JP5367671B2 - Pachinko machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a Pachinko machine, hardly causing a player playing a game just before closing of a parlor to suffer a loss. <P>SOLUTION: A main control CPU 52 determines whether or not the amount of time from the current time clocked by a clock 55 to the closing time of a game parlor where the Pachinko machine 1 is installed is one hour or less (S11) with reference to the clock 55 (Fig.4 (not shown))(S10). When one hour or less is determined (S11: Yes), it is determined whether or not a game state changes into a variable probability game state (S12). When the game state is determined to change into the variable probability game state (S12: Yes), a specific time flag indicating that the closing time from the current time is one hour or less, that is, now it is within the specific time is turned on (S13). Thus, the presentation pattern variable time is shortened more than that in the variable probability game state. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2012,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a pachinko machine including a jackpot determining means for determining whether a game ball passes a start opening or not, and an image display device for displaying the determination result of the jackpot determining means as an image.

  FIG. 19 is an explanatory front view of a conventional pachinko machine. A conventional pachinko machine 100 includes a launch handle 101, a game board 102, a start port 103, a symbol display device 104, an upper plate 105, and a winning device 106. When a game ball launched by the player operating the launch handle 101 wins the start port 103, a switch for detecting the game ball won in the start port 103 is turned on, and the microcomputer built in the pachinko machine 100 is Judgment of big hit or loss (hereinafter referred to as big hit judgment) is performed.

  Then, the symbol display device 104 starts a variable display (also referred to as scroll display) of a plurality of symbols. For example, an array of symbols (hereinafter referred to as symbol rows) representing consecutive different numbers (for example, 0 to 9) is moved from the top of the screen to the bottom in the ascending order of the numbers in the three horizontal display areas on the screen. To display. Depending on the model, the screen is displayed so as to move from the right to the left of the screen.

  Then, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the symbol display device 104 started the variable display of the symbol sequence, the variable display of the symbol sequence is stopped in each display region, and the symbol corresponding to the determination result by the microcomputer described above is displayed in each display region. Will be displayed. For example, if the lottery result is a big hit, a big hit symbol consisting of the same number such as “777” is fixedly displayed, and if the lottery result is a loss, a lost symbol such as “767” is fixedly displayed. . The fixed display is a display state in which the symbol indicating the result of the jackpot determination is fixed, and is a display state in which the symbol does not change again.

  When the symbol display device 104 confirms and displays the big hit symbol, a big hit occurs, and the winning device 106 opens the opening / closing member 107 and opens the big winning port 108. The large winning opening 108 has an opening area larger than that of an ordinary winning opening, so that winning is facilitated. Then, a condition that a specified number (for example, 10) of game balls wins the prize winning opening 108 or a condition that the opening time of the prize winning opening 108 reaches a prescribed time (for example, 30 seconds) is satisfied. Then, the opening / closing member 107 is closed and the special winning opening 108 is closed.

  A round from the opening to the closing of the special winning opening 108 is defined as one round, and a plurality of rounds (for example, a maximum of 14 rounds) are executed, during which the player can acquire a large amount of prize balls. Hereinafter, games from the first round to the final round are referred to as jackpot games. In addition, when a big hit occurs in a specific jackpot symbol, the gaming state after the big hit game based on the big hit is changed to a gaming state with a high probability of jackpot occurrence. In this way, the occurrence probability of jackpot changes from a low probability to a high probability is called probability change. In the following, the big hit where the probability change occurs is called the probability change big hit, and the big hit other than the probability change big hit is called the normal big hit. In addition, a gaming state that has changed to a certain probability is called a certain probability gaming state. This probabilistic gaming state continues until the next jackpot occurs.

JP 2002-315918 A

However, with the conventional pachinko machine described above, a player who enters a store near the closing time and starts playing is unlikely to generate a big hit because the number of symbol variations is limited. In addition, there is a problem that if the probability change big hit occurs near the closing of the store and the store closes in the middle of the probability change gaming state, the number of occurrence of the big hit decreases.
That is, the above-described conventional pachinko machine has a problem that a player who plays a game close to closing tends to be disadvantaged.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to realize a pachinko machine in which a player who plays a game close to closing is less likely to be disadvantaged.

(Invention according to Claim 1)
In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 of the present application includes a game board (5) having a game area formed on a board surface, a start port (21) provided in the game board, and a game A launching device (4) for launching a ball into the game area, a big hit determining means (52) for judging whether the game ball launched by the launching device has passed through the start port, and a game ball A pachinko machine comprising: a symbol display device (30) for starting symbol variation display when the vehicle has passed through the starting port and displaying a symbol indicating the determination result of the jackpot determination means after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start In the specific time before the closing of the game shop where the pachinko machine is installed, the fluctuation time required until the symbol indicating the determination result is displayed after the symbol display device starts the symbol variation display is displayed. When closed Variation time shortening means for time remaining until the shortened as less (S10~S14, S31, S32) using technical means that comprises a.

(Invention according to Claim 2)
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the pachinko machine (1) according to the first aspect, a gaming state with a low probability that the jackpot determination means determines that a big hit is set as a normal gaming state, and a gaming state with a high probability is changed. In the gaming state, the variation time is shortened in the probability variation gaming state than in the normal gaming state, and the variation time shortening means (S10 to S14, S31, S32) When the specific time before the closing of the store is reached in the probability changing gaming state, a technical means for shortening the variation time than in the probability changing gaming state is used.

  In addition, the code | symbol in each said parenthesis shows the correspondence with the specific means as described in embodiment mentioned later.

(Invention according to Claim 1)
According to the invention according to claim 1 of this application, in the specific time before the closing of the amusement store where the pachinko machine is installed, the symbol indicating the determination result after the symbol display device starts the variable display of the symbol. The variation time required for the final display can be shortened as the remaining time until the closing time decreases .
Therefore, since the number of symbol fluctuations can be increased, the probability of winning a big hit increases, so that even if the player enters a store near the closing and starts a game, the big hit is likely to occur.
Moreover, unfairness due to the difference in remaining time until the closing time can be eliminated.

(Invention according to Claim 2)
According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the specific time before closing the store is reached in the probability variation gaming state, the variation time can be shortened compared to that in the probability variation gaming state.
Therefore, since the number of symbol fluctuations can be increased more than in the probability variation gaming state, the number of jackpot occurrences is unlikely to decrease even when the specific time before closing the store is reached in the probability variation gaming state.

It is front explanatory drawing which shows the main structures of the pachinko machine which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is front explanatory drawing which shows the main structures of the game board 5 shown in FIG. (A) is explanatory drawing of the production | presentation symbol which is fluctuating, (b) is explanatory drawing of a reach state, (c) is explanatory drawing of the state by which the production | presentation symbol was determined and displayed. It is explanatory drawing which shows the main electrical structures of the pachinko machine 1 shown in FIG. 1 with a block. It is an explanatory view showing the main electrical configuration of the effect display device 30 in blocks. It is an explanatory view showing a part of the contents stored in the effect control ROM 73. (A) is explanatory drawing of the fluctuation pattern table for normal time, (b) is explanatory drawing of the fluctuation pattern table for probability variation time, (c) is explanatory drawing of the fluctuation pattern table for specific time. (A) is an explanatory diagram of the special symbol hold table in the normal gaming state, (b) is an explanatory diagram of the special symbol hold table in the probability variation gaming state, (c) is an explanatory diagram of the special symbol hold table in a specific time It is. It is a main flowchart which shows the flow of the main processes which CPU52 for main control performs. 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of time determination processing executed by the main control CPU 52 in S501 of FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a start port process executed by the main control CPU 52 in S503 of FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a continuation of the process of FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a change start process executed by the main control CPU 52 in S505 of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the main processes which CPU72 for presentation control performs. 15 is a flowchart showing a flow of data reception processing executed by the effect control CPU 72 in S601 of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the fluctuation | variation pattern lottery process which CPU72 for production control performs by S602 of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the effect process which CPU72 for effect control performs by S605 of FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of time determination processing executed by the main control CPU 52 in S501 of FIG. 9 in the second embodiment. It is front explanatory drawing which shows the main structures of the conventional pachinko machine.

