JP5437911B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine in which an internal lottery relating to a player's profit is performed to determine whether or not a winning or non-winning is determined internally, and the result is expressed by a stop display mode after a variable display of symbols.

  Conventionally, as this type of gaming machine, there is a gaming machine in which a mission such as a command or a problem is presented to a player, and an effect linked to a big hit is performed by achieving the mission. These enter the mission mode based on a predetermined entry opportunity, and the contents of the mission are, for example, a command such as “Let's reach with 7 symbols!”.

  At this time, if you can reach with 7 symbols, you have achieved the mission, which leads to a big hit. However, this is only for production. Actually, the jackpot has already been determined internally, and it is only achieved that the mission is achieved by reaching 7 symbols. Nevertheless, the player can enjoy a sense of accomplishment that the mission has been accomplished, and can excite the player as part of the production.

As a way to produce such a mission, when the mission is a command to generate a reach state of a predetermined symbol, the predetermined symbol is frequently displayed on the left symbol or the predetermined symbol is fixedly displayed. A gaming machine that makes it easy to accomplish the mission is disclosed (for example, see Patent Document 1).
According to this gaming machine, it is possible to give the player a sense that it is easy to satisfy the mission achievement condition during the mission, and it is considered that such a mission effect can improve the interest of the player.

On the other hand, as this type of gaming machine, there is a gaming machine in which the current state is concealed by making this state a latent probability changing state by not notifying the player that it is a probability changing state even if the gaming state is a probability changing state. . A gaming machine equipped with a latent probability variation state can maintain a sense of game tension because it is difficult for the player to determine whether the internal state is a normal state or a probability variation state.
As a method of a production method in such a latent probability changing state, a gaming machine is known that generates a production with operation of an operation button at a higher rate in the latent probability changing state than in the normal state (for example, , See Patent Document 2).
According to this gaming machine, when it is not notified whether or not it is in a special gaming state, that is, when it is in a latent probability changing state, it is possible to make it easier for the player to notice that the gaming state is a special gaming state. Conceivable.

JP 2009-142605 A JP 2010-5141 A

  By the way, in recent game machines, various productions are prepared in various ways, and these productions are devised so as not to bore the player. The prior art method described above is no exception, and the latent probability change that stimulates the player's willingness to play through the mission mode or improves the player's expectation by notifying the fact that the probability is changing, but that is also the method It is one of.

However, no matter how various productions are prepared, no bonus can be given to the player at any point where the flashy production is made unless a big win is won internally.
As for the above-described mission mode of the prior art, although the game is excited when the mission is achieved and the jackpot is reached, the player must win the jackpot by himself. However, since achieving a mission is directly connected to the jackpot, such a scene (situation where the mission is completed) is rather rare, and conversely, a condition where the mission cannot be achieved during the mission mode. (For example, if a reach is required for 7 symbols but a reach is applied for 3 symbols), the player ’s interest Could be damaged.

  On the other hand, the technique of Patent Document 2 is to make the player realize that the latent probability is changing by frequently performing the operational effect of the operation button during the latent probability change. It is not always effective unless the same effect appears continuously across the rotation fluctuation. In other words, with a small number of fluctuations such as a few rotations, it is not possible to determine whether the game is in the normal state or the special game state.

In addition, for example, if the operation button is rarely generated in the normal state, but the operation button effect frequently occurs during the change of the latent probability, the player immediately notices that the latent probability is changing. In addition to the excitement, the player cannot clearly determine whether or not the latent probability is changing only by slightly increasing the appearance rate of the operation button effect than in the normal state. In short, in such an effect, the ambiguity remains, and the player falls into a state in which it is not known whether the game can be beneficial or continued.
As a contradictory event of the gaming machine, if the internal state is reliably notified, the gameability received from the production will be distracted, but if you keep the state of secrecy for a long time, you will only misappropriate the player's interest Disappear.

  Therefore, the present invention makes it difficult for the player to understand whether the game is in the normal state or the specific game state, and maintains the player's expectation, while also giving the player an opportunity to clarify the normal state or the specific game state. It is intended to provide technology that can prevent a decrease in interest.

The present invention employs the following means in order to solve the above problems.
Solution 1: The gaming machine of the present invention is a gaming machine having a normal state in which a normal condition for a game is applied and a specific gaming state in which a condition advantageous to the player is applied compared to this normal state. When a lottery trigger occurs during the game, an internal lottery execution means for executing an internal lottery, and when the internal lottery is executed, the symbols are displayed in a variable manner over a predetermined fluctuation time, and the result of the internal lottery is determined. A symbol display means for stopping and displaying a symbol in a mode, a fluctuation pattern determining means for selecting one of a plurality of fluctuation patterns prepared in advance for the symbol fluctuation display by the symbol display means, and at least the fluctuation time After executing the variation display effect corresponding to the symbol variation display by the symbol display means, the stop display performance corresponding to the symbol stop display by the symbol display means When the variation pattern selected by the variation effect determination unit satisfies the predetermined reach generation condition, the reach for generating the reach state during the execution of the variation display effect by the symbol effect execution unit. A common effect execution means for executing a common effect in a common mode regardless of whether the current state is the normal state or the specific game state in the state display means and the variable display effect by the symbol effect execution means; When a predetermined production execution trigger occurs during execution of the common production by the common production execution means, an end condition regarding a predetermined number of fluctuations or a predetermined elapsed time, and an achievement condition regarding a reach production time for the reach state, To the player and the achievement condition must be met before the end condition is satisfied for the player. A requested effect executing means for executing a requested effect for requesting, and the reach state generating means based on the variation pattern selected by the variation pattern determining means during execution of the requested effect by the requested effect executing means. A reach effect time counting means for counting the reach effect time in the reach state generated by the control means, and the reach effect time counting means counts the reach effect time during execution of the requested effect by the request effect executing means. An internal state teaching means for teaching a player whether the internal state is the normal state or the specific gaming state when the achievement condition is satisfied before the termination condition is satisfied. It is a featured gaming machine.

The gaming machine of Solution 1 includes a normal state (low probability state) in which normal conditions for games are applied, and a specific game state (high probability state) in which conditions advantageous to the player are applied compared to this normal state. ). This gaming machine proceeds along the flow shown below, for example. The wording in parentheses is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to this.
(1) When a lottery opportunity occurs during the game (winning in the upper start winning opening, winning in the lower starting winning opening), an internal lottery is executed (special symbol lottery).
(2) When the internal lottery of (1) above is executed, the symbol (special symbol) is variably displayed, and the symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner corresponding to the result of the internal lottery.
(3) For the symbol variation display of (2) above, one of the variation patterns prepared in advance is selected.

(4) After executing the variable display effect corresponding to the variable display of (2) above, the stop display effect corresponding to the stop display of (2) above is executed.
(5) When the variation pattern in (3) satisfies a predetermined reach generation condition, a reach state is generated during the execution of the variation display effect in (4) (so-called tempering state).
(6) In the variation display effect of (4) above, a common effect of a common aspect is executed regardless of whether the current state is the normal state or the specific game state. Here, examples of common effects include special zone effects after two rounds of probabilistic change, after two rounds of normal and small hits, simple mode transition effects during normal times, effects in the normal state, and the like.

(7) When a predetermined performance execution trigger occurs during execution of the common effect of (6) above, a predetermined number of fluctuations (within 5 rotations, within 10 rotations, within 100 rotations, etc.) or a predetermined elapsed time (1 Within 5 minutes, within 5 minutes, within 10 minutes, etc.) and achievement conditions regarding reach performance time for reach condition (5) above (clear reach time of 15 seconds or more, reach time of 1 minute or more) (Clear, etc.) is presented to the player, and a requested effect (mission mode effect) is requested that requires the player to satisfy the achievement condition before the end condition is satisfied.
(8) During the execution of the requested effect of (7), the reach effect time in the reach state of (5) is counted based on the change pattern (changed seconds) of (3).
(9) If the reach condition is satisfied before the end condition is satisfied by counting the reach effect time of (8) during execution of the requested effect of (7) above, the internal state is the normal state Alternatively, the player is instructed whether the game state is a specific game state.

  As described above, according to the solution 1, the common effect of the common mode is executed according to the above (6) regardless of whether the current state is the normal state or the specific game state. It is not known whether the current state is a normal state or a specific gaming state. Therefore, the player can play the game with a sense of expectation.

  However, if such an ambiguous state continues for a long time, the player's interest will gradually decline. Therefore, when the effect execution trigger (6) occurs, the requested effect is executed. In this requested effect, the player is presented with an end condition related to a predetermined number of fluctuations or a predetermined elapsed time and an achievement condition related to the reach effect time for the reach state (5). Since the achievement condition is a condition related to the reach performance time, it is possible to prompt the player to generate a reach, and to appeal the continuity of the game as a result.

  If the reach is connected to the jackpot, the player is most pleased. However, even if the reach is not connected to the jackpot, the reach is one element for achieving the achievement condition. Therefore, even if the selected reach effect is a reach with a low expectation level, the player can regard it as an added value, and can suppress a decrease in the game motivation without impairing the expectation. In addition, normal reach that usually deviates usually can be regarded as one merit, and can also provide motivation to generate more reach.

  Also, during the requested production of (7) above, when the reach production time is counted by (8) above and the achievement condition is satisfied before the end condition is satisfied, the internal state is in the normal state by (9) above. Alternatively, the player is instructed whether the game state is a specific game state. Therefore, instead of simply continuing the game in an ambiguous game state, it gives the player an opportunity to clarify whether it is a normal state or a specific game state by the requested effect, and depending on the development of the game, clarify the internal state It is possible to encourage the player to continue the game while suppressing a decrease in the interest of the player.

  By the way, some recent gaming machines are equipped with a reach that has a very long production time (for example, 5 minutes or more) as part of the production. However, if the big hit is not fixed internally, how long the reach is. But in the end it will be "out of the box". Reach with a long production time leads to a big hit, so there is no problem if it is a big hit as it is, but if it goes off with such a long reach, if the player is out of the expectation, There is a risk that the willingness to play will be distracted.

  In this regard, according to the present solution, even if it is shifted by such a long reach, it is possible to give the player the privilege of teaching the internal state even if it is not a big hit, and the player's interest is reduced. Can be prevented. Moreover, even if the reach is long, the feeling that the reach production time in the requested production can be earned can be felt, and the longer the reach, the more happy (worthy) it can be felt.

  On the other hand, on the gaming machine side, one important point is how to give the player the motivation to continue the game. The gaming machine side wants to give the player some kind of privilege and somehow continue the game. However, unless the player wins the big hit by himself, the bonus cannot be given. However, because the big hit hurdle is too high, there are many players who have once played a game but end the game without obtaining any benefits. Therefore, in this solution, even if the bonus corresponding to the big hit is not given, the player is given the privilege of teaching the internal state that is considered to be the next most enjoyable during the game (high probability state is better). By giving, the continuity of the game is improved.

  Further, in the present solution, not only the specific gaming state is taught, but also the normal state is taught. That is, the teaching of the state of being in the latent probability change and yes is also actively performed (teaching on the minus side). In a gaming machine in which a common performance in a common mode is executed in either a normal state or a specific gaming state, the player may be in a latent probability change state, or maybe in a normal state. I often play games while holding. Under such circumstances, if the required performance of this solution can be cleared, the current internal state can be confirmed, the player's ambiguous thoughts are changed to belief, and the player continues the game It can be used to determine whether or not.

  Solving means 2: In the solving means 1, in the gaming machine of the present invention, the reach effect time counting means ends the requested effect by satisfying the end condition after the requested effect is started by the requested effect executing means. In the meantime, the reach effect time in the reach state generated by the reach state generating means is sequentially added to the sum of the reach effect times in the reach state generated by the reach state generating means. It is a gaming machine characterized by counting.

  In the solution means 2, during the requested production, the total reach production time in the reach state is counted by sequentially adding the reach production times for each time.

  According to the solving means 2, since the reach production time is sequentially added, it is possible to give the player a motivation to accumulate the reach production. In addition, even if you have low expectations, you can clear the achievement conditions by accumulating them, so you can improve your willingness to reach even if you have low expectations. The continuity of the game can be improved. Therefore, it is possible to demonstrate a new gameability that even a normal reach that is not usually tied to a big hit can be regarded as a positive factor.

  Solving means 3: In the solving means 1 or 2, in the gaming machine of the present invention, the reach effect time counting means, when the variable display effect is performed by the symbol effect executing means, except for one of the effect symbols. It is at least one of the following states: a state where certain directing symbols are stopped and the remaining directing symbols are fluctuating, a state where reach or a declaration or display equivalent to this is made In some cases, the game machine starts counting the reach performance time.

  In the solution means 3, the state where the other effect symbols are arranged except for one of the effect symbols (for example, 7 ○ 7, 77 ○, etc.), the specific effect symbols of the effect symbols are stopped, and the remaining effect symbols are displayed. Fluctuating state (for example, 7 ○, 3 ○, etc.), reach or state equivalent to declaration or display (for example, utterance sound such as reach or chance, or a bar-shaped line image on the design The reach production time is counted from the case (at the time) of at least one state among the state and the state where three symbols emit light). Thereby, the reach performance time is counted from the so-called tempering time.

  According to the solution 3, since the reach performance time is counted from the time of the temper, the reach performance time is not counted unless the game is continuously tempered. Therefore, the reach performance time is not counted in the quasi-running series (pseudo-running that does not evolve into reach) or a low-reliability notice (simple background change, etc.) that occurs before the tempei (before reach), so the reach of the player is increased. Can improve the desire to be

  Solving means 4: In any one of the solving means 1 to 3, in the gaming machine of the present invention, the reach effect time counting means counts together with the end condition and the achievement condition that the requested effect execution means presents to the player. An amusement machine, further comprising effect information display means for displaying the reach effect time.

  The solution means 4 displays the counted reach effect time together with the required effect end condition and achievement condition.

According to the solution means 4, since the reach performance time is displayed, the player can play the game while confirming the time specifically, so that the required effect is easy to understand visually due to the effect of visualization. be able to.
In this regard, even in conventional gaming machines, reach effects of various lengths are performed, but the player does not always check the number of seconds of reach effects. In the present solution, the player can surely recognize, for example, “this is a one-and-a-half-minute reach” by displaying it in a visible form. Thus, by displaying the reach performance time as a numerical value, the player becomes aware of the reach performance time, and a new game is created there.

  Solution 5: In any one of Solution 1 to 4, in the gaming machine of the present invention, when the result of the internal lottery corresponds to winning and the symbol is stopped and displayed in a specific manner by the symbol display unit, It further comprises special game opportunity granting means for granting a player a special game opportunity to which a special condition different from normal games is applied, and the internal state teaching means corresponds to the result of the internal lottery winning, In addition, when the achievement condition is satisfied, the special game opportunity giving means teaches the internal state before giving a special game opportunity to the player.

  In Solution 5, when the result of the internal lottery corresponds to winning and the achievement condition is satisfied, that is, when both the winning and achievement conditions are satisfied at the same time, the player is informed of the internal state and then specially The state of the game is given to the player.

  According to the solution 5, when a big hit happens during the requested performance, the game can be played in the flow of “internal state teaching” → “big hit”, and the player once confirms the internal state and then plays the special game. Can enjoy the opportunity. As a result, the player will not enter a special game opportunity without knowing what the internal state of the game is, and the player will be able to receive the big hit this time with assistance from a specific game state. Since it becomes clear whether it is a thing or a thing that has been allocated by itself from the normal state, it can be used as a reference for future games while checking the game in a clear state rather than a game in an ambiguous state .

  Solution 6: In any one of Solution 1 to 5, the gaming machine of the present invention grants a special privilege that gives a special prize to a player when a special prize event corresponding to a special prize occurs during the game. And the closed state in which the occurrence of the special prize event is always impossible while the prescribed condition is not satisfied during the game, while the special condition is satisfied from the closed state only when the prescribed condition is satisfied. A special prize event generating means that enables a transition to an open state in which the occurrence of a prize event is not impossible, and a result at the time of winning obtained by the internal lottery include at least a first special winning type and a second special winning type In the case of winning in the internal lottery performed by the internal lottery execution means and a winning type prescribing means for prescribing a plurality of winning types in advance, a plurality of winnings specified by the winning type prescribing means are combined. A winning type determining means for determining which one of the types is selected, and the result of the internal lottery corresponds to the winning, and either the first special winning type or the second special winning type by the winning type determining means When the symbol is stopped and displayed in the special winning mode corresponding to the first special winning type or the second special winning type by the symbol display means by being determined to correspond to the above, the prescribed condition is satisfied. A short-time opening / closing operation is performed for a predetermined number of times to shift the special prize event generating means from the closed state to the open state and return to the closed state for a short period of time when the special prize event is difficult if not impossible. The short-term opening / closing operation execution means to be executed and the result of the internal lottery are determined to be winning, and the winning type determining means is determined to correspond to the first special winning type In other words, after the short-term opening operation by the short-term opening / closing operation execution means, the low-probability state as the normal state in which winning is obtained at least with a normal probability at the time of the internal lottery performed by the internal lottery execution means, Transition to the high probability state as the specific gaming state where the winning is obtained with a high probability compared to the probability state, or the high probability state transition means for maintaining the high probability state, and the result of the internal lottery wins And the internal lottery execution means performed by the internal lottery execution means after the short-term opening / closing operation by the short-term opening / closing operation execution means ends when it is determined by the winning type determination means to be applicable to the second special winning type. Low probability state transition means for transitioning from the high probability state to the low probability state at the time of lottery or maintaining the low probability state; The variation pattern determining means includes the internal lottery result corresponding to winning and the winning type determining means corresponding to either the first special winning type or the second special winning type. Is determined, the game machine is characterized by not selecting a variation pattern that satisfies the reach generation condition.

  In the solving means 6, when the winning is performed by the internal lottery and the winning type corresponds to either the first special winning type or the second special winning type, the short-term opening / closing operation is executed. When it is determined to fall under the first special winning type, the low probability state is shifted to the high probability state or the high probability state is maintained after the short-term opening operation is completed. When it is determined to fall under the second special winning type, the high probability state is shifted to the low probability state or the low probability state is maintained after the short-term opening operation ends. And when it is determined that it corresponds to either a 1st special winning type or a 2nd special winning type, the fluctuation pattern which satisfy | fills reach generation conditions is not selected.

  When a short-time opening / closing operation is performed, the special prize event generating means shifts to the open state for a predetermined number of times in a short time, but it is extremely difficult for a special prize event to occur during that time, so the player will receive a special prize. I can hardly get any benefits. Therefore, not only does it not give rise to a solid recognition that the player has enjoyed the benefits of special games even if a short-time opening / closing operation is performed, but before that, “I won the internal lottery” Even make it difficult to recognize.

  The meaning of such “short-term opening / closing operation” is that the sudden interest of “teaching of the internal state” by the above-mentioned required effect was created by shifting to the high-probability state or low-probability state without the player's knowledge. It is in the place of giving (providing a sensation). That is, even if the requested effect is generated in a situation where it is clear from the beginning that the state has shifted to the high probability state, there is no unexpected “instruction of the internal state”. Therefore, the effect of the requested effect is effectively exhibited only in a situation where the player has not recognized whether the state has shifted to the low probability state or the high probability state.

  Then, if the trigger for shifting to the low-probability state or the high-probability state is “short-term opening / closing operation”, the behavior during that time is hardly noticed by the player, and the transition to the low-probability state or the high-probability state is made. Since it is difficult for the player to notice this, it is possible to provide a highly interesting interest such as “teaching the internal state” by generating the required effect in this case.

  Although it is known internally that when a “short-term opening / closing operation” internally shifts to a “high probability state”, the winning will be announced over time, but the winning on the surface is not guaranteed, but still An anxiety that the player may be in a low probability state remains. It would be less fun to keep playing with such anxiety, but it would be known to the player if it immediately revealed that the next winning was promised. It makes no sense to perform difficult “short-term opening and closing operations”.

Therefore, in this solution, the result of the internal lottery corresponds to winning, and the winning type corresponds to either the first special winning type (2 rounds) or the second special winning type (normally 2 rounds). If determined, the variation pattern that satisfies the reach generation condition is not selected.
This means that if the reach type is selected when the winning type is the first special winning type or the second special winning type, the winning type is “the second special winning type” For example, “Mission accomplished” → “High probability state teaching” → “Second special winning (2 rounds normal)” → “Short-term opening / closing operation” "→" Low probability state transition ". As a result, an inconsistent state occurs in which a transition to a low probability state occurs despite teaching a high probability state, and the player may be confused. In the present solution, such a situation can be avoided.

  In addition, “Do not select reach production” is the common arrangement for the 1st special winning type (2 round probability change) and the 2nd special winning type (2 round normal), the second special winning type (2 round normal) ) Only, there is a reach effect in the case of the first special winning type (2 round probability change), and there is no reach effect in the case of the second special winning type (normally 2 rounds). It is easy to be overlooked.

  Solving means 7: In the solving means 6, in the gaming machine of the present invention, the winning type defining means further defines a special winning type as a plurality of winning types, and the result of the internal lottery corresponds to winning, and When the symbol is stopped and displayed in the special winning mode corresponding to the special winning type by the symbol displaying unit by the fact that the winning type determining unit determines that the characteristic winning type is met, the specified condition is The special prize event generating means is released from the closed state for a predetermined short time when it becomes difficult even if the special prize event is not impossible to be generated as a normal game without satisfying either the special game or the short-time opening / closing operation. A special short-time opening / closing operation is performed for a predetermined number of special times until the closed state is restored after shifting to the open state, and then the internal state is maintained. Further comprising an example operation execution means, wherein the required effect execution means is executed when either the short-term opening / closing operation by the short-term opening / closing operation execution means or the special case short-time opening / closing operation by the special action execution means is executed, From the end of the short-term opening / closing operation or the special case short-time opening / closing operation to the time when the symbol display by the symbol display means reaches a predetermined number of times, the effect execution lottery probability related to the effect execution trigger is higher than the probability of the normal state It is a gaming machine characterized by setting.

