JP5127810B2 - Pachinko machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a pachinko machine in which a symbol display device variably displays a plurality of symbols when a game ball wins a starting opening, and a winning device opens and closes a big winning opening when a big hit symbol stops.

  Conventionally, as this type of pachinko machine, one having a selection switch operated by a player to select a reach pattern displayed by a symbol display device is known. Then, the symbol display device provided in the pachinko machine interrupts the fluctuation for a certain period of time during the fluctuation of the symbol, and the reach pattern selected by the player operating the selection switch within the certain period of time for the certain period of time. Displayed when elapses.

  Here, “reach” is a display state in which only one display area among the plurality of display areas in the symbol display device displays the symbols in a variable manner, and the jackpot symbol is stopped in the display areas other than the one display area. It is. The reach pattern is a symbol variation pattern in which symbols stop in the entire display area after reaching.

JP 2004-180704 A (47th to 50th paragraphs, FIG. 1).

  However, the conventional pachinko machine described above cannot display the reach pattern selected by the player unless a certain time for selecting the reach pattern has elapsed. This is because the variation time of the symbol variation pattern displayed by the symbol display device (the time required from the start of symbol variation until the stop symbol is displayed in the entire display area) is determined when the symbol display device starts displaying. This is because the fixed time for selecting the reach pattern is also incorporated in the variation time.

  Therefore, a player who operates the selection switch at an early timing must wait for the above-mentioned fixed time to elapse until the reach pattern selected by the player starts. The frustration will increase.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and in order to select a reach pattern in a pachinko machine that allows a player to select a reach pattern when the change in the design is interrupted. It is an object of the present invention to realize a pachinko machine that does not cause a game tempo collapse and a player's irritability due to the predetermined time being set.

In order to achieve the above object, a first feature of the present invention is that a game board (5) in which a game area is formed, a start port (15) provided in the game area, and a game ball is placed in the game area. A launching device (44) that launches to a position, a detection switch (15a) that detects a game ball that has been launched by the launching device and passed through the start port, and determines whether it is a big hit or a loss when the detection switch is turned on A determination function (S9), a determination result storage area (13c) for sequentially storing a determination result by the determination function (S9) with a predetermined number as an upper limit in the order in which the detection switch (15a) is turned on, and the determination result storage area ( If the determination result stored in 13c) is a big hit, the big hit symbol is stopped after a plurality of symbols are variably displayed, and the determination stored in the determination result storage area (13c) If the result is a loss, a symbol display device (50) that displays a plurality of symbols in a variable manner and then stops displaying the lost symbol, and a prize winning port (18) when the symbol display device stops displaying the jackpot symbol. In a pachinko machine equipped with a winning device (17) for opening and closing
A plurality of selection switches (A to C) operated by the player to select a pattern variation pattern;
When the symbol change is interrupted in the first period (tb) and the selection switches (A to C) are not operated within the first period (tb), the pattern is interrupted after the first period (tb) has elapsed. The first image data for displaying on the symbol display device (50) the first variation pattern (P10 to P29, R0 to R4) for displaying the continuation of the symbol variation that has been displayed for the second period (te) is stored. The first storage area (23h2, 23i1, 54d, 54f),
A second storage area (23h1, 23i2) in which second image data for displaying on the symbol display device (50) a second variation pattern (P0 to P9, R5 to R29) that does not interrupt the variation of symbols is displayed. , 54c, 54g)
The third variation pattern (A0 to A2, B0 to B2, C0 to C2, D0 to D2, E0 to E2, F0 to F2) is transmitted to the symbol display device (50) with the same length as the second period (te). A third storage area (23j1 to 23j3, 23k1 to 23k3, 54e, 54h) in which a plurality of types of third image data for displaying a period is stored in association with the plurality of selection switches (A to C);
The selection switch (A to C) is operated to select a desired one of the plurality of types of third variation patterns (A0 to A2, B0 to B2, C0 to C2, D0 to D2, E0 to E2, F0 to F2). A fourth memory in which fourth image data for displaying an explanatory image (50b, 50c) for explaining a method of selecting a third variation pattern on the symbol display device (50) in the first period (tb) is stored. Region (54i);
When the selection switch (A to C) is operated within the first period (tb), the time required from the operation timing to the end of the first period (tb) is defined as a remaining time (td). Symbol variation display performed by the symbol display device (50) after the display of the third variation pattern (A0-A2, B0-B2, C0-C2, D0-D2, E0-E2, F0-F2) is completed. When the image for notifying the content is a notification image, the display of the third variation pattern A0 to A2, B0 to B2, C0 to C2, D0 to D2, E0 to E2, F0 to F2) is ended for the notification image. A fifth storage area (23m, 54j) in which fifth image data to be displayed on the symbol display device (50) for the same period as the remaining time (td) is stored,
When the determination by the determination function (S9) is performed, the first or second image data is read from the first (23h2, 23i1, 54d, 54f) or the second storage area (23h1, 23i2, 54c, 54g). First display processing (S51, S81) for displaying the first (P10 to P29, R0 to R4) or the second variation pattern (P0 to P9, R5 to R29) on the symbol display device (50);
The symbol display device (50) displays the first variation pattern (P10 to P29, R0 to R4), and the fourth image data from the fourth storage area (54i) when the variation of the symbol is interrupted halfway. A second display process (S53) for reading out and displaying the explanation image (50b, 50c) on the symbol display device (50);
When the selection switch (A to C) is operated within the first period (tb), the third image data associated with the operated selection switch is stored in the third storage area (23j1 to 23j3). , 23k1 to 23k3, 54e, 54h) and third variation patterns (A0 to A2, B0 to B2, C0 to C2, D0 to D2, E0 to E2, F0 to F2) corresponding to the read third image data. ) Of the first variation pattern (P10 to P29, R0 to R4) that was to be displayed after the end of the first period (tb) on the assumption that the selection switches (A to C) were not operated. A third display process (S62) for displaying on the symbol display device (50) before the end of the first period (tb) instead of a continuous variation pattern;
A calculation process (S60) for calculating the remaining time (td) when the selection switches (A to C) are operated within the first period (tb);
The fifth image data associated with the remaining time (td) calculated by the calculation process (S60) is read from the fifth storage area (23m, 54j), and the notice corresponding to the read fifth image data is read. The image is displayed for the same period as the remaining time (td) after the display of the third variation pattern (A0 to A2, B0 to B2, C0 to C2, D0 to D2, E0 to E2, F0 to F2). The pachinko machine (1) further includes a CPU (22) for executing the fourth display process (S66) to be displayed on the symbol display device (50).

The second feature of the present invention is that a game board (5) in which a game area is formed, a start port (15) provided in the game area, and a launching device for launching a game ball to the game area ( 44), a detection switch (15a) for detecting a game ball that has been launched by the launching device and passed through the start port, and a determination function (S9) for determining whether the game is a big hit or a loss when the detection switch is turned on. The determination results by the determination function (S9) are stored in a determination result storage area (13c) for sequentially storing a predetermined number as an upper limit in the order in which the detection switch (15a) is turned on, and the determination result storage area (13c). If the determination result is a big hit, the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed after variably displaying a plurality of symbols, and the determination result stored in the determination result storage area (13c) is lost. A symbol display device (50) for stopping and displaying a lost symbol after variably displaying a plurality of symbols, and a winning device for opening and closing a big winning opening (18) when the symbol display device stops and displays the jackpot symbol ( 17) and a pachinko machine equipped with
A plurality of selection switches (A to C) operated by the player to select a pattern variation pattern;
When the symbol change is interrupted in the first period (tb) and the selection switches (A to C) are not operated within the first period (tb), the pattern is interrupted after the first period (tb) has elapsed. The first image data for displaying on the symbol display device (50) the first variation pattern (P10 to P29, R0 to R4) for displaying the continuation of the symbol variation that has been displayed for the second period (te) is stored. The first storage area (23h2, 23i1, 54d, 54f),
A second storage area (23h1, 23i2) in which second image data for displaying on the symbol display device (50) a second variation pattern (P0 to P9, R5 to R29) that does not interrupt the variation of symbols is displayed. , 54c, 54g)
The third variation pattern (A0 to A2, B0 to B2, C0 to C2, D0 to D2, E0 to E2, F0 to F2) is transmitted to the symbol display device (50) with the same length as the second period (te). A third storage area (23j1 to 23j3, 23k1 to 23k3, 54e, 54h) in which a plurality of types of third image data for displaying a period is stored in association with the plurality of selection switches (A to C);
The selection switch (A to C) is operated to select a desired one of the plurality of types of third variation patterns (A0 to A2, B0 to B2, C0 to C2, D0 to D2, E0 to E2, F0 to F2). A fourth memory in which fourth image data for displaying an explanatory image (50b, 50c) for explaining a method of selecting a third variation pattern on the symbol display device (50) in the first period (tb) is stored. Region (54i);
When the selection switch (A to C) is operated within the first period (tb), the time required from the operation timing to the end of the first period (tb) is defined as a remaining time (td). Symbol variation display performed by the symbol display device (50) after the display of the third variation pattern (A0-A2, B0-B2, C0-C2, D0-D2, E0-E2, F0-F2) is completed. When the image for notifying that the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed at the end of the period is used as the preview image, the preview image is used as the third variation pattern A0 to A2, B0 to B2, C0 to C2, D0 to D2. , E0 to E2 and F0 to F2), the fifth storage area (the fifth image data to be displayed on the symbol display device (50) for the same period as the remaining time (td) is stored ( 23m, 54j And, equipped with a,
When the determination by the determination function (S9) is performed, the first or second image data is read from the first (23h2, 23i1, 54d, 54f) or the second storage area (23h1, 23i2, 54c, 54g). First display processing (S51, S81) for displaying the first (P10 to P29, R0 to R4) or the second variation pattern (P0 to P9, R5 to R29) on the symbol display device (50);
The symbol display device (50) displays the first variation pattern (P10 to P29, R0 to R4), and the fourth image data from the fourth storage area (54i) when the variation of the symbol is interrupted halfway. A second display process (S53) for reading out and displaying the explanation image (50b, 50c) on the symbol display device (50);
When the selection switch (A to C) is operated within the first period (tb), the third image data associated with the operated selection switch is stored in the third storage area (23j1 to 23j3). , 23k1 to 23k3, 54e, 54h) and third variation patterns (A0 to A2, B0 to B2, C0 to C2, D0 to D2, E0 to E2, F0 to F2) corresponding to the read third image data. ) Of the first variation pattern (P10 to P29, R0 to R4) that was to be displayed after the end of the first period (tb) on the assumption that the selection switches (A to C) were not operated. A third display process (S62) for displaying on the symbol display device (50) before the end of the first period (tb) instead of a continuous variation pattern;
A calculation process (S60) for calculating the remaining time (td) when the selection switches (A to C) are operated within the first period (tb);
The fifth image data associated with the remaining time (td) calculated by the calculation process (S60) is read from the fifth storage area (23m, 54j), and the notice corresponding to the read fifth image data is read. The image is displayed for the same period as the remaining time (td) after the display of the third variation pattern (A0 to A2, B0 to B2, C0 to C2, D0 to D2, E0 to E2, F0 to F2). The pachinko machine (1) further includes a CPU (22) for executing the fourth display process (S66) to be displayed on the symbol display device (50).