<First Embodiment>
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described.
[Main configuration]
The main configuration of the pachinko machine according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an explanatory front view showing the main configuration of the pachinko machine according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko machine 1 according to this embodiment is provided with an outer frame set 8 constituting an outer shell, and the outer frame set 8 is provided with a front frame set 2. A transparent glass frame set 3 is attached to the front frame set 2 so as to be openable and closable. A game board 5 is provided inside the glass frame set 3, and a launching handle 4 a for operating a launching device for launching a game ball to the game board 5 is attached to the lower right front of the front frame set 2. Yes. A launch lever 4b for adjusting the launch strength of the game ball is attached to the launch handle 4a so as to be rotatable with respect to the launch handle 4a.

  Below the game board 5 is provided an upper tray 6 for receiving prize balls and rental balls paid out from the inside of the pachinko machine, and the player operates the upper tray 6 to pay out the rental balls. A ball lending operation unit 9 is provided. Below the upper tray 6, there is provided a lower tray 7 that accommodates game balls that have flowed beyond the number that can be accommodated in the upper tray 6. The lower tray 7 is provided with a ball removal lever 7 a that is operated by the player to discharge the game balls stored in the lower tray 7 to the outside of the lower tray 7.

  The front frame set 2 is provided with a ball break LED 13 for notifying that there is no game ball to be paid out, and a payout abnormality LED 14 for notifying a payout abnormality of the game ball. The front frame set 2 is provided with a right speaker 10 that generates sound effects, a left speaker 11, and a lower speaker 12. The upper tray 6 is provided with an effect button 80 that is operated by the player when a button effect is performed during the game. Here, the button effect is a game effect started in response to the operation of the effect button 80.

[Main components of the game board]
Next, the main configuration of the game board 5 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 2 is an explanatory front view showing the main configuration of the game board 5.

  A game area where game balls flow down is formed on the board surface of the game board 5, and a large number of game nails 29 that restrict the flow path of the game balls are driven into the board surface of the game board 5. Around the board surface of the game board 5, a rail set 15 is provided for guiding a game ball launched by a launching device (indicated by reference numeral 4 in FIG. 4) to the game area.

  A center decoration 16 is provided at the center of the game board 5. The center ornament 16 is formed in a three-dimensional shape that protrudes forward from the board surface, and occupies the central area of the game area. The center decoration 16 is provided with an effect display device 30 for variably displaying effect symbols and displaying various effect images. In this embodiment, the effect display device 30 is configured by a liquid crystal display device. Note that a display device in which LEDs are arranged in a dot matrix, a 7-segment LED, an organic EL panel, or the like can also be used as the effect display device 30.

  At the left end of the center ornament 16, an inflow port 27 through which a game ball can flow into the center ornament 16 is formed. In the lower part of the center ornament 16, an outlet 28 is formed through which a game ball that has flowed into the center ornament 16 from the inlet 27 flows into the game area. On the left side of the board surface, a left side decoration 36 is provided along the inner periphery of the rail set 15. Between the left side decoration 36 and the center decoration 16, a left side game area in which game balls flow down is formed. In the game area on the left side, a windmill 35 that changes the flow path of the game ball is rotatably provided.

  The left side decoration 36 is provided with a left sleeve winning opening 17, a left sleeve winning opening 18, and a lower left winning opening 19. A start port 21 is provided immediately below the outlet 28 of the center ornament 16. Below the start port 21, an ordinary electric accessory 22 is provided. The ordinary electric accessory 22 includes a pair of opening / closing wing pieces 22a. Each opening / closing wing piece 22a is pivotally supported at its base, and the tip is opened outward or closed inward by the rotation of the base. FIG. 2 shows a state in which each opening / closing blade piece 22a is opened.

  In this state, the game ball is guided by the opening / closing wing piece 22 a and can be awarded inside the ordinary electric accessory 22. A game ball guided by the opening / closing wing piece 22a and winning in the ordinary electric accessory 22 is detected by a start port switch (indicated by reference numeral 21a in FIG. 4) for detecting the game ball won from the start port 21. In other words, the ordinary electric accessory 22 plays a role of expanding the winning area of the start port 21 by opening each opening / closing blade piece 22a.

  A first variable winning device 24 having a first opening / closing member 24d is provided below the ordinary electric accessory 22. The first variable winning device 24 opens the first big winning opening 24a by opening the first opening / closing member 24d when the effect display device 30 displays the effect symbol indicating the occurrence of the normal big hit. In addition, the first variable prize winning device 24 receives the first grand prize when the number of prizes received in the first big prize opening 24a reaches a prescribed number or when a prescribed time has elapsed from the opening of the first big prize opening 24a. The mouth 24a is closed. In this embodiment, the first opening / closing member 24d is formed in a horizontally long plate shape, and is configured to rotate back and forth around the lower ends on both sides.

  A second variable winning device 25 having a second opening / closing member 25d is provided on the upper left side of the center ornament 16. The second variable winning device 25 opens the second large winning opening 25a by opening the second opening / closing member 25d when the effect display device 30 definitely displays the effect symbol indicating the occurrence of the first or second probability variation big hit. In this embodiment, the second variable winning device 25 opens and closes the second opening / closing member 25d at regular intervals, and opens and closes the second big prize opening 25a at regular intervals. The second opening / closing member 25d is formed in a wing shape, and is configured to rotate left and right about the lower end.

  A lower right winning opening 20 is provided on the right side of the first variable winning device 24, and an out opening 26 for collecting a game ball that has not been won anywhere is formed below. . A gate 23 is provided on the left side of the center ornament 16. A special symbol display device 31, a special symbol hold number display device 32, a normal symbol display device 33, and a normal symbol hold number display device 34 are provided at the lower right of the center decoration 16. In this embodiment, the special symbol display device 31, the special symbol hold number display device 32, the normal symbol display device 33, and the normal symbol hold number display device 34 are each constituted by an LED, but are constituted by a liquid crystal display device or the like. You can also.

  The special symbol display device 31 is composed of a plurality of (for example, six) LEDs, and these LEDs blink in a predetermined blinking pattern when a game ball wins the start opening 21. The light emission color when these LEDs are turned on and the background color of the LEDs when they are turned off constitute a special symbol, and the state where the LEDs are blinking is a state where the special symbol is variably displayed. The special symbol display device 31 starts the special symbol variation display when the start port switch 21a is turned on.

  The special symbol display device 31 causes each LED to blink at random, and a big hit occurs when the combination of the lit LED and the unlit LED when the blinking stops is a specific combination. Depending on the type, the type of jackpot will vary. The jackpot type is configured by combining two or more of the maximum number of rounds that can be executed in the jackpot game, the normal jackpot, the probable jackpot, and the short time. Further, depending on the type of jackpot, either the first variable winning device 24 or the second variable winning device 25 is operated to perform a big win game.

  Here, “short time” means that the time required from the start of the special symbol to the end of the variable display after the special symbol is started is shortened, and that the normal symbol starts from the start of the variable display to the end of the variable display. A game state with reduced time.

  For example, after each LED of the special symbol display device 31 repeatedly blinks, when all the LEDs are lit, the second variable winning device 25 is activated to play a big hit game up to 16 rounds. And a first certainty-variable jackpot occurs in which the gaming state after the jackpot game ends changes to certainty. In addition, when the two LEDs are lit, the second variable winning device 25 can be operated to play a jackpot game up to a maximum of two rounds, and the gaming state after the jackpot game ends is definitely changed. A changing second probability big hit occurs.

  When the start opening switch 21a is turned on while the special symbol display device 31 is variably displaying the special symbol, the special symbol variability display based on the on state is not immediately executed but is temporarily held. The reserved number is displayed by the special symbol reserved number display device 32. In this embodiment, the special symbol reservation number display device 32 is constituted by four LEDs, and displays the special symbol reservation number by the number of lighting of the LEDs. That is, in this embodiment, the maximum number of special symbol reservations is four.

  The effect display device 30 is provided for the purpose of enhancing the effect of the special symbol display device 31. In other words, the special symbol display device 31 is configured by a plurality of LEDs, and the effect effect is poor only by the blinking of the LEDs. Therefore, the effect display device 30 displays the effect symbol in a variable manner or displays the effect image. This enhances the production effect. Note that the effect symbol is a symbol for effect displayed in place of the special symbol displayed by the LED, and is a symbol expressing a plurality of identification information. For example, it is a symbol expressing numbers 0 to 9, and the effect display device 30 displays the symbol sequence in ascending numerical order. Further, the effect display device 30 displays an effect image composed of a moving image and a still image alone or with an effect symbol.

