JP5163706B2 - Bullet ball machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a ball game machine such as a pachinko machine that plays a game by firing a game ball on a game board.

  2. Description of the Related Art A ball ball game machine that has a variation display device capable of variably displaying a plurality of symbols and a starting port that triggers the variation display of the symbols, and performs a game by firing a game ball on a game board is known. ing. In this ball game machine, when a game ball enters the start opening, the variable display device starts to display a variation of a plurality of symbols, and the symbol combination obtained when those symbols are stopped is displayed (Hereinafter referred to as a winning symbol), a big hit gaming state advantageous to the player is started.

  In addition, when a plurality of symbols that are variably displayed on the variation display device are stopped and displayed, the other symbols except for one symbol are stopped and displayed with the symbols constituting the winning symbol, and the last one There is a case where an effect of variably displaying symbols is performed. Such a state is called a reach state, and an effect that generates the reach state is called a reach effect. When the reach state occurs, the player expects that the last symbol that is variably displayed will be stopped and displayed at the symbol that constitutes the winning symbol, and the jackpot gaming state is expected to start. Can enhance the entertainment of the game.

  Here, whether to stop and display a plurality of symbols in a winning symbol or whether to generate a reach state is determined by a random number lottery performed by a computer mounted inside the ball game machine. . That is, inside the computer, a random number value for stopping and displaying a plurality of symbols in the symbol and a random value for generating a reach state are determined in advance, and when the computer obtains a random number, the random number value of the random number is By determining whether or not a predetermined random number value is satisfied, it is determined whether or not to stop and display a plurality of symbols as a winning symbol, or whether or not to generate a reach state.

  In addition, the random number value used for such random number lottery is usually acquired at the time when it is determined that the symbol display is started (that is, when the game ball enters the start opening). In addition, if the symbol change display cannot be started immediately, such as when the symbol is changing when the game ball enters the start port, it is acquired when the game ball enters the start port. The stored random number value is stored as “hold”, and when the variable display can be started thereafter, the variable display of the symbol is started based on the hold.

  In a ball game machine having such a hold function, whether or not the random number value that is stored as hold and does not immediately start the variable display of symbols matches the pre-stored random number value. A technique has also been proposed in which the player's gaming interest is enhanced by making a determination in advance and reflecting the result in the production. For example, at the time when the hold is stored, it is determined in advance whether or not the hold random number value is a random value that generates a reach state. A technique has been proposed in which a player is notified in advance that a reach state will occur by performing (Patent Document 1).

JP 2000-140286 A

  However, there has been a problem that even if the “reach notice” is performed to notify the occurrence of the reach state using the result of the prior determination, it does not necessarily increase the player's gaming interest. This is due to the following reason. For example, it is assumed that a reach state has been announced in a variable display of the symbol corresponding to the third hold. In this case, the player's interest is devoted to the digestion of the hold where the reach state occurs, and the player pays attention to the symbol variation display associated with the digestion of the two holds stored before the hold where the reach state occurs. As a result, there is a possibility that the game interest for the game until the reach state occurs is cooled. Furthermore, the reach state (reach effect) generated in the symbol fluctuation display accompanying the digestion of the hold that is the target of the reach notice may end in a short time, and the result of the symbol fluctuation display may be lost. In such a case, a player who has a sense of expectation or interest in the future reach due to the occurrence of a reach notice will be a short time monotonous, contrary to the expectation and interest that the player himself has. Since the result of losing is obtained through the reach state (for example, normal reach), there is a possibility that the game interest for the game may be cooled.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems in the prior art, and an object thereof is to provide a ball game machine capable of enhancing a player's gaming interest by executing a “reach notice”. To do.

In order to solve at least a part of the above-described problems, the bullet ball game machine of the present invention employs the following configuration. That is,
While playing a game ball on a game board provided with a game ball detection device capable of detecting a game ball,
After the game ball is detected by the game ball detection device, the display of a plurality of symbols is started, and then the plurality of symbols are stopped and displayed in either a winning symbol combination or an outlier symbol combination. A variable display device;
Other symbols except for one symbol among the plurality of symbols are stopped and displayed in the symbol combination that is the hit mode, and the last one symbol generates a reach state that is a symbol display state in which the variable display is continued. Random number acquisition means for acquiring a reach determination random number used for determining whether or not a game ball is detected by the game ball detection device;
Reach mode storage means for storing a plurality of reach modes that are modes of the reach state;
When the variable display of the symbol is started by the variable display device, whether to generate the reach state is determined based on the reach determination random number, and when generating the reach state, a plurality of Reach mode determining means for determining one reach mode from the reach modes;
When the game ball is detected by the game ball detection device, if the symbol is variably displayed on the variation display device, the game ball of the game sphere is started to start a new variation display after the variation display ends. Storing the reach determination random number acquired with detection as a hold, and holding storage means capable of storing a plurality of the hold;
When the reach determination random number is stored as the hold, a pre-determination unit that determines in advance whether or not the reach determination random number is a random number that generates the reach state, prior to the display of the symbol variation,
When the advance determination means determines that the reach determination random number stored as the hold is a random number that generates the reach state, it indicates that there is a reach hold that is a hold that generates the reach state. Reach hold display means for performing reach hold display that represents until the variable display of the symbol based on the reach hold is started,
The reach mode storage means stores a plurality of the reach modes in a state classified into one of the reach types provided according to the number of the holds,
The reach mode determination means determines the reach mode at the start of the variable display of the symbol based on the reach hold, and the reach mode is classified according to the reach type corresponding to the number of the hold at that time. We have decided on one reach from the inside,
When the reach hold display unit starts the reach hold display, the reach hold display unit performs the reach hold display in a mode corresponding to the reach type corresponding to the number of holds at that time, and then the reach hold display is displayed. When the number of the hold changes in the state of being held, the reach hold display is changed to a mode corresponding to the reach type corresponding to the new number of the hold.

  In the ball game machine of the present invention having such a configuration, when the game ball is detected by the game ball detection device and the reach determination random number acquired along with it is stored as a hold, the hold is in the reach state. It is determined in advance whether or not the hold is to be generated (reach hold). Here, the number of random numbers that can be stored as a hold, that is, the number of holds that can be stored (the number of holds) is plural. When it is determined in advance that the hold is a hold, a display indicating that the hold is present (a reach hold display) is performed until the change display of the symbol is started on the change display device based on the reach hold. Is called. The reach hold display may be displayed even after the symbol change display based on the reach hold is started. For example, the reach hold display may be displayed until the reach state actually occurs. The reach hold display is not necessarily displayed continuously. For example, the reach hold display is displayed when the variable display of the symbol is started by the variable display device or at a predetermined timing during the variable display of the symbol. It doesn't matter. Further, the reach hold display may be performed on the screen of the variable display device on which the variable display of the symbol is performed, or may be performed using a display device or a lamp provided separately from the variable display device. Also good. Here, a plurality of reach modes are stored, and these reach modes are classified into any of the reach types provided according to the number of holds. Reach classification refers to the type of reach mode (content of reach production, so-called reach pattern), execution time of symbol variation display with reach state (reach effect) (design variation time), and specific content of reach mode. It means something divided based on. Specifically, various types such as normal reach, long reach, super reach, special reach, and premium reach can be used as reach classification. In this case, the symbol variation time with normal reach is set to the shortest. Based on this, the symbol variation time with long reach, the symbol variation time with super reach, the symbol variation time with special reach, and the symbol variation with premium reach In general, the symbol variation time is set longer in order of time. In addition, normal reach and long reach can be called “ordinary reach”, super reach, special reach and premium reach can be called “special reach”, and classifications such as “normal reach” and “special reach” are also included. Is possible. Of course, not only the reach classification is set according to the length of the symbol variation time, but also the reach classification according to the type (contents) of the reach manner, for example, when the symbol variation time is the same and the reach manners are different from each other. It can also be set.

  Further, the reach hold display is performed in a mode corresponding to the reach type corresponding to the number of holds at the start time. Then, after the reach hold display, until the corresponding reach state occurs, a new hold occurs (the hold number increases), or the hold is digested (the hold number decreases). Is changed, the mode of the reach hold display is also changed to a mode according to the reach type corresponding to the new hold number. When the reach state is generated according to the reach hold display, the reach state is generated in a mode selected from the reach classification corresponding to the hold number at that time.

  In this way, when reach hold occurs, reach hold display is performed in a manner corresponding to each reach type corresponding to the number of holds at that time. Thereafter, when the number of holds changes until the reach state is generated corresponding to the reach hold display, the reach hold display mode is also changed to a mode corresponding to the reach type corresponding to the new hold number. The reach state that is finally generated is performed in a reach mode selected from the reach classification corresponding to the reach hold display displayed last. Therefore, when the reach hold occurs and the reach hold display is performed, the player concentrates on the game in an attempt to change the reach hold display mode to a mode corresponding to a more desirable reach type. As a result, in the ball game machine of the present invention, not only the reach hold display is performed and the occurrence of the reach state is simply notified, but also the reach hold display mode is changed to a mode more desirable for the player. This makes it possible to realize a novel gaming property of playing games.

  In addition, the state of the reach state that actually occurs (reach mode) is determined by the number of holds at the time when the variable display of the symbol with the reach state is started, It is determined by the result of the game performed by the player after the display is performed until the reach state occurs. For this reason, the player becomes more proactively involved in the game, so that it is possible to increase the player's gaming interest. Furthermore, even after the reach hold display has been performed, the player launches a game ball in an attempt to change the mode of the reach hold display, so that the operation of the gaming machine can be improved.

  It should be noted that the reach type that is less likely to occur normally may be classified as the reach type having a larger number of associated holdings. For example, reach modes that are likely to occur are classified into reach categories (normal reach, long reach, etc.) that are associated with a small number of holds, and reach modes that are difficult to occur are reach categories (super reach) that are associated with a large number of holds. Or special reach). In this way, even after the reach hold display is made, the player increases the number of hold as much as possible until the reach state actually occurs, and generates the reach state that is difficult to occur normally. Therefore, it is possible to excite the player's gaming interest. In addition, since the reach state of an unusual mode can be generated as the number of holds increases, the player launches a game ball in an attempt to generate as many holds as possible even after the reach hold display is performed. As a result, the operation of the gaming machine can be improved.

Further, the ball game machine of the present invention can be grasped in the following manner. That is, the ball game machine of the present invention grasped in another aspect is
While playing a game ball on a game board provided with a game ball detection device capable of detecting a game ball,
After the game ball is detected by the game ball detection device, the display of a plurality of symbols is started, and then the plurality of symbols are stopped and displayed in either a winning symbol combination or an outlier symbol combination. A variable display device;
Other symbols except for one symbol among the plurality of symbols are stopped and displayed in the symbol combination that is the hit mode, and the last one symbol generates a reach state that is a symbol display state in which the variable display is continued. Random number acquisition means for acquiring a reach determination random number used for determining whether or not a game ball is detected by the game ball detection device;
Reach mode storage means for storing a plurality of reach modes that are modes of the reach state;
When the variable display of the symbol is started by the variable display device, whether to generate the reach state is determined based on the reach determination random number, and when generating the reach state, a plurality of Reach mode determining means for determining one reach mode from the reach modes;
When the game ball is detected by the game ball detection device, if the symbol is variably displayed on the variation display device, the game ball of the game sphere is started to start a new variation display after the variation display ends. Storing the reach determination random number acquired with detection as a hold, and holding storage means capable of storing a plurality of the hold;
When the reach determination random number is stored as the hold, a pre-determination unit that determines in advance whether or not the reach determination random number is a random number that generates the reach state, prior to the display of the symbol variation,
When the advance determination means determines that the reach determination random number stored as the hold is a random number that generates the reach state, it indicates that there is a reach hold that is a hold that generates the reach state. Reach hold display means for performing reach hold display that represents until the variable display of the symbol based on the reach hold is started,
The reach mode storage means stores a plurality of the reach modes in a state classified into one of the reach types provided according to the number of the holds,
The reach mode determination means determines the reach mode at the start of the variable display of the symbol based on the reach hold, and corresponds to the number of holds stored in the hold storage means after the reach hold. Reach classification is selected, and one reach aspect is determined from the reach aspects classified by the selected reach class,
When the reach hold display means starts the reach hold display, the reach hold display means selects the reach type corresponding to the case where the number of hold is smaller than the upper limit hold number, and is in a mode according to the selected reach type. When the reach hold display is performed and then the new hold is stored while the reach hold display is being displayed, the reach hold display corresponds to the number of the newly stored hold. It changes to the aspect according to the said reach type, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

  In the bullet ball game machine of the present invention ascertained in this manner, reach hold display is performed when reach hold occurs. In addition, the plurality of reach modes are classified into any of the reach types set according to the number of reservations. When the reach hold display is performed, the reach is initially performed in a mode corresponding to the reach type corresponding to the case where the number of holds is small. Here, “the case where the number of holdings is small” is a case where the number of holdings that the holding storage means can store (upper limit holding number) is smaller (when the number is lower than the upper limit holding number), and specifically, This refers to the case where the number of holds falls below or below half of the upper limit hold number. For example, if the upper limit hold number is “4”, the hold number “2” or “1” corresponds to “when the hold number is small”, and if the upper limit hold number is “8”, the hold number “ “4” or “3” or less corresponds to “when the number of holdings is small”. In addition, examples of the “mode according to the reach type corresponding to the case where the number of reservations is small” can include a mode according to the reach mode included in the “normal reach” such as normal reach and long reach. In addition, when there are multiple reach modes included in the “ordinary reach”, among the multiple reach modes, the “reach mode with the highest appearance frequency in normal times” or “the reach with the lowest expectation given to the player” The mode according to “mode” can be referred to as “mode according to reach type corresponding to the case where the number of reservations is small”. For example, if there are “normal reach” and “long reach” as the reach types included in “normal reach”, the reach hold display mode corresponding to “normal reach” is changed to the reach type corresponding to the case where the number of hold is small. It can be set as a mode according to "."

  When a new hold is stored between the start of reach hold display as described above and the occurrence of the reach state due to the reach hold display, the number of hold is added to the number of the new hold. The mode of the reach hold display is changed to a mode according to the corresponding reach type. Here, as an aspect of the reach hold display after the change, an aspect according to the reach aspect included in “special reach” such as super reach, special reach, and premium reach can be exemplified. In addition, when there are multiple reach modes included in the “ordinary reach”, among the multiple reach modes, the “reach mode whose appearance frequency is lower than usual” or “the expectation given to the player is other” The aspect according to the “reach aspect higher than” can be referred to as “the aspect according to the reach type corresponding to the number of reservations added with the number of new reservations”. For example, when “normal reach” and “long reach” exist as the reach modes included in “ordinary reach”, the reach hold display mode corresponding to “long reach” is added with “the number of new holds”. A mode according to the reach type corresponding to the number of reservations ”. When the reach state is finally generated, the number of reach classifications including the hold after the reach hold is generated is selected, and the reach states classified by the reach type are generated.

  Even in this case, when reach hold occurs, the mode of reach hold display changes according to the number of holds stored thereafter. The reach state that is finally generated is performed in a reach mode selected from the reach classification corresponding to the reach hold display displayed last. Therefore, when the reach hold occurs and the reach hold display is performed, the player concentrates on the game in an attempt to change the reach hold display mode to a mode corresponding to a more desirable reach type. As a result, in the ball and ball game machine of the present invention ascertained in the above mode, not only the reach hold display is performed and the occurrence of the reach state is simply notified, but the reach hold display mode is more improved for the player. It is possible to realize a novel game performance in which a game is played aiming at changing to a desirable mode.

  In addition, even after the reach hold display has been made, the player's intention to participate in the game is proactive because the reach that actually occurs changes when the player generates a new hold. From the meaning, it is possible to excite the player's gaming interest. Furthermore, even after the reach hold display has been performed, the player launches a game ball in an attempt to change the mode of the reach hold display, so that the operation of the gaming machine can be improved.

In addition, in the bullet ball game machine of the present invention grasped in any aspect described above,
While the reach hold display means is performing the reach hold display, the frequency at which the variable display of the symbol is started on the variable display device is compared with the frequency when the reach hold display means is not performing the reach hold display. It may be provided with means for reducing the fluctuation frequency to be lowered.