Furthermore, a third feature of the present invention is that, in the first or second feature described above, the fifth image data stored in the fifth storage area (23m, 54j) is different from the notice image in the third variation. To display the pattern (A0-A2, B0-B2, C0-C2, D0-D2, E0-E2, F0-F2) on the symbol display device (50) for the same period as the remaining time (td). Image data,
In the fourth display process, the fifth image data associated with the remaining time (td) calculated in the calculation process (S60) is read from the fifth storage area (23m, 54j) and the read The remaining time (td) is displayed during the display of the third variation pattern (A0 to A2, B0 to B2, C0 to C2, D0 to D2, E0 to E2, F0 to F2). It is in the display process (S64) displayed on the symbol display device (50) for the same period.

Furthermore, a fourth feature of the present invention is that, in the third feature described above, the calculation process (S60) is performed when the selection switches (A to C) are operated within the first period (tb). Calculating the remaining time (td), and further dividing the remaining time into a plurality of remaining times;
The fourth display process (S64) reads out the fifth image data respectively associated with the plurality of remaining times from the fifth storage area (23m, 54j), and corresponds to each read fifth image data. The symbol display device (50) displays the third variation pattern (A0 to A2, B0 to B2, C0 to C2, D0 to D2, E0 to E2, F0 to F2) for each inserted image during variation. In the middle of the process, the symbol display device (50) displays the image at a different timing for each changing inserted image.

  Furthermore, a fifth feature of the present invention is that, in any one of the first to fourth features described above, only one display region of the plurality of display regions in the symbol display device (50) has a symbol. When the variable display is performed and the display state in which the jackpot symbol is stopped in the display area other than one place is defined as reach, the third variation pattern (A0 to A2, B0 to B2, C0 to C2, D0 to D2, E0 to E2, and F0 to F2) are reach patterns in which symbols stop in the entire display area through the reach.

  In addition, the code | symbol in each said parenthesis shows a corresponding relationship with embodiment of invention mentioned later.

According to the first or second feature described above, the player selects a favorite third variation pattern by operating a selection switch within a first period set in the middle of the first variation pattern. The selected third variation pattern can be displayed on the symbol display device without waiting for the end of the first period.
Therefore, unlike the conventional pachinko machine in which the third variation pattern cannot be displayed on the symbol display device unless the first period ends, there is no possibility that the game tempo collapses and the player feels irritated.

Moreover, according to the arithmetic processing and the fourth display processing executed by the CPU in the first feature, when the player operates the selection switch within the first period, the remaining time from the operation timing to the end of the first period During the same period, the notice image can be displayed on the symbol display device after the display of the third variation pattern is completed.
Therefore, if the third variation pattern is selected within the first period, the pleasure of seeing some notice image will increase after the display of the third variation pattern is completed, and the variation display of the symbols scheduled to be performed in the future The contents can be known in advance.

  In addition, according to the second feature, if the player operates the selection switch within the first period, the player can perform the future by viewing the preview image displayed when the display of the third variation pattern is completed. It is possible to know in advance that the jackpot symbol will be stopped when the scheduled symbol variation display ends.

Further, according to the third feature of the first feature, when the player operates the selection switch within the first period, the notice image is displayed for the same period as the remaining time from the operation timing to the end of the first period. It can be displayed on the symbol display device during display of the third variation pattern.
Therefore, according to the third feature of the first feature, if the third variation pattern is selected within the first period, the pleasure of seeing some notice image increases during the display of the third variation pattern, and the future It is possible to know in advance the variable display contents of the symbols that are scheduled to be displayed.

  Further, according to the third feature of the second feature, if the third variation pattern is selected within the first period, the pleasure of watching some notice image increases while the third variation pattern is being displayed, It is possible to know in advance that the jackpot symbol is stopped when the variation display of the symbol scheduled to be displayed is finished.

In particular, according to the fourth feature, the remaining time is divided into a plurality of remaining times, and a notice image for each remaining time is displayed at a different timing for each notice image during the display of the third variation pattern. Can be displayed on the symbol display device.
Therefore, if the third variation pattern is selected within the first period, the pleasure of viewing some notice image at a plurality of times at different timings during the display of the third variation pattern is increased.

  In particular, according to the fifth feature, since the third variation pattern is a reach pattern, the player can select a desired reach pattern by operating the selection switch within the first period.

It is explanatory drawing which looked at the pachinko machine concerning the embodiment of this invention from the front. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the frequency display panel 80 and its periphery. 2 is a front view showing a main configuration of a game board 5. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a mode that a symbol display apparatus carries out the variable display of the special symbol. It is explanatory drawing of the explanatory image which a symbol display apparatus displays, (a) is explanatory drawing of the explanatory image which shows that the period which a player can select a reach pattern started, (b) is the selection of reach pattern It is explanatory drawing of the explanatory image which shows a method. 6 is a time chart of first to third variation patterns. It is explanatory drawing which shows the main electric structures of the pachinko machine 1 with a block. (A) is explanatory drawing of the variation time table for big hits, (b) is explanatory drawing of the variation time table for loss. (A), (b) is explanatory drawing which shows the memory content of a reservation table. FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram showing main stored contents of an effect control ROM 23. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the big hit fluctuation pattern table 23h. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the loss fluctuation pattern table 23i. (A) is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the big hit 3rd variation pattern table corresponding to selection switch A, (b) is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the big hit 3rd variation pattern table corresponding to selection switch B, (C) is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the big hit 3rd variation pattern table corresponding to the selection switch C. FIG. (A) is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the loss 3rd fluctuation pattern table corresponding to the selection switch A, (b) is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the loss 3rd fluctuation pattern table corresponding to the selection switch B, (C) is an explanatory view showing a configuration of a lost third variation pattern table corresponding to the selection switch C. FIG. It is explanatory drawing of the preview image table 23m. (A), (b) is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the memory content of a symbol control table. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing main storage contents of an image data ROM 54. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the start port process which the main control CPU12 performs. It is a flowchart which shows the continuation of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a fluctuation pattern lottery process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the symbol control 1. (A) is a flowchart which shows the flow of the symbol control 2, (b) is a flowchart which shows the flow of the symbol control 3. It is a time chart of the 1st thru / or 3rd variation pattern in a 2nd embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the symbol control 1 in 2nd Embodiment. It is a time chart of the 1st thru / or 3rd variation pattern in a 3rd embodiment.

<First Embodiment>
[Main configuration]
The main configuration of the pachinko machine according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an explanatory view of a pachinko machine according to this embodiment as viewed from the front.

  The pachinko machine 1 is provided with a front frame 2 that can be opened and closed, and a glass frame 4 is attached to the front frame 2 so as to be opened and closed. On the right side of the front frame 2, a key hole 3 is provided for inserting a key for opening and closing the glass frame 4. A game board 5 is provided inside the glass frame 4, and a launching device (indicated by reference numeral 44 in FIG. 7) for launching a game ball to the game board 5 is operated at the lower right side of the front frame 2. A firing handle 60 for adjusting the firing strength is pivotally attached. Below the glass frame 4, a prize ball / rental supply port 6a for supplying prize balls or rental balls is formed. The prize ball / rental supply port 6a has a prize ball / rental supply port 6a on the supply side. An upper tray 6 is provided for storing prize balls and balls supplied from the ball rental supply port 6a.

  A frequency display panel 80 is attached to the front surface of the upper tray 6. Below the upper tray 6, there is formed a discharge port 7 a that discharges prize balls that have flowed beyond the capacity of the upper tray 6 and game balls discharged from the upper tray 6 by operating the upper tray ball removal lever 6 b. Has been. On the discharge side of the discharge port 7a, a lower tray 7 is provided for storing game balls discharged from the discharge port 7a. A frame lamp 9 is provided above the game board 5, and an ashtray 7 b is provided on the left side of the lower tray 7.

  A prepaid card unit 90 is attached to the left end of the front frame 2. The prepaid card unit 90 has a function of reading the remaining number recorded in the inserted prepaid card and a function of subtracting and rewriting the remaining number in accordance with the number of game balls paid out as a rental ball.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the frequency display panel 80 and the surrounding structure. The frequency display panel 80 has a lending button 81 that is pressed when renting a game ball, a return button 82 that is pressed to return a prepaid card inserted in the prepaid card unit 90, and a state in which a game ball can be lent A lending button lamp 83 indicating that the prepaid card unit 90 is read, and a frequency display section 84 for displaying the remaining frequency (balance) of the prepaid card read by the prepaid card unit 90. The frequency display portion 84 is configured by, for example, three digits for displaying numbers by 7-segment LEDs, and is displayed in units of 100 yen. For example, when 500 yen remains, 005 is displayed. To do.

  At the bottom of the frequency display panel 80, selection switches A, B, and C that are pressed by the player to select a reach pattern are provided. Note that the selection switches A to C may be touch sensors that are turned on when the player's finger touches. A detailed gaming state when using the selection switches A to C will be described later.

[Main components of the game board]
Next, the main configuration of the game board 5 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 3 is a front view showing the main configuration of the game board 5.

  A symbol display device 50 is provided on the surface of the game board 5. In this embodiment, the symbol display device 50 uses a liquid crystal display device. In addition, the dot matrix comprised by several LED can also be utilized as the symbol display apparatus 50. FIG. Around the symbol display device 50, a game area is formed in which the game balls launched by the launching device flow down. On the left side of the game board 5, there is provided a rail set 37 for guiding the game balls launched by the launching device to the game area.

  A starting port 15 is provided immediately below the symbol display device 50, and an ordinary electric accessory 16 is provided immediately below the starting port 15. A winning device 17 is provided immediately below the ordinary electric accessory 16. On the left side of the symbol display device 50 is formed an opening through which a game ball can pass. Below the gate 26, winning ports 28 and 29 are provided, and winning ports 35 and 36 are also provided on both sides of the winning device 17. The game board 5 is rotatably provided with a windmill 27 for changing the flow path of the game balls. In the lower portion of the game board 5 itself, an out port 19 is formed to collect game balls that have not won any prizes.

[Main game flow]
Next, the main game flow in the pachinko machine 1 will be described. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a state in which the symbol display device 50 displays the special symbols in a variable manner. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of an explanatory image displayed by the symbol display device, (a) is an explanatory diagram of an explanatory image showing that a period during which a player can select a reach pattern has started, and (b) It is explanatory drawing of the explanatory image which shows the selection method of a reach pattern. FIG. 6 is a time chart of the first to third variation patterns.

(Special design changes)
When the game ball fired by the launching device wins the start opening 15, the symbol display device 50 starts to display the variation of the special symbol. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the symbol display device 50 variably displays a plurality of special symbols in three display areas set in the horizontal direction of the screen 50a. In this embodiment, a symbol string formed by arranging a plurality of special symbols is variably displayed (also referred to as scroll display) in each display area.

