JP5429261B2 - Bullet ball machine - Google Patents

Description

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

  When the game ball launched toward the game board enters the starting port, the symbol is changed by the symbol display device and then stopped at the winning symbol or off symbol. A ball game machine that executes a hit game that allows a player to acquire a large amount of game balls as prize balls is widely known. In such a ball game machine, the symbol variation time is determined in advance before the symbol variation starts, and when the variation time elapses, the symbol being varied is stopped. Further, when a game ball enters the start port during the change of the symbol, the incoming ball is stored as a hold, and after the changing symbol is stopped, a new change based on the hold is started. Furthermore, it is common to execute various effects for enhancing the interest of the player using an effect display device or the like in accordance with the change time of the symbol.

  In addition, in such a ball game machine, if a player performs a predetermined operation (variation shortening operation) while the symbol is changing, the symbol that is changing is stopped before the change time elapses (the change time of the symbol). Has been proposed (for example, Patent Document 1). Thereby, the player knows the result of the symbol variation (whether the winning symbol or the off symbol is stopped) without waiting for the elapse of the predetermined symbol variation time by performing the variation shortening operation. It becomes possible.

JP 2001-327703 A

  However, in such a ball game machine having a function (variation shortening function) for shortening the symbol variation time by the player's operation (selection), it is performed per unit time as compared with the case without the variation shortening function. The number of symbol fluctuations (pending digestion rate) increases, and as a result, game balls that are acquired in a short time or game balls that are consumed in a short time (investment amount) may be excessive, resulting in excessive gambling. There is. In addition, since the variation time of the symbol can be shortened, the result of the symbol variation can be displayed quickly, but the effect set in accordance with the variation time is omitted in the middle (not executed until the end). Even if a sophisticated production is prepared, there is a problem that it is difficult to enhance the interest of the player by the production.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems in the prior art, and in a ball game machine capable of shortening the symbol variation time by the player's operation, The purpose is to provide technology that can enhance the interests of the elderly.

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,
After determining whether or not the game ball launched into the game area has entered the start port, the symbol display device performs symbol variation to stop the winning symbol or the off symbol, and determine whether or not the game is successful. In the case of a ball game machine that executes a winning game that is advantageous to the player by stopping the winning symbol,
When a game ball enters the start opening, hold information storage means for storing hold information indicating that the ball has entered until the symbol change caused by the ball is entered,
Fluctuation time determining means for predetermining the variation time of the symbol corresponding to the hold information before the variation of the symbol is started,
The symbol display control means for starting the variation of the symbol based on the hold information, and executing control for stopping the symbol in variation according to the result of the determination of success / failure when the predetermined variation time has elapsed,
Production execution means for performing production in conjunction with the change in the design,
An operation unit that can be operated by a player during the variation of the symbol,
The operation unit is activated by a player on the condition that at least one hold information that has not yet started changing the symbol is stored.
When the operation unit is operated during the variation of the symbol, variation time shortening means for performing a shortening process for stopping the symbol during the variation before the predetermined variation time elapses;
An extension process for calculating a shortened time obtained by subtracting an actual variation time from the predetermined variation time, and adding the shortened time to the variation time of the symbol for any of the stored hold information. And a variable time extending means for performing.

  In such a ball game machine of the present invention, when a game ball enters the start opening, the hold information is stored, and the symbol is changed by the symbol display device based on the hold information. Before the change of the symbol is started, the change time is determined in advance, and when the change time elapses, the changing symbol stops at the winning symbol or the off symbol according to the determination result. In addition, the effect is executed in conjunction with the variation of the symbol. Furthermore, on the condition that at least one hold information that has not yet started the change of the symbol is stored, the operation of the predetermined operation unit is validated during the change of the symbol, and the operation of the operation unit is performed. In such a case, a shortening process for stopping the changing symbol is performed before the elapse of a predetermined variation time (the variation shortening function is activated). For this reason, the player does not wait for the elapse of a predetermined variation time by operating the operation unit during the variation of the symbol, so that the result of the symbol variation (whether the winning symbol or the off symbol stops). To know quickly.

  In the ball game machine of the present invention, when the shortening process is performed (when the variation shortening function is activated), the shortened time obtained by subtracting the actual variation time from the predetermined variation time is calculated and stored. An extension process for adding the calculated shortening time to the symbol variation time is performed on any of the pending information. As a result, the total of the actual variation time (total variation time) of the symbol variation performed until all the pending information is digested is different depending on whether the variation shortening function is activated or not. Of course, the number of times that the determination is made is the same. As a result, there is no significant change in the number of game balls acquired within a unit time or the number of game balls consumed within a unit time, regardless of whether or not the fluctuation shortening function is activated, so that gambling is excessively increased. Without any change, it is possible to enhance the interest of the player by operating the fluctuation shortening function.

  In addition, on the condition that there is at least one on-hold information that has not yet started the symbol variation, the operation of the operation unit is enabled (the variation shortening function can be activated), so that The effect is produced. In other words, even if there is no hold information, the fluctuation shortening function can be operated, and the shortening time caused by the fluctuation shortening function is added to the symbol variation fluctuation time to be started later (extension processing). ), The player who operated the fluctuation reduction function (operating the operation unit) may be different from the player who is performing the extension process, and the player has operated the fluctuation reduction function. However, there is a possibility that it may be disadvantageous for a player who does not have the extension process (extension of the symbol variation time). On the other hand, if the extension process is performed on any of the hold information that already exists at the time of the operation of the fluctuation shortening function, at least all the players who have operated the fluctuation shortening function Since the game machine is not left until the information is digested, it is possible to prevent a situation in which other players are disadvantaged.

  In the above-described ball game machine of the present invention, the content of the effect is determined based on the variation time of the symbol, and the variation time after the extension process (the variation time after the addition of the shortening time) is set to a predetermined time. When it is reached, a special effect that is performed when it is highly likely that the result of the determination is a win may be executed regardless of the result of the determination.

  In this way, regardless of the determination result, the player activates the variation shortening function, and adds the shortening time to the variation time of the symbol variation corresponding to any of the stored hold information. The execution time (predetermined time) of the special effect performed in conjunction with the symbol variation can be ensured. And in order to generate a special effect, a new gameplay occurs that activates the variation shortening function and accumulates the shortening time as the variation time of the later symbol variation, so that the player's interest is enhanced by the variation shortening function Is possible. In addition, if the hold information is interrupted, the operation of the fluctuation shortening function is prohibited and the symbol change time cannot be accumulated, so the player tries to store the hold information. As a result, it is possible to prevent so-called hitting (stopping the launching of the game ball until the hold information is digested) and to improve the operating rate of the ball game machine in the game hall.

  In addition, in such a ball game machine of the present invention, extension processing (adding a shortening time to the symbol variation time is added to the suspension information for which the symbol variation starts first among the stored suspension information. (Processing) may be performed.

  In this way, if the shortening time is added to the variation time of the symbol variation that is started first, the player repeats the operation of the operation unit (operation of the variation shortening function), thereby reducing the shortening time one after another. It becomes possible to carry over to the back symbol fluctuation. Then, in the symbol variation when the player stops operating the operation unit, the symbol variation continues for the accumulated variation time (the accumulated variation time is released) and linked with the symbol variation. Since the effect (design interlocking effect) is performed, the length of the symbol interlocking effect can be changed by the player's judgment.

  According to the present invention, in a ball and ball game machine capable of shortening the symbol variation time by the player's operation, the player's interest can be enhanced without excessively increasing the gambling ability.

It is a front view of the game machine (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 a special symbol display apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows the screen structure of an effect display apparatus. It is the block diagram which showed the structure of the control circuit in the game 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 the stop display aspect of the special symbol notionally. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the one aspect | mode of the effect performed with an effect display apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows a game control process. It is a flowchart which shows the special figure pending | holding related process of 1st Example. It is the flowchart which showed the first half part of the special symbol game process. It is the flowchart which showed the second half part of the special symbol game process. It is the flowchart which showed the first half part of the special figure fluctuation display process. It is the flowchart which showed the latter half part of the special figure fluctuation display process. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the big hit determination table. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the big hit symbol determination table. It is the flowchart which showed the fluctuation pattern determination process. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the fluctuation pattern table for normal use. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the fluctuation pattern table for time reduction. It is a flowchart which shows a big hit game process. It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of jackpot end. It is the flowchart which showed the rough flow of the game effect control process. It is the flowchart which showed the pending | holding display process of 1st Example. It is the flowchart which showed the symbol fluctuation production process of 1st Example. It is the flowchart which showed the variation production content determination processing of 1st Example. It is explanatory drawing which matched the some production pattern set to the pachinko machine of a present Example with production time. It is the flowchart which showed the shortening time accumulation | storage process. It is the time chart which showed a mode that the fluctuation shortening function act | operates in the pachinko machine of 1st Example. It is the flowchart which showed the special figure reservation related process of 2nd Example. It is the flowchart which showed the pending | holding display process of 2nd Example. It is the flowchart which showed the symbol fluctuation production process of 2nd Example. It is the flowchart which showed the variation production content decision processing of 2nd execution example. It is the time chart which showed a mode that the fluctuation shortening function act | operates in the pachinko machine of 2nd Example.

  In order to clarify the contents of the present invention described above, an embodiment in which the configuration of the present invention is applied to the following pachinko machine will be described.

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 window portion 4a is formed at a substantially central portion. A transparent plate such as a glass plate is fitted in the window 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 LEDs and 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. Further, a locking device 9 is provided on the right side of the front frame 4, and a prepaid card type ball lending device 13 (CR unit) is provided on the left side of the front frame 4.

  The upper dish portion 5 is provided with a dish-shaped recess and a dish outer edge portion 5a formed so as to surround the recess. The game ball is thrown into a recess formed in the upper plate part 5 and supplied to the launching device unit 12 (see FIG. 5). Various types of buttons such as a game ball lending switch 5b, a return switch 5c, and a discharge button for discharging the inserted game ball are provided on the outer edge 5a of the dish. An effect button 5 d is provided on the front side of the upper plate part 5. The player can intervene in the progress of the game effect such as selecting an item related to the game effect by pressing the effect button 5d. Furthermore, a speaker 5 y is provided on the left side of the upper plate part 5. The effect button 5d of this embodiment corresponds to the “operation unit” of the present invention.

  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. 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. 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 fired from the launcher unit 12 described above passes between the outer rail 14 and the inner rail 15 and is released to the game area 11, and flows down the game area 11 from above to below.

  A central device 26 is provided in the approximate center of the game area 11, and a variable prize device 18 is provided in the lower part of the game area 11, and the start port 17 is provided between the central device 26 and the variable prize device 18. Is provided. The start port 17 is a so-called tulip-type entrance that is configured such that a pair of blade pieces can be opened and closed left and right. A start port switch 17s (see FIG. 5) for detecting the passage of the game ball and a start port solenoid 17m (see FIG. 5) for operating the pair of wing pieces are provided inside the start port 17. Yes. When the pair of wing pieces are opened to the left and right (outside), the game ball is likely to enter the open state. When the pair of wing pieces are upright, the game ball is less likely to enter the normal state. Become.

  An effect display device 27 is provided substantially in the center of the central device 26. The effect display device 27 is configured by a liquid crystal display, and on the display screen, various effect symbols such as an identification symbol and a background symbol can be variably displayed or stopped. Various effect symbols displayed on the display screen of the effect display device 27 will be described later.

  A special symbol display device 28 is provided diagonally to the left of the effect display device 27. The special symbol display device 28 can variably display normal symbols and special symbols. The detailed configuration of the special symbol display device 28 will be described later. Hereinafter, the special symbol may be simply abbreviated as “special symbol”.

  A normal symbol operation left gate 36 is provided at the left end of the game area 11, and a normal symbol operation right gate 37 is provided at the right end of the game area 11. Inside these normal symbol operation gates 36 and 37, gate switches 36s and 37s for detecting the passage of the game ball are provided, respectively. Further, lamp wind turbines 24 and 25 are provided between the left and right normal symbol operation gates 36 and 37 and the central device 26. Further, a number of obstacle nails 23 are provided between and around each of these gaming devices.

  In the variable winning device 18 provided below the central device 26, a large winning device 31 is provided substantially in the center. The big prize device 31 includes a big prize opening 31d that opens largely in a substantially rectangular shape, an opening / closing member 31e for opening and closing the big prize opening 31d, a big prize opening solenoid 31m (see FIG. 5) for operating the opening / closing member 31e, and the like. It is composed of When a predetermined condition to be described later is satisfied, the special winning device 31 is operated and the opening / closing member 31e is opened by the special winning port solenoid 31m, so that the special winning port 31d is opened. As a result, the game ball enters the big winning opening 31d with a high probability, and the big hit gaming state, which is a gaming state advantageous to the player, is started. In addition, a special winning opening switch 31s 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. Further, an out port 48 is provided at a position below the variable winning device 18, and a back ball preventing member 58 is provided below the out port 48. The back ball prevention member 58 has a function of preventing a game ball that has returned without reaching the game area 11 from returning to the launch position.

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

  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 mainly configured by using a liquid crystal display, and on the display screen, three identification symbols 27a, 27b, 27c and a background symbol 27d of the background are displayed. Has been. Among these, the three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are variably displayed in various manners according to the special symbol of the special symbol display unit 30 shown in FIG. 3 being variably displayed, thereby producing a game. In addition, a hold display area 27e is provided at the lower part of the display screen of the effect display device 27, and hold display is performed in accordance with the display of the special figure hold display LED 30b (the number of special symbols held). The identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c of this embodiment correspond to the “symbol” of the present invention, and the effect display device 27 of the present embodiment corresponds to the “symbol display device” of the present invention. .

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. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control circuit in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the control circuit of the pachinko machine 1 is composed of a number of control boards and various boards, but focusing on the function, whether or not it is related to the basic progress of the game and the winning ball (lottery) ), A sub-control board 220 that controls the effect of the game using effect symbols, lamps, and sound effects, and the details of the effect display device 27 under the control of the sub-control board 220 An effect control board 230 that performs general control, a payout control board 240 that controls the operation of paying out rental balls and prize balls, a launch control board 260 that controls control related to the launch of game balls, and the like. These control boards include various types of CPUs, such as a CPU that executes various logical operations and calculation operations, a ROM that stores various programs and data executed by the CPU, and a RAM that stores temporary data when the program is executed. Peripheral LSIs are connected to each other via a bus. Further, the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 5 represents the direction in which data or signals are input / output (transmitted / received). In FIG. 5, the CPU 201, ROM 202, RAM 203 mounted on the main control board 200, CPU 221, ROM 222, RAM 223 mounted on the sub control board 220, CPU 231, ROM 232, RAM 233, and image ROM 234 mounted on the effect control board 230. Only is shown.