  As described above, when the game ball is detected by the game ball detection device, if the variable display device cannot immediately start the variable display of the symbol, the hold display starts after the variable display ends. Therefore, if the variable display device is frequently displayed on the variable display device, even if a large number of holds are stored, the hold is immediately digested (holding The number will decrease). Therefore, when a reach hold occurs, in order to change the reach hold display mode to a more desirable reach type, even if the player increases the number of hold, the number of hold immediately decreases. The player's efforts are wasted. Therefore, when the reach hold display is being performed, if the frequency of the variable display of the symbols is started on the variable display device is lower than when the reach hold display is not being performed, the player is put on hold. It becomes easy to increase the number of. As a result, the gameability of the ball game machine of the present invention, which can be changed to a more desirable reach classification mode by increasing the number of holds while the reach hold display is being performed, It becomes possible to exhibit more effectively.

  It should be noted that while the reach hold display is being performed, the frequency at which the variable display of the symbol is started on the variable display device is reduced until the next variable display is started after the variable display is started. This can be realized by lengthening the time required. For example, if the time during which the symbol is displayed in a variable manner is increased, the time required until the next variable display is started can be increased as a result. Alternatively, it is possible to lengthen the time required until the next variable display is started by increasing the time for which the symbol that has been variably displayed is stopped and maintaining that state (stopped state). .

  As described above, according to the inventions described in the claims of the present application, the ball game that can enhance the player's gaming interest by using the result of the prior determination to notify the occurrence of the reach state Machine can be realized.

It is a front view of the pachinko machine 1 of a present Example. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a board surface configuration of the game board 10. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the symbol display apparatus 28 mounted in the pachinko machine 1 of a present Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the screen structure of the production | presentation display apparatus 27 mounted in the pachinko machine 1 of a present Example. It is the block diagram which showed the structure of the control circuit in the pachinko machine 1 of a present Example. It is explanatory drawing which showed the stop display aspect of the normal symbol notionally. It is explanatory drawing which showed the stop display aspect of the special symbol notionally. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated a mode that the design change effect is performed with the effect display apparatus 27. FIG. It is the flowchart which showed the game control process which CPU201 of the main control board 200 performs in order to control progress of the game. It is a flowchart which shows a special figure holding related process. It is the flowchart which showed the first half part of the special symbol game process. It is the flowchart which showed the second half part of the special symbol game process. It is the flowchart which showed the first half part of the special figure fluctuation display process. It is the flowchart which showed the latter half part of the special figure fluctuation display process. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the big hit determination table. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the big hit symbol determination table. It is a flowchart which shows the first half part of jackpot game processing. It is a flowchart which shows the second half part of jackpot game processing. It is a flowchart which shows a normal time fluctuation pattern determination process. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the reach | attainment detachment fluctuation pattern table referred by the normal time fluctuation pattern determination process. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the detachment variation pattern table without reach referred in the variation pattern determination process during reach notice. It is a flowchart which shows the advance reach variation pattern determination process which determines the change pattern of the reach reached in advance. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the notice reach deviating fluctuation pattern table. 10 is a flowchart of a game effect process executed by a CPU 221 of a sub control board 220. It is a flowchart which shows the reach notice related process performed in a game effect process. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated a mode that the reach notice is performed in the reach notice window when the special figure holding number is “1”. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated a mode that the reach notice is performed in the reach notice window when the special figure holding number is “2”. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated a mode that the reach notice is performed in the reach notice window when the special figure holding number is “3”. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated a mode that the reach notice is performed in the reach notice window when the special figure hold number is “4”. It is a flowchart which shows the first half part of the symbol fluctuation effect process performed in a game effect process. It is a flowchart which shows the second half part of the symbol fluctuation effect process performed in a game effect process. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated a mode that the symbol announcement with a reach state was started after the reach notice was completed. It is a flowchart which shows the notice reach fluctuation pattern determination process of a modification. It is a flowchart which shows the reach notice related process of a modification.

In the present invention, when a game ball is detected by a game ball detection device such as a start port, a lottery is performed by acquiring a random number, and a plurality of symbols are displayed in a variable manner. The present invention can be applied to a so-called digipachi type pachinko machine that is stopped by a combination of symbols in the embodiment. For example, when a winning combination of symbols is stopped and displayed, a seven machine type pachinko machine that starts a big winning game by opening the winning prize opening, or when a plurality of symbols are stopped and displayed with a combination of small winning features. Opening and closing type variable pitch opening, and when a game ball passes through a specific area (V range) provided in the variable pitch opening, a big hit game is started. It can be applied to pachinko machines. Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a pachinko machine of a type called a seven machine will be described in the following order.
A. Pachinko machine configuration:
A-1. Configuration on the front side of the device:
A-2. Game board configuration:
A-3. Configuration of control circuit:
B. Overview of the game:
C. Pachinko machine control contents:
C-1. Game control processing:
C-1-1. Special figure hold related processing:
C-1-2. Special design game processing:
C-1-3. Jackpot game processing:
C-1-4. Normal variation pattern determination processing:
C-1-5. Reach notice change pattern determination process:
C-1-6. Advance reach variation pattern determination process:
C-2. Game direction processing:
C-2-1. Reach notice related processing:
C-2-2. Design variation effect processing:
D. Variations:
D-1. Modification process for determining the advance reach variation pattern:
D-2. Process related to reach notification of the modified example:

A. Pachinko machine configuration:
A-1. Configuration on the front side of the device:
FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the front part of the pachinko machine 1 is mainly composed of a front frame 4, an upper dish part 5, a lower dish part 6, a game board 10, and the like. In FIG. 1, detailed illustration of the game board 10 is omitted. The front frame 4 is attached to a middle frame 3 (not shown), and the middle frame 3 is attached to a main body frame 2 (not shown). The middle frame 3 is formed of a plastic material and is attached to the inside of the main body frame 2. The main body frame 2 is a substantially rectangular frame formed by assembling wooden plate-like members, and forms an outer frame of the pachinko machine 1. One end of the front frame 4 is pivotally supported with respect to the middle frame 3, and one end of the middle frame 3 is pivotally supported with respect to the main body frame 2. The game board 10 is detachably attached to the front side of the middle frame 3, and the front side is covered with the front frame 4. The front frame 4 is formed of a plastic material, and a circular open portion 4a is formed at a substantially central portion. A transparent plate such as a glass plate is fitted in the open portion 4a, and the board surface of the game board 10 disposed on the back side can be visually recognized. Further, the front frame 4 is provided with various lamps 4b to 4d for enhancing the game effect.

  An upper dish portion 5 is provided below the front frame 4, and a lower dish portion 6 is provided below the upper dish portion 5. A locking device 9 is provided on the right side of the front frame 4, and a prepaid card type ball lending device 13 (CR unit) is provided on the left side of the front frame 4. The upper dish portion 5 is provided with a dish-shaped recess and a dish outer edge portion 5a formed so as to surround the recess. The game ball is thrown into a recess formed in the upper plate part 5 and supplied to the launching device unit 12 (see FIG. 5). The dish outer edge 5a is provided with various buttons such as a game ball lending switch 5b, a return switch 5c, and a discharge button for discharging the inserted game ball. An effect button SW is provided on the front side of the upper plate 5. The player can reflect his / her intention on the progress of the production performed during the game by pressing the production button SW. Furthermore, a first speaker 5y having a plurality of long holes and a large number of small holes formed thereon is provided at a substantially central portion of the upper plate part 5.

  The lower plate part 6 is provided with a discharge port 6 a for discharging game balls from the inside of the pachinko machine 1, and the discharged game balls are stored in the lower plate part 6. Further, second speakers 6 c are provided on the left and right sides of the lower surface of the lower dish portion 6. A firing handle 8 is provided at the right end of the lower plate portion 6. The firing handle 8 is provided with a touch sensor 8a that detects that the player is touching the handle. The rotation axis of the launching handle 8 is connected to a launching device unit 12 (not shown) mounted on the back side of the lower pan 6, and when the player rotates the firing handle 8, the movement of the launching handle 8 is caused to the launching device unit 12. Then, a launch motor (not shown) built in the unit rotates, and a game ball is launched with a strength corresponding to the rotation angle of the launch handle 8. On the left side surface of the launch handle 8, a launch stop switch 8b that is operated by the player to temporarily stop the launch of the game ball is disposed.

A-2. Game board configuration:
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a board surface configuration of the game board 10. As described above, the game board 10 is detachably attached to the front side of the middle frame 3. As shown in FIG. 2, a substantially circular game area 11 surrounded by an outer rail 14 and an inner rail 15 is formed at the center of the game board 10. The game ball launched from the launcher unit 12 described above passes between the outer rail 14 and the inner rail 15 and is released to the game area 11.

  A central device 26 is provided in the approximate center of the game area 11. A starting port 17 is provided below the central device 26. The start port 17 is a so-called variable start port configured such that a pair of blade pieces can be opened and closed on the left and right. Inside the start port 17, a start port switch 17 s (see FIG. 5) for detecting a game ball (a game ball entering the start port 17) entering the start port 17 and a pair of wing pieces are operated. And a start-up solenoid 17m (see FIG. 5). When the pair of wing pieces are opened to the left and right, the game ball is likely to enter the open state, and when the pair of wing pieces are upright, the game ball is likely to enter the normal state. In this embodiment, the start port switch 17s provided inside the start port 17 corresponds to the “game ball detecting device” in the present invention.

  The central device 26 mainly includes a decorative center accessory 26 and an effect display device 27 provided in a state surrounded by the center accessory 26. The effect display device 27 is composed of a liquid crystal display, and can perform a symbol variation effect associated with a special symbol variation display in the symbol display device 28 described later. This symbol variation effect is realized mainly by variably displaying and stopping various effect symbols such as an identification symbol and a background symbol. The effect symbols displayed on the display screen of the effect display device 27 will be described later. A symbol display device 28 is provided at the lower left of the central device 26. Although the detailed configuration will be described later, the symbol display device 28 can display normal symbols, special symbols, and the like in a variable manner and a stop manner.

  A normal symbol operation gate 36 is provided on the left side of the game area 11, and a game ball that passes through the normal symbol operation gate 36 (the game ball has passed through the normal symbol operation gate 36) is provided inside the gate. ) For detecting) is provided (see FIG. 5). Further, a lamp windmill 24 is provided between the normal symbol operating gate 36 and the central device 26. A number of obstacle nails 23 are provided between and around each of these gaming devices.

  A big winning device 31 is provided below the start port 17. The large winning device 31 includes a large winning opening 31d that opens largely in a substantially rectangular shape, an open / close door 31e for opening and closing the large winning opening 31d, and a large winning opening solenoid 31m for operating the open / close door 31e (see FIG. 5). ) Etc. When a predetermined condition to be described later is satisfied and the opening / closing door 31e is opened, the big winning opening 31d is opened, and as a result, the game ball enters the big winning opening 31d with a high probability. A big hit game, which is a game advantageous to the player, is started. In addition, a big prize opening switch 31s (see FIG. 5) is provided inside the big prize opening 31d. Can be detected.

  An out port 48 is provided below the grand prize winning device 31, and a back ball preventing member 58 is provided below the out port 48. The back ball prevention member 58 has a function of preventing a game ball that has returned without reaching the game area 11 from returning to the launch position.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the symbol display device 28 mounted on the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in the drawing, the symbol display device 28 of the present embodiment is configured by incorporating twelve small light emitting diodes (LEDs) in a substantially rectangular region. Of these twelve LEDs, the uppermost three LEDs constitute a normal symbol display unit 29, and the remaining nine LEDs constitute a special symbol display unit 30. Furthermore, the normal symbol display unit 29 has one LED for displaying a normal symbol (hereinafter referred to as a normal symbol LED 29a) and two LEDs for displaying the number of reserved normal symbols (hereinafter, a normal symbol). Called hold display LED 29b). The special symbol display unit 30 includes seven LEDs for displaying special symbols (hereinafter referred to as special symbol LEDs 30a) and two LEDs for displaying the number of special symbols held (hereinafter referred to as special symbols). Called hold display LED 30b). The manner in which the symbol display device 28 of this embodiment uses these 12 LEDs to display a normal symbol, the number of ordinary symbols held, a special symbol, and the number of special symbols held will be described later.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a screen configuration of the effect display device 27 mounted on the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment. As described above, the effect display device 27 is configured by a liquid crystal display. On the display screen, three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are provided as effects display symbols (effect symbols). A background symbol 27d constituting the background screen is displayed. Among these, the three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are variably displayed in various modes according to the special symbol variation display in the special symbol display unit 30 shown in FIG. The symbol change effect is performed by displaying the stop. The player can recognize whether or not the big hit game is started based on the display mode (hit mode or miss mode) that is stopped and displayed as a result of the symbol variation effect. Further, on the lower side of the liquid crystal screen of the effect display device 27, a hold display symbol 27e for notifying the player of the number of special figure hold is also displayed. Each time the special figure hold is stored, the hold display symbol 27e displays the figure indicating the special figure hold (circular figure in the figure) by turning on and displaying the special figure hold number. In FIG. 4, the hold display symbol 27 e is displayed as a circular graphic, and by putting a diagonal line on the graphic, the hold display symbol 27 e is lit and displayed. In addition, a circular figure represented by a thin broken line indicates that it is not lit up (turned off). When the special figure hold is not stored, all the circular figures (hold display symbols 27e) are turned off, and each time the special figure hold occurs, the left hold display symbols 27e are turned on. Go. Further, when the special figure hold is consumed, the hold display symbol 27e at the right end of the lighted display is turned off. As a result, the number of special figure holds can be displayed according to the number of hold display symbols 27e that are lit. The example shown in FIG. 4 corresponds to the case where the number of special figure holds is “2”.

A-3. Control circuit configuration:
FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control circuit in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the control circuit of the pachinko machine 1 is composed of a number of control boards and various boards, but focusing on its functions, the basic progress of the game and whether or not it is related to the winning ball The main control board 200 for controlling the control, the sub control board 220 for controlling the control of the game using the design symbols, lamps and sound effects, and the specific display of the effect display device 27 in accordance with instructions from the sub control board 220 An effect control board 230 that performs control, a payout control board 240 that controls the operation of paying out a rented or winning ball, a launch control board 260 that controls the game ball, and the like. These control boards include various types of CPUs, such as a CPU that executes various logical operations and calculation operations, a ROM that stores various programs and data executed by the CPU, and a RAM that stores temporary data when the program is executed. Peripheral LSIs are connected to each other via a bus. In addition, the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 5 represents the input / output direction (transmission / reception direction) of data or signals. In FIG. 5, only the CPU 201, ROM 202, RAM 203 mounted on the main control board 200, CPU 221, ROM 222, RAM 223 mounted on the sub control board 220, and CPU 231, ROM 232, RAM 233 mounted on the effect control board 230 only. Is shown.

  As shown in the figure, a CPU 201 is mounted on the main control board 200. The CPU 201 receives a detection signal of a game ball from the start port switch 17s, the big prize port switch 31s, the gate switch 36s, etc. After determining whether or not it is related to the basic progression and the winning ball, commands for instructing various operations are transmitted to the sub-control board 220, the payout control board 240, the launch control board 260, and the like. The main control board 200 has a start port solenoid 17m for opening and closing a pair of blade pieces provided in the start port 17, a large winning port solenoid 31m for opening and closing the large winning port 31d, A symbol display device 28 that displays fluctuation stop display of normal symbols and special symbols is connected. By transmitting operation signals to the various solenoids 17m and 31m and the symbol display device 28, control of these operations is also possible. Is going.

  When the CPU 221 mounted on the sub-control board 220 receives various commands from the main control board 200, the CPU 221 analyzes the contents of the command and performs control for executing a game effect according to the result. That is, a command for designating display contents is transmitted to the effect control board 230 that performs display control of the effect display device 27 described above, an amplifier board 224 that drives the various speakers 5y and 6c, various decorative LEDs, A drive signal is transmitted to the decorative drive substrate 226 that drives the lamp.

  The effect control board 230 includes an image ROM 234 and a VDP (not shown) in addition to the CPU 231, the ROM 232, and the RAM 233. When the CPU 231 of the effect control board 230 receives a control command (display control command) from the sub-control board 220, it reads out a control program corresponding to the received command from the ROM 232 and uses the RAM 233 as a work area. Control for displaying the effect image on the display screen of the effect display device 27 is performed. The image ROM 234 stores effect image data corresponding to various game effects such as symbol variation effects and jackpot game effects.