  In this embodiment, the symbol row is configured by arranging a total of ten special symbols representing numbers 0 to 9 in order of the size of the numbers. The special symbol variation display performed by the symbol display device 50 is a special symbol displayed on the screen by moving the symbol sequence from the top of the screen 50a to the bottom (in the direction indicated by the arrow F in the figure) in ascending order of numbers. It is a display mode that moves from top to bottom. The design can also be changed so that the special symbol is displayed on the screen from left to right or from right to left. In addition, the number represented by the special symbol may be a Chinese numeral, and the special symbol may be a symbol representing the alphabet.

(Variation pattern types)
The variation pattern of the special symbol is roughly classified into the above-described reach pattern and a normal pattern other than the reach pattern. In the reach pattern, a plurality of kinds of special symbols are prepared so that they can be displayed from a short one to a long one. In addition, when the symbol display device 50 reaches the reach state, the symbol display device 50 displays a moving image that produces a reach (hereinafter referred to as a reach production moving image) on the background of the special symbol. The reach effect moving image is a moving image of content that makes the player throbbing whether or not the jackpot symbol is stopped, and a plurality of types are prepared for each type of reach pattern.

  In particular, reach patterns with a low probability of being displayed are prepared to be able to be displayed in reach patterns that have been in reach for a long time. For example, the reach pattern is special reach or premium reach. is called. Such reach patterns with a low probability of being displayed may be displayed even when lost, but the reach pattern is set so that the probability of being displayed when a big hit occurs is high. When “” is displayed, the player's sense of expectation for occurrence of a big hit increases at a stretch.

(First to third variation patterns)
Here, the first to third variation patterns which are one of the features of the present invention will be described.
Since pachinko machines 1 of this embodiment often have different reach pattern preferences depending on the player, a period during which the reach pattern can be selected (hereinafter referred to as the first period) is provided during the change of the special symbol. A desired reach pattern selected by operating the selection switches A to C described above can be displayed. Thus, the variation of the special symbol is interrupted in the middle, the variation pattern in which the first period is set is the first variation pattern, and the variation pattern in which the first period is not set in the middle of the variation of the special symbol is the first variation pattern. Two fluctuation patterns.

As shown in the time chart of FIG. 6B, in the case of the first variation pattern, when the variation of the special symbol is started at time t1, the variation of the special symbol is interrupted at time t2. A period tb from time t2 to time t4 is the first period.
When the first period tb starts, as shown in FIG. 5A, an explanation image 50b “reach selection opportunity” is displayed on the screen 50a of the symbol display device 50, and it is possible to select a desired reach pattern. Inform the player. The explanatory image 50b may be an image having any content other than that shown in the figure as long as the first period can be notified.

  Then, after the explanation image 50b, as shown in FIG. 5 (b), an explanation image 50c for explaining the reach pattern selection method is displayed, and the player selects the reach pattern selection method using the selection switches A to C. To inform. Note that the explanation image 50c may be an image having any content other than that shown in the drawing as long as it can be understood how to select the reach pattern. In the example shown in FIG. 5B, since the remaining time of the first period of “2 seconds remaining” is displayed, the player can know the end timing of the first period. As shown in the figure, during the period in which the explanation image 50b or 50c is displayed, the special symbol display area is displayed as a reduced display area 50d.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 6C, when the player selects a desired reach pattern by operating one of the selection switches A to C at time t3 before the first period tb elapses, The display of the reach pattern selected by the player starts immediately from time t3 without waiting for the period tb to elapse. This reach pattern is the third variation pattern. The time from the time t3 when any of the selection switches A to C is turned on to the time t4 when the first period tb ends is defined as a remaining time td. When the reach pattern is not selected within the first period tb, the reach pattern that is a continuation of the first variation pattern is displayed after the end of the first period tb. This reach pattern is a reach pattern that was originally intended to be displayed when it was assumed that no reach pattern was selected within the first period tb. Hereinafter, the fluctuation pattern is referred to as an original reach pattern.

  For example, the change time ta is set to 60 seconds, the first period tb is set to 5 seconds, the second period te is set to 30 seconds, and the selection switch A is turned ON when 2 seconds have elapsed since the start of the first period tb. And In this case, the remaining time td is 3 seconds (= 5 seconds−2 seconds). Then, among the third variation patterns associated with the selection switch A, one third variation pattern is selected by lottery from a plurality of third variation patterns whose variation time is set to 30 seconds. Then, when the display of the selected third variation pattern ends and the timing of time t5 when the display period of the stop symbol ends, a preview image whose display time is set to 3 seconds, which is the remaining time of 3 seconds, is displayed. Is done. If the stop symbol is a jackpot symbol, when the remaining time elapses and the display of the preview image ends, a jackpot effect image for generating the jackpot is displayed on the symbol display device 50, and the winning device 17 is activated. The jackpot game starts.

  Here, the notice image is an image for notifying the change display content of the change display of the symbol scheduled next to the change display of the symbol, for example, if a reach pattern is scheduled next, the reach pattern It is an image that suggests. For example, it is an image specifying an effect specific to the reach pattern, for example, a character image appearing in the reach pattern. In other words, the preview image is an image that can be understood as to what kind of reach pattern the player who saw it has. In this embodiment, the preview image is a moving image, but may be a still image.

  By the way, when the reach pattern is selected within the first period tb, the reach pattern is displayed at an earlier timing than the case where the reach pattern is not selected. Thus, the reach pattern display ends earlier by the remaining time td. That is, when the reach pattern is selected, the earlier the selected timing, the earlier the reach pattern end timing, and the larger the hit game starts.

As described above, it is not preferable because the start timing of the big hit game differs depending on the timing at which the player operates the selection switch.
Therefore, in this pachinko machine 1, by displaying the notice image only for the same period as the remaining time td from the end of the display of the reach pattern selected by the player, the variation time ta depends on whether or not the reach pattern is selected. Control so that it does not change.

As described above, if a reach pattern is selected before the first period tb elapses, the display of the selected reach pattern is started immediately, so that there is no possibility that the game tempo collapses and an irritated feeling occurs.
Moreover, the start timing of the big hit game is different depending on whether or not the player has selected the reach pattern by displaying the preview image for a period corresponding to the remaining time from the end of the display of the reach pattern selected by the player. Since we can eliminate the situation, we can maintain fairness.

(Big hit game)
If the change of the special symbol stops in each display area of the symbol display device 50 and the combination of the stopped symbols stopped and displayed in each display area is a big hit symbol (for example, a combination of the same numbers such as 777) Is generated, and the symbol display device 50 displays an effect image congratulating the occurrence of the big hit (hereinafter referred to as a big hit occurrence effect image). Moreover, the opening / closing member provided in the winning device 17 opens, and the big winning opening 18 opens. As a result, a large number of game balls can be awarded to the grand prize opening 18, and the player can acquire a large number of prize balls.

  The special winning opening 18 is closed when a certain time (for example, about 30 seconds) has elapsed from the opening timing, or when the number of winnings to the special winning opening 18 reaches a certain number (for example, ten). Assuming that the period from the opening of the big prize opening 18 to the closing is 1 round, a plurality of rounds (for example, 13 rounds) are continuously executed. A game played from the first round to the final round is called a big hit game.

(Normal design)
When the game ball passes through the gate 26, the symbol display device 50 displays the normal symbol in a variable manner. In this embodiment, a normal symbol is composed of a symbol representing a symbol “◯” as a winning symbol and a symbol representing “x” as a lost symbol, and “◯” and “x” are alternately displayed. When the normal symbol hits and stops at the symbol O, the ordinary electric accessory 16 opens the pair of opening and closing wing pieces (tulips), and the winning opening is opened. The opened winning opening plays the same role as the starting opening 15, and when the game ball wins, the symbol display device 50 starts to display the special symbol variation display. Since both the special symbol and the normal symbol may be variably displayed, the normal symbol is displayed in a small size in a display area that does not interfere with the special symbol.

(on hold)
If the game ball wins the start opening 15 or the ordinary electric accessory 16 while the symbol display device 50 is variably displaying the special symbol, the variation display of the special symbol based on the winning is temporarily suspended and is currently being performed. This is executed after the special symbol change display is completed. In this embodiment, four are set as the upper limit of the number of the above-mentioned holdings (hereinafter referred to as the holding number), and the holding number is displayed by the holding number display device 47 provided in the game board 5. In this embodiment, the number-of-holds display device 47 is configured by four LED lighting devices, and displays the number of times of holding based on the number of lighting of the LED lighting devices.

  If the game ball passes through the gate 26 while the symbol display device 50 is variably displaying the normal symbol, the normal symbol variation display based on the passing is temporarily suspended, and the normal symbol variation display currently being performed is displayed. It is executed after ending. In this embodiment, four are set as the upper limit of the number of holdings of the normal symbol variation display, and the number of holdings is displayed numerically on the screen 50 a of the symbol display device 50.

(Probability)
Further, when the jackpot symbol stopped and displayed on the symbol display device 50 is a probability variation symbol, a probability variation jackpot occurs. Here, the probability change means that the gaming state after the jackpot game is ended changes to a gaming state with a high probability that the jackpot will occur. Further, the probability variation symbol is a specific jackpot symbol (for example, the same odd number combination such as 777, 999, etc.) in which probability variation occurs in the jackpot symbol. Also, when the gaming state becomes probable, the variation time of the special symbol and the normal symbol by the symbol display device 50 is shortened.

  A gaming state with a shortened variation time is referred to as time saving. If the variation from the start of the special symbol to the end of the variation is a single variation, if the variation time of the special symbol is shortened, the number of variations of the special symbol per unit time will increase, so the probability of jackpot occurrence will increase. . In addition, if the variation time of the normal symbol is shortened, the number of variations of the normal symbol per unit time increases, so the probability that the normal symbol will hit and stop at the symbol increases. Probability of opening will increase.

  In addition, when the probability is changed, the time during which the ordinary electric accessory 16 opens the opening / closing blade piece is extended as compared with a normal time when the probability is not changed. In other words, when the probability is changed, the number of times that the opening / closing blade piece of the ordinary electric accessory 16 is opened per unit time increases and the time during which the opening / closing blade piece is opened increases, so the number of times the special symbol fluctuates per unit time. Increases the probability of a big hit.

[Main electrical configuration]
Next, the main electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

(Main control board)
The pachinko machine 1 is provided with a main control board 10, and an effect control board 20 and a payout control board 30 are electrically connected to the main control board 10. A main control MPU 11 is mounted on the main control board 10. The main control MPU 11 includes a main control CPU 12, a main control ROM 13, and a main control RAM 14. The main control CPU 12 detects a winning, determines whether it is a big hit or a loss (hereinafter referred to as a big hit determination), controls the winning device 17 (controls a big hit game), draws a varying time, measures a varying time, and gives out a winning ball The main processing is executed as the game progresses, such as counting the number of prize balls that have been paid out.

  The main control CPU 12 makes a big hit determination when the game ball wins the start opening 15 or the ordinary electric accessory 16. The big hit determination includes a determination whether or not a normal big hit and a determination whether or not a probable big hit. The probable big hit is a big hit in which the game state after the big hit game is promised to change into a probable change, and the normal big hit is a big hit that is not a probable big hit.

