is turned on, since either the “time reduction mode” or the “probability variation mode” is being executed, the process proceeds to step S83. The special symbol display instructing unit 306 forms a display pattern for the time reduction / probability change mode based on the determination result in steps S80 and S82, and sends the special symbol display instruction signal indicating the formed display pattern to the LED drive board 204. Send. Accordingly, the 7-segment LED 116 of the special symbol display device 106 performs a light emission operation according to the display pattern indicated by the special symbol display instruction signal.

On the other hand, if the hourly flag or the probability variation flag is not turned on, it means that the game is in the normal game, so the process proceeds to step S84, and the special symbol display instruction unit 306 uses the determination result in steps S80 and S82 for normal game. And the special symbol display instruction signal indicating the formed display pattern is transmitted to the LED drive board 204. Accordingly, the 7-segment LED 116 of the special symbol display device 106 performs a light emission operation according to the display pattern indicated by the special symbol display instruction signal.
In step S <b> 85, the payout instructing unit 303 transmits the prize ball number signal indicating that the number of prize balls is “4” to the payout control board 206. As a result, four prize balls are paid out to the ball tray 128a.
Next, in step S86, the winning determination unit 305 refers to the flag storage unit 302 and determines whether or not the bonus flag is turned on. If the result of this determination is that the bonus flag is on, the process proceeds to step S87. If the winning determination unit 305 determines in S81 to shift to the “probability change mode”, the process proceeds to step S88, where the flag storage unit Referring to 302, the probability variation flag is turned on.

On the other hand, when it is determined in S81 that the winning determination unit 305 shifts to the “time reduction mode”, the process proceeds to step S89, and the flag storage unit 302 is referred to and the time reduction flag is turned on.
In step S90, the effect command generating unit 313 generates an effect command based on the determination results in steps S80 and S82 and the stored contents of the flag storage unit 302, and transmits the effect command to the sub control board 02. Return to.
If it is determined in step S61 in FIG. 12A that the game ball has not passed through the start winning opening 112, the process proceeds to step S91, and the special symbol lottery unit 304 is provided in the RAM 201c. It is determined whether or not random numbers are stored in the design random number storage area. If a random number is stored as a result of this determination, the process proceeds to step S70 described above. On the other hand, when the random number is not stored, it is not necessary to perform the processing after step S62, and the process returns to the main flowchart shown in FIG.

(Special game execution process)
Next, the details of the special game execution process in step S5 of FIG. 9 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
In step S101 of FIG. 13, the winning determination unit 305 refers to the flag storage unit 302 and determines whether or not the bonus flag is turned on. If the result of this determination is that the bonus flag is not turned on, there is no need to perform the processing after step S102 (since it does not shift to the special game), the process returns to the main flowchart of FIG.
On the other hand, if the bonus flag is on, the process proceeds to step S102. In step S <b> 102, the special winning opening release instruction unit 307 transmits the special winning opening opening instruction signal to the winning opening board 203. As a result, the special winning opening 113 is opened, and one round of the specific game consisting of 15 rounds starts.
Next, in step S <b> 103, the winning determination unit 301 determines whether or not the game ball has passed through the big winning opening 113 based on the gaming ball passing signal transmitted from the winning opening board 203.
If the result of this determination is that the game ball has passed through the big winning opening 113, the process proceeds to step S104, where the winning determination section 301 determines that the game ball is based on the gaming ball passing signal transmitted from the winning opening board 203. It is determined whether or not the specific area 121 has been passed. If the result of this determination is that the game ball has passed through the specific area 121, the process proceeds to step S105, where the special winning opening opening instruction unit 307 transmits the specific area control instruction signal to the winning opening board 203 and proceeds to step S106. move on. As a result, the state in which the game ball can easily pass through the specific area 121 is released. On the other hand, if the game ball has not passed through the specific area 121, the process skips step S105 and proceeds to step S106.

Next, in step S <b> 106, the effect command generation unit 313 generates an effect command indicating that the game ball has passed through the big prize opening 113 or the specific area 121, and transmits it to the sub control board 202. As a result, an image indicating that the game ball has passed the special winning opening 113 or the specific area 121 is displayed on the effect display device 107. Also, the payout instruction unit 303 transmits the prize ball number signal indicating that the prize ball number is “15” to the payout control board 206. Thereby, 15 prize balls are paid out to the ball tray 128a.
If it is determined in step S106 that the game ball has not won the big winning opening 113, the winning determination unit 301 skips steps S104 to S106 and proceeds to step S107.