  The solution means 7 executes a special short-term opening / closing operation when winning by internal lottery and the winning type corresponds to the characteristic winning type. When either the short-term opening / closing operation or the special short-term opening / closing operation is executed, the effect execution lottery probability related to the effect execution trigger is set higher than the probability of the normal state.

  The special winning type is a type of winning that does not trigger the transition to the “high probability state” even though it is “winning”. Therefore, even if it corresponds to the special win type, the special short-term opening / closing operation thereafter is performed as a normal game (not a special game and not a short-time opening / closing operation at the time of winning). However, since the behavior is almost the same as the short-term opening / closing operation, for a player who has witnessed that the special short-term opening / closing operation is actually executed, it is the “short-term opening / closing operation” or “ It is difficult to distinguish between “opening and closing operations”. Therefore, if a player notices a “special short-term opening / closing operation”, he / she has the expectation that it may have subsequently shifted to a “high probability state” even if the normal game continues. Or, it is possible to make the player feel uneasy that it may have shifted to the “low probability state”. After that, after executing the “short-term opening / closing operation” and “special short-term opening / closing operation”, if the required performance is executed and the achievement condition is satisfied, it will become more promising. You can turn it into belief or wipe away the anxiety that has secretly occurred. On the other hand, if it is known that the state is a “low probability state”, it is possible to correct the ambiguity that it is a “high probability state”, which can be used as a reference for subsequent continuous games.

  In addition, since the special winning type is a winning type that does not trigger the transition to the “high probability state”, the rate of occurrence is limited by the winning probability of the internal lottery (the winning probability that activates the transition to the high probability state). There is nothing to do. Therefore, if the requested effect is generated on the basis that the condition that the special short-term opening / closing operation has been executed as a result of the special winning type is satisfied, it can further contribute to the improvement in the appearance rate of the requested effect. it can.

  Here, in a state where it is understood that it is a normal state, that is, in a state in the morning (immediately after opening the store) or a state where the above opening / closing operation has not been executed once, even if the player suddenly enters the requested effect, Since it is understood that it is in a normal state, there is not much meaning in executing the requested effect. Therefore, as in the case of this solution, when either the short-term opening / closing operation (2 round probability change or 2 round normal) or the special short-time opening / closing operation (small hit) is executed, By setting the effect execution lottery probability related to the higher than the probability of the normal state, it is easy to enter the required effect after any opening / closing operation is performed, that is, in a state where it is meaningful to determine the internal state to some extent doing.

  Solving means 8: In the solving means 7, in the gaming machine of the present invention, the requested effect executing means is either the short-term opening / closing operation by the short-term opening / closing operation executing means or the special case short-time opening / closing operation by the special action executing means. In the game machine, when the requested effect is executed after the game is executed, the difficulty level of the achievement condition is determined based on the winning type specified by the winning type specifying means.

  In the solving means 8, when the requested effect is executed after either the short-term opening / closing operation or the special short-term opening / closing operation is executed, the difficulty level of the achievement condition is determined based on the winning type.

  According to the solving means 8, the difficulty level of the achievement condition related to the requested effect can be freely changed. This is because the required effect of the present solution is different from the mission mode effect associated with the conventional jackpot, so there is no problem even if it is achieved immediately by presenting simple achievement conditions. In this regard, in the mission mode production linked to the conventional big hit, for example, when a mission of “Let's reach with 7 symbols!” Occurs, the reach with 7 symbols is not determined internally. Can't be applied. Therefore, if a mission of 7 symbols has occurred, do not select the reach of 7 symbols in advance, or forcibly select another reach even if the reach of 7 symbols is selected internally. Processing such as selecting a reach with symbols is necessary, and the processing load of the effect control is also increased. In this respect, this solution means that the selected reach may be executed as it is without particular concern, so that the compulsory control as described above is not necessary, so the processing load is reduced and the difficulty level of the achievement condition is reduced. Can also be changed freely. And the freedom degree of request | requirement effect can be raised by changing the difficulty of the achievement condition of request | requirement effect freely.

  Solving means 9: In any one of the solving means 1 to 8, the gaming machine according to the present invention provides the end condition before the achievement condition is satisfied even though the requested effect executing means executes the requested effect. When the requested effect is completed by satisfying the condition, the effect execution lottery probability related to the effect execution trigger is determined from when the requested effect is ended until the symbol change display by the symbol display means reaches a predetermined number of times. It is a gaming machine characterized by being set higher than the probability of a normal state.

  In the solution means 9, when the requested effect is completed even though the requested effect is executed, the effect execution lottery probability of the requested effect is set higher than the probability in the normal state until the symbol variation display reaches a predetermined number of times. Will be.

  According to the solution means 9, when the required effect is completed without satisfying the achievement condition of the required effect, it is possible to easily enter the required effect again. As a result, the player can be given an opportunity to challenge the requested performance again. Since the player can challenge the requested performance over and over again, the internal state will eventually become known. As described above, the required effect of this solution is different from the conventional mission mode effect that results in a big hit, so the difficulty level can be set freely, so such new control can be realized. is there.

  Solving means 10: In any one of the solving means 1 to 9, in the gaming machine according to the present invention, the end condition is satisfied before the achievement condition is satisfied even though the requested effect executing means executes the requested effect. When the requested effect is completed when the requested effect is completed and the requested effect is executed again by the occurrence of a predetermined effect, the achievement condition having a lower difficulty level than the achievement condition presented in the first requested effect is played. It is a gaming machine characterized by being presented to a person.

  In the solution 10, the requested effect is once completed without satisfying the achievement condition of the requested effect. However, when the requested effect is executed again, the achievement condition having a lower difficulty level than the first achieved condition is given to the player. Will be presented.

  According to the solution 10, it is possible to easily teach the internal state to the player by simplifying the achievement condition and satisfying the achievement condition each time the requested effect is executed.

  While the gaming machine of the present invention gives a player a sense of expectation by executing a common effect in a common mode in either a normal state or a specific game state, the internal state is changed by executing a requested effect. By giving the player a chance to know, it is possible to keep the game from being continued without knowing the internal state and to prevent the interest from deteriorating.

It is a front view of a pachinko machine. It is a rear view of a pachinko machine. It is a front view which expands and shows a part of game board. It is a block diagram which shows the various electronic devices with which the pachinko machine was equipped. It is a flowchart (1/2) which shows the example of a procedure of a reset start process. It is a flowchart (2/2) which shows the example of a procedure of a reset start process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of an interruption management process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a switch input event process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a special symbol memory update process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the pre-reading per unit determination process. It is a flowchart which shows the structural example of a special symbol game process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the special symbol change pre-processing. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a big hit hour variation pattern determination process. It is a figure which shows an example of the "big hit time fluctuation pattern selection table address state selection table". It is a figure which shows an example of the fluctuation pattern selection table at the time of 2 round winning during non-probability change. It is a figure which shows an example of the change pattern selection table at the time of 2 round winning selection during 2 rounds after certain change. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the special symbol stop display process. It is a flowchart which shows the structural example of a display output management process. It is a flowchart which shows the structural example of a variable winning apparatus management process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a big winning opening opening pattern setting process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a big prize opening / closing operation | movement process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a big winning opening closing process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of an end process. It is a continuation figure showing the example of the effect performed at the time of 2 round winning. It is a continuation figure which shows the example of production (part) in hidden probability change mode. It is a continuation figure showing an example of mode change production. It is a continuation figure which shows the example of a production in mission mode (1/5). It is a continuation figure which shows the example of a production in mission mode (2/5). It is a continuation figure which shows the example of a production in mission mode (3/5). It is a continuation figure which shows the example of a production in mission mode (4/5). It is a continuation figure which shows the example of a production in mission mode (5/5). It is a figure which shows the example of an effect of the mission mode in the case of teaching a normal state. It is a continuation figure which shows the example of a mission mode effect at the time of mission achievement and big hit (1/2). It is a continuation figure which shows the example of a mission mode effect at the time of mission achievement and big hit (2/2). It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of effect control processing. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of effect design management processing. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of an effect design change pre-process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a mission mode selection process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a mission mode process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of reach production time addition process. It is a figure which shows an example of an effect lottery table. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a "mission mode condition selection table."

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter abbreviated as “pachinko machine”) 1. FIG. 2 is a rear view of the pachinko machine 1. The pachinko machine 1 uses a game ball as a game medium, and a player borrows a game ball from a game hall operator to play a game with the pachinko machine 1. In the game of the pachinko machine 1, each game ball is a medium having a game value, and a privilege (profit) that the player enjoys as a result of the game is, for example, a game ball acquired by the player Based on the number of games, it can be converted into a game value. The overall configuration of the gaming machine will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[Overall configuration of gaming machine]
The pachinko machine 1 mainly includes an outer frame assembly 2, a glass frame unit 4, a tray unit 6 and a plastic frame assembly 7 (game machine frame) as its main body. Among these, the outer frame assembly 2 is a structure in which wood is combined in a vertically long rectangular shape, and the outer frame assembly 2 uses fasteners such as screws for island facilities (not shown) in the game hall. Are fixed.

  The other glass frame unit 4, tray unit 6, and plastic frame assembly 7 are attached to the island facility via the outer frame assembly 2, and these operate in an openable manner via a hinge mechanism (not shown). An opening / closing axis of a hinge mechanism (not shown) extends in the vertical direction along the left end as viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 1.

  A unified lock unit 9 is provided on the right edge (left edge in FIG. 2) of the plastic frame assembly 7 when viewed from the front in FIG. Correspondingly, the glass frame unit 4 and the right edge (back side) of the outer frame assembly 2 are each provided with a locking tool (not shown). As shown in FIG. 1, in a state where the glass frame unit 4 and the plastic frame assembly 7 are closed with respect to the outer frame assembly 2, the unified lock unit 9 on the back side of the glass frame unit 4 and the plastic frame assembly together with the locking device. 7 cannot be opened.

  A cylinder lock 6 a with a key hole is provided on the right edge of the tray unit 6. For example, when an administrator of a game hall inserts a dedicated key into the keyhole and twists the cylinder lock 6a clockwise, the unified lock unit 9 operates to open the glass frame unit 4 and the tray unit 6 together with the plastic frame assembly 7. It becomes a state. When these are entirely opened from the outer frame assembly 2 to the front side (moved like a door), the back side of the pachinko machine 1 is exposed on the front side.

  On the other hand, when the cylinder lock 6a is twisted counterclockwise, only the glass frame unit 4 is unlocked while the plastic frame assembly 7 remains locked, and the glass frame unit 4 can be opened. When the glass frame unit 4 is opened to the front side, the game board 8 is exposed directly, and in this state, the manager of the game hall can remove obstacles such as ball clogging in the board surface. When the glass frame unit 4 is opened, the lock mechanism (not shown) of the tray unit 6 is exposed. If the lock mechanism is released in this state, the tray unit 6 can be opened to the front side with respect to the plastic frame assembly 7.

  The pachinko machine 1 includes a game board 8 as a game unit. The game board 8 is supported by the plastic frame assembly 7 behind (inside) the glass frame unit 4. The game board 8 can be attached to and detached from the plastic frame assembly 7 with the glass frame unit 4 opened to the front side, for example. The glass frame unit 4 has a vertically oval window 4a formed at the center thereof, and a glass unit (no reference numeral) is attached in the window 4a. The glass unit is a combination of, for example, two transparent plates (glass plates) cut in accordance with the shape of the window 4a. The glass unit is attached to the back side of the glass frame unit 4 in an openable / closable manner via a hinge mechanism (not shown). A game area 8a (board surface) is formed on the front surface of the game board 8, and the game area 8a is visible to the player from the front side through the window 4a. When the glass frame unit 4 is closed, a space in which a game ball can flow down is formed between the inner surface of the glass unit and the game board surface.

  The saucer unit 6 has a shape projecting from the outer frame assembly 2 to the front side as a whole, and an upper dish 6b is formed on the upper surface thereof. The upper plate 6b can store a game ball (rental ball) lent to a player and a game ball (prize ball) acquired by winning a prize. In the tray unit 6, a lower tray 6c is formed at the lower position of the upper tray 6b. The lower tray 6c stores game balls that are further paid out when the upper tray 6b is full. The pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment is a so-called CR machine (model connected to the CR unit), and the game balls borrowed by the player are separately received from the payout unit 172 on the back side separately from the prize balls. 6b or lower pan 6c).

  A lending operation unit 14 is provided on the upper surface of the tray unit 6, and a ball lending button 10 and a return button 12 are arranged on the lending operation unit 14. When a player operates the ball lending button 10 with a valuable medium (for example, a magnetic recording medium, a storage IC built-in medium, etc.) inserted in a CR unit (not shown), the number corresponding to a predetermined frequency unit (for example, 5 degrees). (For example, 125) game balls are lent out. For this reason, a frequency display unit (not shown) is arranged on the upper surface of the lending operation unit 14, and the remaining frequency of the valuable medium put in the CR unit is displayed on this frequency display unit. The player can receive the return of the valuable medium with the remaining frequency by operating the return button 12. Although the CR machine is taken as an example in the present embodiment, the pachinko machine 1 may be a cash machine (a model not connected to the CR unit) different from the CR machine.

  In addition, an upper dish ball removal lever 6d is installed on the front surface of the tray unit 6 in front of the upper dish 6b in the upper position, and a lower dish ball removal button 6e in the center of the lower dish 6c. Is installed. The player can cause the game balls stored in the upper plate 6b to flow down to the lower plate 6c by sliding the upper plate ball removing lever 6d leftward, for example. Further, the player can, for example, push down the lower dish ball removal button 6e to drop the game balls stored in the lower dish 6c downward and discharge them. The discharged game ball is received by, for example, a ball receiving box (not shown).

  A grip unit 16 is installed at the lower right portion of the tray unit 6. The player operates the grip unit 16 to operate the launch control board set 174 and can launch (shoot) a game ball toward the game area 8a (ball launcher). The launched game ball rises along the left side edge of the game board 8, is guided by an outer band (not shown), and is thrown into the game area 8a. A large number of obstacle nails, windmills (without reference numerals in the drawing) and the like are arranged in the game area 8a, and the thrown-in game balls flow down in the game area 8a while being guided and guided by the obstacle nails and the windmill.

[Configuration of the board]
In the game area 8a, a starting gate 20, normal winning ports 22, 24, an upper starting winning port 26, a variable starting winning device 28, a variable winning device 30, and the like are installed. The game balls thrown into the game area 8a randomly pass through the start gate 20 in the process of flowing down, or the normal winning ports 22, 24, the upper starting winning port 26, and the variable starting winning device during operation. Win 28 (enter a ball). The game balls that have passed through the start gate 20 continue to flow down in the game area 8a, but the winning game balls are collected to the back side of the game board 8 through through holes formed in the game board.

  The variable start winning device 28 operates when a predetermined condition is satisfied (when the normal symbol is stopped and displayed in a winning manner), and accordingly, the lower start winning port 28a can be awarded. (Ordinary electric appliance). The variable start winning device 28 has, for example, a pair of left and right movable pieces 28b, and these movable pieces 28b reciprocate in the left-right direction along the board surface by the action of a link mechanism using a solenoid (not shown), for example. That is, as shown in the figure, the left and right movable pieces 28b are in the closed position with the tip facing upward, and at this time, winning to the lower start winning opening 28a is impossible (a state in which there is no gap through which game balls can flow). ing. On the other hand, when the variable start winning device 28 is operated, the left and right movable pieces 28b are displaced (expanded) from the closed position toward the open position, and the opening width of the lower start winning port 28a is expanded to the left and right. During this time, the variable start winning device 28 is in a state in which a game ball can flow in, and generates a win to the lower start winning port 28a. Note that the arrangement (gauge) of the obstacle nails installed on the game board 8 is basically a mode in which it is easy to guide the flow of the game balls toward the variable start winning device 28, but the game balls are always variable. The inflow does not necessarily flow into the start winning device 28, but the inflow occurs only at random.

  In addition, the above variable winning device 30 operates when a prescribed condition is satisfied (when a special symbol is stopped and displayed in a mode other than non-winning), and can be awarded to a big winning opening (no reference sign). (Special electric equipment). The variable winning device 30 has, for example, one opening / closing member 30a, and this opening / closing member 30a reciprocates in the front-rear direction with respect to the board surface by the action of a link mechanism using a solenoid (not shown), for example. As shown in the figure, the opening / closing member 30a is in the closed position (closed state) along the board surface, and at this time, winning in the big winning opening is always impossible (the big winning opening is closed). When the variable winning device 30 is operated, the opening / closing member 30a is displaced so as to fall forward with its lower end edge as a hinge, thereby opening the large winning opening (open state). During this time, the variable winning device 30 is in a state in which the inflow of game balls is not impossible, and can generate an event of winning a prize winning (special winning event generating means). At this time, the opening / closing member 30a also functions as a member for guiding the inflow of the game ball to the special winning opening.

  In addition, an out port 32 is formed in the game area 8 a, and game balls that have not won a prize are finally collected through the out port 32 to the back side of the game board 8. In addition, all game balls that have been driven into the game area 8 a including the game balls won in the upper start winning opening 26, the variable start winning device 28, and the variable winning device 30 are collected to the back side of the game board 8. The collected game balls are discharged out of the frame from the back side of the pachinko machine 1 through an out passage assembly (not shown), and further join a supply path of an island facility (not shown).

  The game board 8 is provided with, for example, a normal symbol display device 33 and a normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a at the lower right position in the window 4a, as well as a special symbol display device 34, a special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, and a game state display. A device 38 is provided. Among these, the normal symbol display device 33, for example, turns on two lamps (LEDs) alternately to display the normal symbols variably, and stops and displays the normal symbols when the lamps are turned on or off. The normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a displays 0 to 4 memory numbers depending on, for example, a combination of turning off, lighting, or blinking of two lamps (LEDs).

  FIG. 3 is an enlarged front view showing a part of the game board 8 (lower right position in the window 4a). The special symbol display device 34 can display the variation state and the stopped state of the special symbol by, for example, a 7-segment LED (with dots) (symbol display means). Moreover, the special symbol operation | movement memory lamp 34a can display 0-4 memory numbers by the combination of light extinction of two lamps (LED), lighting, or blinking, for example. For example, when both lamps are off, 0 is stored, when 1 lamp is lit, 1 is displayed, and when the same lamp is flashing, 2 is displayed. When the other lamp is turned on, 3 stored numbers are displayed, and when the two lamps are both flashed, 4 stored numbers are displayed. Note that the number of memories may be more than four.

  The special symbol operation memory lamp 34a wins in either case when the game ball flows into the upper start winning opening 26 or when the game ball flows into the variable start winning device 28 (lower start winning opening 28a). The display increases one by one in the sense of memorizing the occurrence of the occurrence, and the display decreases by one each time the change of the special symbol is triggered by the winning. In this embodiment, when the special symbol operation memory lamp 34a is not lit (the number of memories is 0), the upper start winning opening 26 or the variable start winning device is in a state in which the special symbol can already start to change (when stopped). The display does not increase even if a game ball flows into 28 (lower start winning opening 28a). That is, the display number (maximum of 4) of the special symbol operation memory lamp 34a represents the number of winnings (the number of reserved balls) for which the change of the special symbol has not yet started at that time.

  The game state display device 38 includes, for example, four LEDs corresponding respectively to the jackpot type display lamps 38a and 38b, the probability variation state display lamp 38c, and the short time state display lamp 38d. In the present embodiment, the big hit type display lamp 38a represents “per 2 rounds”, and the big hit type display lamp 38b represents “per 15 rounds”.

  In this embodiment, the normal symbol display device 33, the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, the special symbol display device 34, the special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, and the game state display device 38 described above are mounted on one integrated display board 89. It is attached to the game board 8 in a state where

[Other configuration of the game board: see FIG. 1]
The game board 8 is provided with a production unit 40 from the center position to the right side. The effect unit 40 has an upper edge portion 40a that functions as a guide member that changes the flow direction of the game ball, and includes various decorative parts 40b and 40c on the inner side. The decorative parts 40b and 40c can enhance the decorativeness of the game board 8 by the three-dimensional modeling, and can perform a dramatic operation by emitting transmitted light using, for example, a built-in light emitter (LED or the like). A liquid crystal display 42 (image display, effect information display means) is installed inside the effect unit 40. The liquid crystal display 42 includes various effect images including effect symbols corresponding to special symbols. Is displayed. As described above, the game board 8 impresses the player with the characteristics of the pachinko machine 1 based on the configuration of the board surface (design of a cell plate (not shown)) and the decoration of the effect unit 40.

  A ball guide passage 40d is formed at the left edge of the effect unit 40, and a rolling stage 40e is formed at the lower edge thereof. The ball guide passage 40d is opened obliquely upward to the left in the game area 8a. When a game ball flowing down in the game area 8a randomly flows into the ball guide path 40d, it passes through the inside and rolls. Released onto the stage 40e. The upper surface of the rolling stage 40e has a smooth curved surface. Here, the game ball can roll in the left-right direction. The game ball that has rolled on the rolling stage 40e will eventually flow into the lower game area 8a. A ball discharge path 40f is formed at the center of the rolling stage 40e. At this time, the game ball that has flowed down from the rolling stage 40e to the ball discharge path 40f easily flows into the upper start winning opening 26 directly below the ball discharge path 40f. Become. In addition, the production unit 40 may be accompanied by a drive source (eg, a motor, a solenoid, etc.) together with a production movable body (eg, a character figure, decoration, etc.). In addition to the effect using the image by the liquid crystal display 42 and the effect by the light emitter, the movable body for effect can execute the effect accompanied by the operation of the tangible object.

