JP5273058B2 - Bullet ball machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a Pachinko game machine which enables amusement of a game to be improved by an auxiliary performance in addition to a pattern variation performance. <P>SOLUTION: When detecting a state where an auxiliary performance is performed though lottery patterns vary on a performance display device, a period in which the auxiliary performance can be carried out is obtained according to the number of detections retained at the time, and the auxiliary performance which can be completed within the range is selected and executed. If the lottery patterns vary when the auxiliary performance is completed, the period in which the auxiliary performance can be carried out is obtained again and a new auxiliary performance is selected and executed. Until the period in which the auxiliary performance can be carried out becomes short and the auxiliary performance can no longer be selected, the operations are repeated. Thus, the start or completion of the auxiliary performance is not required whenever varying the lottery patterns is started or stopped. Therefore, the degree of freedom in the auxiliary performance is increased, thereby preventing the performance from becoming monotonous. As a result of this, performing the auxiliary performance in addition to the variation display of the lottery patterns can improve the user's amusement of the game. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a ball game machine that plays a game by firing a game ball toward a game board surface.

  When a specific condition is established during a game, a lottery is performed, and when the lottery result is a win, various types of ball game machines are known as ball game machines in which the game state changes favorably for the player. Yes. For example, when a game ball enters a special entrance called a start entrance, a lottery is performed, and if the lottery result is a win, the player can open a large winning entrance that is normally closed for the player. 2. Description of the Related Art A type of ball game machine that starts an advantageous special gaming state (so-called jackpot) is known. Alternatively, when the lottery result is a win, the variable entrance is opened and a game ball can enter, and the game ball entered from the variable entrance is a specific area (so-called V) Also known is a type of ball game machine in which a big hit starts when it passes through the area. In this type of ball game machine, it is possible to start the big hit by allowing the game ball to pass through a specific area only after the variable entrance is opened, so the lottery result will be a hit and the variable entrance Opening corresponds to a state in which the gaming state has changed advantageously for the player without any correction.

  In addition, various types of ball game machines are known in which the game state changes favorably for the player when the lottery result is a win, but in any ball game machine, the lottery result is a win. Whether or not it has become a major concern for players. Therefore, after the symbol representing the lottery result (lottery symbol) is variably displayed, the player can stop the display at any symbol and perform the effect of notifying the player of the lottery result (the symbol variation effect). Amusement entertainment is enhanced. In addition, in order to further enhance the effect of this symbol variation effect, an auxiliary effect (for example, displaying a special character on the background portion of the screen on which the lottery symbol is displayed, switching the background image, In addition, a technique for displaying a special image on a screen of another rendering device and notifying the occurrence of a hit has been proposed (Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2, etc.).

JP 2000-116889 A JP 2004-180878 A

  However, there is a problem that it may be difficult to further enhance the game interest of the player even if a supplementary effect is performed in addition to the symbol variation effect. This is based on the premise that the supplementary performance is performed in conjunction with the symbol variation production, so it starts when the lottery symbol variation starts and ends before the lottery symbol variation stops. For this reason, there is a tendency that an auxiliary production mode (production content, production execution pattern, etc.) is uniform.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems in the prior art, and it is possible to further enhance the player's gaming interest by performing an auxiliary effect in addition to the design variation effect. The purpose is to provide a ball game machine.

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,
Performs drawing triggered by the game ball flowing down the game board is detected by the starting detection apparatus, varied display the identification symbols in the effect display equipment until a predetermined change time, per the results of the lottery In this case, in the ball and ball game machine in which the identification symbol is stopped and displayed as a winning symbol, and the gaming state is changed advantageously for the player,
When the identification symbol is stopped and displayed as a winning symbol, a jackpot game executing means for executing a jackpot game advantageous to the player;
Fluctuation shortening state generating means for generating a variation shortening state that is a gaming state in which the variation time of the identification symbol is shortened after the jackpot game is ended,
When a game ball is detected by the start detection device during the variation display of the identification symbol, a holding storage means for storing the detection of the game ball as a hold so as to start a new variation display after the end of the variation display; ,
When the pending said identification symbols in a state stored not displayed change, and hold digestion means to digest the hold by reducing one the pending starts the variable display of the identification symbols ,
A background effect storage means for storing a plurality of types of background effects with different effect times as a background effect performed together with the variation display of the identification symbol in the effect display device;
A background effect selecting means for selecting a background effect of 1 from among the background presentation stored in the background presentation storage means,
When the background effect by the background effect selection means is selected, and the background effect execution means for executing said background effect,
With
The background effect selection means includes:
And background Starring Demi line judgment means for judging whether or not execution of the background effect,
Wherein the background effect by the background Starring Demi line determining means is determined is not running, if the game state is the variation shortened state, stored in the remaining variation time and the hold memory means of said identification symbols Based on the number of suspensions, the executable time acquisition means for acquiring the executable time of the background effect to be newly started,
Present in the executable is acquired by the time acquiring means executable is the background effect capable Done possible background effect is the effect plurality of the background stored in the background presentation storage means within the time and can complete background effect determination means for determining whether comprises,
If the complete possible background effect is present, select a background effect of 1 from among the complete possible background effect, if the complete possible background effect is not present, without selection of the background effect,
When the game state when the background effect selected by the background effect selection unit and executed by the background effect execution unit is the variation shortened state, the executable time acquisition unit is again Based on the remaining variation time of the identification symbol and the number of the suspensions stored in the suspension storage means, the executable time of the background effect to be newly started is acquired, and the background effect determination means that can be completed is the background effect. It is determined whether or not the complete background effect is present among the plurality of background effects stored in the storage means. If the complete background effect is present, one of the complete background effects is selected. The background effect selection means selects the background effect of the background, and the background effect execution means executes the background effect.
It is characterized by that .

In such a ball game machine of the present invention, when a game ball is detected by the start detection device, a lottery is performed, and the identification symbol is variably displayed on the effect display device until a predetermined variation time elapses . When the in which was per the results of lottery is to display stopped in per symbol of identification symbols, to perform a favorable jackpot gaming for the player. For this reason, the player pays attention to the state when the variation display of the identification symbol is started on the effect display device. Therefore, in order to enhance the game interest of the player, on the effect display device, a background effect is also performed together with a variation display of the identification symbol (design variation effect). In the ball game machine of the present invention, it is determined whether the background effect is being executed . Here, as a state where the background effect is not being executed , the identification symbol is displayed in a variable manner, but the background effect is not performed, or the identification symbol is not displayed in a variable manner, and thus the background effect is not performed. A state can be illustrated. In order to detect such a state, for example, it is possible to monitor at regular intervals whether or not the identification symbol is variably displayed and whether or not a background effect is being performed. Alternatively, only the background effect may be monitored, and if the end of the background effect is detected, it may be confirmed whether or not the identification symbol is variably displayed. Furthermore, a signal may be output at the end of the background effect, and when the signal is received, it may be confirmed whether or not the identification symbol is variably displayed. Then, when it is determined that the background effect is not being executed, and the gaming state is a fluctuation shortening state, the background effect to be newly started can be executed based on the number of the suspensions stored at that time. Get time. At this time, depending on the number of suspensions, it is possible to acquire a preset execution time of the background effect, or until the identification symbol in the variable display is stopped and displayed at the time acquired in this way. The time obtained by adding the time may be used as the executable time of the background effect. Further, when the number of pending when it is determined that not executing the background effect is "0" (zero), if the identification symbols being variably displayed at that time, the identification symbols that the variable display may be the execution time of the time as it is the background effect to stop displaying, if the identification symbols not being variable display (if stopped display), the execution time of the background effect "0 (zero) it may be with. " Subsequently, the obtained complete possible background effect within the execution time of the background effect select a single, run a background effect selected. In addition, when the background effect thus executed is finished and the gaming state at that time is in the variation shortening state, the background effect is newly started again based on the remaining variation time of the identification symbol and the number of suspensions at that time. Get the executable time of the background effect. If there is a background effect that can be completed within the range of executable time (completed background effect), one background effect is selected from the complete background effects, and the background effect is executed.

By doing so, it is not always necessary to start a new background effect just because the display of the variation of the identification symbol is started, and it is not always necessary to end the background effect being executed before the identification symbol is stopped and displayed. Disappear. Also, if the gaming state at the end of the background effect is a fluctuation shortening state, within the range of executable time based on the remaining fluctuation time of the identification symbol and the number of holds stored at that time Start a new background effect. For this reason, it is possible to execute the background effect without synchronizing it with the start or stop of the fluctuation of the identification symbol, thereby increasing the degree of freedom of the effect and avoiding the background effect becoming monotonous. Is possible. As a result, it is possible to further enhance the game interest of the player by performing the background effect in addition to the variation display of the identification symbol.

As described above, according to the invention of each claim of the present application, the background effect is performed in addition to the symbol variation effect (the identification symbol variation display) on the effect display device, thereby further enhancing the game interest of the player. It becomes possible.

It is a front view of the pachinko machine of a present Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the board surface structure of a game board. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the 1st symbol display apparatus mounted in the pachinko machine of a present Example, and a 2nd symbol display apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows the screen structure of the production | presentation display apparatus mounted in the pachinko machine of a present Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the starting port unit mounted in the pachinko machine of a present Example. It is the block diagram which showed the structure of the control circuit in the pachinko machine of a present Example. It is explanatory drawing which showed the display mode of the normal symbol display part. It is explanatory drawing which showed notionally the stop display aspect of special figure 1 or special figure 2. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the one aspect | mode of the effect performed with an effect display apparatus. It is the flowchart which showed the rough flow of the game control processing which CPU mounted in the main control board performs in order to control progress of a game. It is the flowchart which showed the special symbol holding process performed in a game control process. It is the flowchart which showed the first half part of the special symbol game process performed in a game control process. It is the flowchart which showed the second half part of the special symbol game process performed in a game control process. It is the flowchart which showed the variable display related process performed in a special symbol game process. It is explanatory drawing which showed notionally the big hit lottery table. It is the flowchart which showed the fluctuation pattern determination process performed in the fluctuation display related process. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the hit fluctuation pattern table. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the deviation variation pattern table without reach at the time of a normal variation. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the deviation variation pattern table at the time of a shortening variation. It is a flowchart which shows the special electric accessory game process performed in a game control process. It is a flowchart which shows the symbol fluctuation effect process which CPU of a sub control board | substrate performs. It is a flowchart which shows the auxiliary | assistant effect process of 1st Example. It is explanatory drawing which showed a mode that the some auxiliary production was memorize | stored in ROM222 of the sub control board | substrate 220. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which showed a mode that the design fluctuation effect and an auxiliary effect are performed on the screen of the effect display apparatus 27. FIG. It is the flowchart which showed the special symbol reservation process performed in the game control process of 2nd Example. It is explanatory drawing which showed a mode that the prior determination result was memorize | stored in RAM223 of the sub control board | substrate 220. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the auxiliary | assistant effect process of 2nd Example. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the deviation variation pattern table at the time of the shortening variation in which the multiple types of variation pattern was set.

  In the present invention, a lottery is performed when a game ball is detected by a start detection device (a start port through which a game ball can enter, a start gate through which a game ball can pass, etc.) provided on the game board, When the symbol display showing the lottery result is started and the lottery result is a win, the game state changes favorably for the player after the symbol displayed in a variable manner is stopped and displayed as a hit symbol. It can be implemented in a ball game machine.

Specifically, for example, (1) a type in which a special game called a jackpot game that is advantageous to the player is started (so-called seven machine) when the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed in accordance with the end of the variation display of the special symbol. Type) pachinko machines, and (2) the variable pitching device (special electric accessory) can enter when the small hit symbol is stopped and displayed at the end of the variation display of the special symbol. A pachinko machine of a type (so-called type 1 and type 2 mixed feather type) in which a big hit game is started when a game ball passes through a specific area (V area) in the ball apparatus, or (3) a variation display of normal symbols When the winning symbol is stopped and displayed at the end, the first variable pitching device (ordinary electric accessory) can enter the ball, and the game ball enters the first variable pitching device. The change display of the special symbol is started. When the small hit symbol is stopped and displayed at the end of the game, the second variable ball entry device (special electric accessory) can enter the ball, and a specific region (V region) in the second variable ball entry device is displayed. A pachinko machine of the type that a big hit game is started by passing a game ball (so-called 1 type 2 type mixed digipachi type), or (4) a unit game (1 game) by firing a predetermined number of game balls During the unit game, the winning symbol operating port (variable pitching device) is opened by the stop symbol being displayed in accordance with the end of the variation display of the guiding symbol, and the game that has entered the opened accessory operating port The present invention is applied to a ball game machine such as an arrange ball machine that allows a predetermined number of unit games to be obtained in a big hit game state in which points can be easily established by passing a specific area (V area). Can do. Hereinafter, as an embodiment of the present invention, an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a seven-machine type pachinko machine (bullet ball game 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. First embodiment:
C-1. Game control processing:
C-2. Special design game processing:
C-3. Special electric game game processing:
C-4. Design variation effect processing:
C-5. Auxiliary performance processing:
D. Second embodiment:
E. Variations:

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, so that 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 4f 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 launcher unit 12 (see FIG. 6). 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. 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. Further, two effect buttons SW1 and SW2 are provided on the front side of the upper plate part 5. The player can intervene in the progress of the game by pressing these effect buttons SW1 and SW2 to select characters and game conditions appearing in the game effect.

  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 plate part 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 switch 8a for detecting 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 launching device unit 12 described above passes between the outer rail 14 and the inner rail 15 and is ejected to the game area 11.

  A central device 26 is provided in the approximate center of the game area 11. A start port unit 17 is provided below the central device 26. As will be described later, the start port unit 17 is configured by combining two start ports up and down, and the first start port 17a provided on the upper side is a fixed entrance and is provided on the lower side. The second start port 17b is a so-called tulip type entrance that is configured such that a pair of blade pieces can be opened and closed on the left and right. The detailed configuration of the start port unit 17 will be described later with reference to another drawing.

The central device 26 mainly includes a decorative center accessory 26a and an effect display device 27 provided in a state surrounded by the center accessory 26a. The effect display device 27 is configured by a liquid crystal screen, and can perform a variation display of an identification symbol, which will be described later, and an auxiliary effect, which will be described later, performed together with the variation display of the identification symbol. In the following description, an effect of displaying and stopping the identification symbol on the liquid crystal screen of the effect display device 27 may be referred to as a “design variation effect” in order to distinguish it from the auxiliary effect. Further, the auxiliary effect of the present embodiment corresponds to the “background effect” in the present invention.