  The payout control board 240 is responsible for various controls relating to so-called ball rental and prize ball payout. For example, when the player operates the ball lending switch 5b or the return switch 5c provided in the above-described upper plate part 5, the signal is transmitted to the ball lending device 13 via the payout control board 240. The ball lending device 13 pays out a ball while transmitting / receiving data to / from the payout control board 240. When the main control board 200 transmits a prize ball payout command, the payout control board 240 receives this command and sends a drive signal to the payout motor 109m to pay out the prize ball. In addition, the payout control board 240 transmits a signal for allowing the game ball to be launched (a launch permission signal) to the launch control board 260 under the control of the main control board 200. In response to the launch permission signal, performs various controls for launching the game ball.

B. Overview of the game:
Next, an outline of a game performed in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment having the above-described configuration will be briefly described. In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, a game is performed as follows. First, when a player throws a game ball into the recess of the upper plate portion 5 and rotates the launch handle 8, the game balls thrown into the upper plate portion 5 are supplied to the launcher unit 12 one by one, The game area 11 is fired as described above with reference to FIG. The strength at which the game ball is launched can be adjusted by the rotation angle of the firing handle 8, and the player can aim the launch position by changing the rotation angle of the firing handle 8.

  When the launched game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gate 36 provided on the left side of the game area 11, the normal symbol variation display is started on the symbol display device 28 provided on the lower left side of the central device 26. As described above with reference to FIG. 3, the normal symbol display unit 29 is provided in the symbol display device 28, and the normal symbol display unit 29 is mounted with the normal symbol LED 29 a and the universal symbol hold display LED 29 b. Of these, the normal symbol LED 29a is used to display the variation of the normal symbol.

  FIG. 6A is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a state in which normal symbols are variably displayed. In the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the normal symbol LED 29a is repeatedly blinked to display the variation of the normal symbol. In the figure, the state in which the normal symbol LED 29a is lit is represented by a radial solid line, and the state in which the normal symbol LED 29a is lit is represented by a broken line. When the blinking normal symbol LED 29a stops in a lighting state, the normal symbol is hit and the start port 17 is opened for a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds). On the contrary, when it stops in the light-off state, it is usually out of the design and the start port 17 does not open. If the game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gate 36 during the normal symbol variation display, the passage of the game ball is stored in the RAM 203 of the main control board 200 as a hold, and the current normal symbol variation display ends. After that, the variable display is performed. Up to four normal symbols can be stored, and the stored number of normal symbols is displayed by the general symbol display LED 29b.

  FIG. 6B is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the number of normal symbols held is displayed by the universal symbol hold display LED 29 b provided in the symbol display device 28. When there is no normal symbol hold (that is, when the number of hold is zero), both of the two normal figure hold display LEDs 29b are turned off. When there is one hold, the left-hand general map hold display LED 29b remains off and the right-hand general map hold display LED 29b is lit. When there are two holds, the left-hand general map hold display LED 29b is lit in addition to the right-side normal map hold display LED 29b. Next, when there are three holds, the right-hand general map hold display LED 29b blinks and the left-hand general map hold display LED 29b lights. When the number of hold increases further to the upper limit of four, the left and right map hold display LEDs 29b blink. In this way, the normal symbol display unit 29 can display the number of holds from 0 to 4 by turning on, turning off, or blinking the two common figure hold display LEDs 29b.

  Further, as described above with reference to FIG. 3, the symbol display device 28 is provided with the special symbol display unit 30 so that the special symbols can be displayed in a variable manner. As for the special symbol, a game ball enters the start port 17, and when the start port switch 17 s detects the game ball, the variable display is started, and thereafter, the special symbol is stopped and displayed with any of the symbols described below. It has become.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory view conceptually showing a stop display mode of special symbols. As described above with reference to FIG. 3, the special symbol display unit 30 is provided with the special symbol LED 30a including seven LEDs, and the special symbol is displayed by lighting them. As shown in FIG. 7, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, six display modes are provided as stop display modes of special symbols. These six types of stop display modes are roughly classified into three types. First, the two stop display modes shown in the upper part of the figure correspond to “normal jackpot symbols”. The two stop display modes shown in the middle row correspond to “probability big hit symbols”. Further, the two stop display modes shown in the lower part correspond to “disappearing symbols”.

  The special symbol display unit 30 performs a special symbol variation display by blinking seven LEDs (special symbol LEDs 30a) for a predetermined time, and when the predetermined time has elapsed, the special symbol display unit 30 is stopped and displayed according to any stop display mode. When either the “normal jackpot symbol” or the “probable big hit symbol” symbol (the jackpot symbol) is stopped and displayed, the big winning opening 31d which is normally closed is in an open state. A big hit game is started. The big winning opening 31d that has been opened in the big hit game returns to a closed state once a predetermined opening time has elapsed or a specified number of game balls have entered, but is again open after a predetermined closing time has elapsed. It becomes. The game from the opening of the grand prize winning opening 31d to the closing is called “round game (or simply round)”. When such rounds are repeated and a predetermined number of rounds are consumed, the big hit game ends.

  Also, if the special symbol that is stopped is “probable big hit game”, after the big hit game is finished, until a predetermined condition is satisfied (for example, until the next big hit game is generated or special Until the symbol change display is performed a predetermined number of times), a function (probability change function) that activates the probability that the special symbol will stop and display with a normal jackpot symbol or a probability variable jackpot symbol (probability change function) It is simply a probable change state).

  This is a case where the special symbol variation display cannot be started even though a game ball has entered the start port 17 (for example, when the special symbol variation display or a big hit game). However, the fact that a game ball has entered the start port 17 is stored in the RAM 203 of the main control board 200 as a special symbol hold. Then, when the special symbol can be displayed in a variable manner, the stored display can be used to perform the variable display. The stored number of special symbols is displayed by a special figure hold display LED 30b. The manner in which the number of special symbols held is displayed using the special figure hold display LED 30b is exactly the same as that of the general figure hold display LED 29b shown in FIG.

  In accordance with the above-described variation display and stop display of the special symbol, the effect display device 27 performs the symbol variation effect by displaying the three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c in a variable display and a stop display. In this embodiment, each of the three identification symbols 27a, 27b, 27c variably displayed on the screen of the effect display device 27 corresponds to the “symbol” in the present invention, and these three identification symbols 27a. , 27b, and 27c are variably displayed, corresponding to the “variable display device” in the present invention.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory view illustrating a state in which the symbol variation effect is performed on the effect display device 27. As described above with reference to FIG. 4, the three identification symbols 27 a, 27 b, and 27 c are displayed on the display screen of the liquid crystal display that constitutes the effect display device 27. When the variation display of the special symbol is started by the special symbol LED 30a described above, also in the effect display device 27, these three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c start the variation display all at once. In the present embodiment, a design in which nine numbers from “1” to “9” are designed as identification symbols is prepared. Note that the identification symbol may be a symbol, character, graphic, symbol, or the like as a design in addition to numbers, as long as the player can identify the result of the big symbol lottery of the special symbol.

  FIG. 8A conceptually shows a state in which the three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are variably displayed at the same time. When a predetermined time elapses after the variable display is started, first, the first identification symbol (for example, the left identification symbol 27a) is stopped and displayed in any of the symbols “1” to “9”. The second identification symbol (for example, the right identification symbol 27c) is stopped and displayed, and finally the remaining third identification symbol (for example, the middle identification symbol 27b) is stopped and displayed. The symbol combination (stop display mode) of these three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c that are stopped and displayed on the effect display device 27 is interlocked with the stop display mode of the special symbol that is stopped and displayed on the special symbol LED 30a described above. It is configured. For example, when the special symbol stops at “normal jackpot symbol” or “probability big hit symbol”, the three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are stopped and displayed at the same symbol. In particular, when the special symbol stops with “probable big hit symbol”, the three identification symbols 27a, 27b, 27c are stopped and displayed with the same symbol (“7-7-7”, etc.) representing an odd number. In the case of stopping at “symbol”, the three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are stopped and displayed with the same symbol (“4-4-4” or the like) that represents an even number. On the other hand, when the special symbol is stopped at the “off symbol”, the three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are stopped and displayed at the off symbol that is not aligned with the same symbol.

  Thus, the special symbol displayed on the special symbol LED 30a and the three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c displayed on the effect display device 27 correspond to each other, and the respective display symbols are determined. The timing to perform (stop display) is also set to be the same. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 2, the effect display device 27 is provided in the approximate center of the game board 10 (game area 11), which is more noticeable than the special symbol LED 30a, and the display screen is large and the display contents can be understood. Since it is easy, a player usually plays a game while viewing the screen of the effect display device 27. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8B, an identification symbol (for example, the left identification symbol 27a) that is first stopped and displayed on the display screen of the effect display device 27, and an identification symbol that is subsequently stopped and displayed (for example, the right identification symbol). If the symbol 27c) is the same symbol, the identification symbol (for example, the medium identification symbol 27b) that is stopped and displayed at the end is also stopped at the same symbol, and the so-called jackpot game is started. The person will watch the variation of the identification symbol. In this way, the display state in which the last identification symbol is variably displayed in a state where the two identification symbols are stopped with the same symbol (a mode that can be a big hit symbol) is called a reach state, and a reach state is generated. This makes it possible to enhance the interest of the player.

C. Control details of pachinko machine:
Below, in order to implement | achieve the game mentioned above, the control content which the pachinko machine 1 of a present Example is performing is demonstrated in detail.

C-1. Game control processing:
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a rough flow of a game control process performed by the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 for controlling the progress of the game in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, in the game control process, each process such as a prize ball-related process, a normal symbol game process, a start opening return process, a special figure hold-related process, a special symbol game process, and a big hit game process are repeatedly executed. Yes. The time required for one round of processing is about 4 msec. Therefore, these various types of processing are repeatedly executed about every 4 msec. Then, during these processes, various commands are transmitted from the main control board 200 to the various control boards including the sub control board 220. By doing so, the game of the entire pachinko machine 1 proceeds, and the sub-control board 220 controls the production in accordance with the progress of the game. Hereinafter, the game control process performed by the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 will be described according to the flowchart.

  When starting the game control process, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 performs a process (pay ball related process) for paying out a game ball as a prize ball (S50). In this process, among the various switches connected to the main control board 200, it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered a switch related to a game ball winning (such as a start opening switch 17s or a big winning opening switch 31s). To detect. When a game ball is detected, the number of prize balls to be paid out is calculated, and then a process for transmitting a prize ball number designation command to the payout control board 240 is performed. When the payout control board 240 receives the award ball number designation command transmitted from the main control board 200, the payout control board 240 interprets the contents of the command, and transmits a drive signal to the payout motor 109m mounted on the payout device 109 according to the result. Thus, a process of actually paying out the prize ball is performed.

  When the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 performs the process related to the prize ball (S50), this time, it is determined whether or not the normal symbol game process is performed, that is, whether or not the normal symbol variation stop display is performed ( S100). This determination is made by detecting whether the start port 17 is open. If the start port 17 is not open, it is determined that the normal symbol game process is performed (S100: yes), and if the start port 17 is open, it is determined that the normal symbol game process is not performed (S100: no). . If it is determined that the normal symbol game process is to be performed (the start port 17 is not open) (S100: yes), the normal symbol game process described below is performed (S150). On the other hand, when it is determined that the normal symbol game process is not performed (the start port 17 is open) (S100: no), the normal symbol game process (S150) is skipped and the open start port 17 is in the normal state. The process proceeds to a starting port return process (S200), which will be described later.

  In the normal symbol game process (S150), the following process is performed. First, it is determined whether or not there is a regular symbol hold (whether or not the number of holds is “0”). If there is a hold, a normal symbol winning lottery (normal symbol lottery) is performed. As described above, the normal symbol hold is set when the game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gate 36, and in this embodiment, the upper limit value of the number of holds is “4”. . Then, in accordance with the result of the normal symbol lottery, it is determined whether the normal symbol is to be stopped and displayed as a winning symbol or a deviating symbol (see FIG. 6A). Subsequently, after the normal symbol fluctuation display time is set, the normal symbol fluctuation display is started. When the variable display time elapses, the normal symbol is stopped and displayed with the determined symbol. At this time, when the normal symbol is stopped and displayed with the winning symbol, the start port 17 is opened.

  When the normal symbol game process is completed as described above, the start port return process (S200) is performed. This start port return process (S200) is performed when the start port 17 is in an open state (when open), and when the start port 17 is not in an open state (when it is in a normal state), The process is terminated as it is, and the process proceeds to the next special figure hold related process (S300). On the other hand, when the start port 17 is in the open state, in the start port return process (S200), the opening time of the start port 17 has elapsed, or a prescribed number of game balls have entered the start port 17. When any of the conditions for balling is satisfied, processing is performed to return the start port 17 in the open state to the normal state. The opening time of the start port 17 is set to about 0.5 seconds in the normal gaming state, but is extended to about 5 seconds when the opening extension function described later is activated. On the other hand, when the opening time of the start port 17 has not elapsed and the number of balls entering the start port 17 has not reached the specified number, the start port return process (S200) is performed while the start port 17 remains open. finish. In the game control process, when returning from the start opening return process (S200), the special figure holding related process described below is started (S300).

C-1-1. Special figure hold related processing:
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing special figure hold related processing. In the special figure hold related process, first, it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered the start port 17 (S302). As a result, if a game ball has entered the starting port 17 (S302: yes), whether the number of special symbols held (special figure holding number) has reached the upper limit ("4" in this embodiment). It is determined whether or not (S304). If the number of special figure reservations does not reach the upper limit (S304: no), a special design determination random number is acquired and stored in the RAM 203 mounted on the main control board 200 (S306). Here, as the determination random number of the special symbol, the big hit determination random number used for performing the big hit determination which will be described later, the big hit symbol determination random number used for determining the big hit symbol stopped and displayed on the symbol display device 28, A plurality of random numbers such as a reach determination random number for determining whether or not to perform a reach effect on the display device 27 is acquired. The determination random number thus obtained is stored in the RAM 203 mounted on the main control board 200 as a special symbol hold (special figure hold). When the acquired determination random number is stored as a special figure hold, “1” is added to the number of special symbols held (the number of special figure hold) (S308).

  When a game ball that has entered the start port 17 is detected by the start port switch 17s, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 executes a special figure hold related process in the process of acquiring a determination random number such as a reach determination random number. Is done by that. Therefore, in the present invention, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 corresponds to the “random number acquisition means” in the present invention. The acquired determination random number is stored as a special symbol hold as described above, but in this embodiment, there is a hold for a normal symbol in addition to the special symbol hold. The special symbol hold in these two types of hold corresponds to “hold” in the present invention. The process for storing the special symbol hold is performed while the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 executes the special figure hold related process. Therefore, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 of the present embodiment also corresponds to the “hold storage unit” in the present invention.

  Subsequently, pre-determination is performed for the acquired determination random number (such as a big hit determination random number, a big hit symbol determination random number, or a reach determination random number) (S310). This is the following process. First, in a special symbol game process to be described later, after the variable display of the special symbol is started on the symbol display device 28, a process of stopping and displaying on any of the symbols shown in FIG. 7 is performed. At this time, whether the special symbol is to be stopped and displayed as a big hit symbol or out-of-line symbol, in other words, whether the big hit judgment is judged as a big hit or out is judged as a big hit judgment stored as a special symbol hold It is determined based on a random number. The details will be described in the special symbol game processing described later. However, a random value for determining a big hit (big hit random value) is set in advance, and the big hit determination random number stored as a hold is a big hit random. If it corresponds to the numerical value, it is judged as a big hit. Further, if the result of the big hit determination is a big hit, the special symbol of the symbol display device 28 is stopped and displayed on any of the four big hit symbols shown in FIG. The display is also determined according to the random value of the jackpot symbol determination random number. In addition, while the special symbol is variably displayed, the reach state may occur in the effect display device 27, but whether or not the special symbol variation display mode is a mode with the reach state, It is determined according to the reach determination random number.