[Configuration of the front of the frame]
In the glass frame unit 4, glass frame top lamps 46 and 48 and glass frame side lamps 50 are installed at a plurality of locations so as to surround the glass unit 8 as components for production. In addition, a tray lamp 52 is installed in the tray unit 6, and the tray lamp 52, the glass frame top lamps 46 and 48, and the glass frame side lamp 50 are integrally connected on the front surface of the pachinko machine 1 in appearance. Designed as if it were.

  The various lamps 46 to 52 described above perform effects by, for example, light emission (lighting and blinking, change in luminance gradation, change in color tone, and the like) of built-in LEDs. In addition, a pair of left and right glass frame speakers 54 and a glass frame middle speaker 55 are built in the upper part of the glass frame unit 4, and a saucer speaker 56 is provided on the right side of the lower plate 6 c in the saucer unit 6. Built in. These speakers 54, 55, and 56 output sound effects, BGM, voice, etc. (sound in general) and execute effects.

  In the center of the tray unit 6, an effect switching button 45 is installed at a position in front of the upper plate 6b. The player operates the effect switching button 45 to switch the contents of the effect (for example, the background screen displayed on the liquid crystal display 42), for example, while the symbol is changing, during the big hit decision display, or during the big hit game It is possible to generate some effects (notice effect, probability change promotion effect, etc.).

[Configuration on the back side]
As shown in FIG. 2, on the back side of the pachinko machine 1, there are a power supply control unit 162, a main control board unit 170, a dispensing device unit 172, a flow path unit 173, a launch control board set 174, and a dispensing control board unit 176. A back cover unit 178 and the like are installed. In addition to this, on the back side of the pachinko machine 1, various electronic devices (including a control computer not shown) constituting the power supply system and control system of the pachinko machine 1, external terminal plates 160 and 161, power cord (power plug) 164, a ground wire (ground terminal) 166, connection wiring (not shown), and the like are installed. The electronic devices will be further described later based on another block diagram (FIG. 4).

  The payout device unit 172 has, for example, a prize ball tank 172a and a prize ball case (no reference sign), and the prize ball tank 172a is installed on the upper edge (back side) of the plastic frame assembly 7. In this state, game balls replenished from a replenishment route (not shown) can be stored. The game balls stored in the prize ball tank 172a are guided to a prize ball case through an upper prize ball basket (not shown). The flow path unit 173 guides the game ball sent out from the payout unit 172 toward the tray unit 6 on the front side.

[Control configuration]
Next, a configuration related to control of the pachinko machine 1 will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing various electronic devices equipped in the pachinko machine 1. The pachinko machine 1 includes a main control device 70 that serves as the center of the control operation. The main control device 70 mainly has a function of controlling the progress of the game in the pachinko machine 1. The main controller 70 is built in the main control board unit 170 described above.

  The main controller 70 is equipped with a circuit board (main control board) on which a main control CPU 72 as a central processing unit is mounted. The main control CPU 72 includes a ROM 74 and a RAM (RWM) together with a CPU core and registers (not shown). ) This is configured as an LSI in which semiconductor memories such as 76 are integrated. The main controller 70 is also equipped with peripheral ICs such as an input / output (I / O) port 79, a clock generation circuit (not shown), a counter / timer circuit (CTC), etc., which are mounted on the circuit board together with the main control CPU 72. Has been implemented. A signal transmission path, a power supply path, a control bus, and the like are formed as wiring patterns on the circuit board (or the inner layer portion).

  The start gate 20 described above is integrally provided with a gate switch 78 for detecting the passage of a game ball. The game board 8 is provided with an upper start winning port switch 80, a lower start winning port switch 82, and a count switch 84 corresponding to the upper start winning port 26, the variable start winning device 28, and the variable winning device 30, respectively. . Each start winning port switch 80, 82 is for detecting the winning of a game ball to the upper start winning port 26 and the variable start winning device 28 (lower start winning port 28a). The count switch 84 is for detecting the winning of a game ball to the variable winning device 30 (large winning opening) and counting the number. Similarly, the game board 8 is equipped with a winning opening switch 86 for detecting the winning of a game ball to the normal winning openings 22 and 24. The winning detection signals of these switches 78 to 86 are input to the main control CPU 72 via an input / output driver (not shown). Due to the configuration of the game board 8, in this embodiment, the winning detection signals from the gate switch 78, the count switch 84, and the winning opening switch 86 are transmitted via the panel relay terminal plate 87, and are sent to the panel relay terminal plate 87. , Wiring patterns and connection terminals for relaying the respective winning detection signals are provided.

  The above-described normal symbol display device 33, normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, special symbol display device 34, special symbol operation memory lamp 34a and game state display device 38 are controlled in display operation based on a control signal from the main control CPU 72. ing. The main control CPU 72 outputs control signals for the display devices 33, 34, 38 and the lamps 33a, 34a according to the progress of the game, and controls the lighting state of each LED. The display devices 33, 34, 38 and the lamps 33a, 34a are installed on the game board 8 in a state of being mounted on one integrated display substrate 89 as described above. A control signal is transmitted from the main control CPU 72 through the panel relay terminal board 87.

  Further, the game board 8 is provided with a normal electric accessory solenoid 88 and a big prize opening solenoid 90 corresponding to the variable start winning device 28 and the variable winning device 30, respectively. These solenoids 88 and 90 are operated (excited) based on a control signal from the main control CPU 72 to open and close (activate) the variable start winning device 28 and the variable winning device 30 respectively. The solenoids 88 and 90 also transmit control signals from the main control CPU 72 through the panel relay terminal plate 87 described above.

  In addition, a glass frame opening switch 91 is installed in the glass frame unit 4, and a plastic frame opening switch 93 is installed in the plastic frame assembly 7. When the glass frame unit 4 is opened alone, a contact signal from the glass frame opening switch 91 is input to the main controller 70 (main control CPU 72), and when the plastic frame assembly 7 is opened from the outer frame assembly 2. The contact point signal from the plastic frame opening switch 93 is input to the main controller 70 (main control CPU 72). The main control CPU 72 can detect the open state of the glass frame unit 4 and the plastic frame assembly 7 from these contact signals.

  On the back side of the pachinko machine 1, a payout control device 92 is provided. The payout control device 92 (payout control computer) controls the operation of the payout device unit 172 described above. The payout control device 92 is equipped with a circuit board (payout control board) on which a payout control CPU 94 is mounted. The payout control CPU 94 is also an LSI in which a semiconductor memory such as a ROM 96 and a RAM 98 is integrated together with a CPU core (not shown). It is configured. The payout control device 92 (payout control CPU 94) controls the operation of the payout device unit 172 on the basis of the prize ball instruction command from the main control CPU 72, and executes the payout operation of the requested number of game balls (special privilege grant). means).

  In a prize ball case (not shown) of the payout device unit 172, a payout device substrate 100 is installed together with a payout motor 102 (stepping motor). The payout device substrate 100 is provided with a drive circuit for the payout motor 102. . The payout device substrate 100 specifically controls the rotation angle of the payout motor 102 based on the payout number instruction signal from the payout control device 92 (the payout control CPU 94), and pays out the designated number of game balls from the prize ball case. Let it come out. The paid-out game balls are sent to the tray unit 6 through the payout flow path in the flow path unit 173.

  Further, for example, a payout path ball cut switch 104 is installed at an upstream position of the prize ball case, and a payout counting switch 106 is installed at a downstream position of the payout motor 102. When a prize ball is actually paid out by driving the payout motor 102, a count signal from the payout count switch 106 is input to the payout device substrate 100 each time. Further, when a ball break occurs at an upstream position of the prize ball case, a contact signal from the payout path ball break switch 104 is input to the payout device substrate 100. The dispensing device substrate 100 transmits the input count signal and contact signal to the dispensing control device 92 (dispensing control CPU 94). The payout control CPU 94 can detect the actual payout number and the out-of-ball state based on the signal received from the payout device substrate 100.

  On the back side of the pachinko machine 1, a firing solenoid 110 is installed together with the firing control board 108. In addition, a ball feeding solenoid 111 is provided in the tray unit 6. The launch control board 108, the launch solenoid 110, and the ball feed solenoid 111 constitute the launch control board set 174 described above, and the launch control board 108 is provided with drive circuits for the launch solenoid 110 and the ball feed solenoid 111. ing. Among these, the ball feed solenoid 111 performs an operation of sending out the game balls stored in the tray unit 6 one by one to a predetermined launch position in the launcher case. Moreover, the launch solenoid 110 hits the game ball sent to the launch position, and performs the operation of firing game balls one by one continuously (intermittently) toward the game area 8 as described above. The game ball is emitted at intervals of, for example, about 0.6 seconds (within 100 per minute).

  On the other hand, the grip unit 16 located on the front side of the pachinko machine 1 is provided with a firing lever volume 112, a touch sensor 114, and a firing stop switch 116. Among these, the firing lever volume 112 generates an analog signal proportional to the operation amount (so-called stroke) of the firing handle by the player. The touch sensor 114 detects that the player's body is touching the grip unit 16 (launching handle) from the change in capacitance, and outputs a detection signal. The firing stop switch 116 generates a firing stop signal (contact signal) in accordance with the player's operation.

  The tray unit 6 is provided with a tray relay terminal plate 118, and each signal from the firing lever volume 112, the touch sensor 114, and the firing stop switch 116 is sent via the tray relay terminal plate 118 to the firing control board 108. Sent to. Further, the drive signal from the launch control board 108 is applied to the ball feed solenoid 111 via the saucer relay terminal board 118. When the player operates the firing handle, an analog signal is generated by the firing lever volume 112 according to the amount of operation, and the firing solenoid 110 is driven based on the signal at this time. Thereby, the strength of launching a game ball is adjusted according to the operation amount of the player. The drive circuit of the firing control board 108 stops driving the firing solenoid 110 when the detection signal from the touch sensor 114 is off (low level) or when the firing stop signal is input from the firing stop switch 116. . In addition, a gaming ball lending device connection terminal plate 120 is connected to the tray relay terminal plate 118, and when the above-mentioned CR unit is not connected to the gaming ball lending device connection terminal plate 120, the same launching is also performed. The drive circuit of the control board 108 stops driving the firing solenoid 110.

  The tray unit 6 has a built-in CR board 122. The CR board 122 has a switch connected to the ball lending button 10 and the return button 12 respectively, and a display of a frequency display unit (for three digits). 7 segment LED). When the ball lending button 10 or the return button 12 is operated, the operation signal is transmitted from the CR board 122 to the CR unit via the tray relay terminal plate 118 and the game ball lending device connection terminal plate 120. Further, a frequency signal indicating the remaining frequency of valuable media is transmitted from the CR unit to the CR substrate 122 from the gaming ball lending device connection terminal plate 120 via the tray relay terminal plate 118. A display circuit (not shown) on the CR substrate 122 drives the display based on the frequency signal, and displays the remaining frequency of the valuable medium as a numerical value.

  The pachinko machine 1 includes an effect control device 124 as a control configuration. The effect control device 124 controls the effect accompanying the progress of the game in the pachinko machine 1. The effect control device 124 is also equipped with a circuit board (composite sub-control board) on which an effect control CPU 126 that is a central processing unit is mounted. The effect control CPU 126 includes a CPU core (not shown) and a semiconductor memory such as a ROM 128 and a RAM 130 as a main memory. The production control device 124 is provided at a position covered by the back cover unit 178 on the back side of the pachinko machine 1.

  The effect control device 124 is equipped with an input / output driver (not shown) and various peripheral ICs, as well as a lamp driving circuit 132 and an acoustic driving circuit 134. The production control CPU 126 performs production control based on the production command transmitted from the main control CPU 72, and gives commands to the lamp driving circuit 132 and the acoustic driving circuit 134 to emit various lamps 46 to 52 and the panel lamp 53. Or a process of actually outputting sound effects, voices, and the like from the speakers 54, 55, and 56.

  The lamp driving circuit 132 includes a switching element such as a PWM (pulse width modulation) IC or a MOSFET (not shown). The lamp driving circuit 132 switches driving voltages (or duty switching) applied to various lamps including LEDs. ) And manage the operation such as light emission and flashing. In addition to the glass frame top lamps 46 and 48, the glass frame side lamp 50, and the saucer lamp 52, the various lamps include a decoration / production board lamp 53 installed in the game board 8. The panel lamp 53 corresponds to an LED incorporated in the above-described effect unit, or an LED incorporated in the variable start winning device 28, the variable winning device 30, or the like. Here, although the example in which the saucer lamp 52 is connected to the glass frame decorating board 136 is given, a saucer illuminated board is installed in the saucer unit 6, and the saucer lamp 52 is interposed via the saucer illuminated board. It may be configured to be connected to the lamp driving circuit 132.

  The acoustic drive circuit 134 is, for example, a sound generator that includes a sound ROM, an acoustic control IC, an amplifier, and the like (not shown). The acoustic drive circuit 134 drives the upper speaker 54 and the lower speaker 56 to perform acoustic output.

  In the present embodiment, a glass frame decoration board 136 is installed on the inner surface of the glass frame unit 4, and drive signals from the lamp drive circuit 132 and the acoustic drive circuit 134 pass through the glass frame decoration board 136 and various lamps 46. To 52 and speakers 54, 55, and 56. Further, the effect switching button 45 is connected to the glass frame decorating board 136, and when the player operates the effect switching button 45, the contact signal is input to the effect control device 124 through the glass frame decorating board 136. Is done. In addition, although the example which connected the production | presentation switch button 45 to the glass-frame decoration board 136 is given here, when installing said saucer illumination board, the production switch button 45 is connected to the saucer illumination board. Also good. In addition, the panel board 138 is installed in the game board 8, and a driving signal from the lamp driving circuit 132 is applied to the panel lamp 53 via the panel board 138.

  The liquid crystal display 42 is installed on the back side of the game board 8 and the display screen through the substantially rectangular opening formed in the game board 8 is visible. Further, an inverter board 158 is installed on the back side of the game board 8, and the inverter board 158 generates an AC power source that is applied to the backlight of the liquid crystal display 42. Furthermore, an effect display control device 144 is installed on the back side of the game board 8, and the display operation by the liquid crystal display 42 is controlled by the effect display control device 144. The effect display control device 144 is equipped with a display control CPU 146 that is a general-purpose central processing unit and a circuit board (effect display control board) on which a VDP 152 that is a display processor is mounted. Among these, the display control CPU 146 is configured as an LSI in which semiconductor memories such as a ROM 148 and a RAM 150 are integrated together with a CPU core (not shown). The VDP 152 is configured as an LSI in which a semiconductor core such as an image ROM 154 and a VRAM 156 is integrated with a processor core (not shown). The VRAM 156 can use a part of the storage area as a frame buffer.

  The ROM 128 of the effect control CPU 126 stores a basic program related to effect control, and the effect control CPU 126 executes effect control according to this program. The production control includes production control using various lamps 46 to 53 and speakers 54, 55, and 56 as described above, and production control by image display using the liquid crystal display 42. . The effect control CPU 126 transmits basic information (for example, effect number) related to the effect to the display control CPU 146, and the display control CPU 146 that receives the information transmits a specific effect image based on the basic information. Control the display.

  The display control CPU 146 outputs a more detailed control signal to the VDP 152. Receiving this, the VDP 152 accesses the image ROM 154 based on the control signal, reads necessary image data therefrom, and transfers it to the VRAM 156. Further, the VDP 152 expands the image data in the frame buffer for each frame (still image per unit time) on the VRAM 156, and individually handles each pixel (full color pixel) of the liquid crystal display 42 based on the buffered image data. To drive.

  In addition, a power supply control unit 162 is provided on the back side of the plastic frame assembly 7. The power supply control unit 162 has a built-in switching power supply circuit. When external power (for example, AC 24V) is taken from the island facility through the power cord 164, necessary power (for example, DC + 34V, + 12V) can be generated therefrom. The electric power generated by the power supply control unit 162 is distributed to the main control device 70, the payout control device 92, the effect control device 124, and the inverter board 158. Furthermore, power is supplied to the launch control board 108 via the payout control device 92, and power is supplied to the CR unit via the game ball rental device connection terminal board 120. The low voltage power for logic (for example, DC + 5V) is generated by a power supply IC (3-terminal regulator or the like) built in each device.

  A board external terminal board 160 is installed on the back side of the game board 8, and a frame external terminal board 161 is installed on the back side of the plastic frame assembly 7. The main control device 70 (main control CPU 72) and the payout control device 92 (payout control CPU 94) are external information (special symbol variation) toward the outside of the pachinko machine 1 through the panel external terminal plate 160 and the frame external terminal plate 161, respectively. Start status, prize ball payout information, game status information such as during jackpot, probability variation function in operation, and time reduction function in operation can be output. The signals output from the board external terminal board 160 are totaled by, for example, a hall computer (not shown) at a game hall.

  The above is a configuration example relating to the control of the pachinko machine 1. Next, control processing executed by the main control CPU 72 of the main control device 70 will be described.

[Reset start (main) processing]
When the pachinko machine 1 is powered on, the main control CPU 72 starts a reset start process. The reset start process restores the gaming state based on the backup information saved at the previous power shutdown (so-called power recovery) or conversely clears the backup information, thereby adjusting the initial state of the pachinko machine 1 Process. The reset start process is positioned as a main process (main control program) for guaranteeing a stable gaming operation of the pachinko machine 1 after adjusting the initial state.

  5 and 6 are flowcharts showing a procedure example of the reset start process. Hereinafter, the process performed by the main control CPU 72 will be described step by step.

  Step S101: First, the main control CPU 72 sets the top address of the stack area in the stack pointer.

  Step S102: Subsequently, the main control CPU 72 sets the vector-type interrupt mode (mode 2) and corrects the default RST-type interrupt mode (mode 0). Thus, thereafter, the main control CPU 72 can refer to an arbitrary address (however, the least significant bit is 0) as an interrupt vector and execute a designated interrupt handler.

  Step S103: The main control CPU 72 executes a standby process at reset. This process is for securing a certain standby time (for example, about several thousand ms) at the time of reset start (for example, power-on) and checking the main power-off detection signal during that time. Specifically, when the main control CPU 72 sets the loop counter for the waiting time, the main control CPU 72 bit-checks the input port of the main power-off detection signal while decrementing the value of the loop counter. The main power-off detection signal is input from, for example, a power monitoring IC that is a peripheral device. If the input of the main power-off detection signal is confirmed before the loop counter reaches 0, the main control CPU 72 restarts the process from the beginning. As a result, for example, the system can be protected when a main power switch (not shown) is turned on and off repeatedly within a short time (about 1 to 2 seconds).

  Step S104: Next, the main control CPU 72 permits access to the work area of the RAM 76. Specifically, the RAM protect setting value in the work area is reset (00H). As a result, thereafter, access to the work area of the RAM 76 is permitted.

  Step S105: Also, the main control CPU 72 performs initial setting of a mask register in order to set an interrupt mask. Specifically, a value for enabling the CTC interrupt is stored in the mask register.

  Step S106: The main control CPU 72 refers to the input signal from the previously cleared RAM clear switch and confirms whether or not the RAM clear switch has been operated (switch ON). If the RAM clear switch is not operated (No), step S107 is executed next.

  Step S107: Next, the main control CPU 72 checks whether or not backup information is stored in the RAM 76, that is, whether or not a backup validity determination flag is set. If the backup is normally completed in the previous power-off process and the backup validity determination flag (for example, “A55AH”) is set (Yes), then the main control CPU 72 executes step S108.

  Step S108: The main control CPU 72 executes a sum check on the backup information in the RAM 76. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sum-checks all areas of the work area of the RAM 76 (a user work area including a use-prohibited area and a stack area) except the backup validity determination flag and the sum check buffer. If the result of the sum check is normal (Yes), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S109.

Step S109: The main control CPU 72 resets the backup validity determination flag (for example, “0000H”).
Step S110: The main control CPU 72 clears the command waiting for transmission immediately before the occurrence of the previous power interruption.

  Step S111: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes an effect control return process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sends a command for returning to the effect control device 124 (for example, a model designation command, a special symbol probability state designation command, a working memory number command, a count counter remaining command, a special game state designation command, etc. ). In response to this, the effect control device 124 performs the effect state (for example, the internal probability state, the effect symbol display mode, the operation memory count effect display mode, the sound output content, and the various lamps being executed at the time of the previous power shutdown. Light emission state, etc.) can be restored.

  Step S112: The main control CPU 72 executes state return processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sets various values in the work area of the RAM 76 based on the backup information, and the gaming state (for example, the display state of special symbols, the internal probability state, The operation memory contents, various flag states, random number update states, etc.) are restored. The main control CPU 72 restores the backed up PC register value.

  On the other hand, when the RAM clear switch is operated at power-on (step S106: Yes), when the backup validity determination flag is not set (step S107: No), or when the backup information is not normal. (Step S108: No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to Step S113.

Step S113: The main control CPU 72 clears the stored contents other than the use prohibited area of the RAM 76. As a result, the work area and stack area of the RAM 76 are all initialized, and even if valid backup information is stored, the contents are erased.
Step S114: The main control CPU 72 performs initial setting of the RAM 76.