  As shown in the figure, the main control board 200 receives the detection signal of the game ball from the start port switch 17s, the big prize port switch 31s, the gate switches 36s, 37s, etc., and the basic progress of the game and the prize ball After deciding whether or not to be involved, 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 of the start opening 17, a large winning opening solenoid 31m for opening and closing a large winning opening 31d, and a special symbol display. The device 28 is connected, and these operations are also controlled by transmitting signals to the various solenoids 17m and 31m and the special symbol display device 28.

  When the sub-control board 220 receives various commands from the main control board 200, the sub-control board 220 analyzes the contents of the command and produces a game according to the result. That is, a command for designating display contents is transmitted to the effect control board 230 that performs display control of the effect display device 27 described above, the amplifier board 224 that drives the speaker 5y, various decorative LEDs and lamps 4b to 4f. The game is rendered by transmitting a drive signal to the decorative drive board 226 that drives the game. Further, the operation signal of the effect button 5d described above is input to the sub control board 220 via the effect button board 228.

  The payout control board 240 is responsible for various controls relating to so-called ball rental and prize ball payout. For example, when a player operates the ball lending switch 5b or the return switch 5c provided in the above-described upper plate part 5, the operation 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 communicating data with the payout control board 240. Further, 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.

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 launching handle 8, and the player can aim the game ball by changing the rotation angle of the launching handle 8.

  When the launched game ball passes through either the normal symbol operation left gate 36 or the normal symbol operation right gate 37 provided on the left and right of the game area 11, a special symbol display device provided at the lower left of the effect display device 27. In 28, the normal symbol variation display is started. As described above with reference to FIG. 4, the special symbol display device 28 is provided with the normal symbol display unit 29, and the normal symbol display unit 29 is mounted with the normal symbol LED 29 a and the universal symbol hold display LED 29 b. . Of these, the normal symbol LED 29a is used to display the variation of the normal symbol.

  FIG. 6A is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a state in which normal symbols are variably displayed. In the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the normal symbol LED 29a is repeatedly blinked to display the variation of the normal symbol. In FIG. 6, 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. Then, after repeating blinking for a predetermined time, when the normal symbol LED 29a stops in a lighting state, it becomes a hit of the normal symbol and the start port 17 is opened for a predetermined opening time. On the contrary, when it stops in the light-off state, it is usually out of the design and the start port 17 does not open. If the game ball passes the normal symbol operation left gate 36 or the normal symbol operation right gate 37 during the normal symbol variation display, the passage of this game ball is stored as the normal symbol hold (ordinary symbol hold). After the current normal symbol variation display is completed, the variation display is performed. It is possible to store up to four common figure holds, and the stored number of normal symbols (the number of common figure holds) is displayed by the common figure hold display LED 29b.

  FIG. 6B is an explanatory view showing a state in which the number of universal symbols on hold is displayed by the universal symbol hold display LED 29 b provided on the special symbol display device 28. When there is no general map hold (that is, when there is no general map hold), both of the two general map hold display LEDs 29b are turned off. When there is one common map hold, the left general map hold display LED 29b is turned off and the right general map hold display LED 29b is lit. When there are two common map holds, the left general map hold display LED 29b is lit in addition to the right general map hold display LED 29b. Next, when there are three common map holds, the right general map hold display LED 29b blinks and the left general map hold display LED 29b lights. Further, when the number of normal map hold increases to the upper limit of four, the left and right general map hold display LEDs 29b blink. As described above, the normal symbol display unit 29 can display 0 to 4 universal symbol hold numbers by turning on, off, or blinking the two universal symbol hold display LEDs 29b.

  As described above with reference to FIG. 3A, the special symbol display device 28 is provided with the special symbol display unit 30 so that the special symbol (special symbol) can be variably displayed. The special symbol starts to be displayed when a game ball enters the start port 17. And the special symbol which performed the fluctuation display over the predetermined fluctuation time is stopped and displayed in any of the modes described below.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory view conceptually showing a stop display mode of special symbols. As described above with reference to FIG. 3, the special symbol display unit 30 includes seven LEDs, and displays these special symbols by lighting them. As shown in FIG. 7, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, six types of jackpot symbols (A, B, C, D, E, and F) are displayed as the special symbol stop display mode (stop symbol). There are 8 patterns in total, including 2 outliers. In the special symbol display device 28, special symbols are displayed by blinking seven LEDs (special symbol LEDs 30a) for a predetermined variation time. When the predetermined variation time has elapsed, one of the stop symbols is stopped and displayed. To do. Then, when any of the jackpot symbols (A to F) is stopped and displayed, the jackpot game in which the jackpot 31d is opened (a jackpot is generated).

  The big hit game is configured such that a round game is repeated a plurality of times when the special winning opening 31d is opened and the opening time elapses or when a predetermined number of game balls are entered. The player can acquire the number of prize balls corresponding to the number of entered balls by causing the game balls to enter the open large winning opening 31d. Thus, the big hit game in which the game ball can enter the big winning opening 31d is an advantageous game state for the player. Further, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, as a probability that the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed (a jackpot probability), a normal probability (low probability) and a high probability higher than the normal probability are provided, and the jackpot symbol A , B, or C is displayed in a stopped state, the jackpot probability after the jackpot game ends is set to a high probability, whereas any of the jackpot symbols D, E, or F is displayed in a stopped state. In this case, the jackpot probability after the jackpot game ends is set to the normal probability. In the following, the jackpot symbols A, B, and C are sometimes referred to as “probable variation jackpot symbols”, and the jackpot symbols D, E, and F are sometimes referred to as “normal jackpot symbols”.

  In addition, a game ball entering the start port 17 is stored as a special symbol hold (special figure hold) until a special symbol change display resulting from the ball is displayed. Up to four special figure holds can be stored, and the number of stored special figure holds (the number of special figure holds) is displayed by the special figure hold display LED 30b. The manner in which the number of special symbols held using the special symbol hold display LED 30b is displayed is exactly the same as the case of the number of normal symbols held in the general symbol hold display LED 29b shown in FIG. 6B. Then, explanation is omitted.

  As described above, various effects using the effect symbols (identification symbols 27a, 27b, 27c, background symbols 27d, etc.) are performed in the effect display device 27 as the special symbols are displayed in a variable manner and stopped. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an aspect of the effect performed by the effect display device 27. As described above with reference to FIG. 4, three identification symbols 27 a, 27 b and 27 c are displayed on the liquid crystal display screen constituting the effect display device 27. When the variation display of the special symbol is started by the special symbol display device 28 described above, also in the effect display device 27, these three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c start the variation display all at once. In the present embodiment, a design in which nine numbers from “1” to “9” are designed as identification symbols is prepared. Note that the identification symbol may be a symbol, character, graphic, symbol, or the like as a design in addition to numerals, as long as the player can identify the type.

  FIG. 8A conceptually shows a state in which the three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are variably displayed at the same time. When a predetermined time elapses after the variable display is started, 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 of the three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c that are stopped and displayed on the effect display device 27 is interlocked with the stop display mode (stop symbol) of the special symbols that are stopped and displayed on the special symbol display device 28 described above. It is configured. For example, when the special symbol stops at the “big hit symbol”, the three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c of the effect display device 27 are stopped and displayed with the same symbol. Further, when the special symbol is stopped at the “off symbol”, the three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are stopped and displayed in a combination that does not align with the same symbol.

  In this way, the special symbol displayed on the special symbol display device 28 and the three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c displayed on the effect display device 27 correspond to each other, and the changing special When the symbols are stopped and displayed, the three identification symbols 27a, 27b and 27c are also stopped and displayed. In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, the effect display device 27 is provided at a position that is more easily noticeable than the special symbol display device 28, and the display screen is large and the display content is easy to understand. It is normal to play a game while looking at the screen of the device 27. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8B, 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 change of the 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 performed in a state where the two identification symbols are stopped with the same symbol (a mode that can be a big hit symbol) and the last identification symbol is variably displayed is called “reach effect”. It is possible to enhance the entertainment interest of the game by generating. Further, as will be described in detail later, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when the effect button 5d is operated by the player while the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are being displayed, the special symbols are continuously displayed. Only the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c can be stopped and displayed. Therefore, the player can quickly know the result of the variation display of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c (whether they are aligned with the same symbol) by operating the effect button 5d.

  As described above, the hold display area 27e is provided at the lower part of the display screen of the effect display device 27. When a hold is added in the special figure hold display LED 30b shown in FIG. 3 (see FIG. 6B), a hold display is added to the hold display area 27e in the effect display device 27 accordingly. Therefore, in the hold display area 27e of the effect display device 27, it is possible to perform hold display up to a maximum of four similarly to the special figure hold display LED 30b.

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

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

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

  When the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 performs a process related to the prize ball (S50), this time, whether or not to perform the normal symbol game process, that is, whether to perform the process of variably displaying the normal symbol and stopping and displaying it It is determined whether or not (S100). This determination is made by detecting whether or not the start port 17 is open. If the start port 17 is not open, it is determined that the normal symbol game process is performed (S100: yes), and if the start port 17 is open, it is determined that the normal symbol game process is not performed (S100: no). . When it is determined that the normal symbol game process is to be performed (S100: yes), the normal symbol game process described below is performed (S150). On the other hand, when it is determined that the normal symbol game process is not performed (S100: no), the normal symbol game process (S150) is omitted.

  In the normal symbol game process (S150), the following processes are mainly performed. First, it is determined whether or not a normal symbol hold (ordinary symbol hold) exists (whether or not it is “0”). If a general symbol hold exists, a normal symbol hit determination is performed. As described above, the common figure hold is stored when the game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gates 36 and 37, and in this embodiment, the upper limit value of the number of holds is “4”. Then, based on the result of the normal symbol hit determination, it is determined whether the normal symbol is to be stopped and displayed with the winning symbol (see FIG. 6A) or with the off symbol. Subsequently, after the normal symbol fluctuation display time is set, the normal symbol fluctuation display is started. When the normal symbol variation display time elapses, the normal symbol is stopped and displayed with the determined symbol. At this time, when the normal symbol hit symbol is stopped, the start port solenoid 17m is operated. By opening the pair of blade pieces provided in the start port 17 to the left and right (outside), the start port 17 is opened.

  When the normal symbol game process is completed as described above, it is determined whether or not the start port 17 is open (S190). If it is in the open state (S190: yes), a process for starting the start port 17 from the open state to the normal state (start port return process) is performed (S200). On the other hand, when the start port 17 is not in an open state (S190: no), it is not necessary to perform the start port return process, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  In the starting port return process (S200), if any of the following conditions is satisfied, that is, whether the opening time of the starting port 17 has elapsed, or whether a prescribed number of game balls have entered the starting port 17 It is determined whether or not any of the above conditions is satisfied, and when any of the conditions (start port opening end condition) is satisfied, a process of variably controlling the open start port 17 to the normal state is performed. The opening time of the start port 17 is normally set to a short time (for example, 0.5 seconds), but when the opening extension flag described later is set to ON and the opening extension function is activated. Is extended for a long time (for example, 5 seconds). On the other hand, when the opening time of the start port 17 has not elapsed and the number of balls entering the start port 17 has not reached the specified number (when the start port open end condition is not satisfied), the start port 17 is The start port return process (S200) is terminated while the open state is maintained. When the start port return process is completed and the game control process is resumed, a special figure holding related process (S250) described below is started.

C-1-2. Special figure hold related processing:
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the special figure hold related process of the first embodiment. In the special figure hold related process (S250), first, it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered the start port 17 (S252). When a game ball enters the starting port 17 (S252: yes), it is determined whether or not the number of special symbols held (special figure holding number) has reached the upper limit ("4" in this embodiment). (S254). If the special figure hold number has not reached the upper limit (S254: no), a determination random number is acquired (S256). Here, as the determination random number, a jackpot determination random number used to perform a jackpot determination to be described later, a symbol determination random number used to determine a symbol to be stopped and displayed by the special symbol display unit 30, a variation display of the special symbol A random number such as a variation pattern determination random number used to determine the mode (variation pattern) is acquired. Subsequently, when these determination random numbers are stored as special figure hold in the RAM 203 mounted on the main control board 200 (S258), "1" is added to the special figure hold number (S260).

  When “1” is added to the special figure hold number in this way (S260), a hold occurrence command indicating that the special figure hold has occurred is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 (S260). The hold occurrence command includes hold information such as the jackpot determination random number, the symbol determination random number, and the variation pattern determination random number acquired in S256, and the sub-control board 220 receives the hold occurrence command to perform main control. The hold information (determination random number) stored in the RAM 203 of the substrate 200 can be grasped.

  On the other hand, when a game ball does not enter the start port 17 (S252: no), or when the number of special figure reservations reaches the upper limit (here, “4”) (S254: yes) A series of processes after the process (S256) for obtaining the determination random number is omitted.

  As described above, when the process related to the special figure hold is finished, the special figure hold related process shown in FIG. 10 is finished, and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG. When returning from the special figure hold-related process, the game control process starts a special symbol game process (S300) described below.

C-1-3. Special design game processing:
11 and 12 are flowcharts showing the special symbol game process. When starting the special symbol game process, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 first determines whether or not a big hit game is being played (S302). If it is a big hit game (S302: 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 not in the big hit game (S302: no), it is determined whether or not the special symbol is changing (S304). As described above with reference to FIG. 3, the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment is provided with the special symbol display device 28, and the special symbol display device 28 can display the special symbols in a variable manner.

  If the special symbol is not changing (S304: no), it is determined whether or not it is during the time for displaying the special symbol as a stop symbol (the special symbol stop display time) (S306). That is, for a period of time after the special symbol is stopped and displayed, a stop display time is provided as a confirmation time for the player to confirm the stopped and displayed symbols. to decide. If the special symbol is not variably displayed and the special symbol stop display time has elapsed (S306: no), the process for starting the special symbol variability display (special symbol variability display processing) ) Is started (S310).

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the first half of the special figure variation display process. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the latter half of the special figure variation display process. As shown in the figure, in the special figure variation display process, first, it is determined whether or not the special figure holding number is “0” (S3100). If the number of special figure hold is “0” (S3100: yes), it can be determined that the special figure hold is not stored, so there is no need to start the special symbol variation display. Therefore, the special figure variation display process of FIGS. 13 and 14 is terminated, and the process returns to the special symbol game process shown in FIGS. 11 and 12.