  In this way, in the special symbol game process described later, various matters (for example, big hit determination random numbers) are determined according to the random numbers of determination random numbers (such as jackpot determination random numbers, jackpot symbol determination random numbers, reach determination random numbers) stored as special symbol hold. The determination result, whether or not the variation display mode of the special symbol is a mode with a reach state, a jackpot symbol, etc.) are determined. However, since such a determination is performed according to the determination random number stored as the hold in the special figure hold related process, the same determination is made in advance in the special figure hold related process prior to the determination in the special symbol game process. Is possible. The prior determination performed in the special figure hold-related processing is determined according to the random number value of the various random numbers acquired as the determination random number as described above, for example, whether or not it is determined to be a big hit, or which jackpot symbol is to be stopped and displayed. Whether to be determined or not is determined in advance when the determination random number is acquired. In the prior determination (S310 in FIG. 10) of the present embodiment, whether the result of the big hit determination is a big hit or not, and the special symbol variation display is performed in a manner accompanied by the reach state on the effect display device 27. It is determined whether or not. Further, the above-described pre-determination is performed by the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 executing a special figure holding related process. Therefore, in the present invention, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 corresponds to the “preliminary determination unit” in the present invention.

  When the determination random number stored as the hold is determined in advance, it is determined whether or not the reach notice flag is set to ON (S312). Here, the reach notice flag is a flag indicating that a reach notice is performed. As will be described later, in the present embodiment, when the reach notice is performed, the reach notice is continued until the noticed reach state occurs. Accordingly, the reach notice flag of this embodiment is a flag indicating that the reach notice is performed, and at the same time, a flag indicating that the reach notice is continued. The reach notice flag is assigned to a predetermined address of the RAM 203 mounted on the main control board 200. The reach notice is an effect for informing the player in advance that the display of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c with the reach state is performed on the screen of the effect display device 27. The reach notice can be performed in various modes such as displaying a predetermined image on the screen of the effect display device 27 or generating a sound effect. In this embodiment, the screen of the effect display device 27 is displayed. Reach notice is made by displaying a predetermined image on the top. Details of the reach notice will be described later.

  When the reach notice flag is not set to ON (S312: no), it indicates that the reach notice is not currently performed. Therefore, this time, it is determined whether or not a reach notice is to be made (S314). Here, in the present embodiment, when the reach notice is made, first, the current special figure hold number, that is, the special figure hold number after addition in the processing of S308 is any one of “2” to “4”. There is something (that is, “2” or more), or the current special figure hold count (the special figure hold count after adding in the processing of S308) is “1”, and the special symbol is being displayed in a variable manner. One of the conditions (reach notice execution precondition) must be satisfied. If these conditions are not satisfied at the stage of processing in S314, it is determined that the reach notice is not performed (S314: no), the reach notice flag is set to ON (S316), and the notice pending digest counter The process proceeds to S319 without performing the process of setting the value of (S318).

  On the other hand, when the above-mentioned reach notice execution prerequisites are satisfied, it is further determined whether or not the reach notice is performed as follows. First, it is determined whether or not the random number value of the reach determination random number acquired as a hold is determined as the random value that causes the reach state in the previous determination (S310). If the value is a random value that generates a reach state (that is, if the hold is “reach hold”), a new random number for determining whether or not to make a reach notice (for reach notice determination) Random number) is acquired, and it is determined whether or not the random number value is a predetermined random number value. If the random number value is a positive random number value, it is determined that a reach notice is to be performed.

  Note that the “determination of whether or not to make a reach notice” performed when the above-described reach notice execution prerequisites are satisfied is not limited to such a method, and can be performed by various methods. For example, when the reach determination random number acquired as the hold is a specific random number value among the random number values that generate the reach state, it may be determined that the reach notice is performed.

  Alternatively, the following may be performed. First, in the above description, when the hold is a reach hold (when the acquired reach determination random number is a random value that generates a reach state), a new random number (a random number for reach notice determination) is acquired. It was then decided whether to make a reach notice. Accordingly, the determination as to whether or not to make a reach notice is made only when the stored hold is a reach hold. On the other hand, if a reach hold occurs, while the reach hold is stored as a hold, it may be determined whether or not a reach announcement is made every time a new hold occurs.

  As a result of determining whether or not to make a reach notice, if it is determined that a reach notice is to be made (S314: yes), the reach notice flag is set to ON (S316). Here, the reach notice flag is a flag indicating that the reach notice is performed as described above. Subsequently, the current special figure hold number is set in the notice hold digest counter (S318). The notice hold digest counter is a counter indicating the timing at which the reach state occurs in accordance with the reach notice. For example, it is assumed that the determination random number is acquired (S306), the result of adding “1” to the special figure hold number (S308), and the special figure hold number becomes “3”. Then, a pre-determination is made for the hold (S310), and it is determined that a reach notice is to be made (S314: yes). In this case, when the special symbol (and identification symbol) is displayed in a variable manner corresponding to the third hold (in other words, the third special symbol (and identification symbol) is displayed in a variable manner), a reach state occurs. Will do.

  Therefore, the number of special figure hold when the reach notice flag is set to ON is set in the notice hold digest counter, and every time a special symbol change display is performed (every time special symbol change display starts or special If the value of the notice pending digest counter is decremented by “1” every time the symbol is stopped and displayed), the timing of the variable display for generating the reach state can be known. In this embodiment, the value of the notice suspension digest counter is decremented by “1” every time the special symbol variation display is started. In S318 of the special figure hold related process shown in FIG. 10, for this reason, the special figure hold number at the time when the reach notice flag is set to ON is set in the notice hold digest counter. Whether or not to make a reach notice is determined not only when a reach hold occurs, but whether or not a reach hold is made each time a new hold occurs while the reach hold is stored. Is determined, the special figure hold number corresponding to the reach hold (that is, a value indicating the number of hold from the oldest hold) is set in the notice hold digest counter. That's fine.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S314 that the reach notice is not performed (S314: no), the reach notice flag is set to ON (S316), or the value of the notice pending digest counter is set (S318). ) Becomes unnecessary. If it is determined in S312 that the reach notice flag is ON (S312: yes), since the reach notice has already been performed, the process of determining whether or not to perform the reach notice (S314). It becomes unnecessary.

  Subsequently, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 transmits a command (holding information specifying command) for specifying information related to holding (holding information) to the sub-control board 220 (S319). In this embodiment, as the hold information, the number of special figure hold, the result of prior determination, whether or not the hold is a hold for reaching a reach notice (reach hold), the setting state of the reach notice flag, the value of the notice hold digest counter, etc. Information is transmitted to the sub-control board 220. The hold information command including such information can be composed of one command or a plurality of commands. When the hold information designation command is transmitted in this manner, the special figure hold related process shown in FIG. 10 is terminated and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. On the other hand, when a game ball does not enter the starting port 17 (S302: no), or when the number of special figure reservations reaches the upper limit (here, “4”) (S304: yes) Immediately, the special figure holding related process shown in FIG. 10 is ended, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. Then, when returning from the special figure holding related process, the special symbol game process (S320) described below is started in the game control process.

C-1-2. Special design game processing:
11 and 12 are flowcharts showing the special symbol game process. When starting the special symbol game process, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 first determines whether or not a big hit game is being played (S322). If it is a big hit game (S322: yes), the special game process is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. On the other hand, when it is not in the big hit game (S322: no), it is determined whether or not the special symbol (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated as a special symbol) is changing (S324). If the special symbol is not changing (S324: no), it is determined whether or not it is during the stop display time for displaying the special symbol stop symbol (S326). That is, for a period of time after the change display of the special symbol is finished, a stop display time is provided for the player to confirm which symbol the special symbol is stopped and displayed. It is judged whether it is in the middle. When it is confirmed that the special symbol is not variably displayed and the stop display time for displaying the special symbol stop symbol has elapsed (S326: no), the number of special symbols held (special symbol hold) It is determined whether or not (number) is “0” (S328). As described above, the special figure holding number can be stored until the upper limit value “4” is reached. If the special figure holding number is “0” (S328: yes), the special symbol game process is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG. On the other hand, when the number of special symbol hold is not “0” (S328: no), the processing for starting the special symbol variation display (special symbol variation display processing) is started (S330).

  13 and 14 are flowcharts showing the special figure variation display process. As shown in the figure, when the special figure variation display process is started, first, a process of reading the determination random number stored the oldest is performed (S3300). As described above, as the determination random number, a plurality of random numbers such as a big hit determination random number, a big hit symbol determination random number, and a reach determination random number are stored, and a process of reading them is performed. Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is a probability variation state, that is, whether or not a probability variation flag is set (S3302). If the probability variation flag is set (S3302: yes), a big hit for probability variation is determined. A determination table is selected (S3304), and if the probability variation flag is not set (S3302: no), a jackpot determination table for non-probability variation is selected (S3306). Here, the probability variation flag is a flag that is set when the gaming state becomes a probability variation state (a state in which the probability variation function is activated), and a predetermined address of the RAM 203 mounted on the main control board 200 is assigned as the probability variation flag. . The jackpot determination table is a table in which the determination result of the jackpot determination is set in association with the jackpot determination random number, and is stored in advance in the ROM 202 of the main control board 200. The random number value associated with the big hit determination result is the “big hit random value” described in the prior determination of FIG.

  FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a jackpot determination table stored in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 15 (a) shows a jackpot determination table for non-probability change, and FIG. 15 (b) shows a jackpot determination table for probability change. As shown in the figure, in the jackpot determination table, a determination result of “big hit” or “out” is set in association with the big hit determination random number. Further, as apparent from a comparison between FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B, the jackpot determination table for probability variation shown in FIG. 15B is for the non-probability variation shown in FIG. The determination result of “big hit” is set to more random numbers than the big hit determination table. In other words, a larger number of “big hit random numbers” is set in the jackpot determination table for probability variation than in the jackpot determination table for non-probability variation.

  Subsequently, in the special figure variation display processing of FIG. 13, it is determined whether or not the big hit determination result is “big hit” by referring to the selected big hit determination table based on the previously determined big hit determination random number. (S3308). As described above, the jackpot determination table for probability variation that is referred to in the probability variation state has a larger number of “hit random number values” than the jackpot determination table for non-probability variation that is referenced when not in the probability variation state. Therefore, a “big hit” determination result is generated during probability change with a higher probability than during non-probability change. If the result of the jackpot determination is determined to be a jackpot (S3308: yes), after reading the jackpot symbol determination random number (S3310), a process for determining the jackpot symbol by referring to the jackpot symbol determination table. This is performed (S3312).

  FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram exemplifying a jackpot symbol determination table referred to in order to determine a jackpot symbol. As described above with reference to FIG. 7, in this embodiment, a total of four symbols are set as the jackpot symbol, two for each of the normal jackpot symbol or the probability variation jackpot symbol. Correspondingly, in the jackpot symbol determination table shown in FIG. 16, stop symbols (jackpot symbols) of these four special symbols are set in association with the jackpot symbol determination random number. Therefore, the jackpot symbol can be determined by referring to the jackpot symbol determination table from the jackpot symbol determination random number read in S3310 of FIG. 13 (S3312).

  On the other hand, if the result of the big hit determination is not a big hit (S3308: no), a lost symbol determination random number for determining a lost symbol is acquired (S3314). Then, the winning symbol is determined by performing random lottery in the same way as when determining the jackpot symbol.

  When the special symbol stop symbol is determined as described above (S3312, S3316), it is determined whether or not the reach notice flag is set to ON (S3318). As a result, when the reach notice flag is not set to ON (S3318: no), it can be determined that the reach notice has not been performed, and therefore, a process for determining a fluctuation pattern for a normal time without the reach notice being performed. (Normal time variation pattern determination processing) is started (S3400). Here, the variation pattern is a pattern in which the special symbol is variably displayed during the period from the start of the variation display of the special symbol on the symbol display device 28 to the stop of any symbol. Since the special symbol can display only the six symbols shown in FIG. 7, the variation pattern of the special symbol substantially represents a time (variation time) during which the special symbol is variably displayed. The details of the normal variation pattern determination process will be described later. In this process, the variation pattern of the special symbol is determined as follows. First, it is determined based on the determination random number stored as a hold whether or not the result of the big hit determination is a big hit or whether or not a reach state is generated. And the process which selects one fluctuation pattern from the several fluctuation pattern predetermined according to the determination result is performed.

  On the other hand, when the reach notice flag is set to ON (S3318: yes), it is determined whether or not the notice pending digest counter has reached “1” (S3320 in FIG. 14). Here, as described above, the notice pending digest counter is a counter indicating the timing of generating the noticed reach state, and is decremented by “1” every time the special symbol variation display is started. If the notice pending digest counter has not reached “1”, it can be determined that the current fluctuation display is not a fluctuation display in which the occurrence of the reach state has been notified. On the contrary, when the notice pending digest counter reaches “1”, it can be determined that the current fluctuation display is a fluctuation display that generates the noticed reach state.

  As a result, if the notice pending digest counter has not reached “1” (S3320: no), the reach notice has been made, but the change display for generating the noticed reach state has not yet been reached (so-called reach). Therefore, the reach notice change pattern determining process is started (S3500). In this process, the variation pattern of the special symbol is determined when the state is in the reach notice. The change pattern determination process during reach notice will be described later. Further, when the change pattern is determined in the reach notice change pattern determination process (S3500) and the process returns from the reach notice change pattern determination process, "1" is subtracted from the notice hold digest counter (S3322). ).

  On the other hand, when the notice pending digest counter reaches “1” (S3320: yes), it can be determined that the current fluctuation display is a fluctuation display that should generate the reach state that has been previously noticed. Accordingly, a process of determining a variation pattern that generates the notified reach state (notice reach variation pattern determining process) is started (S3600). Although details of the process will be described later, in this process, a variation pattern of a special symbol that causes a reach state to be generated on the screen of the effect display device 27 is determined. When the advance reach variation pattern determination process (S3500) is completed, “1” is subtracted from the advance hold digest counter (S3324), and then the reach advance notice flag is set to OFF (S3326). That is, as a result of determining the variation pattern by the advance reach variation pattern determination process, it is determined that the reach state will occur in the variation display to be performed from now on, so it is no longer necessary to memorize that the reach announcement has been made. . Therefore, when returning from the advance reach change pattern determination process, the reach advance flag is set to OFF (S3326).

  As described above, the fluctuation pattern of the special symbol is obtained by performing any one of the normal time fluctuation pattern determination process (S3400), the reach notice change pattern determination process (S3500), or the advance reach change pattern determination process (S3600). If determined, the special symbol variation display is started (S3328), and "1" is subtracted from the number of special figure hold (S3330). Then, in response to the reduction in the special figure hold number, a hold information designation command is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 (S3332). If the reach notice flag is changed to OFF (S3326), a hold information designation command including information to that effect is transmitted. Subsequently, after transmitting a command (variation start command) for designating a special symbol variation pattern or a stop symbol to the sub-control board 220 (S3334), the special diagram variation display processing shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 is performed. When finished, the process returns to the special symbol game process of FIG.

  The detailed process performed in the special symbol game process when the special symbol is not variably displayed (that is, in the case of S324: no in FIG. 11) has been described above. On the other hand, when the special symbol game processing of FIG. 11 is started while the special symbol is changing, it is determined that the special symbol is changing (S324: yes). This case corresponds to the case where the special symbol variation pattern and the stop symbol have already been determined and the special symbol variation has started. Therefore, it is determined whether or not the special symbol fluctuation time has elapsed (S348). Since the fluctuation time of the special figure is determined in advance according to the fluctuation pattern, it is possible to determine whether the fluctuation time has elapsed by setting the timer at the same time as starting the fluctuation of the special symbol. And when the fluctuation time of a special figure has not yet passed (S348: no), a special symbol game process is complete | finished as it is, and it returns to the game control process shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the fluctuation time has elapsed (S348: yes), a command (design stop command) indicating that the special symbol is stopped and displayed is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 (S350). At the same time, the special symbol that is variably displayed on the symbol display device 28 is stopped and displayed at a preset symbol (S352). Subsequently, after setting the time (stop display time of the special figure) for the special symbol to stop display (S354), it is determined whether or not the set stop display time has passed (S356). If the stop display time has not elapsed (S356: no), the special symbol game process is terminated and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, when the special symbol stop display time has elapsed (S356: yes), it is determined whether or not the special symbol that is stopped and displayed is one of the jackpot symbols shown in FIG. 7 (S358 in FIG. 12). ). If the symbol displayed in a stopped state is a jackpot symbol (S358: yes), a jackpot flag indicating that the jackpot game is started is set to ON (S360). The big hit flag is a flag indicating that the big hit game is started, and a predetermined address of the RAM 203 mounted on the main control board 200 is assigned to the big hit flag. When the value of the predetermined address is set to “1”, the big hit flag is turned ON.