  A first symbol display device 28 is provided at the lower left of the central device 26, and a second symbol display device 32 is provided at the lower right of the central device 26. Among them, the first symbol display device 28 can display the normal symbol and the first special symbol (hereinafter, special symbol 1) in a variable manner and stop display, and the second symbol display device 32 can display the second symbol. A special symbol (hereinafter, special diagram 2) can be displayed in a variable manner and in a stopped manner. Detailed configurations of the first symbol display device 28 and the second symbol display device 32 will be described later.

  A normal symbol operation gate 36 is provided at the left end of the game area 11, and a gate switch 36 s (see FIG. 6) for detecting the passage of the game ball is provided inside the gate. 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 prize device 31 is provided below the start port unit 17. The big prize winning device 31 is a big prize opening 31d that opens largely in a substantially rectangular shape, an opening / closing door 31e for opening / closing the big prize opening 31d, and a big prize opening solenoid 31m for operating the opening / closing door 31e (see FIG. 6). ) 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 state advantageous to the player, is started. Further, a special winning opening switch 31s (see FIG. 6) is provided inside the special winning opening 31d, and it is possible to detect a game ball that has entered the special winning opening 31d.

  An out port 48 is provided below the grand prize winning device 31, and a back ball prevention 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 first symbol display device 28 and the second symbol display device 32 mounted on the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment. FIG. 3A shows the first symbol display device 28, and FIG. 3B shows the second symbol display device 32. First, the configuration of the first symbol display device 28 will be described. As shown in FIG. 3A, the first symbol display device 28 of the present embodiment is configured by incorporating twelve small light emitting diodes (LEDs) in a substantially rectangular area. Of these twelve LEDs, the uppermost three LEDs constitute a normal symbol display unit 29, and the remaining nine LEDs constitute a special diagram 1 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). Further, the special figure 1 display unit 30 includes seven LEDs for displaying the special figure 1 (hereinafter referred to as special figure 1 LED 30a) and two LEDs for displaying the number of holdings of the special figure 1 (hereinafter referred to as the special figure 1). , Special figure 1 hold display LED 30b). The manner in which the first symbol display device 28 of this embodiment uses these 12 LEDs to display the normal symbol, the number of ordinary symbols held, the special figure 1, and the number of reserved special figures 1 will be described later.

  The 2nd symbol display apparatus 32 shown in FIG.3 (b) becomes a structure which removed the normal symbol display part 29 with respect to the 1st symbol display apparatus 28 mentioned above. That is, the second symbol display device 32 has seven LEDs for displaying special figure 2 (hereinafter referred to as special figure 2 LED 33a) and two LEDs for displaying the number of reserved special figure 2 ( Hereinafter, the special figure 2 hold display LED 33b) is provided, and the special figure 2 display unit 33 is configured by the special figure 2 LED 33a and the special figure 2 hold display LED 33b. The display mode of the special symbol 2 display unit 33 in the second symbol display device 32 is basically the same as the display mode of the special symbol 1 display unit 30 in the first symbol display device 28.

  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 constituted by a liquid crystal display. On the display screen, three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are provided as effect display symbols (effect symbols). A background pattern 27d of the background is displayed. As will be described later in detail, the three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c start to be displayed together with the variation display of the special symbol 1 in the first symbol display device 28 or the special symbol 2 in the second symbol display device 32, When special figure 1 or special figure 2 is stopped and displayed, three identification symbols 27a, 27b and 27c are also stopped and displayed. Further, in the portion where the background symbol 27d is displayed on the screen of the effect display device 27, an auxiliary effect to be described later is provided in accordance with the change display and stop display (symbol change effect) of the three identification symbols 27a, 27b and 27c. It is also possible to do.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the start port unit 17 mounted on the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment. As described above, the start port unit 17 is provided with the first start port 17a and the second start port 17b, and the first start port 17a provided on the upper side is a fixed ball entrance, The second starting port 17b provided on the lower side is a tulip-type entrance provided with a pair of wing pieces 17w. The pair of wing pieces 17w can take two states: a substantially upright normal state (see FIG. 5A) and an open state rotated outward (see FIG. 5B). is there. As shown in FIG. 5A, in the normal state in which the wing piece 17w is almost upright, almost no game ball can enter the second start port 17b, but only enter the first start port 17a. However, when the pair of wing pieces 17w are opened to the outside, the game ball can enter the second start port 17b. And as FIG.5 (b) shows, in the open state, the 2nd starting port 17b becomes easier to enter a game ball than the 1st starting port 17a.

  In addition, the game balls that have entered the first start port 17a or the second start port 17b are guided to the back side of the game board 10 through passages provided in the respective start ports. A first start port switch 17s is provided in the middle of the passage from the first start port 17a, and a second start port switch 17t is provided in the middle of the passage from the second start port 17b. The game balls that have entered the 17a or the second starting port 17b are detected by the first starting port switch 17s or the second starting port switch 17t, respectively.

A-3. Control circuit configuration:
Next, the configuration of the control circuit in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 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 sub control board 220 for controlling the effects of the game using the design symbols, lamps and sound effects, and the specifics of the effect display device 27 according to the instructions from the sub control board 220 The display control board 230 includes a display control board 230 that performs display control, a payout control board 240 that controls the operation of paying out rental balls and prize balls, and a launch control board 260 that controls the game balls. 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. Also, the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 6 represents the input / output direction (transmission / reception direction) of data or signals.

  As shown in the figure, the main control board 200 (CPU 201) receives the detection signal of the game ball from the first start port switch 17s, the second start port switch 17t, the big winning port switch 31s, the gate switch 36s, etc. After determining the basic progress of the game and whether or not the prize ball is relevant, 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 opening solenoid 17m for opening and closing a pair of blade pieces provided in the second start opening 17b, and a large winning opening for opening and closing the opening / closing door 31e of the large winning device 31. A solenoid 31m, a first symbol display device 28 for displaying a variation of the normal symbol and the special symbol 1, a second symbol display device 32 for displaying the variation of the special symbol 2, and the like are connected, and various solenoids 17m, 31m are connected. The operation is also controlled by transmitting an operation signal to the first symbol display device 28 and the second symbol display device 32.

  When the sub-control board 220 (CPU 221) receives various commands from the main control board 200, the sub-control board 220 (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 display 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 board 226 that drives the lamp. In addition, the operation signals from the effect buttons SW 1 and SW 2 described above are input to the sub-control board 220 via the effect button board 228.

  The display 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 display control board 230 receives the control command (display control command) from the sub-control board 220, the CPU 231 displays the effect image corresponding to the received command according to the control program stored in the ROM 232. Control to display on the display screen. The RAM 233 is used as a work area for performing such processing. The image ROM 234 of the display control board 230 stores effect image data corresponding to various game effects such as symbol variation effects, auxiliary effects, and jackpot game effects. In addition, the display control board 230 (CPU 231) of this embodiment is connected to the sub control board 220 (CPU 221) so as to be capable of bidirectional communication, and when the presentation of the display content specified by the display control command is finished, A signal indicating that (end signal) is transmitted from the display control board 230 to the sub-control board 220.

  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 first symbol display device 28 provided on the lower left side of the central device 26. . As described above with reference to FIG. 3A, the first symbol display device 28 is provided with the normal symbol display unit 29. The normal symbol display unit 29 includes the normal symbol LED 29a and the normal symbol hold display LED 29b. It is installed. Of these, the normal symbol LED 29a is used to display the variation of the normal symbol.

  FIG. 7A 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 lit state, it becomes a normal symbol and the second starting port 17b of the starting port unit 17 is open for a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds). It becomes. On the contrary, when it stops in a light-off state, it will be out of the normal design and the second start port 17b will not open.

  If the game ball passes 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. 7B is an explanatory view 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 first 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. 3A, the first symbol display device 28 is provided with the special figure 1 display unit 30 so that the special figure 1 can be variably displayed. Further, as shown in FIG. 3B, the special figure 2 display unit 33 provided in the second symbol display device 32 can display the special figure 2 in a variable manner. Among them, FIG. 1 shows a variation display when a game ball enters the first start port 17a of the start port unit 17 and the game ball is detected by the first start port switch 17s in the first start port 17a. To start. On the other hand, in FIG. 2, a game ball enters the second start port 17b of the start port unit 17, and the game ball is detected by the second start port switch 17t in the second start port 17b. Start. The special figure 1 or the special figure 2 that has started the variable display is stopped and displayed with any of the symbols described below. The first start port 17a having the first start port switch 17s and the second start port 17b having the second start port switch 17t correspond to the “start detection device” in the present invention.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing the stop display mode of FIG. 1 or FIG. It should be noted that both the special figure 1 and the special figure 2 are the same in the change mode and the stop display mode, and are therefore referred to as special symbols without distinguishing both. As described above with reference to FIG. 3, the special figure 1 display unit 30 and the special figure 2 display unit 33 are each provided with seven LEDs (the special figure 1 LED 30a and the special figure 2 LED 33a), and these are lit. To display special symbols. As shown in FIG. 8, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, eight patterns (stop symbols) are provided as special symbol stop display modes. These eight kinds of stop symbols are roughly classified into three types. First, the stop display mode of the three special symbols shown in the upper part of the figure corresponds to the “normal jackpot symbol”, and the stop display mode of the three special symbols shown in the middle part corresponds to the “probable big hit symbol”. . Further, the stop display modes of the two special symbols shown in the lower part correspond to “disconnected symbols”.

  In the special figure 1 display part 30 and the special figure 2 display part 33, when a predetermined time has elapsed, a special symbol is displayed by blinking seven LEDs (the special figure 1 LED 30a and the special figure 2 LED 33a) for a predetermined time. The display is stopped according to any stop display mode. When either of the “normal big hit symbol” or the “probable big hit symbol” symbol (so-called big hit symbol) is stopped and displayed, the big winning opening 31d that is normally closed is opened and the big hit symbol is displayed. A game is started. When the big winning opening 31d is in an open state, it becomes easy for a game ball to enter, so it can be said that the big hit game is a very advantageous game state for the player.

  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. A game from when the special winning opening 31d is opened until it is closed is called “round game (or simply round)”. If these rounds are repeated and a predetermined number of rounds are consumed, the big hit game is completed.

  In addition, if the special symbol that is stopped and displayed is the “probability big hit symbol” shown in the middle of FIG. 8, until the predetermined condition is satisfied (for example, the next big hit) A state in which the probability that a special symbol will stop and display a jackpot symbol is set to a high probability (so-called probability variation state, or simply a probability variation state) until a game occurs or until a special symbol is displayed for a predetermined number of times. )

  In addition, even if a game ball has entered the first start port 17a or the second start port 17b, the corresponding special symbol (Special Fig. 1 or Special Fig. 2) cannot immediately start the change display (for example, When any of the special symbols is variably displayed, or when the game is a big hit game), the first start port 17a is placed on the second start port 17b as a hold of the special diagram 1 The entry into the ball is stored in the RAM 203 of the main control board 200 as a hold in FIG. When the special symbol can be displayed in a variable manner, the stored display can be digested to start the variable display. The number of holds stored for special figure 1 is displayed on special figure 1 hold display LED 30b, and the number of holds for special figure 2 stored for special figure 2 is displayed on special figure 2 hold display LED 33b. . The mode of displaying the number of holds of the special figure 1 using the special figure 1 hold display LED 30b and the mode of displaying the number of hold of the special figure 2 using the special figure 2 hold display LED 33b are the same as the above-described general figure hold display LED 29b. Since it is exactly the same as the case where the number of reserved symbols for normal symbols is used (see FIG. 7B), the description is omitted here.

  In accordance with the variation display and stop display of the special symbol (special diagram 1 or special diagram 2) described above, the effect display device 27 performs variation display of the three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c. FIG. 9 is an explanatory view exemplifying how the three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are variably displayed on the effect display device 27. FIG. When the special figure 1 LED 30a or the special figure 2 LED 33a starts the fluctuation display of the special figure 1 or the special figure 2, also in the effect display device 27, the three identification symbols 27a, 27b and 27c start the fluctuation 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. In addition, the identification symbol may be a symbol, character, graphic, symbol, or the like as a design, as long as the player can identify the result of the big hit lottery of the special figure 1 or the special figure 2. Good.

  FIG. 9A 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, the left identification symbol 27a is first stopped and displayed in any one of “1” to “9”, and then the right identification symbol 27c is stopped and displayed. The middle identification symbol 27b is stopped and displayed. The combination (stop display mode) of these three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c stopped and displayed on the effect display device 27 is stopped and displayed on the special figure 1 or special figure 2 LED 33a that is stopped and displayed on the special figure 1 LED 30a. It is comprised so that it may interlock with the stop display mode of special figure 2. For example, when the special figure 1 or the special figure 2 that has been variably displayed stops at the “normal big hit symbol” or “probable big hit symbol”, the three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are stopped and displayed at the same symbol. In particular, when the special figure 1 or the special figure 2 stops at the “probable big hit symbol”, the three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are stopped and displayed at the same symbol representing the odd number, and stopped at the “normal big hit symbol”. In this case, the three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are stopped and displayed with the same symbol representing an even number. On the other hand, when the special figure 1 or the special figure 2 stops at the “off symbol”, the three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are stopped and displayed in an arbitrary combination that does not align with the same symbol.

Thus, the special figure 1 displayed by the special figure 1 LED 30a and the special figure 2 displayed by the special figure 2 LED 33a and the three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c displayed by the effect display device 27 have display contents. Corresponding to each other, the timing at which each display symbol is fixed (stopped display) is 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) that is more noticeable than the special figure 1 LED 30a and the special figure 2 LED 33a, and the display screen is large. Since the display contents are also easy to understand, it is normal for a player to play a game while looking at the screen of the effect display device 27. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9B, the left identification symbol 27a initially stopped and displayed on the display screen of the effect display device 27 and the right identification symbol 27c subsequently stopped and displayed are the same symbol. In such a case, the player may watch the fluctuation of the identification symbol as if the middle identification symbol 27b that is stopped and displayed last is also stopped at the same symbol and the so-called jackpot game is started. In this way, the effect of variably displaying the last identification symbol in a state where the two identification symbols are stopped at the same symbol is called a reach effect, which can increase the interest of the player by performing the reach effect. It is possible. As described above, when a game ball enters the first start port 17a, the special diagram 1 of the special figure 1 LED 30a starts to display a variation, and when a game ball enters the second start port 17b, the special figure 2 LED 33a has a special feature. FIG. 2 starts the variable display and stops display with a big hit symbol (normal big hit symbol or probability variable big hit symbol) or an outlier symbol .