  The effect display device 30 starts the display of the effect image and the effect symbol at the same time when the special symbol display device 31 starts the variation display of the special symbol. In addition, the effect display device 30 ends the display of the effect image and the effect symbol at the same time as the special symbol display device 31 ends the variation display of the special symbol, and corresponds to the big hit symbol or the lost symbol that the special symbol display device 31 has determined and displayed. The effect design to be displayed is finalized.

  The normal symbol display device 33 is composed of a plurality of (for example, five) LEDs, and the emission color when each LED is turned on and the background color of the LED when the LED is turned off constitute a normal symbol. In addition, the state in which the normal symbol display device 33 blinks the LED is a state in which the normal symbol is variably displayed. When the variation display ends, the combination of the LEDs that are turned on and off turns on the normal symbol. Alternatively, the loss is notified. When the winning normal symbol is confirmed and displayed, the opening time of each open / close wing piece 22a of the ordinary electric accessory 22 becomes longer, and winning for the ordinary electric accessory 22 becomes easier. That is, the number of times that the special symbol starts variably displaying per unit time increases, and the probability that a big hit will occur increases.

  When the game ball passes through the gate 23, the normal symbol display device 33 starts to display the fluctuation of the normal symbol. When the normal symbol display device 33 variably displays the normal symbol, when the game ball passes through the gate 23, the normal symbol variation display due to the passage is held, and the number of holds is displayed as the normal symbol hold number display. Displayed by device 34. In this embodiment, the normal symbol hold number display device 34 is constituted by four LEDs, the number of lighting thereof indicates the hold number, and the maximum of the hold number is set to four.

  In the following explanation, the time required from the start of change of special symbol to the end of change is the special symbol change time. The time required for each is generally called symbol variation time. The effect symbol variation time is equal to the special symbol variation time.

  In addition, the game board 5 is provided with movable accessories 42 and 43. The movable accessories 42 and 43 change into a state where they have advanced on the screen of the effect display device 30 and a state where they have been retracted from the screen. FIG. 2 shows a state in which the movable actors 42 and 43 have advanced on the screen. The movable accessory 42 advances from the left side of the screen to the approximate center of the screen and retreats to the left side of the screen. The movable accessory 43 advances to the approximate center of the screen from the right side of the screen and retreats to the right side of the screen. When the movable members 42 and 43 advance to the approximate center of the screen, both movable members are integrated to form one movable member.

  Moreover, the movable members 42 and 43 are made of a transparent synthetic resin and have translucency. For this reason, the image displayed on the screen can be seen through the movable members 42 and 43 that have advanced on the screen, and the portion covered by the movable members 42 and 43 can be seen through the movable members 42 and 43. , Is supposed to look three-dimensional. In addition, the movable accessories 42 and 43 integrated on the screen are combined with an image displayed on the screen to constitute one image.

  In this embodiment, the movable actors 42 and 43 are formed in a shape imitating a helmet worn by a military commander, and are worn with a helmet by being integrated with the image of the military commander displayed on the screen. The warrior is completed, and the samurai is configured to look three-dimensional.

[Production display device]
Next, the effect display device 30 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 3 (a) is an explanatory diagram of a changing effect symbol, (b) is an explanatory diagram of a reach state, and (c) is an explanatory diagram of a state in which the effect symbol is confirmed and displayed.

  The effect display device 30 is a liquid crystal display device, and has three display areas A, B, and C arranged in the horizontal direction. Each display area variably displays effect symbols representing identification information such as numbers and English characters. In this embodiment, the effect display device 30 variably displays the effect symbols representing the numbers 0 to 9 so as to move from the top to the bottom of the screen in ascending order of the numbers.

  The example shown in FIG. 3A represents a certain moment of the effect symbol that is variably displayed in each of the display areas A to C, and the effect symbol “7” is displayed in the display area A. The effect symbol “8” is displayed in B, and the effect symbol “6” is displayed in the display area C. Further, the example shown in FIG. 7B represents a moment when the effect symbol “7” is confirmed and displayed in the display areas A and C and the effect symbol is variably displayed only in the display area B. Yes, so-called reach. Here, the reach means a state in which only one display area among the plurality of display areas displays the effect symbols in a variable manner, and the effect symbols constituting the jackpot symbol are confirmed and displayed in the other display regions. It is.

  When reaching reach, the effect display device 30 performs an effect that makes the player throbbing whether or not the big hit symbol is confirmed and displayed. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 3B, the fluctuation speed in the display area B is reduced, and the fluctuation speed is further reduced when the effect symbol 6 appears from the upper end of the screen. In addition, it appears to stop at the production symbol 7 at one end, and only the display area B starts the variable display again. In the example shown in FIG. 3C, “777”, which is an example of a big hit symbol, is fixedly displayed in the display areas A to C.

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

  The pachinko machine 1 is provided with a main control board 50, and a main control MPU (microprocessor unit) 51 is mounted on the main control board 50. The main control MPU 51 includes a main control CPU 52, a main control ROM 53, a main control RAM 54, and a clock 55. The main control CPU 52 determines the jackpot, lottery of jackpot symbols, lottery of types of jackpot, lottery of lottery symbols, lottery of special symbol variation time (direction symbol variation time), detection of winning, detection of passing gate, detection of normal symbols Important processes in the game such as winning determination, prize ball payout instruction, determination of remaining time until closing time are executed.

  The main control ROM 53 stores a computer program for the main control CPU 52 to execute each of the above processes, a control command to be transmitted to each control board, a jackpot value to be referred to when the jackpot determination is performed, and the like. ing. The main control RAM 54 has a work area that is used when the main control CPU 52 executes the computer program. The main control RAM 54 stores the processing results and determination results generated by the main control CPU 52 executing the above-described computer program in a readable and rewritable manner. The clock 55 counts the current time, and outputs data indicating the current time to the main control CPU 52 when an output request is received from the main control CPU 52.

  The main control board 50 has a start port switch (start port SW for detecting a game ball won in the start port 21 or a game ball guided to the inside of the ordinary electric accessory 22 by the opened opening / closing blade piece 22a. ) 21a is electrically connected. Further, a payout control board 60 is electrically connected to the main control board 50. On the payout control board 60, a payout motor 38 for driving a member for paying out the game ball to the upper tray 6 and a payout sensor 39 for detecting the game ball paid out by the payout motor 38 are electrically connected. It is connected.

  Further, the payout control board 60 includes a ball break switch 13a for detecting a state where there are no game balls to be paid out, and a lower plate full switch (for detecting a state where the lower tray 7 is filled with game balls). Lower pan full SW) 7b, a door opening switch (door opening SW) 3a for detecting a state in which the glass frame set 3 is opened, and a launching device for successively firing game balls one by one at predetermined time intervals 4 is electrically connected.

  The launching device 4 drives the launching device 4 by detecting that the player touches the launching lever 4b, and a launch volume 4c for adjusting the launching intensity of the launching device 4 according to the amount of rotation of the launching lever 4b. The touch sensor 4d for making it connect is connected. The drive source of the launcher 4 is a rotary solenoid or a motor.

  The payout control board 60 is equipped with a payout control MPU 61, and the payout control MPU 61 includes a payout control CPU 62, a payout control ROM 63, and a payout control RAM 64. The payout control CPU 62 controls the payout motor 38 in accordance with the payout control command transmitted from the main control MPU 51 to control payout of prize balls. Further, the payout control CPU 62 detects a change in the signal output from the payout sensor 39 and counts the number of prize balls that have been paid out.

  The payout control ROM 63 stores a computer program executed by the payout control CPU 62 so as to be readable. The payout control RAM 64 has a work area used when the payout control CPU 62 executes the computer program. Also, the payout control RAM 64 stores the processing results and the determination results generated by the payout control CPU 62 executing the above computer program in a readable and rewritable manner.

  A panel surface relay terminal plate 37 is electrically connected to the main control board 50. The panel surface relay terminal plate 37 is connected to a large winning opening solenoid 24b for opening and closing the first opening / closing member 24d, and a second opening / closing. A large winning opening solenoid 25b for opening and closing the member 25d, a normal electric accessory solenoid 22b for opening and closing the opening / closing wing piece 22a of the normal electric accessory 22, and a game ball won in the first large winning opening 24a are detected. The big prize opening switch (large prize opening SW) 24c for performing the game and the big prize opening switch (large prize opening SW) 25c for detecting the game ball won in the second big prize opening 25a are electrically connected. ing.