  Step S115: The main control CPU 72 executes an effect control output process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 outputs a command (command necessary for effect control) to be transmitted to the effect control device 124 after the initial setting.

  Step S116: The main control CPU 72 executes a payout control output process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 outputs an instruction command for starting the payout of prize balls to the payout control device 92.

  Step S117: The main control CPU 72 executes CTC initial setting processing, and performs initial setting of a CTC (counter / timer circuit) that is a peripheral device. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sets an interrupt vector register and sets an interrupt count value (for example, 4 ms) in the CTC. As a result, when a CTC interrupt occurs next time, the main control CPU 72 can continue the processing from the program address of the PC register that has been backed up.

  When the above procedure is executed in the reset start process, the main control CPU 72 shifts to the main loop shown in FIG. 6 (connection symbol A → A).

  Step S118, Step S119: The main control CPU 72 executes the power interruption occurrence check process after prohibiting interruption. In this process, the main control CPU 72 performs bit check on the input port of the main power-off detection signal and monitors the occurrence of power-off (decrease in supply voltage). When the power cut-off occurs, the main control CPU 72 clears the output ports corresponding to the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 88 and the special winning opening solenoid 90, and the entire contents excluding the backup validity determination flag and the sum check buffer in the work area of the RAM 76. And save the sum result value in the sum check buffer. Then, the main control CPU 72 stores the valid value (for example, “A55AH”) in the backup validity determination flag area, prohibits access to the RAM 76, and stops (NOP) the process. On the other hand, if the power shutoff does not occur, the main control CPU 72 next executes step S120. There is also a known programming example in which the CPU executes the process at the time of the occurrence of power interruption as a non-maskable interrupt (NMI) process.

  Step S120: The main control CPU 72 executes an initial value update random number update process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 increments random numbers for updating (changing) initial values of various software random numbers. In the present embodiment, various random numbers including the big hit decision random number are generated on the program. These software random numbers are updated by the loop counter within a predetermined range in another interrupt process (step S201 in FIG. 7), but the initial value of the loop counter is changed every time the random number value makes one round in this process. doing. The initial value updating random number is used to randomly change the initial value, and in step S120, the initial value updating random number is updated. The reason why step S120 is executed after the interruption is prohibited in step S118 is the same as another interruption management process (step S202 in FIG. 7). ) To prevent the above).

  Step S121, Step S122: The main control CPU 72 permits the interrupt and executes other random number update processing. The random numbers updated by this processing are random numbers (reach determination random numbers, variation pattern determination random numbers, etc.) that are not related to the determination of the winning type (winning type) among software random numbers. This process is performed in the remaining time when a timer interrupt occurs during execution of the main loop and the main control CPU 72 executes another interrupt management process (FIG. 7). The contents of the interrupt management process will be described later.

[Interrupt management processing (timer interrupt processing)]
Next, interrupt management processing (timer interrupt processing) will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary procedure of interrupt management processing. The main control CPU 72 executes an interrupt management process every predetermined time (for example, several milliseconds) based on the interrupt request signal from the counter / timer circuit. Each procedure will be described below.

  Step S200: First, the main control CPU 72 saves the values of the registers (accumulator A, flag register F, and general-purpose registers B to L) used during execution of the main loop in the save area of the RAM 76. Another value can be written in the registers (A to L) after the value is saved in the interrupt management process.

  Step S201: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a lottery random number update process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 updates the value of the counter for generating various random numbers for lottery. The value of each counter is incremented in the counter area of the RAM 76 and loops within a specified range. The various random numbers include, for example, a jackpot determined random number, a jackpot symbol random number, a regular symbol determined random number, and the like.

  Step S202: The main control CPU 72 executes the initial value update random number update process also here. The content of the process is the same as described above.

  Step S203: The main control CPU 72 executes input processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 inputs various switch signals from an input / output (I / O) port 79. Specifically, an input state (ON / OFF) of a passage detection signal from the gate switch 78 and a winning detection signal from the upper starting winning port switch 80, the lower starting winning port switch 82, the count switch 84, and the winning port switch 86. Lead.

  Step S204: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes switch input event processing. In this process, among the switch signals input in the previous input process, the determination of an event occurring during the game is made based on the winning detection signals from the gate switch 78, the upper start winning opening switch 80, and the lower starting winning opening switch 82. Depending on the event that occurred, further processing is executed. The specific contents of the switch input event process will be described later with reference to another flowchart.

  In this embodiment, when a winning detection signal (ON) is input from the upper start winning opening switch 80 or the lower starting winning opening switch 82, the main control CPU 72 has an event that triggers an internal lottery corresponding to a special symbol. Is determined. When the passage detection signal (ON) is input from the gate switch 78, the main control CPU 72 determines that an event serving as a lottery trigger corresponding to the normal symbol has occurred. If it is determined that any event has occurred, the main control CPU 72 executes a process corresponding to each event. The processing executed when a winning detection signal is input from the upper start winning port switch 80 or the lower starting winning port switch 82 will be described later with reference to another flowchart.

  Step S205, Step S206: The main control CPU 72 executes a special symbol game process and a normal symbol game process during the interrupt management process. These processes are for specifically proceeding with the game in the pachinko machine 1. Among these, in the special symbol game process (step S205), the main control CPU 72 controls the variable display and stop display by the special symbol display device 34 described above, and controls the operation of the variable winning device 30 according to the display result. To do. Details of the special symbol game process will be described later with reference to another flowchart.

  In the normal symbol game process (step S206), the main control CPU 72 controls the variable display and stop display by the normal symbol display device 33 described above, and controls the operation of the variable start winning device 28 according to the display result. To do. For example, the main control CPU 72 stores a random number (ordinary random number per symbol) acquired in response to the passage of the start gate 20 in the previous switch input event processing (step S204). The random number value is read out from the memory, and it is determined whether or not it falls within a predetermined hit range (operation lottery execution means). When the random number value falls within the hit range, the normal symbol display device 33 displays the normal symbol in a variable manner, and after stopping the normal symbol in a predetermined hit state, the main control CPU 72 switches the normal electric accessory solenoid 88 on. Excitingly activates the variable start winning device 28 (movable piece actuating means). On the other hand, if the random number value is out of the hit range, the main control CPU 72 performs a normal symbol stop display in a manner of deviation after the variable display.

  Step S207: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes prize ball payout processing. In this process, based on the winning detection signals input from the various switches 80, 82, 84, 86 in the previous input process (step S203), a prize ball instruction command for instructing the payout control device 92 the number of prize balls is issued. Output.

  Step S208: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes external information processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sends the above-mentioned external information (special symbol variation start information, prize ball payout information, jackpot, probability variation function in operation, time reduction to the hall computer of the game hall through the board external terminal board 160. Game status information such as that the function is operating is stored in the port output request buffer.

  Step S209: The main control CPU 72 executes test signal processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 generates various test signals representing its internal state (for example, normal symbol game management state, special symbol game management state, jackpot, probability variation function in operation, time reduction function in operation). These are stored in the port output request buffer. With this test signal, for example, the internal state of the main control CPU 72 can be tested outside the main controller 70.

  Step S210: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes display output management processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 controls the lighting state of the normal symbol display device 33, the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, the special symbol display device 34, the special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, the game state display device 38, and the like. Specifically, a drive signal (byte data) to be applied to each LED is generated and stored in the port output request buffer. As a result, each LED is driven in a predetermined display mode (a mode of performing symbol variation display, stop display, working memory number display, game state display, etc.).

  Step S211: The main control CPU 72 executes output management processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 stores a frame open state signal indicating the open state of the main body (for example, the glass frame unit 4 and the plastic frame assembly 7) of the pachinko machine 1 in the port output request buffer. In the output management process, the main control CPU 72 manages data output other than commands. Specifically, the drive signal and test signal for the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 88 and the special prize opening solenoid 90 are stored in the port output request buffer.

  Step S212: The main control CPU 72 executes an effect control output process. In this processing, it is confirmed whether or not there is a command (command necessary for presentation control) that the main control CPU 72 should transmit to the presentation control device 124 in the command buffer. Store in port output request buffer.

  Step S213: The main control CPU 72 clears the port output request buffer corresponding to the other output ports.

  In the present embodiment, an example is given in which the processing (game control program module) of steps S205 to S212 is executed as a timer interrupt processing. However, these processings are executed by being incorporated in the main loop of the CPU. There is also a programming example.

  Step S214: When the above processing is completed, the main control CPU 72 stores a value (01H) for designating the end of interrupt in the interrupt program counter, and ends the CTC interrupt.

  Step S215, Step S216: Then, the main control CPU 72 restores the saved values of the registers (A to L) and permits the next CTC interrupt. Thereafter, the main control CPU 72 returns to the main loop (program address indicated by the stack pointer).

[Switch input event processing]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the switch input event process (step S204 in FIG. 7). Each procedure will be described below.

  Step S10: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not a winning detection signal is input from the upper start winning port switch 80 or the lower starting winning port switch 82. When the input of the winning detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S12 and executes a special symbol memory update process. Specific processing contents will be further described later using another flowchart. On the other hand, if there is no input of a winning detection signal (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S18.

  Step S18: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not a winning detection signal is input from the count switch 84 corresponding to the big winning opening. When the input of the winning detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S20 and executes a large winning mouth count process. In the big winning opening counting process, the main control CPU 72 counts the number of winning balls to the variable winning device 30 every round during the big hit game. On the other hand, if no winning detection signal is input (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S22.

  Step S22: The main control CPU 72 checks whether or not a passage detection signal is input from the gate switch 78 corresponding to the normal symbol. When the input of the passage detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S24 and executes the normal symbol memory update process. In the normal symbol memory update process, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the current number of normal symbol working memories is less than the upper limit number (for example, 4), and if it does not reach the upper limit number, obtains a random number per normal symbol To do. Further, the main control CPU 72 increments the normal symbol operating memory number by one. Then, the main control CPU 72 stores the acquired random value per normal symbol in the random number storage area of the RAM 76. On the other hand, if no winning detection signal is input (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the interrupt management process (FIG. 7).

[Special symbol memory update processing]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the special symbol memory update process (step S12 in FIG. 8). In the present embodiment, it is assumed that prefetch determination (preliminary determination) of the acquired random number is performed in the special symbol memory update process. Hereinafter, the procedure of the special symbol memory update process will be described in order.

  Step S30: First, the main control CPU 72 refers to the value of the special symbol working memory number counter to check whether the working memory number is less than the maximum value (for example, four upper limit numbers). The working memory number counter represents the number (the number of sets) of big hit determination random numbers and big hit symbol random numbers stored in the random number storage area of the RAM 76. That is, the random number storage area of the RAM 76 is divided into four sections (for example, 2 bytes each), and each section can store one big hit decision random number and one big hit symbol random number as a set. At this time, if the value of the working memory number counter corresponding to the special symbol has reached the maximum value (Yes), the main control CPU 72 returns to the switch input event process (FIG. 8). On the other hand, if the value of the working memory number counter is less than the maximum value (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S31.

  Step S31: The main control CPU 72 adds one special symbol working memory number. As described above, the special symbol operation memory number counter is stored in the operation memory number area of the RAM 76, for example, and the main control CPU 72 increments (+1) the value. Based on the counter value added here, the lighting state of the special symbol operation memory lamp 34a is controlled by the display output management process (step S210 in FIG. 7).

  Step S32: The main control CPU 72 acquires a jackpot determination random number value corresponding to the special symbol from the jackpot determination random number counter area of the RAM 76 (lottery element acquisition means). The random value is acquired by designating the address of the big hit determination random number counter area. The address is specified in two parts, one byte at the upper and lower positions. When the main control CPU 72 reads the jackpot determination random number value from the designated address, the main control CPU 72 saves it at the transfer destination address as a jackpot determination random number corresponding to the special symbol.

  Step S33: Next, the main control CPU 72 acquires a jackpot symbol random number corresponding to the special symbol from the jackpot symbol random number counter area of the RAM 76 (lottery element acquisition means). The acquisition of the random number value is also performed by designating the address of the jackpot symbol random number counter area. When the main control CPU 72 reads the jackpot symbol random number value from the designated address, the main control CPU 72 saves it at the transfer destination address as a jackpot symbol random number corresponding to the special symbol.

  Step S34: Further, the main control CPU 72 sequentially acquires a reach determination random number and a variation pattern determination random number from the variation random number counter area of the RAM 76 as random number values related to the variation condition of the special symbol. Similarly, these random number values are acquired by designating the address of the random number counter area for variation. When the main control CPU 72 acquires the reach determination random number and the variation pattern determination random number from the designated address, it saves them in the transfer destination address.

  Step S35: The main control CPU 72 transfers the saved jackpot random number, jackpot symbol random number, reach determination random number, and variation pattern determination random number to the random number storage area of the RAM 76, and stores these random numbers as a set in an empty section in the area. . The order (for example, first to fourth) is set in the plurality of sections. If all the first to fourth sections are empty at this stage, the random numbers are stored in order from the first section. Alternatively, if the first section is already filled and the other second to fourth sections are empty, the random numbers are stored in order from the second section.

  Step S36: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a prefetch hit determination process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 prefetches the jackpot determination random number stored in the previous step S35 and determines whether or not it is successful (winning or not winning). At the same time, when the result of prefetching corresponds to winning, the main control CPU 72 prefetches the jackpot symbol random number and determines the type of winning symbol (winning type) in advance. The contents of the prefetching determination process will be described later using another flowchart.

  Step S37: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes an effect command output setting process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sets the contents of the effect command to be output to the effect control device 124 (effect control CPU 126) based on the previous determination result made in the prefetching per unit determination process (step S35). . For example, if the current pre-determination result corresponds to “non-winning”, the main control CPU 72 generates a special figure destination determination effect command indicating “non-winning”. Further, the main control CPU 72 also generates a variation pattern command of “non-winning”. On the other hand, if the previous determination result corresponds to “winning”, the main control CPU 72 generates a special figure destination determination effect command (for example, “B8H”) indicating “at the time of winning” and “winning symbol type”. The main control CPU 72 transfers the generated various commands to the transmission command buffer. In this process, the start opening winning tone control command may be generated together.

  When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the switch input event process (FIG. 8).

[Pre-fetching judgment processing]
Next, the prefetching determination process (step S35 in FIG. 9) executed in the previous special symbol memory update process will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure of the prefetching determination process. Hereinafter, the content of the prefetching determination process will be described along with an example procedure.

  Step S52: The main control CPU 72 loads the jackpot determination random number as the random number value for the previous determination. The random number to be loaded here is obtained in the previous special symbol storage update process (step S32 in FIG. 9).

  Step S54: The main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the loaded random number is outside the range of the winning value (here, the lower limit value or less). Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sets a comparison value (lower limit value) in the A register, and subtracts the loaded random number value from this comparison value. The comparison value (lower limit value) is defined in advance according to the current internal lottery winning probability in the pachinko machine 1. Next, the main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the calculation result is 0 or a positive value from the value of the flag register, for example. As a result, if the loaded random number is outside the range of the winning value (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes step S80.

  Step S80: The main control CPU 72 sets a deviation determination result value as the current preliminary determination result value. Then, the acquisition effect determination process is terminated, and the process returns to the special symbol memory update process (FIG. 9). The determination result value set here is used to determine whether or not it is correct in the special symbol memory update process (step S36 in FIG. 9).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in the previous step S54 that the loaded random number is not outside the range of the winning value but within the range (step S54: No), the main control CPU 72 then proceeds to step S56.

  Step S56: The main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the probability state schedule flag based on the previous determination result is set. The probability state schedule flag based on the previous determination result is set when there is a winning value among the jackpot determination random numbers stored so far, although the fluctuation has not yet started. Specifically, if there is a winning value in the jackpot decision random number stored so far, if the jackpot symbol random number paired with this corresponds to “probability variation”, for example, the probability state schedule flag “A0H” is set. This value represents a flag value for setting as a schedule that a high probability state is to be set in advance determination (prefetching determination) of the jackpot determined random number acquired after the jackpot determined random number. On the other hand, if there is a winning value in the jackpot decision random number stored so far, and the jackpot symbol random number paired with this corresponds to "non-probable (normal) symbol", the probability state For example, “01H” is set in the schedule flag. This value represents a flag value for setting as a schedule that a normal (low) probability state is set in advance determination (prefetching determination) of the big hit determination random number acquired after this big hit determination random number. If the winning value does not exist in the big hit determination random numbers stored so far, the flag value is reset (00H). The value of the probability state schedule flag is stored in the flag area of the RAM 76, for example.

  If the probability state schedule flag has not yet been set (step S56: No), the main control CPU 72 executes step S66.

  Step S66: In this case, the main control CPU 72 sets the comparison value for the next low probability (normal time) in the A register. The comparative value for low probability is also defined in advance according to the winning probability at the low probability in the pachinko machine 1.

  Step S68: Next, the main control CPU 72 loads the “current probability state flag”. This probability state flag indicates whether or not the current internal state has a high probability (probably changing), and is stored in the flag area of the RAM 76. If the current probability state is a high probability (probably changing), the value “01H” is set as the state flag, and if the current probability state is low (normally), the value of the state flag is reset (“00H”). ").

  Step S70: Then, the main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the loaded current special symbol probability state flag does not represent a high probability (≠ 01H), and if the result indicates a high probability (No). Next, step S64 is executed.

  Step S64: The main control CPU 72 sets a comparative value for high probability. As a result, the low-probability comparison value set in the previous step S66 is rewritten. The high probability comparison value is defined in advance according to the winning probability at the high probability in the pachinko machine 1.

  As described above, when the probability state schedule flag based on the previous determination result is not yet set and the current internal state is high probability, the comparison value is rewritten for high probability and the next step S72 is performed. Will be executed. On the other hand, when it is confirmed in the previous step S70 that the current probability state flag does not represent a high probability (Yes), the main control CPU 72 skips step S64 and executes the next step S72.

  Step S72: The main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the random number loaded in the previous step S52 is outside the range of the winning value. That is, the main control CPU 72 subtracts the jackpot determination random number value from the comparison value set for each state. Similarly, the main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the calculation result is a negative value (<0) from the value of the flag register, and if the result is that the loaded random number is outside the range of the winning value (Yes). Here, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol memory update process (FIG. 9). On the other hand, if the loaded random number is not outside the range of the winning value but is within the range (No), the main control CPU 72 then proceeds to step S74.

  Step S74: The main control CPU 72 executes a big hit type determination process. This process is for determining the big hit type (winning type) at that time based on the big hit symbol random number paired with the big hit decision random number. For example, when the main control CPU 72 loads the jackpot symbol random number acquired in the previous special symbol memory update process (step S33 in FIG. 9), the main control CPU 72 executes the operation using the comparison value in the same manner as in step S54, and the result From the above, it is determined whether the jackpot type corresponds to “non-probable variation (normal) symbol” or “probability variation symbol (including 15-round probability variation symbol and 2-round probability variation symbol)”. The main control CPU 72 stores the determination result at this time as a special symbol destination determination value, and proceeds to the next step S76.

  Step S76: The main control CPU 72 sets the value of the probability state schedule flag based on the previous determination result. Specifically, when the special symbol destination determination value stored in the previous step S74 represents “non-probable change (normal) symbol”, the main control CPU 72 sets the value “01H” in the probability state schedule flag. On the other hand, when the special symbol destination determination value indicates “probability variation symbol (either 15-round probability variation symbol or 2-round probability variation symbol)”, the main control CPU 72 sets the value “A0H” in the probability state schedule flag. As a result, in the subsequent processing, it is determined that “flag set has been completed” in step S56.

  Step S78: The main control CPU 72 sets the hit determination result value as the current prior determination result value. Then, the acquisition effect determination process is terminated, and the process returns to the special symbol memory update process (FIG. 9). The determination result value set here is also used to determine whether or not it is correct in the special symbol memory update process (step S36 in FIG. 9).

  The above is the procedure before the probability state schedule flag based on the previous determination result is set (before the internal first hit). On the other hand, when the probability state schedule flag is set through the previous step S76, the following procedure is executed.

  Step S56: When the main control CPU 72 confirms that a value has already been set in the probability state schedule flag (Yes), it next executes step S58.

  Step S58: The main control CPU 72 first sets a low probability (normal time) comparison value in the A register.

  Step S60: Next, the main control CPU 72 loads a “probability state schedule flag”. The probability state schedule flag is for setting a probability state in a subsequent determination based on the immediately preceding determination result as described above, and is stored in the flag area of the RAM 76. . If the probability state based on the immediately preceding destination determination result is scheduled to shift to a high probability (probability change), “A0H” is set as the value of the probability state schedule flag as described above. If the probability state based on is scheduled to return to a low probability (normal), “01H” is set as the value of the probability state schedule flag.

  Step S62: Then, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the loaded probability state schedule flag does not represent a high-probability schedule (≠ 01H), and if the result indicates a high-probability schedule (No Then, step S64 is executed to set a comparative value for high probability.

  As described above, when the probability state schedule flag based on the previous determination result is already set and the value is a high probability, the next step S72 and subsequent steps after rewriting the comparison value for the high probability. Will be executed. On the other hand, when it is confirmed in the previous step S62 that the probability state schedule flag does not represent a schedule with a high probability but a schedule with a normal (low) probability (Yes), the main control CPU 72 performs a step. S64 is skipped and the subsequent step S72 and subsequent steps are executed.

  Thus, in the present embodiment, it is possible to perform a prior jackpot determination in consideration of the subsequent change in internal state based on the previous determination result (normal probability → high probability, high probability → normal probability) (advance determination means) ).