  Further, in the effect display device 27, when the variation display (design variation effect) of the three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c is started, the identification symbols 27a and 27b are displayed even in the portion where the background symbol 27d is displayed on the screen. , 27c, an auxiliary effect (auxiliary effect) such as displaying an image of the character is also performed. Then, depending on the content of the auxiliary effect, the player is also informed of the occurrence of the reach effect and the occurrence of the big hit. The symbol variation effect that causes the three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c to be variably displayed and the auxiliary effect that is performed together with the symbol variation effect are performed using effect image data stored in the image ROM 234 of the display control board 230.

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

C-1. Game control processing:
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a rough flow of the 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 first 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 symbol hold process, a special symbol game process, and a special electric game game process is repeatedly executed. Has been. The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 is configured to execute a game control process upon occurrence of a timer interrupt. In this embodiment, a timer interrupt is generated every 4 ms (in a cycle of 4 ms). Therefore, various processes constituting the game control process are repeatedly executed about every 4 ms (in a cycle of 4 ms). 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 (S100). In this process, among the various switches connected to the main control board 200, the switches related to the winning of the game ball (the first starting port switch 17s, the second starting port switch 17t, the big winning port switch 31s, etc.) It detects whether or not a ball has entered. When a game ball is detected, the number of prize balls to be paid out is calculated, and then a prize ball number designation command is transmitted to the payout control board 240. 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 prize ball-related process (S100), this time, it determines whether or not the normal symbol game process is performed, that is, whether or not the normal symbol variation display is performed (S102). This determination is made by detecting whether or not the second start port 17b is open. If the second start port 17b is not open, it is determined that the normal symbol game process is performed (S102: yes), and if the second start port 17b is open, it is determined that the normal symbol game process is not performed ( S102: no). When it is determined that the normal symbol game process is to be performed (the second start port 17b is not open) (S102: yes), the normal symbol game process described below is performed (S104). On the other hand, when it is determined that the normal symbol game process is not performed (the second start port 17b is being opened) (S102: no), the normal symbol game process (S104) is not performed and the second open game is not performed. The process proceeds to a start port return process (S108) for returning the start port 17b to the normal state.

  In the normal symbol game process (S104), the following processes are mainly 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. Here, the holding of the normal symbol is set when the game ball passes through the normal symbol operating gate 36, and in this embodiment, the upper limit value of the holding number is “4”. Then, according to 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 missing symbol (see FIG. 7A). 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 second start port 17b is opened.

  When the normal symbol game process is completed as described above, the start port return process (S108) is performed. This start port return process (S108) is performed when the second start port 17b is in an open state (when open), and when the second start port 17b is not in an open state (in a normal state). In the case), the process is terminated as it is, and the process proceeds to the next special symbol holding process (S110). On the other hand, when the second start port 17b is in the open state, in the start port return process (S108), the open time has elapsed, or a prescribed number of game balls have entered the second start port 17b. When any of the conditions is satisfied, a process of returning the opened second start port 17b to the normal state is performed. The opening time of the second start port 17b is set to 0.5 seconds in the normal gaming state, but is extended to 5 seconds when the opening extension function described later is activated. On the other hand, when the opening time of the second start port 17b has not elapsed and the number of balls entering the second start port 17b has not reached the specified number, the start port is kept open. The return process (S108) is terminated.

  In the game control process, after returning from the start port return process (S108), the special symbol hold process described below is started (S110).

C-2. Special symbol hold processing:
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the special symbol holding process. When the special symbol holding process is started, first, it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered the first starting port 17a of the starting port unit 17 (S200). As described above, the first start port 17a is provided with the first start port switch 17s for detecting the entrance of the game ball, so that the game ball enters the first start port 17a. Can be detected.

  When a game ball has been detected by the first start port switch 17s and it is determined that a game ball has entered the first start port 17a (S200: yes), the number of holds in FIG. In this embodiment, it is determined whether or not “4”) has been reached (S202). At this time, if the number of reservations in the special figure 1 has not reached the upper limit (S202: yes), the lottery random number in the special figure 1 is acquired and stored in the RAM 203 of the main control board 200 (S204). Here, the lottery random number is a random number used for various lotteries performed when starting the variable symbol display of the special symbol. In the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the lottery random number is used when performing a big hit lottery to be described later. In order to determine whether or not to perform the reach effect described above, and the symbol determination random number used to determine the type of special symbol to be stopped and displayed (see FIG. 8) according to the result of the jackpot lottery Three random numbers of reach random numbers to be used are acquired and stored in the RAM 203 of the main control board 200. Further, if the lottery random number of FIG. 1 is stored, the number of holdings of FIG. 1 has increased by 1. Therefore, “1” is added to the number of holdings of FIG. 1 (S206). In addition, the process which memorize | stores a lottery random number as a holding | maintenance by the ball | bowl entering the 1st starting port 17a (starting detection apparatus) is performed in the special symbol holding | maintenance process of FIG. Therefore, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 that executes the special symbol hold processing corresponds to the “hold storage unit” in the present invention.

  Subsequently, a command indicating that the special FIG. 1 hold has occurred (special figure 1 hold designation command) is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 (S208). Note that the command (special figure 1 hold designation command) transmitted in the process of S208 is also a command indicating the number of holds in special figure 1 after “1” is added when the special figure 1 is suspended. As described above, when a game ball enters the first start port 17a (S200: yes), and the number of holdings in the special figure 1 has not reached the upper limit “4” (S202: yes), After performing the process for special figure 1 (S204 to S208), the process for special figure 2 is started. In addition, when a game ball has not entered the first start port 17a (S200: no), or when the number of reserved in FIG. 1 has reached the upper limit “4” (S202: no), Without performing the process for the special figure 1, the process for the special figure 2 is started immediately.

  In the process for the special figure 2, first, it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered the second start port 17b (S210). As described above, the second start port 17b is provided with the second start port switch 17t for detecting the entrance of the game ball, so that the game ball enters the second start port 17b. Can be detected.

  Then, when a game ball is detected by the second start port switch 17t and it is determined that a game ball has entered the second start port 17b (S210: yes), the number of holds in FIG. In the embodiment, it is determined whether or not “4”) has been reached (S212). If the reserved number in the special figure 2 has not reached the upper limit value (S212: yes), the lottery random number in the special figure 2 (big hit lottery random number) The symbol determination random number and the reach random number are acquired and stored in the RAM 203 of the main control board 200 (S214). Further, when the lottery random number in FIG. 2 is stored, the number of holdings in FIG. 2 is increased by 1. Therefore, “1” is added to the number of holdings in FIG. 2 (S216). Then, after a command indicating that the special figure 2 hold has occurred (special figure 2 hold designation command) is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 (S218), the special symbol hold process shown in FIG. 11 is terminated. Returning to the game control process of FIG. In addition, when the game ball does not enter the second start port 17b (S210: no), or when the number of holdings in the special figure 2 reaches the upper limit “4” (S212: no) The special symbol holding process shown in FIG. 11 is immediately terminated without performing the process (S214 to S218) for the special figure 2, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. Note that the command (special figure 2 hold designation command) transmitted in the process of S218 is also a command indicating the number of holds in special figure 2 after “1” is added when the special figure 2 is suspended.

  As shown in FIG. 10, in the game control process, following the special symbol hold process (S110), the special symbol game process described below is started (S112).

C-3. Special design game processing:
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the first half of the special symbol game process. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the latter half of the special symbol game process. As shown in FIG. 12, when the special symbol game process is started, first, it is determined whether or not the big hit game is being played (S240). The reason why it is determined immediately after the start of the special symbol game process whether or not the jackpot game is in progress is as follows. As will be described later, the special symbol game process performs the fluctuation display and stop display (so-called symbol fluctuation game) of special figure 1 or special figure 2, and starts a big hit game when a predetermined big hit symbol is stopped and displayed. It is processing to do. However, if a big hit game is already in progress, the big hit game cannot be started again. Therefore, in the special symbol game process, first, it is determined whether or not a big hit game is being played (S240). As a result, if the game is a big hit game (S240: yes), the special symbol 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 determined that the game is not a big hit game (S240: no), it is determined whether or not the special figure 1 or the special figure 2 is in a variable display (S242). As described above with reference to FIG. 3, the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment is provided with the first symbol display device 28 and the second symbol display device 32, and the special symbol 1 display of the first symbol display device 28. The special figure 1 can be variably displayed in the part 30, and the special figure 2 can be variably displayed in the special figure 2 display part 33 of the second symbol display device 32.

  If neither Special Figure 1 nor Special Figure 2 is in a variable display (S242: no), whether or not it is during the stop display time for displaying the special symbol (Special Figure 1 or Special Figure 2) is displayed. Judgment is made (S244). 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. As a result, when it is confirmed that neither Special Figure 1 nor Special Figure 2 is variably displayed (S242: yes) and the stop display time has elapsed (S244: no), then Then, it is determined whether or not the special figure 1 or special figure 2 hold exists (S246). As a result, if there is no hold (S246: no), the special symbol game process shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 is terminated, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. On the other hand, if there is a hold in either Fig. 1 or Fig. 2 (S246: yes), the oldest lottery random number (hit lottery random number, symbol determination random number, reach random number) is read (S248). ). Then, it is determined whether or not the read hold is a special figure 1 hold (S250). If it is a special figure 1 hold (S250: yes), a process for displaying the special figure 1 in a variable manner (special 1 is started (S252). On the other hand, when the read hold is not the hold of the special figure 1 (S250: no), the process for displaying the special figure 2 in a variable manner (the variable display related process of the special figure 2) is started (S254). ).

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a variation display related process for variably displaying the special figure 1 or the special figure 2. In this embodiment, the process for displaying the special figure 1 (variable display related process of the special figure 1) and the process for displaying the special figure 2 (variable display related process of the special figure 2) are as follows. Since the same processing is performed, here, the special figure 1 and the special figure 2 are not distinguished from each other, and are simply described as special symbols.

  When the variation display related process is started, first, it is determined whether or not the probability variation flag is set to ON (S300). Here, the probability change flag is a flag that is set to ON when the game state is set to the above-described probability change state, and a predetermined address in the RAM 203 of the main control board 200 is assigned as the probability change flag. If the probability variation flag is not set to ON, that is, if the current gaming state is not the probability variation state (S300: no), a big hit lottery table for non-probability variation is selected (S302). On the other hand, if the probability variation flag is set to ON, that is, if the current gaming state is the probability variation state (S300: yes), the big hit lottery table for probability variation is selected (S304). Here, the jackpot lottery table is a dedicated table that is referred to when a jackpot lottery with a special symbol (see FIG. 1 or FIG. 2) is performed, and is stored in advance in the ROM 202 of the main control board 200.

  FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a jackpot lottery table used in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment. FIG. 15 (a) shows a jackpot lottery table for non-probability change, and FIG. 15 (b) shows a big hit lottery table for probability change. As shown in the drawing, in the big hit lottery table, the big hit lottery result of either “big hit” or “out” is associated with the big hit lottery random numbers. As is clear from comparison between FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B, the jackpot lottery table for probability variation has a larger number of random numbers than the jackpot lottery table for non-probability variation. Is set to

  In S306 of the variation display related process shown in FIG. 14, when the big hit lottery table is selected according to the current state of the probability change flag (ON / OFF), the selected big hit lottery table is referred to and read out in S248 of FIG. Then, a big hit lottery (big hit determination) is performed to determine whether the big hit lottery lottery random number corresponding to the big hit lottery random number is selected. As described above, the jackpot lottery table for probability change of FIG. 15B referred to during the probability variation state is compared with the jackpot lottery table for non-probability variation of FIG. 15A referenced when not in the probability variation state. Since there are many random numbers set to “big hit”, the result of the big hit lottery becomes “big hit” with a higher probability during non-probable change (when not probable) during probability change. In the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the big hit lottery table to be referred to in any of the big win lotteries shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2 is common.

  If the big hit lottery is performed, it is then determined whether or not the result of the big hit lottery is “big hit” (S308 in FIG. 14). If the result of the big hit lottery is “big hit” (S308: yes), the big hit symbol to be stopped and displayed from the six big hit symbols (normal big hit symbol and probability variable big hit symbol) shown in FIG. Determine (S310). The determination of the big hit symbol is performed based on the symbol determination random number read in S248 of FIG. That is, the big hit symbol corresponding to the read symbol determined random number is determined as the stop symbol with reference to the big hit symbol determination table (not shown) in which the random number value of the symbol determined random number and the six big hit symbols are associated. The jackpot symbol determination table is stored in advance in the ROM 202 of the main control board 200. Further, the special figure 1 and the special figure 2 may use different big hit symbol determination tables.

  On the other hand, when the result of the big hit lottery is “out” (S308: no), the out symbol to be stopped and displayed is determined from the two out symbols (see FIG. 8) (S312). That is, the out symbol corresponding to the symbol determination random number read in S248 of FIG. 12 is determined as the stop symbol with reference to a loss symbol determination table (not shown) in which the random number value of the symbol determination random number is associated with the loss symbol. . Note that the off symbol determination table is stored in advance in the ROM 202 of the main control board 200.

  When the symbols to be stopped and displayed are determined in accordance with the result of the big hit lottery, a process (variation pattern determining process) for determining the fluctuation pattern of the special symbol (special figure 1 or special figure 2) for which the big hit lottery is performed is started (S314). ). Here, the variation pattern of the special symbol is an aspect in which the special symbol is variably displayed. Although the special symbol is displayed in a variable manner, it is merely displayed by switching the eight display modes shown in FIG. 8 one after another. Therefore, the special symbol variation pattern substantially displays the special symbol in a variable manner. Corresponds to time (variation time). However, as described above, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the fluctuation display of the special figure 2 performed by the first graphic display apparatus 28 and the special graphic display apparatus 32 performed by the first graphic display apparatus 28 and the effect display apparatus 27. Since the variation display of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c to be performed is linked to each other, when the variation pattern of the special symbol is determined, the time for the variation display of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c is determined. .

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the flow of the variation pattern determination process performed to determine the variation pattern of the special symbol. When the variation pattern determination process is started, first, a variation pattern determination random number that is a random number used for determining the variation pattern is acquired (S400), and then whether or not the result of the big hit lottery is “big hit”. Is determined (S402). Then, when the result of the big hit lottery is “hit” (S402: yes), a hit fluctuation pattern table is selected from a plurality of types of fluctuation pattern tables (S404). Here, the variation pattern table is a dedicated table that is referred to for determining the variation pattern of the special symbol. In the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, a plurality of types of variation pattern tables are stored in the ROM 202 of the main control board 200 in advance. Is remembered.

  FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a hit variation pattern table used in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in the drawing, in the hit variation pattern table, correspondence relationships between the variation pattern determination random number value and a plurality of variation patterns are set. FIG. 17 shows a variation time of a special symbol corresponding to each variation pattern together with a plurality of variation patterns, and the variation time corresponding to each variation pattern is different. Further, if the result of the big hit lottery is a big hit, the reach effect described above is performed. Therefore, in the hit fluctuation pattern table, the fluctuation time corresponding to each fluctuation pattern is long enough to secure the execution time of the reach effect. It has become. In the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the common hit variation pattern table is used for the special figure 1 and the special figure 2, but different hit change pattern tables may be used. Further, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, a common hit variation pattern table is used at the time of shortening variation when the variation shortening function is activated and at the time of normal variation when the variation shortening function is not activated. Different hit variation pattern tables (variation pattern table per shortened variation time, variation pattern table per normal variation time) may be used.

  On the other hand, when the result of the big hit lottery is not a big hit (S402: no), it is determined whether or not the fluctuation shortening flag is set to ON (S406). As will be described in detail later, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the aforementioned big hit game ends, the variation shortening flag is set to ON, and the special symbol is changed until the number of variations of the special symbol reaches a predetermined upper limit number of times. A function to shorten the fluctuation time (fluctuation reduction function) is activated. A predetermined address in the RAM 203 of the main control board 200 is assigned to the fluctuation shortening flag.

  If the fluctuation shortening flag is not set to ON and it is determined that the fluctuation shortening function is not operating (during normal fluctuation) (S406: no), then the presence / absence of the reach effect described above is determined. (S408). The presence / absence of the reach effect is determined by referring to a reach presence / absence determination table (not shown) based on the reach random number read in S248 of FIG. In the reach presence / absence determination table, either “with reach effect” or “without reach effect” is set for the reach random number, and by referring to this table, it is determined whether or not the reach effect is to be performed. be able to. When it is determined that “no reach effect” (S408: no), a normal fluctuation no-reach fluctuation pattern table is selected (S412).

  FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram exemplifying a normal fluctuation non-reach deviation fluctuation pattern table used in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment. When it is determined that “no reach effect”, the reach effect is not performed within the change time, and it is not necessary to set a change time that is long enough to secure the execution time of the reach effect. Therefore, a plurality of types of variation patterns having a variation time shorter than that of the variation pattern table per normal variation time described above are set in the normal variation non-reach variation pattern table.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that “there is a reach effect” (S408: yes), a change pattern table with a reach change at normal change is selected (S410). Even if the result of the big hit lottery is out of the range, a sufficiently long fluctuation time is required when performing the reach effect. Therefore, a plurality of types of variation patterns with a long variation time are set in the variation pattern table (not shown) with reach during normal variation, as in the hit variation pattern table shown in FIG. Actually, the hit variation pattern table shown in FIG. 17 is different from the normal variation reach / decrease variation pattern table in the types of variation patterns set. Therefore, it is possible to easily identify which variation pattern table is referenced based on the determined variation pattern.

  On the other hand, if the variation shortening flag is set to ON in the process of S410 (the variation shortening function is activated) (S406: yes), the shortening variation out-of-variation variation pattern table is selected (S414). That is, the setting of the fluctuation shortening flag is confirmed when the result of the big hit lottery is not a big hit (S402: no), and it is judged that the fluctuation shortening flag is ON in S406, the big hit lottery result Is nothing but a miss. In addition, while the fluctuation shortening function is in operation, the reach effect is not performed even though the big hit lottery result is out. From this, when it is determined that the fluctuation shortening flag is ON in S406 (S406: yes), the shortening fluctuation out-of-change pattern table is selected (S414).

  FIG. 19 is an explanatory view exemplifying a shortening variation deviation variation pattern table used in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment. Here, as in the hit fluctuation pattern table described above with reference to FIG. 17, the special figure 1 and the special figure 2 use a common shortened fluctuation deviation pattern table. As shown in FIG. 19, in the shortened fluctuation out-of-fluctuation fluctuation pattern table, the same fluctuation pattern (pattern 91) is associated with each other regardless of the fluctuation pattern determination random number, and the fluctuation time is “2.5 seconds”. It has become.

  As described above, if any one of the plurality of variation pattern tables is selected according to the state of the variation shortening flag (ON / OFF) and the presence / absence of the reach effect as a result of the big hit lottery, the selected variation pattern table is displayed. The variation pattern is determined by using it (S416). That is, the variation pattern (variation time) can be determined by acquiring the variation pattern corresponding to the variation pattern determination random number acquired in S400 while referring to the selected variation pattern table. In addition, when the fluctuation shortening function is in operation and the big hit lottery result is out, the shortening fluctuation out-of-variation pattern table shown in FIG. Pattern 91) is determined, and the variation time is set to “2.5 seconds”.

  When the variation pattern is determined as described above, the variation pattern determination processing in FIG. 16 is terminated and the processing returns to the variation display related processing in FIG. In the variation display related process, the variation display of the special symbol is started following the variation pattern determination process (S316). As described above, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the special symbol 1 can be variably displayed on the first symbol display device 28, and the special symbol 2 can be variably displayed on the second symbol display device 32. The display is changed by switching the 10 symbols shown in FIG. 8 one after another.

  Next, a command (variation pattern designation command) for designating the variation pattern of the special symbol determined in the variation pattern determination process (S314) described above is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 (S318), and the result of the big hit lottery In response to this, a command (stop symbol designation command) for designating a special symbol stop symbol (design to be stopped) determined in S310 or S312 is similarly transmitted to the sub-control board 220 (S320).

  The CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 receives the variation pattern designation command and the stop symbol designation command transmitted in this way, and displays the variation on the special symbol 1 or the second symbol display device 32 that is variably displayed on the first symbol display device 28. It is possible to obtain information on the variation time and the stop symbol of the special figure 2 to be executed. Therefore, in accordance with these pieces of information, a mode in which the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are variably displayed on the effect display device 27 is determined, and a control command that indicates the determined variably displayed mode is transmitted to the display control board 230. . As a result, the effect display device 27 is also under the control of the display control board 230 in accordance with the fluctuation display and stop display of the special diagram 1 on the first symbol display device 28 or the special symbol 2 on the second symbol display device 32. Thus, the variation display and stop display (design variation effect) of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are performed.

  In addition, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 has started the variable display because the special symbol (Special Fig. 1 or Special Fig. 2) has been newly started to display one special symbol hold. After subtracting “1” from the number of special symbols held (S322), a command indicating that special symbols have been reserved (special drawing 1 holding designation command, special figure 2 holding designation command) is transmitted to the sub-control board 220. (S324). This command may be simply a command indicating that the special symbol hold has been digested without distinguishing between the special figure 1 hold and the special figure 2 hold, and either the special figure 1 or the special figure 2 hold. It is also possible to use a command capable of distinguishing whether or not It should be noted that the commands (special figure 1 hold designation command, special figure 2 hold designation command) transmitted in the process of S324 are the number of holds after subtracting “1” in accordance with the special figure 1 or special figure 2 pending digestion ( This is also a command indicating the number of special figure 1 hold and the number of special figure 2 hold. When the command indicating the special symbol hold-up is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 in this way, the variation display related processing is terminated and the processing returns to the special symbol game processing shown in FIG. Note that the processing for digesting the special symbol hold is performed in the variation display related processing shown in FIG. Therefore, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 of the present embodiment that executes the variable display related process is an aspect of the “holding digesting means” in the present invention.

  In the above, the processing performed when both of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are not variably displayed in S234 of FIG. 12 (S242: no) has been described in detail. On the other hand, if either of the special figure 1 or the special figure 2 is in the variable display (S242: yes), the variable pattern and the stop symbol have already been determined and the variable display has been started. Then, it is determined whether or not the variation time has elapsed (S258). That is, since the variation time of the special symbol (Special Fig. 1 or Special Fig. 2) is determined according to the variation pattern, by setting the timer at the same time as starting the variation display of the special symbol, the defined variation time It is judged whether it has passed. If the variation time has not yet elapsed (S258: no), 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, if it is determined that the variation time has elapsed (S258: yes), the special symbol (design symbol or symbol 2) that is variably displayed (S258: yes) indicates that the special symbol is stopped and displayed. (Stop command) is transmitted toward the sub-control board 220 (S260), and the special symbol that is variably displayed is stopped and displayed with a predetermined symbol (stop symbol) (S262). Next, after setting the stop display time (S264), it is determined whether or not the set stop display time has passed (S266). If the stop display time has not elapsed (S266: no), 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 stop display time of the special symbol has passed (S266: yes), the special symbol (Special Fig. 1 or Special Fig. 2) that is stopped and displayed is the big hit symbol (normal big hit symbol or probable big hit symbol) shown in FIG. ) Is determined (S268 in FIG. 13). If the special symbol that is stopped and displayed is a big hit symbol (S268: yes), the big hit flag is set to ON (S270). Here, the big hit flag is a flag indicating that the big hit game is started, and a predetermined address in the RAM 203 of the main control board 200 is assigned to the big hit flag. As will be described in detail later, when returning to the game control process of FIG. 10 with the jackpot flag set to ON, a special electric utility game process is performed, and a so-called jackpot game is executed. Further, in this embodiment, when the big hit flag is set to ON in the process of S270, a big hit game start command indicating that the big hit game is started is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 (not shown). Thus, the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 that has received the jackpot game start command can perform an effect (so-called fanfare effect) indicating that the jackpot game is started.

  Further, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, during the big hit game, various functions such as the probability changing function, the fluctuation shortening function, or the opening extension function are stopped. Here, the probability variation function is a function for increasing the probability that the result of the jackpot lottery for a special symbol will be a “big hit” (big hit probability). The fluctuation shortening function is a function for shortening the fluctuation time of the special figure 1 in the first symbol display device 28 and the special figure 2 in the second symbol display device 32, and the opening extension function is the second start port 17b. It is a function to extend the opening time of the. The probability variation flag is set to ON when the probability variation function is activated, the variation reduction flag is set to ON when the variation reduction function is activated, and the release extension flag is set to ON when the release extension function is activated. The These flags are assigned to predetermined addresses in the RAM 203 of the main control board 200, respectively. Therefore, in conjunction with setting the big hit flag to ON in S270, it is first determined whether or not the probability variation flag is ON (S272). If the probability variation flag is ON (S272: yes), the probability variation function is operating, so the probability variation flag is set to OFF to stop the probability variation function (S274).

  On the other hand, if the probability variation flag is not ON (S272: no), the process of turning the probability variation flag OFF (S274) is omitted, and then it is determined whether or not the variation shortening flag is set to ON (S276). . If the fluctuation shortening flag is ON (S276: yes), since the fluctuation shortening function is in operation, the fluctuation shortening flag is set to OFF to stop the fluctuation shortening function (S278). In the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, since the release extension function is also operating during the operation of the variation shortening function, the release extension flag is also set to OFF following the process of turning off the variation shortening flag. (S280). On the other hand, if the fluctuation shortening flag is not ON (S276: no), the special symbol game process is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

  In the above, the processing in the case where the special symbol (Special Fig. 1 or Special Fig. 2) that is stopped and displayed in S260 in Fig. 13 is a big hit symbol (S268: yes) has been described. (S268: no), the following processing is performed. First, it is determined whether or not the fluctuation shortening flag is set to ON (S282). If the fluctuation shortening flag is OFF (S282: no), the special symbol game process is directly exited and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

On the other hand, if the fluctuation shortening flag is ON (S282: yes), after subtracting “1” from the fluctuation shortening counter (S284), it is determined whether or not the fluctuation shortening counter has become “0”. (S286). Here, the fluctuation shortening counter is a dedicated counter for counting the number of fluctuations of the special symbol (special figure 1 and special figure 2) in a state where the fluctuation shortening flag is set to ON. It is set to a predetermined address in the RAM 203. In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, after the big hit game is ended, the fluctuation reduction flag is set to ON, and the number of changes of the special symbol thereafter starts when the big hit game is started by the “probability variable big hit symbol” shown in FIG. When the big hit game is started by “10,000 times” or “normal big hit symbol”, the variation time of the special symbol is shortened until it reaches “100 times”. Corresponding to this, when the big hit game ends, the fluctuation shortening counter is set with the upper limit number according to the type of big hit symbol that triggered the start of the big hit game, and then the special symbol fluctuation display is performed. Each time, “1” is subtracted. When the fluctuation shortening counter becomes “0” (S286: yes), the fluctuation shortening flag is set to OFF to stop the fluctuation shortening function (S288), and the release extension flag is also stopped to stop the opening extension function. Is also set to OFF (S290), and a gaming state designation command indicating the gaming state when these flags are set to OFF is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 (S292). Thereafter, the special symbol game process is exited, and the process returns to the special symbol game process of FIG. On the other hand, if the fluctuation shortening counter is not yet “0” (S286: no), the special symbol game process is exited while the fluctuation shortening flag and the release extension flag are ON, and the game control process of FIG. 10 is performed. Return. In this embodiment,
As the gaming state, a “probability change state” in which all of the probability variation flag, the variation shortening flag, and the release extension flag are set to ON, and a “time reduction” in which the probability variation flag is set to OFF and the variation shortening flag and the release extension flag are set to ON. “State” and “normal state” in which all of the probability variation flag, the variation shortening flag, and the release extension flag are set to OFF. The gaming state designation command transmitted in the process of S292 is transmitted toward the sub-control board 220 when the variation shortening flag and the release extension flag are set to OFF. When the extension flag is set to OFF, the probability variation flag is also set to OFF. Therefore, the gaming state designation command transmitted in the process of S292 is a command indicating “normal state”.

  In the game control process shown in FIG. 10, when returning from the special symbol game process (S112), it is determined whether or not the big hit flag is set to ON (S114). As described above, the big hit flag is a flag that is set to ON when the special symbol (Special Fig. 1 or Special Fig. 2) is stopped and displayed in the big hit symbol (S270 in Fig. 13). If the big hit flag is ON (S114: yes), the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 starts a special electric accessory game process described below (S116). On the other hand, if the big hit flag is not ON (S114: no), the special electric accessory game process (S116) is skipped and the process returns to the beginning of the game control process, and a series of the series after the above-mentioned prize ball related process (S100). Repeat the process.

C-4. Special electric game game processing:
FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the flow of the special electric accessory game process. A so-called jackpot game is performed by executing the special electric accessory game process. Hereinafter, the special electric accessory game process will be described with reference to FIG.