  Further, the main control board 50 includes a gate switch (gate SW) 23a for detecting a game ball that has passed through the gate 23, and a winning opening switch (for detecting a gaming ball that has won the left sleeve upper winning opening 17). (Award opening SW) 17a, a winning opening switch (award opening SW) 18a for detecting a gaming ball winning in the left sleeve winning opening 18, and a winning opening switch for detecting a gaming ball winning in the lower left winning opening 19 (Winning port SW) 19a and a winning port switch (winning port SW) 20a for detecting a game ball won in the lower right winning port 20 are electrically connected.

  Furthermore, the effect control board 70 is electrically connected to the main control board 50. The effect control board 70 includes a special symbol display device 31, a normal symbol display device 33, an effect display device 30, an LED control board 42, an audio output device 43, a movable accessory control board 40, and an effect button 80. And are electrically connected. On the movable accessory control board 40, a motor 47 for advancing and retracting the movable accessory 43 relative to the screen of the effect display device 30 and a movable accessory 42 for advancing and retracting relative to the screen of the effect display device 30 are provided. The motor 48 is electrically connected.

  An effect control MPU 71 is mounted on the effect control board 70, and the effect control MPU 71 includes an effect control CPU 72, an effect control ROM 73, and an effect control RAM 74. In the effect control ROM 73, a computer program for controlling the above-described various devices electrically connected to the effect control board 70 is stored in a readable manner. The effect control ROM 73 stores various tables that can be read when the effect control CPU 72 executes a computer program.

  The effect control RAM 74 has a work area used when the effect control CPU 72 executes a computer program. In addition, the effect control RAM 74 stores processing results and determination results generated when the effect control CPU 72 executes a computer program in a readable and rewritable manner.

  The effect control ROM 73 stores a table for determining variation patterns such as special symbols, normal symbols, and effect symbols. The effect control ROM 73 includes tables necessary for effects such as a table for determining the lighting pattern of the LED for effect provided in the pachinko machine 1 and a table for determining the type of sound effects and music. Data etc. are stored.

[Main Electrical Configuration of Effect Display Device 30]
Next, the main electrical configuration of the effect display device 30 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The effect display device 30 includes an image data receiving unit 30e, an LED control unit 30c, an LED backlight 30d, a liquid crystal display control unit 30f, a gate driver 30g, a source driver 30h, and a liquid crystal panel 30i.

  Although not shown, the liquid crystal panel 30i is configured by sandwiching a liquid crystal material between two glasses and arranging scanning lines and data lines in a grid pattern on the glass. The scanning lines and the data lines are respectively controlled by driving a gate driver 30g and a source driver 30h arranged at the end of the liquid crystal panel 30i. The gate driver 30g has a function of sequentially outputting a pulsed voltage waveform to the scanning line. The source driver 30h supplies a voltage to the liquid crystal corresponding to the output of the pulsed voltage waveform by the gate driver 30g. Thus, the liquid crystal panel 30i displays an image by applying a voltage to the liquid crystal by driving the source driver 30h and the gate driver 30g.

  The LED backlight 30d is disposed on the back surface of the liquid crystal panel 30i, and is configured by arranging a plurality of light source units 30j. Each light source unit 30j supplies light from the back to the image display area of the liquid crystal panel 30i. Although not shown, a pair of diffusion plates and a prism sheet sandwiched between the diffusion plates are provided between the LED backlight 30d and the liquid crystal panel 30i. The diffusion plate scatters and diffuses the light supplied from the light source unit 30j to make the entire image display area uniform brightness. The prism sheet increases the luminance of the light supplied from the LED backlight 30d. Is for.

The light source unit 30j is composed of a plurality of LEDs that emit light of RGB three primary colors. The light source unit 51 can emit light of each color of RGB or a plurality of colors such as black and white.
The image data receiving unit 30e receives image data transmitted from the effect control board 70. The image data receiving unit 30e outputs the received image data to the liquid crystal display control unit 30f and the LED control unit 30c.

  The liquid crystal display control unit 30f receives the image data output from the image data receiving unit 30e, and drives the gate driver 30g and the source driver 30h based on the input image data. The LED control unit 30c receives the image data output from the image data receiving unit 30e, drives the light source unit 30j based on the input image data, and controls turning on or off of the light source unit 30j. The LED control unit 30c controls the light emission color of the light source unit 30j.

[Various tables]
Next, the configuration of various tables stored in the effect control ROM 73 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing various tables stored in the effect control ROM 73. FIG. 7A is an explanatory diagram of a normal time variation pattern table, FIG. 7B is an explanatory diagram of a probability variation time variation pattern table, and FIG. 7C is an explanatory diagram of a specific time variation pattern table.

  The effect control ROM 73 includes a normal time change pattern table 73a, a probability change time change pattern table 73b, a specific time change pattern table 73c, an effect content table 73d, an LED lighting pattern table 73e, a music table 73f, and a jackpot effect image table. Data necessary for production such as 73g, customer waiting image table 73h, button production image table 73i, and the like are stored.

  Here, the specific time is one hour from the one hour before the closing time of the gaming store where the pachinko machine 1 is installed until the closing time is reached when the gaming state is changed to the probability changing gaming state. That is. The probability variation time is a time during which the gaming state is in the probability variation gaming state in the time excluding the specific time. The normal time is the time excluding the specific time and the probability variation time.

  The normal time variation pattern table 73a is a table that is referred to when the effect control CPU 72 determines a variation pattern of the effect symbols that the effect display device 30 variably displays during normal time by lottery. The normal time variation pattern table 73a is stored in the effect control ROM 73 for each special symbol variation time that the main control CPU 52 can determine by lottery. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7A, the normal time variation pattern table 73a is composed of a normal variation pattern table 73a1, a normal reach pattern table 73a2, and a super reach pattern table 73a3.

  Here, the normal variation pattern is a variation pattern that does not develop to reach in the middle of variation of the effect design. In addition, the normal reach pattern is a variation pattern that has a higher appearance probability among reach patterns that are variation patterns that develop into reach, and the super reach pattern is a variation pattern that has a lower appearance probability than the normal reach pattern. . The jackpot is generated through a reach pattern. In particular, when the super reach pattern appears, the jackpot occurrence probability is increased.

That is, when viewed from the player, the degree of expectation for occurrence of a big hit when a super reach pattern appears is the highest.
In this embodiment, the normal variation pattern table 73a1 is configured by associating the normal variation patterns A01, A02, A03, A04, and A05 with the production symbol variation times of 10 seconds, 12 seconds, 14 seconds, 16 seconds, and 18 seconds. Has been. For example, when the special symbol variation time determined by the main control CPU 52 by lottery is 12 seconds, the effect control CPU 72 normally varies the normal variation pattern A02 associated with the effect symbol variation time of 12 seconds. Read from pattern table 73a1.

  Further, the normal reach pattern table 73a2 is configured by associating the normal reach patterns B01, B02, B03, B04, B05, and B06 with the production symbol variation times of 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, and 30 seconds, respectively. Has been. For example, when the special symbol variation time determined by the main control CPU 52 by lottery is 26 seconds, the effect control CPU 72 changes the normal reach pattern B04 associated with the effect symbol variation time of 26 seconds to the normal variation pattern. Read from table 73a2.

  In addition, the super reach pattern table 73a3 corresponds to the super reach patterns C01, C02, C03, C04, C05, and C06 for the production symbol variation times of 40 seconds, 42 seconds, 44 seconds, 60 seconds, 62 seconds, and 64 seconds, respectively. It is configured with. For example, when the special symbol variation time determined by lottery by the main control CPU 52 is 60 seconds, the effect control CPU 72 normally varies the super reach pattern C04 associated with the effect symbol variation time of 60 seconds. Read from the pattern table 73a3.

As shown in FIG. 7B, the probability variation time variation pattern table 73b includes a normal variation pattern table 73b1, a normal reach pattern table 73b2, and a super reach pattern table 73b3. The normal variation pattern table 73b1 is configured by associating the normal variation pattern A06 with the effect symbol variation time of 5 seconds.
That is, when the normal variation pattern is selected as the variation pattern of the effect symbol when the gaming state changes to the probability variation gaming state, the variation time of the normal variation pattern is shortened to 5 seconds.
A plurality of types of normal variation patterns having different variation contents may be associated with a plurality of the same effect design variation times, or different normal variation patterns may be associated with a plurality of different effect design variation times. You may do it.