  The main control ROM 13 is set with a computer program for the main control CPU 12 to execute each of the above processes, a control command to be transmitted to each control board, and a jackpot value that is referred to when performing a jackpot determination in the normal gaming state. In addition, a big hit value table for normal big hits, a big hit value table for probability varying big hits that is set when the big hit judgment is made at the time of probability change, and a normal that is set with multiple types of variation time to be selected during normal games A game variation time table, a probability variation game variation time table in which a plurality of types of variation time selected during probability variation games are set, and the like are readable and stored. The main control RAM 14 stores processing results, determination results, and the like generated by the main control CPU 12 executing the above-described computer program in a readable and rewritable manner. In addition, the main control RAM 14 stores a hold table (indicated by reference numeral 13c in FIG. 9) that stores the hold rank, the result of the jackpot determination, and the lottery variation time in association with each other so as to be rewritable.

(Discharge control board)
The payout control board 30 is equipped with a payout control MPU 31 that controls payout of game balls. The payout control MPU 31 includes a payout control CPU 32, a payout control ROM 33, and a payout control RAM 34. Connected to the payout control board 30 are a payout motor 39 for driving a member that pays out game balls, and a payout sensor 41 for detecting game balls paid out by the payout motor 39.

  When detecting the winning, the main control CPU 12 transmits to the payout control board 30 a prize ball payout command instructing payout of the prize ball. When the payout control CPU 32 receives the prize ball payout command, it drives the payout motor 39 to pay out the number of prize balls corresponding to the prize ball number data included in the prize ball payout command. Further, the payout control CPU 32 counts the prize balls that are paid out based on the detection signal from the payout sensor 41.

  In the payout control ROM 33, a control program for the payout control CPU 32 to control the payout motor 39, a computer program for counting prize balls, and the like are stored in a readable manner. The payout control RAM 34 stores a processing result, a determination result, and the like generated by the payout control CPU 32 executing the above computer program in a readable and rewritable manner.

  In addition, the payout control board 30 detects a state in which the game ball to be paid out is lost, a ball break switch (ball break SW) 43, and a state in which the lower plate 7 is full of game balls. Lower pan full switch (lower pan full SW) 40, door open switch (door open SW) 42 for detecting a state in which the glass frame 4 is opened, a rotary solenoid as a driving source for launching a game ball, and the like Is connected electrically to a launching device 44 comprising a drive circuit for driving the. The launching device 44 drives the launching device 44 by detecting that the player has touched the launching handle 60 and a firing volume 45 for adjusting the launching intensity of the launching device according to the amount of rotation of the launching handle 60. The touch sensor 46 is electrically connected.

(Panel relay terminal board)
A board surface relay terminal board 61 is electrically connected to the main control board 10, and the board surface relay terminal board 61 has a big prize opening solenoid 17 b for opening and closing the big prize opening 18 of the prize winning device 17, and An ordinary electric accessory solenoid 16a for opening and closing the opening and closing blades of the ordinary electric accessory 16, a big prize opening switch (large prize opening SW) 17a for detecting a game ball won in the big prize opening 18, A start port switch (start port SW) 15a for detecting a game ball won in the start port 15, a gate switch (gate SW) 26a for detecting a game ball that has passed through the gate 26, and a winning port 28 A winning port switch (winning port SW) 28a for detecting a game ball played, a winning port switch (winning port SW) 29a for detecting a gaming ball won in the winning port 29, and a winning port 35 A winning port switch (winning port SW) 35a for detecting a game ball is electrically connected to a winning port switch (winning port SW) 36a for detecting a game ball that has won the winning port 36. . The start port switch 15 a detects not only the game ball won in the start port 15 but also the game ball won in the ordinary electric accessory 16.

(Production control board)
The effect control board 20 is electrically connected to a symbol display device 50, a lamp control board 48, and a sound control board 49. The effect control board 20 is equipped with an effect control MPU 21, and the effect control MPU 21 includes an effect control CPU 22, an effect control ROM 23, and an effect control RAM 24. The effect control CPU 22 instructs the symbol display device 50 to display changes in special symbols and various moving images in accordance with the control command transmitted from the main control CPU 12. The effect control CPU 22 controls lighting, extinction, and blinking of various LEDs connected to the lamp control board 48 in accordance with a control command transmitted from the main control CPU 12.

  Further, the effect control CPU 22 outputs various sound effects and the like from a speaker connected to the sound control board 49 in accordance with a control command transmitted from the main control CPU 12. In the effect control ROM 23, a computer program for the effect control CPU 22 to execute the above-described various controls, a table to be referred to, and the like are readable and stored. The stored contents will be described in detail later.

(Design display device)
The symbol display device 50 includes an image control CPU 51, an image control ROM 52, an image control RAM 53, and an image data ROM 54. The image data ROM 54 stores image data for displaying various images on the screen 50a in a readable manner. The stored contents will be described in detail later. The image control CPU 51 reads the image data from the image data ROM 54 in accordance with the image control command transmitted from the effect control CPU 22 and displays special symbols, normal symbols, and various effect images on the screen 50 a of the symbol display device 50.

  In the image control ROM 52, a computer program for the image control CPU 51 to execute image control and the like is readable and stored. The image control RAM 53 stores the processing result and calculation result of the image control CPU 51 so that they can be read and rewritten.

(Lamp control board)
The lamp control board 48 is electrically connected to a holding number display device 47 and decorative LEDs provided on the game board 5. The lamp control board 48 includes a lamp control CPU, a lamp control ROM, and a lamp control RAM. The lamp control ROM stores a plurality of types of blinking patterns of LEDs in a readable manner.

  The lamp control CPU reads a predetermined blinking pattern from the lamp control ROM according to the lamp control command transmitted from the effect control CPU 22, and blinks the LED corresponding to the blinking pattern according to the blinking pattern. For example, the lamp control CPU lights or blinks the LEDs provided around the winning opening when a game ball wins, or lights or blinks the LEDs arranged in various places when a big hit occurs. Produce the occurrence.

(Voice control board)
An audio signal amplifier circuit (not shown) such as a digital amplifier is electrically connected to the audio control board 49, and a speaker (not shown) is electrically connected to the audio signal amplifier circuit. Yes. The sound control board 49 includes a sound control CPU, a sound control ROM, a sound source ROM, and a sound control RAM. In the sound source ROM, a digital sound source for generating sound effects and the like from a speaker is stored so as to be readable. The sound control ROM stores a plurality of output patterns such as sound effects so that they can be read out.

  The sound control CPU reads a predetermined output pattern from the sound control ROM in accordance with the sound control command transmitted from the effect control CPU 22, reads a digital sound source corresponding to the read output pattern from the sound source ROM, and outputs it to the sound signal amplifier circuit. . Then, the audio signal amplifier circuit outputs the amplified signal to the speaker, and the speaker outputs sound.

[Variation time table]
Next, the variation time table stored in the main control ROM 13 of the main control board 10 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 8A is an explanatory diagram of the big hit variation time table, and FIG. 8B is an explanatory diagram of the loss variation time table.

  A jackpot variation time table 13a shown in FIG. 8A is a table that is referred to when the main control CPU 12 determines a variation time of a special symbol when it is determined that the jackpot is a big hit. The jackpot variation time table 13a is configured by associating a count value with a variation time. The count value is a count value of a variable time lottery counter for determining the variable time by lottery. The variation time lottery counter counts the same number of count values as the number of variation times set in the big hit variation time table 13a.

  In the illustrated example, the count values 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 to 9, and 10 to 99 are associated with the variation times (seconds) 10, 20, 30, 60, 90, and 120. When the main control CPU 12 determines that it is a big hit in the big hit determination, the main control CPU 12 reads the fluctuation time associated with the count value acquired from the fluctuation time lottery counter from the big hit fluctuation time table 13a. For example, when the count value acquired from the variable time lottery counter is 10, the variable time 120 seconds associated with the count value 10 is read.

  The loss variation time table 13b shown in FIG. 8 (b) is a table that is referred to when the main control CPU 12 determines the loss time of the special symbol when it is determined to be lost in the big hit determination. The loss variation time table 13b is configured by associating a count value with a variation time. The count value is the count value of the above-mentioned variable time lottery counter.

  In the illustrated example, the count values 0 to 29, 30 to 49, 50 to 69, 70 to 79, 80 to 94, and 95 to 99, and the fluctuation time (seconds) 10, 20, 30, 60, 90, 120 are set. It is configured in association. When the main control CPU 12 determines that it is a loss in the big hit determination, the main control CPU 12 reads the variation time associated with the count value acquired from the variation time lottery counter from the variation time table for loss 13b. For example, when the count value acquired from the variable time lottery counter is 70, the variable time 60 seconds associated with the count value 70 is read. Although not shown, the main control ROM 13 separately stores a variation time table for determining the variation time at the time of probability variation by lottery.

  In the big hit variation time table 13a, the longer the variation time, the larger the number of associated count values. In the loss variation time table 13b, the shorter the variation time, the larger the number of associated count values. There are many. That is, when the result of the big hit determination is a big hit, the time that the special symbol is in the reach state is lengthened to increase the probability that a long variation time is selected to perform an elaborate effect. In other words, when a variation pattern with a long variation time is displayed, the probability that a big hit will occur is high. In particular, the probability that a variation pattern with a variation time of 120 seconds is displayed is 90/100 in the case of a big hit, and 5/100 in the case of a loss, so the variation pattern with the maximum variation time is displayed. Has a very high probability of a big hit.

[Pending table]
Next, the hold table stored in the main control RAM 14 of the main control board 10 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIGS. 9A and 9B are explanatory diagrams of the hold table.

  The hold table 13c is configured by associating the hold rank, the determination result, and the variation time. The hold order indicates the order in which the hold occurs when the start port switch 15a is turned on while the symbol display device displays the special symbol in a variable manner. In this embodiment, since the upper limit of the number of holds is set to 4, the hold rank is set from the first place to the fourth place. The determination result is a result of jackpot determination performed by the main control CPU 12, and data indicating the jackpot or loss is stored so as to be rewritable.

  For example, “1” is stored in the case of the big hit determination result, and “0” is stored in the case of the loss determination result. The variation time is a variation time selected by the main control CPU 12 from the variation time table described above by lottery, and data indicating the variation time is stored. In the example shown in FIG. 9A, in the hold order No. 1 in the hold table 13c, the loss is stored as the determination result, and 60 seconds is stored as the variation time. In addition, in the hold order No. 2, a loss is stored as a determination result, and a variation time of 30 seconds is stored.

  Further, in the hold ranking No. 3, a jackpot is stored as a determination result, and 120 seconds is stored as a variation time. Further, in the hold ranking No. 4, a loss is stored as a determination result, and 90 seconds is stored as a variation time. Further, the upper limit number U is four. Then, when the change display of the special symbol based on the determination result of the hold order No. 1 and the change time is finished, as shown in FIG. 9B, each data from the hold rank No. 2 to No. 4 is advanced by one. The holding number U is decreased by 1 to 3. Thereafter, each time the special symbol variation display is completed once, each data is incremented by one and the number of reservations U is decreased by one.

[Contents stored in production control ROM]
Next, the contents stored in the effect control ROM 23 provided on the effect control board 20 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the main storage contents of the effect control ROM 23.