  When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol memory update process (FIG. 9).

[Special design game processing]
Next, the details of the special symbol game process executed in the interrupt management process (FIG. 7) will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a configuration example of the special symbol game process. The special symbol game process includes an execution selection process (step S1000), a special symbol change pre-process (step S2000), a special symbol change process (step S3000), a special symbol stop display process (step S4000), and a variable winning device management process. This is a configuration including a subroutine (program module) group of (Step S5000). First, the basic flow of the special symbol game process will be described along each process.

  Step S1000: In the execution selection process, the main control CPU 72 selects the jump destination of the process to be executed next (any one of steps S2000 to S5000) from the “jump table”. For example, the main control CPU 72 sets the program address of the process to be executed next as the jump destination address, and sets the end of the special symbol game process as the return destination address in the stack pointer.

  Which process is selected as the next jump destination differs depending on the progress of the process performed so far (special symbol game management status). For example, if the special symbol has not yet started changing display (special symbol game management status: 00H), the main control CPU 72 selects the special symbol variation pre-processing (step S2000) as the next jump destination. On the other hand, if the special symbol variation pre-processing has already been completed (special symbol game management status: 01H), the main control CPU 72 selects the special symbol variation processing (step S3000) as the next jump destination, and the special symbol variation is in progress. If the process has been completed (special symbol game management status: 02H), the special symbol stop displaying process (step S4000) is selected as the next jump destination. In this embodiment, the jump destination address is specified by the “jump table” and the process is selected. However, apart from such a selection method, a “process flag”, a “process selection flag”, or the like is used. There is also a known programming example in which the CPU selects a process to be executed next. In such a programming example, the CPU CALLs each process in a single way, and at the top step, the conditional branch (continuation / return) is performed by referring to the flag one by one. However, in the selection method of this embodiment, the main control is performed. There is no need for the CPU 72 to call each process one by one.

  Step S2000: In the special symbol variation pre-processing, the main control CPU 72 performs an operation to prepare conditions for starting the variation display of the special symbol. The specific processing content will be described later using another flowchart.

  Step S3000: In the special symbol variation processing, the main control CPU 72 controls the special symbol display device 34 while counting the variation timer. Specifically, an ON or OFF drive signal (1 byte data) is output for each segment and dot (0th to 7th) of the 7-segment LED. The pattern of the drive signal changes with the passage of time, whereby a special symbol is displayed in a variable manner.

  Step S4000: In the special symbol stop display process, the main control CPU 72 controls the drive of the special symbol display device 34. Similarly, an ON or OFF drive signal is output for each segment and dot of the 7-segment LED. However, the pattern of the drive signal is constant, whereby a special symbol is stopped and displayed.

  Step S5000: The variable winning device management process is selected when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the winning mode (a mode other than non-winning) in the previous special symbol stop display process. For example, when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the form of a big hit of 15 rounds, an opportunity to shift from the normal state until then to the big hit gaming state (a gaming state advantageous to the player) occurs. During the big hit game, the jump destination is set in the variable winning device management process in the previous execution selection process (step S1000), and the special symbol variation display is not performed. In the variable winning device management process, the large winning opening solenoid 90 is energized for a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds or until nine winnings are counted) for a predetermined number of continuous operations (for example, 15 times), and thereby variable. The winning device 30 is opened and closed in a predetermined pattern (continuous operation of the special electric accessory). In the meantime, by allowing the variable winning device 30 to win game balls in a concentrated manner, the player is given an opportunity to collect a lot of prize balls (special game opportunity giving means). Note that the opening / closing operation of the variable winning device 30 at the time of the big win is referred to as “round”, and if the total number of continuous operations is 15 times, these may be collectively referred to as “15 rounds”.

  Further, when the main control CPU 72 sets the large winning opening opening pattern (the number of rounds and the number of opening / closing operations per round) in the variable winning device management process, every time the opening / closing operation of the variable winning device 30 for one round is completed. Increment the value of the round counter. The value of the round number counter is stored in the count area of the RAM 76 with an initial value of 0, for example. Further, the main control CPU 72 generates a round number command representing the value of the round number counter. The round number command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S119 in FIG. 6). When the value of the round number counter reaches the set number of continuous operations, the main control CPU 72 ends the big hit game (big player) only for that round.

  When the big hit game ends, the main control CPU 72 changes the state after the big hit game (high probability state, time reduction state) based on the game state flag (probability variation function operation flag or time reduction function operation flag). When the “high probability state” is reached, the probability variation function is activated, and the winning probability in the internal lottery is higher (about 10 times) than usual (high probability state transition means). In addition, when the “time reduction state” is reached, the time reduction function is activated, and the normal symbol operation lottery has a high probability (for example, about 250/251) as described above. The operating time is shortened from about 4 seconds to about 1 second at the time of operation, and the opening time of the variable start winning device 28 is extended (for example, from about 0.5 seconds to about 1.5 seconds at the time of non-operation). Note that the “high probability state” and the “time reduction state” may be transferred to only one of them in terms of control, or may be transferred in accordance with both of them.

[Multiple winning types]
In the present embodiment, “15 round normal (non-probable change) big hit” and “15 round positive change big hit” are provided for the above “15 round big hit”. In addition to “15 round big hits”, in this embodiment, “2 rounds probable big hits” are provided as a plurality of winning types. When the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the form of “two rounds probable big hit” in the previous special symbol stop display processing, an opportunity to shift from the normal state until then to a short-term big hit gaming state occurs. However, since the 2-round jackpot game ends in an extremely short time compared to the 15-round jackpot game, there is almost no winning in the big winning opening. Instead, for example, by operating the “probability changing function” after the end of the big hit game, as a result, a privilege to shift to the “high probability state” is given to the player (high probability state transition means).

  In any case, if one of the above “15 rounds probable big hits” or “2 rounds probable big hits” (special winning type) is met, the privilege to shift the internal state to the “high probability state” after the big hit game ends (High probability state transition means). In addition, if the internal lottery is won in the “high probability state” and it corresponds to either “15 round probability change big hit” or “2 round probability change big hit”, the “high probability state” is continued even after the big hit game ends. On the other hand, if you win the internal lottery in the “high probability state” and fall under the above “15 round normal (non-probable change) big win” (normal winning type), the internal state is normal (low probability state) after the big hit game ends Return to. Needless to say, if the internal lottery is won in the normal state and it corresponds to “15 round normal (non-probable change) big hit”, the internal state is maintained in the normal state even after the big hit game ends.

  In the present embodiment, a small bonus (special winning type) is provided as a winning type other than non-winning. When winning a small winning game, a small winning game is performed separately from the big winning game, and the variable winning device 30 is opened and closed. In other words, when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a small-hit manner in the special symbol stop-display process, a small-hit game (a game in which the variable winning device 30 operates) in a normal state or a high probability state. Is executed. In such a small winning game, the variable winning device 30 opens and closes a special number of times (for example, twice), but hardly wins in the big winning opening as in the two-round big winning game. In addition, even if the small hit game ends, the “probability change function” does not operate, and the “time reduction function” does not operate, so it goes to the “high probability state” or “time reduction state”. The privilege to be transferred is not granted (it is not a prerequisite for that). Also, even if you win a small hit in the “high probability state”, the “high probability state” will not end after the game of that small hit, and even if you win a small hit in the “time reduction state” The “time reduction state” does not end after the end of the small hit game (except when the upper limit is reached).

[Special symbol change pre-treatment]
FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the special symbol variation pre-processing. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along each procedure.

  Step S2100: First, the main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the special symbol operation memory number remains (is greater than 0). This confirmation can be made with reference to the value of the working memory number counter stored in the RAM 76. When the special symbol operation memory number is 0 (No), the main control CPU 72 executes the demonstration setting process of step S2500.

  Step S2500: In this process, the main control CPU 72 generates a demonstration effect command. The demonstration effect command is output to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S212 in FIG. 7). When the demo setting process is executed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol game process. When returning, it returns to the end address as described above (and so on).

  On the other hand, if the value of the special symbol operation memory number counter is larger than 0 (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S2200.

  Step S2200: The main control CPU 72 executes a special symbol storage shift process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 reads the random number storage (big hit decision random number, big hit symbol random number) stored in the first j section (address 00H) in the random number storage area of the RAM 76 as described above. If the random number memory is stored in two or more sections at this time, the main control CPU 72 reads the random number memory from the first section and erases (consumes) it, and then moves the remaining random number memory one by one to the previous section. (Shift).

  Step S2250: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a special symbol operating memory number subtraction process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 subtracts one value of the working memory number counter stored in the RAM 76, and sets the value after the subtraction to “the working memory number at the start of change”. As a result, the display mode of the number stored by the special symbol operation memory lamp 34a changes (decreases by 1) in the display output management process (step S205 in FIG. 7). When the procedure so far is finished, the main control CPU 72 then executes step S2300.

  Step S2300: The main control CPU 72 executes a big hit determination process (internal lottery). In this process, the main control CPU 72 first sets a range of the big hit value and determines whether or not the read random number value is included in this range (internal lottery execution means). The range of the jackpot value set at this time is different between the normal state and the high probability state (when the probability variation function is activated). In the high probability state, the range of the jackpot value is expanded to about 10 times that of the normal state. If the random value read at this time is included in the range of the big hit value, the main control CPU 72 sets the big hit flag (01H), and then proceeds to step S2400. Here, for example, the procedure (steps S52, S54, S56, S66, S68, S70, S64, and S72 in FIG. 10) described above is applied as a more detailed procedure of the big hit determination process. May be.

  When the above big hit flag is not set, the main control CPU 72 sets the range of the small hit value in the same big hit determination process, and determines whether or not the read random number value is included in this range (internal lottery). Execution means). The “small hit” here is other than non-winning (out of), but is different from “big hit”. That is, “big hit” generates an opportunity (game milestone) to shift to the above “high probability state” or “time reduction state”, but “small hit” does not generate such an opportunity. However, “small hit” is positioned as satisfying the condition for operating the variable winning device 30 as in the case of “big hit”. Note that the range of the small hit value set at this time may be different between the normal state and the high probability state (when the probability variation function is activated), or may be the same. In any case, if the read random number value is included in the range of the small hit value, the main control CPU 72 sets the small hit flag, and then proceeds to step S2400. As described above, in the present embodiment, as the hit range corresponding to other than the non-winning, the range of the big hit value and the small hit value is defined in advance in the program. Each of them may be written in the ROM 74, read out, and the big hit determination may be performed while comparing with the random value.

  Step S2400: The main control CPU 72 determines whether or not a value (01H) is set for the big hit flag in the previous big hit determination process. If the value (01H) is not set in the jackpot flag (No), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S2402.

  Step S2402: The main control CPU 72 determines whether or not a value (01H) is set in the small hit flag in the previous big hit determination process. If the value (01H) is not set in the small hit flag (No), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S2404. The main control CPU 72 may determine the big hit (for example, 01H is set) or the small hit (for example, 0AH is set) according to the value of the common hit flag without separately preparing the big hit flag and the small hit flag.

  Step S2404: The main control CPU 72 executes an off-time stop symbol determination process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sets stop symbol number data at the time of disconnection by the special symbol display device 34. Further, the main control CPU 72 generates a stop symbol command and a lottery result command (at the time of loss) to be transmitted to the effect control device 124. These commands are transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S115 in FIG. 5).

  In this embodiment, since the 7-segment LED is used for the special symbol display device 34, for example, the display pattern of the stop symbol at the time of disconnection is always set to display only one segment (center bar “-”). The stop symbol number data can be fixed to one value (for example, 64H). In this case, the storage capacity used in the program can be reduced, the processing load on the main control CPU 72 can be reduced, and the processing speed can be improved.

  Step S2406: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a deviation variation pattern determination process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the variation pattern number at the time of deviation for the special symbol (variation pattern determination means). The variation pattern number is used to distinguish the variation display type (pattern) of the special symbol or to correspond to the variation time required for the variation display. Since the fluctuation time at the time of loss differs depending on whether or not it is the above “time reduction state”, in this process, the main control CPU 72 loads the gaming state flag and the current state is “time reduction state”. Check if it exists. In the “time shortening state”, the fluctuation time at the time of disconnection is basically set to a shortened time (for example, about 1.5 seconds), except when the reach fluctuation is performed. If the state is not “time shortening state”, the fluctuation time at the time of losing is determined based on, for example, “variable display start operation memory number (0 to 3)” set in step S2250 except when the reach fluctuation is performed. Is done. Note that the symbol stop display time at the time of disconnection is constant (for example, about 0.5 seconds) regardless of the variation pattern. The main control CPU 72 sets the value of the determined fluctuation time (at the time of disconnection) in the fluctuation timer, and sets the value of the stop display time at the time of disconnection in the stop symbol display timer.

  The above steps S2404 and S2406 are control procedures when the big hit determination result is out of place (in the case other than non-winning), but the determination result is a big hit (step S2400: Yes) or a small hit (step S2402: Yes). The main control CPU 72 executes the following procedure. First, the case of jackpot will be described.

  Step S2410: The main control CPU 72 executes a big hit stop symbol determination process (winning type determination means). In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the type of the winning symbol (stop symbol number at the time of jackpot) based on the jackpot symbol random number. The relationship between the jackpot symbol random number value and the type of winning symbol is defined in advance in the special symbol determination data table (winning type defining means). For this reason, the main control CPU 72 can determine the type of the winning symbol based on the jackpot symbol random number from the stored contents by referring to the special symbol determination table in the jackpot stop symbol determination process. Such a process can also be applied to the jackpot symbol type determination process (step S74 in FIG. 10) executed in the preceding look-ahead determination process.

[Winning pattern at the time of big hit]
In the present embodiment, for example, four types of prepared symbols that are selectively determined at the time of the big hit are prepared. One of them is “15 round probability variation”, the other is “15 round normal (non-probability variation)”, and the remaining two are “2 round probability variation” and “2 round normal variation”. is there. Depending on the game specifications, the “15 round normal symbol” may be eliminated or the “2 round normal symbol” may be eliminated.

  More specifically, there are mainly four types of winning symbols as major classifications, but even if the same “15 round probability variation symbol”, for example, “15 round probability variation symbol A”, “15 round probability variation symbol B”, “15 A plurality of winning symbols are defined in more detail, such as “Round Probability Symbol C”,... Even if the same “15 Round Normal (Non-Probability) Symbol” is used, for example, “15 Round Normal (Non-Probability Variation)” ) Symbol A ”,“ 15 Round Normal (Non-Probability Change) Symbol B ”,“ 15 Round Normal (Non-Probability Change) Symbol C ”,...

  In addition, for “2-round probability variation design”, for example, “2 round probability variation design A”, “2 round probability variation design B”, “2 round probability variation design C”, etc. Has been. Furthermore, with regard to “2-round normal symbol”, for example, “2 round normal symbol A”, “2-round normal symbol B”, “2-round normal symbol C”,... Has been.

  Such fine classification is for diversifying the stop display of the winning symbol by the special symbol display device 34. For example, in the case of the same “15 round probability variation symbol”, when the subcategory is “15 round probability variation symbol A”, all the seven segments are lit in the special symbol display device 34 (for example, a “day” shape), In the case of “15 round probability variation B”, five segments are lit (for example, a “self” shape). However, if the “15-round probability variable symbol” is the same as the major category, the result (effect) will be the same in proceeding with the subsequent game, regardless of which symbol is selected in the minor category (effect mode) May be different.) The plurality of types of winning symbols provided for each number of rounds are defined in advance by the special symbol determination table (winning type defining means).

  Step S2412: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a big hit hour variation pattern determination process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the variation pattern (variation time and stop display time) of the special symbol based on the variation pattern determination random number shifted in the previous step S2200. The main control CPU 72 sets the determined variation time value in the variation timer, and sets the stop display time value in the stop symbol display timer. In general, in the case of big hit reach fluctuation, a fluctuation time longer than that at the time of loss is determined.

  Step S2413: The main control CPU 72 executes a big hit other setting process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the game state flag is the “15 round probability variation symbol” or “2 round probability variation symbol” if the winning symbol type (hit stop symbol number) determined in the previous step S2410 is “15 round probability variation symbol”. As a result, the value (01H) of the probability variation function operation flag is set in the flag area of the RAM 76. Further, when the current gaming state is already a high probability state (when the probability variation function is activated), the main control CPU 72 also sets the value (01H) of the time reduction function activation flag in the flag area of the RAM 76 as a gaming state flag. . The significance of such processing is based on, for example, the following concept. That is, first, when the “two-round probability variation pattern” is met from the normal state, the value (01H) of the time variation function activation flag is not set, but only the value (01H) of the probability variation function activation flag is set. In this case, by not revealing the “high probability state” even in the production, a “hidden probability change state” that is difficult to be recognized by the player. However, in this embodiment, when the “hidden probability change state” has already been applied and the “two-round probability change pattern” is repeated, the “hidden probability change state” is not continued indefinitely, but the time reduction function is activated. The probability variation state is clearly indicated to the player. This prevents the player from continuing the game without being informed of the information regarding the internal state at all, and prevents the player from buying too much misery. Further, the main control CPU 72 resets the value of the probability variation function operation flag as the gaming state flag when the type of the winning symbol determined in the previous step S2410 is “2 round normal symbol” (low probability state transition means). .

  In step S2413, the main control CPU 72 determines the display mode of the stop symbol (big hit symbol) by the special symbol display device 34 based on the big hit time stop symbol number. In addition, the main control CPU 72 generates a stop symbol command and a lottery result command (at the time of a big hit) to be transmitted to the effect control device 124. The stop symbol command and the lottery result command are also transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process. Further, the main control CPU 72 generates an internal state transmission command to be transmitted to the effect control device 124 based on the gaming state flag. This internal state transmission command is also transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process.

Next, processing for small hits will be described.
Step S2407: The main control CPU 72 executes a small hit stop symbol determination process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the type of winning symbol at the time of small hit (stop symbol number at small hit) based on the big hit symbol random number. Here, similarly, the relationship between the big winning symbol random number value and the type of winning symbol at the time of small hitting is preliminarily defined in the special symbol determining data table at the small hitting (winning type defining means). In this embodiment, in order to reduce the load on the main control CPU 72, the winning symbol at the time of the small hit is determined using the big hit symbol random number, but a dedicated random number may be used separately.

[Winning pattern for small hits]
In the present embodiment, the winning symbol at the time of small hitting is only one type of “twice open small hitting symbol”. However, other types such as “one time opening small hit symbol” and “three times opening small hit symbol” may be prepared. As described above, “small hit” as a result of the internal lottery is not an opportunity for the subsequent state to change to “high probability state” or “time reduction state”, and thus is essential for this type of pachinko machine. A “one-time small hit symbol” can be provided without being bound by the definition of “two rounds (two times open) or more”.

  Step S2408: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a small hit hour variation pattern determination process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the variation pattern (variation time and stop display time) of the special symbol based on the variation pattern determination random number shifted in the previous step S2200 (variation pattern determination means). Further, the main control CPU 72 sets the determined variation time value in the variation timer, and sets the stop display time value in the stop symbol display timer. In the present embodiment, the reach variation pattern can be selected in the case of a small hit, or a variation pattern equivalent to that in the normal variation can be selected.

  Step S2409: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a small hitting and other setting process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the display mode of the stop symbol (small hit symbol) by the special symbol display device 34 based on the stop symbol number at the small hit. In addition, the main control CPU 72 generates a stop symbol command and a lottery result command (at the time of a small hit) to be transmitted to the effect control device 124. The stop symbol command and the lottery result command are also transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process.

  Step S2414: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes special symbol variation start processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 selects the fluctuation pattern data based on the fluctuation pattern number (out of time / hit), and sets the fluctuation time value corresponding to the fluctuation pattern in the fluctuation timer. The main control CPU 72 sets the value of the stop symbol display time corresponding to the variation pattern in the display timer. At the same time, the main control CPU 72 sets a special symbol variation start flag in the flag area of the RAM 76. Then, the main control CPU 72 generates a change start command to be transmitted to the effect control device 124. This variation start command is also transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process. When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 sets the special symbol changing process (step S3000) as the next jump destination and returns to the special symbol game process.

[Figure 11: Special symbol change processing, special symbol stop display processing]
In the special symbol fluctuation processing, the main control CPU 72 loads the value of the fluctuation timer from the register to the timer counter as described above, and then the timer according to the passage of time (clock pulse count number or interrupt counter value). Decrement the counter value. The main control CPU 72 controls the special symbol variation display as described above until the value becomes 0 while referring to the value of the timer counter. When the value of the timer counter becomes 0, the main control CPU 72 sets the special symbol stop display in-progress process (step S4000) as the next jump destination.

  In the special symbol stop display process, the main control CPU 72 controls the special symbol stop display based on the stop symbol determined in the stop symbol determination process (step S2404, step S2407, and step S2410 in FIG. 14). The main control CPU 72 generates a symbol stop command to be transmitted to the effect control device 124. The symbol stop command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process. When the stop symbol is displayed for a predetermined time in the special symbol stop display process, the main control CPU 72 deletes the symbol changing flag. The special symbol stop display in-progress process will be described later with reference to another flowchart.