The normal reach pattern table 73b2 is configured by associating a normal reach pattern B07 with an effect symbol variation time of 20 seconds.
In other words, when the normal state pattern is selected as the effect pattern change pattern when the game state changes to the probability change game state, the change time of the normal reach pattern is unified to 20 seconds.
A plurality of types of normal reach patterns having different variations may be associated with a plurality of the same effect design variation times, or different normal reach patterns may be associated with a plurality of different effect design variation times. Also good.

The super reach pattern table 73b3 is configured by associating the super reach pattern C07 with a production symbol variation time of 40 seconds.
That is, when the game state is changed to the probability change game state, when the super reach pattern is selected as the change pattern of the effect design, the change time of the super reach pattern is unified to 40 seconds.
A plurality of types of super reach patterns having different variations may be associated with a plurality of the same effect design variation times, or different super reach patterns may be associated with a plurality of different effect design variation times. You may do it.

As shown in FIG. 7C, the specific time variation pattern table 73c includes a normal variation pattern table 73c1, a normal reach pattern table 73c2, and a super reach pattern table 73c3. The normal variation pattern table 73c1 is configured by associating the normal variation pattern A07 with the effect symbol variation time of 2 seconds.
That is, when the normal variation pattern is selected as the variation pattern of the production symbol in the one hour until the closing time when the gaming state is changed to the probability variation gaming state, the variation time of the normal variation pattern is equal to the probability variation time. It is configured to be shortened to 2 seconds shorter than 5 seconds.
A plurality of types of normal variation patterns having different variation contents may be associated with a plurality of the same effect design variation times, or different normal variation patterns may be associated with a plurality of different effect design variation times. You may do it.

The normal reach pattern table 73c2 is configured by associating a normal reach pattern B08 with an effect symbol variation time of 5 seconds.
That is, when the normal reach pattern is selected as the variation pattern of the production symbol in one hour until the store closing time, the variation time of the normal reach pattern is shortened to 5 seconds regardless of whether or not it is changed to the probability variation gaming state. It is configured as follows.
A plurality of types of normal reach patterns having different variations may be associated with a plurality of the same effect design variation times, or different normal reach patterns may be associated with a plurality of different effect design variation times. Also good.

The super reach pattern table 73c3 is configured by associating a super reach pattern C08 with an effect design variation time of 10 seconds.
In other words, if the Super Reach pattern is selected as the production pattern variation pattern for 1 hour until the store closing time, the Super Reach pattern variation time is reduced to 10 seconds regardless of whether or not the game has changed to the probability variation gaming state. It is configured to be.
A plurality of types of super reach patterns having different variations may be associated with a plurality of the same effect design variation times, or different super reach patterns may be associated with a plurality of different effect design variation times. You may do it.

  The effect content table 73d is a table that is referred to when the effect control CPU 72 determines the effect content displayed by the effect display device 30 by lottery. The effect content is an effect that can be partially changed by the player pressing the effect button 80. For example, when the effect button 80 is pressed when a video having a story is the effect content. It is a production that can change the development of the story. In addition, the contents of the effects may be displayed in combination with the variation pattern of the effects symbols or may be displayed alone without being combined. The effect content table 73d is stored in the effect control ROM 73 for each display time of the effect contents. In addition, since the display time of the effect content is equal to the special symbol variation time, the effect content table 73d is provided at least as many times as the special symbol variation time.

  The effect content lottery is performed using an effect content lottery counter that counts a plurality of consecutive different values. The effect content table 73d is configured by associating the count value of the effect content lottery counter with the effect content. Further, each effect content is set for each different display time, and a plurality of types of effect contents are set for one display time.

  The effect control CPU 72 obtains one count value from the effect content lottery counter, and from the effect content table provided for the display time of the same time as the special symbol variation time transmitted from the main control CPU 52. The contents of the effect associated with the acquired count value are read out. For example, if the special symbol variation time transmitted from the main control CPU 52 is 60 seconds and the numerical value acquired from the effect content lottery counter is 5, the ten types of effect contents set to the display time of 60 seconds. Of these, the one associated with the numerical value 5 is selected.

  That is, when the special symbol variation time is transmitted from the main control CPU 52, the effect control CPU 72 corresponds to the display time of the same time as the special symbol variation time in order to equalize the special symbol variation time and the display time. The production contents are read from the production content table.

  In addition, in both cases where the big hit determination result is a big hit or a loss, there is a possibility that a production content including a super reach pattern may be drawn. There is a high probability that the production contents including will be drawn. In other words, from the viewpoint of the player, when the content of the production including the super reach pattern appears, the expectation for occurrence of the big hit is set high.

  The LED lighting pattern table 73e is a table that is referred to when the effect control CPU 72 determines lighting patterns of various LEDs provided in the pachinko machine 1 by lottery. The LED lighting pattern lottery is performed using an LED lighting pattern lottery counter that counts a plurality of consecutive different numerical values.

  The LED lighting pattern table 73e is configured by associating the count value of the LED lighting pattern lottery counter with the LED lighting pattern. The effect control CPU 72 acquires one count value from the LED lighting pattern lottery counter, reads the LED lighting pattern associated with the acquired count value from the LED lighting pattern table 73e, and selects the LED according to the lighting pattern. The LED control board 42 is instructed to light up.

  The music table 73f is a table that is referred to when the production control CPU 72 determines the music output by the audio output device 43 by lottery. Music lottery is performed using a music lottery counter that counts a plurality of consecutive different values.

  The music table 73f is configured by associating the count value of the music lottery counter with music. The effect control CPU 72 acquires one count value from the music lottery counter, reads the music associated with the acquired count value from the music table 73f, and instructs the audio output device 43 to output it. .

  The jackpot effect image table 73g is a table that is referred to when the effect control CPU 72 determines the effect image by lottery when a big hit occurs. The effect image lottery is performed using a jackpot effect image lottery counter that counts a plurality of consecutive different numerical values. The jackpot effect image table 73g is configured by associating the count value of the jackpot effect image lottery counter with the type of the jackpot effect image. The effect control CPU 72 acquires one count value from the jackpot effect image lottery counter, reads out the type of the jackpot effect image associated with the acquired count value from the jackpot effect image table 73g, and displays it. The effect display device 30 is instructed.

  The customer waiting image table 73h stores data for the effect control CPU 72 to instruct the effect display device 30 to display the customer waiting image when the pachinko machine 1 is not in a so-called customer waiting state. It is a table.

  The button effect image table 73i is a table that is referred to when the effect control CPU 72 determines the contents of the button effect image by lottery when the effect button 80 is turned on. The button effect image lottery is performed using a button effect image lottery counter that counts a plurality of consecutive different values. The button effect image table 73i is configured by associating the count value of the button effect image lottery counter with the type of the button effect image. The effect control CPU 72 acquires one count value from the button effect image lottery counter when the effect button 80 is turned on, and sets the type of the button effect image associated with the acquired count value to the button effect image table 73i. And directs the effect display device 30 to display it.

[Contents stored when a hold occurs]
Next, the contents stored in the effect control RAM 74 when a special symbol is suspended will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 8A is an explanatory diagram of the special symbol holding table in the normal gaming state, FIG. 8B is an explanatory diagram of the special symbol holding table in the probability variation gaming state, and FIG. 8C is the special symbol holding table in the specific time. It is explanatory drawing.

  In the following description, the confirmed symbol refers to an effect symbol that is confirmed and displayed by the effect display device 30, and usually refers to any one of the big hit symbol, the probability variation big hit symbol, and the lost symbol. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the upper limit of the special symbol reservation number U1 is four.

  The special symbol holding table 74a stores data generated when the game ball wins the starting port 21. The “holding order” in the figure indicates the order in which the holding occurred. The special symbol reservation table 74a stores the special symbol reservation number U1. The “determination result” is a result of the jackpot determination performed by the main control CPU 52 when the game ball wins the start opening 21. The “definite symbol” is a definite symbol determined by the main control CPU 52 when the game ball wins the start opening 21. The “variation time” is the variation time determined by the main control CPU 52 when the game ball wins the start opening 21. The “time segment” indicates to which time segment the variation time determined by the main control CPU 52 belongs to the normal time, the probability variation time, and the specific time. The “production content” is the production content determined by the production control CPU 72 based on the change time determined by the main control CPU 52.