  Subsequently, after transmitting a command indicating that the jackpot game is started (a jackpot start command) to the sub-control board 220 (S362), it is determined whether or not the probability change flag is ON (S364). If the probability change flag is set to ON (S364: yes), it can be determined that the current game state is the probability change state and the probability change function and the variation shortening function are operating. Therefore, the operation of the probability variation function is stopped by setting the probability variation flag to OFF (that is, changing the value of the probability variation flag from “1” to “0”) (S366). On the other hand, when the probability variation flag is not set to ON (S364: no), the processing for setting the probability variation flag to OFF (S366) becomes unnecessary. Next to the probability change flag, the setting of the change shortening flag is confirmed (S372). If the fluctuation shortening flag is set to ON (S372: yes), the fluctuation shortening flag is set to OFF (the value of the fluctuation shortening flag is changed from "1" to " (S368). As described above, the fluctuation shortening flag is a flag that is set to ON when the fluctuation shortening function is operating, and a predetermined address of the RAM 203 mounted on the main control board 200 is assigned as the fluctuation shortening flag. Yes. Further, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when the fluctuation shortening function is activated, the function (open extension function) of extending the opening time of the start port 17 (ordinary electric accessory) is also activated. Therefore, when the fluctuation shortening flag is turned off to stop the fluctuation shortening function (S368), the special extension game shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 is performed after the release extension flag is turned off (S370) to stop the release extension function. After exiting the process, the process returns to the game control process of FIG. On the other hand, if the fluctuation shortening flag is not set to ON (S372: no), the process of turning off the fluctuation shortening flag and the release extension flag (S368, S370) is unnecessary, and the special symbol is used as it is. After exiting the game process, the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

  The processing in the case where the special symbol stopped and displayed on the symbol display device 28 is a jackpot symbol (S358: yes in FIG. 12) has been described, but if it is not a jackpot symbol (S358: no), the following Perform the following process. First, it is determined whether or not the above-described variation shortening flag is set to ON (S374). If the fluctuation shortening flag is ON (S374: yes), after subtracting “1” from the fluctuation shortening counter (S376), it is determined whether or not the fluctuation shortening counter has become “0” (S378). ). Here, the fluctuation shortening counter is a dedicated counter for counting the number of fluctuations of the special symbol performed in a state where the fluctuation shortening flag is set to ON, and is set to a predetermined address in the RAM 203 of the main control board 200. ing. As will be described in detail later, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, after the big hit game by the “normal big hit symbol” or “probability variable big hit symbol” is finished, the fluctuation shortening flag is set to ON and each big hit symbol is set. An initial value corresponding to is set in the fluctuation shortening counter. If the fluctuation shortening counter becomes “0” (S378: yes), the fluctuation shortening flag is turned OFF to stop the fluctuation shortening function (S380), and then the opening extension function is stopped to stop the opening extension function. After the flag is also turned off (S382), a game state designation command is transmitted to the sub control board 220 (S384). Here, the gaming state designation command is a command that designates the gaming state determined according to the setting of the probability variation flag, the variation shortening flag, the release extension flag, and the like to the sub-control board 220. On the other hand, when the fluctuation shortening counter has not reached “0” (S374: no), the process of turning off the fluctuation shortening flag and the release extension flag or transmitting the game state designation command (S380, S382, S384). ) Is not performed. If the fluctuation shortening flag is not set to ON in the first place (S374: no), the above-described series of processing (S376 to S384) following the process of subtracting “1” from the fluctuation shortening counter becomes unnecessary. When the above process is completed, the special symbol game process shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 is terminated and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 9, in the game control process, when returning from the special symbol game process, it is determined whether or not the big hit flag is set to ON (S390). As described above, the big hit flag is a flag that is set to ON when a special symbol is stopped and displayed as a big hit symbol. If the jackpot flag is set to ON (S390: yes), the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 starts a jackpot game process described below (S400). On the other hand, if the big hit flag is not set to ON (S390: no), the big hit game process (S400) is omitted.

C-1-3. Jackpot game processing:
17 and 18 are flowcharts of the big hit game process. By executing the jackpot game process, a so-called jackpot game is performed. Hereinafter, the jackpot game process will be described with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18.

  When starting the big hit game process (S400), the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 first determines whether or not the big winning opening 31d is open (S402). The big winning opening 31d is closed in the normal gaming state, and therefore, the big winning opening 31d is closed immediately after the start of the big hit game. Therefore, it is determined that the special winning opening 31d is not open (S402: no), and it is determined whether or not the set number of rounds has been reached (S404). In this embodiment, the number of rounds is set to 15 times. As a matter of course, immediately after the big hit game is started, the number of executions of the round game has not reached the set number of times (S404: no), so it is determined whether or not the closing time of the big winning opening 31d has elapsed. (S406). The closing time of the special winning opening 31d is a time during which the special winning opening 31d is in a closed state between rounds. In this embodiment, the closing time is set to 2 seconds. Immediately after the big hit game is started, the big prize opening 31d is in a closed state, so it is naturally determined that the closing time of the big prize opening 31d has passed (S406: yes), and the big prize opening 31d is opened. After the game is opened and the round game is started (S408), a command for designating the number of rounds (round number designation command) is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 (S410). Thereafter, the big hit game process shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 is temporarily ended, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

  When the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 returns to the game control process, as shown in FIG. 9, after performing a series of various processes after the prize ball related process (S50), the big hit game process (S400) is started again. . As described above, the time required for the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 to execute the game control process shown in FIG. 9 once is about 4 msec. Accordingly, the jackpot game process shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 is also executed about every 4 msec. Then, when the big hit game is started and the big hit game processing of FIG. 17 and FIG. 18 is executed for the first time, as described above, the big winning opening 31d is opened in S408 and the processing is ended, but after about 4 msec. When the second round process is performed, it is determined in S402 that the special winning opening 31d is open (S402: yes).

  If it is determined that the special winning opening 31d is open (S402: yes), it is next determined whether or not the opening time of the special winning opening 31d has reached a predetermined time (S412). As described above, in the big hit game, the big winning opening 31d is opened, but is closed when a predetermined opening time elapses or a specified number of gaming balls enter the big winning opening 31d. In response to this, first, in S412, it is determined whether or not the opening time of the special winning opening 31d has elapsed. In this embodiment, the opening time of the special winning opening 31d is set to 30 seconds. Then, if the set opening time has elapsed (S412: yes), after closing the big prize opening 31d (S416), the big hit game process shown in FIGS. Return to the game control process. On the other hand, when the opening time of the special winning opening 31d has not elapsed (S412: no), it is determined whether or not the number of game balls that have entered the special winning opening 31d has reached a prescribed number (S414). When the specified number is reached (S414: yes), the special winning opening 31d is closed (S416). On the other hand, when the prescribed number has not been reached (S414: no), the opening time of the special winning opening 31d has not yet elapsed, and the number of game balls that have entered the special winning opening 31d has also reached the prescribed number. Therefore, the big winning game process shown in FIG. 17 and FIG. 18 is exited while the special winning opening 31d is opened, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

  While the game control process of FIG. 9 is repeatedly executed, does the opening time of the special winning opening 31d elapse (S412: yes), or a prescribed number of gaming balls enter the special winning opening 31d? (S414: yes), when the special winning opening 31d is closed (S416), one round game is finished. Then, when the big hit game process is executed next, it is determined in S402 that the big winning opening 31d is closed (S402: no), and it is determined whether or not the number of executions of the round game has reached the set number (S404). ) If the set number of rounds has not been reached (S404: no), after confirming that the closing time of the special winning opening 31d has elapsed (S406: yes), the special winning opening 31d is again opened. A new round game is started (S408). On the other hand, when it is determined in S404 that the number of executions of the round game has reached the set number (S404: yes), the big hit flag is set to OFF to end the big hit game (S418), A command indicating the end (a jackpot end command) is transmitted toward the sub-control board 220 (S420).

  As described above, when the big hit flag is turned off when the big hit game is ended and the big hit end command is transmitted (S418, S420), whether or not the big hit game is a big hit game with the probability variable big hit symbol this time. Is determined (S422 in FIG. 18). If it is not a big hit game with a probable big hit symbol (S422: no), it can be determined that the game is a big hit game with a normal big hit symbol. In this case, after setting the variation shortening counter to “100” (S426) Then, the fluctuation shortening flag and the release extension flag are set to ON (S430, S432), a game state designation command is transmitted to the sub control board 220 (S434), and the big hit game process shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 is finished. As a result, after the end of the jackpot game with the “normal jackpot symbol”, the variation time of the special symbol and the normal symbol is shortened until the number of times the special symbol fluctuates (the number of jackpot lottery) reaches 100 times. It becomes a gaming state in which the opening time of 17 is extended (so-called short-time gaming state).

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the jackpot symbol that generated the jackpot game was a probability variation jackpot symbol (S422: yes), after setting the change shortening counter to “10,000” (S424), the probability variation flag. Then, the fluctuation shortening flag and the release extension flag are set to ON (S428, S430, S432), and after the gaming state designation command is transmitted (S434), the big hit gaming process shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 is terminated. As a result, after the big hit game with the “probable big hit symbol” is finished, the game with the probability changing function, the fluctuation shortening function, and the open extension function activated until the special symbol fluctuation number (the number of big hit lottery) reaches 10,000 times. It becomes a state (so-called probabilistic gaming state). In addition, since the number of special symbol fluctuations (number of jackpot lotteries) reaches 10,000 times, a big hit will definitely occur. Therefore, the number of special symbol fluctuations (number of jackpot lotteries) will be 10,000. “To reach” is substantially the same as “until the next jackpot occurs”.

  In the big hit game state described above, the round game opened by the large winning opening 31d that is normally closed is repeated up to 15 rounds, so that the player can acquire many prize balls. Therefore, when the reach state occurs on the screen of the effect display device 27, the player is expected to be in the big hit game state, and the interest for the game is greatly stimulated. It is also possible to make a reach notice that a reach state will eventually occur by making a pre-determination of the hold when the special symbol is put on hold. However, as described above, for example, the reach notice that the reach state occurs in the change display after 3 times, for example, means that the reach state does not occur until then. is there. For this reason, performing the reach notice does not necessarily lead to an increase in the player's gaming interest. Therefore, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the game advancement of the player can be effectively enhanced by performing the reach notice in a unique method. In the following, a description will be given of a process in which the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 determines a special symbol fluctuation pattern in order to make a reach notice in a unique manner, and then the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 according to the decided fluctuation pattern. The process of performing the reach notice on the screen of the effect display device 27 will be described.

C-1-4. Normal fluctuation pattern determination processing:
FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a normal variation pattern determination process. This process is performed when it is determined that the reach notice flag is set to OFF in the special figure variation display process described above with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14. As is apparent from the processing executed when the reach notice flag is OFF, this process is not directly related to the reach notice performed by the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment. However, in order to clarify the difference from the reach notice change pattern determination process (S3500) or the notice reach change pattern determination process (S3600), which is executed when the reach notice flag is ON, first, in normal time, The variation pattern determination process (S3400) will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 19, when the normal time variation pattern determination process is started, first, it is determined whether or not the result of the big hit determination is a big hit (S3402). The normal time fluctuation pattern determination process is executed in the special figure fluctuation display process described above with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14. In the special figure fluctuation display process, the big hit determination is performed prior to the normal time fluctuation pattern determination process. The big hit determination is performed using the table (S3304, S3306 in FIG. 13). Accordingly, when the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 starts the normal time variation pattern determination process, it can immediately determine whether or not the result of the jackpot determination performed prior to that is a jackpot.

  As a result, if the result of the jackpot determination is not a jackpot (S3402: no), it is determined whether or not a reach state is to be generated (S3406). This determination can be made based on whether or not the random value of the reach determination random number stored as the special symbol hold corresponds to the random value that causes the reach state. That is, in the special figure variation display processing (FIGS. 13 and 14), the determination random number is read prior to starting the normal variation pattern determination processing, and the reach determination random number included in the determination random number is Then, it is determined whether or not a random value that is predetermined as a random value for generating the reach state is satisfied.

  As a result, if it does not correspond to the predetermined random number value, it is determined that the reach state is not generated (S3406: no), and the reachless deviation variation pattern table is selected (S3410). Here, the reachless deviation variation pattern table is a table in which a reachless deviation variation pattern is set in association with a plurality of random values. Further, the non-reach variation pattern is a variation pattern that does not generate a reach state.

  FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an unreachable deviation variation pattern table. As shown in the figure, in this embodiment, a reachless deviation variation pattern table is set according to the number of special figure reservations. For example, FIG. 20A shows a reachless deviation variation pattern table used when the number of special figure holds is “1”. Further, FIG. 20B shows a reach-less deviation variation pattern table used when the special figure hold number is “2”. Further, FIG. 20C shows a table used when the special figure hold number is “3”, and FIG. 20D shows a table used when the special figure hold number is “4”. Yes. Note that these variation pattern tables are tables in which variation patterns having shorter variation times are set as the table used when the number of special figure reservations is larger. As described above, in this embodiment, the reachless deviation variation pattern table is set according to the number of special figure reservations. Therefore, when selecting the reachless deviation variation pattern table, the current number of special figure suspensions ( The number of special figure hold at the start of fluctuation) is acquired, and a reach-less deviation fluctuation pattern table corresponding to the special figure hold number is selected (S3410 in FIG. 19).

  On the other hand, if it is determined that a reach state is to be generated (that is, the random number value of the reach determination random number corresponds to a predetermined random number value) (S3406: yes), a reach / reject variation pattern table is selected (S3408). . Here, the reach / displacement variation pattern table is a table in which a reach / displacement variation pattern is set in association with a plurality of random values, and the reach / displacement variation pattern is a failure to generate a reach state. It is a fluctuation pattern. Although the illustration of the detachment variation pattern table with reach is not shown, the detachment variation pattern table with reach is also set according to the number of reserved special figures in the same manner as the detachment variation pattern table without reach described with reference to FIG. . However, since the variation pattern set in the reach / displacement variation pattern table is a variation pattern that generates a reach state, the reach / decrease variation pattern table is more than the reach / displacement variation pattern table shown in FIG. A variation pattern having a long variation time is set.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the result of the big hit determination is a big hit (S3402: yes), the big hit fluctuation pattern table is selected (S3404). The jackpot variation pattern table is a table in which a jackpot variation pattern is set in association with a plurality of random numbers, and the jackpot variation pattern is a variation pattern that finally becomes a jackpot. Although the illustration of the big hit fluctuation pattern table is also omitted, the big hit fluctuation pattern table is set in accordance with the number of special figure reservations in the same manner as the unreachable fluctuation pattern table described above with reference to FIG. Further, since the big hit fluctuation pattern always causes a reach state, the big hit fluctuation pattern table has a longer fluctuation time than the unreachable fluctuation pattern table shown in FIG. Is set.

  As described above, when the corresponding variation pattern table is selected according to the result of the jackpot determination or whether the reach state is generated (S3404, S3408, S3410), the variation pattern determination random number is acquired (S3412). . Then, based on the obtained variation pattern determination random number, the variation pattern is determined by referring to the variation pattern table selected previously (S3414). That is, as illustrated in FIG. 20, a variation pattern is set in the variation pattern table in association with the variation pattern determination random number. Therefore, once the variation pattern determination random number is acquired, the variation pattern can be determined by reading the variation pattern set in association with the random number. When the variation pattern is determined as described above, the normal variation pattern determination processing in FIG.

C-1-5. Reach notice change pattern determination process:
In the above, when it is determined that the reach notice flag is OFF (that is, the reach notice has not been made yet) in the special figure change display process described above with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14 (S3318 in FIG. 13: no), the process of determining the variation pattern of the special symbol has been described. On the other hand, the reach notice flag is ON (that is, the reach notice has already been performed), but the notice pending digest counter is not “1” (that is, the timing for generating the noticed reach is reached). (S3320: no in FIG. 14), the fluctuation pattern is determined by performing the reach notice change pattern determination process (S3500).

  Of course, the processing performed to determine the variation pattern in the variation pattern determination processing during reach notice is the variation pattern to be referred to the processing for determining the variation pattern in the normal variation pattern determination processing described above with reference to FIG. The same except for the different tables. Therefore, hereinafter, the change pattern determination process during reach notice will be described with reference to the flowchart of the normal-time fluctuation pattern determination process shown in FIG.