  On the other hand, if the number of special figure hold is not “0” (S3100: no), it can be determined that at least one special figure hold is stored. The oldest stored special figure hold (that is, the jackpot determination random number, the symbol determination random number, the variation pattern determination random number, etc. stored as the special figure hold) is read (S3102).

  After reading the special figure hold (S3102), it is determined whether or not the high probability flag is set to ON (S3104). As described above, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the probability (hit probability) that the special symbol is stopped and displayed with the jackpot symbol (A to F) is higher than the normal probability (low probability) or higher than the normal probability. It is possible to set the probability. The high probability flag is a flag that is set to ON when the big hit probability is set to a high probability, and a predetermined address of the RAM 203 mounted on the main control board 200 is assigned as the high probability flag. The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 determines whether or not the current jackpot probability is high from the setting status of the high probability flag. If the high probability flag is not set to ON (S3104: no), the normal probability jackpot determination table is selected (S3106). If the high probability flag is set to ON (S3104: yes), A jackpot determination table for high probability is selected (S3108). Here, the big hit determination table is a table in which determination results of “big hit” or “out” are set in association with the big hit determination random number, and are stored in the ROM 202 of the main control board 200 in advance.

  FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a jackpot determination table stored in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 15A shows a jackpot determination table for normal probability, and FIG. 15B shows a jackpot determination table for high probability. As shown in the drawing, in each of the big hit determination tables, determination results of “big hit” or “out” are associated with the big hit determination random numbers “0” to “630”. Further, as is clear from a comparison between FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B, the high probability jackpot determination table shown in FIG. 15B is the normal probability shown in FIG. 15A. The determination result of “big hit” is set to more random numbers than the big hit determination table. Specifically, the jackpot determination table for high probability is set to obtain a “big hit” determination result with a probability of about 8.8, whereas the jackpot determination for normal probability The table is set so that a “big hit” determination result can be obtained with a probability of about 1/5. Accordingly, when the jackpot determination is performed using the high probability jackpot determination table of FIG. 15B, the jackpot determination is performed using the normal probability jackpot determination table of FIG. 15A. However, the determination result of “big hit” is obtained with high probability. The fact that the determination result of the big hit is obtained is also expressed as “a big hit occurs”.

  Subsequently, in the special figure fluctuation display process of FIG. 13, with reference to the big hit determination table selected in the process of S3106 or S3108, whether or not the big hit determination random number read as special figure hold is a random number associated with “big hit”. It is determined whether or not the big hit determination result is a big hit (S3110). And when it is judged that the result of the big hit determination is a big hit (when a big hit has occurred) (S3110: yes), the big hit symbol to be stopped and displayed from the six types of big hit symbols (A to F) described above. Is performed (S3112). This process is performed by using a symbol determination random number (S3102) read out as special symbol hold and referring to a table called a jackpot symbol determination table. The jackpot symbol determination table is stored in advance in the ROM 202 of the main control board 200.

  FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a jackpot symbol determination table. As shown in the drawing, in the jackpot symbol determination table, any one of six types of jackpot symbols (A to F) is associated with symbol determination random numbers “0” to “99”. In the process of S3112, the jackpot symbol determination table is referred to, and the symbol associated with the symbol determination random number read as the special symbol hold is determined as the jackpot symbol to be stopped. As described above, the six types of big hit symbols (A to F) are roughly divided into probable big hit symbols (A to C) and normal big hit symbols (D to F). At the same time that the symbol is determined, the jackpot probability (normal probability or high probability) after the jackpot game ends is also determined.

  In the jackpot symbol determination table shown in FIG. 16, among the symbol determination random numbers of “0 to 99”, the jackpot symbol A is set to “0 to 19” (20%) and “20 to 39” (20%). Is a jackpot symbol B, "40-49" (10%) is a jackpot symbol C, "50-69" (20%) is a jackpot symbol D, "70-84" The jackpot symbol E is set for (15%), and the jackpot symbol F is set for “85-99” (15%). For this reason, when the big hit determination is “big hit”, the probability variation big hit symbol (A to C) is determined with a probability of 50% as the big hit symbol to be stopped, and the big hit probability after the big hit game ends is high probability. Is set. When any one of the six types of jackpot symbols (A to F) is determined in this way, the determined jackpot symbol is stored as a symbol to be stopped (stop symbol) (S3114).

  The case where the jackpot determination result is a jackpot (a jackpot has occurred) has been described above (S3110: yes). On the other hand, if the result of the big hit determination is out (S3110: no), refer to an unillustrated out symbol determination table to determine one of two types of out symbol (see FIG. 7). (S3116). Similar to the jackpot symbol determination table shown in FIG. 16, the loss symbol determination table is a table in which one of two types of loss symbols is associated with the symbol determination random number (“0 to 99”). Pre-stored in the ROM 202 of the control board 200. In the process of S3116, the symbol associated with the symbol determination random number read as the special symbol hold is determined as a symbol to be stopped and displayed with reference to such a symbol determination table. Further, the determined symbol determined in this way is stored as a stop symbol (S3114).

  When the symbols to be stopped and displayed (stop symbols) are stored in accordance with the result of the big hit determination as described above, the process (variation pattern determination processing) for determining the mode (variation pattern) for variably displaying the special symbols is started (figure pattern determination processing). 14 S3120). Note that even if the special symbol is variably displayed, it is only displayed by switching one of the plurality of display modes shown in FIG. 7 one after another. Therefore, the special symbol variation pattern is substantially different from the special symbol. It corresponds to the time to display (variation time). However, as described above, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, in conjunction with the special symbol variation display performed by the special symbol display device 28, the effect display device 27 performs variation display of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c. Therefore, when the variation pattern of the special symbol is determined, the time during which the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are displayed in a variable manner is determined. Then, as will be described later, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 displays the contents of the symbol variation effect that causes the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c to be variably displayed on the screen of the effect display device 27 within the range of the variation display time. It comes to decide.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the variation pattern determination process. When the variation pattern determination process is started, first, it is determined whether or not the time reduction flag is set to ON (S3122). As will be described in detail later, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the opening extension flag is set to ON and the opening extension function is activated (the opening time of the start port 17 is set to a long time), the time reduction flag Is set to ON, and the variation time of the special symbol is set to a shorter time than usual (time reduction function is activated). If the time reduction flag is not set to ON (S3122: no), the normal variation pattern table is selected (S3124). If the time reduction flag is set to ON (S3122: yes), the time reduction flag is set. A variation pattern table is selected (S3126). Here, the fluctuation pattern table is a table that is referred to in order to determine the fluctuation pattern, and is stored in advance in the ROM 202 of the main control board 200. As will be described later, a plurality of variation patterns are set in the variation pattern table, and the plurality of variation patterns correspond to different variation times.

  When the variation pattern table is selected in accordance with the state of the short time flag (ON / OFF), it is subsequently determined whether or not the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot (S3128). If the result of the big hit determination is a big hit (S3128: yes), the big hit fluctuation pattern is determined with reference to the selected fluctuation pattern table (S3130). On the other hand, when the result of the big hit determination is out (S3128: no), the out-of-range variation pattern is determined with reference to the selected variation pattern table (S3132).

  FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a normal variation pattern table. FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a variation pattern table for time reduction. As shown in the drawing, each variation pattern table is divided into a random number determination result of “0” to “99” for the case where the result of the big hit determination is “big hit” and “out of”. Any of a plurality of variation patterns is associated. In the process of S3130, the variation pattern table selected according to the state of the time reduction flag is referred to, and a special figure hold is read out from a plurality of variation patterns set for the case where the big hit determination result is “big hit”. The variation pattern associated with the variation pattern determination random number (S3102 in FIG. 13) is determined as the variation pattern of the special symbol for starting the present variation display. Further, in the process of S3132, the variation pattern associated with the variation pattern determination random number read out as the special figure hold is selected from the plurality of variation patterns set for the case where the big hit determination result is “out”. This is determined as the variation pattern of the special symbol that starts the variation display this time. As an example, the normal variation pattern table of FIG. 18 is selected (S3124), the jackpot determination result is “out” (S3128: no), and the variation pattern determination random number read as special hold is “25”. If there is, the variation pattern is determined to be “HP07”.

  18 and 19 show the variation times of special symbols corresponding to the variation patterns, and the variation times corresponding to the variation patterns are different. In addition, each variation pattern is associated with the presence or absence of the reach effect described above, and all of the jackpot variation patterns are the reach effect “Yes”, whereas the unbalanced variation pattern is the reach effect “ It is divided into a variation pattern of “Yes” and a variation pattern of “None” reach production. When the reach effect is performed, it takes time to stop the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c that are variably displayed on the effect display device 27, as compared with the case where the reach effect is not performed. For this reason, the variation time corresponding to the variation pattern of the reach effect “present” is longer than the variation time corresponding to the variation pattern of the reach effect “none”. Further, when the time reduction flag is set to ON and the time reduction function is activated, the special symbol variation time is set to a time shorter than usual. Therefore, as is apparent from a comparison between FIG. 18 and FIG. In the fluctuation pattern table for short time selected when FIG. 19 is ON (FIG. 19), the fluctuation pattern having a short fluctuation time compared to the normal fluctuation pattern table (FIG. 18) selected when the short time flag is OFF. There are many settings. It should be noted that the variation pattern table for normal use and the variation pattern table for time reduction use the same type of variation time (variation pattern) and change the distribution of variation pattern determination random numbers for each variation pattern. Also good. Thus, when setting (selecting) the change time using the change pattern table for time reduction (time reduction state), when setting the change time using the change pattern table for normal use (normal) It is possible to make it shorter than the average time of the variation time of the state.

  As described above, when the big hit fluctuation pattern or the out of fluctuation pattern is determined according to the result of the big hit determination, the fluctuation pattern determination process in FIG. 17 is terminated, and the special figure fluctuation display process in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 is performed. Return.

  In the special figure variation display process, when the process returns from the variation pattern determination process, the special symbol display device 28 starts the variation display of the special symbol (S3140), and subtracts “1” from the number of special figure suspension (S3142). Also, after subtracting “1” from the number of reserved special symbols, change start commands (variation pattern designation command and stop symbol designation command) to specify the type of special symbol variation pattern, special symbol stop symbol, etc. Transmission is performed toward the control board 220 (S3144). When the CPU 221 mounted on the sub-control board 220 receives the variation start time command, the CPU 221 selects a mode in which the effect display device 27 stops displaying the identification symbol based on the stop symbol designation command, and based on the variation pattern designation command. A variation mode (effect pattern) of the identification symbol on the effect display device 27 is selected. Then, the symbol variation effect is executed by displaying the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c in a variable manner on the display screen of the effect display device 27 in accordance with the selected effect pattern.

  When the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 transmits the change start time command, the special figure change display process shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 is terminated, and the process returns to the special symbol game process shown in FIGS. In the special symbol game process, when returning from the special figure variation display process, the process ends as it is, and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG.

  In the above, when the special symbol game process shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 is started, it is determined that the jackpot game is not being played (S302: no) and the special symbol is not variably displayed (S304: no). The processing in the case of being performed has been described. In contrast, if the special symbol is not changing (S302: no) but it is determined that the special symbol is changing (S304: yes), the special symbol change pattern and the stop symbol are already determined. This corresponds to the case where special symbol changes have started. Therefore, it is determined whether or not the special symbol variation time has elapsed (S312). As described above, since the variation time of the special symbol is determined in advance according to the variation pattern, the variation time of the special symbol is started by setting the variation time in a predetermined timer (variation time measurement timer) at the same time. It can be determined whether or not the fluctuation time has elapsed. As a result, if the variation time has not yet elapsed (S312: no), the special symbol game process of FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 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 fluctuation time has elapsed (S312: yes), a command (design stop command) indicating that the special symbol during the fluctuation display is to be stopped is transmitted to the sub-control board 220. (S314), the special symbol during the variable display is stopped and displayed at a predetermined stop symbol (S3112 to S3116 in FIG. 13) (S316). Then, after setting a time (stop display time) for holding the special symbol displayed in a stopped state in a stopped state (S318), it is determined whether or not the set stop display time has passed (S320). As a result, if the stop display time has not elapsed (S320: no), the special symbol game process is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG.

  After returning to the game control process of FIG. 9 with the special symbol stopped and displayed, when the special symbol game process of FIGS. 11 and 12 is started again, it is determined that the special symbol is not changing ( S304: no) Subsequently, since it is determined that it is during the stop display time (S306: yes), it is determined again whether or not the stop display time has elapsed in the determination of whether or not it is during the special symbol stop display time. (S320). If it is determined that the stop display time has passed while repeating such a determination (S320: yes), it is determined whether or not the special symbol is stopped and displayed as a jackpot symbol (FIG. 12). S322). If the special symbol is stopped and displayed as a big hit symbol (S322: yes), the type of the big hit symbol that is stopped and displayed (any of six types of big hit symbols (A to F)) is displayed on the main control board 200. The data is stored in a predetermined address of the mounted RAM 203 (S324). As will be described in detail later, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, various flags such as a high probability flag, an open extension flag, and a short-time flag are set when the jackpot game is terminated, depending on the type of the jackpot symbol that is stopped (ON or OFF).

  Subsequently, an opening pattern of the big winning opening 31d during the big hit game is set (S326). In the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, as the opening pattern of the big winning opening 31d, the opening time of the big winning opening 31d (for example, 30 seconds), the prescribed number of balls (for example, ten), the large winning opening 31d A round number (for example, 15 times) that is the number of times of opening is set.

  When the opening pattern of the big winning opening 31d is set in this way, the big hit flag is set to ON in order to start the big hit game (S328). The big hit flag is a flag indicating that a big hit game is being executed (during the big hit game), and a predetermined address of the RAM 203 mounted on the main control board 200 is assigned as the big hit flag. The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 grasps whether or not the big hit game is being executed according to the set state of the big hit flag. As will be described in detail later, when returning to the game control process of FIG. 9 with the jackpot flag set to ON, the jackpot game process is executed and the jackpot game is started.

  In addition, when the big hit game is started (set to the big hit flag ON), if the other various flags (open extension flag, short time flag, high probability flag) are set to ON, the ON flag is turned OFF. (S330). These flags are set anew when the big hit game ends (turns off the big hit flag). When the flag setting process for starting the big hit game is completed (S328, S330), a command indicating that the big hit game is started (a big hit game start command) is transmitted to the sub control board 220 (S332). The special symbol game process shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 is terminated, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. When the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 receives the jackpot game start command, the CPU 221 executes a display effect corresponding to the jackpot game on the display screen of the effect display device 27.