The determination result, the confirmed symbol, the variation time, and the time division are transmitted from the main control CPU 52 to the effect control CPU 72 and stored in the special symbol hold table 74a by the effect control CPU 72.
The effect control CPU 72 also determines special symbol variation patterns and fixed symbols, music and LED lighting patterns, etc. by lottery and stores them in the hold table, but the description thereof is omitted here. A description will be given using the fixed symbol as a representative.

  FIG. 8A is an example showing the stored contents of the special symbol holding table 74a in the normal time. The fluctuation time stores a normal fluctuation time that has not been shortened. In the third hold order (*), “probability big hit” is stored as the determination result, and “super reach pattern” is stored as the production content. In addition, the special symbol reservation number U1 stored in the special symbol reservation table 74a is the upper limit of four.

  FIG. 8B is an example showing the stored contents of the special symbol holding table 74a in the probability variation time. FIG. 8A shows the holding rank, the determination result, the confirmed symbol, and the contents of the effect for easy understanding. The same thing as shown is shown. The variation time stores the variation time shortened for the probability variation time.

  FIG. 8C is an example showing the stored contents of the special symbol holding table 74a at a specific time. FIG. 8A shows the holding order, determination result, finalized symbol and effect contents for easy understanding. The same thing as shown is shown. The variation time stores a variation time shortened for a specific time.

  In the case where the effect display device 30 displays the contents of the effect in accordance with the special symbol display device 31 variably displaying the special symbol, when the display is finished, the reservation order 1 in the special symbol hold table 74a is displayed. The content of the effect is displayed according to the content of the effect stored in the second, and the confirmed symbol is confirmed and displayed at the end timing of the display.

  As shown in FIG. 8 (a), in the state where the special symbol reservation number U1 has reached the upper limit of four, the special symbol variation display and the contents of the effects are displayed based on each data stored in the first holding order. When the display is started and the display is finished, the data stored in the second to fourth holding ranks are moved to storage areas where the holding rank is raised by one. Each time the number of special symbol fluctuation display and effect content display times increases, each data stored in the special symbol reservation table 74a moves to the storage area where the reservation rank is incremented by one.

[Main game flow]
Next, the main flow of the game in the pachinko machine 1 will be described with reference to the drawings.
(Main processing executed by main control CPU)
First, the flow of main processing executed by the main control CPU 52 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 9 is a main flowchart executed by the main control CPU 52. In the following description, the process step is abbreviated as S.

  The main control CPU 52 executes initial setting when the pachinko machine 1 is activated (S500). In this initial setting, processing such as returning the data stored in the main control RAM 54 to the initial value or clearing it to 0 is performed. Next, the main control CPU 52 performs time determination processing (S501), winning detection processing (S502), start port processing (S503), gate processing (S504), variation start processing (S505), and ordinary electric accessory processing (S506). ), Winning prize opening process (S507), game information transmission process (S508), and the like.

  In the winning detection process (S502), changes in output signals from the winning opening switches 17a to 20a, the start opening switch 21a and the large winning opening switches 24c and 25c (FIG. 4) are detected to detect that a winning has occurred. In the gate processing (S504), a change in the output signal from the gate switch 23a (FIG. 4) is detected, and it is detected that the game ball has passed through the gate 23, and a normal symbol hit determination is performed. In the ordinary electric accessory processing (S506), when the normal symbol hit determination in the gate processing (S504) is successful, the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 22b (FIG. 4) is operated to open and close the open / close blades of the ordinary electric accessory 22 The piece 22a (FIG. 2) is opened.

  In the big prize opening process (S507), the opening / closing control of the first big prize opening 24a when the normal big hit occurs and the opening / closing control of the second big prize opening 25a when the first or second positive variation big hit occurs. Run. In the game information transmission process (S508), the pachinko machine 1 in which the pachinko machine 1 is installed is used to generate game information generated during the game, such as the number of occurrences of normal big hits, the number of occurrences of probable big hits, the total number of winning balls (number of balls) It transmits to the management computer provided in the management room of the store.

(Time determination process)
Next, the flow of the time determination process (S501) executed by the main control CPU 52 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  The main control CPU 52 refers to the clock 55 (FIG. 4) (S10), and the time from the current time measured by the clock 55 to the closing time of the amusement shop where the pachinko machine 1 is installed is less than one hour. It is determined whether or not there is (S11). Here, when it is determined that it is 1 hour or less (S11: Yes), it is determined whether or not the gaming state is changed to the probability changing gaming state (S12), and it is determined that the gaming state is changed to the probability changing gaming state. In this case (S12: Yes), the time from the current time to the closing time is 1 hour or less, that is, the specific time flag indicating that the current time is within the specific time is turned on (S13). If it is determined in S11 that it is not less than one hour (S11: No), or if it is determined in S12 that the game has not changed to the probability variation gaming state (S12: No), the specific time flag is turned off (S14). ).

  For example, if the current time of the clock 55 referred to in S10 is 9:15 pm when the store closing time is 10:00 pm when the probability change gaming state is changed, the time from the current time to the store closing time is Since it is 45 minutes, the main control CPU 52 makes an affirmative determination in S11 and S12 (S11: Yes, S12: Yes), and turns on the specific time flag (S13). If the current time is 8:30 pm, the time from the current time to the closing time is 1 hour 30 minutes, which exceeds 1 hour, and therefore the main control CPU 52 makes a negative determination in S11 (S11: No) ), The specific time flag is turned off (S14).

(Start-up processing)
Next, the flow of the start port process (S503) executed by the main control CPU 52 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of the start port process, and FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the continuation of FIG.

  The main control CPU 52 determines whether or not the start port switch 21a (FIG. 4) is turned on, that is, whether or not the game ball has won a prize from the start port 21 (FIG. 2) or the opened opening / closing wing piece 22a. (S20). Here, if an affirmative determination is made (S20: Yes), the special symbol reservation number U1 stored in the main control RAM 54 is referred to (S21), and it is determined whether or not the special symbol reservation number U1 is less than the upper limit of four. Determine (S22). Here, if an affirmative determination is made (S22: Yes), one count value counted by the big hit lottery counter at this time is acquired (S23).

  Here, the big hit lottery counter is a counter that counts a plurality of consecutive different numerical values, and in this embodiment, is a ring counter that counts a total of 400 numerical values from 0 to 399. Subsequently, the main control CPU 52 determines whether or not the gaming state is a probability variation gaming state (S24). Here, when an affirmative determination is made (S24: Yes), the probability variation big hit jackpot value table is referred to (S25), and when a negative determination is made (S24: No), the normal big hit jackpot value table is referenced (S26). . The jackpot value table for probability variation jackpot is a table in which the jackpot value referred to in the probability variation gaming state is set, and the normal jackpot value table for normal jackpot is a table in which the jackpot value referenced in the normal gaming state is set. is there.

In the probability variation jackpot value table, more jackpot values are set than in the normal jackpot value table, and the probability that a jackpot will occur in the probability variation gaming state is high.
In this embodiment, a total of 10 jackpot values of 7, 53, 89, 113, 137, 157, 197, 257, 307, and 359 are set in the probability variation jackpot jackpot value table. Only the big hit value 7 is set in the value table.
In other words, the probability that a big hit will occur is 1/400 in normal time, and the probability change time is 10/400 = 1/40, and the probability that a big hit will occur in the probability changed gaming state is that of the normal gaming state. 10 times higher than when.

  Subsequently, the main control CPU 52 determines whether or not it is a big hit (S27). Here, if the big hit value of the same value as the count value acquired from the big hit lottery counter in the previous S23 is set in the probability variation big hit big hit value table or the normal big hit big hit value table, it is determined as big hit (S27: Yes) ) And a lottery drawing of the jackpot symbol is executed (S28). The jackpot symbol lottery is performed using a jackpot symbol lottery counter that counts a plurality of consecutive different values and a jackpot symbol table. The jackpot symbol table is configured by associating the count value of the jackpot symbol lottery counter with the jackpot symbol. The main control CPU 52 acquires one count value from the jackpot symbol lottery counter, and reads the jackpot symbol associated with the acquired count value from the jackpot symbol table.

  For example, the jackpot symbol lottery counter counts 0 to 9, and the jackpot symbol table is configured by associating the count values of 0 to 9 with the jackpot symbols 000 and 111 to 999. Then, when the count value acquired from the jackpot symbol lottery counter is 7, for example, the main control CPU 52 reads the jackpot symbol “777” associated with the count value 7 from the jackpot symbol table.