  When starting the special electric accessory game process, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 first determines whether or not the special winning opening 31d is open (S500). 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. Accordingly, it is determined that the special winning opening 31d is not being opened (S500: no), and whether or not the number of round executions (that is, the number of opening of the special winning opening 31d) has reached a predetermined number (for example, 15 times). Is determined (S502). As described above, during the big hit game, the round in which the big winning opening 31d is opened is repeated a predetermined number of times. In response to this, when the special winning opening 31d is closed (S500: no), it is determined whether or not the number of executions of the round has reached a predetermined number (S502).

  As a matter of course, immediately after the big hit game is started, the number of executions of the round has not reached the predetermined number (S502: no), so it is determined whether or not the closing time of the special winning opening 31d has elapsed (S504) ). 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. 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 (S504: yes), and the big prize opening 31d is opened. After the game is opened and the round is started (S506), the special electric accessory game process is temporarily terminated 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. 10, after performing a series of various processes after the prize ball related process (S100), the special electric game game process (S116) again. To start. 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. 10 once is about 4 msec. Therefore, the special electric accessory game process shown in FIG. 20 is also executed about every 4 msec. Then, when the big hit game is started and the special electric accessory game process of FIG. 20 is executed for the first time, as described above, the big winning opening 31d is opened in S506, and the process is ended as it is. When the second round of processing is performed after 4 msec, it is determined in S500 that the special winning opening 31d is being opened (S500: yes).

  Subsequently, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 determines whether or not the opening time of the special winning opening 31d has reached a predetermined time (S508). 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 S508, it is determined whether or not a predetermined opening time has elapsed since the special winning opening 31d was opened. If the predetermined opening time has elapsed (S508: yes), after closing the special winning opening 31d (S512), the special electric game game process is exited and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. On the other hand, if the predetermined opening time has not elapsed (S508: no), it is determined whether or not the number of game balls that have entered the special winning opening 31d has reached a specified number (S510). When the specified number is reached (S510: yes), the special winning opening 31d is closed (S512). On the other hand, when the prescribed number has not been reached (S508: no), the predetermined 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 is also the prescribed number. Therefore, the special electric accessory game process 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. 10 is repeatedly executed, whether a predetermined opening time of the special winning opening 31d elapses (S508: yes), or a prescribed number of gaming balls enter the special winning opening 31d. When the ball is played (S510: yes) and the special winning opening 31d is closed (S512), one round is completed. Then, when the special electric accessory game process is executed next, it is determined in S500 that the special winning opening 31d is closed (S500: no), and it is determined whether or not the number of rounds has reached a predetermined number. (S502) If the predetermined number of times has not been reached (S502: no), after confirming that the closing time of the special winning opening 31d has elapsed (S504: yes), the special winning opening 31d is opened again and a new round is made. Is started (S506). On the other hand, if it is determined in S502 that the number of executions of the round has reached the predetermined number (S502: yes), the big hit game ending condition is satisfied, so that the big hit flag is set to end the big hit game. Is set to OFF (S514).

  When the big hit game is terminated in this way, it is determined whether or not the big hit symbol that triggered the start of the big hit game is a probabilistic big hit symbol (S516). If the probability variation big hit symbol (S516: yes), the probability variation flag is set to ON to activate the probability variation function (S518). Further, as described above, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, after the big hit game is finished, the fluctuation reduction function is activated, and if the big hit game is based on the probable big hit symbol, the special symbols (see FIG. The fluctuation time of the special symbol is shortened until the number of fluctuations of Special Figure 2) reaches “10,000 times”. Therefore, when the big hit game with the probable big hit symbol is completed, “10,000” is set to the fluctuation shortening counter for counting the operation period of the fluctuation shortening function (S520). From this fluctuation shortening counter, “1” is subtracted each time a special symbol fluctuation display is performed thereafter (see S276 in FIG. 13). Note that setting “10,000” to the fluctuation shortening counter is substantially the same as setting the operation period of the fluctuation shortening function until the next big hit occurs.

  On the other hand, if the jackpot symbol that triggered the jackpot game is not the probability variation jackpot symbol, that is, if it is a normal jackpot symbol (S516: no), the probability variation flag remains OFF and changes “100” is set in the abbreviated counter (S522). As described above, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the fluctuation reduction function is operated even after the big hit game with the normal big hit symbol is finished, but the operation period is shorter than that in the case of the big hit game with the probability variable big hit symbol. It is until the change display of the special symbol (Special Figure 1 and Special Figure 2) of “100 times” is performed. Therefore, when the big hit game with the normal big hit symbol is finished, “100” is set to the fluctuation shortening counter. A gaming state in which the variation shortening function is activated without the probability changing function being activated is referred to as a “short-time state”.

  When the upper limit number is set in the fluctuation shortening counter according to the big hit symbol (probable big hit symbol or normal big hit symbol) that triggered the big hit game in this way, the fluctuation reduction flag is set to ON to activate the fluctuation reduction function (S524) Furthermore, the open / extend flag is set to ON (S526) because the open / extend function is also activated during the operation of the fluctuation shortening function. Then, a sub-control of a command (game state designation command) indicating a gaming state (gaming state after the end of the big hit game) specified based on the setting state of the probability variation flag, the variation shortening flag and the release extension flag and the variation shortening counter setting state After the transmission toward the board 220 (S528), the special electric accessory game process is terminated and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. In the present embodiment, as described above, as the gaming state, the probability variation flag, the variation shortening flag, and the release extension flag are all set to ON, and the probability variation flag is set to OFF and the variation shortening flag is set to OFF. In addition, a “time reduction state” in which the release extension flag is set to ON and a “normal state” in which all of the probability change flag, the fluctuation reduction flag, and the release extension flag are set to OFF are provided. The “gaming state designation command” transmitted to the sub-control board 220 in the process of S528 is when the probability variation flag, the variation shortening flag, and the release extension flag are all set to ON (“10” in the variation shortening counter). , 000 ”), and when the probability variation flag is set to OFF and the fluctuation shortening flag and the release extension flag are set to ON (when the fluctuation shortening counter is set to“ 100 ”). With different commands. Thereby, on the sub-control board 220 side, whether the fluctuation shortening function is operated together with the probability changing function or whether the fluctuation shortening function is operating without the probability changing function being activated (that is, whether the probability changing state or the time-shortening state). ) And can be judged. In this embodiment, since the fluctuation reducing function operates in both the “probability changing state” and the “short time state”, both the “probability changing state” and the “short time state” are also “fluctuation reducing states”.

  The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 determines the number of game balls to be paid out as prize balls while repeating the game control process as described above, and transmits a prize ball command to the payout control board 240, Execute a big hit game with a special symbol jackpot lottery, and control the game to progress while changing the game state after the big hit game to various game states such as a promiscuous state and a short-time state. . As a result, the pachinko machine 1 can perform the game as described above.

Note that the big hit game is realized by the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 executing the special electric accessory game process described above. Therefore, the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 of this embodiment corresponds to the “big hit game execution means” in the present invention. In addition, the gaming state (variation shortening state) in which the variation time (in other words, the variation times of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c) of the special symbol (Special Fig. 1 and Special Fig. 2) is shortened is the special electric accessory game process. Among these, the fluctuation shortening flag is set to ON, and the process starts when the fluctuation shortening function is activated. Therefore, the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 of this embodiment corresponds to the “variation shortening state generating means” in the present invention.

  Further, as described above, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 performs a command indicating a variation pattern of a special symbol (special symbol 1 or special symbol 2) or a stop symbol while executing the game control process shown in FIG. Various commands such as a command to be designated and a command indicating that a special symbol (special diagram 1 or special diagram 2) is stopped and displayed are transmitted to the sub-control board 220. On the basis of the received command, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 starts the fluctuation display of the special symbol (Special Figure 1 or Special Figure 2), the time for the variable display, the timing for the stop display, and the special display. Information about what kind of symbol the special symbol (special symbol 1 or special symbol 2) is stopped and displayed is acquired. Then, in conjunction with the variation display of the special symbol (Special Fig. 1 or Special Fig. 2), the variation display (design variation variation) of the three identification symbols 27a, 27b, 27c of the effect display device 27 is performed. That is, when the special symbol (Special Fig. 1 or Special Fig. 2) starts to change display, the three identification symbols 27a, 27b, 27c also start variable display, and when the special symbol stops display, the identification symbols 27a, 27b, 27c. Will also stop display. Further, when the stop symbol of the special symbol (special symbol 1 or special symbol 2) is a normal jackpot symbol, the three identification symbols 27a, 27b, 27c are stopped at the same symbol representing an even number, and the special symbol is stopped. When the symbol is a probable big hit symbol, the three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are stopped at the same symbol that represents an odd number.

  In addition, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 has the identification symbols 27a and 27b in order to further impress the player with the symbol variation effect in addition to the variation display (design variation effect) of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c. , 27c variably display a special character in the background portion (the portion where the background symbol 27d is displayed on the screen of the effect display device 27), or cause the character to perform a special action, etc. An auxiliary production (auxiliary production) is executed. Since this auxiliary effect is an effect that is supplementarily performed together with the symbol variation effect by the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c, the auxiliary effect is started with the start of variation of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c (or after the variation starts), In general, the supplementary effect is also ended together with (or until the stop of the change) the change of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c. However, in this case, the start and end timings of the auxiliary effects are constrained by the timings of starting and stopping the variation of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c. As a result, the contents of the auxiliary effects are also constrained. Become. For this reason, in practice, the auxiliary effect is likely to be monotonous, and it is not always possible to effectively impress how the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are variably displayed (symbol variation effect). In particular, while the above-described variation shortening function is operating, the variation time of the special symbol (and hence the variation time of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c) is shortened, so that the auxiliary effect is strongly restricted. Thus, it is difficult to impress the player with the symbol variation effect by the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c. Therefore, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, the symbol variation effect and the auxiliary effect by the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are executed as follows.

C-4. Design variation effect processing:
FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a symbol variation effect process performed by the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220. In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 executes the symbol variation effect process of FIG. 21 at a predetermined cycle. Here, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 is configured to execute the symbol variation effect processing of FIG. 21 when a timer interrupt is generated. In this embodiment, a timer interrupt is generated every 2 ms (in a cycle of 2 ms). It is like that. Therefore, in this embodiment, the symbol variation effect process is repeatedly executed every 2 ms (at a cycle of 2 ms). As shown in the figure, when the symbol variation effect process is started, first, it is determined whether or not a variation pattern designation command and a stop symbol designation command have been received (S600). As described above, the variation pattern designation command is a command for designating a variation pattern (variation time) of a special symbol (Special Diagram 1 or Special Diagram 2), and the stop symbol designation command is for designating a special symbol stop symbol. It is a command. Further, these commands are transmitted from the main control board 200 when starting the special symbol variation display (S318, S320 in FIG. 14). If the variation pattern designation command and the stop symbol designation command are not received (S600: no), the process proceeds to S610 described later.

  On the other hand, when the fluctuation pattern designation command and the stop symbol designation command are received (S600: yes), it is determined whether or not the fluctuation reduction flag is set to ON (S602). As described above with reference to FIG. 20, when the big hit game is finished, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 sends a command (game state designation command) indicating the game state after the big hit game to the sub control board 220. (S528 in FIG. 20). Further, as described above with reference to FIG. 13, when the fluctuation shortening flag is set to OFF, a command (game state designation command) indicating the gaming state after the fluctuation shortening function is stopped is sent to the sub-control board 220. (S292 in FIG. 13). Therefore, the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 can determine whether or not the variation shortening flag is set to ON based on these commands (game state designation commands) received from the main control board 200. As described above, when the fluctuation shortening function is activated, the fluctuation pattern of the special symbol is determined using the “shortened fluctuation pattern table”, and when the fluctuation shortening function is not activated, the “variation during normal fluctuation” is determined. Since the variation pattern of the special symbol is determined using the “pattern table” (see S410, S412, S414, S416, FIG. 18 and FIG. 19 in FIG. 16), the variation pattern designation command indicating the variation pattern of the special symbol is “shortened variation”. It is possible to distinguish between a “command indicating a fluctuation pattern at the time” and a “command indicating a fluctuation pattern at a normal fluctuation”. From this, it is also possible to determine whether or not the fluctuation shortening flag is set to ON based on the fluctuation pattern designation command received in the process of S600.

  Here, in the symbol variation effect processing performed by the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220, the setting of the variation shortening flag is confirmed for the following reason. When the fluctuation shortening flag is set to ON, as described above with reference to FIG. 16, the special symbol has a short fluctuation time (as shown in FIG. 19) except when the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed. In this embodiment, it is set to 2.5 seconds). As a result, the display time of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c is also shortened (2.5 seconds in this embodiment), so that the auxiliary effect is started in accordance with the start of the variation of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c. If the auxiliary effect is ended in accordance with the stoppage of the variation of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c, the time of the auxiliary effect is shortened and the content of the effect is strongly restricted. As a result, the auxiliary effect becomes monotonous, and it is difficult to effectively impress the player on how the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are variably displayed (symbol variation effect).

  On the other hand, when the fluctuation shortening flag is not set to ON, the fluctuation time is not shortened as in the case where the fluctuation shortening flag is set to ON. As shown in FIG. Becomes longer. Furthermore, when the reach effect is performed, the variation time becomes longer. In this way, when the fluctuation shortening flag is not set to ON, the variation time of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c becomes longer than when the fluctuation shortening flag is set to ON. Even if the auxiliary effect is started in accordance with the start of change of 27b and 27c and the auxiliary effect is ended in accordance with the stop of the change of the identification symbols 27a, 27b and 27c, the auxiliary effect is generated as much as the change shortening flag is ON. It won't be monotonous.

  Therefore, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the fluctuation shortening flag is not set to ON, the fluctuation display (symbol fluctuation effect) of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c is executed as in the conventional pachinko machine. Synchronize to perform auxiliary effects. That is, the auxiliary effect is started in accordance with the start of variation of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c, and the auxiliary effect is ended before the variation of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c is stopped. On the other hand, when the variation shortening flag is set to ON, an auxiliary effect is performed separately from the variation display (design variation effect) of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c. For this reason, in the symbol variation effect processing of this embodiment, when the variation pattern designation command and the stop symbol designation command are received (S600: yes in FIG. 21), the setting of the variation shortening flag is confirmed (S602). .

  As a result, when it is determined that the fluctuation shortening flag is not set to ON (S602: no), an auxiliary effect is performed in synchronization with the execution of the fluctuation display of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c as follows. Execute the process for That is, the contents of the symbol variation effect are determined according to the variation pattern designated by the command from the main control board 200 and the special symbol stop symbol (S604). Here, the content of the symbol variation effect is the content regarding at what timing, in what order, and in which symbol the three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are to be stopped and displayed. The ROM 222 mounted on the sub-control board 220 stores in advance the contents of the symbol variation effect in association with the combination of the special symbol variation pattern and the stop symbol. Therefore, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 determines the content of the symbol variation effect by reading the content stored in the ROM 222 based on the variation pattern and stop symbol designated from the main control substrate 200 (S604). .