  Even in the reach notice change pattern determination process, when the process is started, first, it is determined whether or not the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot (corresponding to S3402). As a result, if the result of the big hit determination is not a big hit (corresponding to S3402: no), it is determined whether or not a reach state is to be generated (corresponding to S3406). If it is determined that the reach state is not to be generated (S3406: equivalent to no), a reachless deviation variation pattern table is selected (corresponding to S3410). However, the non-reach variation pattern table selected in the change pattern determination process during reach notice is a different table from the non-reach variation pattern table selected in the normal variation pattern determination process described above.

  FIG. 21 is an explanatory view exemplifying a reach-out / out-change pattern table selected during the reach notice change pattern determination process. As shown in the figure, the variation pattern table selected in the variation pattern determination process during reach notice is also set according to the number of special figure reservations. For example, FIG. 21A is a variation pattern table used when the special figure hold number is “1”, and FIG. 21B is a change pattern table used when the special figure hold number is “2”. is there. Similarly, FIG. 21C is a variation pattern table used when the special figure hold number is “3”, and FIG. 21D is a variation pattern table used when the special figure hold number is “4”. 21 is different from the variation pattern table shown in FIG. 20 in the variation pattern table corresponding to all of the special figure holding numbers “1” to “4”. A variation pattern having a variation time longer than the variation pattern set in the variation pattern table shown in FIG. Furthermore, in the variation pattern table shown in FIG. 21, a variation pattern having a longer variation time is set as the variation pattern table used when the number of special figure reservations is large.

  On the other hand, when a reach state is to be generated (corresponding to S3406: yes), a reach / displacement variation pattern table is selected (corresponding to S3408). The reach out-of-reach fluctuation pattern table selected during the reach notice fluctuation pattern determination process is also set according to the number of special figure holds. However, in these variation pattern tables, variation patterns having a longer variation time are set as the variation pattern table used when the number of special figure reservations is large.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the result of the big hit determination is a big hit (corresponding to S3402: yes), the big hit fluctuation pattern table is selected (corresponding to S3404). The big hit variation pattern table is also set according to the number of special figure reservations, and the table used when the number of special figure reservations is large is a table in which a variation pattern with a long variation time is set.

  Also in the change pattern determination process during reach notice, if the change pattern table corresponding to the special figure hold number is selected as described above, a change pattern determination random number is acquired (corresponding to S3412). Then, after the variation pattern is determined by referring to the variation pattern table selected previously (corresponding to S3414), the process returns to the special diagram variation display processing shown in FIGS.

C-1-6. Predictive reach fluctuation pattern determination processing:
In the above, the reach notice flag is ON (that is, the reach notice has already been performed), but the notice pending digest counter is not “1” (that is, the timing for generating the noticed reach has not been reached). ), The reach pattern change pattern determination process (S3500) performed to determine the special pattern change pattern has been described. On the other hand, when it is determined that the notice pending digest counter has reached “1” (that is, the timing for generating the noticed reach has been reached) (S3320: yes in FIG. 14), the notice described below. A variation pattern is determined by performing reach variation pattern determination processing.

  FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the advance reach variation pattern determination process. As shown in the figure, when the notice reach fluctuation pattern determination process (S3600) is started, first, it is determined whether or not the result of the big hit determination is a big hit (S3602). As a result, if the result of the jackpot determination is not a jackpot (S3602: no), the advance reach reach variation pattern table is selected without determining whether or not the reach state occurs (S3604). That is, the advance reach change pattern determination process is a process for determining the change pattern in the change display of the special symbol corresponding to the hold for which the reach state occurs (reach hold), so that the reach state occurs. Is fixed. Therefore, if the result of the big hit determination is not a big hit (S3602: no), the advance reach reach variation pattern table is immediately selected without determining whether or not the reach state occurs.

  FIG. 23 is an explanatory view exemplifying a notice reach loss variation pattern table. As shown in the figure, the advance / reject fluctuation pattern table is also set according to the number of special figure reservations. In addition, the advance reach variation pattern determination process is a process performed to determine a variation pattern that generates a reach state, and therefore, the variation pattern set in the variation pattern table corresponding to each special figure hold number is: All change patterns generate reach conditions.

  For example, the variation pattern table shown in FIG. 23A is a table used when the number of special figure holds is “1”. In this table, a variation pattern for generating a reach state called “normal reach” is set. Has been. The normal reach of the present embodiment has a relatively short reach mode in which the special symbol (and the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c) is changed from about 20 seconds to about 30 seconds. Corresponding to this, a plurality of variation patterns whose variation time ranges from about 20 seconds to about 30 seconds are set in the variation pattern table shown in FIG.

  Further, the variation pattern table shown in FIG. 23B is a table used when the number of special figure hold is “2”. In this table, there is a variation pattern that generates a reach state called “long reach”. Is set. The long reach is a reach mode that takes a longer time than the normal reach. Correspondingly, the change time in the change pattern table shown in FIG. 23B is about 54 seconds to about 97. A plurality of fluctuation patterns in the second range are set.

  The variation pattern table shown in FIG. 23C is a table used when the number of special figure holds is “3”, and a variation pattern for generating a reach state called “super reach” is set in this table. ing. The super reach is a reach mode in which a longer time is taken than a long leech and a more elaborate production is performed. Correspondingly, a plurality of variation patterns whose variation time ranges from about 112 seconds to about 137 seconds are set in the variation pattern table shown in FIG.

  In the variation pattern table used when the number of special figure holds shown in FIG. 23D is “4”, a variation pattern for generating a reach state called “story reach” is set. Story reach is a form of reach that takes a longer time than super reach, and is a form of reach (for example, special reach) further developed from super reach. This story reach is not just a long production but a very elaborate production with a story. Correspondingly, a plurality of variation patterns whose variation times are in the range of about 149 seconds to about 167 seconds are set in the variation pattern table shown in FIG.

  As is clear from the above description, the reach-rejection fluctuation pattern table has a different reach from the “normal reach”, “long reach”, “super reach”, and “story reach” for each special figure hold number. A variation pattern that generates a state is set. Further, the variation pattern table is set with a variation pattern having a longer variation time as the number of special figure reservations increases. In this embodiment, these “normal reach”, “long reach”, “super reach”, and “story reach” correspond to “reach classification” in the present invention.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the result of the big hit determination is a big hit (S3602: yes), the advance reach big hit fluctuation pattern table is selected (S3604). In the advance reach big hit fluctuation pattern table, a plurality of fluctuation patterns are set so as to generate a reach state and become a big hit. In addition, as for the advance reach reach variation pattern table described above with reference to FIG. 23, a different change pattern table is set in accordance with the number of reserved special figure holds, as in the advance reach change pattern table described above with reference to FIG. In the variation pattern table used when the number of special figure reservations is “1”, a plurality of variation patterns for generating normal reach are set as in the table of FIG. Further, in the variation pattern table used when the number of special figure hold is “2”, a plurality of variation patterns for generating long reach are set as in the table of FIG. Further, in the variation pattern table when the number of reserved special figure is “3”, the variation pattern for generating super reach is shown in FIG. 23C, and the variation pattern when the number of reserved special figure is “4”. In the table, as in FIG. 23 (d), a variation pattern for generating a story reach is set.

  In addition, the above-described advance reach variation pattern table and advance reach jackpot change pattern table are stored in the ROM 202 of the main control board 200. In these tables, a plurality of reach modes correspond to the number of special figure holds. It is remembered. Therefore, in this embodiment, the ROM 202 of the main control board 200 corresponds to the “reach mode storage unit” in the present invention.

  As described above, when a corresponding variation pattern table is selected according to the result of the jackpot determination (S3604, S3606), a variation pattern determination random number is acquired (S3608), and based on the acquired variation pattern determination random number, The variation pattern is determined by referring to the variation pattern table selected in step S3610. When the variation pattern is determined, the notice reach variation pattern determination process in FIG. 22 is terminated, and the process returns to the special figure variation display process shown in FIGS. 13 and 14.

  In addition, when the notice pending digest counter reaches “1” (that is, when the time to generate the noticed reach is reached), refer to the notice reach outlier fluctuation pattern table or the notice reach big hit fluctuation pattern table described above. By determining the fluctuation pattern, the process of determining the reach aspect of “normal reach”, “long reach”, “super reach”, or “story reach” is performed by the above-described advance reach fluctuation pattern determination process. Yes. Therefore, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 that performs the advance reach variation pattern determination process corresponds to the “reach mode determination means” in the present invention.

  As described above, when the fluctuation pattern is determined by performing any one of the normal time fluctuation pattern determination process (S3400), the reach notice change pattern determination process (S3500), and the notice reach change pattern determination process (S3600), In the variation display process, the variation display of the special symbol is started in accordance with the determined variation pattern, and the number of retention of the special diagram is decremented by “1” (S3328 and S3330 in FIG. 14). A designation command is transmitted (S3330 in FIG. 14), and then a change start command is transmitted (S3332). By receiving the hold information designation command transmitted in this way, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 can acquire information on the special figure hold number, information on the setting state of the reach notice flag, and the like. In addition, by receiving the change start command, it is possible to acquire information related to the timing at which the change display of the special symbol is started, the change pattern of the special symbol, and further the stop symbol of the special symbol. Then, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 displays the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c in a variable manner while performing a reach notice on the screen of the effect display device 27 or generating a reach state based on these pieces of information. The game is rendered by stopping and displaying. Hereinafter, processing performed by the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 in order to perform such a game effect will be described.

C-2. Game direction processing:
FIG. 24 is a flowchart of the game effect process executed by the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220. As shown in the figure, in the game effect process, processes such as reach notice related process (S1000), symbol variation effect process (S1100), jackpot game effect process (S1200), and the like are repeatedly performed. Here, the reach notice related process (S1000) is a process for making a reach notice on the screen of the effect display device 27. The symbol variation effect process (S1100) is a process for executing the symbol variation effect by causing the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c to be variably displayed and stopped on the screen of the effect display device 27. Furthermore, the jackpot game effect process (S1200) is a game where a jackpot game is performed with the jackpot 31d opened, using the screen of the effect display device 27, sound effects, various lamps, etc. This is a process for performing an effect.

  A timer (not shown) is mounted on the sub-control board 220, and a timer interrupt is generated every 2 msec. Each time a timer interruption occurs, the game effect process shown in FIG. 24 is executed. Therefore, the reach notice related process (S1000), the symbol variation effect process (S1100), and the jackpot game effect process (S1200) are executed every 2 msec.

C-2-1. Reach notice related processing:
FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing reach notice related processing. As shown in the drawing, in the reach notice related processing (S1000), first, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is a big hit (S1002). As described above, at the start of a big hit game, a big hit start command is transmitted from the main control board 200 to the sub control board 220 (see S362 in FIG. 12), and at the end of the big hit game, toward the sub control board 220. Since the jackpot end command is transmitted (see S420 in FIG. 17), the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 can determine whether or not the current gaming state is a jackpot game. As a result, if it is determined that the game is a big hit (S1002: yes), the reach notice related process is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the game effect process of FIG. As a result, even if the special symbol is suspended during the big hit game, the reach notice related processing is not performed, and therefore the reach notice is not performed during the big hit game.

  If it is determined that the current gaming state is not a big hit (S1002: no), it is determined whether or not a hold information designation command is received from the main control board 200 (S1004). As described above, the hold information designation command means that “1” is added to the number of special figure hold when a special symbol hold is generated, or a special symbol variation display is started. This command is transmitted from the main control board 200 to the sub-control board 220 when “1” is subtracted from the special figure hold count (see S320 in FIG. 10 or S3330 in FIG. 14). In addition, in this command, for example, information on the number of special figure holds, whether or not the generated hold is a hold for performing a reach notice, the setting state of the reach notice flag, and further about the generated hold Information related to a prior determination result (for example, whether or not it is determined to be a big hit in the big hit determination, whether or not it is determined to generate a reach state, etc.) is included.

  If it is determined that the hold information designation command has not been received from the main control board 200 (S1004: no), there is no change in the special figure hold and it is not necessary to make a reach notice, so the reach notice related process is performed as it is. Is finished, and the process returns to the game effect process of FIG. In contrast, when a hold information designation command is received (S1004: yes), hold information included in the command is acquired (S1006). Based on the acquired hold information, it is determined whether or not the hold is a hold for generating a reach notice (S1008). If the hold is a hold for generating a reach notice (S1008: yes), the reach is determined. The notice effect flag is set to ON (S1010). Here, the reach notice effect flag is a flag indicating that a reach notice should be performed. Further, as will be described below, in the present embodiment, when the reach notice is performed, the reach notice is continued until the foreseeed reach state occurs (until the reach hold is exhausted). . Accordingly, the reach notice effect flag of the present embodiment is a flag indicating that the reach notice should be performed, and at the same time, a flag indicating that the reach notice is continued. The reach notice effect flag is set in an area secured at a predetermined address in the RAM 223 mounted on the sub-control board 220.

  If the reach notice effect flag is set to ON (S1010), then the number of special figure reservations currently stored is set in the notice effect reservation counter (S1012). This advance notice pending digest counter is a counter that indicates the timing at which the reach state is generated in response to the advance notice after the advance notice is given. As described above with reference to FIG. 10, in the present embodiment, it is determined whether or not to make a reach notice only when the generated special figure hold is a hold (reach hold) that generates a reach state. (S314 in FIG. 10), and the result is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 by the hold information designation command (S320). Accordingly, when the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 receives a hold information designation command indicating the occurrence of a hold for performing a reach notice, the reach state may be generated by the hold. The figure hold number is set in the notice effect hold digest counter.

  On the other hand, if it is determined whether or not to make a reach notice each time a special figure hold occurs while the reach hold has been stored but the reach notice has not been made, Even if the information designation command specifies that the reach notice is to be performed, the hold is not necessarily reach hold. Therefore, in this case, the hold information designation command is first received and the hold information is stored, the reach hold is detected, and a value indicating the number of hold is the reach hold. It may be set to the notice effect on hold digest counter.

  In this way, when the reach notice effect flag is set to ON and the notice effect hold digest counter is set (S1010, S1012), the “reach notice window” is displayed on the screen of the effect display device 27 (S1014). Here, the reach notice window is a special area displayed on the screen of the effect display device 27 for performing the reach notice. Details of the reach notice window will be described in detail later.

  In the above, when the hold information designation command is received (S1004: yes), and it is determined that the hold designated by the command is a hold for generating a reach notice (reach hold) (S1008: yes), reach The process of displaying the reach notice window (S1014) after setting the notice effect flag and the notice effect on hold digest counter (S1010, S1012) has been described. On the other hand, when it is determined that the hold specified by the hold information specifying command is not a hold for generating the reach notice (S1008: no), these processes (S1010 to S1014) become unnecessary.

  Subsequently, in the reach notice related process, it is determined whether or not the reach notice effect flag is set to ON (S1016). As described above, the reach notice effect flag is a flag indicating that the reach notice should be performed, and at the same time, the flag indicating that the reach notice is continued. If the reach notice effect flag is set to ON (S1016: yes), a reach notice in a mode corresponding to the number of special figure reservations stored at that time is performed in the reach notice window (S1018). .

  FIG. 26 is an explanatory view exemplifying a state in which a reach notice is performed in the reach notice window when the special figure hold number is “1”. As shown in the drawing, a large reach notice window 27 f having a substantially rectangular shape is displayed on the left portion of the screen of the effect display device 27. Further, the variation display of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c is performed in the remaining portion on the screen of the effect display device 27. Further, in the hold display symbol 27e in the lower right corner of the screen, it is displayed that the special figure hold number is “1”. When the special figure hold number is “1”, “normal reach” is displayed at the bottom of the reach notice window 27f. By doing so, a reach notice that normal reach will occur is performed.

  FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which a reach notice is performed in the reach notice window when the special figure hold number is “2”. As shown in the figure, when the special figure hold number is “2”, “long reach” is displayed in the reach notice window 27f at a position slightly above the position where “normal reach” is displayed. . By doing so, a reach notice that a long reach will occur is performed.

  FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram exemplifying how the reach notice is performed in the reach notice window when the special figure hold number is “3”. As shown in the figure, when the special figure hold number is “3”, “super reach” is displayed in a position slightly higher than the position where “long reach” is displayed in the reach notice window 27f. Is done. As a result, a reach notice that super reach will occur is performed.

  FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which a reach notice is performed in the reach notice window when the special figure hold number is “4”. As shown in the figure, when the number of reserved special figure is “4”, “story reach” is displayed at a position slightly higher than the position where “super reach” is displayed in the reach notice window 27f. Is done. As a result, a reach announcement is made that a story reach will occur.

  In the reach notice related process shown in FIG. 25, while the reach notice effect flag is set to ON (S1016: yes), in any one of FIGS. Reach notice is performed in the reach notice window 27f (S1018). On the other hand, when the reach notice effect flag is not set to ON (S1016: no), the display of the reach notice window 27f is ended (S1020). As a result, the display on the screen of the effect display device 27 returns from the display shown in FIGS. 26 to 29 to the normal display described above with reference to FIG. Eventually, in this embodiment, the reach notice using the reach notice window 27f is performed while the reach notice effect flag is set to ON, and the reach notice is ended when the reach notice effect flag is turned off. It will be.

  Such reach notice also serves as a display indicating the presence of reach hold, and therefore corresponds to the “reach hold display” in the present invention. Further, the display of the reach notice is performed by the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 executing the reach notice related process (S1000). Therefore, in this embodiment, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 corresponds to “reach hold display means” in the present invention.

  Further, as described above, it is not the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 but the CPU 231 mounted on the presentation control board 230 that directly controls the operation of the presentation display device 27. Accordingly, the reach notice window 27f is displayed on the screen of the effect display device 27 (S1014), and when the reach notice according to the number of special figure reservations is made (S1018), the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 performs the effect control board 230. A command for designating display of these images is transmitted to. Then, the CPU 231 of the effect control board 230 performs processing of reading out image data from the ROM 232 according to those commands and displaying it on the screen of the effect display device 27. Further, the process of turning off the reach notice effect flag is performed in the symbol variation effect process (S1100) shown in FIG. Hereinafter, the symbol variation effect process will be described.

C-2-2. Design variation effect processing:
30 and 31 are flowcharts showing the symbol variation effect process. This process is executed every 2 msec by the CPU 221 mounted on the sub-control board 220. As shown in the figure, when the symbol variation effect process is started, it is determined whether or not a variation start command from the main control board 200 has been received (S1102). As described above with reference to FIG. 14, the change start command is used to specify a change pattern of special symbols and a stop symbol in accordance with the start of change display of special symbols on the symbol display device 28. This is a command transmitted from the main control board 200 toward the sub-control board 220.

  When the change start command is received (S1102: yes), it is determined whether or not the special symbol stop symbol specified by the command is a big hit symbol (S1104). Since the change start command from the main control board 200 includes information on the stop symbol of the special symbol, it is possible to determine whether or not the stop symbol of the special symbol is a big hit symbol by analyzing the command. it can. As a result, when it is determined that the symbol is a big hit symbol (S1104: yes), the big hit symbol for stopping the identification symbols 27a, 27b, 27c on the screen of the effect display device 27 is determined (S1108). That is, when the special symbol stop symbol is a normal jackpot symbol, one identification symbol representing an even number is selected, and a symbol combination in which three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are aligned with the selected symbol is displayed. The big hit symbol to be stopped and displayed by the device 27 is determined. In addition, when the stop symbol of the special symbol is a probable big hit symbol, an identification symbol representing an odd number is selected, and a symbol combination in which the three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are arranged in the symbol is displayed as an effect. The big hit symbol to be stopped and displayed by the device 27 is determined.

  Subsequently, a big hit production pattern is determined (S1110). Here, the jackpot effect pattern is a pattern showing a mode from the start of the variable display of the three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c on the screen of the effect display device 27 to the stop display with the jackpot symbol. The ROM 222 of the sub-control board 220 stores a jackpot effect pattern table (not shown) in which the special symbol variation pattern and the jackpot effect pattern are associated with each other. The special symbol variation pattern is specified by a variation start command from the main control board 200. Therefore, the big hit effect pattern can be determined by referring to the big hit effect pattern table based on this variation pattern.

  On the other hand, if the stop symbol of the special symbol designated by the change start command is not a big hit symbol (S1104: no), it is determined whether or not it is a detachment with reach (S1112). This determination can also be made based on the variation pattern of the special symbol designated by the variation start command. That is, as described above with reference to FIG. 19 to FIG. 21, the different deviation variation patterns are determined depending on the presence / absence of the reach. Can be determined. If it is determined that the release is accompanied by reach (S1112: yes), the reach-removed symbol to be stopped and displayed on the screen of the effect display device 27 is determined (S1114). That is, the symbol that generates the reach state is determined, and two of the three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are determined as the symbol. Further, the remaining one identification symbol is determined to be a symbol different from the symbol.

  Thus, when the reach-removed symbol to be stopped and displayed on the screen of the effect display device 27 is determined (S1114), a reach-removal effect pattern is determined (S1116). Here, the reach-removal effect pattern refers to starting display of variation of the three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c on the screen of the effect display device 27, generating a reach state, and then stopping and displaying the reach-removed symbol. It is a pattern which shows the aspect until. The reach failure effect pattern is also determined by referring to a reach failure effect pattern table (not shown) stored in advance in the ROM 222 of the sub-control board 220. That is, as described above with reference to FIGS. 19 to 21, when the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 determines that the big hit determination result is out of order and the reach state is generated (S <b> 3406 in FIG. 19: yes). The reach-out / off-change pattern table is selected (see S3408), the reach-out / out-change pattern is determined as a special pattern change pattern, and this change pattern is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 by a change start command. (S3332 in FIG. 14). Further, in the reach out effect pattern table stored in the ROM 222 of the sub-control board 220, the reach out effect pattern is set in advance in association with the reach out / in change pattern. Therefore, the reach out effect pattern can be determined by referring to the reach out effect pattern table based on the change pattern designated by the change start command.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the detachment is not accompanied by the reach state based on the variation pattern of the special symbol (S1112: no), the detachable symbol to be stopped and displayed on the screen of the effect display device 27 is determined (S1118). That is, the stop symbols of the identification symbols are determined so that the three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are all different symbols. Subsequently, the off effect pattern is determined (S1120). Here, the off effect pattern is a mode from the start of the variable display of the three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c on the screen of the effect display device 27 until the stop display with the off symbol without passing through the reach state. It is a pattern which shows. The detachment effect pattern is also determined by referring to a detachment effect pattern table (not shown) stored in advance in the ROM 222 of the sub-control board 220.

  As described above, the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c to be stopped and displayed on the screen of the effect display device 27 are determined (S1108, S1114, and S1118), and the effect patterns until the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are stopped and displayed. Is determined (S1110, S1116, S1120), the symbol variation effect is started by starting the variable display of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, 27c on the screen of the effect display device 27 (S1122). At this time, the timer mounted on the sub-control board 220 is set to start measuring the fluctuation time. Further, in accordance with the symbol variation effect performed on the screen of the effect display device 27, a game effect is performed by outputting sound effects or lighting various lamps. As described above with reference to FIG. 5, it is not the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 but the CPU 231 mounted on the presentation control board 230 that directly controls the operation of the presentation display device 27. Therefore, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 starts the symbol variation effect by transmitting a command indicating the determined effect pattern and the stop symbols of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c to the effect control board 230 (S1122). ). The CPU 231 of the effect control board 230 reads the image data one after another from the ROM 232 and displays it on the screen of the effect display device 27 according to the effect pattern specified by the command from the sub control board 220, thereby executing the symbol variation effect. Will be. In addition, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 performs a game effect by outputting a sound effect or lighting various lamps in accordance with a symbol variation effect performed on the screen of the effect display device 27. The effect pattern includes data for outputting sound effects and lighting various lamps. Therefore, if the effect pattern is determined, the data regarding the output of these sound effects and the lighting of various lamps are automatically determined.

  When the symbol variation effect is started as described above (S1122), it is determined whether a symbol stop command is received from the main control board 200 (S1124 in FIG. 31). Also, when it is determined that the variation start command has not been received when the symbol variation effect process is started (S1102: no), it is determined whether a symbol stop command has been received (S1124). As described above with reference to FIG. 11, the symbol stop command is a command transmitted from the main control board 200 toward the sub-control board 220 when the special symbol is stopped and displayed on the symbol display device 28. As a result, if it is determined that the symbol stop command has not been received (S1124: no), the symbol variation effect process is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the game effect process of FIG. On the other hand, when it is determined that the symbol stop command has been received (S1124: yes), the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c of the effect display device 27 are stopped and displayed with the symbols determined in advance. The symbol variation effect is terminated (S1126).

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the reach notice effect flag is set to ON (S1128). As described above, the reach notice effect flag is a flag indicating that the reach notice effect is being performed. When the reach notice effect flag is set to ON, as illustrated in FIGS. 26 to 29, A reach notice window 27f is displayed on the screen of the effect display device 27, and a reach notice is performed. As a result, when the reach notice effect flag is set to ON (S1128: yes), “1” is subtracted from the notice effect pending digest counter (S1130). As described above, the notice effect hold digest counter is a counter that indicates in what order the noticed reach state occurs when a reach notice is given. For example, if it is determined that the third special figure hold is a hold for generating the reach state (reach hold) and the reach notice is given when the reach hold occurs (S1008 in FIG. 25: yes), the reach notice effect is given. Is set to ON (S1010), and in subsequent S1012, “3” is set to the notice effect suspension digest counter. Then, the notice presentation pending digest counter set in this way is started each time the variable display of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c is started on the screen of the effect display device 27 (S1122 in FIG. 30) and is stopped (see FIG. 31 (S1126), “1” is subtracted by one (S1130).

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the notice effect on-hold digest counter has reached “1” (S1132). As is clear from the above description, if the advance notice pending use counter reaches “1”, the next change display corresponds to the change display in which the occurrence of the reach state is notified. On the other hand, if the advance notice hold digest counter does not reach “1”, this means that the hold that existed before the reach notice is still being digested. Therefore, when the notice effect pending digest counter has not reached “1” (S1132: no), the symbol variation effect process of FIGS. 30 and 31 is performed as it is (that is, with the reach notice effect flag set to ON). When finished, the process returns to the game effect process of FIG. In this case, since the reach notice effect flag remains set ON, in the reach notice related process shown in FIG. 25, it is determined that the reach notice effect flag is ON (S1016: yes in FIG. 25). The reach notice is continued in one of the modes shown in FIGS. 26 to 29 according to the number of reserved figures (S1018).

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the advance notice pending digest counter has reached “1” (S1132 in FIG. 31: yes), the reach advance notice flag is set to OFF (S1134), and then FIG. 30 and FIG. This symbol variation effect process is terminated, and the process returns to the game effect process of FIG. In this case, since the reach notice effect flag is OFF, in the reach notice related process of FIG. 25, it is determined that the reach notice effect flag is OFF (S1016: no), and the display of the reach notice window 27f is ended. Later (S1020), the reach notice related process is terminated, and then the symbol variation effect process described above with reference to FIGS. 30 and 31 is started. In the symbol variation effect processing, after the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c start the variation display, an effect of stopping and displaying through the reach state is performed.

  In the above, the process when the reach notice effect flag is determined to be ON (S1128: yes) at the end of the symbol variation effect (S1126 in FIG. 31) has been described. On the other hand, when it is determined that the reach notice effect flag is not set to ON (S1128: no), the reach notice effect is not performed, and thus the above-described series of processing (S1130 to S1134) is unnecessary. Therefore, the symbol variation effect process of FIGS. 30 and 31 is finished as it is.

  As described above, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when a special symbol hold occurs during a game, a prior determination on the hold (whether the result of the big hit determination is a big hit or a reach state is determined). (S310 in FIG. 10), and further decides whether or not to make a reach notice (S314). Then, the hold information including those results is transmitted from the main control board 200 to the sub control board 220 by the hold information designation command (S320). As a result, in the sub control board 220, the reach notice related process (S1000) shown in FIG. 25 is performed, and when the hold information indicating that the reach notice is to be performed is received (S1008: yes in FIG. 25), the effect display is performed. A reach notice effect is performed on the screen of the device 27 (S1018).

  However, as described above, simply performing a reach notice does not necessarily increase the player's gaming interest. For example, it is known that even the reach state does not occur until the predicted reach occurs, so that the game up to that time is not interesting to the player. In addition, if the reach state that has been waiting for a long time after being foretold is just a normal reach, and it ends in a divergence, it may result in betraying the player's expectation, and the game entertainment may be cooled .

  Therefore, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the reach notification is not performed simply, but the reach notification is performed in a mode corresponding to the number of reserved special figures stored at that time. That is, if the special figure hold number is “1”, a reach notice that “normal reach” occurs as illustrated in FIG. 26 is performed. If the special figure hold number is “2”, the special figure hold number is illustrated in FIG. Reach notice that “long reach” will occur as described above. Further, if the special figure hold number is “3”, a reach notice that “super reach” will occur as illustrated in FIG. 28, and if the special figure hold number is “4”, it is illustrated in FIG. Reach notice that “story reach” will occur. The reach notice displayed in this way is continued until the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c start the variable display with the reach state according to the notice, and when the number of special figure hold changes until then. In accordance with this, the aspect of reach to be notified is also changed.

  For example, when the special figure hold number is “2” when the reach notice is generated, the reach notice that “long reach” is generated is performed in the manner shown in FIG. When the special symbol hold occurs and the number of special figure holds increases to “3” while the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are continuously displayed on the screen of the effect display device 27, the reach is reached. The notice display changes from the display shown in FIG. 27 to the display shown in FIG. 28, and the manner of reach to advance notice is promoted from “long reach” to “super reach”. On the other hand, if the number of special figure holds decreases to “2” without a new special figure hold being generated before the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are stopped, the reach notice display is shown in FIG. The display shown in FIG. 26 changes to the display shown in FIG. 26, and the reach mode to be notified is demoted from “long reach” to “normal reach”. Of course, if the number of special figure reservations can be increased from “2” to “4” while the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c continue to be displayed in a variable manner, the reach notice display is shown in FIG. The “long reach” will be promoted all at once to the “story reach” shown in FIG.

  Then, when the special symbol variation display with the notified reach state is started, that is, the second special figure hold (reach hold) corresponding to the special figure hold number “2” that is the trigger of the occurrence of the reach notice. When the special symbol variation display corresponding to is started, the main control board 200 performs the advance reach variation pattern determination process (S3600) described above with reference to FIG. 22 and stores the special symbol stored at that time. A variation pattern for generating a reach state in accordance with the number of retained figures is determined, and the variation pattern is transmitted to the sub control board 220 by a change start command transmitted from the main control board 200 (S3332 in FIG. 14). ). Then, in the sub-control board 220, in the symbol variation effect processing (S1100) described above with reference to FIGS. 30 and 31, a big hit effect pattern corresponding to the variation pattern is determined (S1110 in FIG. 30). As a result, on the screen of the effect display device 27, the effect in the reach state in an aspect corresponding to the number of special figure reservations immediately before the symbol change starts (that is, the reach aspect displayed last in the reach notice). Is started.

  FIG. 32 is an explanatory view exemplifying a situation in which the symbol change with the reach state is started after the reach notice is finished. FIG. 32A shows a state in which the reach form of “story reach” is displayed in the reach notice window 27f. When the reach notice is completed in this state, as illustrated in FIG. 32B and FIG. 32C, the symbol variation with the reach state of “story reach” is started.

  Thus, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, the reach state effect is actually performed in the form displayed in the reach notice. For this reason, even after the reach notice occurs, the player enters the game ball into the start port 17 and starts the figure change with the noticed reach state, thereby increasing the number of special figure holds. If this can be achieved, the reach state that actually occurs can be promoted. On the other hand, if the player cannot enter the game ball into the start port 17 after the reach notice has occurred, the number of special figure holds will gradually decrease, and the actual reach state will be demoted. Resulting in. For this reason, after the reach notice occurs, the player tries to promote the state of the reach state as much as possible until the symbol change with the reach state is actually started. Since the player concentrates on entering the game, it is possible to fully enjoy the game from when the reach notice is made until the reach state occurs.