  If it is determined in S27 that the game is not a big hit, that is, it is lost (S27: No), a lottery of lottery symbols is executed (S29). Lost symbol lottery is performed using a loss symbol lottery counter that counts a plurality of consecutive different values and a loss symbol table. The lost symbol table is configured by associating the count value of the lost symbol lottery counter with the lost symbol. The main control CPU 52 acquires one count value from the lost symbol lottery counter, and reads the lost symbol associated with the acquired count value from the lost symbol table.

  In addition, when the main control CPU 52 determines the jackpot symbol or the lost symbol by lottery, the main control CPU 52 performs a reach lottery that determines whether the normal variation pattern or the reach pattern is selected as the variation pattern of the effect symbol by lottery (S30). ). In this reach lottery, the probability of selecting a reach pattern is set to be high when it is determined to be a big hit in the previous S27 and low when it is determined to be lost in S27. Reach lottery is performed using a reach lottery counter that counts a plurality of consecutive different numbers, and a reach pattern is selected when the count value acquired from the reach lottery counter is a specific number set in advance. To decide.

  For example, the reach lottery counter counts 0 to 9, and determines that the reach pattern is selected when the numerical value acquired from the reach lottery counter is 0 to 8 when it is determined that it is a big hit in the previous S27. In addition, when it is determined to be lost in the previous S27, it is determined that the reach pattern is selected when the numerical value acquired from the reach lottery counter is 7.

  The main control CPU 52 having performed the reach lottery executes S13 (FIG. 10) of the previous time determination process to determine whether or not the specific time flag is on (S31). Here, if it is determined that the specific time flag is on (S31: Yes), a special symbol variation time (effect symbol variation time) lottery at a specific time (variation time lottery for specific time) is performed (S32). . In this lottery, if it is determined that the reach pattern is selected in the previous S30, the variation time for the reach pattern is drawn, and if it is not determined that the reach pattern is selected, the variation time for the normal variation pattern is selected. Lottery.

When it is determined that the reach pattern is selected, one variation time is selected by lottery from a plurality of variation times as the variation time of the reach pattern. In this embodiment, one of the fluctuation times of 5 seconds and 10 seconds is selected by lottery. If it is not determined to select the reach pattern, the variation time is determined to be 2 seconds. In other words, when the time from the current time to the closing time is within one hour, the special symbol variation time (effect symbol variation time) is shortened.
It is also possible to set only one reach pattern variation time. It is also possible to set a plurality of variation times as variation times of the normal variation pattern, and select one variation time from among them by lottery.

  Further, when it is determined that the specific time flag is not turned on in the previous S31 (S31: No), the main control CPU 52 determines whether or not the gaming state is changed to the probability changing gaming state (S33). If an affirmative determination is made (S33: Yes), a lottery (probability variation time variation time lottery) of special symbol variation time (effect symbol variation time) in the probability variation time is performed (S34). In this lottery, if it is determined that the reach pattern is selected in the previous S30, the variation time for the reach pattern is drawn, and if it is not determined that the reach pattern is selected, the variation time for the normal variation pattern is selected. Lottery.

In this embodiment, when it is determined that the reach pattern is selected, either the 20-second or 40-second variation time is selected by lottery. If it is not determined to select the reach pattern, the variation time is determined to be 5 seconds. That is, when the gaming state is changed to the probability variation gaming state, the special symbol variation time (effect symbol variation time) is shortened.
It is also possible to set only one reach pattern variation time. It is also possible to set a plurality of variation times as variation times of the normal variation pattern, and select one variation time from among them by lottery.

  If the main control CPU 52 determines that the game state has not changed to the probability variation gaming state in the previous S33 (S33: No), the lottery (probability variation time variation) of the special symbol variation time (effect symbol variation time) in the normal time. A time lottery is performed (S35). In this lottery, when it is determined that the reach pattern is selected in the previous S30, the variation time for the reach pattern is selected, and when the reach pattern is not determined, the variation time for the normal variation pattern is selected.

  In this embodiment, when it is determined that the reach pattern is selected, one variation time is selected by lottery from 20 to 64 seconds shown in FIG. If it is not decided to select the reach pattern, one variation time is selected by lottery from 10 to 18 seconds set at intervals of 2 seconds.

  Subsequently, the main control CPU 52 determines whether it is a normal big hit or a probable big hit according to the type of the big hit symbol determined in the previous S28 (S36 in FIG. 12). For example, if the jackpot symbol determined by lottery is a jackpot symbol representing an even number such as 000 or 222, it is determined that the jackpot symbol is normally a jackpot symbol representing an odd number such as 555 or 777. It is determined that it is a probable big hit. Here, if it is determined that it is a normal big hit (S36: Yes), a normal big hit flag indicating that it is determined that it is a normal big hit is turned on (S37).

  If it is determined in S36 that it is not the normal big hit, that is, the probability variation big hit (S36: No), it is determined whether or not it is the first positive probability big hit (S38). For example, when the jackpot symbol determined by lottery is 777, it is determined that the first probability variation jackpot. Here, if it is determined that it is the first probability variation big hit (S38: Yes), the first probability variation big hit flag indicating that it is determined that it is the first probability variation big hit is turned on (S39).

  If it is determined in S38 that it is not the first probability variation big hit (S38: No), it is determined whether or not it is the second probability variation big hit (S40). For example, if the jackpot symbol determined by the lottery is a jackpot symbol other than 777 and a jackpot symbol other than 777, it is determined that the jackpot symbol is the second probability variation jackpot. Here, if it is determined that it is the second probability variation big hit (S40: Yes), the second probability variation big hit flag indicating that it is determined that it is the second probability variation big hit is turned on (S41).

  Here, the normal jackpot is a jackpot for operating the first variable winning device 24, and is a jackpot for executing n3 rounds of opening and closing of the first jackpot 24a. Further, the first probability variation jackpot is a jackpot for operating the second variable winning device 25, and is a jackpot for executing n1 rounds of opening and closing of the second jackpot 25a. In addition, the second probability variation jackpot is a jackpot for operating the second variable winning device 25, and is a jackpot for executing n2 (n2 <n1) rounds in which the second prize winning opening 25a is opened and closed. For example, n1 = 16, n2 = 2, and n3 = 15.

In addition, the average value of the total number of prize balls to be paid out by winning in the first big prize opening 24a or the second big prize opening 25a during the big hit game is p1 for the first positive variation jackpot and p3 for the normal big hit. When the second probability variation big hit is p2, p2 <p3 <p1. Further, if p2 / p1 = r, then 0.125 ≦ r <1.
In other words, the total number p2 of the number of prize balls that the player can obtain at the second probability variation jackpot is not less than 0.125 times (1/8) of the total number of prize balls p1 that can be earned at the first probability variation bonus. It is configured.

  Subsequently, the main control CPU 52 adds 1 to the special symbol holding number U1 (S42), and as a result of the special symbol holding number U1, jackpot determination, the jackpot symbol, the lost symbol, the type of jackpot, the special symbol variation time (effect) Data indicating the lottery result such as symbol variation time is transmitted to the effect control board 70 (S43). The data indicating the special symbol variation time (effect symbol variation time) is transmitted together with the data indicating the time division of the normal time, the probability variation time, and the specific time.

(Variation start processing)
Next, the flow of the change start process (S505) executed by the main control CPU 52 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  The main control CPU 52 determines whether or not the special symbol variation time is being measured (S50). If it is determined that the special symbol variation time is not being measured (S50: No), it refers to the special symbol hold number U1 (S51). ). Then, it is determined whether or not the special symbol reservation number U1 is 1 or more (S52). If it is determined that the number is 1 or more (S52: Yes), 1 is subtracted from the special symbol reservation number U1 ( S53), a variation start command for instructing the variation start of the special symbol and the effect symbol, and data indicating the current special symbol reservation number U1 are transmitted to the effect control board 70 (S54). Subsequently, measurement of the special symbol variation time is started (S55).

(Main processing executed by the production control CPU)
Next, the main processing flow executed by the effect control CPU 72 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  The effect control CPU 72 executes initial setting when the pachinko machine 1 is activated (S600). In this initial setting, processing such as returning the data stored in the effect control RAM 74 to the initial value or clearing it to 0 is performed. Next, the effect control CPU 72 performs the data reception process (S601), the variation pattern lottery process (S602), the sound effect pattern lottery process (S603), the LED lighting pattern lottery process (S604), the effect process (S605), and the movable combination. Object processing (S606) etc. are performed.