  The above describes the processing when the special symbol stopped and displayed on the special symbol display device 28 is a jackpot symbol (S322: yes). However, when the special symbol is out and stopped and displayed as a symbol (S322: no) ), The following processing is performed. First, it is determined whether or not the high probability flag is set to ON (S334). As described above, the high probability flag is a flag indicating that the big hit probability is set to a high probability. In this embodiment, the big hit symbols A to C (probability variable big hit symbols) shown in FIG. 7 are stopped. When displayed, the jackpot probability after the jackpot game ends is set to a high probability. If the high probability flag is not set to ON, that is, if the big hit probability is set to the normal probability (S334: no), then whether the open extension flag and the short time flag are set to ON. It is determined whether or not (S336). In the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, when the jackpot symbol DF (normal jackpot symbol) is stopped and displayed, the jackpot probability after the jackpot game ends is set to the normal probability, but the release extension flag is set to ON. As a result, the opening time of the start port 17 becomes long (5 seconds) (the opening extension function is activated), and the hour / short flag is set to ON and the variation time of the special symbol is set to a time shorter than usual ( The time extension function is activated), and the open extension function and the time reduction function are configured to continue to operate until a special symbol variation display of the set number of times is performed. In S336, it is determined whether or not the open extension function and the short time function are activated based on the setting status of the open extension flag and the short time flag. The release extension flag and the time reduction flag are set at different predetermined addresses in the RAM 203 mounted on the main control board 200.

  If the opening extension flag and the time reduction flag are set to ON in S336, that is, if the opening extension function and the time reduction function are operating (S336: yes), after subtracting “1” from the limit counter (S338) ), It is determined whether or not the limit counter has reached “0” (S340). The limit counter is a counter in which the number of remaining fluctuations of the special symbol is set until the operation of the open extension function and the time reduction function is stopped (terminated). 1) is subtracted every time. If the limit counter is not “0” (S340: no), the operation of the opening extension function and the time reduction function is continued, so the special symbol game process is terminated as it is, and the game control process shown in FIG. Return to.

  On the other hand, when the limit counter becomes “0” (S340: yes), both the open extension flag and the short time flag are set to OFF to stop the operation of the open extension function and the short time function (S342). Then, when a game state designation command is transmitted toward the sub control board 220 (S344), the special symbol game process is terminated and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. Here, the gaming state designation command is a command for designating the gaming state determined according to the setting of the high probability flag, the time reduction flag, the release extension flag, or the like to the sub-control board 220.

  On the other hand, when the high probability flag is set to ON in the determination of S334, that is, when the big hit probability is set to a high probability (S334: yes), in the determination of S336, the open extension flag and the short time flag 9 is not set to ON, that is, when the release extension function and the time reduction function are not activated (S336: no), the special symbol game process is terminated without performing the processes after S338, and FIG. Return to the game control process.

  As shown in FIG. 9, in the game control process, after returning from the special symbol game process, it is determined whether or not the big hit flag is set to ON (S370). As described above, the big hit flag is a flag indicating that the big hit game is being played. Therefore, when the big hit flag is set to ON (S370: yes), the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 starts the big hit game process described below (S400). On the other hand, when the big hit flag is not set to ON (S370: no), the big hit game process is omitted and the process returns to the top of the game control process.

C-1-4. Jackpot game processing:
FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the big hit game process. When starting the big hit game process (S400), the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 first determines whether or not the big winning opening 31d is open (S402). The big winning opening 31d is normally closed (when it is not a big hit game), and therefore, the big winning opening 31d is closed immediately after the start of the big win game. Accordingly, it is determined that the special winning opening 31d is not open (S402: no), and it is determined whether or not the number of round games (number of rounds) has reached a predetermined number (S404). As described above, during the big hit game, the big winning opening 31d is opened and a predetermined number of round games are repeated. Corresponding to this, when the special winning opening 31d is closed (S402: no), the number of opening (number of rounds) of the special winning opening 31d is a predetermined number (the number of opening set in S326 of FIG. 12). Is determined (S404).

  Naturally, immediately after the big hit game is started, the number of rounds has not reached the predetermined number (S404: no), so it is determined whether or not the closing time of the special winning opening 31d has elapsed (S406). The closing time of the special winning opening 31d is a time during which the special winning opening 31d is in a closed state between rounds. In the present embodiment, the closing time of the special winning opening 31d is set to 1 second. Immediately after the big hit game is started, the big prize opening 31d is in a closed state, so it is naturally determined that the closing time of the big prize opening 31d has passed (S406: yes), and the big prize opening 31d is opened. The game is released and a new round game is started (S408). When a new round game is started in this manner, the big hit game process shown in FIG. 20 is once ended and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

  When the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 returns to the game control process, as shown in FIG. 9, after performing a series of various processes after the prize ball related process (S50), the big hit game process (S400) is started again. . As described above, the time required for the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 to execute the game control process shown in FIG. 9 once is about 4 msec. Accordingly, the big hit game process shown in FIG. 20 is also executed about every 4 msec. Then, when the special game is started and the big hit game process of FIG. 20 is executed for the first time, the big winning opening 31d is opened in S408 as described above, and the process is ended as it is. When performing the process of the round, it is determined in S402 that the special winning opening 31d is open (S402: yes).

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the opening time of the special winning opening 31d has reached a predetermined opening time (the opening time set in S326 in FIG. 12) (S412). As described above, in the big hit game, the big winning opening 31d is opened, but is closed when a predetermined opening time elapses or a predetermined number of game balls enter the big winning opening 31d. In response to this, in S412, it is determined whether or not a predetermined opening time has elapsed since the special winning opening 31d was opened. If the opening time has elapsed (S412: yes), after closing the big prize opening 31d (S416), the big hit game process shown in FIG. 20 is exited and the game control process shown in FIG. 9 is resumed. On the other hand, if the predetermined opening time has not elapsed (S412: no), it is determined whether or not the number of game balls that have entered the special winning opening 31d has reached the prescribed number (S414). When the game ball reaches the specified number of balls (S414: yes), the special winning opening 31d is closed (S416). On the other hand, if the prescribed number of balls has not been reached (S414: no), the predetermined opening time has not yet elapsed since the big winning opening 31d was opened, and the big winning opening 31d was entered. Since the game balls that have been played have not reached the specified number of balls, the game game control process shown in FIG. 9 is resumed by exiting the big hit game process shown in FIG.

  While the game control process of FIG. 9 is repeatedly executed, whether a predetermined opening time elapses after the special winning opening 31d is opened (S412: yes), or the predetermined winning entry into the special winning opening 31d A number of game balls enter (S414: yes), and the special winning opening 31d is closed (S416). Thus, one round game is completed. Then, when the big hit game process is executed next, it is determined in S402 that the big winning opening 31d is closed (S402: no), so it is determined whether or not a predetermined number of round games have ended (S404). If all the round games have not ended (S404: no), after confirming that the closing time of the big prize opening has reached a predetermined time (S406: yes), the new prize opening 31d is opened again. Start a round game (S408). On the other hand, if it is determined in S404 that the predetermined number of round games have ended (S404: yes), the big hit flag is changed to OFF to end the big hit game (S418), indicating the end of the big hit game. After transmitting the command (big hit game end command) toward the sub-control board 220 (S420), the big hit end processing is started (S450).

  As described above, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, various flags (high probability flag, time-short flag, open extension flag) are temporarily set to OFF as the big hit game is started (the big hit flag is turned ON). To do. Then, when the big hit game is ended, by setting various flags again, it is possible to set various game states determined according to the setting status of the various flags. Such a game state setting is performed in the following jackpot end process based on the “type of the jackpot symbol displayed in a stopped state” stored in S324 of FIG.

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the big hit end process. When the big hit end processing is started, first, it is determined whether or not the big hit symbol A, B, or C, which is stopped and displayed as a trigger for starting this big hit game, is one of the big hit symbols A, B, and C (S4500). As described above, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when the jackpot symbols A to C (probability variable jackpot symbols) are stopped and displayed, the jackpot probability after the jackpot game ends is set to a high probability. Therefore, when the jackpot symbol that has been stopped is one of the jackpot symbols A to C (S4500: yes), the high probability flag indicating that the jackpot probability is high is set to ON (S4502). Note that the high probability flag set to ON in this way remains ON until the next big hit (see S330 in FIG. 12).

  Further, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the big hit probability is set to a high probability, the opening extension function is activated and the opening time of the start port 17 is set to be long, and the time reduction function is activated. The special symbol variation time is set to be shorter than usual. Therefore, if the high probability flag is set to ON in S4502, the release extension flag indicating the operation of the release extension function and the time reduction flag indicating the operation of the time reduction function are set to ON (S4506). Then, when the game state designation command is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 (S4508), the big hit end process is terminated and the big hit game process of FIG. 20 is resumed. Note that the open extension flag and the time reduction flag set to ON in S4506 are kept ON until the next big hit (see S330 in FIG. 12), similarly to the high probability flag (S4502).

  In the above, the process performed when the jackpot symbol that has been stopped and displayed is one of the jackpot symbols A to C in the determination of S4500 (S4500: yes) has been described. On the other hand, if the jackpot symbol that is stopped and displayed is one of the jackpot symbols D, E, and F (normal jackpot symbol) (S4500: no), the jackpot probability after the jackpot game is the normal probability. Then, without setting the high probability flag to ON (while it is set to OFF), “100” is set to the limit counter (S4510). As described above, the numerical value of the limit counter represents the number of remaining fluctuation display times of the special symbol until the operation of the open extension function and the time reduction function is stopped (terminated). 1 "is subtracted (S338 in FIG. 12). In the present embodiment, when the jackpot symbols D to F are stopped and displayed, and the jackpot probability after the jackpot game is set to the normal probability, the opening extension function and the time shortening function are activated and the set number of times (the present embodiment In this case, it is configured to continue until the special symbol variation display is performed 100 times. Therefore, when “100” is set in the limit counter, the open extension flag and the time reduction flag are set to ON (S4512). Thereafter, when a gaming state designation command is transmitted toward the sub-control board 220 (S4508), the big hit end process is terminated. When the big hit end process is completed and the game returns to the big hit game process of FIG. 20, the process ends. Then, when returning to the game control process shown in FIG. 9, the process returns to the top of the process, and a series of processes after the above-mentioned prize ball related process (S50) are repeated.

  The CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 advances the game in the pachinko machine 1 by repeatedly performing the game control process as described above. Further, as described above, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 transmits various commands related to the effects of the game to the sub-control board 220 while executing the game control process shown in FIG. Then, the sub-control board 220 determines specific effects based on the received command, and performs various effects using the effect display device 27, the speaker 5y, various LEDs, and lamps 4b to 4f. . Furthermore, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when the player operates the effect button 5d during the variable display of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c on the effect display device 27, the special symbol display device 28 is performing the variable display. Before the special symbol is stopped and displayed, the identification symbols 27a, 27b and 27c can be stopped and displayed. Below, the content of the game effect control process which CPU221 of the sub control board 220 performs in order to control an effect according to progress of a game is demonstrated.

C-1-5. Game effect control processing:
FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a rough flow of the game effect control process performed by the CPU 221 mounted on the sub-control board 220. As shown in the figure, in the game effect control process, each process such as a hold display process, a symbol variation effect process, and a big hit game effect process is repeatedly executed. When the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 starts the game effect control process, a process (hold display process) for performing a hold display in the hold display area 27e of the effect display device 27 in accordance with the addition of the special symbol hold number. ) Is executed (S500).

C-1-6. Hold display processing:
FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the hold display process of the first embodiment. When starting the hold display process, the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 first determines whether or not a hold occurrence command has been received (S502). As described above, the hold occurrence command is a command indicating that a special symbol hold has occurred (S262 in FIG. 10). If no hold occurrence command has been received (S502: no), there is no need to perform a new hold display, so the hold display process is terminated and the process returns to the game effect control process shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, when the hold occurrence command is received (S502: yes), the hold information included in the received hold occurrence command is stored in the RAM 223 mounted on the sub control board 220 (S504). As described above, the hold occurrence command in the first embodiment includes various determination random numbers such as the big hit determination random number, the symbol determination random number, and the variation pattern determination random number acquired when the game ball enters the start port 17. In the process of S504, these determination random numbers are stored as hold information. Note that the RAM 223 mounted on the sub-control board 220 of the first embodiment stores the hold information, and therefore corresponds to the “hold information storage unit” of the present invention.

  When the hold information is stored, one hold display is added to the hold display area 27e of the effect display device 27 (S506). As described above, the hold display area 27e is provided at the lower part of the display screen of the effect display device 27 (see FIG. 4), and the number of hold of special symbols is added by the special figure hold display LED 30b. , Up to 4 hold displays can be made. When the hold display is added in this way, the hold display process is ended, and the process returns to the game effect control process shown in FIG. Then, in the game effect control process, after returning from the hold display process, a process for changing and displaying the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c on the display screen of the effect display device 27 (symbol change effect process) is started. (S600).

C-1-7. Design variation effect processing:
FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the symbol variation effect process of the first embodiment. The CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 executes the following symbol variation effect processing, whereby the variation and stop of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c (symbols) are controlled, and the effect linked with the control is executed. Thus, the CPU 221 mounted on the sub-control board 220 of the first embodiment corresponds to the “symbol display control means” and the “production execution means” of the present invention. When the symbol variation effect process is started, first, it is determined whether or not the big hit game effect is being performed (S602). The jackpot game effect is an effect performed during the execution of the jackpot game. If the jackpot game effect is being performed (S602: yes), it is not necessary to start the symbol variation effect that causes the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c to be variably displayed. Therefore, the symbol variation effect process is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the game effect control process of FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is not during the big hit game effect (S602: no), subsequently, whether or not the symbol variation effect is being performed, that is, the identification symbols 27a, 27b, 27c are displayed in a variable manner on the display screen of the effect display device 27. It is determined whether it is in the middle (S604). As a result, when the symbol variation effect is not being performed (S604: no), it is determined whether or not the symbol variation effect is stopped (S606). In the same way as the stop display time is provided after the special symbol stop display described above, a stop time is provided after the end of the symbol variation effect (after the stop display of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, 27c). The stop time is set to the same time (for example, 1 second) as the stop display time of the special symbol. If the symbol variation effect stop time has not elapsed (S606: yes), since the symbol variation effect cannot be started, the symbol variation effect process is terminated as it is, and the game effect control process of FIG. 22 is performed. Return.

  On the other hand, when the symbol variation effect is not being performed and the symbol variation effect stop time has elapsed (S606: no), a variation start command (a variation pattern designation command and a stop symbol designation command) is received. It is determined whether or not it has been done (S608). As described above, the change start time command is a command transmitted from the main control board 200 when the special symbol display device 28 starts the change display of the special symbol (S3144 in FIG. 14). And when the change start time command is received (S608: yes), the process for determining the content of the design change effect (change effect content determination process) is started (S610).