  In the effect control ROM 23, counters such as a big hit symbol lottery counter 23a, a lost symbol lottery counter 23b, a big hit variation pattern lottery counter 23c, a loss variation variation lottery counter 23d, and a notice image lottery counter 23e are stored in a readable manner. The effect control ROM 23 further includes a jackpot symbol table 23f, a loss symbol table 23g, a jackpot variation pattern table 23h, a loss variation pattern table 23i, a jackpot third variation pattern table 23j, a loss third variation pattern table 23k, and a preview image table 23m. Tables such as a lamp blinking pattern table 23n and a sound effect output pattern table 23p are stored so that they can be referred to and read out.

(Big win symbol lottery counter)
The jackpot symbol lottery counter 23a is a counter for determining the jackpot symbol by lottery, and counts the same number as the number of types of jackpot symbols. In this embodiment, there are 10 types of jackpot symbols, 000, 111,..., 777, 888, and 999, and the jackpot symbol lottery counter 52a counts a total of 10 numbers from 0 to 9 in order of size. It is a ring counter. The lost symbol lottery counter 23b is a counter for determining a lost symbol by lottery, and counts the same number as the number of types of special symbols. In this embodiment, there are a total of 10 types of special symbols, 0, 1,..., 7, 8, and 9. The lost symbol lottery counter 52b counts a total of 10 numerical values from 0 to 9 in order of size. It is a ring counter.

(Big hit design table)
The jackpot symbol table 23f is configured by associating the count value of the jackpot symbol lottery counter 23a with the jackpot symbol. In this embodiment, the jackpot symbol table 23f is configured by associating 0 to 9 count values of the jackpot symbol lottery counter 23a with 0 to 999 jackpot symbols. For example, if the count value acquired by the effect control CPU 22 from the jackpot symbol lottery counter 23a is 7, the jackpot symbol 777 associated with the count value 7 is read from the jackpot symbol table 23f. The jackpot symbol in the jackpot symbol table 23f is an address that designates a storage area in the image data ROM 54 of the symbol display device 50 in which the image data of the jackpot symbol is stored.

(Loose design table)
The lost symbol table 23g is configured by associating the count value of the lost symbol lottery counter 23b with a special symbol. In this embodiment, the lost symbol table 23g is configured by associating a count value of 0 to 9 with a special symbol of 0 to 9. For example, when the count value acquired by the effect control CPU 22 from the lost symbol lottery counter 23b is 2, the special symbol 2 associated with the count value 2 is read from the lost symbol table 23g.

  In this embodiment, the process of reading the special symbol corresponding to the count value of the lost symbol lottery counter 23b from the lost symbol table 23g is repeated three times to determine a lost symbol composed of three special symbols. If the three lost symbols are the same as the jackpot symbol, the lottery symbol lottery is repeated from the beginning until a symbol different from the jackpot symbol is selected. The special symbol in the lost symbol table 23g is an address that designates a storage area in the image data ROM 54 of the symbol display device 50 in which the image data of the special symbol is stored.

(Big hit fluctuation pattern lottery counter)
The big hit fluctuation pattern lottery counter 23c is a counter for determining the big hit fluctuation pattern by lottery, and counts the same number as the types of the big hit fluctuation patterns. Here, the big hit variation pattern is a special symbol variation pattern displayed on the symbol display device 50 when the result of the big hit determination by the main control CPU 12 is a big hit.

(Big hit fluctuation pattern table)
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the big hit variation pattern table 23h. The big hit fluctuation pattern table 23h is configured by associating the count value of the big hit fluctuation pattern lottery counter 23c with the big hit fluctuation pattern. The big hit fluctuation pattern table 23h is stored for every fluctuation time set in the big hit fluctuation time table 13a (FIG. 8A). The big hit fluctuation pattern table 23h shown in the figure is set for a fluctuation time of 120 seconds.

  The big hit fluctuation pattern includes a big hit second fluctuation pattern that interrupts the change in the middle of the special symbol change and allows the player to operate the selection switches A to C to select a desired reach pattern, and such a big hit fluctuation pattern. Unlike the second variation pattern, the first variation pattern is a jackpot first movement pattern that does not give the player the opportunity to select a reach pattern. Although not shown in the figure, in the probability variation gaming state, a big hit variation pattern having a variation time shorter than that in the normal gaming state is drawn using the dedicated big hit variation pattern lottery counter and the big hit variation pattern table.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, the big hit second fluctuation pattern stored in the storage area 23h2 is composed of a total of 20 types of big hit reach fluctuation patterns of the big hit reach fluctuation patterns P10 to P29. The reach variation pattern is associated with count values 10 to 29 of the big hit variation pattern lottery counter 23c. The big hit reach variation patterns P10 to P29 are provided with a first period in which the variation is interrupted before the special symbol variation state reaches the reach state, and the player operates the selection switches A to C to select a desired reach pattern. Variation pattern.

  The big hit second variation pattern includes a normal variation pattern displayed during the period from the start of variation of the special symbol to the start of the first period, and an original reach displayed when the reach pattern is not selected within the first period. Pattern. That is, when the reach pattern is selected within the first period, the selected reach pattern is displayed instead of the original reach pattern, and when the reach pattern is not selected within the first period, The original reach pattern can be displayed.

  The big hit first fluctuation pattern stored in the storage area 23h1 is composed of a total of ten types of big hit reach fluctuation patterns P0 to P9. Each big hit reach fluctuation pattern includes a big hit fluctuation pattern lottery. The count values 0 to 9 of the counter 23c are associated with each other. The big hit reach fluctuation patterns P0 to P9 are different from the big hit second fluctuation pattern, and are the fluctuation patterns configured such that the reach pattern selection period is not provided and the special symbol fluctuation is not interrupted.

  The effect control CPU 22 reads the jackpot variation pattern associated with the count value acquired from the jackpot variation pattern lottery counter 23c from the jackpot variation pattern table 23h. For example, when the count value acquired from the big hit fluctuation pattern lottery counter 23c is 10, the big hit reach fluctuation pattern P10 associated with the count value 10 is read from the big hit fluctuation pattern table 23h.

(Lossing variation pattern lottery counter)
The loss variation pattern lottery counter 23d is a counter for determining a loss variation pattern by lottery, and counts the same number as the number of types of loss variation patterns. Here, the loss variation pattern is a variation pattern of a special symbol displayed on the symbol display device 50 when the result of the big hit determination by the main control CPU 12 is a loss.

(Lossing variation pattern table)
FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the loss variation pattern table 23i. The loss variation pattern table 23i is configured by associating the count value of the loss variation pattern lottery counter 23d with the loss variation pattern. The lost variation pattern includes a first lost variation pattern that interrupts the variation in the middle of the variation of the special symbol, and gives the player the opportunity to select a desired reach pattern by operating the selection switches A to C. Unlike the first variation pattern, the second variation pattern is a lost second variation pattern that does not give the player the opportunity to select a reach pattern. Although not shown, in the probability variation gaming state, a loss variation pattern having a variation time shorter than that in the normal gaming state is selected using a dedicated variation variation pattern lottery counter and a variation variation pattern table.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, the first loss variation pattern stored in the storage area 23i1 is composed of a total of five types of loss reach variation patterns R0 to R4. The reach variation pattern is associated with count values 0 to 4 of the loss variation pattern lottery counter 23d. The lose reach change patterns R0 to R4 are provided with a first period in which the change is interrupted before the change state of the special symbol reaches the reach state, and the player operates the selection switches A to C to select a desired reach pattern. Variation pattern.

  Further, the second loss variation pattern stored in the storage area 23i2 is composed of a total of 25 types of loss normal variation patterns R5 to R9 and loss reach variation patterns R10 to R29. Each variation pattern includes a loss variation pattern. Count values 5 to 29 of the lottery counter 23d are associated with each other. Unlike the loss first variation pattern, the second variation pattern consisting of the loss normal variation patterns R5 to R9 and the loss reach variation patterns R10 to R29 is not provided with the first period so that the variation of the special symbol is not interrupted. It is a configured variation pattern.

  The effect control CPU 22 reads the loss variation pattern associated with the count value acquired from the loss variation pattern lottery counter 23d from the loss variation pattern table 23i. For example, when the count value acquired from the loss variation pattern lottery counter 23d is 11, the loss reach variation pattern R11 associated with the count value 11 is read from the loss variation pattern table 23i.

  Note that the big hit reach fluctuation pattern in the big hit fluctuation pattern table 23h and the loss fluctuation pattern in the loss fluctuation pattern table 23i designate a control program for causing the symbol display device 50 to execute a special symbol fluctuation display in a predetermined fluctuation pattern. The control program corresponding to the data is stored in the image control ROM 52 of the symbol display device 50.

  That is, when the effect control CPU 22 transmits the data specifying the variation pattern read from the big hit variation pattern table 23h or the loss variation pattern table 23i to the symbol display device 50, it is designated by the data received by the image control CPU 51 of the symbol display device 50. The control program to be read is read from the image control ROM 52 and executed, and the designated variation pattern is displayed on the screen 50a. At this time, image data necessary for displaying the variation pattern on the screen is read from the image data ROM 54.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, the count value associated with the big hit second variation pattern is larger than the count value associated with the big hit first variation pattern. Has a high probability of selecting the second big variation pattern, that is, the variation pattern that gives an opportunity to select the reach pattern during the variation of the special symbol.
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 12, since the count value associated with the first loss variation pattern is smaller than the count value associated with the second variation pattern, There is a low probability that one variation pattern, that is, a variation pattern that gives an opportunity to select a reach pattern during the variation of a special symbol is selected.

In other words, when the variation of the special symbol is interrupted in the middle and a variation pattern that gives the player an opportunity to select a desired reach pattern is displayed, the probability that a big hit will occur is high.
Therefore, the player can enjoy the game while expecting whether or not a variation pattern that can select a reach pattern will be displayed in the middle of the variation of the special symbol. The feeling of expectation increases at a stretch.

(Big hit third variation pattern table)
The jackpot third variation pattern table 23j (FIG. 10) stored in the effect control ROM 23 is set with a plurality of types of reach patterns that can be selected by the player when the variation of a special symbol that will cause a jackpot is interrupted. This table is provided for each of the selection switches A to C.
FIG. 13A is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a big hit third variation pattern table corresponding to the selection switch A, and FIG. 13B is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a big hit third variation pattern table corresponding to the selection switch B. FIG. 6C is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the big hit third variation pattern table corresponding to the selection switch C.

In the big hit third fluctuation pattern table 23j1 shown in FIG. 13A, a plurality of types of big hit reach fluctuation patterns that can be selected by lottery when the selection switch A is turned ON are set. The big hit third fluctuation pattern table 23j1 is configured by associating the second period of 30 seconds, 40 seconds, 50 seconds,... With the big hit reach fluctuation patterns A0, A1, A2,.
For example, if the player operates the selection switch A within the first period tb, the original reach pattern that was to be displayed when no selection switch was operated within the first period tb. When the second period te is 30 seconds, the big hit reach fluctuation pattern A0 associated with the second period 30 seconds is selected.