[Big hit fluctuation pattern determination process]
Next, the contents of the big hit hour fluctuation pattern determination process (step S2412 in FIG. 12) performed in the special symbol fluctuation pre-processing will be described. The big hit fluctuation pattern determination process is a process executed when the result of the internal lottery corresponds to a win (big hit other than the small hit) as described above, but in this embodiment, the big hit is stopped before that In the symbol determination process (step S2410 in FIG. 12), the special symbol depends on whether “15 round symbol (both probable and non-probable)” or “2 round probable symbol” is selected as the winning type (winning symbol). The method for determining the variation pattern is different. Furthermore, for the “two-round probability variation pattern”, the method for determining the variation pattern also differs depending on whether or not the current state is in a high probability state.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the big hit hour variation pattern determination process. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along each procedure.

[15 round designs (probability or non-probability)]
When either “15 round probability variation symbol” or “15 round normal (non-probability variation) symbol” is selected as the winning type at the time of the big hit, the variation pattern is determined in the following procedure.

  Step S2600: The main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the selected winning type is the “15 round symbol” of the large classification. This determination can be made based on the jackpot stop symbol number, for example. The main control CPU 72 accesses the buffer area of the RAM 76, for example, and reads the value of the big hit stop symbol number from the corresponding address. As a result, if it is a value corresponding to either “15 round probability variation symbol” or “15 round normal (non-probability variation) symbol” (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S2601.

  Step S2601: Next, the main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the winning type corresponds to “15 round probability variation symbol” in the fine classification. This determination can also be made based on the big hit stop symbol number. At this time, if it is confirmed that the value corresponds to the “15-round probability variation symbol” (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S2602.

  Step S2602: The main control CPU 72 accesses the table storage area of the ROM 74, and obtains the table address (1) from the “selected symbol-specific / state-specific selection table”. The table address (1) acquired here describes the address of the “variation pattern selection table” used in the case of “15 rounds probable variation winning”.

  On the other hand, when it is confirmed in the previous step S2601 that the value corresponds to “15 round normal (non-probable variation) symbol” (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S2607.

  Step S2607: In this case, the main control CPU 72 acquires the table address (2) from the “selected symbol-specific / state-specific selection table”. The table address (2) acquired here describes the address of the “variation pattern selection table” used in the case of “15 rounds uncertain variation winning”.

[Example of selection table by winning symbol and state]
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of the “selected symbol / state selection table”, that is, the “big hit hour variation pattern selection table address state selection table”. The “successful symbol-specific / state-specific selection table” has, for example, a storage area of 5 bytes, and the table addresses (1) to (5) are stored in that order. Among these, in the storage area for the first 1 byte, the address of the “15-round probability variation winning variation pattern selection table” is described as the table address (1). In the second storage area, as the table address (2), an address of “a variation pattern selection table at the time of 15 round uncertain variation selection” is described. Similarly, in the third storage area, the address of “variation pattern selection table at the time of two round winning change during 2 rounds is described” is described as the table address (3), and the table address (3) is stored in the fourth storage area. 4) describes the address of the “variable pattern selection table during two-round winning during probability change”, and the last storage area stores “address variation pattern selection table during two-round winning during non-probable variation” as the table address (5). Address is described.

  When executing the previous step S2602, the main control CPU 72 obtains (specifies) the table address (1) stored at the head address in the storage area of the “selected symbol-specific / state-specific selection table”. On the other hand, when the main control CPU 72 executes step S2607, the table address (2) stored at the second address is acquired (designated) in the storage area of the “selected symbol-specific / state-specific selection table”.

[See Figure 13: Big hit hour variation pattern determination process]
Step S2604: The main control CPU 72 executes a selection lottery. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 compares the current variation pattern determination random value (for example, any one of 0 to 255) with the comparison value in the “variation pattern selection table”, and selects the corresponding variation pattern number. . For example, in the “15-round winning variation pattern selection table”, a plurality of types of “big hit reach variation patterns 21 to 20” are defined in advance, and one of these numbers is selected.

  Step S2606: The main control CPU 72 sets the current variation pattern based on the selected number. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sets a special symbol fluctuation time (for big hit reach fluctuation) and generates a fluctuation pattern command to be transmitted to the effect control device 124 (effect control CPU 126). The variation pattern command is a 2-byte command such as “97H01H” described in the format of MODE value−EVENT value, for example. The variation pattern command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process.

[2 rounds]
On the other hand, when “2 round symbols” is selected as the winning type at the time of the big hit, the variation pattern is determined by the following procedure.

  In the previous step S2600, when it is determined that the current winning symbol (big hit stop symbol number) is a major category and does not correspond to the “15 round symbol” (No), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S2608.

  Step S2608: The main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the current internal state is a “high probability state (also referred to as“ probability fluctuation state ”)”. In the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, if the winning combination corresponds to either “15 round probability variation symbol” or “2 round probability variation symbol”, the winning probability of the internal lottery after the end of the big hit game (main role) It shifts to a high probability state that is changed to about 10 times higher. At this time, if the current internal state is not a high probability state (denoted as “probably changing” in the figure) (No), the main control CPU 72 then proceeds to step S2610.

[When winning 2 rounds during non-probability]
Step S2610: The main control CPU 72 accesses the table storage area of the ROM 74, and obtains the table address (5) from the “selected symbol-specific / state-specific selection table” shown in FIG. The table address (5) acquired here describes the address of the “variation pattern selection table” used in the case of “2 round winning during non-probable change”.

[Example of change pattern selection table for two-round winning during non-probable change]
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a variation pattern selection table for two-round winning during non-probability variation. This selection table has a structure in which, for example, “comparison value” and “variation pattern number” are stored as a set of 1 byte each in order from the head address. The “comparison value” includes, for example, eight different values “101”, “201”, “211”, “221”, “231”, “241”, “251”, “255 (FFH)”. “1” to “8” of “variation pattern number” are assigned to each “comparison value”. These fluctuation pattern numbers “1” to “8” all correspond to non-reach (normal) fluctuation patterns, and no one corresponding to the reach fluctuation pattern is provided here.

  Here, the length of the set variation time differs greatly between the “non-reach (normal) variation pattern” and the “reach variation pattern”. That is, the “non-reach fluctuation pattern” basically corresponds to a short fluctuation time (for example, about 6.0 seconds to 12.0 seconds), whereas the “reach fluctuation pattern” has a long fluctuation more than twice as long. This corresponds to time (for example, about 30 seconds to 120 seconds).

  In any case, the main control CPU 72 sequentially compares the acquired variation pattern determination random value with the “comparison value” in the selection table, and if the random value is equal to or less than the comparison value, the main control CPU 72 corresponds to the comparison value. Select the fluctuation pattern number. For example, if the fluctuation pattern determination random number value at that time is “157”, the main control CPU 72 determines that the next comparison value “101” because the random value exceeds the comparison value when compared with the first comparison value “101”. 201 "is compared with the random value. In this case, since the random value is equal to or smaller than the comparison value, the main control CPU 72 selects “2” as the corresponding variation pattern number.

[See Figure 13: Big hit hour variation pattern determination process]
In step S2604, the main control CPU 72 executes the above-described variation pattern selection lottery. However, as described above, only the “non-reach variation pattern” is provided in the “non-probability variation 2-round winning variation pattern selection table”, so any variation pattern “1” to “8” is selected. Even so, in the next step S2606, the variation time at the time of winning the second round during non-probability change is set to be relatively short. Similarly, the main control CPU 72 sets a special symbol variation time (for non-reach variation) and generates a variation pattern command to be transmitted to the effect control device 124 (effect control CPU 126). The variation pattern command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process.

[When winning 2 rounds during probability change]
On the other hand, the following procedure is executed when winning with 2 round symbols during probability change.

  Step S2608: When the main control CPU 72 confirms that the current internal state is a high probability state (probably changing) (Yes), the process proceeds to step S2611.

  Step S2611: Next, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the current internal state corresponds to a “high probability state after winning two rounds”. This determination can be made, for example, based on the values of the above-described gaming state flags (probability variation function operation flag and time reduction function operation flag). That is, if the value (01H) is set only in the probability variation function activation flag and the value (01H) is not set in the time reduction function activation flag, it means “a high probability state after two rounds”. Yes. In this case, the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S2612.

  Step S2612: The main control CPU 72 accesses the table storage area of the ROM 74, and obtains the table address (3) from the “selected symbol-specific / state-specific selection table” shown in FIG. In the table address (3) acquired here, the address of the “variation pattern selection table” used in the case of “winning in 2 rounds after 2 rounds of certainty change” is described.

[Example of change pattern selection table when winning 2 rounds after 2 rounds]
FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a variation pattern selection table for two-round winning during the probability variation after two rounds. This selection table has “13”, “14”, “15”, “16”, “17”, “18”, “18”, “variation pattern numbers” for the comparison values “101” to “255 (FFH)”. In this structure, “19” and “20” are assigned. All of these fluctuation pattern numbers “13” to “20” correspond to non-reach (normal) fluctuation patterns, and those corresponding to reach fluctuation patterns are not provided here. In this way, since the reach variation pattern is not selected at the time of winning two rounds, in the mission mode described later, “Mission accomplished” → “High probability state teaching” → “Two round normal winning” → “Short-term opening / closing operation” → “Low probability” It is possible to avoid the flow of effect “state transition”.

[See Figure 13: Big hit hour variation pattern determination process]
Then, in step S2604, the main control CPU 72 executes a variation pattern selection lottery based on the above-described “variation pattern selection table during two-round winning two-round winning change”. In this case, since only the “non-reach variation pattern” is provided in the variation pattern selection table, even if any variation pattern “13” to “20” is selected, two rounds are performed in the next step S2606. The change time at the time of winning two rounds during the later change is set to be relatively short.

  Similarly, the main control CPU 72 sets a special symbol variation time (for non-reach variation) and generates a variation pattern command to be transmitted to the effect control device 124 (effect control CPU 126). The variation pattern command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process.

  On the other hand, if both the value of the probability variation function operation flag (01H) and the value of the time shortening function operation flag (01H) are set in the previous step S2611, it is not “a high probability state after two rounds winning” It means “high probability state” (No). In this case, the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S2614.

  Step S2614: The main control CPU 72 accesses the table storage area of the ROM 74, and obtains the table address (4) from the “selected symbol-specific / state-specific selection table” shown in FIG. The table address (4) acquired here describes the address of the “variation pattern selection table” used in the case of “2 round winning during probability change”.

  Although not shown in particular, the fluctuation pattern selection table during two-round winning during probability change also has a structure in which a “fluctuation pattern number” is assigned to the comparison value. Note that the variation pattern numbers assigned here may be only those corresponding to the reach variation pattern, or those corresponding to the non-reach variation pattern may be provided.

  Similarly, in step S2604, the main control CPU 72 executes a variation pattern selection lottery based on the above “variable pattern selection table during two-round winning during probability variation”. If only the “reach variation pattern” is provided in the variation pattern selection table, even if any variation pattern is selected, in the next step S2606, the variation time at the time of winning two rounds during probability variation is set to be relatively long. If there is a pattern corresponding to the non-reach fluctuation pattern, the fluctuation time is set to be relatively short.

  The main control CPU 72 sets a special symbol variation time (for reach variation or non-reach variation) and generates a variation pattern command to be transmitted to the effect control device 124 (effect control CPU 126). The variation pattern command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process.

  After executing the steps S2604 and S2606 through the above procedure, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol fluctuation pre-processing (FIG. 12), and the big hit other setting process and the special symbol fluctuation start process (FIG. 12) as described above. Steps S2413 and S2414) are executed.

[Special symbol stop display processing]
Next, FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the special symbol stop display process. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along each procedure.

  Step S4100: The main control CPU 72 subtracts the value of the stop symbol display timer (decrements by the interrupt period).

  Step S4200: The main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the stop display time has ended based on the value of the stop symbol display timer subtracted this time. Specifically, if the value of the stop symbol display timer is not 0 or less, the main control CPU 72 determines that the stop display time has not yet ended (No). In this case, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol game process, jumps from the execution selection process (step S1000 in FIG. 11) in the next interrupt cycle, and repeatedly executes the special symbol stop display process.

  On the other hand, if the value of the stop symbol display timer is 0 or less, the main control CPU 72 determines that the stop display time has ended (Yes). In this case, the main control CPU 72 next executes step S4250.

  Step S4250: The main control CPU 72 generates a symbol stop command. The symbol stop command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process. Further, the main control CPU 72 deletes the symbol changing flag here.

  Step S4300: Here, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the value of the big hit flag (01H) is set. When the value of the big hit flag (01H) is set (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S4350.

[When winning]
Step S4350: The main control CPU 72 sets the jump destination of the jump table to “variable winning device management process”.
Step S4400: Then, the main control CPU 72 sets the internal status on control to “start of big role (during big hit game)”. At the same time, the main control CPU 72 generates a status command representing a big hit. The state command representing the big hit is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process.

  Step S4500: The main control CPU 72 generates a continuous operation number command. The continuous operation number command can be generated based on the type of jackpot symbol (stop symbol number) determined in the previous jackpot stop symbol determination process (step S2410 in FIG. 12). For example, if the type of jackpot symbol is a large classification and “15 round symbols (probability change or non-probability change)”, the continuous operation number command is generated as a value representing “15 rounds”. In the case of “2 round symbols”, the continuous operation number command is generated as a value representing “2 rounds”. The generated continuous operation number command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process.

  When the above procedure is completed at the time of the big hit, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol game process.

[When not winning]
On the other hand, the following procedure is executed in cases other than the big hit.
That is, if the main control CPU 72 determines in step S4300 that the value of the big hit flag (01H) is not set (No), it next executes step S4600.

  Step S4600: The main control CPU 72 next checks whether or not the value of the small hit flag (01H) is set. If the value of the small hit flag (01H) is not set and is simply a deviation (No), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S4602.

  Step S4602: The main control CPU 72 sets the special symbol variation pre-processing address as the jump destination address of the jump table.

  Step S4605: On the other hand, if the value (01H) of the small hit flag is set (step S4600: Yes), the main control CPU 72 sets the address of the variable winning device management process as the jump destination address of the jump table.

  Step 4610: Next, the main control CPU 72 loads the value of the count-down counter. In the “counting counter”, the counter value is set in the probability variation count area or the time-short count area of the RAM 76 in the “high probability state” and the “time reduction state”. In this case, “number of times cut” is used, but the value of the number of times counter in the “high probability state” can be set to an extremely large value (for example, 10,000 times or more). By setting such an enormous value, it is possible to probabilistically guarantee that the “high probability state” will continue until the next winning is substantially obtained. In addition, when there is only a single “time reduction state” instead of the “high probability state”, the count-off counter is set to a standard numerical value (for example, 100 times).

  Step S4620: The main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the loaded counter value is zero. At this time, if the count cut counter value is already 0 (Yes), the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol game process. On the other hand, when the count-down counter value is not 0 (No), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S4630.

Step S4630: The main control CPU 72 decrements (subtracts 1) the count-down counter value.
Step S4640: Then, the main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the subtraction result is not zero. As a result of the subtraction, when the value of the number cut counter is not 0 (Yes), the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol game process. On the other hand, if the value of the number cut counter becomes 0 (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S4650.

  Step S4650: Here, the main control CPU 72 resets a flag at the time of turning off the number of times function. The probability variable function operation flag or the time shortening function operation flag is reset, but since the value of the count counter is not zero in the “high probability state” as described above, it is practical. It is the time reduction function activation flag that is reset above. As a result, the time reduction state ends after the special symbol stop display. When the above procedure is completed, the process returns to the special symbol game process.

[Display output management processing]
Next, FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a configuration example of the display output management process (step S210 in FIG. 7) executed in the interrupt management process. The display output management process includes a special symbol display setting process (step S1200), a normal symbol display setting process (step S1210), a state display setting process (step S1220), an operation memory display setting process (step S1230), and a continuous operation number display setting. This is a configuration including a subroutine group of processing (step S1240).

  Of these, the special symbol display setting process (step S1200), the normal symbol display setting process (step S1210), and the operation memory display setting process (step S1230) are, as already described, the special symbol display device 34, the normal symbol display device. 33, processing for generating and outputting drive signals to be applied to the LEDs of the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a and the special symbol operation memory lamp 34a.

  The state display setting process (step S1220) and the continuous operation number display setting process (step S1240) are processes for generating and outputting a drive signal to be applied to each LED of the gaming state display device 38. First, in the state display setting process, the main control CPU 72 controls the lighting of the probability variation state display lamp 38c and the time reduction state display lamp 38d, respectively, according to the value of the probability variation function activation flag or the time reduction function activation flag. For example, if the value (01H) is set in the probability variation function operation flag when the pachinko machine 1 is turned on, the main control CPU 72 outputs a lighting signal to the LED corresponding to the probability variation state display lamp 38c. Note that the probability variation state display lamp 38c is switched to non-display (turned off) even if the probability variation function operation flag is set when the variation display of the special symbol is performed thereafter. On the other hand, if the value (01H) is set in the time reduction function operation flag, the main control CPU 72 turns on the lighting signal for the LED corresponding to the time reduction state display lamp 38d regardless of whether or not the power is turned on. Is output.

  The main control CPU 72 controls lighting of the big hit type display lamps 38a and 38b in the continuous operation number display setting process. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 outputs a lighting signal for one of the big hit type display lamps 38a and 38b based on the value of the above-mentioned continuous operation number command. At this time, one of the display lamps 38a and 38b corresponding to the big hit symbol designated by the continuous operation number command is the target of outputting the lighting signal. For example, if the value of the continuous operation number command specifies “15 rounds”, the main control CPU 72 outputs a lighting signal to the lamp 38b representing “15 rounds (15R)”. If the value of the continuous operation number command specifies “2 rounds”, the main control CPU 72 outputs a lighting signal to the lamp 38 a representing “2 rounds (2R)”.

[Variable winning device management process]
Next, details of the variable winning device management process will be described. FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating a configuration example of the variable winning device management process. The variable winning device management process includes a gaming process selection process (step S5100), a special winning opening opening pattern setting process (step S5200), a special winning opening / closing operation process (step S5300), a special winning opening closing process (step S5400), and an end. This is a configuration including a subroutine group of processing (step S5500).

  Step S5100: In the game process selection process, the main control CPU 72 selects the jump destination of the process to be executed next (any one of steps S5200 to S5500). That is, the main control CPU 72 selects the program address of the process to be executed next from the jump table as the jump destination address, and sets the end of the variable winning device management process in the stack pointer as the return destination address. Which process is selected as the next jump destination depends on the progress of the processes performed so far. For example, if the operation (opening / closing operation) of the variable winning device 30 has not started yet, the main control CPU 72 selects the large winning opening opening pattern setting process (step S5200) as the next jump destination. On the other hand, if the winning opening opening pattern setting process has already been completed, the main control CPU 72 selects the winning opening opening / closing operation process (step S5300) as the next jump destination, and has completed the winning opening opening / closing operation process. Then, the special winning opening closing process (step S5400) is selected as the next jump destination. When the big prize opening / closing operation process and the big prize opening closing process are repeatedly executed over the set number of continuous operations (number of rounds), the main control CPU 72 selects an end process (step S5500) as the next jump destination. . Hereinafter, each process will be described in more detail.

[Big prize opening pattern setting process]
FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the special winning opening opening pattern setting process. This process is for setting conditions such as the number of times that the variable winning device 30 is opened and closed and the opening time thereof at the time of big hit or small hit. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along each procedure.

  Step S5202: The main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the current gaming state is a big game, that is, whether or not the big hit flag value (01H) is set in the flag area of the RAM 76. If the value of the big hit flag is set (Yes), the main control CPU 72 then proceeds to step S5204. On the other hand, if the value of the big hit flag is not set (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S5210. Note that this procedure may be rewritten to refer to the value of the small hit flag (however, the logic of Yes / No is reversed).

[Procedure for jackpot]
First, the procedure for the big hit is as follows.
Step S5204: The main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the current jackpot symbol (winning type) is “2 round symbols”. At this time, if “2 round symbols” is selected in the previous big hit stop symbol determination process (step S2410 in FIG. 12) (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S5206.

  Step S5206: In this case, the main control CPU 72 sets a shortened two-time release pattern. In the shortened two-time open pattern set here, the number of rounds is “2 rounds”, and the open time per round is a short time (for example, 300 ms) in which winning is difficult. The interval between rounds is set to about 10 ms, for example. Note that the number of counts in one round (maximum number of winnings) is the same as the 15-round symbol (for example, 9), but winnings are rarely generated during such a short-time opening operation (not impossible). Is extremely difficult).

  On the other hand, if “15 round symbols” is selected (step S5204: NO), the main control CPU 72 executes step S5208.

  Step S5208: In this case, the main control CPU 72 sets an open pattern of 15 times (15 rounds). In the 15-time open pattern, for example, the open time of the variable winning device 30 in one round is set to 30 seconds, for example, and the maximum number of wins (number) in the meantime is set to 9 for example. The interval between rounds is set to about several seconds, for example.

  Step S5212: The main control CPU 72 sets the number of execution rounds in the current jackpot game based on the jackpot winning symbol selected in the previous jackpot stop symbol determination process (step S2410 in FIG. 12). Specifically, if the large category “15 round symbol” is selected as the winning symbol, the main control CPU 72 sets the number of execution rounds to 15 times. If “2 round symbols” is selected as the winning symbol, the main control CPU 72 sets the number of execution rounds to two. The number of execution rounds set here is stored in the buffer area of the RAM 76, for example, as a corresponding value on the program (“1” for 2 times, “14” for 15 times).