  On the other hand, when the change start command has not been received (S608: no), it is determined whether or not the shortened time accumulation flag is set to ON (S612). As will be described in detail later, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the special symbol change time is obtained when the player operates the effect button 5d during the symbol change effect (during the change display of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c). Before the elapse of time (while the special symbol variation display is continued), the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are stopped and displayed (variation shortening function). When this variation shortening function is activated, a shortened time is calculated by subtracting the actual variation time from a predetermined variation time, the calculated shortening time is stored, and the shortened time accumulation flag is set to ON. . If the shortened time accumulation flag is not set to ON in S612 (S612: no), the symbol variation effect process in FIG. 24 is terminated without starting the symbol variation effect, and the game effect control in FIG. Return to processing.

  On the other hand, when the shortened time accumulation flag is set to ON (S612: yes), it is the oldest among the holding information (see S504 in FIG. 23) stored in the RAM 223 of the sub control board 220. The holding information (such as a big hit determination random number, a symbol determination random number, a variation pattern determination random number) stored in is read out (S614). As will be described later, in the first embodiment, since the fluctuation reduction function can be operated on condition that the hold information is stored, in S614, at least one hold information is stored. It is remembered.

  When the hold information is read out in this way, a process for determining a fluctuation pattern (fluctuation pattern determination process) is started (S616). The variation pattern determination process performed in S616 is basically the same as the variation pattern determination process (see FIG. 17) performed in S3120 of FIG. That is, the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 determines the state of the high probability flag (ON / OFF) and the time flag based on the game state designation command (S344 in FIG. 12, S4508 in FIG. 21) transmitted from the main control board 200. Therefore, the normal variation pattern table (FIG. 18) or the variation pattern table for time reduction (FIG. 19) is selected according to the state of the time reduction flag. In the first embodiment, exactly the same table as the variation pattern table (FIGS. 18 and 19) stored in the ROM 202 of the main control board 200 is also stored in advance in the ROM 222 of the sub control board 220. The ROM 222 of the sub-control board 220 stores in advance the same table as the jackpot determination table (FIG. 15) stored in the ROM 202 of the main control board 200, and the jackpot is determined based on the jackpot determination random number read in S614. Since the determination is possible, if the big hit determination result is a big hit, the big hit fluctuation pattern is determined based on the selected fluctuation pattern table and the fluctuation pattern determination random number read in S614. On the other hand, if the big hit determination result is out, the out-of-range variation pattern is determined based on the selected variation pattern table and the variation pattern determination random number read in S614.

  In the process of S616, a process for determining a special symbol stop symbol is also performed. That is, the ROM 222 of the sub control board 220 stores in advance the same table as the big hit symbol determination table (FIG. 16) or the off symbol determination table stored in the ROM 202 of the main control board 200, and the symbols read out in S614. Based on the determined random number, if the big hit determination result is a big hit, a big hit symbol is determined, and if the big hit determination result is off, a process of determining a lost symbol is performed.

  As described above, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the first embodiment, the hold information (a jackpot determination random number, a symbol determination random number, a variation pattern determination random number, etc.) is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 in advance when the special symbol hold occurs, and the sub-control is performed. Since the same tables as the ROM 202 of the main control board 200 (a jackpot determination table, a symbol determination table, and a fluctuation pattern table) are stored in advance in the ROM 222 of the board 220, the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 changes from the main control board 200. Before receiving the start command (variation pattern designation command and stop symbol designation command), the variation pattern (variation time) related to the hold information can be determined. Of course, the variation pattern (variation time) determined by the sub-control board 220 is the same as the variation pattern (variation time) later determined by the main control board 200.

  When the variation pattern determination process (S616) is completed, a process of adding the shortening time to the variation time corresponding to the determined variation pattern is performed (S618). As described above, each variation pattern is associated with a variation time in advance (see FIGS. 18 and 19). Also, if the shortening time accumulation flag is set to ON in S612, the shortening time is stored by the operation of the variation shortening mechanism, so the stored shortening time is read and the variation pattern determined in S616 is obtained. Add to the corresponding variation time. When the shortening time is added to the variation time in this way, the variation effect content determination process described below is started (S610). The process of adding the shortening time to the variation time is performed by the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220. Therefore, the CPU 221 mounted on the sub-control board 220 of the first embodiment is the “variation time extension means” of the present invention. It corresponds to.

  FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the variation effect content determination process of the first embodiment. The CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 executes the following fluctuation effect content determination process to determine the fluctuation times of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c (symbols), so the sub-control board of the first embodiment. The CPU 221 mounted on 220 corresponds to the “variable time determining means” of the present invention. In the variation effect content determination process, first, it is determined whether or not the shortening time is added to the variation time corresponding to the variation pattern (S6100). When the shortening time is not added, that is, when the symbol variation effect is executed based on the variation pattern designation command (S608: yes in FIG. 24) received from the main control board 200 (S6100: no), a plurality Effect patterns in which the variation time corresponding to the variation pattern specified in the variation pattern designation command matches the effect time from among the effect patterns (variation display modes of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, 27c on the effect display device 27) Is determined (S6102).

  FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram showing a plurality of effect patterns set in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment in association with effect times. In the present embodiment, 11 types of basic effect patterns (EP01 to EP11) and one type of preliminary effect pattern (EP12) are provided. The 11 types of basic effect patterns (EP01 to EP11) have different effect times, and the effect times of the basic effect patterns are the same as the variation patterns set in the variation pattern table (FIGS. 18 and 19). It corresponds to one of the corresponding fluctuation times. For example, the effect time (60 seconds) of the basic effect pattern EP04 matches the change time (60 seconds) of the change pattern HP04.

  Each basic effect pattern includes image data until the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c that are variably displayed at a high speed stop in the order of the left identification symbol 27a, the right identification symbol 27c, and the middle identification symbol 27b while decreasing the variation speed. Is provided according to the production time. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the production time of the production pattern is synonymous with the variation time of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c. These image data are stored in the image ROM 234 mounted on the effect control board 230.

  FIG. 26 shows a so-called big hit reliability (identification including an effect of causing a character symbol or the like to appear in the background symbol 27d in accordance with the variation display of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c) performed according to the basic effect pattern. The probability that the symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are stopped and displayed in a big hit mode in which the symbols are aligned in the same symbol is shown. That is, the reach effect is not performed in the basic effect pattern (EP09 to EP11) whose effect time is 5 seconds or less, but the reach effect is performed in the basic effect pattern (EP01 to EP08) whose effect time is 10 seconds or more. Among them, normal reach production (big hit reliability “low”) is executed in EP06 to EP08 where the production time is 30 seconds or less, and big hit reliability is more than normal reach production in EP03 to EP05 where the production time is 80 seconds or less. A super-reach production with a high degree of performance (big hit reliability “medium”) is executed, and in EP01 and EP02 where the production time is 100 seconds or more, a special reach production with a high-hit reliability (a big hit) Reliability "high") is executed. The reach effect of the first embodiment corresponds to the “special effect” of the present invention.

  On the other hand, an effect time of 20 seconds is set in the preliminary effect pattern (EP12), and image data in which the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are variably displayed at high speed over the effect time is provided. . In this embodiment, only one type of preliminary production data is used, but a plurality of preliminary production patterns having different production times may be set.

  In S6102 of FIG. 25, from among the 11 types of basic effect patterns (EP01 to EP11) shown in FIG. 26, a basic effect pattern whose effect time matches the change time of the change pattern specified in the change pattern specifying command is The effect pattern to be executed this time is determined.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S6100 that the shortening time is added to the variation time corresponding to the variation pattern (S6100: yes), the shortening time accumulation flag is set to ON (S612 in FIG. 24). : YES), the shortening time accumulation flag set to ON is changed to OFF (S6104). Then, the basic effect pattern having the closest effect time within the variation time after the addition is determined (S6106). As described above, the variation time corresponding to each variation pattern coincides with any of the production times of the basic production pattern, but the variation time after the addition of the shortened time is the production time of the basic production pattern. It does not always match. Therefore, the basic production pattern of the nearest production time is determined within the range of the fluctuation time after the addition (among the production time shorter than the fluctuation time after the addition). For example, if the variation time after the addition is “25 seconds”, the basic effect pattern EP07 whose effect time is “20 seconds” is determined.

  When the basic effect pattern is determined in this way, processing is performed to supplement the preliminary effect pattern with a time that is less than the added variation time in the effect time of the determined basic effect pattern (S6108). As described above, the preliminary effect pattern (EP12) is set with image data in which the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are variably displayed at high speed from the beginning to the end over the effect time (20 seconds). Yes. This image data can be cut at any position (in any number of seconds), and can be cut before the image data of the basic performance patterns (EP01 to EP11) at a necessary time. In the above-described example, in the effect time “20 seconds” of the basic effect pattern EP07, since “5 seconds” is not enough for the variation time “25 seconds” after the addition, the image data of the preliminary effect pattern EP12 is in a stage of 5 seconds. And the image data of the basic effect pattern EP07 is connected after the image data. As described above, the image data of the preliminary effect pattern (EP12) in which the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are variably displayed at high speed, and the basic effect pattern (EP01) until the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c that are variably displayed in high speed are stopped. -EP11) are connected to the image data of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, 27c smoothly, and the symbol variation effect can be executed without giving the player a sense of incongruity.

  As shown in FIG. 26, since the interval between the production times of the basic production patterns is “20 seconds” at the maximum, if the preliminary production pattern with the production time “20 seconds” is set, The shortage can be supplemented by the preliminary performance pattern. In this case, “140 seconds” obtained by adding the effect time “20 seconds” of the preliminary effect pattern to the effect time “120 seconds” of the basic effect pattern EP01 having the longest effect time is the maximum effect time of the symbol variation effect. Therefore, when the variation time after the addition of the shortening time reaches a predetermined upper limit time (for example, 120 seconds) so that the symbol variation effect is performed within this range, the variation shortening function is activated. It may be prohibited (invalidated).

  When the effect pattern is determined as described above, the stop display mode of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c is determined (S6110). In the processing of S6110, the stop symbol of the special symbol specified by the stop symbol specification command (S608: yes in FIG. 24) received from the main control board 200 or the special symbol determined together with the variation pattern in S616 of FIG. Based on the above, if the stop symbol is a big win symbol, the big hit mode in which the identification symbols 27a, 27b, 27c are arranged in the same symbol is determined, and if the stop symbol is out of the symbol, the identification symbols 27a, 27b, 27c are the same symbol. The out-of-balance mode that is not aligned is determined.

  Following the determination of the stop display mode of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c, it is determined whether or not the big hit determination result is a big hit (ie, whether or not the stop display mode of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c is a big hit mode) ( S6112). If the big hit determination result is a big hit (S6112: yes), the fluctuation reduction prohibition flag indicating that the operation of the fluctuation reduction function is prohibited is set to ON (S6114). As described above, when the big hit determination result is a big hit and the special symbol is stopped and displayed with the big hit symbol, the big hit game is started. During the jackpot game, the special symbol variation display and the symbol variation presentation (variation display of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c) are not performed. However, the next symbol variation effect cannot be started by adding the shortened time. Therefore, when the result of the big hit determination is a big hit, the operation of the fluctuation shortening function is prohibited (the operation of the effect button 5d is invalidated).

  On the other hand, if the big hit determination result is out (S6112: no), the variation effect content determination process of FIG. 25 is terminated without setting the variation reduction prohibition flag to ON, and the symbol variation effect shown in FIG. Return to processing.

  In the symbol variation effect process, when returning from the variation effect content determination process, the symbol display effect (variation display of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, 27c) is started on the effect display device 27 (S620), and the effect display device 27 is put on hold. One hold display is deleted from the display area 27e (S622). As described above, the image data of each effect pattern (EP01 to EP12) is stored in the image ROM 234 mounted on the effect control board 230. In S620, the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 transmits a command (effect pattern designation command) for specifying the effect pattern determined in S610 to the effect control board 230, and the CPU 231 of the effect control board 230 that has received the command By reproducing the image data read from the image ROM 234 according to the effect pattern on the display screen of the effect display device 27, the symbol variation effect is executed.

  When the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 starts the symbol variation effect and deletes one hold display, the symbol variation effect process of FIG. 24 is terminated, and the game effect control process shown in FIG. 22 is resumed.

  In the above, the process when the symbol change effect process shown in FIG. 24 is not in the big hit game effect (S602: no) and not in the symbol change effect (S604: no) has been described. On the other hand, when the symbol variation effect is being performed (S604: yes), the identification pattern 27a, 27b, 27c effect pattern and the stop display mode have already been determined, and the symbol variation effect has been started. become. Therefore, it is determined whether or not the production time of the production pattern (the variation time of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c) has elapsed (S624). When the production time has elapsed (S624: yes), the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are stopped and displayed in a predetermined stop display mode (S6110 in FIG. 25), and the symbol variation effect is terminated ( S626). As described above, the effect time of the effect pattern determined in S610 matches the change time (the change time corresponding to the change pattern or the change time obtained by adding the shortening time) (S6102 in FIG. 25). To S6108). When the effect time of the effect pattern elapses, a symbol stop command is transmitted from the main control board 200 as the change time elapses simultaneously (S314 in FIG. 11), so that the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 stops the symbol stop. The symbol variation effect may be ended after receiving the command.

  On the other hand, if the production time of the production pattern has not elapsed (S624: no), it is determined whether or not the production button 5d has been operated (S628), and if the production button 5d has been operated (S628: yes). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the hold information is stored in the RAM 223 of the sub control board 220 (S630), and further, it is determined whether or not the variation shortening prohibition flag is set to ON (S631). In the first embodiment, the variation shortening function is activated by satisfying the two conditions that the effect button 5d is operated during the symbol variation effect and the hold information is stored. Further, as described above, if the variation shortening prohibition flag is set to ON, the operation of the variation shortening function is prohibited (operation of the effect button 5d is invalidated). Therefore, when the production button 5d is operated, when at least one hold information is stored (S630: yes) and the variation reduction prohibition flag is set to OFF (S631: no), the production is performed. Even before the pattern effect time has elapsed, the symbol variation effect is terminated (S626). In this case, the reproduction of the subsequent image data is stopped when the player operates the effect button 5d, and the identification symbols 27a, 27b, 27c are immediately displayed in the stop display mode (FIG. 25). In step S6110). Further, the process of stopping the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c (symbols) based on the operation of the effect button 5d (operation unit) is performed by the CPU 221 of the sub-control substrate 220, and thus the sub-control substrate of the first embodiment. The CPU 221 mounted on 220 corresponds to the “variable time shortening means” of the present invention.