In the big hit third fluctuation pattern table 23j2 shown in FIG. 13B, a plurality of types of big hit reach fluctuation patterns that can be selected when the selection switch B is turned on are set. The big hit third fluctuation pattern table 23j2 is configured by associating the second period 30 seconds, 40 seconds, 50 seconds,... With the big hit reach fluctuation patterns B0, B1, B2,.
For example, if the player operates the selection switch B within the first period tb, the original reach pattern of the original reach pattern that was to be displayed when any selection switch was not operated during the first period. When the 2 period te is 40 seconds, the big hit reach fluctuation pattern B1 associated with the second period 40 seconds is selected.

In the big hit third fluctuation pattern table 23j3 shown in FIG. 13C, a plurality of types of big hit reach fluctuation patterns that can be selected when the selection switch C is turned on are set. The big hit third fluctuation pattern table 23j3 is configured by associating the second period of 30 seconds, 40 seconds, 50 seconds,... With the big hit reach fluctuation patterns C0, C1, C2,.
For example, if the player operates the selection switch C within the first period tb, the original reach pattern of the original reach pattern that was to be displayed when no selection switch was operated during the first period. When the 2 period te is 50 seconds, the big hit reach fluctuation pattern C2 associated with the second period 50 seconds is selected.

(Loss 3rd variation pattern table)
The lost third variation pattern table 23k (FIG. 10) stored in the effect control ROM 23 is a table in which a plurality of reach patterns that can be selected by the player when the variation of the special symbol that causes the loss is interrupted are set. The selection switches A to C are provided for each selection switch.
FIG. 14A is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of the third loss variation pattern table corresponding to the selection switch A, and FIG. 14B is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of the third loss variation pattern table corresponding to the selection switch B. FIG. 6C is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of a lost third variation pattern table corresponding to the selection switch C.

In the third loss variation pattern table 23k1 shown in FIG. 14A, a plurality of types of loss reach variation patterns that can be selected by lottery when the selection switch A is turned ON are set. The lost third fluctuation pattern table 23k1 is configured by associating the second period of 30 seconds, 40 seconds, 50 seconds,... With the lost reach fluctuation patterns D0, D1, D2,.
For example, if the player operates the selection switch A within the first period tb, the original reach pattern that was to be displayed when no selection switch was operated within the first period tb. When the second period te is 30 seconds, the loss reach fluctuation pattern D0 associated with the second period 30 seconds is selected.

In the loss third fluctuation pattern table 23k2 shown in FIG. 14B, a plurality of types of loss reach fluctuation patterns that can be selected when the selection switch B is turned on are set. The lost third fluctuation pattern table 23k2 is configured by associating the second period of 30 seconds, 40 seconds, 50 seconds,... With the lost reach fluctuation patterns E0, E1, E2,.
For example, if the player operates the selection switch B within the first period tb, the original reach pattern that was scheduled to be displayed when no selection switch was operated within the first period tb. If the second period te is 40 seconds, the loss reach fluctuation pattern E1 associated with the second period 40 seconds is selected.

In the loss third fluctuation pattern table 23k3 shown in FIG. 14C, a plurality of types of loss reach fluctuation patterns that can be selected when the selection switch C is turned on are set. The lost third fluctuation pattern table 23k3 is configured by associating the second period of 30 seconds, 40 seconds, 50 seconds,... With the lost reach fluctuation patterns F0, F1, F2,.
For example, if the player operates the selection switch C within the first period tb, the original reach pattern that was to be displayed when no selection switch was operated during the first period tb. If the second period te is 50 seconds, the loss reach fluctuation pattern F2 associated with the second period 50 seconds is selected.

(Preliminary image table)
The notice image table 23m (FIG. 10) stored in the effect control ROM 23 is a table used by the effect control CPU 22 to select the aforementioned notice image.
FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of the preview image table 23m. The notice image table 23m is configured by associating the count value of the notice image lottery counter 23e (FIG. 10) with the notice image. The notice image lottery counter 23e is a counter for determining the notice image by lottery, and counts the same number as the number of notice images set in the notice image table 23m.

  The notice image table 23m is stored for each type of variation pattern to be noticed and for each remaining time td. For example, there are three types of variation patterns to be notified, and the remaining time is calculated as 10 seconds up to 5 seconds in increments of 0.5 seconds, 0.5 seconds,. In such a case, ten preview image tables 23m are stored for each variation pattern. That is, a total of 30 preview image tables 23m are stored.

  The notice image table 23m shown in the drawing is referred to when the remaining time is 3 seconds. In the illustrated example, the count values 0 to 9 of the notice image lottery counter 23e are associated with the moving images G0 to G9. The moving images G0 to G9 stored in the preview image table 23m are addresses in the image data ROM 54 in which image data for displaying each moving image is stored.

[Design control table]
Next, the symbol control table stored in the effect control RAM 24 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIGS. 16A and 16B are explanatory diagrams showing an example of the contents stored in the symbol control table.

  The symbol control table 24a is configured to be rewritable in association with the display order, the variation pattern, the variation time, and the stop symbol. The display order is the order in which the variation pattern is displayed on the symbol display device 50, and corresponds to the on-holding order. The variation pattern is data for specifying the variation pattern determined by lottery corresponding to the variation time transmitted from the main control CPU 12 by the effect control CPU 22. The variation time is data specifying the variation time transmitted from the main control CPU 12. The stop symbol is data for specifying the stop symbol determined by lottery by the effect control CPU 22.

  In the example shown in FIG. 16A, in the display order No. 1, a variation pattern R11, a variation time of 60 seconds, and a stop symbol 787 are stored in a rewritable manner. In the display order No. 2, a change pattern P10, a change time of 120 seconds, and a stop symbol 777 are stored so as to be rewritable. In the display order No. 3, a change pattern R9, a change time of 20 seconds, and a stop symbol 635 are stored so as to be rewritable. Further, in the display order No. 4, a fluctuation pattern R1, a fluctuation time of 90 seconds, and a stop symbol 343 are stored so as to be rewritable.

  The symbol display device 50 performs a variable symbol display according to the display order of the symbol control table 24a. For example, the fluctuation pattern P10 associated with the display order No. 1 is displayed with a fluctuation time of 120 seconds, and when the fluctuation stops, the stop symbol 777 is stopped and displayed. When the display of the variation pattern ends once, as shown in FIG. 16B, each data associated with each display order is moved up by one.

[Image data ROM]
Next, the contents stored in the image data ROM 54 (FIG. 7) provided in the symbol display device 50 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing main storage contents of the image data ROM 54.

  In the image data ROM 54, a storage area 54a for storing the big hit symbol data for displaying the big hit symbol on the screen 50a of the symbol display device 50, a storage area 54b for storing the lost symbol data for displaying the lost symbol, The big hit first fluctuation pattern image data for displaying the big hit first fluctuation pattern stored in the storage area 23h1 (FIG. 10) of the big hit fluctuation pattern table 23h is stored in the storage area 54c and the storage area 23h2. The jackpot third variation pattern stored in the storage area 54d for storing the big hit second variation pattern image data for displaying the big hit second variation pattern and the big hit third variation pattern tables 23j1 to 23j3 (FIG. 12). The big hit third variation pattern image data for displaying Region 54e is formed.

  Further, in the image data ROM 54, a storage area in which the first variation pattern image data for displaying the first variation pattern stored in the storage area 23i1 (FIG. 11) of the variation pattern table 23i is stored. 54f, a storage area 54g for storing the second variation pattern image data for displaying the second variation pattern stored in the storage area 23i2, and a third variation pattern table 23k1 to 23k3 for the third variation (FIG. 13). The storage area 54h for storing the lost third variation pattern image data for displaying the stored third variation pattern, and the description image data for displaying the description images 50b and 50c (FIG. 5) are stored. Storage area 54i and the advance notice stored in the advance notice table 23m (FIG. 15) A storage area 54j in which notice image data for displaying an image is stored, a storage area 54k in which jackpot effect image data for displaying a big hit effect image for generating a big hit is stored, and a player A storage area 54m for storing customer waiting image data for displaying a customer waiting image when the customer waiting state is not attached is formed.

[Image control flow]
Next, the main image control flow in the pachinko machine 1 will be described with reference to the drawings.
(Start-up processing)
The flow of the start port process executed by the main control CPU 12 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the flow of the start port process executed by the main control CPU 12, and FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the continuation of FIG.

  The main control CPU 12 determines whether or not the start port switch 15a (FIG. 7) is turned on, that is, whether or not the game ball has won the start port 15 or the ordinary electric accessory 16 (step (hereinafter abbreviated as S). 1). Here, if an affirmative determination is made (S1: Yes), the number of reservations U stored in the main control RAM 14 is referred to (S2), and it is determined whether or not the number of reservations U is less than the upper limit of 4 (S3). .

Here, if an affirmative determination is made (S3: Yes), 1 is added to the holding number U (S4), and the big hit lottery count value counted by the big hit lottery counter at this time is acquired (S5).
Here, the big hit lottery counter is a counter that counts a plurality of consecutive different numerical values, and in this embodiment, is a ring counter that sequentially counts a total of 500 numerical values from 0 to 499.

  Subsequently, the main control CPU 12 determines whether or not the current gaming state is a probability variation gaming state in which the probability is changed (S6). In this determination, for example, when the number of fluctuations of the special symbol since the gaming state has changed to the probability variation gaming state has not reached the preset number of variations, it is determined that the probability variation gaming state has been reached. It is determined that the game state is not probable. Here, if it is determined that the game state is the probability variation game state (S6: Yes), the jackpot value table for probability variation game (not shown) is referred to (S7), and if it is determined that the state is not the probability variation game state (S6: No), A normal game jackpot value table (not shown) is referred to (S8). In the probability variation game jackpot value table, more jackpot values are set than in the normal game jackpot value table.

  In this embodiment, a total of eight jackpot values of 7, 89, 137, 197, 257, 307, 359, and 409 are set in the probability variation game jackpot value table, and the normal game jackpot value table is set. , 7,257, a total of two jackpot values are set. In other words, the probability that a big hit will occur is 2/500 = 1/250 in the normal game, 8/500 = 4/250 in the probability variation game, and the probability that the big hit will occur in the probability variation game is usually It is 4 times higher than when playing. The big hit value 7 is set to the probability variation big hit value.

  Subsequently, the main control CPU 12 performs a big hit determination (S9). This jackpot determination is performed based on whether or not the jackpot value of the same number as the jackpot lottery count value acquired from the jackpot lottery counter in S5 is stored in the probability-changing game jackpot value table or the normal game jackpot value table. . Here, if an affirmative determination is made (S9: Yes), it is determined whether or not a normal big hit (S10).

  Here, if the jackpot lottery count value acquired from the jackpot lottery counter in S4 is a jackpot value other than the probability variation jackpot value, it is determined as a normal jackpot (S10: Yes), and it is determined that it is determined as a normal jackpot. The normal jackpot flag shown is turned on (S11). In addition, when the jackpot lottery count value acquired from the jackpot lottery counter in the previous S4 is a probable variation jackpot value, it is determined that it is not a normal jackpot, that is, a probability variation jackpot (S10: No), and is determined to be a probability variation jackpot. Is turned on (S12).