  Step S5214: Next, the main control CPU 72 sets a big hit opening timer based on the big winning opening opening pattern set in the previous step S5206 or step S5208. The timer value set here is the opening time per operation when the variable winning device 30 is operated. Specifically, if the 15-time release pattern is set, the main control CPU 72 sets the time for the big hit release timer as a value for a sufficient time (for example, launching) that the winning to the big winning opening easily occurs during one opening. The time when 10 or more game balls are fired by the control board set 174 (preferably about 30 seconds) is set. On the other hand, if the shortened two-time release pattern is set, the main control CPU 72 uses the value of the big-hit release timer as the value of the big-hit release timer for a short time (for example, in which a big winning opening is hardly generated (becomes difficult). A time shorter than 1 second, preferably a time shorter than the game ball firing interval by the firing control board set 174) is set.

  Step S5216: The main control CPU 72 sets a big hit interval timer based on the big winning opening opening pattern set in the previous step S5206 or step S5208. The timer value set here is the waiting time between rounds of big hits.

  Step S5224: When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination to the big winning opening opening / closing operation process, and returns to the variable winning device management process.

[Procedure for small hits]
Step S5210: In the case of small hit (step S5202: No), the main control CPU 72 sets a “small hit release pattern”. In the case of the present embodiment, the “small hit opening pattern” is the same as the “shortened twice opening pattern” mentioned in the previous step S5206, but another opening pattern may be set.

  Step S5218: The main control CPU 72 sets the number of times of opening of the special winning opening to, for example, two based on the large winning opening opening pattern set in the previous step S5210. The number of releases set here is stored in a buffer area of the RAM 76, for example.

  Step S5220: Next, the main control CPU 72 sets a small hitting release timer. The timer value set here is the opening time per operation when the variable winning device 30 is operated. In the present embodiment, as described above, the value of the small hitting opening timer is such that a winning to the big winning opening hardly occurs during one opening (becomes difficult) (for example, a time shorter than 1 second, preferably Is set to be shorter than the interval between game balls fired by the launcher unit).

  Step S5222: The main control CPU 72 sets a small hitting interval timer. The timer value set here is a waiting time for each time when the variable prize-winning device 30 is opened and closed several times at the time of a small hit, and this timer value is also set to the setting of the “shortened twice open pattern”. The same.

  Step S5224: When the above procedure is completed at the time of the small hit, the main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination to the large winning opening / closing operation processing, and returns to the variable winning device management processing. Then, the main control CPU 72 executes a special winning opening / closing operation process.

[Big prize opening / closing operation processing]
FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the special winning opening / closing operation process. This process is mainly for controlling the opening / closing operation of the variable winning device 30. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along a procedure.

  Step S5302: The main control CPU 72 opens the special winning opening. Specifically, a drive signal to be applied to the special winning opening solenoid 90 is output. Thereby, the variable prize-winning apparatus 30 operates and shifts from the closed state to the open state.

  Step S5304: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes an open timer countdown process. In this process, the countdown of the release timer set in the previous special winning opening release pattern setting process (step S5214 or step S5220 in FIG. 20) is executed.

  Step S5306: Subsequently, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the opening time has expired. Specifically, it is confirmed whether or not the value of the release timer after the countdown process is 0 or less. If the value of the release timer is not yet 0 or less (No), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S5308. Execute.

  Step S5308: The main control CPU 72 executes a winning ball count process. In this process, the number of game balls won in the variable winning device 30 (open winning opening) within the opening time is counted. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 increments the count value based on the winning detection signal input from the count switch 84 within the opening time.

  Step S5310: Next, the main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the current count number is less than a predetermined number (for example, about 9). This predetermined number defines the upper limit (the upper limit of the number of winning balls) allowed per open (one round during the big hit, once per small hit). If the count has not yet reached the predetermined number (Yes), the main control CPU 72 returns to the variable winning device management process. Then, when the variable winning device management process is executed next, since the jump destination is set to the large winning opening / closing operation process at the present stage, the main control CPU 72 repeatedly executes the procedure of the above steps S5302 to S5310.

  If it is determined in step S5306 that the opening time has expired (Yes), or if it is confirmed in step S5310 that the count has reached a predetermined number (No), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S5312. It should be noted that since the value of the release timer is set to a short time in both small hits and two rounds of big hits, the main control CPU 72 normally confirms that the count has reached a predetermined number in step S5310. In most cases, it is determined in step S5306 that the opening time has ended.

  Step S5312: The main control CPU 72 closes the special winning opening. Specifically, the output of the drive signal applied to the special winning opening solenoid 90 is stopped. As a result, the variable winning device 30 returns from the open state to the closed state.

  Step S5314: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes interval standby processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 executes the countdown of the interval timer set in the above-described special winning opening opening pattern setting process (step S5216 or step S5222 in FIG. 20). When the value of the interval timer becomes 0 or less, the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S5316.

  Step S5316: The main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination to the big winning opening closing process, and returns to the variable winning device management process. Then, when the variable winning device management process is executed next, the main control CPU 72 executes a special winning opening closing process.

[Large prize closing process]
FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for a special winning opening closing process. This special winning opening closing process is for continuing the operation of the variable winning device 30 or terminating the operation. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along a procedure.

  Step S5401: First, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the current game is a big game (big hit game), and if it is a big game (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S5402.

  Step S5402: The main control CPU 72 increments the round number counter. Thereby, for example, the value of the round number counter is “1” at the stage where the first round ends and the second round is reached.

  Step S5404: The main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the incremented round number counter value has reached the set number of execution rounds. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 refers to the value (1-14) of the round number counter after increment, and if the value is less than the set number of execution rounds (1-14 after 1 subtraction) (No) Next, step S5405 is executed.

  Step S5405: The main control CPU 72 generates a round number command from the current round number counter value. This command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process as described above. The effect control device 124 can confirm the current number of rounds based on the received round number command.

  Step S5406: The main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination in the big prize opening / closing operation process.

  Step S5408: Then, the main control CPU 72 resets the winning ball counter and returns to the variable winning device management process.

  When the main control CPU 72 next executes the variable winning device management process, the main control CPU 72 executes a big prize opening opening / closing operation process which is the next jump destination in the game process selection process (step S5100 in FIG. 19). Then, after execution of the special prize opening / closing operation process, through the execution of the special prize opening closing process, the main control CPU 72 executes the special prize opening closing process again, and repeatedly executes the above steps S5402 to S5408. Thereby, the opening / closing operation of the variable winning device 30 is continuously executed until the actual round number reaches the set execution round number (2 times or 15 times).

  When the actual number of rounds reaches the set number of execution rounds (step S5404: YES), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S5410.

  Step S5410, Step S5412: In this case, when the main control CPU 72 resets the round number counter (= 0), it sets the next jump destination to the end process.

  Step S5408: Then, the main control CPU 72 resets the winning ball counter and returns to the variable winning device management process. As a result, when the main control CPU 72 next executes the variable winning device management process, the end process is selected this time.

[Small hit: Special action execution means]
On the other hand, for small hits, the procedure is as follows.
Step S5411: When the main control CPU 72 confirms that the current game is not playing a major role (step S5401: No), the main control CPU 72 increments the value of the number-of-releases counter.

  Step S5413: Next, the main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the value of the incremented number-of-releases counter has reached the set number of times of release. The number of times of opening is set in the previous big opening opening pattern setting process (step S5218 in FIG. 20). If the value of the opening number counter has not yet reached the set opening number (No), the main control CPU 72 executes step S5416.

Step S5416: The main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination in the special winning opening / closing operation process.
Step S5408: Then, the main control CPU 72 resets the winning ball counter and returns to the variable winning device management process.

  When the main control CPU 72 next executes the variable winning device management process, the main control CPU 72 executes a big prize opening opening / closing operation process which is the next jump destination in the game process selection process (step S5100 in FIG. 19). Then, after execution of the special prize opening / closing operation process, the main control CPU 72 executes the special prize opening closing process again through the execution of the special prize opening closing process, and repeatedly executes the above steps S5401 to S5413. Thereby, the opening / closing operation of the variable prize device 30 is repeatedly executed until the actual number of times of opening reaches the set number of times of opening (2 times).

  When the actual number of times of opening at the small hit reaches the set number of times of opening (step S5413: Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S5414.

  Step S5414, Step S5412: In this case, the main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination to the end process when the release counter is reset (= 0).

  Step S5408: Then, the main control CPU 72 resets the winning ball counter and returns to the variable winning device management process. As a result, when the main control CPU 72 next executes the variable winning device management process, the end process is selected this time.

〔End processing〕
FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the end process. This end process is for preparing conditions for ending the operation of the variable prize apparatus 30. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along a procedure.

  Step S5502: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the value of the big hit flag (01H) is set, and if the value of the big hit flag is set (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S5503. To do.

  Step S5503, Step S5504: In this case, the main control CPU 72 resets the big hit flag (00H). As a result, the big hit gaming state ends on the control processing of the main control CPU 72. Also, the main control CPU 72 ends the state of being a big player internally here.

Step S5505: The main control CPU 72 deletes the continuous operation number command here.
Step S5506: Next, the main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the value (01H) of the probability variation function operation flag is set. This flag is set in the big hit other setting process (step S2413 in FIG. 12) during the previous special symbol fluctuation pre-processing.

  Step S5508: When the value of the probability variation function operation flag is set (step S5506: Yes), the main control CPU 72 sets the probability variation number (for example, about 10,000 times). The set value of the probability variation number is stored, for example, in the probability variation counter area of the RAM 76 and becomes the above-described number cut counter value. The probability variation number set here is the upper limit number of times that the variation of the special symbol (internal lottery) is performed in a high probability state in the subsequent games. However, when a huge number of times such as 10,000 is set as described above, there is almost no chance that the non-winning will continue so far (the winning probability at high probability is, for example, 1/39 to 1/39) The degree of probability) will continue until the next winning. On the other hand, when a substantial upper limit is set in the high probability state, the probability variation number is set to a realistic number (for example, about 10 times) (so-called number cut probability change). If the value of the probability variation function activation flag is not set (step S5506: No), the main control CPU 72 does not execute step S5508.

  Step S5510: Next, the main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the value of the time reduction function operation flag (01H) is set. This flag is also set in the big hit other setting process (step S2413 in FIG. 12) during the previous special symbol fluctuation pre-processing.

  Step S5512: If the value of the time reduction function operation flag is set (step S5510: Yes), the main control CPU 72 sets the number of time reductions (for example, about 100 times). The value of the set time reduction count is stored in the time count area of the RAM 76 as described above. The number of times of time reduction set here is the upper limit number of times to shorten the variation time of the special symbol in subsequent games. If the value of the time shortening function activation flag is not set (step S5510: No), the main control CPU 72 does not execute step S5512.

  Step S5514: The main control CPU 72 generates a state designation command based on various flags. Specifically, a state designation command representing “normal” is generated as the gaming state when the big hit flag is reset or the big game ends. If the high-probability state function activation flag is set, a state designation command indicating “high probability” is generated as the internal state, and if the time reduction function activation flag is set, the internal state is “reduced time”. A state designation command representing “medium” is generated. These state designation commands are transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process.

  Step S5516: If the above procedure is passed at the time of big hit or if the game is a small hit game (step S5502: No), the main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination in the big winning opening opening pattern setting process.

  Step S5518: The main control CPU 72 sets the jump destination in the execution selection process (step S1000 in FIG. 11) in the special symbol game process as the special symbol change pre-process. When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the variable winning device management process.

[Behavior of pachinko machines]
As described above, when the main control CPU 72 executes various processes during the game, the pachinko machine 1 exhibits the following behavior.

(1) 15 rounds probable big hit or 15 rounds normal (non-probable) big win If it is other than non-winning in the internal lottery and falls under either “15 round probable big hit” or “15 round normal (non-probable) big win” In the variable winning device management process (FIG. 19), the opening / closing operation of the variable winning device 30 is repeatedly executed over 15 consecutive operation times (special game executing means). At this time, the opening time for each time (maximum 30 seconds) is set to be long enough to allow the game ball to flow into the big prize opening, so the behavior during this time is clearly recognized by the player as “big hit game”. Is done. In addition, since the effect during the big hit game different from the normal time is executed, it is possible for the player to realize a clear big hit game.

  The “15-round probability variation big hit” is notified (or taught, disclosed) that it is a “probability variation symbol” by, for example, a symbol display mode (for example, odd-numbered symbol alignment, etc.) in production. Alternatively, it is informed (or taught or disclosed) that “probable big hit” is made during the jackpot by promotion. In addition, after “15 rounds probable big hit”, for example, it is notified (or taught, disclosed) that the state has shifted to a high probability state, so the current internal state is “high probability state” to the player. Can be surely recognized.

  In addition, “15 round non-probable big hit” is notified (or taught, disclosed) that it is a “non-probable variable symbol” by, for example, a design symbol display mode (for example, even-numbered symbol alignment). In addition, after “15 rounds non-probable big hit”, for example, it is notified (or taught, disclosed) that the time has shifted to the time reduction state, so the current internal state is “time reduction state” to the player. It is possible to make sure that there is.

(2) Two-round big hit On the other hand, if it corresponds to “two round big hit”, all the opening / closing operations of the variable winning device 30 are executed by the shortened two-time opening pattern in the variable winning device management process (FIG. 19). Furthermore, since the opening time for each time is set to a short time, the behavior during this time is completed within a short period (for example, about 1.5 seconds) as a whole (short-term opening / closing operation executing means). Therefore, the behavior during this period is not easily recognized by the player as “big hit game”. Further, even if the variable winning device 30 is opened and closed, almost no (or no) winning ball is obtained, so it is difficult for the player to feel “big hit”. However, even if it is “2 rounds”, it is a “big hit” and after the operation of the variable winning device 30 is finished, a privilege to shift to the “high probability state” is given internally. It will be carried out under conditions that are advantageous to the user. For this reason, in the present embodiment, “two rounds big hit” is an opportunity to shift only the internal state to the “high probability state” without making the player aware of the big hit. Therefore, hereinafter, this will be referred to as “hidden probability change” as appropriate. “Hidden probability change” does not actively notify (or teach or disclose) the high probability state itself to the player, so if there is no information (for example, notification on production), most players will It becomes a state (internal state non-notification mode) in which the game proceeds without being aware of the specific state advantageous to the user.

(3) Small winning time In the case of “small winning”, the opening / closing operation of the variable winning device 30 is executed twice in the variable winning device management process (FIG. 19). Moreover, since the opening time per time is set to a short time, the behavior during this time is completed within a short period (for example, about 1.5 seconds) as a whole. Therefore, the behavior during this time is also difficult to be clearly recognized especially by the player. Also, even if the variable winning device 30 is opened and closed, almost no (or no) winning ball is obtained, so that the player does not feel that “some win has been won”. In addition, since “small hit” does not trigger an internal state change (activate the probability variation function), the internal state does not change even after the variable winning device 30 is activated. Even if the player notices the opening / closing operation of the device 30, it is positioned as a so-called fake winning.

[Directional features]
The above is an overview of various behaviors triggered by winning by the pachinko machine 1. Among these, in the case of the big hit of 2 rounds in (2) and the small win in (3), the opening / closing operation of the variable winning device 30 is completed within a short period of time. Although it is difficult for the player to be conscious of the fact that “there was a small hit)”, in this embodiment, processing is made to make it difficult for the player to perceive the “winning (including the small hit)” even in the production. ing.

[Variable display effects]
When two rounds or small hits are obtained, the non-reach fluctuation pattern is selected as described above as the fluctuation pattern of the special symbol display device 34 at that time. Accordingly, in terms of production, a reach state is not generated in the variation display production using the production symbols, and the variation display production based on the normal (outlier) fluctuation is performed. This makes it possible to give the player an impression as if it was a non-winning change without making the player aware of any wins (including small wins). Note that an actual variation display effect example will be described later.

[Result display effect]
In addition, even in the result display effect by the effect symbol, the stop display mode of the special symbol display device 34 at that time is certainly a winning (including a small win) mode, but on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42, the winning symbol is displayed. The result display effect is performed in a mode other than (discontinuity). Thereby, it is possible to give an impression as if the result of the non-winning is displayed on the stage without making the player aware of any win (including a small win). An actual result display effect example will be further described later.

  At this time, the stop display mode of the special symbol display device 34 is symbolic display (for example, “巳” shape, “self” shape, “L” shape, “F” shape, etc.) by 7 segment LED, and small and conspicuous. The player is hardly aware of the winning stop display mode unless he / she is paying attention to the display mode of the 7-segment LED. Therefore, it is difficult for the player to know whether or not the player has won unless the result display effect is based on the effect symbol. On the contrary, this means that the player basically has a tendency to judge the result of the internal lottery from the contents of the performance, and in order to advance the game, the notification (or teaching, disclosure) by the effect plays an important role. It can be said that it bears.

[Production example when winning two rounds]
In the following, explanation will be given by taking the case of winning two rounds as an example. FIG. 24 is a continuous diagram showing an example of an effect that is executed at the time of two-round winning using an effect symbol and a background image. This effect example represents an example of a variable display effect and a result display effect using an effect symbol. Among these, the variable display effect corresponds to a series of effects performed from when the special symbol starts variable display to when it is stopped and displayed (including fixed stop). The result display effect is an effect that represents that the special symbol is stopped and displayed and the result of the internal lottery at that time is a combination of the effect symbols.

  The effect symbols include, for example, a left effect symbol, a middle effect symbol, and a right effect symbol, which are displayed side by side on the left, middle, and right on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42. Each effect design is a design of a picture card with a female character attached, for example, with the numbers “1” to “9”. Among these, for the left effect symbol, a symbol row is arranged in ascending order of “1” to “9”, and for the middle effect symbol and the right effect symbol, the numbers are “9” to “1”. ”Are arranged in descending order. Such a symbol sequence is variably displayed so as to flow (scroll) in the vertical direction in the left region, middle region, and right region on the screen. Here, first, before explaining the specific contents of the control processing, the basic flow of the variable display effect and the result display effect employed in the present embodiment will be described.

[Before change display]
In FIG. 24 (A): a state in which three special symbols are displayed in large size in the screen of the liquid crystal display 42 in a state before the special symbol starts to change. At this time, in accordance with the stop display of the special symbol, the effect symbol is also stopped and displayed.

  In addition, a marker (indicated by reference numeral M1 in the figure) indicating the number of working memories of special symbols is displayed at the bottom of the screen of the liquid crystal display 42. The marker M1 represents the number of working memories of a special symbol (the number of displays by the special symbol working memory lamp 34a) according to the number of displays, and the number of displays increases or decreases in conjunction with a change in the number of working memories during a game. The marker M1 is displayed, for example, as a circle (◯) for easy visual discrimination. In the example of (A) in FIG. 24, all four markers M1 are lit and displayed, indicating that the number of working memories of the special symbol is four.

[Variable display production start]
In FIG. 24 (B): In synchronization with the start of the change of the special symbol, the change display effect is started by the scroll change of the three symbol rows on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42 (symbol effect execution means). . That is, in synchronization with the start of the change of the special symbol, the display of the left effect, the middle effect, and the right effect is scrolled (flowed) in the vertical direction on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42. Be started. In the figure, the change display of the effect symbol is simply indicated by a downward arrow. In addition, during the variable display, each effect symbol is displayed in a transparent state (transparent display). At this time, an image (background image) that is the background of the effect symbol is displayed on the display screen in an easily visible state. ing.

[Normal background]
The background image in this case represents, for example, a landscape in which a female character wearing a yukata is sitting on a chaise lounge and relaxing as if the evening is cool. Such a background image expresses that the stay mode in the production is, for example, “normal mode”. In addition to this, various modes are provided for production, and background images with different landscapes and scenes are prepared for each mode. Although not particularly illustrated, a notice effect may be performed by displaying an image such as a character or an item on the display screen.

  Further, since the number of working memories of the special symbol is decreased by one as the change starts, the display number of the marker M1 is decreased by one in conjunction therewith. For example, if there are four working memories so far, only the oldest (older) memory number display is hidden in the marker M1, and an effect consumed by the internal lottery is also performed. Thereby, it is possible to tell the player that the working memory has decreased with respect to the special symbol even in the production.

  Further, during the variation display of the effect symbols, for example, a fourth symbol (reference symbol Z in the diagram) is displayed at the bottom of the screen of the liquid crystal display 42. The fourth symbol Z is the “fourth effect symbol” that follows the left, middle, and right effect symbols, and is displayed in a synchronized manner during the change display of the effect symbol. Note that the fourth symbol Z is a simple mark (for example, a “□” figure) with a color, and for example, a variable display can be expressed by changing its display color.

[Left design stop]
(C) in FIG. 24: For example, when a certain amount of time has elapsed, the left effect symbol first stops changing. In this example, the effect design representing the number “1” is stopped at the middle position of the screen. Here, illustration of the background image is omitted (the same applies to the following).

[Right production symbol stop]
In FIG. 24 (D): After the left effect symbol, the right effect symbol thereafter stops changing. In this example, the effect symbol representing the number “5” is stopped at the middle position of the screen. Since it has already been determined that the reach state does not occur at this point, it is almost clear on the appearance that the current fluctuation is a non-reach (normal) fluctuation. Here, reach fluctuations due to slip patterns and the like are excluded. “Slip pattern” means, for example, that once the production symbol representing the number “9” stops, the production sequence representing the number “1” stops by sliding the symbol sequence by one symbol, and thereby develops reach. It is to do. Or, once the production symbol representing the number “2” stops, the production sequence representing the number “1” stops as the design row slips by one symbol in the opposite direction, and thereby the pattern that develops to reach. is there.