  Of course, even if the state of the reach state can be promoted, if the game ball cannot be subsequently entered into the start port 17, the number of special figure holds decreases, and accordingly, the state of the reach state is also demoted. Resulting in. However, as described above with reference to FIG. 21, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, during the reach notice (that is, from when the reach notice is made until the symbol variation with the reach state is actually started), A variation pattern having a longer variation time than the variation pattern of the special symbol selected at the normal time when the reach notification is not performed (see FIG. 20) is selected. The long fluctuation pattern is selected. For this reason, during the period from the start of the reach notice until the start of the symbol change corresponding to the hold (reach hold) that triggered the start of the reach notice (that is, during the reach notice) The display execution frequency, that is, the pace (speed) at which the number of special figure holds decreases, compared to the normal time when the reach notice is not performed. As a result, during the reach notice, the number of special figure reservations is likely to increase as compared to the normal time when the reach notice is not performed. Therefore, the state of the reach state (reach state) performed by the symbol change corresponding to the reach hold can be promoted. The possibility increases. In addition, during the reach notice, the more the number of special figure hold (therefore, the more the state of the reach state is promoted), the lower the execution frequency of the special symbol display (the pace at which the special figure hold number decreases). Therefore, it becomes easy to maintain the increased number of special figure hold, and as a result, it is possible to maintain the promoted reach state relatively easily.

  During the reach notice, the process of selecting the fluctuation pattern having a long fluctuation time compared to the case where the reach notice is not performed is performed in the special figure fluctuation display process described above with reference to FIGS. Yes. Therefore, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 that executes the special figure fluctuation display process of the present embodiment corresponds to the “fluctuation frequency reducing means” in the present invention.

  In addition, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the number of special figure reservation is small at the time when the reach notice occurs, the player continues to launch the game ball in order to promote the reach state, When the number of special figure reservations is large at the time of occurrence of the reach notice, the game ball is continuously fired in order not to demote the reach state. For this reason, it becomes possible to improve the operation of the game machine.

  In addition, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the player can control the state of the reach state to some extent by causing the game ball to enter the start port 17 after the reach notice is made. It becomes possible. Therefore, for example, if there is a reach state that you have not yet seen in "Super Reach", by performing a game to keep the special figure hold number as "3" as much as possible after the reach notice, The reach state can be easily generated. As described above, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to add a new game property that allows the player to select a reach state.

D. Modified example:
In the above-described embodiments, the mode of the reach state to be notified is described as being determined by the number of special figure reservations stored at the time of the occurrence of the reach notification. In this case, when the reach notice is generated, it is possible that the form of “super reach” or “story reach”, that is, the reach form included in the “special reach” is notified from the beginning. However, with the occurrence of the reach notice, the mode of “normal reach” included in the “ordinary reach” is first noticed, and thereafter, every time a game ball enters the start opening 17 (the number of special figure hold increases) ), The state of the reach state may be promoted. Below, such a modification is demonstrated.

D-1. Modification process for determining the advance reach variation pattern:
FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing a notice reach variation pattern determination process according to a modification. In this process, the reach notice flag is ON (S3318: yes in FIG. 13) in the special map change display process described above with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14, and the notice pending digest counter is “1”. When it is determined (S3320: yes in FIG. 14), this is a process executed by the CPU 201 of the main control board 200. Further, the advance reach variation pattern determination process (S3650) of this modification is different from the advance reach change pattern determination process (S3600) of the present embodiment described above with reference to FIG. The difference is that the variation pattern table is selected in consideration of the value of the notice pending digest counter. Hereinafter, the notice reach variation pattern determination process of the modification will be described with the difference as a center.

  As shown in FIG. 33, in the advance notice reach fluctuation pattern determination process (S3650) of the modified example, when the process is started, first, it is determined whether or not the result of the big hit determination is a big hit (S3652). As a result, if the result of the big hit determination is not a big hit (S3652: no), the value of the notice hold digest counter is subtracted from the number of special figure hold stored at that time (S3658). Here, the notice pending digest counter is a counter indicating the timing at which the reach state occurs in accordance with the reach notice as described above with reference to FIG. For example, if the notice hold digest counter is “2”, it means that the second special figure hold is a hold that has notified the occurrence of the reach state (reach hold). In addition, the notice hold digest counter is decremented by “1” every time one special figure hold is consumed (see S3322 or S3324 in FIG. 14). Therefore, the value obtained by subtracting the value of the notice hold digest counter from the current number of special figure hold represents the number of special figure hold newly generated after the reach notice.

  Then, the advance / reach fluctuation pattern table corresponding to the obtained subtraction value is selected (S3660). That is, in the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 23, the advance notice reach fluctuation pattern table is set according to the number of special figure hold, but in the modified example, the notice hold digest counter is calculated from the number of special figure hold. An advance reach reach variation pattern table is set according to the subtraction value obtained by subtracting the value. Further, the content of the advance / reach miss variation pattern table is set to the same content as the table shown in FIG. That is, in the table when the subtraction value is “0”, the same contents as the table when the special figure reservation number shown in FIG. 23A is “1” are set. Further, in the table in the case where the subtraction value is “1”, the same contents as the table in the case where the number of special figure reservations shown in FIG. 23B is “2” are set. Further, the table in the case where the subtraction value is “2” has the same contents as the table in FIG. 23C in which the special figure holding number is “3”, and the subtraction value is “3”. In this table, the same contents as the table in the case where the number of special figure hold shown in FIG. 23D is “4” are set.

  The reason why the advance / rejection fluctuation pattern table is set only in the range of “0” to “3” is as follows. First, as described above with reference to FIG. 14, the notice reach fluctuation pattern determination process is a process performed when the notice pending digest counter is “1” (S3320: yes in FIG. 14). In addition, the special figure reservation number at this time can take only the values "1" to "4". For this reason, the value obtained by subtracting the value of the special notice hold counter from the special figure hold number can only take four values from “0” to “3”. Therefore, the advance reach fluctuation pattern table is set only for these cases. It is enough if you keep it.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the result of the big hit is a big hit (S3652: yes), after subtracting the value of the notice pending digest counter from the number of special figure hold at that time (S3654), the notice reach big hit according to the subtraction value A variation pattern table is selected (S3654). Similar to the above-mentioned advance notice reach fluctuation pattern table, a different change pattern table is also set in the advance reach big hit fluctuation pattern table according to the value obtained by subtracting the value of the advance notice hold counter from the number of special figure holds.

  As described above, when the corresponding variation pattern table is selected in accordance with the result of the jackpot determination (S3656, S3660), the variation pattern determination random number is acquired (S3662), and based on the acquired variation pattern determination random number, The variation pattern is determined by referring to the variation pattern table selected in step S3664. When the variation pattern is determined, the notice reach variation pattern determination process of the modification of FIG. 33 is terminated, and the process returns to the special diagram variation display process shown in FIGS. Subsequently, in the special map variation display process, a hold information designation command and a variation start command are transmitted to the sub-control board 220 (S3332 and S3334 in FIG. 14). Further, on the side of the sub-control board 220, the following reach notice related processing is performed.

D-2. Reach notice related processing of modification:
FIG. 34 is a flowchart illustrating a reach notice related process according to a modification. The reach advance notice related process (S1050) of the modification is almost the same as the reach advance notice related process (S1000) described above with reference to FIG. 25, but the reach advance notice related process (S1000) described above with reference to FIG. While the reach notice is performed in a manner corresponding to the number of special figure hold, the value of the notice hold digest counter is subtracted from the current special figure hold number in the reach notice related process (S1050) of the modified example. Depending on the situation, the point of reaching the reach is different. In the following, the reach notice related process of the modified example will be briefly described focusing on this difference.

  As shown in FIG. 34, also in the reach notice related process of the modified example, first, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is a big hit (S1052). And if it is a big hit (S1052: yes), the reach notice related process of a modification will be complete | finished as it is, and it will return to the game effect process of FIG. On the other hand, if the current gaming state is not a big hit (S1052: no), it is determined whether or not a hold information designation command is received from the main control board 200 (S1054). As a result, even when it is determined that the hold information designation command has not been received (S1054: no), the reach notice related process of the modified example is terminated and the process returns to the game effect process of FIG. On the other hand, when a hold information designation command is received (S1054: yes), after obtaining hold information included in the command (S1056), whether or not the hold is a hold (reach hold) for generating a reach notice. (S1058), and if it is the hold to generate the reach notice (S1058: yes), the reach notice effect flag is set to ON (S1060). Subsequently, after setting the current number of special figure reservations in the notice effect reservation use counter (S1062), a reach notice window 27f is displayed on the screen of the effect display device 27 (S1064).

  The processing in the case where it is determined that the hold specified by the hold information specifying command is a hold that generates a reach notice (S1058: yes) has been described. On the other hand, when the hold specified by the hold information specifying command is not a hold for generating the reach notice (S1058: no), these processes (S1060 to S1064) become unnecessary.

  Subsequently, in the reach notice related process of the modification, it is determined whether or not the reach notice effect flag is set to ON (S1066). When the reach notice effect flag is set to ON (S1066: yes), the value of the notice hold digest counter is subtracted from the special figure hold number stored at that time (S1068). Reach notice in a mode corresponding to the subtraction value is performed in the reach notice window 27f (S1070).

  For example, in the case of performing the reach notice for the first time, the number of special figure hold at that time is equal to the value of the notice hold digest counter, so the value obtained by subtracting the notice hold digest counter from the number of special figure hold is “0”. It becomes. When the subtraction value is “0”, the reach notice is performed in the manner shown in FIG. After that, if one special figure hold is added by the time the symbol variation accompanied by the reach state is started, the value obtained by subtracting the notice hold digest counter from the special figure hold number is “1”. In this case, the reach notice is performed in the mode shown in FIG. Further, when the special figure hold is added and the value obtained by subtracting the notice hold digest counter from the number of special figure hold becomes “2”, the reach notice is performed in the manner shown in FIG. Furthermore, when another special figure hold is added and the value obtained by subtracting the notice hold digest counter from the number of special figure holds becomes "3", the reach notice is performed in the manner shown in FIG. On the other hand, when the reach notice effect flag is not set to ON (S1066: no), the display of the reach notice window 27f is ended (S1072).

  In the above-described modification, the reach mode at the time when the reach notice is generated is always “normal reach”, but after that, until the symbol fluctuation with the reach state that has been noticed is started (that is, , During reach notice), a player can enter a game ball into the start port 17 to promote the reach state to “long reach”, “super reach”, or “story reach”. For this reason, the player can enjoy the game in which the game ball is introduced into the start port 17 and promoted the reach state after the reach notice is generated, so that the player's gaming interest is greatly stimulated. Is possible.

  As described above, various embodiments of the present invention have been described. Improvements based on the knowledge that a person skilled in the art normally has can also be added as appropriate to the extent that those skilled in the art can easily replace them.

  For example, in the above-described embodiments and modifications, when the reach notice is performed, the reach notice window 27f which is a special area for performing the reach notice is opened on the screen of the effect display device 27, and the reach notice window is displayed. Within 27f, reach forms such as “normal reach”, “long reach”, “super reach”, and “story reach” are displayed. However, as described above with reference to FIG. 4, the hold display symbol 27e indicating the number of special figure holds is displayed on the screen of the effect display device 27. Therefore, the reach notice is displayed using the hold display symbol 27e. You may make it do. For example, a reach notice is made by lighting a normal hold (a hold that is not a reach hold) in yellow and a reach hold in another color. Then, as the reach form is promoted, the color is changed to “green”, “orange”, “red”, or the figure (circular figure in FIG. 4) indicating the special figure hold is enlarged, etc. The mode may be displayed.

  The present invention can be used for a ball game machine used in a game hall.

1 ... Pachinko machine (ball game machine), 17 ... Start port,
17 s ... Start-up switch (game ball detector), 27 ... Production display device (variable display device), 28 ... Symbol display device, 200 ... Main control board,
201 ... CPU (random number acquisition means, hold storage means, prior determination means, fluctuation frequency reduction means),
202 ... ROM (reach mode storage means),
220 ... sub control board, 221 ... CPU (reach hold display means)

Claims (3)

While playing a game ball on a game board provided with a game ball detection device capable of detecting a game ball,
After the game ball is detected by the game ball detection device, the display of a plurality of symbols is started, and then the plurality of symbols are stopped and displayed in either a winning symbol combination or an outlier symbol combination. A variable display device;
Other symbols except for one symbol among the plurality of symbols are stopped and displayed in the symbol combination that is the hit mode, and the last one symbol generates a reach state that is a symbol display state in which the variable display is continued. Random number acquisition means for acquiring a reach determination random number used for determining whether or not a game ball is detected by the game ball detection device;
Reach mode storage means for storing a plurality of reach modes that are modes of the reach state;
When the variable display of the symbol is started by the variable display device, whether to generate the reach state is determined based on the reach determination random number, and when generating the reach state, a plurality of Reach mode determining means for determining one reach mode from the reach modes;
When the game ball is detected by the game ball detection device, if the symbol is variably displayed on the variation display device, the game ball of the game sphere is started to start a new variation display after the variation display ends. Storing the reach determination random number acquired with detection as a hold, and holding storage means capable of storing a plurality of the hold;
When the reach determination random number is stored as the hold, a pre-determination unit that determines in advance whether or not the reach determination random number is a random number that generates the reach state, prior to the display of the symbol variation,
When the advance determination means determines that the reach determination random number stored as the hold is a random number that generates the reach state, it indicates that there is a reach hold that is a hold that generates the reach state. Reach hold display means for performing reach hold display that represents until the variable display of the symbol based on the reach hold is started,
The reach mode storage means stores a plurality of the reach modes in a state classified into one of the reach types provided according to the number of the holds,
The reach mode determination means determines the reach mode at the start of the variable display of the symbol based on the reach hold, and the reach mode is classified according to the reach type corresponding to the number of the hold at that time. We have decided on one reach from the inside,
When the reach hold display unit starts the reach hold display, the reach hold display unit performs the reach hold display in a mode corresponding to the reach type corresponding to the number of holds at that time, and then the reach hold display is displayed. When the number of the hold changes in the state of being performed, the reach hold display is changed to a mode according to the reach type corresponding to the new number of the hold. Machine. While playing a game ball on a game board provided with a game ball detection device capable of detecting a game ball,
After the game ball is detected by the game ball detection device, the display of a plurality of symbols is started, and then the plurality of symbols are stopped and displayed in either a winning symbol combination or an outlier symbol combination. A variable display device;
Other symbols except for one symbol among the plurality of symbols are stopped and displayed in the symbol combination that is the hit mode, and the last one symbol generates a reach state that is a symbol display state in which the variable display is continued. Random number acquisition means for acquiring a reach determination random number used for determining whether or not a game ball is detected by the game ball detection device;
Reach mode storage means for storing a plurality of reach modes that are modes of the reach state;
When the variable display of the symbol is started by the variable display device, whether to generate the reach state is determined based on the reach determination random number, and when generating the reach state, a plurality of Reach mode determining means for determining one reach mode from the reach modes;
When the game ball is detected by the game ball detection device, if the symbol is variably displayed on the variation display device, the game ball of the game sphere is started to start a new variation display after the variation display ends. Storing the reach determination random number acquired with detection as a hold, and holding storage means capable of storing a plurality of the hold;
When the reach determination random number is stored as the hold, a pre-determination unit that determines in advance whether or not the reach determination random number is a random number that generates the reach state, prior to the display of the symbol variation,
When the advance determination means determines that the reach determination random number stored as the hold is a random number that generates the reach state, it indicates that there is a reach hold that is a hold that generates the reach state. Reach hold display means for performing reach hold display that represents until the variable display of the symbol based on the reach hold is started,
The reach mode storage means stores a plurality of the reach modes in a state classified into any of the reach types provided according to the number of the reservations,
The reach mode determination means determines the reach mode at the start of the variable display of the symbol based on the reach hold, and corresponds to the number of holds stored in the hold storage means after the reach hold. Reach classification is selected, and one reach aspect is determined from the reach aspects classified by the selected reach class,
When the reach hold display means starts the reach hold display, the reach hold display means selects the reach type corresponding to the case where the number of hold is smaller than the upper limit hold number, and is in a mode according to the selected reach type. When the reach hold display is performed and then the new hold is stored while the reach hold display is being displayed, the reach hold display corresponds to the number of the newly stored hold. Change the mode according to the reach type
A ball game machine characterized by that. In the gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2,
While the reach hold display means is performing the reach hold display, the frequency at which the variable display of the symbol is started on the variable display device is compared with the frequency when the reach hold display means is not performing the reach hold display. A bullet ball game machine characterized by comprising means for lowering the fluctuation frequency to be lowered.

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