Next, in step S107, the special winning opening release instruction unit 307 determines whether or not a predetermined time (29.5 seconds) has elapsed since the special winning opening 113 is opened. If the result of this determination is that the predetermined time has elapsed, it is the end of the unit game, so the process proceeds to step S108, and the special winning opening release instruction unit 307 transmits a special winning opening closing signal to the winning opening board 203. To do. As a result, the special winning opening 113 is closed.
Next, in step S <b> 109, the special winning opening release instruction unit 307 determines whether or not the state where it is easy to pass the game ball to the specific area 121 is released. As a result of this determination, when the state in which the passing of the game ball to the specific area 121 is released, the process proceeds to step S110, where the special winning opening release instructing unit 307 determines that all unit games in the special game (that is, It is determined whether or not (special game) has ended. If the result of this determination is that the special game has ended, the process proceeds to step S111, where the effect command generating unit 313 generates an effect command indicating the end of the special game and transmits it to the sub control board 202. Thereby, an image indicating the end of the special game is displayed on the effect display device 107.

Further, the special winning opening opening instruction unit 307 transmits the specific area control instruction signal to the winning opening board 203. As a result, the game ball can easily pass through the specific area 121.
In step S112, the winning determination unit 305 refers to the flag storage unit 302, turns off the bonus flag, and returns to the main flowchart of FIG.
If it is determined in step S107 that the predetermined time has not elapsed since the special winning opening 113 is opened, the process proceeds to step S113, and the special winning opening release instruction unit 307 is transmitted from the winning determination unit 301. Based on the game ball passage signal, it is determined whether or not 10 or more game balls have passed through the big winning opening 113. If the result of this determination is that there are 10 or more game balls that have passed through the special winning opening 113, it means that the unit game is over, so that the process proceeds to step S108, and the special winning opening 113 is closed.
On the other hand, when the number of game balls that have passed through the big winning opening 113 is not ten or more, the unit game is continuing, and the process returns to the main flowchart of FIG.

If it is determined in step S110 that all unit games in the special game have not ended, the process proceeds to the next unit game, and thus the process proceeds to step S114, where the effect command generation unit 313 An effect command indicating progress to a game is generated and transmitted to the sub control board 202. As a result, an image indicating that the game has progressed to the next unit game is displayed on the effect display device 107. Also, the special winning opening opening instruction unit 307 transmits the specific area control instruction signal to the winning opening board 203, and returns to the main flowchart of FIG. As a result, the game ball can easily pass through the specific area 121.
Needless to say, processes other than those shown in FIGS. 10 to 13 may be performed. For example, the timing at which the production command is generated and transmitted is not limited to that shown in FIGS. 10 to 13, and other production commands may be generated and transmitted.

(Processing operation of sub-control board 202)
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of processing operations in the normal game on the sub-control board 202.
In step S131 of FIG. 14, the effect command analysis unit 401 in the sub control board 202 determines whether or not an effect command has been received from the main control board 201. As a result of the determination, if an effect command is received, the process proceeds to step S132, where the effect command analysis unit 401 analyzes the received effect command and transmits the analysis result to the pre-reach determination unit 403, the reach determination unit 406, and the like. . The pre-reach determination unit 403 and the reach determination unit 406 determine whether or not to execute the pre-reach effect and whether or not to execute the reach effect based on the analysis result transmitted from the effect command analysis unit 401. When these determination results are affirmative, the pre-reach effect execution unit 404 or the reach effect execution unit 407 executes an effect (pre-reach effect or reach effect) according to the effect command.

On the other hand, when it is an effect command other than the above, the effect command analysis unit 401 instructs the image generation unit 409 to execute an effect for causing the effect display device 107 to display an image corresponding to the analysis result. .
In addition, the effect command analysis unit 409 instructs the sound generation unit 410 to execute an effect of emitting sound corresponding to the result of analyzing the effect command. Thereby, the audio | voice production | generation part 410 produces | generates the audio | voice data corresponding to an effect, and makes it emit from the speaker 133. FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S131 that an effect command has not been received, the process proceeds to step S133, and the effect command analysis unit 401 instructs the image generation unit 409 and the like to perform a standby effect. I do. As a result, the image generation unit 409 generates image data for executing a stand-by effect and causes the effect display device 107 to display the image data.