(Data reception processing)
The flow of the data reception process (S601) executed by the effect control CPU 72 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  The effect control CPU 72 determines whether or not data has been received from the main control CPU 52 (S200). If it is determined that data has been received (S200: Yes), the received data is analyzed (S201). Then, as a result of the analysis, it is determined whether the received data is a change start command or a lottery result indicating a result of jackpot determination and a change time (S202, S203).

  Here, if it is determined that the received data is not a change start command, that is, the received data is a lottery result (S202: No, S203: Yes), the received lottery result corresponds to the rank in which the special symbol hold number U1 occurs. Is stored in the special symbol holding table 74a (FIG. 8) of the effect control RAM 74 (S204), and the variation pattern lottery process is executed (S205). If it is determined in S202 that the command is a change start command, an effect process is executed (S220).

(Variation pattern lottery process)
Next, the flow of the variation pattern lottery process executed by the effect control CPU 72 in S205 (FIG. 15) will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  The effect control CPU 72 refers to the variation time stored in the retention order number 1 in the special symbol reservation table 74a (S206), refers to the variation pattern table corresponding to the referenced variation time (S207), and The variation pattern associated with the variation time referenced in S206 is selected and stored in the retention rank No. 1 in the special symbol retention table 74a (S208). For example, if the referenced fluctuation time is the normal time and the fluctuation time is any of 10 to 18 seconds, the normal fluctuation pattern associated with the referenced fluctuation time is changed to the normal time fluctuation pattern. A selection is made from the table 73a1 (FIG. 7A).

  In addition, when the referenced fluctuation time is the normal time and the fluctuation time is any one of 20 to 30 seconds, the normal reach pattern associated with the referenced fluctuation time is displayed as the normal time fluctuation pattern table. Select from 73a2. In addition, when the referenced fluctuation time is the normal time and the fluctuation time is any of 40 to 64 seconds, the super reach pattern associated with the referenced fluctuation time is changed to the normal time fluctuation pattern. Select from table 73a3.

  If the referenced variation time is the probability variation time and the variation time is 5 seconds, the normal variation pattern A06 associated with the referenced variation time 5 seconds is selected from the probability variation time variation pattern table 73b1. To do. If the referenced variation time is the probability variation time and the variation time is 20 seconds, the normal reach pattern B07 associated with the referenced variation time 20 seconds is selected from the probability variation time variation pattern table 73b2. . If the referenced variation time is the probability variation time and the variation time is 40 seconds, the super reach pattern C07 associated with the referenced variation time 40 seconds is selected from the probability variation time variation pattern table 73b3. To do.

  If the referenced variation time is the specific time and the variation time is 2 seconds, the normal variation pattern A07 associated with the referenced variation time 2 seconds is selected from the specific time variation pattern table 73c1. To do. If the referenced variation time is the specific time and the variation time is 5 seconds, the normal reach pattern B08 associated with the referenced variation time 5 seconds is selected from the specific time variation pattern table 73c2. . If the referenced variation time is the specific time and the variation time is 10 seconds, the super reach pattern C08 associated with the referenced variation time 10 seconds is selected from the specific time variation pattern table 73c3. To do.

(Direction processing)
Next, the flow of the effect process (S605) executed by the effect control CPU 72 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  The effect control CPU 72 determines whether or not the variation time of the effect symbol is being measured (S221). If it is determined that the effect symbol is not being measured (S221: No), the effect control RAM 74 is referred to as a special one. The variation pattern stored first in the retention order in the symbol hold table 74a is read (S222), and the effect display device 30 starts to display the variation of the effect symbols according to the read variation pattern (S223). Subsequently, the effect symbol variation time is set (S224), and the measurement of the effect symbol variation time is started (S225).

  Subsequently, the storage order of each data stored in the special symbol reservation table 74a is incremented by one (S226), and the special symbol reservation number U1 is updated by subtracting 1 from the special symbol reservation number U1 (S227). And when this effect process is executed in the next cycle, if it is determined in S221 that the effect symbol variation time is being measured (S221: Yes), it is determined whether or not the time being measured has timed up. If it is determined (S228) and it is determined that the time is up (S228: Yes), the effect display device 30 stops the change of the effect symbol (S229), and is associated with the change pattern read in the previous S222. The confirmed symbol is confirmed and displayed on the effect display device 30 (S230).

[Effect of the first embodiment]
As described above, when the pachinko machine 1 according to the first embodiment described above is used, when the gaming state is changed to the probability changing gaming state, 1 of the closing time of the gaming store in which the pachinko machine 1 is installed. Within the time, the variation time of the effect symbol of the effect display device 30 can be shortened compared with the probability variation game state.
Therefore, since the number of changes in the effect symbol in one hour before the store closing time when changing to the probability variation gaming state can be increased, it is difficult to reduce the number of occurrences of jackpots.

Second Embodiment
Next explained is the second embodiment of the invention. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the flow of the time determination process executed by the main control CPU 52 in S501 of FIG. 9 in this embodiment. Since the pachinko machine of this embodiment has the same configuration and function as the pachinko machine 1 of the first embodiment except for part of the time determination process, the description of the same part is omitted and the time determination process is omitted. Only explained.

  The main control CPU 52 refers to the current time measured by the clock 55 (FIG. 4) (S10), and the time from the referenced current time to the closing time of the game shop in which the pachinko machine 1 is installed is 1. It is determined whether it is within the time (S11). If it is determined that the current time is within one hour (S11: Yes), the specific time flag indicating that the current time to the closing time is within one hour, that is, the current time is within the specific time is turned on. (S13). If it is determined in S11 that it is not within one hour (S11: No), the specific time flag is turned off (S14).

As described above, if the pachinko machine according to the second embodiment is used, the variation time of the effect symbol of the effect display device 30 is definitely changed within one hour of the closing time of the game shop in which the pachinko machine 1 is installed. It can be shortened compared to the state.
Therefore, since the number of fluctuations in the effect symbol can be increased, the probability of occurrence of a big hit is increased, so that even if the store is entered close to the store and a game is started, the big hit is likely to occur.

<Other embodiments>
(1) When a big hit occurs within a specific time, the effect symbol variation time can be returned to the effect symbol variation time before shortening. If this structure is used, the disadvantage at the game store side by continuing shortening of effect design variation time can be made small.

(2) It is also possible to configure so that the effect symbol variation time is returned to the effect symbol variation time before the shortening when the number of variations of the effect symbol within the specific time reaches the specific variation count. By using this configuration, it is possible to enjoy a thrilling game whether or not the number of changes in the production symbol reaches a specific number of changes.

(3) It is also possible to configure such that the number of fluctuations of the effect symbol within a specific time can be determined by lottery. By using this configuration, it is possible to enjoy the thrill of how many times the variation of the production symbol is drawn.

(4) The design symbol variation time can be shortened as the remaining time until the closing time decreases within a specific time. If this configuration is used, unfairness due to the difference in the remaining time until the closing time can be eliminated.

1 ... Pachinko machine 4 ... Launching device 5 ... Game board 21 ... Starting port,
52..Main control CPU (big hit judging means) 55..Clock.

Claims (2)

A game board in which a game area is formed on the board;
A start opening provided in the game board;
A launcher that launches a game ball into the game area;
A jackpot judging means for judging whether the game ball launched by the launching device has passed the start opening or not,
In a pachinko machine comprising: a symbol display device that starts symbol variation display when a game ball passes through the start opening, and displays a symbol indicating a determination result of the jackpot determination means after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the game ball ,
In the specific time before the closing of the game shop in which the pachinko machine is installed, the fluctuation time required for the symbol display device to start displaying the symbol variation and display the symbol indicating the determination result is closed. A pachinko machine characterized by comprising fluctuating time shortening means for shortening the remaining time until the time decreases . When the gaming state with a low probability of being determined to be a big hit by the jackpot determination means is a normal gaming state, and the gaming state with a high probability is a probability variation gaming state, the probability variation gaming state is more than the normal gaming state. It is configured to reduce the fluctuation time,
The variation time shortening means includes:
2. The pachinko machine according to claim 1, wherein when the specific time before the closing of the store is reached in the probability variation gaming state, the variation time is shortened compared to the time of the probability variation gaming state.

Images