  In contrast, if the effect button 5d is not operated in the determination in S628 (S628: no), or if no hold information is stored in the determination in S630 (S630: no), the effect pattern 24 and the variation shortening function does not operate, the symbol variation effect process in FIG. 24 is terminated while the symbol variation effect is continued. Also, in the determination of S631, even when the variation shortening prohibition flag is set to ON (S631: yes), the operation of the effect button 5d is invalidated. The symbol variation effect process ends. Then, the process returns to the game effect control process shown in FIG.

  In addition, when the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 ends the symbol variation effect in S626, it starts a shortened time accumulation process described below (S632).

  FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the shortened time accumulation process. In the shortened time accumulation process, first, it is determined whether or not the symbol variation effect has ended before the effect time of the effect pattern elapses (S6320). Then, when the symbol variation effect is ended by the lapse of the effect time of the effect pattern determined (selected) in advance (S6320: no), it is determined that the variation shortening function is not activated, so that the shortening time accumulation process is performed as it is. To return to the symbol variation effect process of FIG.

  On the other hand, when the symbol variation effect is finished before the lapse of the effect time of the effect pattern determined (selected) in advance (S6320: yes), the variation shortening function is activated, so the effect pattern effect The actual symbol variation effect execution time (actual identification symbol variation time of 27a, 27b, 27c) is subtracted from the time to calculate the shortened time (S6322). As described above, the effect time of the effect pattern determined in S610 of FIG. 24 matches the change time after the addition of the change time corresponding to the change pattern or the shortened time (FIG. 25). Of S6102 to S6108). When the calculated shortening time is stored in the RAM 223 mounted on the sub-control board 220 (S6324), the shortening time accumulation flag indicating that the shortening time is stored is set to ON (S6326). Although not shown, the sub control board 220 includes effect time measuring means for counting the effect time of the effect pattern and calculating the shortening time of the variation time due to the operation of the variation shortening function. .

  If the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 sets the shortened time accumulation flag to ON, the CPU 221 ends the shortened time accumulation process of FIG. 27 and returns to the symbol variation effect process shown in FIG. In the symbol variation effect process, when returning from the shortened time accumulation process, the symbol variation effect stop time is set (S634). And if the stop time of a symbol variation effect is set, a symbol variation effect process will be complete | finished and it will return to the game effect control process shown in FIG. If the symbol variation effect process in FIG. 24 is started again after returning to the game effect control process in FIG. 22 while the shortened time accumulation flag is ON, the shortened time accumulation flag may be set to ON. If detected (S612: yes), the process of adding the shortening time to the fluctuation time (S618) is performed.

  In the game effect control process of FIG. 22, when the return from the symbol variation effect process, the big hit game effect process is started (S700). In this jackpot game effect process, it is determined whether or not a jackpot game start command (see S332 in FIG. 12) is received from the main control board 200, and if a jackpot game start command is received, the jackpot game is started. The effect (so-called fanfare effect) and the effect corresponding to the big hit game (big hit game effect) are executed using the effect display device 27, the speaker 5y, various LEDs and lamps 4b to 4f. Further, it is determined whether or not a big hit game end command (see S420 in FIG. 20) has been received from the main control board 200. If the big hit game end command is received, the currently executed big hit game effect is ended. When the big hit game effect process (S700) ends, the process returns to the beginning of the game effect control process, and the series of processes after the above-described hold display process (S500) is repeated.

  The CPU 221 mounted on the sub-control board 220 executes effects in accordance with the progress of the game in the pachinko machine 1 by repeatedly performing the game effect control process as described above. Here, as described above, in the pachinko machine 1 of the first embodiment, when the player operates the effect button 5d during the variable display of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c, at least one hold information is stored. As a condition, a variation shortening function for stopping and displaying the identification symbols 27a, 27b and 27c before the variation time elapses is provided. When the variation shortening function is activated, the shortening time is calculated, and the calculated shortening time is added to the variation times of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c where the variation display is started next. ing. Thereby, in the pachinko machine 1 of the first embodiment, it is possible to enhance the interest of the player without excessively increasing the euphoria. Hereinafter, this point will be described in detail.

  FIG. 28 is a time chart showing how the fluctuation shortening function operates in the pachinko machine 1 of the first embodiment. FIG. 28 shows a state in which three special symbol holds (special figure hold) are stored, and the special symbol display device 28 displays the variation of the special symbols corresponding to each special figure hold. . As described above, when the variation display of the special symbol is started, the variation pattern is determined based on the variation pattern determination random number read as the special symbol suspension, and the special symbol is displayed over the variation time corresponding to the variation pattern. After the change is displayed, it is stopped. Then, when a predetermined stop display time (for example, 1 second) elapses, the next variable display is started. In the illustrated example, the variation pattern HP07 (variation time 20 seconds) is determined for the first special figure hold, and the variation pattern HP09 (variation time 5 seconds) is determined for the second special figure hold. A variation pattern HP06 (variation time 30 seconds) is determined in advance for the third special figure hold.

  In addition, in the effect display device 27, the change display (symbol change effect) of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, 27c is performed corresponding to each special symbol hold. FIG. 28 (a) shows the case where the player does not operate the effect button 5d (that is, the case where the fluctuation reduction function is not activated), and FIG. 28 (b) shows the effect by the player. The case where the operation of the button 5d is performed (that is, the case where the fluctuation shortening function is activated) is shown. First, when the player of FIG. 28A does not operate the effect button 5d, the identification symbol on the effect display device 27 is linked (synchronized) with the special symbol variation display on the special symbol display device 28. Variation display of 27a, 27b, 27c is performed (start and end of variation display of special symbol and identification symbol are executed in synchronization). That is, as described above, when starting the variation display of the special symbol, the variation pattern designation command is transmitted from the main control board 200 to the sub control board 220. Then, in the sub-control board 220, a basic effect pattern that matches the change time corresponding to the change pattern and the effect time is determined, and the symbol change effect (the change of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c) over the effect time of the effect pattern. After the display is performed, the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are stopped and displayed. Then, when the stop time (for example, 1 second) of the same time as the special symbol stop display time has elapsed, the symbol variation effect is started again based on the next variation pattern designation command. In the example shown in FIG. 28, the symbol variation effect (normal reach effect) of the basic effect pattern EP07 (effect time 20 seconds) is performed for the first special figure hold, and the second special figure hold The symbol variation effect (no reach effect) of the basic effect pattern EP09 (effect time 5 seconds) is performed, and the symbol effect effect (normal reach effect) of the basic effect pattern EP06 (effect time 30 seconds) for the third special figure hold. ) Is performed.

  On the other hand, when the player operates the effect button 5d in FIG. 28 (b), even when the effect time of the effect pattern has elapsed, the symbol variation effect is generated when the effect button 5d is operated. And the identification symbols 27a, 27b, 27c are stopped and displayed (the fluctuation shortening function is activated). As shown in FIG. 28, if the effect button 5d is operated at the stage of 5 seconds after the start of the symbol variation effect of the basic effect pattern EP07 (effect time 20 seconds), the effect pattern effect time “20 seconds” "15 seconds" obtained by subtracting the actual symbol variation effect execution time "5 seconds" from "" is stored as the shortened time (the shortened time "15 seconds" is stored in the shortened time storage means).

  In this way, when a predetermined stop time (for example, 1 second) elapses after the symbol change effect is ended by operating the effect button 5d, the change time “5” of the change pattern HP09 determined for the second special figure hold. The shortened time “15 seconds” stored in the shortened time storage means is added to “seconds”, and the basic effect pattern EP07 (effect time 20 seconds) is determined in accordance with the variable time “20 seconds” after the addition. Then, a new symbol variation effect is started. That is, when the shortening time exceeds the predetermined time, the basic effect pattern determined in advance is changed to a different basic effect pattern and executed.

  Further, in the first embodiment, even when the shortening time is added to the variation time, the variation reducing function can be operated by operating the effect button 5d during the symbol variation effect, and the example of FIG. Then, since the effect button 5d is operated again at the stage of 3 seconds after the start of the new symbol variation display, the symbol variation rendering ends at that point, and the actual pattern production time “20 seconds” starts. “17 seconds” obtained by subtracting the execution time “3 seconds” of the symbol variation effect is stored as a shortened time.

  Then, when a predetermined stop time has elapsed since the end of the symbol variation effect and the next new symbol variation effect is started, the variation time of the variation pattern HP06 determined for the third special symbol suspension The shortened time of “17 seconds” is added to “30 seconds”, and the effect pattern is determined in accordance with the added change time of “47 seconds” (the effect pattern corresponding to the added change time is selected (reselected) )). Since the basic effect pattern with the effect time “47 seconds” is not provided, the basic effect pattern EP05 (effect time 40 seconds) with the closest effect time within the range of “47 seconds” is selected. Before the “second” basic effect pattern EP05, the effect pattern is formed by connecting the preliminary effect pattern EP12 for “7 seconds”. Here, when the fluctuation shortening function of FIG. 28A does not operate, the normal reach effect (big hit reliability “low”) of the basic effect pattern EP06 is performed for the third special figure hold. In FIG. 28 (b), since the variation time becomes longer by the addition of the shortening time due to the operation of the variation shortening function, the super reach production of the basic production pattern EP05 for the third special figure reservation (big hit reliability) Degree “medium”) can be executed.

  Further, as described above, the first embodiment is configured such that the fluctuation shortening function can be operated on condition that at least one special figure hold (hold information) is stored. When the symbol variation effect corresponding to the first special figure hold is started, since the special figure hold does not remain, the operation of the fluctuation shortening function is prohibited. As a result, the symbol variation effect is continued until the effect time of the effect pattern elapses, and the identification symbols 27a, 27b, 27c are synchronized with the end of the variation display of the special symbol corresponding to the third special symbol hold. The change display of is ended. In the example of FIG. 28, since there are three special figure hold (hold information) memories, the fluctuation shortening function is prohibited during the fluctuation display of the special symbol related to the third special figure hold. However, for example, the new special figure hold is stored before the start of the variable display of the special symbol related to the third special figure hold (during the variable display related to the first or second special figure hold) In such a case, the fluctuation shortening function can be activated. In addition, when a special symbol hold is stored during the special symbol change display related to the third special figure hold (with no special figure hold remaining), Activation may be activated. In addition, in order to prevent the control from becoming complicated, if no special figure hold is left at the start of the variable display of the special symbol related to the third special figure hold, a new special figure is displayed during the change display. Even if the hold is stored, the operation of the fluctuation shortening function may be prohibited.

  As described above, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the first embodiment, when the effect button 5d is operated while the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are being displayed in variation (during the symbol variation effect), the symbol variation effect is still started. On the condition that there is at least one hold information (special drawing hold) that has not been made, a fluctuation shortening function that stops and displays the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c before the passage of a predetermined fluctuation time (effect time) The player can quickly know the result of the symbol variation effect (whether the identification symbol 27a, 27b, 27c stops in the big hit mode or the off mode) by operating the effect button 5d. When the variation shortening function is activated, a shortened time is calculated by subtracting the actual variation time (design variation effect execution time) from the predetermined variation time (effect time), and the shortened time varies next. Is added to the variation time of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c. As a result, the total of the actual variation times of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c in which the variation has been performed until all the pending information is digested depending on whether the variation shortening function is activated or not. As a matter of course, the number of times the determination is made is the same. As a result, there is no significant change in the number of game balls acquired within a unit time or the number of game balls consumed within a unit time regardless of whether or not the fluctuation shortening function is activated, so that gambling is excessively increased. Without any change, it is possible to enhance the interest of the player by operating the fluctuation shortening function.

  Further, since the shortening time generated by the operation of the variation shortening function is added to the variation time of the identification symbols 27a, 27b and 27c where the variation starts next (the effect time of the symbol variation effect), the effect of the symbol variation effect is produced. A long time can be secured. Thereby, for example, before the addition, there is a reach effect consisting of the second time longer than the first time by adding the shortened time to the symbol change effect without the reach effect consisting of the first time. Before the addition, the normal reach production consisting of the third time was added to the super reach production consisting of the fourth time longer than the third time by adding the shortened time. It becomes possible to execute a special reach effect consisting of a fifth time longer than the fourth time. In the case where the variation time is not shortened, the distribution of the variation pattern (variation time) is set so that the probability of a big hit is increased when an effect having a longer effect time is selected (effect time). The longer the is, the more players can expect to win.) In particular, when the special reach production (EP01, EP02 in FIG. 26) is a rare production that occurs when the big hit determination result is highly likely to be a big hit, the fluctuation shortening function is repeatedly operated to reduce the reduction time. By accumulating the variation times of the subsequent identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c one after another, a special reach effect can be generated regardless of the result of the big hit determination. When the hold information (special drawing hold) is interrupted, the operation of the fluctuation shortening function is prohibited and the fluctuation time of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c cannot be accumulated, so that the player has more fluctuation time. To store the special figure hold to try to accumulate. As a result, it is possible to prevent so-called hitting (stopping the launch of the game ball until the special figure hold is digested) and improve the operation rate of the pachinko machine 1 in the game hall.

  In addition, the following effects can be obtained by enabling the change shortening function on condition that there is at least one holding information (special drawing holding) for which the symbol variation effect has not yet started. That is, unlike the first embodiment, the fluctuation reducing function can be operated even if no hold information is stored, and the shortened time generated by the fluctuation reducing function is activated. When it is configured to add to the fluctuation time of 27a, 27b, and 27c, the player who operates the fluctuation reduction operation may be different from the player who performs the addition process of the reduction time. There is a possibility that it may be disadvantageous to a player who does not activate the function but only performs the process of adding the shortening time (extending the variation time of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, 27c). On the other hand, in the first embodiment, the special time reservation that exists at the time when the fluctuation shortening function is activated is added to the shortening time, and the player who operates the fluctuation shortening function Since the pachinko machine 1 is not left at least until all the hold information is consumed, it is possible to prevent a situation in which other players are disadvantaged.