(Prereach production process)
Next, the pre-reach effect processing according to the present invention will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. In the following, it is assumed that the symbols shown in FIG. 4A have already been temporarily stopped on the nine symbol display portions 118a to 118i of the effect display device 107.
When the pre-reach effect execution unit 404 receives a determination result indicating that the pre-reach effect is to be executed from the pre-reach determination unit (pre-reach determination unit) 403, the pre-reach effect execution unit 404 sets the count value i of the selection number counter 404a to an initial value (i = 0). (Step S141). The pre-reach effect execution unit (first pre-reach effect means) 404 determines a symbol that should be valid from symbols temporarily displayed on the symbol display units 118a to 118i, leaves only the determined symbol, A process of invalidating the symbol (display difficult to view) is performed (step S142 → step S143; see FIG. 4B).

  Then, the pre-reach effect execution unit (second pre-reach effect means) 404 displays a message prompting such selection on the effect display device 107 in order to cause the player to select the reach prediction symbol display unit within a predetermined time (step S144). ; See FIG. 4 (c)). The pre-reach effect execution unit 404 determines whether or not the reach reach symbol display unit has been selected based on an operation signal from the operation switch 132 (step S145). The pre-reach effect execution unit 404 repeatedly executes the process of step S145 when the reach prediction symbol is not selected. On the other hand, when it is detected that the reach prediction symbol display unit has been selected (step S145; YES), the pre-reach effect execution unit (third pre-reach effect display means) 404 displays the selected reach prediction symbol display unit in a light-emitting manner. (Step S146; see FIG. 4D), the count value i of the selection counter 404a is incremented by “1” (Step S147). Then, the pre-reach effect execution unit 404 determines whether or not the count value i of the selection number counter has reached a preset value “3” (the number of reach reachable symbol display units that can be selected) (step S148). . If the pre-reach effect executing unit 404 determines that the count value i has not reached “3” (step S148; NO), the process returns to step S145 and repeatedly executes the routine.

  On the other hand, when the pre-reach effect execution unit 404 determines that the count value i has reached “3” (step S148; YES), the pre-reach effect execution unit 404 resumes the variation of the symbols displayed on each symbol display unit, and then continues for a predetermined time. After the elapse, temporary stop is sequentially performed (step S149 → step S150). The pre-reach production execution unit (third pre-reach production means) 404 determines whether or not the reach state is established in the reach prediction symbol display unit (step S151; see FIG. 4E), and the reach state is established. If it is determined, the reach number s of the reach states is detected (step S152). When the reach state is established in one effective line including the reach prediction symbol display unit, the pre-reach effect execution unit 404 sets a coefficient (hereinafter, expected value) w representing the degree of expectation of “big hit” to “1”. ”Is sent to the reach effect determination unit 406 together with the expectation value w (step S153a → step S154), and the process ends. Here, the expected value w represents the high level of expectation that the player has, and as the expected value w increases, the reach effect that gives the player a feeling that they are closer to “hit” Done.

  Similarly, the pre-reach effect execution unit 404 sets the expected value w to “2” when the reach state is established on two active lines including the reach prediction symbol display unit, and reaches the reach value together with the expected value w. While the execution command for the production is sent to the reach production determination unit 406 (step S153b → step S154), when the reach state is established in the three effective lines including the reach prediction symbol display unit, the expectation value w is set to “ 3 ”, a reach effect execution command is sent to the reach effect determination unit 406 together with the expected value w (step S153c → step S154), and the process ends.

  If the reach reach execution unit 404 determines in step S150 that the reach state is not established in the reach expected symbol display unit, the process proceeds to step S155, and the reach state is established in another symbol display unit. (That is, whether or not a reach state is established in an effective line that does not include the reach prediction symbol display portion). When the reach state is established in another symbol display unit (step S155; YES), the expected value w is set to “0.5”, and the reach effect execution command is set together with the expected value w. The process is sent to 406 (step S156 → step S154), and the process ends. On the other hand, when the reach state is not established in other symbol display units (step S155; NO), step S156 is skipped and the above-described processing is ended. The reach effect execution unit (reach effect means) 407 performs the reach effect according to the expected value w transmitted from the reach effect determination unit 406 or the like. As a result, as the reach line increases, the player can obtain a feeling that the player is approaching a “big hit”.