  Once the contents of the symbol variation effect are determined in this way, the content of the auxiliary effect is subsequently determined (S606). Here, the content of the auxiliary effect (the effect pattern of the auxiliary effect) is the background symbol between the time when the three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c start to change and stop on the screen of the effect display device 27. It is the moving image data displayed as 27d. In the ROM 222 of the sub-control board 220, appropriate moving image data is stored in advance according to the contents of the symbol variation effect. Therefore, when the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 determines the content of the symbol variation effect according to the variation pattern and the stop symbol designated from the main control substrate 200 (S604), then, according to the content of the symbol variation effect. The content (moving image data) of the auxiliary effect is determined (S606). Note that the content of the auxiliary effect determined in the process of S606 is the content of the auxiliary effect that is executed when the variation shortening flag is not set to ON, that is, during normal variation. Hereinafter, the auxiliary effect executed at the time of normal variation is also referred to as “normal variation auxiliary effect”.

  As described above, when the contents of the symbol variation effect and the auxiliary effect (auxiliary effect during normal variation) are determined (S606, S608), the variation display of the three identification symbols 27a, 27b, 27c on the screen of the effect display device 27 is performed. In the background portion, the reproduction of the moving image as the background symbol 27d is started in the background portion, thereby starting the symbol variation effect and the auxiliary effect (normal variation auxiliary effect) (S608).

  Thereafter, it is determined whether a symbol stop command has been received from the main control board 200 (S610). As described above, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 transmits the fluctuation pattern designation command and the stop symbol designation command to the sub-control board 220 when starting the fluctuation display of the special symbol (Special Fig. 1 or Special Fig. 2). (S318, S320 in FIG. 14), when a special symbol is to be stopped and displayed, a symbol stop command is transmitted (S260 in FIG. 12). Therefore, after determining that the variation pattern designation command and the symbol stop command from the main control board 200 have been received in the symbol variation effect process of FIG. 21 (S600: yes), the symbol stop command is transmitted from the main control board 200 before long. Come. Therefore, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 determines whether or not a symbol stop command has been received (S610). If the symbol stop command has not been received (S610: no), the symbol variation effect shown in FIG. The process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the symbol stop command has been received from the main control board 200 (S610: yes), the symbol variation effect is terminated (S612), and the symbol variation effect process shown in FIG. 21 is terminated. In addition, as described above, the auxiliary effect at the time of normal variation performed accompanying the symbol variation effect when the variation shortening flag is not set to ON is stopped after the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c have started variation. Since it is an effect that ends by the time, the auxiliary effect is also ended when the symbol variation effect is ended in the process of S612.

  In the above, when the variation pattern designation command and the symbol stop command are received from the main control board 200 (S600: yes), when it is determined that the variation shortening flag is not set to ON (S602: no), The process for performing the symbol variation effect and the normal variation auxiliary effect on the screen of the display device 27 has been described. On the other hand, when it is determined that the fluctuation shortening flag is set to ON when the fluctuation pattern designation command and the symbol stop command are received (S600: yes), the following processing is performed. Do.

  First, in the same manner as in S604 described above, after determining the contents of the symbol variation effect corresponding to the variation pattern from the main control board 200 and the special symbol stop symbol, the symbol variation effect is started (S614, S616). As described above, when the variation shortening flag is not set to ON (S602: no), when the content of the symbol variation effect is determined (S604), the content of the auxiliary effect during normal variation is determined according to the determined symbol variation effect. After determining (S606), the symbol variation effect and the normal variation auxiliary effect are started (S608). On the other hand, when the variation shortening flag is set to ON (S602: yes), when the content of the symbol variation effect is determined, only the symbol variation effect is started (S616). Here, the auxiliary effect when the fluctuation shortening flag is set to ON is realized by an auxiliary effect process performed following the symbol change effect process, separately from the symbol change effect process shown in FIG. This auxiliary effect process will be described later.

  Then, after only the symbol variation effect is started in the process of S616, the process proceeds to the process of S610 and it is determined whether or not the symbol stop command is received from the main control board 200, and the symbol stop command is not received. (S610: no), the symbol variation effect process shown in FIG. On the other hand, if it is determined that the symbol stop command has been received from the main control board 200 (S610: yes), the symbol variation effect is terminated (S612), and the symbol variation effect process shown in FIG. 21 is terminated.

  As described above, in the symbol variation effect processing of the present embodiment, when the variation pattern designation command and the symbol stop command are received from the main control board 200 (S600: yes), the variation shortening flag is not set to ON. (S602: no), the content of the normal variation auxiliary effect is determined together with the content of the symbol variation effect (S604, S606). When the symbol variation effect is started, the normal variation auxiliary effect is also started (S608). The supplementary effect at the time of normal variation is also finished by the end (S612). For this reason, the normal variation auxiliary effect ends within the execution period of the symbol variation effect. That is, it is performed in synchronization with the execution of one symbol variation effect. On the other hand, when the variation shortening flag is set to ON (S602: yes), after determining the content of the symbol variation effect and starting the symbol variation effect (S614, S616), S610, S612 After the process, the symbol variation effect process is terminated, and the execution of the auxiliary effect is controlled by an auxiliary effect process performed subsequent to the symbol variation effect process. As a result, when the variation shortening flag is set to ON, that is, the auxiliary effect at the time of the shortening variation is performed separately without being synchronized with the execution of the symbol variation effect. Hereinafter, an auxiliary effect process for executing an auxiliary effect at the time of a shortening change will be described. In the following, an auxiliary effect that is executed at the time of a change in shortening is also referred to as “an auxiliary effect at the time of change in shortening”.

C-6. Auxiliary performance processing:
FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing auxiliary effect processing performed in the pachinko machine 1 of the first embodiment. This process is a process executed separately from the symbol variation effect process shown in FIG. 21 by the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 according to the program stored in the ROM 222 of the sub control board 220. Here, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 is configured to execute the auxiliary effect process of FIG. 22 following the above-described symbol variation effect process (FIG. 21) upon occurrence of a timer interrupt, as described above. In this embodiment, a timer interrupt is generated every 2 ms (at a cycle of 2 ms). Therefore, in this embodiment, the auxiliary effect process is repeatedly executed every 2 ms (in a cycle of 2 ms).

In the auxiliary effect process shown in FIG. 22, first, an auxiliary effect (auxiliary effect at the time of shortening variation) started when the variation shortening flag is set to ON, that is, at the time of shortening variation (during the variation shortening gaming state). It is determined whether or not it is being executed (S700). As a result, when the auxiliary effect at the time of shortening variation is not executed (S700: no), the process proceeds to S706 and after confirming that the variation shortening flag is set to ON (S706: yes), the special symbol. The remaining fluctuation time and the number of holds are acquired (S708). Here, shortening change when (variation shortened game progress state) to start an auxiliary effect (shortening change during auxiliary directing) the running determines whether processing (S700) is performed by CPU221 sub control board 220 . Thus, CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 of this embodiment corresponds to the "background Starring Demi line determining means" in the present invention.

  In addition, as described above, the setting of the variation shortening flag is confirmed in the processing of S706 when the variation shortening flag is set to OFF, not the auxiliary rendering process of FIG. 22 but the symbol variation rendering of FIG. This is because an auxiliary effect (normal change auxiliary effect) is executed in the process. The remaining variation time of the special symbol is a time until the variation display ends when the special symbol is variably displayed at that time. As described above with reference to FIG. 21, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 can know the change start timing of the special symbol by receiving the change pattern designation command from the main control board 200, and further, from the received change pattern. Since the variation time can be known, if the special symbol is variably displayed, the remaining variation time can be immediately known. If the special symbol is not variably displayed, the remaining variation time is “0 second”. Further, as described above with reference to FIG. 11, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 causes a command (special figure 1 hold designation) to indicate a hold occurrence every time a special symbol (special figure 1 or special figure 2) is put on hold. Command, special figure 2 hold designation command) is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 (S208, S218 in FIG. 11). Further, as described above with reference to FIG. 14, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 executes a command (special figure 1 hold designation) indicating a hold digest every time a special symbol (special figure 1 or special figure 2) is reserved. Command, special figure 2 hold designation command) is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 (S324 in FIG. 14). Therefore, the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 can grasp the number of reserved special symbols by receiving these commands from the main control board 200. Therefore, in the auxiliary effect process of FIG. 22, when it is determined that the auxiliary effect at the time of the shortening variation is not being executed and the variation shortening flag is set to ON (in the variation shortening state) (S700: no, S706). : Yes), the remaining fluctuation time of the special symbol at that time and the number of reserved special symbols are acquired (S708).

  When the remaining fluctuation time and the number of reserved symbols of the special symbol are acquired, the execution time of the auxiliary effect (auxiliary effect at the time of shortening change) is acquired (S710). Executable time of auxiliary effect at the time of shortening variation is the time until the special symbol that is currently fluctuating to stop display (remaining variation time) and the special symbol variation display corresponding to all holdings existing at that time Therefore, the time required for this is added. Here, when the fluctuation shortening flag is set to ON, the fluctuation pattern is determined using the shortening fluctuation deviation fluctuation pattern table of FIG. 19 except when a big hit occurs (when deviation fluctuation is performed). Therefore, the variation time of the special symbol is a certain time shorter than usual (2.5 seconds in this embodiment). Therefore, if the number of special symbols held acquired in S708 is multiplied by a certain time (2.5 seconds in this case) and the remaining fluctuation time is added to the obtained value, the execution time of the auxiliary effect at the time of short fluctuation is calculated. be able to.

  In addition, although it demonstrated as what calculates the executable time of the auxiliary effect at the time of shortening here, the execution time of the auxiliary effect at the time of the shortened fluctuation according to the number of special symbols held and the remaining fluctuation time is calculated in advance. If the number of reserved special symbols and the remaining fluctuation time are acquired in S708, the execution time of the auxiliary effect at the time of shortening may be read according to the combination. Further, the process of acquiring the executable time of the auxiliary effect at the time of the shortening variation in consideration of the number of reserved special symbols is performed by the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 executing the auxiliary effect process of FIG. Therefore, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 of this embodiment that executes the auxiliary effect process corresponds to the “executable time acquisition unit” in the present invention.

  When the execution time of the auxiliary effect at the time of shortening is acquired in this way (S710), it is determined whether or not the auxiliary effect at the time of shortening can be executed (S712). In the first embodiment, when the executable time of the auxiliary effect at the time of shortening obtained is equal to or longer than a predetermined time (2 seconds in this case), it is determined that the auxiliary effect at the time of shortening fluctuation can be executed. In other words, if the executable time of the auxiliary effect at the time of shortening is less than the predetermined time (2 seconds), it is determined that the auxiliary effect at the time of the shortening variation is not performed because the time for performing the auxiliary effect at the time of shortening cannot be secured. To do. As a result, when it is determined that the auxiliary effect at the time of the shortening variation cannot be executed (S712: no), the auxiliary effect process of FIG. 22 is ended.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the auxiliary effect at the time of the shortening variation can be executed (S712: yes), S710 is selected from the plurality of auxiliary effects (contents of the auxiliary effect at the time of the shortening variation) stored in the ROM 222 of the sub-control board 220. One auxiliary effect (auxiliary effect at the time of shortening variation) that can be completed within the range of the executable time acquired in the above process is selected (S714).

  FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which a plurality of auxiliary effects (auxiliary effects at the time of shortening variation) are stored in the ROM 222 of the sub-control board 220. As described above, the auxiliary effect is by reproducing a moving image as the background symbol 27d displayed on the background portion when the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are changing on the screen of the effect display device 27. It is a production to be performed. Further, the content of the auxiliary effect (the effect pattern of the auxiliary effect) corresponds to the moving image data to be reproduced. In the ROM 222 of the sub control board 220, as shown in FIG. 23, a plurality of types of moving image data having different reproduction times are stored in advance. Therefore, one piece of moving image data whose reproduction time is shorter than the execution time of the auxiliary effect is selected from the plurality of moving image data. For example, when the executable time of the auxiliary effect at the time of shortening variation is 6 seconds, there are three moving image data A to moving image data C that can be reproduced within 6 seconds. Any one of the moving image data is selected from these. In S714 of the auxiliary effect process, one content (moving image data) of the auxiliary effect that can be completed is selected as described above.

Since a plurality of auxiliary effects (auxiliary effects at the time of a shortening variation) having different effect times are stored in the ROM 222 of the sub-control board 220, the ROM 222 mounted on the sub-control board 220 of this embodiment is the present invention. Corresponds to “ background effect storage means”. In addition, it is possible to determine whether or not an auxiliary effect (auxiliary effect at the time of a shortened variation) can be executed (that is, whether or not there is an auxiliary effect that can be completed within the range of the auxiliary effect executable time). The process of selecting an auxiliary effect (auxiliary effect at the time of shortening variation) that can be completed within the range of executable time when it is determined that the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 executes the auxiliary effect process of FIG. Has been done. Therefore, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 of this embodiment that executes the auxiliary effect process corresponds to the “completable background effect determination means” and “ background effect selection means” in the present invention.

Subsequently, when the auxiliary effect at the time of shortening change is started by starting the reproduction of the selected moving image data (S716), the auxiliary effect process of FIG. 22 is ended. Thereafter, the auxiliary effect process of FIG. 22 is repeated at a predetermined cycle (2 ms period in the present embodiment) in the same manner as the above-described symbol change effect process of FIG. It is determined whether or not the hour assist effect is being executed (S700). If it is determined that the shortening variation auxiliary effect is being executed (S700: yes), subsequently, whether or not the end timing of the shortening variation auxiliary effect being performed has been reached, that is, reproduction of the moving image data is performed. It is determined whether or not the processing has ended (S702). As a result, when it is determined that the reproduction of the moving image data has not ended and therefore it is not the end timing of the auxiliary effect at the time of the shortening variation (S702: no), the auxiliary effect process of FIG. The auxiliary effect process is repeated at a predetermined period (2 ms period in this embodiment). The process of reproducing the selected moving image data and starting the auxiliary effect at the time of the shortening variation is also performed by the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 executing the auxiliary effect process of FIG. Therefore, the CPU 221 mounted on the sub-control board 220 of this embodiment corresponds to the “ background effect executing means” in the present invention.