  Subsequently, the main control CPU 12 determines whether or not the current gaming state is a probability variation gaming state (S13 in FIG. 19), and if a positive determination is made (S13: Yes), the variation time for probability variation gaming is determined by lottery. (S14). Here, the probability variation game variation time is a variation time set shorter than that in the normal gaming state in order to execute the above-mentioned time reduction. The probability variation game variation time is drawn using a probability variation game variation time lottery counter and a probability variation game variation time table (not shown).

  The probability variation game variation time table is configured by associating a plurality of different probability variation game variation times with count values counted by the probability variation game variation time lottery counter. Then, the main control CPU 12 obtains one count value from the probability variation game variation time lottery counter when it is time to execute S14, and sets the probability variation game variation time associated with the obtained count value. Read from the variation time table for probability variation games.

  For example, if the probability variation game variation time table is 5 seconds, 6 seconds, 7 seconds, 8 seconds, 9 seconds, 10 seconds, a total of 6 probability variation game variation times, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 When the count value acquired from the probability variation game variation time lottery counter is 2, the probability variation associated with the count value 3 is configured. Read the game variation time of 7 seconds.

  If it is determined in S13 that the current gaming state is not the probability variation gaming state (S13: No), it is determined whether or not the normal jackpot flag or the probability variation jackpot flag is on (S15). Here, if it is determined that it is on (S15: Yes), it is associated with the count value acquired from the variable time lottery counter with reference to the aforementioned big hit variable time table 13a (FIG. 8A). Is selected (S16). On the other hand, if it is determined that it is not turned on (S15: No), the fluctuation associated with the count value acquired from the fluctuation time lottery counter with reference to the fluctuation time table 13b for loss (FIG. 8B). A time is selected (S17).

  Then, when the main control CPU 12 executes S14, S16 or S17 to determine the variation time, the data indicating the determined variation time, the data indicating the holding number U obtained in the previous S4, and the previous S9 and S10 A command including data indicating the obtained jackpot determination result is transmitted to the effect control board 20 (S18).

(Variation pattern lottery process)
Next, the flow of the variation pattern lottery process executed by the effect control CPU 22 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  The effect control CPU 22 receives the command transmitted by the main control CPU 12 in S18 (FIG. 19) of the start port process (S30). Subsequently, the received command is analyzed, and the number U of hold, variation time, jackpot determination result, etc. are extracted (S31). Subsequently, a command for displaying the extracted hold number U is transmitted to the lamp control board 48, and the hold number display device 47 (FIG. 3) displays the hold number U (S32).

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the jackpot determination result extracted in the previous S31 is a normal jackpot (S33). If it is determined that the jackpot is a normal jackpot (S33: Yes), a normal jackpot symbol is drawn (S34). ). In S33, if it is determined that it is not a normal big hit (S33: No), it is determined whether or not it is a probable big hit (S35). If it is determined that it is a probable big hit (S35: Yes), the probable change is determined. A jackpot symbol is drawn (S36).

  When a normal big hit symbol is drawn in S34 or a probabilistic big hit symbol is drawn in S36, a big hit variation pattern is drawn with reference to the aforementioned big hit variation pattern table 23h (FIG. 11) (S37). In S35, if it is determined that it is not a probable big hit, that is, a loss (S35: No), the lost symbols are drawn (S38), and the loss variation pattern is referenced with reference to the loss variation pattern table 23i (FIG. 12). Are lottery (S39). Then, the variation time extracted from the command in S31 and the lottery results in S34, S36, S37, S38, and S39 are sequentially stored in the symbol control table 24a (FIG. 16) of the effect control RAM 24 (S40).

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the variation pattern stored in the first display order of the symbol control table 24a in S40 is a variation pattern in which the variation is interrupted (S41). If it is determined that there is (S41: Yes), symbol control 1 is executed (S42), and if it is determined that the variation is not a variation pattern interrupted in the middle (S41: No), symbol control 3 is performed ( S43).

(Design control 1)
Next, the flow of the symbol control 1 executed by the effect control CPU 22 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  The effect control CPU 22 determines whether or not the special symbol is changing (S50), and if it is determined that the special symbol is not changing (S50: No), in S40 (FIG. 20) of the previous variation pattern lottery process. Based on the variation pattern stored in the display order No. 1 in the symbol control table 24a, the symbol display device 50 is caused to start the variation of the special symbol (S51). That is, when the effect control CPU 22 transmits a command indicating a variation pattern to the symbol display device 50, the image control CPU 51 of the symbol display device 50 displays image data for displaying the variation pattern corresponding to the received command as image data ROM 54. Is read out and displayed on the screen 50a.

  Subsequently, the effect control CPU 22 determines whether or not it is time to interrupt the variation of the special symbol (S52). If it is determined that it is time to interrupt (S52: Yes), the effect display CPU 22 explains to the symbol display device 50. The images 50b and 50c (FIG. 5) are displayed in order (S53). Subsequently, measurement of a period during which the player can select a desired reach pattern by operating the selection switches A to C, that is, the first period tb is started (S54).

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not any of the selection switches is turned on (S55). If it is determined that the selection switch is turned on (S55: Yes), the third variation pattern corresponding to the ON selection switch is selected and produced. It is temporarily stored in the control RAM 24 (S56). That is, as described above, when the result of the big hit determination is a big hit, the second big change pattern tables 23j1 to 23j3 (FIG. 13) corresponding to the selection switch that has been turned on are referred to and the second reach of the original reach pattern. The jackpot reach variation pattern associated with the period te is selected. Further, when the result of the big hit determination is a loss, the lost third variation pattern tables 23k1 to 23k3 (FIG. 14) corresponding to the selection switch that is turned on are referred to and associated with the second period te of the original reach pattern. Select the lost reach variation pattern.

  Subsequently, the measurement of the first period tb is stopped (S57), and the remaining time td is calculated (S60). As described above, the first period tb is set to 5 seconds, and the remaining time td when the selection switch is turned on after 2 seconds from the start of the first period tb is 3 seconds (= 5 seconds− 2 seconds). Subsequently, the change pattern to be displayed next to the change pattern, that is, the change pattern stored in the display order No. 2 in the symbol control table 24a and the notice image table 23m corresponding to the remaining time td calculated in the previous S60. Referring to FIG. 15, the preview image associated with the count value acquired from the preview image lottery counter 23e is selected and temporarily stored in the effect control RAM 24 (S61).

  For example, in the example shown in FIG. 16 (a), it is assumed that the currently displayed variation pattern is the variation pattern R11 with the first display order, and the remaining time td is 3 seconds. In this case, since it is the fluctuation pattern P10 in the second display order that is scheduled to be displayed next, the notice image table 23m corresponding to the change pattern P10 and the remaining time 3 seconds is referred to, and the notice image lottery counter 23e. The preview image associated with the count value acquired from is selected and temporarily stored in the effect control RAM 24 (S61).

  Subsequently, the third variation pattern (reach pattern selected by the player) temporarily stored in the effect control RAM 24 in the previous S56 is read and displayed on the symbol display device 50 (S62). Then, it is determined whether or not it is time to display a stop symbol (S63). If it is determined that it is time (S63: Yes), the stop symbol stored in the symbol control table 24a is displayed on the symbol display device 50. (S64).

Subsequently, it is determined whether or not it is time to display the preview image (S65). If it is determined that the timing is reached (S65: Yes), the preview temporarily stored in the effect control RAM 24 in the previous S61. The image is displayed for the same period as the remaining time td (S66). Then, when a big hit symbol is displayed as a stop symbol in the previous S64, the remaining time td has elapsed, and after the display of the preview image is finished, the big hit effect image is displayed on the symbol display device 50, and the winning device 17 is displayed. Operates and starts a big hit game.
If it is determined in S55 that none of the selection switches has been turned on (S55: No), whether or not the first period (reach pattern selection period) tb has expired, that is, the first period tb. It is determined whether or not the player has selected a reach pattern before elapse (S58). If it is determined that the first period tb is up (S58: Yes), symbol control 2 is executed (S59).

(Design control 2)
Next, the flow of the symbol control 2 executed by the effect control CPU 22 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  The effect control CPU 22 starts displaying the variation pattern that was originally intended to be displayed when the reach pattern is not selected before the first period tb has elapsed, that is, the reach pattern that is originally intended (S70). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not it is time to display the stop symbol (S71), and if it is determined that it is time to display (S71: Yes), effect control is performed in S40 of the previous variation pattern lottery process (FIG. 20). The stop symbol stored in the RAM 24 is read and displayed on the symbol display device 50 (S72).

(Design control 3)
Next, the flow of the symbol control 3 executed by the effect control CPU 22 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  The effect control CPU 22 determines whether or not the special symbol is changing (S80). If it is determined that the special symbol is not changing (S80: No), the symbol control is performed in S40 of the previous variation pattern lottery process (FIG. 20). The variation pattern stored in the table 24a (FIG. 16) is read and displayed on the symbol display device 50 (S81). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not it is time to display a stopped symbol (S82), and if it is determined that it is time to display (S82: Yes), symbol control is performed in S40 of the previous variation pattern lottery process (FIG. 20). The stop symbol stored in the table 24a (FIG. 16) is read and displayed on the symbol display device 50 (S83).

[Effect of the embodiment]
(1) If the pachinko machine 1 according to the first embodiment described above is used, when a reach pattern is selected before the first period (reach pattern selection period) tb has elapsed, the display of the selected reach pattern is immediately started. Therefore, there is no possibility that the game tempo collapses and frustration occurs.

(2) In addition, by displaying a preview image for a period corresponding to the remaining time after the display of the reach pattern selected by the player, the start timing of the big hit game is determined depending on whether or not the player has selected the reach pattern. It is possible to maintain a fairness because it is possible to eliminate the situation of different.

(3) In addition, after the reach pattern selected by the player has been displayed, the next display is scheduled by displaying an image that can identify the contents of the variation pattern scheduled to be displayed next as the preview image. It is possible to know in advance the variation pattern being made.
In particular, if the variation pattern that is scheduled to be displayed next is a variation pattern that is displayed with a high probability when the determination result is a big hit and that is displayed with a low probability when the determination result is lost, the variation pattern is Knowing what is displayed next can increase the feeling of throbbing.

(4) Furthermore, only a player who has selected a desired reach pattern before the first period (reach pattern selection period) tb has elapsed will view the notice image after the display of the reach pattern selected by himself / herself has been completed. Therefore, by selecting the reach pattern, the pleasure of watching the preview image increases.

Second Embodiment
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The pachinko machine of this embodiment is characterized in that the above-described notice image is displayed during the display of the variation pattern. FIG. 23 is a time chart of the first to third variation patterns, and FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the flow of the symbol control 1. Since the pachinko machine of this embodiment has the same configuration and function as the pachinko machine 1 of the first embodiment described above except for a part of the symbol control 1, the description of the same configuration is omitted and the same. The sign of is used.

  As shown in FIG. 23, when the player operates any of the selection switches A to C within the first period tb and a reach pattern is selected, the display of the selected reach pattern is displayed in the first period tb. Start immediately without waiting for progress. At a predetermined timing (t5) during the display of the selected reach pattern, the preview image is displayed for the same period as the remaining time td. When the fluctuation time ta is up, the stop symbol is stopped and displayed (t7).