  Further, in the pachinko machine 1 of the first embodiment, if the fluctuation shortening function does not operate, the fluctuation display of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c is performed in synchronization (synchronization) with the fluctuation display of the special symbol, and the fluctuation shortening function Is activated, the variation time of the special symbol is not shortened, but only the variation time of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, 27c is shortened, and the variation of the identification symbol 27a, 27b, It is added to the variation time of 27c. Thus, even when the fluctuation shortening function is activated, the stop timing of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c is synchronized with the stop timing of the special symbol when all the hold information (special symbol hold) is consumed. Thus, the sum of the actual variation times of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c when the variation shortening function is activated is the sum of the variation times of the special symbols (that is, the identification symbols 27a, 27b, when the variation shortening function is not activated). It can be easily confirmed (inspected) that it matches the total variation time of 27c. Furthermore, even if an unexpected situation such as a power failure occurs in the pachinko machine 1, even if special symbol hold information is properly backed up, data related to the operation of the fluctuation reduction function (shortening time, shortening time accumulation flag, etc.) ) Has been erased, since the fluctuation display of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c is performed in conjunction with the fluctuation display of the special symbols after the power is restored, there is no significant deviation in the total fluctuation time. The fairness of the game can be kept.

  In the pachinko machine 1 according to the first embodiment, when the variation of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c is started based on the hold information whose jackpot determination result is a big hit, the operation of the effect button 5d is performed during the variation. It is invalid and the fluctuation shortening function is not activated. As a result, the variation display of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c corresponding to the jackpot hold information with the jackpot determination result is continued until a predetermined variation time (effect time) elapses, and therefore the identification symbols 27a and 27b. , 27c is synchronized with the timing at which the special symbol is stopped in a big hit pattern. As a result, the identification symbol 27a, 27b, 27c stops first in a big hit mode by the operation of the fluctuation shortening function, and a blank period occurs in the symbol fluctuation effect until the special symbol stops (until the big hit game is started). Can be prevented.

  Moreover, in the pachinko machine 1 of the first embodiment, a plurality of basic effect patterns provided corresponding to each of a plurality of variation patterns (variation times) and a preliminary variation pattern are stored in advance as the effect patterns. The production pattern can be configured by combining the basic production pattern and the preliminary production pattern. Since the effect button 5d may be operated at any timing while the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are fluctuating, the fluctuation time after the addition in which the shortening time is added by the operation of the fluctuation shortening function takes various lengths. obtain. If the effect patterns are stored in advance corresponding to all the possible fluctuation times, the storage data of the effect patterns becomes enormous. Therefore, if the effect pattern is configured by combining the basic effect pattern and the preliminary effect pattern that supplements the shortage according to the variation time after the addition, a huge amount of effect pattern data is not stored in advance. In addition, the symbol variation effect can be appropriately executed. In addition, if the variation time after the addition of the variation time due to the operation of the variation shortening function reaches the variation time (production time) of any basic performance pattern that is longer than the variation time before the addition, An appropriate symbol variation effect corresponding to the variation time after the addition can be easily executed simply by switching to the basic variation pattern of the reached variation time.

  Furthermore, the basic effect pattern is set with the symbol variation effect until the changing identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c stop, whereas the preliminary effect pattern has the identification symbol 27a, Since the symbol variation effect in which 27b and 27c are fluctuating is set, by executing the basic effect pattern following the preliminary effect pattern, the variation display of the identification symbols 27a, 27b and 27c is smoothly connected, and the game The design variation effect can be executed without giving a sense of incongruity to the person. In addition, in order to make the connection between the preliminary production pattern and the basic production pattern smoother (no discomfort), the identification pattern 27a, 27b, 27c is used as the first design for the production of the preliminary production pattern. It is also possible to change the identification pattern 27a, 27b, 27c at the first speed as an effect at the start of the basic effect pattern. In addition, from the viewpoint of gradually decelerating the fluctuation speed of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c, the second effect that the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are at least slower than the first velocity is the second effect at the start of the basic effect pattern. It is desirable to adopt a mode that fluctuates at a speed of. As for the preliminary production pattern, since it is not known which time between 0 and 20 seconds is used depending on the operation timing of the player's fluctuation shortening function, all the productions are configured at a constant speed (first speed). It is desirable that

C-2. Second embodiment:
In the first embodiment described above, the fluctuation shortening function can be operated on condition that at least one hold information is stored, and then the fluctuation starts after the shortening time generated by the fluctuation shortening function is activated. The case of adding to the variation time of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, 27c has been described. However, the fluctuation shortening function can be operated on condition that the specific hold information is included in the stored hold information, and the identification symbol 27a, 27b, A process of adding the shortening time to the variation time of 27c may be performed. Hereinafter, a second embodiment employing such a configuration will be described. In the description of the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment described above will be denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. Components different from the above will be described in detail.

  In the following second embodiment, description will be made assuming that the operation of the shortening variation function is enabled on the condition that specific hold information is included in the hold information. As in the embodiment, the fluctuation reduction function can be activated on condition that at least one hold information is stored, and when the fluctuation is reduced, the reduction time is added to any hold information. At the same time, when specific hold information is included in the hold information, a process of adding the shortening time to the specific hold information may be performed.

C-2-1. Special figure hold related processing:
FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing the special figure hold related process of the second embodiment. When the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 starts the special figure holding related process of the second embodiment, whether or not a game ball has entered the start port 17 as in the first embodiment (see FIG. 10). (S252) and whether or not the number of reserved special symbols has reached the upper limit “4” (S254). If no game ball enters the start port 17 (S252: no), or if the number of special symbols held reaches the upper limit value “4” (S254: yes), the special figure hold-related The process ends, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

  On the other hand, if a game ball enters the starting port 17 (S252: yes) and the number of special symbols held has not reached the upper limit “4” (S245: no), a big hit determination random number, a symbol determination random number Then, a determination random number such as a variation pattern determination random number is acquired (S256), and the acquired determination random number is stored in the RAM 203 of the main control board 200 as a special figure hold (S258). In the second embodiment, a preliminary determination is made for the stored special figure hold (S259). That is, using the determination random numbers (big hit determination random number, symbol determination random number, fluctuation pattern determination random number) acquired in S256, the big hit determination is performed, and the stop symbol and fluctuation pattern of the special symbol are determined according to the big hit determination result. Note that the jackpot determination performed as a pre-determination in S259 and the processing for determining the special symbol stop symbol and the variation pattern are performed in the special diagram variation display processing of the first embodiment described above (FIG. 13, FIG. 14 (see S3102 to S3120), and the description is omitted here.

  When the preliminary determination is completed in this way, “1” is added to the number of special figure hold (S260). Further, when the hold occurrence command is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 (S262), the special figure hold related process shown in FIG. 29 is terminated and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. The hold occurrence command of the first embodiment described above includes the determination random number acquired in S256 as hold information. However, the hold occurrence command of the second embodiment includes the result of the prior determination performed in S259. (In other words, whether the big hit determination result is “big hit” or “out”, the stop symbol and the variation pattern of the determined special symbol, etc.) are included as the hold information. Therefore, the sub-control board 220 can grasp the result of the prior determination by receiving the hold occurrence command.

C-2-2. Hold display processing:
FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing the hold display process of the second embodiment. When the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 starts the hold display process of the second embodiment, it determines whether or not a hold occurrence command has been received (S502). If no hold occurrence command has been received (S502: no) Then, the hold display process is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the game effect control process of FIG.

  On the other hand, when the hold occurrence command is received (S502: yes), the hold information included in the received hold occurrence command is stored in the RAM 223 mounted on the sub-control board 220 (S504). As described above, in the hold occurrence command in the second embodiment, the result of the prior determination performed when the special symbol is held, that is, the big hit determination result (“big hit” or “out”), or the determined Special symbols such as stop symbols and variation patterns are included, and these preliminary determination results are stored as hold information. Note that the RAM 223 mounted on the sub-control board 220 of the second embodiment corresponds to the “hold information storage unit” of the present invention because it stores the hold information.

  In the second embodiment, when the hold information is stored, it is determined whether or not the stored hold information is the specific hold information (S508). Here, it is determined whether the stored hold information is the specific hold information as follows. First, based on the jackpot determination result among the prior determination results stored as the hold information, if the jackpot determination result is “hit”, it is determined that the information is specific hold information. Further, when the big hit determination result is “out”, based on the determined variation pattern, if the variation pattern is either HP03 or HP06, it is determined that the information is the specific hold information. When it is determined that the stored hold information is not the specific hold information, that is, when the jackpot determination result is “out” and the determined variation pattern is neither HP03 nor HP06 (S508: no), one normal hold display is added to the hold display area 27e of the effect display device 27 (S510). Note that since the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 determines whether or not the stored hold information is the specific hold information, the CPU 221 mounted on the sub-control board 220 of the second embodiment uses the “hold information” of the present invention. Corresponds to “determination means”.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the stored hold information is the specific hold information (S508: yes), the normal hold display in the hold display area 27e of the effect display device 27 is a display mode (color, shape, One specific hold display having a different pattern is added (S510). In addition, in 2nd Example, it is supposed to show a player that specific hold information was memorize | stored by adding the specific hold display in which a display mode differs from a normal hold display. Alternatively, the player may hide the presence of the specific hold information by performing a display similar to the normal hold display.

  When the hold display is added in this way, the hold display process shown in FIG. 30 is terminated, and the process returns to the game effect control process of FIG. In the game effect control process, when returning from the hold display process, the symbol variation effect process is started.

C-2-3. Design variation effect processing:
FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing the symbol variation effect process of the second embodiment. The CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 executes the following symbol variation effect processing, whereby the variation and stop of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, 27c (symbols) are controlled, and an effect linked with that is performed. The CPU 221 mounted on the sub-control board 220 of the second embodiment corresponds to the “symbol display control means” and the “production execution means” of the present invention. When the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 starts the symbol variation effect processing of the second embodiment, it determines whether or not the big hit game effect is being performed (S602), and if it is during the big hit game effect (S602: yes), the symbol variation is performed. Since the effect does not start, the symbol variation effect process is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the game effect control process of FIG. On the other hand, if it is not during the big hit game effect (S602: no), it is then determined whether or not the symbol variation effect is being performed (the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are being displayed in variation) (S604). As a result, if the symbol variation effect is not being performed (S604: no), it is determined whether or not the symbol variation effect is stopped (S606). If the symbol variation effect is being stopped (S606: yes), the symbol variation effect is started. Therefore, the symbol variation effect process is terminated, and the process returns to the game effect control process of FIG.

  In contrast, if the symbol variation effect is not being performed and the symbol variation effect stop time has elapsed (S606: no), whether or not a variation start command transmitted from the main control board 200 has been received. If the command is received (S608: yes), the variation effect content determination process is started (S610).

  If no change start command has been received (S608: no), it is determined whether the reduced time accumulation flag is set to ON (S612). Also in the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment described above, if the shortening time generated by the operation of the fluctuation shortening function is stored, the shortening time accumulation flag is set to ON. When the shortened time accumulation flag is set to OFF (S612: no), the symbol variation effect process is terminated and the process returns to the game effect control process of FIG. 22, but the shortened time accumulation flag is set to ON. If it is (S612: yes), the variation effect content determination process is started (S610).

  FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing the variation effect content determination process of the second embodiment. The CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 executes the following change effect content determination process, whereby the change times of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, 27c (symbols) are determined. Therefore, the sub-control board of the second embodiment is determined. The CPU 221 mounted on 220 corresponds to the “variable time determining means” of the present invention. When the variation effect content determination process is started, the oldest stored hold information (predetermined jackpot determination result) from the hold information stored in the RAM 223 of the sub-control board 220 (see S504 in FIG. 30). The stop symbol and the variation pattern of the determined special symbol are read out (S6000). Then, it is determined whether or not the read hold information is specific hold information (S6002). As described above, in the second embodiment, whether or not the hold information is the specific hold information is determined based on the prior determination result (the jackpot determination result and the determined variation pattern) stored as the hold information. (See S508 in FIG. 30), and when the big hit determination result is “big hit” or the variation pattern is either HP03 or HP06, it is determined that the information is specific hold information. As a result, when the read hold information is not the specific hold information (S6002: no), it is read as the hold information from the plurality of basic effect patterns (variation display modes of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c) in FIG. The basic effect pattern in which the change time of the change pattern matches the effect time is determined (S6102).

  On the other hand, when the read hold information is the specific hold information (S6002: yes), it is subsequently determined whether or not the shortened time accumulation flag is set to ON (S6103), and the shortened time accumulation flag is turned off. If it is set, that is, if the variation shortening function is not activated (S6103), the variation time of the variation pattern read out as the hold information from the plurality of basic rendering patterns in FIG. A basic performance pattern is determined (S6102).

  On the other hand, when the read hold information is the specific hold information and the shortening time accumulation flag is set to ON (S6103: yes), the shortening time is stored by the operation of the variation shortening function. Then, the shortening time accumulation flag indicating this is returned to OFF (S6104), and the stored shortening time is added to the variation time of the variation pattern read as the hold information (S6105). As described above, in the second embodiment, unlike the first embodiment described above, it is possible to perform processing for adding the shortening time generated by the operation of the variation shortening function to the variation time only for the specific hold information. Yes. Since the process of adding the shortening time to the variation time is performed by the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220, the CPU 221 mounted on the sub control board 220 of the second embodiment is the “variation time extension means” of the present invention. It corresponds to.

  Thus, in the case of specific hold information, if the shortening time is added to the variation time, the basic production pattern having the closest production time within the variation time after the addition is determined (S6106), and the production time of the determined basic production pattern In step S6108, a time for less than the variation time after the addition is supplemented with the preliminary effect pattern.

  When the effect pattern is determined as described above, the stop display mode of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c is determined based on the special symbol stop symbol read out as the hold information in S6000 (S6110). And if the stop display mode of identification symbol 27a, 27b, 27c is determined, the variation effect content determination process shown in FIG. 32 will be complete | finished, and it returns to the symbol variation effect process of FIG.

  In the symbol variation effect process, when returning from the variation effect content determination process, the symbol variation effect (the variation display of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, 27c) is started (S620). Further, when one hold display is deleted from the hold display area 27e of the effect display device 27 (S622), the symbol variation effect process shown in FIG. 31 is terminated and the process returns to the game effect control process of FIG.

  The processing in the case where the symbol variation effect is not being performed in the determination in S604 of FIG. 31 (S604: no) has been described above. On the other hand, when the symbol variation effect is being performed (S604: yes), the effect time of the effect pattern determined before the start of the symbol variation effect (the variation time of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, 27c) has elapsed. Whether or not (S624). Then, when the production time has elapsed (S624: yes), the symbol design 27a, 27b, 27c is stopped in a predetermined stop display mode (S6110 in FIG. 32), and the design variation production is ended (S626).