  If it is determined that the end timing of the auxiliary effect at the time of shortening variation has been reached (S702: yes), after the auxiliary effect at the time of shortening variation has been completed (S704), it is confirmed that the variation shortening flag is set to ON again. Confirmation is made (S706), and if the fluctuation shortening flag is still set to ON (S706: yes), the remaining fluctuation time and the number of suspensions of the special symbol at that time are acquired again (S708). Thereafter, similar to the above-described process, the execution time of the auxiliary effect at the time of shortening variation is acquired (S710), and it is determined whether or not the auxiliary effect at the time of shortening variation can be executed (S712). If the special symbol is immediately before the special effect is stopped and displayed at the time of the end of the reduced variation auxiliary effect (the remaining variation time is less than 2 seconds), and there is no special symbol on hold, that is, the shortened variation obtained in the processing of S710 If the executable time of the auxiliary effect is less than 2 seconds, it is determined that a new auxiliary effect (auxiliary effect at the time of shortening variation) cannot be executed (S712: no), and the auxiliary effect process of FIG. 22 is performed. finish. On the other hand, in other cases, that is, when the variation time of the special symbol remains for 2 seconds or more or the special symbol hold is stored (the execution time of the auxiliary effect at the time of shortening obtained in the process of S710 is 2) In the case of a second or more), it is determined that an auxiliary effect (auxiliary effect at the time of shortening variation) can be executed (S712: yes). Then, after selecting the auxiliary effect (auxiliary effect at the time of shortening variation) that can be completed within the range of the executable time acquired in the process of S710 (S714) and starting the selected assist effect at the time of shortening variation (S716), Returning to the beginning of the process again, the series of processes described above is repeated.

  As described above, when the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 of the first embodiment receives the fluctuation pattern designation command and the symbol designation command from the main control board 200 for the three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c, the fluctuation display is performed. When the symbol stop command is received, the display is stopped. Therefore, the variation display of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c is completely synchronized with the variation display of the special symbol (Special Fig. 1 or Special Fig. 2) ( That is, a symbol variation effect) is performed. On the other hand, the auxiliary effect performed together with the symbol variation effect is started together with the symbol variation effect (S608) when the variation reduction flag is not set to ON (in the case of S602 in FIG. 21) (S608). Since it is finished by the end (S612), the auxiliary effect is also performed in synchronization with the symbol variation effect. However, when the fluctuation shortening flag is set to ON (in the case of S602 in FIG. 21: yes), the auxiliary effect is performed according to the auxiliary effect process (FIG. 22) that is executed separately from the symbol change effect process. Therefore, the auxiliary effect and the symbol variation effect are not performed in synchronization. In this way, even when the fluctuation shortening function is operating, it is possible to avoid the auxiliary effect from becoming monotonous. As a result, by performing the auxiliary effect in addition to the symbol variation effect, It becomes possible to further enhance the entertainment interest of the person. Hereinafter, this point will be described in detail.

  FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the symbol variation effect by the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c and the auxiliary effect are performed on the screen of the effect display device 27 in a state where the variation shortening flag is ON. Note that “auxiliary effect” in the following description based on FIG. 24 corresponds to “auxiliary effect during shortening variation”. The upper part of FIG. 24 shows the total number of reserved special symbols (Special Figure 1 and Special Figure 2). In the middle part of FIG. A state in which the variation display (design variation effect) of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c is performed is shown. Further, the lower part of FIG. 24 shows a state in which an auxiliary effect is performed during the execution of the symbol variation effect.

  For example, it is assumed that, at the end of the big hit game, four holds are stored together with the hold in FIG. 1 and the hold in FIG. In this case, the first hold is consumed and the special symbol variation display is started, and in synchronization with this, the symbol variation production (variation display of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, 27c) is started on the screen of the production display device 27. Is done. In addition, after the big hit game is over, the variation shortening flag is set to ON (S524 in FIG. 20), so that the supplementary rendering (auxiliary effect at the time of shortening variation) is executed by the supplementary rendering process described above with reference to FIG. Such processing is performed.

  Then, in the auxiliary effect process, the remaining fluctuation time of the special symbol and the number of reserved special symbols stored at that time are acquired (S708 in FIG. 22), and the auxiliary effect (the auxiliary effect at the time of shortening variation) can be executed. Time is acquired (S710 in FIG. 22). Since the fluctuation shortening flag is set to ON, the special symbol fluctuation time is set to 2.5 seconds (see FIG. 19), and the remaining fluctuation time is a little less than this unless the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed. Just a short time. Also, the number of reserved special symbols is “3” because one is digested from “4”. Therefore, the execution time of the auxiliary effect is a time (a time slightly shorter than 10 seconds) obtained by adding three times the fluctuation time (2.5 seconds) per hold to the remaining fluctuation time. Then, as the content of the auxiliary effect, one is selected from the moving image data A to the moving image data D (auxiliary effect at the time of shortening variation) shown in FIG. Here, it is assumed that the moving image data C is selected. In this embodiment, when there are a plurality of moving image data that can be reproduced within the executable time of the auxiliary effect, in this embodiment, it is described that one of the moving image data is selected by lottery. Data may be selected. The lower part of FIG. 24 shows a state in which the symbol variation effect is started as described above, and the reproduction of the moving image data C is started as the auxiliary effect by the auxiliary effect process.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 23, it takes 5.5 seconds to reproduce the moving image data C. Therefore, during the reproduction of the moving image (during the execution of the auxiliary effect), the special symbol variation display ends. The next hold will be consumed. In synchronization with this, the variation display (design variation effect) of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, 27c is also performed. In the upper part and the middle part of FIG. 24, while the moving image data C is reproduced and the first auxiliary effect (auxiliary effect at the time of shortening variation) is performed, the special symbol hold is digested, and accordingly A state in which a fluctuating effect is performed is shown.

  As described above with reference to FIG. 22, in the auxiliary effect process, when the auxiliary effect (auxiliary effect at the time of shortening variation) is completed, the remaining variation time of the special symbol at that time and the number of holds are acquired (S708). The execution time of the auxiliary effect is acquired (S710). In the example shown in FIG. 24, when the first auxiliary effect (reproduction of moving image data C) is completed, the third symbol variation effect is in the process of being performed, and the number of special symbols to be retained (Special Fig. 1 and Special Fig. 2). Is 2). Therefore, the execution time of the auxiliary effect is about 4.5 seconds, and the moving image data that can be reproduced within this time is either moving image data A or moving image data B. Here, it is assumed that the moving image data B is selected and the reproduction of the moving image data B is started (S714, S716). In FIG. 24, when the first auxiliary effect (reproduction of moving image data C) is completed, the remaining fluctuation time and the number of reservations of the special symbol are acquired, and the second auxiliary effect (reproduction of moving image data B) is performed. It shows how it started. Note that, at the timing when the first auxiliary effect (reproduction of moving image data C) is completed, the broken-line arrows from the lower stage to the middle stage and the upper stage in FIG. 24 indicate the remaining fluctuation time of the special symbol when the auxiliary effect is completed. It represents that the number of reserved special symbols (Special Figure 1 and Special Figure 2) is acquired.

  Similar processing is performed at the time when the second auxiliary effect (reproduction of moving image data B) is completed. That is, the remaining fluctuation time of the special symbol and the number of holds are acquired, and the execution time of the auxiliary effect is acquired. Then, moving image data (content of auxiliary effect) that can be reproduced within the acquired executable time is selected, and a new auxiliary effect (reproduction of moving image data) is started. In the example shown in FIG. 24, when the second auxiliary effect (reproduction of moving image data B) is completed, the number of suspensions increases to five, and the executable time of the auxiliary effect is about 13 seconds. Therefore, the moving image data D is selected from the selectable moving image data A to moving image data E, and a new auxiliary effect is started. Thus, every time the auxiliary effect is completed, the auxiliary effect is continued by selecting a new auxiliary effect in accordance with the remaining fluctuation time of the special symbol and the number of holds at that time.

  Also, in FIG. 24, as in the case where the auxiliary effect (reproduction of moving image data A surrounded by a double line) ends in the middle of the 12th symbol change effect, the remaining change time is small and the special symbol is also displayed. When there is no reservation remaining, the execution time of the auxiliary effect is shortened, and even the moving image data A having the shortest reproduction time cannot be reproduced. For this reason, in S712 of FIG. 22, it is determined that the auxiliary effect cannot be executed (S712: no), and the auxiliary effect process of FIG. 22 is terminated without starting a new auxiliary effect. As a result, as shown in the lower part of FIG. 24, when the reproduction of the moving image data A surrounded by the double line is finished, the auxiliary effect is not performed after that, and after a while, the special symbol change display ( Also, the symbol variation effect) is not performed.

  While the fluctuation shortening flag is set to ON, while the player continues to play the game ball and continues the game, the game will eventually be played in either the first start port 17a or the second start port 17b. A sphere enters and a special figure 1 or special figure 2 hold occurs. Then, as described above with reference to FIGS. 12 and 14, the special symbol variation display is started, and the variation pattern designation command and the stop symbol designation command are transmitted from the main control board 200 (S318, FIG. 14). S320). Then, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 receives these commands (S600: yes in FIG. 21), and starts the variation display (symbol variation effect) of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, 27c on the screen of the effect display device 27. At the same time (S616 in FIG. 21), in accordance with the auxiliary effect process in FIG. 22, the auxiliary effect (reproduction of moving image data) is started even in the background portion where the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are variably displayed. FIG. 24 shows a state in which the auxiliary effect is not performed for a while after the auxiliary effect surrounded by the double line is finished, and the auxiliary effect is also started when the symbol variation effect is started.

  Thus, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 of the first embodiment synchronizes with the symbol variation effect (that is, the variation display of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, 27c) when the variation shortening flag is set to ON. Without performing the auxiliary effect (auxiliary effect at the time of shortening variation). Therefore, the auxiliary effect is not started at the start of the symbol variation effect, or the auxiliary effect is not ended at the end of the symbol variation effect. Nevertheless, as shown in FIG. 24, the auxiliary effect is started at the same time as the start of the symbol variation effect, and the auxiliary effect is continued while the symbol variation effect is being performed, at the timing when the symbol variation effect is interrupted. At the same time, the auxiliary performance can be prevented from being continued.

  In addition, since the fluctuation shortening function operates while the fluctuation shortening flag is set to ON, the time for the symbol variation effect is shortened every time. As a result, the pattern variation effect of the same length is likely to continue every time, and the effect tends to be monotonous. In particular, in this embodiment, the length of the symbol variation effect is the same every time except when a big hit occurs (see FIG. 19). As a result, as shown in FIG. 24, the symbol variation effect of the same length is repeated, and the effect becomes monotonous. However, since the auxiliary effect (auxiliary effect at the time of shortening variation) executed when the variation shortening flag is set to ON is performed without being synchronized with the symbol variation effect, the time of the symbol variation effect is shortened. Even if it is, it is possible to perform auxiliary production for a longer time. In addition, as shown in FIG. 24, the auxiliary effects can be performed in a variety of lengths. For this reason, even if the symbol variation effect becomes monotonous, such as when the variation shortening function is activated, it is possible to enhance the player's gaming interest by performing a variety of auxiliary effects. Become.

  In the above description, it has been described that when the execution time of the auxiliary effect is acquired, the remaining fluctuation time of the special symbol and the number of reservations are acquired (S708 in FIG. 22). However, in order to simplify the processing, it is possible to acquire the executable time of the auxiliary effect with reference to only the number of reserved special symbols. This is due to the following reason.

  First, in the auxiliary effect process shown in FIG. 22, an auxiliary effect that can be completed within the range of executable time of the auxiliary effect is selected and executed. However, an auxiliary effect that is exactly the same length as the executable time is selected. In most cases, an auxiliary effect with a length shorter than the executable time of the auxiliary effect is selected. Next, the auxiliary effect is performed by the auxiliary effect process shown in FIG. 22 when the variation shortening flag is set to ON, and the variation time of the special symbol is a short time (2 seconds in the above-described embodiment). ) Is set. Therefore, even when the remaining variation time of the special symbol is not taken into consideration when acquiring the executable time of the auxiliary effect, the length of the executable time is at most equivalent to the variation time of the special symbol (described above). In the embodiment, it is only shortened (at most 2 seconds), and accordingly, the length of the selectable auxiliary effects may be slightly shortened. Or, when the auxiliary effect ends in the middle of the symbol change effect, there may only be a case where a new auxiliary effect is not started even though the remaining change time is longer than a predetermined time (2 seconds in this embodiment). . Actually, since the fluctuation time of special symbols is shortened by the fluctuation shortening function, it is unlikely that such a case will occur. There is no problem.

  For the above reasons, when acquiring the feasible time for auxiliary effects, even if the feasible time is obtained considering only the number of reserved special symbols without considering the remaining fluctuation time of special symbols. The same effect can be obtained without causing the above problem.

D. Second embodiment:
In the first embodiment described above, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 simply transmits to the sub-control board 220 that the special symbol has been put on hold, and the CPU 221 on the sub-control board 220 sends the held hold. In this case, only the number of suspensions is referred to when the feasible time of auxiliary production is acquired. However, when the special symbol hold occurs, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 performs a hold prior determination (for example, whether or not the big hit lottery random number stored as the hold is a big hit random value). And the result may be transmitted to the sub-control board 220. Then, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 may perform an auxiliary effect in consideration of the transmitted result of prior determination. Hereinafter, such a second embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a special symbol hold process performed in the game control process of the second embodiment. The special symbol holding process of the first embodiment is different from the special symbol holding process of the first embodiment described above with reference to FIG. 11 in that a pre-determination is performed when a hold occurs. Hereinafter, the special symbol holding process (S800) of the second embodiment will be described focusing on this difference.

  As shown in FIG. 25, in the special symbol holding process of the second embodiment, when the process is started, first, it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered the first starting port 17a of the starting port unit 17. Judgment is made (S802). When it is determined that a game ball has entered the first start port 17a (S802: yes), it is determined whether or not the number of holds in FIG. 1 has reached the upper limit (“4” in this embodiment). If the upper limit has not been reached (S804: yes), the lottery random number in FIG. 1 is acquired (S806). As described above, the lottery random number is a random number used for various lotteries performed at the time of starting the variation of the special symbol. Here, the big hit lottery random number, the symbol determination random number, and the reach random number are acquired. . When the lottery random number in FIG. 1 is acquired in this way, “1” is added to the holding number in FIG. 1 (S808).