[Design control 1]
When the display of the third variation pattern is started (S62 in FIG. 24), the effect control CPU 22 determines whether or not it is time to display the preview image (S63), and determines that it is time (S63: Yes). The display of the preview image is started (S64). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not it is time to end the display of the preview image, that is, whether or not the same time as the remaining time td has elapsed since the display of the preview image was started (S65). If it is determined that the time has elapsed (S65: Yes), the display of the preview image is terminated and the display of the continuation of the third variation pattern is resumed (S66). When it is time to display the stop symbol (S67: Yes), the stop symbol is stopped and displayed (S68).

[Effects of Second Embodiment]
(1) If the pachinko machine of 2nd Embodiment mentioned above is used, there can exist the same effect as effect (1), (2), (4) of 1st Embodiment.

(2) Also, when the player operates the selection switch within the first period tb, the reach pattern in which the preview image is selected is displayed for the same period as the remaining time td from the operation timing to the end of the first period tb. It can be displayed on the symbol display device 50.
Therefore, if a desired reach pattern is selected within the first period tb, the pleasure of seeing some notice image increases during the display of the selected reach pattern, and the variable display contents of the symbols scheduled to be performed in the future are displayed. You can know in advance.

<Third Embodiment>
Next, a third embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The pachinko machine of this embodiment is characterized in that the above-described notice image is displayed a plurality of times during the display of the variation pattern. FIG. 25 is a time chart of the first to third variation patterns.

  In the example shown in FIG. 25, the remaining time td is divided into ½, and the notice image is displayed for td / 2 hours at different timings (t5, t7) during the display of the reach pattern selected by the player. The notice image displayed at each timing may be the same notice image or a different notice image. For example, the preview image displayed at each timing is an image for specifying the content of the variation pattern scheduled to be displayed next to the variation pattern, but the preview image to be displayed first has a little variation pattern content for the player. It is composed of images that are difficult to recognize, and the preview image to be displayed next is composed of images that are easy to recognize. That is, the preview image displayed later in time is made an image in which the content of the variation pattern is easier to recognize.

  In addition, each preview image can be an image having a relevant content. For example, the content of the preview image is given a story, and the content of the variation pattern scheduled to be displayed next can be recognized by the content of the last displayed preview image.

  By configuring as described above, selecting a reach pattern within the first period tb increases the pleasure of viewing the preview image multiple times at different timings during the display of the reach pattern. Further, as the number of display times of the preview image increases, the content of the variation pattern scheduled to be varied next is gradually clarified, so that it is possible to enhance a feeling of throbbing.

<Other embodiments>
(1) A notice image for notifying the jackpot symbol that is stopped when the display of the fluctuation pattern scheduled to fluctuate after the fluctuation is finished is displayed from when the fluctuation is being displayed or when the display is finished. It can also be configured as follows. For example, as shown in FIG. 16 (a), if the change is performed according to each data of the display order No. 1, the stop pattern of the next planned change pattern is the jackpot symbol 777. From the time when the variation pattern is being displayed or when the display is finished, a preview image of the content for notifying the jackpot symbol 777 can be displayed.

  According to this configuration, when the next scheduled variation pattern display is completed, it is possible to notify that a big hit will occur, so that the player who sees the warning image has a sense of expectation for the occurrence of the big hit at once. You can enjoy a game that is growing and exciting.

(2) It is also possible to display a notice image for notifying the contents of the fluctuation pattern scheduled for the next or subsequent time of the fluctuation or the jackpot symbol. For example, when the change is made based on each data of the display order No. 1, display a notice image for announcing the contents of the change pattern scheduled for the display order No. 3 or No. 4 or the jackpot symbol Can do.

(3) In each of the above-described embodiments, the case where the player selects the reach pattern has been described. However, a normal variation pattern other than the reach pattern can be selected.

1 ... Pachinko machine 12 ... Main control CPU 15 ... Starting port 17 ... Winning device
18 .. Grand prize opening, 22 .. Production control CPU, 23 .. Production control ROM,
50 .. Symbol display device, 54. Image data ROM, A, B, C ... Selection switch.

Claims (5)

A game board in which a game area is formed;
A start opening provided in the game area;
A launcher that launches a game ball into the game area;
A detection switch for detecting a game ball fired by the launching device and passed through the start port;
A determination function for determining whether it is a big hit or a loss when the detection switch is turned on;
A determination result storage area for sequentially storing the determination result by the determination function in the order in which the detection switch is turned on with a predetermined number as an upper limit;
If the determination result stored in the determination result storage area is a big hit, a plurality of symbols are variably displayed and then the big hit symbol is stopped and the determination result stored in the determination result storage area is lost. A symbol display device for performing variable display of symbols for stopping and displaying a lost symbol after a plurality of symbols are variably displayed in the order stored in the determination result storage area,
In a pachinko machine provided with a winning device that opens and closes a big winning opening when the symbol display device stops displaying the jackpot symbol,
A plurality of selection switches operated by the player to select a pattern variation pattern;
When the change of the symbol is interrupted for the first period and the selection switch is not operated within the first period, the continuation of the interrupted symbol change is displayed for the second period after the first period. A first storage area in which first image data for displaying the first variation pattern on the symbol display device is stored;
A second storage area in which second image data for causing the symbol display device to display a second variation pattern that does not interrupt symbol variation in the middle is stored;
A third storage area in which a plurality of types of third image data for displaying a third variation pattern on the symbol display device for a period of the same length as the second period is stored in association with the plurality of selection switches;
A fourth image for displaying on the symbol display device in the first period an explanation image for explaining a method of selecting a desired third variation pattern from among a plurality of types of the third variation patterns by operating the selection switch. A fourth storage area in which image data is stored;
When the selection switch is operated within the first period, the time required from the operation timing to the end of the first period is defined as a remaining time, and the symbol is displayed after the display of the third variation pattern is completed. In the case where an image for predicting the variable display content of the symbol displayed by the display device is used as the preview image, the preview image is displayed on the symbol display device for the same period as the remaining time from the end of the display of the third variation pattern. And a fifth storage area in which fifth image data for storing is stored,
First display processing for reading the first or second image data from the first or second storage area and displaying the first or second variation pattern on the symbol display device when the determination by the determination function is performed When,
The symbol display device displays the first variation pattern, and when the symbol variation is interrupted, the fourth image data is read from the fourth storage area, and the explanation image is displayed on the symbol display device. 2 display processing,
When the selection switch is operated within the first period, the third image data associated with the operated selection switch is read from the third storage area and corresponds to the read third image data The selection switch is operated in place of the variation pattern that follows the first variation pattern that is to be displayed after the end of the first period when it is assumed that the selection switch is not operated. A third display process to be displayed on the symbol display device when
A calculation process for calculating the remaining time when the selection switch is operated within the first period;
The fifth image data associated with the remaining time calculated by the calculation process is read from the fifth storage area, and the preview image corresponding to the read fifth image data is displayed as the third variation pattern. A pachinko machine, further comprising a CPU that executes a fourth display process that is displayed on the symbol display device for the same period as the remaining time from the end. A game board in which a game area is formed;
A start opening provided in the game area;
A launcher that launches a game ball into the game area;
A detection switch for detecting a game ball fired by the launching device and passed through the start port;
A determination function for determining whether it is a big hit or a loss when the detection switch is turned on;
A determination result storage area for sequentially storing the determination result by the determination function in the order in which the detection switch is turned on with a predetermined number as an upper limit;
If the determination result stored in the determination result storage area is a big hit, a plurality of symbols are variably displayed and then the big hit symbol is stopped and the determination result stored in the determination result storage area is lost. A symbol display device for performing variable display of symbols for stopping and displaying a lost symbol after a plurality of symbols are variably displayed in the order stored in the determination result storage area,
In a pachinko machine provided with a winning device that opens and closes a big winning opening when the symbol display device stops displaying the jackpot symbol,
A plurality of selection switches operated by the player to select a pattern variation pattern;
When the change of the symbol is interrupted for the first period and the selection switch is not operated within the first period, the continuation of the interrupted symbol change is displayed for the second period after the first period. A first storage area in which first image data for displaying the first variation pattern on the symbol display device is stored;
A second storage area in which second image data for causing the symbol display device to display a second variation pattern that does not interrupt symbol variation in the middle is stored;
A third storage area in which a plurality of types of third image data for displaying a third variation pattern on the symbol display device for a period of the same length as the second period is stored in association with the plurality of selection switches;
A fourth image for displaying on the symbol display device in the first period an explanation image for explaining a method of selecting a desired third variation pattern from among a plurality of types of the third variation patterns by operating the selection switch. A fourth storage area in which image data is stored;
When the selection switch is operated within the first period, the time required from the operation timing to the end of the first period is defined as a remaining time, and the symbol is displayed after the display of the third variation pattern is completed. In the case where an image for warning that the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed when the symbol variation display performed by the display device is used as a warning image, the warning image is displayed from when the display of the third variation pattern is ended. A fifth storage area in which fifth image data to be displayed on the symbol display device is stored for the same period as the remaining time,
First display processing for reading the first or second image data from the first or second storage area and displaying the first or second variation pattern on the symbol display device when the determination by the determination function is performed When,
The symbol display device displays the first variation pattern, and when the symbol variation is interrupted, the fourth image data is read from the fourth storage area, and the explanation image is displayed on the symbol display device. 2 display processing,
When the selection switch is operated within the first period, the third image data associated with the operated selection switch is read from the third storage area and corresponds to the read third image data The selection switch is operated in place of the variation pattern that follows the first variation pattern that is to be displayed after the end of the first period when it is assumed that the selection switch is not operated. A third display process to be displayed on the symbol display device when
A calculation process for calculating the remaining time when the selection switch is operated within the first period;
The fifth image data associated with the remaining time calculated by the calculation process is read from the fifth storage area, and the preview image corresponding to the read fifth image data is displayed as the third variation pattern. A pachinko machine, further comprising a CPU that executes a fourth display process that is displayed on the symbol display device for the same period as the remaining time from the end. The fifth image data stored in the fifth storage area is
Image data for displaying the notice image on the symbol display device for the same period as the remaining time during display of the third variation pattern;
The fourth display process includes
The fifth image data associated with the remaining time calculated by the calculation process is read from the fifth storage area, and a preview image corresponding to the read fifth image data is displayed in the third variation pattern. 3. The pachinko machine according to claim 1, wherein the display process causes the symbol display device to display the same period of time as the remaining time. The arithmetic processing is as follows:
Calculating the remaining time when the selection switch is operated within the first period, and further dividing the remaining time into a plurality of remaining times;
The fourth display process includes
The fifth image data respectively associated with the plurality of remaining times is read out from the fifth storage area, and the symbol display device displays each notice image corresponding to each read fifth image data in the third variation. The pachinko machine according to claim 3, wherein during the display of the pattern, the pachinko machine is a process of displaying on the symbol display device at a different timing for each preview image.   A case where only one display area of the plurality of display areas in the symbol display device displays a variable display of a symbol, and a display state in which the jackpot symbol is stopped in a display area other than the one display area is defined as reach The pachinko machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the third variation pattern is a reach pattern in which symbols stop in the entire display area through the reach.

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