  On the other hand, when the production time has not elapsed (S624: no), it is determined whether or not the production button 5d has been operated (S628). If the production button 5d has been operated (S628: yes), It is determined whether specific hold information is stored (S629). In the second embodiment, the fluctuation reduction function is satisfied when the two conditions of the effect button 5d being operated during the symbol change effect and the fact that the specified hold information is included in the stored hold information are satisfied. Is configured to operate. Therefore, if the specific hold information is stored when the effect button 5d is operated (S629: yes), the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are stopped and the symbols are stopped even before the effect time has elapsed. The variation effect is ended (S626). The process of stopping the identification symbols 27a, 27b, 27c (symbols) based on the operation of the effect button 5d (operation unit) is performed by the CPU 221 of the sub-control substrate 220, and therefore the sub-control substrate of the second embodiment. The CPU 221 mounted on 220 corresponds to the “variable time shortening means” of the present invention.

  On the other hand, if the effect button 5d is not operated in the determination of S628 (S628: no), or if the specific hold information is not stored in the determination of S629 (S629: no), the effect time Since the time has not elapsed and the variation shortening function does not operate, the symbol variation effect process of FIG. 31 is terminated while the symbol variation effect is continued.

  In addition, when the symbol variation effect process is finished in S626, the shortened time accumulation process is started (S632). In the shortened time accumulation process of the second embodiment, the same process as that of the first embodiment (see FIG. 27) is performed. That is, it is determined whether or not the symbol variation effect has been completed before the effect time has elapsed (whether or not the variation shortening function has been activated). From this, the execution time of the actual symbol variation effect is subtracted to calculate the shortened time. Then, the calculated shortening time is stored, and the shortening time accumulation flag is set to ON. In the second embodiment, it is possible to continuously operate the fluctuation shortening function a plurality of times on condition that the specific hold information is included in the stored hold information. As described above, since the process of adding the shortening time to the variation time is possible only for the specific suspension information, a plurality of shortening times are accumulated until the symbol variation effect corresponding to the specific suspension information is started. It becomes.

  When the shortened time accumulation process is completed in this way, a symbol variation effect stop time is set (S634), and the symbol variation effect process of FIG. 31 is terminated. When the symbol variation effect process ends, the game effect process shown in FIG. 22 is resumed, and the jackpot game effect process (S700) is executed.

  In the second embodiment, by performing the control process as described above, the fluctuation shortening function can be operated on condition that the specific hold information is included in the stored hold information. A process for adding the shortening time generated by the operation of the variation shortening function to the variation time is performed on the specific hold information. In the following, the manner in which the fluctuation shortening function actually operates in the second embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 33 is a time chart showing how the fluctuation shortening function operates in the pachinko machine 1 of the second embodiment. FIG. 33 shows a state in which three special figure holds (hold information) are stored. As described above, in the second embodiment, as a pre-determination when a special figure is suspended, a big hit determination is performed, and a stop symbol and a variation pattern of a special symbol are determined. In the special symbol display device 28, the special symbol variation display is started corresponding to each special symbol suspension, and when the variation time corresponding to the determined variation pattern elapses, the stop symbol is stopped and displayed. In the example shown in FIG. 33, the fluctuation pattern HP07 (fluctuation time 20 seconds) is determined for the first special figure hold, and the fluctuation pattern HP09 (fluctuation time 5 seconds) for the second special figure hold. Is determined. In addition, since the variation pattern HP06 (variation time 30 seconds) is determined for the third special figure hold, the third hold information is the specific hold information.

  In addition, in the effect display device 27, the change display (symbol change effect) of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, 27c is performed corresponding to each special symbol hold. First, FIG. 33 (a) shows a case where the effect button 5d is not operated by the player (the fluctuation shortening function does not operate). In this case, the variation display (design variation production) of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c on the effect display device 27 is performed in conjunction (synchronized) with the variation display of the special symbol on the special symbol display device 28. That is, as the effect pattern of the design variation effect, a basic effect pattern that matches the effect time with the variation time of the variation pattern determined in advance is determined, and the design variation effect is performed over the effect time of the basic effect pattern. . In the example shown in FIG. 33, the symbol variation effect (normal reach effect) of the basic effect pattern EP07 (effect time 20 seconds) is performed for the first special figure hold, and the second special figure hold. The symbol variation effect (no reach effect) of the basic effect pattern EP09 (effect time 5 seconds) is performed, and the symbol effect effect (normal reach effect) of the basic effect pattern EP06 (effect time 30 seconds) for the third special figure hold. ) Is performed.

  On the other hand, FIG. 33 (b) shows a case where the effect button 5d is operated by the player (the fluctuation shortening function is activated). In FIG. 33, since the specific hold information is stored as the third hold information, the operation of the effect button 5d is validated, and if the effect button 5d is operated during the symbol variation effect, the effect time elapses. Even before, the symbol variation effect is ended and the identification symbols 27a, 27b, 27c are stopped and displayed (the variation shortening function is activated). Then, as shown in FIG. 33 (b), the effect button 5d is displayed at the stage of 5 seconds after the start of the symbol variation effect of the basic effect pattern EP07 (effect time 20 seconds) corresponding to the first special figure hold. If operated, “15 seconds” obtained by subtracting the actual symbol variation effect execution time “5 seconds” from the effect time “20 seconds” is stored (accumulated).

  Thus, when a predetermined stop time (for example, 1 second) elapses after the symbol variation effect is ended by operating the effect button 5d, the basic effect pattern HP09 (effect time 5 seconds) corresponding to the second special figure hold is passed. The symbol variation effect is newly started. In the example shown in FIG. 33 (b), since the effect button 5d is operated again at a stage of 3 seconds from the start of the new symbol variation effect, the symbol variation effect ends at that time, and the effect time “2 seconds” obtained by subtracting the actual symbol variation effect execution time “3 seconds” from “5 seconds” is stored (accumulated). At this point, “15 seconds” has already been stored as the shortened time, and by adding “2 seconds”, the total “17 seconds” is stored as the shortened time.

  When the symbol variation effect corresponding to the third special diagram hold (specific hold information) is started, the variation pattern HP06 determined in advance determination is accumulated in the variation time “30 seconds”. In addition, “17 seconds” of the shortening time (stored in the storage means) is added. Then, the preliminary production pattern EP12 is set to “7 seconds” before the basic production pattern EP05 (production time 40 seconds) within the range of “47 seconds” in accordance with the added variation time “47 seconds”. A production pattern is formed by connecting only "". Here, when the fluctuation shortening function of FIG. 33 (a) does not operate, the normal reach effect (big hit reliability “low”) of the basic effect pattern EP06 is performed for the third special figure hold. In FIG. 33 (b), since the variation time becomes longer by the addition of the shortening time accumulated by the operation of the variation shortening function, the super reach effect of the basic effect pattern EP05 for the third special figure hold. (Big hit reliability “medium”) can be executed.

  Further, in the second embodiment, on the condition that the specific hold information is stored, the fluctuation shortening function can be activated, and the symbol variation effect corresponding to the third special figure hold (specific hold information) is provided. When started, the specific hold information disappears, and the operation of the fluctuation shortening function is prohibited. As a result, the symbol variation effect is continued until the effect time elapses, and the variation display of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, 27c is synchronized with the end of the variation display of the special symbol corresponding to the third special symbol hold. Will end.

  As described above, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the second embodiment, when the special figure hold occurs, it is determined in advance to determine whether or not the specific hold information is present, so that the variation display of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c is performed. When the production button 5d is operated during the middle (design variation production), a predetermined variation time is provided on the condition that the specific hold information is included in the stored hold information (special drawing hold). A variation shortening function is provided for stopping and displaying the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c before the (production time) elapses. Therefore, the player can quickly know the result of the symbol variation effect (whether the identification symbol 27a, 27b, 27c stops in the big hit mode or the off mode) by operating the effect button 5d. In addition, since the fluctuation shortening function is activated only when the specific hold information is stored, when the fluctuation shortening function is enabled, the game for the symbol variation effect performed later based on the specific hold information is performed. Can increase the expectation of the person. In particular, in the second embodiment, since the big hit determination result in the pre-determination is “hit”, it is determined as the specific hold information, so that the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are in the big win mode with the symbol variation effect corresponding to the specific hold information. It is possible to enhance the interest of the player by expecting to be stopped at.

  When the variation shortening function is activated, a shortened time is calculated by subtracting the actual variation time (design variation effect execution time) from the predetermined variation time (effect time), and the shortened time is specified hold information. Is added to the variation time of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c. As a result, the sum of the actual variation times of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c in which the variation has been made until the specific pending information is digested depending on whether the variation shortening function is activated or not activated. Of course, the number of times the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are changed is the same. As a result, there is no significant change in the number of game balls acquired within a unit time or the number of game balls consumed within a unit time regardless of whether or not the fluctuation shortening function is activated, so that gambling is excessively increased. Without any change, it is possible to enhance the interest of the player by operating the fluctuation shortening function.

  Further, since the shortening time caused by the operation of the variation shortening function is added to the variation time of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, 27c corresponding to the specific hold information (the effect time of the symbol variation effect), it corresponds to the specific hold information. It is possible to secure a long time as the effect time of the symbol variation effect performed. And in 2nd Example, since it is determined as specific pending | holding information that the fluctuation pattern determined by prior determination is either HP03 or HP06, for example, before the shortening time is added, normal reach production of EP06 (big hit reliability) The degree of “low”) is used to perform EP04 and EP05 super reach production (medium hit reliability “medium”) by adding the shortened time, or EP03 super reach production (big hit trust) before the shortened time is added It is possible to execute the special reach effect (big hit reliability “high”) of EP01 and EP02 by adding the shortening time. In this way, when the player activates the fluctuation reduction function and accumulates the reduction time, it is possible to generate a super reach effect and a special reach effect regardless of the result of the big hit determination, thereby reducing the fluctuation. The fun of the player can be further enhanced by the operation of the function.

  Further, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the second embodiment, as the number of the hold information (special drawing hold) already stored at the time when the specific hold information is generated, the variation shortening function is activated to accumulate the shortening time. More opportunities. For this reason, in order to accumulate more fluctuation time, the player needs to save a lot of special figure hold, so the so-called stop (stopping the launch of the game ball until the special figure hold is digested) And the operating rate of the pachinko machine 1 in the game hall can be improved.

  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.

  For example, in the first embodiment described above, even if the variation shortening function is activated, the variation time of the special symbol is not shortened, and only the variation time of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c is shortened. However, the present invention can be suitably applied even when the variation time of the special symbol is shortened as well as the variation time of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c.

  Further, in the first embodiment described above, when the fluctuation shortening function is activated, the shortening time is added to the hold information (special figure hold) from which the change of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c starts next. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the process for adding the shortening time may be performed on any of the stored hold information. For example, the shortening time addition process may be performed on the most recently stored pending information. Even in this case, similarly to the first embodiment described above, it is possible to enhance the interest of the player by operating the variation shortening function without excessively increasing the euphoria. In addition, by operating the fluctuation shortening function in a state where a large amount of pending information (special figure pending) is stored, it is possible to accumulate more fluctuation time, thereby preventing stoppage.

  Further, in the first embodiment described above, even if a plurality of hold information is stored, if the big hit determination result is a change display of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, 27c corresponding to the big hit hold information, the change is reduced. The function was configured to be prohibited (invalid). However, even if the big hit determination result is not only the big hit hold information but also the off hold information, a case where the operation of the fluctuation reduction function is prohibited may be provided. In other words, even if multiple hold information is stored, the operation of the fluctuation reduction function is prohibited, so that the player may be aware of the occurrence of a big hit. If the operation of the function is prohibited (so-called “gase” is prohibited), it is difficult to determine whether it is a big hit or not even if the operation of the fluctuation reduction function is prohibited. , 27c can increase the player's expectation for the big hit.

  Even if the big hit determination result is the big hit hold information, the operation of the fluctuation reduction function may not be prohibited. That is, if the player operates the effect button 5d while the identification symbol 27a, 27b, 27c corresponding to the big hit determination result corresponds to the big hit hold information, at that time, the identification symbol 27a, 27b, 27c is stopped in the big hit manner. In addition, the fanfare effect is continued until the big hit game is actually started (until the special symbol stops) by adding the shortened time to the effect time of the fanfare effect (the effect that tells that the big hit game will start). It is good. In this way, the player can quickly know the result of the big hit by operating the effect button 5d. In this case, the normal fanfare effect pattern (for example, 5 seconds) performed when the fluctuation shortening function is not activated and the shortening time is added to the fanfare effect effect time due to the activation of the fluctuation shortening function. A fanfare effect pattern (for example, a continuous effect performed for a maximum of 140 seconds or a repeated effect in which a predetermined unit time effect is repeatedly performed) is provided for supplementing the shortened time to be added. It is good.

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

1 ... Pachinko machine (ball game machine), 5d ... Production button (operation unit),
17 ... Start port, 27 ... Production display device (symbol display device),
28 ... Special symbol display device, 31d ... Grand prize opening,
200 ... main control board, 201 ... CPU,
220 ... Sub-control board,
221 ... CPU (variation time determination means, symbol display control means, effect execution means, fluctuation time reduction means, fluctuation time extension means),
223 ... RAM (holding information storage means)

Claims (3)

After determining whether or not the game ball launched into the game area has entered the start port, the symbol display device performs symbol variation to stop the winning symbol or the off symbol, and determine whether or not the game is successful. In the case of a ball game machine that executes a winning game that is advantageous to the player by stopping the winning symbol,
When a game ball enters the start opening, hold information storage means for storing hold information indicating that the ball has entered until the symbol change caused by the ball is entered,
Fluctuation time determining means for predetermining the variation time of the symbol corresponding to the hold information before the variation of the symbol is started,
The symbol display control means for starting the variation of the symbol based on the hold information, and executing control for stopping the symbol in variation according to the result of the determination of success / failure when the predetermined variation time has elapsed,
Production execution means for performing production in conjunction with the change in the design,
An operation unit that can be operated by a player during the variation of the symbol,
The operation unit is activated by a player on the condition that at least one hold information that has not yet started changing the symbol is stored.
When the operation unit is operated during the variation of the symbol, variation time shortening means for performing a shortening process for stopping the symbol during the variation before the predetermined variation time elapses;
An extension process for calculating a shortened time obtained by subtracting an actual variation time from the predetermined variation time, and adding the shortened time to the variation time of the symbol for any of the stored hold information. A bullet ball game machine comprising: a variable time extending means for performing. In the ball game machine according to claim 1,
The production execution means
The content of the production is determined based on the variation time of the symbol,
When the variation time after the extension process reaches a predetermined time, regardless of the result of the success / failure determination, the execution of the special effect performed when the possibility of the success / failure determination is highly likely to be the winning is determined. A ball game machine characterized by In the bullet ball game machine according to claim 1 or claim 2,
The fluctuation time extending means performs the extension process on the hold information for which the change of the symbol is started first among the stored hold information.

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