  As described above, according to the pachinko machine 100 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to select a reach prediction symbol display unit based on a player's input operation. It is possible to give the player a sense of acquiring the game, and to make the player feel more uplifted and more enthusiastic about the game.

B. Modified Example In the above-described embodiment, a pachinko machine (dedicated machine) has been described as an example. However, the present invention can also be realized in other hardware.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a simulation apparatus capable of executing the same game as the pachinko machine according to the present invention on the screen (pseudo game).
The simulation device 500 is, for example, a personal computer, a game machine, a mobile phone, or a PDA, and includes a control device 510, a display device 520, and an input device 530.
The control device 510 includes a CPU 510a, a ROM 510b, a RAM 510c, and the like, and centrally controls each part of the simulation device 500 by executing various control programs stored in a memory such as the ROM 510b. The memory of the control device 510 stores a simulation program for performing a pseudo game on the screen of the display device 520. The simulation program is installed through various storage media such as a CD-ROM, a magnetic disk, and a semiconductor memory, and from a server equipped with the simulation program via a network (such as the Internet or an intranet) or a communication interface (not shown). Can be downloaded.

The display device 520 is composed of a CRT, a liquid crystal panel, and the like, and is an image representing each element constituting the pachinko machine 100 shown in FIG. 1, for example, a variation image of a symbol displayed on a symbol display unit, a behavior of a game ball, and a normal symbol. The variable display image and the special symbol change display image are displayed.
The input device 530 is configured by a mouse, a keyboard, and the like, and realizes functions such as a launch handle and an operation switch 132 that configure the pachinko machine 100. Specifically, by operating the input device 530 by the player, the game ball is fired or the reach prediction symbol display unit is selected in the pseudo game.

  According to the simulation program described above, since the same game as the gaming machine according to the present invention can be realized by a simulation device such as a personal computer or a mobile phone, the player can enjoy a pseudo game by using the simulation device. it can.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Pachinko machine, 103 ... Normal symbol operation gate, 106 ... Special symbol display device, 107 ... Production display device, 118a-118i ... Symbol display part, 108 ... Normal symbol display Device: 112 ... Start winning opening, 113 ... Large winning opening, 131 ... Launch handle, 132 ... Operation switch, 201 ... Main control board, 203 ... Winning opening board, 210 ..Start winning port switch, 215... Ordinary electric accessory solenoid, 301... Winning determination unit, 302 .. flag storage unit, 304... Special symbol lottery unit, 305. 306 ... Special symbol display instruction unit, 309 ... Normal symbol lottery unit, 310 ... Wind determination unit, 311 ... Normal symbol display instruction unit, 312 ... Normal electric accessory driving instruction unit, 313 ... Direction Mand generator, 401 ... Production command analysis unit, 402 ... Stop symbol determination unit, 403 ... Pre-reach determination unit, 404 ... Pre-reach production execution unit, 404a ... Selection number counter, 405 ... PP database, 406 ... reach determination unit, 407 ... reach production execution unit, 408 ... RP database, 409 ... image generation unit, 410 ... audio generation unit, 411 ... flag storage Department.

Claims (1)

A gaming machine that includes a plurality of variable display portions in which symbols are variably displayed according to a lottery result, and a plurality of active lines are set,
An input means for receiving an input operation from a player;
Pre-reach determination means for determining whether or not to execute the pre-reach effect according to the lottery result;
When it is determined that the pre-reach effect should be executed, the symbol temporarily displayed on one or more variable display portions is enabled, while the symbol temporarily displayed on one or more other variable display portions is disabled. First pre-reach production means,
Secondly, the input means is used to select one or more variable display units that are predicted to display the symbols that constitute the reach state together with the enabled symbols from the variable display units that have disabled the symbols.
Pre-reach production means,
A third pre-reaching effect unit that selects a predicted variable display unit based on a selection operation input from the input unit and determines whether or not a reach state is established in an effective line including the selected variable display unit. When,
It further includes reach production means for performing reach production,
The reach production means differs depending on the determination result of the third pre-reach production means.
A gaming machine characterized by performing a direct performance .

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