  Subsequently, in the special symbol holding process of the second embodiment, a preliminary determination is made as to whether or not the newly generated special figure 1 hold is a specific hold (S810). Here, it is specified when the big hit lottery random number acquired as the hold in FIG. 1 in the processing of S806 is a random number determined to be a big hit in the big hit lottery (that is, when the hold is a so-called hit hold) Assume that it is on hold. The prior determination as to whether or not the special figure 1 hold is a specific hold (ie, whether or not it is a hit hold) is the case where the big hit lottery is performed in the variable display related processing described above with reference to FIG. Similarly, this can be done by referring to the jackpot lottery table in FIG. As a result, if the jackpot lottery random number acquired as a special figure 1 hold is a random number determined to be a big hit in the big hit lottery, the special figure hold is determined in advance as a specific hold, and otherwise In the case of, it is determined in advance that it is not a specific hold.

  In the above description, the case of predetermining that it is a specific hold when the hold in FIG. 1 is a hit hold has been described, but it may be determined in advance as follows. First, a fluctuation pattern determination random number is also acquired as a hold of the special figure 1. Here, the variation pattern determination random number is a random number used for determining the variation pattern of the special symbol in the variation pattern determination process of FIG. Then, when the fluctuation pattern determination random number acquired as the hold in FIG. 1 is a predetermined random value, the hold in the special figure 1 may be determined in advance as a specific hold.

  In this way, when it is determined in advance whether or not the hold in FIG. 1 is a specific hold (S810), a command indicating the obtained determination result is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 (S812). Here, the command indicating the pre-judgment result may be a command different from the command indicating that the special symbol has been suspended (holding designation command), or the command indicating that the special symbol has been suspended (pending) By adding information indicating the prior determination result to the specified command), the hold specification command may also be used as a command indicating the prior determination result.

  On the other hand, whether or not a game ball has entered the first start port 17a (S802: no), or when the number of holdings in FIG. 1 has reached the upper limit “4” (S804: no), the process (S806 to S812) for obtaining the hold of the special figure 1 and making the prior determination is omitted, and the process for the special figure 2 is started. Even in the process for the special figure 2, first, it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered the second start port 17b (S814), and if it is determined that a game ball has entered (S814: yes) ), It is determined whether or not the number of holds in FIG. 2 has reached the upper limit (“4” in this embodiment) (S816). If the reserved number of the special figure 2 does not reach the upper limit (S816: yes), the lottery random number (big hit lottery random number, symbol determination random number, reach random number) of the special figure 2 is acquired and the RAM 203 of the main control board 200 is obtained. Is stored (S818), "1" is added to the number of holdings in FIG. 2 (S820).

Next, in the special symbol holding process of the second embodiment, it is determined in advance whether or not the holding of the special figure 2 is a specific holding (S822). The prior determination about the suspension of the special figure 2 can be performed in the same manner as the preliminary determination about the suspension of the special figure 1 described above. Then, after sending a command indicating the pre-determined result for the holding of the special figure 2 to the sub-control board 220 (S824), the special symbol holding process of the second embodiment shown in FIG. Return to 10 game control processing. In addition, when the game ball does not enter the second start port 17b (S8140: no), or when the number of reserved figures in the special figure 2 reaches the upper limit “4” (S816: no) The special symbol holding process shown in FIG. 25 is immediately terminated without performing the process (S818 to S824) of acquiring the holding of the special figure 2 or performing the prior determination for the special figure 2 (S818 to S824). Return to the game control process .

  When the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 according to the second embodiment receives the command indicating the pre-determination result transmitted from the main control board 200 as described above, the order in which the suspension occurs and the suspension is the specific suspension. In such a state that it can be seen whether or not, the preliminary determination result is stored in the RAM 223.

  FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the preliminary determination result is stored in the RAM 223 of the sub-control board 220 of the second embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 26 (a), suspension occurs in the order of Special Figure 2 → Special Figure 1 → Special Figure 2 → Special Figure 2 → Special Figure 1 → Special Figure 2. Overall, the sixth hold is a specific hold. In this state, when receiving a command (see S324 in FIG. 14) indicating that the special symbol is reserved from the main control board 200, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 deletes the oldest hold. As a result, the prior determination result stored in the RAM 223 is updated to the contents shown in FIG. The CPU 221 mounted on the sub-control board 220 of the second embodiment executes an auxiliary effect while referring to such a prior determination result.

  FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing auxiliary effect processing of the second embodiment. This process is also a process executed by the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 in the symbol variation effect process of FIG. 21 as in the auxiliary effect process of the first embodiment described above with reference to FIG. Further, the auxiliary effect process of the second embodiment is different from the above-described auxiliary effect process of the first embodiment in that a prior determination result is also taken into consideration when determining whether or not to execute the auxiliary effect. Below, centering on this difference, the auxiliary | assistant effect process of 2nd Example is demonstrated.

  Also in the auxiliary effect process of the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment described above, when the process is started, first, the auxiliary started when the fluctuation shortening flag is set to ON (at the time of the shortening fluctuation). It is determined whether or not the effect (auxiliary effect at the time of shortening variation) is being executed (S900). As a result, when the auxiliary effect at the time of shortening variation is not executed (S900: no), the process proceeds to S906, and after confirming that the variation shortening flag is set to ON (S906: yes), the special symbol. The remaining fluctuation time and the number of holds are acquired (S908). Then, based on the remaining fluctuation time of the special symbol and the number of holds, the execution time of the auxiliary effect (the auxiliary effect at the time of shortening change) is acquired (S910). The process so far is the same as the auxiliary effect process of the first embodiment described above with reference to FIG.

  And in the auxiliary | assistant effect process of 2nd Example, if the execution time of the auxiliary | assistant effect at the time of shortening is acquired, the prior determination result memorize | stored in RAM223 will be acquired (S912). Then, it is determined whether or not the auxiliary effect at the time of shortening can be executed based on the execution time of the auxiliary effect and the result of the prior determination (S914). In other words, when the executable time of the auxiliary effect at the time of shortening is not less than the predetermined time (2 seconds in this case) and there is a specific hold in the stored prior determination result, the auxiliary effect at the time of shortening fluctuation is displayed. Judge that it is feasible. As a result, when it is determined that the auxiliary effect at the time of the shortening variation cannot be executed (S914: no), the auxiliary effect process of FIG. 27 is ended.

  On the other hand, when the executable time of the auxiliary effect at the time of the shortening variation is equal to or longer than the predetermined time (2 seconds) and the specific hold is stored in the prior determination result, the auxiliary effect at the time of the shortening variation is displayed. It is determined that it can be executed (S914: yes), and one auxiliary effect that can be completed within the range of the executable time of the auxiliary effect at the time of shortening is selected from a plurality of previously stored auxiliary effects (S916). ). Then, the selected auxiliary effect is started (S918), and the auxiliary effect process of FIG. 27 is ended. Thereafter, the auxiliary effect process shown in FIG. 27 is repeated at a predetermined cycle (2 ms in the present embodiment), and each time, the process returns to the head of the auxiliary effect process to determine whether or not the auxiliary effect at the time of shortening variation is being executed ( S900).

  When it is determined that the auxiliary effect at the time of shortening variation is being executed (S900: yes), it is subsequently determined whether the end timing of the auxiliary effect at the time of shortening variation has been reached (S902). As a result, when it is determined that it is not the end timing of the auxiliary effect at the time of shortening (S902: no), the auxiliary effect process of FIG. 27 is ended as it is, and thereafter, it is shown in a predetermined cycle (2 ms cycle in this embodiment). 27 auxiliary effect processes are repeated. Then, when the end timing of the auxiliary effect at the time of shortening fluctuation is reached (S902: yes), after the auxiliary effect at the time of shortening fluctuation is finished (S904), it is confirmed again that the fluctuation shortening flag is set to ON ( S906: yes), the above-described series of processing is repeated.

  In the auxiliary effect process according to the second embodiment described above, an auxiliary effect (auxiliary effect at the time of a shortened variation) is generated when a specific suspension (here, a winning suspension) occurs during a period in which the variation shortening flag is set to ON. The player can be informed of the occurrence of the jackpot. In addition, during the period when the fluctuation shortening flag is set to ON, the effect variation time (the variation time of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, 27c) is shortened in the symbol variation effect until the big hit occurs. As described above, the auxiliary effect at the time of shortening variation is performed separately from the symbol variation effect. For this reason, even if a symbol variation effect with a short effect time is continuously performed, auxiliary effects for various effect times (auxiliary effects at the time of variable fluctuation) are performed until the specific hold is exhausted (that is, until the big hit occurs). Therefore, it is possible to effectively perform an effect of notifying the occurrence of a big hit.

E. Modified example:
There are several variations of the first and second embodiments described above. Hereinafter, these modified examples will be briefly described.

  In the first and second embodiments described above, when the variation shortening flag is set to ON, the variation pattern table shown in FIG. 19 is referred to unless the special symbol is stopped and displayed as a jackpot symbol. As a result, it has been described that the same variation pattern is always determined. In this way, when the execution time of the auxiliary effect (auxiliary effect at the time of shortening variation) is acquired in the auxiliary effect process of FIG. 22 or 27 (S710 of FIG. 22 or S910 of FIG. 27), the special symbol is suspended. The time required for digestion can be easily obtained by simply multiplying the fluctuation time by the number of holds. As a result, it is possible to easily acquire the execution time of the auxiliary effect. However, even when referring to a variation pattern table in which a plurality of variation patterns are set, it is possible to easily obtain the execution time of the auxiliary effect as follows.

  FIG. 28 is an explanatory view exemplifying an abbreviated fluctuation deviation pattern table in which a plurality of kinds of fluctuation patterns are set. In the illustrated variation pattern table, a plurality of variation patterns having different variation times are set. Therefore, the variation time of the special symbol (that is, the time of the symbol variation effect) is in the range of 2.5 seconds to 4 seconds. Can vary. However, when acquiring the executable time of the auxiliary effect (the auxiliary effect at the time of shortening variation), it is assumed that all the suspensions are the patterns with the shortest variation time (the variation pattern 91 in the illustrated example). You may acquire the execution possible time of the auxiliary | assistant effect at the time of a change. Since the execution time of the auxiliary effect (the auxiliary effect at the time of shortening variation) obtained in this way is shorter than the actual variation time, the auxiliary effect (the auxiliary effect at the time of shortening variation) is from the variation display (design variation effect) of the special symbol Also ends first. However, even if the auxiliary effect (auxiliary effect at the time of shortening variation) ends first, it is determined again whether or not the auxiliary effect (auxiliary effect at the time of shortening variation) can be executed (S712 in FIG. 22 or In step S914 in FIG. 27, if it is feasible, a new auxiliary effect (auxiliary effect at the time of a shortening variation) may be started. In this way, even during the period when the variation shortening flag is set to ON, the variation time of the special symbol (and thus the variation time of the symbol variation effect) can be set to various variation times, so the symbol variation effect is monotonous. It becomes possible to suppress becoming.

  In the first embodiment or the second embodiment described above, when the variation shortening flag is set to OFF, the symbol variation effect is synchronized with the auxiliary effect, that is, when the symbol variation effect is started. The auxiliary production was also started, and it was explained that the auxiliary production was finished by the end of the symbol variation production. However, even when the fluctuation shortening flag is set to OFF (even during normal fluctuation), by executing the auxiliary effect processing shown in FIG. 22 or FIG. 27, the auxiliary effect is not synchronized with the symbol variation effect. It is good to do. Even in this case, as described above with reference to FIG. 24, the auxiliary effect is started when the symbol variation effect is started, and the auxiliary effect is continued while the symbol variation effect is continued. Auxiliary effects can be ended in accordance with the end of. In addition, since the auxiliary effect does not need to be synchronized with the symbol variation effect, the degree of freedom of the effect of the auxiliary effect is increased, and a more effective effect can be performed.

  The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and the present invention is not limited to the wording of each claim without departing from the scope described in each claim. Can be easily replaced by these, and improvements based on knowledge that a person skilled in the art normally has can be added as appropriate.

1 ... Pachinko machine (ball game machine), 17a ... 1st start port (start detection device),
17b ... second start port (start detection device), 27 ... effect display device,
28 ... 1st symbol display device, 32 ... 2nd symbol display device,
200 ... main control board, 201 ... CPU (holding memory means, holding digestion means, jackpot game execution means, variation shortened state generator hand stages),
220 ... sub-control board, 221 ... CPU (background effect selection means, background demonstration execution means, background Starring Demi line determining means, executable time acquiring unit, can complete background effect determination means)
222... ROM ( background effect storage means) .

Claims (1)

Performs drawing triggered by the game ball flowing down the game board is detected by the starting detection apparatus, varied display the identification symbols in the effect display equipment until a predetermined change time, per the results of the lottery In this case, in the ball and ball game machine in which the identification symbol is stopped and displayed as a winning symbol, and the gaming state is changed advantageously for the player,
When the identification symbol is stopped and displayed as a winning symbol, a jackpot game executing means for executing a jackpot game advantageous to the player;
Fluctuation shortening state generating means for generating a variation shortening state that is a gaming state in which the variation time of the identification symbol is shortened after the jackpot game is ended,
When a game ball is detected by the start detection device during the variation display of the identification symbol, a holding storage means for storing the detection of the game ball as a hold so as to start a new variation display after the end of the variation display; ,
When the pending said identification symbols in a state stored not displayed change, and hold digestion means to digest the hold by reducing one the pending starts the variable display of the identification symbols ,
A background effect storage means for storing a plurality of types of background effects with different effect times as a background effect performed together with the variation display of the identification symbol in the effect display device;
A background effect selecting means for selecting a background effect of 1 from among the background presentation stored in the background presentation storage means,
When the background effect by the background effect selection means is selected, and the background effect execution means for executing said background effect,
With
The background effect selection means includes:
And background Starring Demi line judgment means for judging whether or not execution of the background effect,
Wherein the background effect by the background Starring Demi line determining means is determined is not running, if the game state is the variation shortened state, stored in the remaining variation time and the hold memory means of said identification symbols Based on the number of suspensions, the executable time acquisition means for acquiring the executable time of the background effect to be newly started,
Present in the executable is acquired by the time acquiring means executable is the background effect capable Done possible background effect is the effect plurality of the background stored in the background presentation storage means within the time and can complete background effect determination means for determining whether comprises,
If the complete possible background effect is present, select a background effect of 1 from among the complete possible background effect, if the complete possible background effect is not present, without selection of the background effect,
When the game state when the background effect selected by the background effect selection unit and executed by the background effect execution unit is the variation shortened state, the executable time acquisition unit is again Based on the remaining variation time of the identification symbol and the number of the suspensions stored in the suspension storage means, the executable time of the background effect to be newly started is acquired, and the background effect determination means that can be completed is the background effect. It is determined whether or not the complete background effect is present among the plurality of background effects stored in the storage means. If the complete background effect is present, one of the complete background effects is selected. The background effect selection means selects the background effect of the background, and the background effect execution means executes the background effect.
A ball game machine characterized by that .

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