[Result display effect]
(E) in FIG. 24: The last medium effect symbol stops in synchronization with the special symbol stop display. Normally, if the special symbol is stopped and displayed as an outlier symbol, the effect symbol will be displayed in the same way in the same way. However, here, the two-round winning symbol is displayed in spite of the fact that the winning symbol is stopped. The result display effect is performed in the same (or approximate) manner as the above. That is, in the example shown in the figure, the effect design representing the number “3” is stopped at the middle position of the screen. In this case, since the combination of the production symbols is “1”-“3”-“5”, the change this time is not conspicuously won, and there is no particular difference from the normal “out”. It is expressed in. However, as shown in this example, when a stop eye in which odd-numbered symbols are arranged in order from the left effect symbol is displayed, the player is informed that there may be some kind of hit (including a small hit) in some cases ( Suggest). Thereby, it is possible to remind the player that there is a possibility that the player has shifted to the “hidden probability change” state in subsequent games, and to suppress a decrease in game motivation. In this example, odd-numbered symbols are arranged in order, but this is a mode in which result display effects are performed at specially-missed gaps (for example, “8”-“2”-“3”). May be.

  Further, the fourth symbol Z is actually stopped and displayed in a mode (for example, red display color) corresponding to “two round big hit”. This is to objectively clarify that the result display effect is correctly performed and the pachinko machine 1 is operating normally. Therefore, if the result of the internal lottery is not a “two round big hit”, and the result is actually a loss, the fourth symbol Z is stopped and displayed in a mode (for example, white display color) corresponding to the loss.

  In this example, “2 round big hits” is given as an example, but if the result of the internal lottery is “15 rounds probable big hits”, the left, middle and right productions will be the same Is stopped and displayed in a jackpot form composed of a combination of (for example, “7”-“7”-“7”). In this case, the fourth symbol Z is stopped and displayed in a mode (for example, green display color) corresponding to “15 rounds probable big hit”. If the result of the internal lottery is “15 round normal (non-probable change) big hit”, the left, middle, and right effect symbols have the same kind of combination (for example, “4”-“4”-“4” )) Is stopped and displayed in a big hit form. In this case, the fourth symbol Z is stopped and displayed in a mode (for example, blue display color) corresponding to “15 round normal (non-probable change) big hit”.

[Direction during 2 rounds of big hit]
As described above, since the two-round big hit game is completed in a short time, no special effects are executed during this period. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that, for example, the stop display effect shown in FIG. After that, the state shifts to the high probability state internally on the control by the main control CPU 72, but shifts to the “hidden probability change (internal high probability state non-notification) mode” on the control by the effect control CPU 126.

[Example of production in hidden probability change mode]
FIG. 25 is a continuous view showing an example (partial) of an effect during the hidden probability changing mode that shifts after a two-round big hit game (short-term opening / closing operation) from normal.

[At the end of the 2nd round jackpot]
In FIG. 25 (F): At the end of the shortening twice opening operation by the variable winning device 30 (at the end of the second round big hit), the previous result display effect is continuously displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42. At this time, the fourth symbol Z is stopped and displayed in a manner corresponding to “2 round probability variation big hit”.

[At the start of fluctuation]
FIG. 25 (G): Next, when the variable symbol display is started, the variable symbol display effect using the effect symbol is executed. During the hidden probability changing mode, the variable display effect is basically executed with the normal mode image (a background image having a mode common to the normal mode) as described above. However, the normal mode image is not always displayed during the hidden probability changing mode, and when a certain condition (for example, winning in the effect lottery) is satisfied, an effect of shifting from the normal mode image to another mode image is performed. At this time, the display number of the marker M1 is decreased by one, which expresses that the random number memory has been consumed. As a result, it is possible to express effectively that the stored internal lottery element is consumed and the next internal lottery is performed. In addition, the variation display of the fourth symbol Z is started with the start of variation of the effect symbol.

  In FIG. 25 (H): When the result of the internal lottery is off during the hidden probability changing mode, the left effect symbol first stops changing after a certain amount of time has passed as described above. In this example, the effect symbol representing the number “4” is stopped at the middle position of the screen.

  After this, although not shown in particular, for example, as shown in FIG. 24D, the right effect design stops changing after the left effect design. Next, as shown in (E) of FIG. 24, the medium effect symbol stops changing and a result display effect is performed (for example, “4”-“2”-“7”, etc.).

[Characteristics in hidden probability change mode]
Even if it is not clarified in the production, the state is shifted to the high probability state internally in the control by the main control CPU 72 as described above during the hidden probability changing mode. For this reason, in reality, conditions that are more advantageous than usual for players (approx. 10 times higher probability than usual) are applied to each internal lottery, and the next winning can be obtained relatively early in terms of probability. Is almost promised. On the other hand, since the player cannot distinguish between the normal state and the production in the past, in some cases, the player may try to stop the game before the next winning is obtained. Therefore, in this embodiment, the player is clearly informed that the “internal high probability state” may have been entered, although it is not notified (teached or disclosed) to the player. In order to maintain motivation for the game, the following mode transition effects are executed.

[Example of mode transition effect]
FIG. 26 is a continuous diagram illustrating an example of the mode transition effect. Such a mode transition effect is executed, for example, at the timing when the above-mentioned “2 round big hit” or “small hit” occurs, or at the timing when the number of subsequent fluctuations reaches several times (for example, about 5 to 10 times). (Common production execution means). Here, the 2-round jackpot includes a 2-round probability variable jackpot and a 2-round normal jackpot.

(Door closing effect)
In FIG. 26 (I): For example, if the background image so far is in the “normal mode” shown in FIG. 24B, it is displayed during 2 rounds (or at the start of the next symbol variation effect) Doors (襖) appear from both sides of the painting, and a stunning closing effect is performed at the center. Such a door closing effect is performed for the purpose of attracting the player's eyes by temporarily covering the display screen so far.

(Door opening production)
In FIG. 26 (J): Next, the closed door quickly moves to the left and right of the display screen, and an effect (door opening effect) representing an operation of opening the door is performed. Such a door opening effect is performed, for example, in the sense that the player is interested in the result of the opening of the door.

[Mode transition (background change) production]
In FIG. 26 (K): When the door is opened, the background image changes to a mode representing “yukata mode” together with, for example, character information “Yukata mode entry!”. The “yukata mode” is an image that expresses, for example, a state in which a female character wearing the yukata becomes a close-up on the screen. By executing such a mode transition effect, it is possible to visually appeal to the player that the mode has been changed to a different mode, thereby recalling the possibility of an “internal high probability state”. The motivation to continue the game can be maintained until the next winning is obtained (toward the next winning).

[Yukata mode production]
In FIG. 26 (L): Following the mode transition effect, the above-described variation display effect is executed substantially in synchronization with the variation display of the special symbol. The background image at this time has already been switched to the “yukata mode” mode. As a result, the player is informed of the transition from the “normal mode” to the “yukata mode” through the door opening / closing operation. In addition, although the pattern which transfers to "yukata mode" from the "normal mode" is mentioned here as an example, the same flow also occurs when shifting to another mode (stage).

  In addition, the mode transition effect is executed not only in the “hidden probability change mode” after the end of the two-round big hit game but also in the normal state after the small hit, for example. That is, even if it corresponds to “small hit”, since the variable winning device 30 is opened and closed twice as described above, the special symbol stop display mode by the special symbol display device 34 and the game state display device 38 Unless the player accurately recognizes (identifies) the lighting indication of the big hit type display lamp 38a, the appearance behavior of the pachinko machine 1 is difficult to distinguish from “two round big hits”, and the internal state is in a high probability state. The player cannot immediately detect whether or not the transition has been made. In this case, even if the internal state did not actually shift to the high probability state, whether the transition to the “Yukata mode” was triggered by the “hidden probability change” by executing the above mode transition effect in common, or In the normal state, it is difficult to distinguish whether or not the “Yukata mode” has been switched on for the production only when “small hit” is triggered, thereby increasing the diversity of the game.

  Of course, the player can accurately recognize (identify) the stop display mode (stop symbol) of the special symbol display by the special symbol display device 34 and the lighting display of the jackpot type display lamp 38a by the gaming state display device 38. For example, it can be known whether or not the internal state has shifted to a high probability state, but for the majority of players, the information notified (teached, disclosed) on the production is easier to use, If the internal state is not clearly notified in the production, it is difficult for most players to know later whether or not the internal state has shifted to the high probability state.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, when executing a common effect of a common aspect regardless of whether the internal state is a low probability state or a high probability state, by entering the mission mode by a predetermined entry trigger, The player is expected to dispel the anxiety of continuing the game without being informed of any information about the change. Hereinafter, the display pattern of the mission mode in the present embodiment will be described.

[Example of mission mode production]
FIG. 27 to FIG. 31 are continuous diagrams showing examples of effects in the mission mode. The mission mode is advanced through the following process, for example.
[Variation display effect start (first rotation)]
In FIG. 27 (A): The column of the left effect symbol, the middle effect symbol, and the right effect symbol scrolls in the vertical direction (for example, from top to bottom) on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42 substantially in synchronization with the start of the change of the special symbol. In this way, the variable display effect is started. Although illustration is omitted here, it is assumed that, for example, “normal stage image” is selected as the background image.

[Mission mode entry effect]
In FIG. 27 (B): When a predetermined performance execution opportunity occurs during the fluctuating display effect (details of the performance execution opportunity will be described later), for example, a female character wearing sunglasses appears and a line such as “entering mission mode” is displayed. Is displayed and the player is informed that he will enter mission mode. With this effect, the player can be aware that he has entered the mission mode.

[Producing mission conditions]
FIG. 27 (C): A woman wearing sunglasses presents the completion condition and achievement condition of the mission mode to the player, and that the achievement condition should be satisfied before the completion condition is satisfied for the player. Request (request production execution means). In the example shown in the figure, a screen is displayed in which a female character emits a dialogue “Clear reach time of 1 minute or more within 10 rotations!”. In this case, the end condition is “within 10 revolutions”, and the achievement condition is “clear reach time of 1 minute or more”. Here, “Clearing reach time of 1 minute or more” means clearing even when a long reach of 1 minute or more is required for a single symbol variation, and the total reach effect time for several symbol variations is 1 It means that it becomes clear even if it makes more than minutes.

[Mission condition display effect]
In FIG. 27 (D): When the mission mode is entered, a band-shaped display area appears in the upper and lower portions of the screen of the liquid crystal display 42, and information on the mission is displayed in this display area (reference symbol X). In the upper display area X1, the remaining number of revolutions as an end condition and the target value of reach total production time as an achievement condition are displayed. In the lower display area X2, the total reach time of reach is displayed. In the illustrated example, “remaining 10 rotations” is displayed as the end condition, “target 1:00” is displayed as the achievement condition, and “total reach time 0:00” is displayed as the total effect time of reach. The “total reach time” will be counted up gradually if a reach state can be generated in the future.

[Result display effect]
(E) in FIG. 28: All effect symbols on the middle left and right are stopped, and a result display effect is performed according to the non-winning mode. At this stage, the fourth symbol (reference symbol Z) is also displayed in a non-winning manner. The description so far has shown the flow at the time of entering the mission mode, and the following description shows the flow of the game after entering the mission mode.

[Variable display effect start (second rotation)]
(F) in FIG. 28: The variable display effect relating to the next working memory is started. Specifically, the variable display effect is started in such a manner that the columns of the left effect symbol, the middle effect symbol, and the right effect symbol scroll in the vertical direction. At this time, 1 is subtracted from the remaining number of rotations in the upper display area, and “9 remaining rotations” is displayed.

[Stop of left design]
(G) in FIG. 28: The middle stage of the variable display effect is approached, and the variable display of the left effect symbol is stopped before long. At this time, the effect design representing the number “1” is stopped at the left position of the screen.

[Occurrence of reach condition]
In FIG. 28 (H): Next to the left effect symbol, the change display of the right effect symbol is stopped. At this point, since the production symbol representing the number “1” is stopped at the right position, the reach state of the number “1” — “being changed” — “1” is generated on the horizontal line of the screen. (Reach state generating means). At this time, an image (reference symbol Y1) that emphasizes the line that has reached the reach state on the horizontal line is also displayed on the screen, and an effect (reference symbol Y2) that outputs the voice of “Leach!” Is also performed. .

  Here, the reach state means that, in the variable display effect, (1) a state in which other effect symbols are arranged except for one of the effect symbols, and (2) a specific effect symbol of the effect symbols is stopped and the remaining effect symbols are stopped. This means at least one state among the state where the production symbol is fluctuating, and the state where (3) reach or a declaration or display equivalent thereto is made, which is a so-called tempering state.

  For example, as an example of the above (1), “1”-“being changed”-“1”, “1”-“1”-“being changed”, “being changed”-“1”-“1”, etc. Applicable. Further, as an example of the above (2), in a gaming machine having only two lines in the vertical direction, for example, if two symbols “3” and “7” are specific symbols, “3”-“being changed” , “7”-“Fluctuating”, etc. Examples of the above (3) include utterances such as “reach”, “chance”, and “hot weather”, and display of a line emphasis image showing a tempering line.

  Then, from the time when the reach state is reached, the “total reach time” as the total reach time of the reach is counted up (reach effect time counting means). Specifically, the count-up display is gradually performed in such a manner as “00:00” → “00:01” → “00:02”.

[Result display effect]
In FIG. 29 (I): The last medium effect symbol is stopped. At this time, if the special symbol is stopped and displayed as an outlier symbol, the effect symbol is similarly displayed in a shifted manner. In the example shown in the drawing, the medium effect symbol “2” is stopped and displayed at the center of the screen, and it is expressed in an effect that the current fluctuation is shifted by the normal reach. Originally, it is a deviant production of normal reach, but in this embodiment, “total reach time” as the total reach time of the reach is “15 seconds”, so as a player Can be regarded as meaningful even in the production of normal reach.

[Variable display effect start (third rotation)]
In FIG. 29 (J): The variable display effect relating to the next working memory is started. At this time, the remaining number of rotations is decremented by 1, and “remaining 8 rotations” is displayed as the end condition.

[Stop of left design]
In FIG. 29 (K): The middle stage of the variable display effect is approached, and the variable display of the left effect symbol is eventually stopped. At this time, the effect design representing the number “8” is stopped at the left position of the screen.

[Occurrence of reach condition]
In FIG. 29 (L): Next to the left effect symbol, the change display of the right effect symbol is stopped. At this point, since the production symbol representing the number “8” is stopped at the right position, the reach state of the number “8” — “being changed” — “8” occurs on the horizontal line of the screen. doing. At this time, an image (reference symbol Y1) that emphasizes the line that has reached the reach state on the horizontal line is also displayed on the screen at the same time, and an effect of outputting the voice of “Chance!” Is also performed ( Reference symbol Y3). Also in this case, the “total reach time” as the total effect time of the reach is counted up from the time when the reach state is reached (the time when the “8” symbol is tempered). However, since the “total reach time” as the total reach time of the reach has already accumulated “15 seconds” in the previous change, the reach time from here is added as the sum of the reach time. To go. Specifically, the count-up display is gradually performed in the order of “00:16” → “00:17” → “00:18”.

[Preliminary notice after reach occurs (first time)]
In FIG. 30, (M): When a “reach state” occurs, for a while, for example, an image representing a “heart mark” forms a group on the screen, and a notice effect after the occurrence of reach is performed that crosses the screen diagonally. . At this time, the “total reach time” as the total reach time of the reach is gradually counted up (“total reach time 00:21”).

[Progress of reach production]
In FIG. 30 (N): As an effect in the reach state, images representing the numbers “2” to “9” are displayed in a three-dimensional row on the screen, and “2”, “3”, An effect is performed in which numerical images are erased from the screen in the order of “4”. In this effect, if the number “8” remains without being erased to the end, it can be suggested (implied) or recalled to be a “hit”. Also, if the number “7” is deleted and “8” remains in front of the screen, it is “big hit”, but if the number “8” is also deleted and “9” finally remains, it is “out of place”. Means that. Therefore, during this time, the numbers “2”, “3”, “4”,... Are erased in order, and as the number “7” approaches, the player's tension and expectations The feeling will also increase. After this, for example, if up to the number “6” is erased on the screen, the next time the number “7” is finally erased, the possibility of a “big hit” increases, so there is a player's tension. A feeling increases at a stretch. At this time, the “total reach time” as the total reach time of the reach is gradually counted up (“total reach time 00:35”).

[Preliminary notice after the occurrence of reach (second time)]
In FIG. 30, (O): When the reach effect is approaching, the image of the character is displayed on the screen in a similar manner, and a notice effect is generated after the reach that the character emits some dialogue. Done. At this point, the content of the production is a large expansion of “8”-“8”-“8” big hit ”if the number“ 7 ”is erased or the number“ 8 ”is not erased. . Therefore, by causing the character image to appear at this timing, it is possible to obtain an effect of giving the player a sense of expectation that “it may finally be a big hit”. In the present embodiment, the degree of hit expectation differs according to the size of the character image (cut-in large, cut-in small) at this time. In this example, since the cut-in is small, the hit expectation is thereby determined. This suggests that the degree is different. At this time, the “total reach time” as the total reach time of the reach is gradually counted up (“total reach time 00:55”).

[Result display effect]
(P) in FIG. 30: The last medium effect symbol stops substantially in synchronization with the special symbol stop display. At this time, if the special symbol is stopped and displayed as an outlier symbol, the effect symbol is similarly displayed in a shifted manner. In the example shown in the figure, the number “8” is erased and the number “9” appears on the screen, so that the change this time is unfortunately not a “hit”. .
At this time, it is assumed that the “total reach time” as the total reach time of the reach that has been counted up to now has reached the “target value 01:00” that is the mission mode achievement condition.

[Internal state teaching effect]
In FIG. 31, (Q): Then, a character “currently being changed” is displayed in the lower display area (internal state teaching means). Note that the current internal state is a “high probability state”. Here, since the mission mode of the present embodiment is not a mission that is directly connected to the conventional big hit, it does not appeal to “achievement of mission” too much. For example, the image of “Mission accomplished” is relaxed to some extent by displaying a small “currently changing probability” in the lower display area (reference symbol X2).

  As a result, it is unfortunate that the player has missed the reach with a long production time, but he was able to earn the mission by earning "total reach time" and also get the information "currently changing" As a result, it is possible to promote the continuation of the next game while reducing the disappointment of the player. After teaching the internal state, the background may be changed to the high probability state fixed background, or the background change is not particularly required. If the background is changed to the high probability state confirmed background, the player can get a sense of security, and if the background is not changed, the surrounding players can only know the internal information without knowing it. You can enjoy a sense of superiority.

[Variable display effect start (fourth rotation)]
In FIG. 31, (R): Also, a variable display effect relating to the next working memory is started. In the illustrated example, the display area related to the mission mode is not displayed, but the display area related to the mission mode may be left as it is.

[Normal state teaching]
FIG. 32 is a diagram showing an example of the mission mode effect when the normal state is taught. Although the example mentioned above was the mission effect in the high probability state, here, the mission effect in the low probability state will be described. The mission mode itself does not change in any of the “high probability state” or “low probability state”, but the information of the internal state that is finally taught to the player is not “currently changing” but “normal” Middle ".

[Variable display production start]
FIG. 32 (A): The variable display effect is started such that the left effect symbol, the middle effect symbol, and the right effect symbol are scrolled in the vertical direction on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42. In this example, it is assumed that the mission mode has already been entered, and that “total reach time” as the total reach time of the reach has accumulated “55 seconds” in the mission mode. Termination conditions and achievement conditions are the same as in the above-described example.

[Occurrence of reach condition]
FIG. 32B: Here, the left effect symbol and the right effect symbol are aligned, and the reach state of the numbers “2” — “being changed” — “2” occurs on the horizontal line of the screen. Then, from the time when the reach state is reached, the “total reach time” as the total reach time of the reach is counted up. Specifically, “00:56” → “00:57” → “00:58”.

[Progress of reach production]
In FIG. 32 (C): It is assumed that the current reach is a normal reach, and the “total reach time” becomes “01:00” during the occurrence of the reach state, reaching the target value “01:00”. Shall.

[Internal state teaching effect and result display effect]
In FIG. 32 (D): As a result, the character “currently normal” is displayed in the lower display area (reference symbol X2) as an internal state teaching effect (internal state teaching means). In the example shown in the figure, the medium effect symbol of “3” is stopped, and the fact that it is shifted in the normal reach is expressed in an effect.
By clearing the mission, the player knows that the internal state is the “low probability state”, so that it can be used as a material for determining whether to continue or stop the game.

[Reaching variation at jackpot]
FIG. 33 and FIG. 34 are continuous diagrams showing an example of the mission mode effect when the mission is achieved and the big hit.
[Variable display production start]
In FIG. 33 (A): In synchronization with the start of the variation of the special symbol, the left effect symbol, middle effect symbol, and right effect symbol rows are scrolled in the vertical direction on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42 so as to change the display. Production begins.

[Stop of left design]
In FIG. 33 (B): The middle stage of the variable display effect is approached, and then the variable display of the left effect symbol is stopped. At this point, the effect symbol representing the number “7” is stopped at the left position of the screen.

[Occurrence of reach condition]
In FIG. 33 (C): Subsequently to the left effect symbol, the change display of the right effect symbol is stopped. At this point, since the production symbol representing the number “7” is stopped at the right position, the reach state of the number “7”-“being changed”-“7” occurs on the horizontal line of the screen. doing. At this time, an image (reference symbol Y1) for emphasizing the line that has reached the reach state on the horizontal line is also displayed on the screen, and an effect of outputting the sound of “hot!” Is also performed (see Symbol Y4). In this case, the “total reach time” as the total effect time of the reach is counted up from the time when the reach state is reached (the time when the “7” symbol is tempered). However, in the illustrated example, the “total reach time” as the total reach time of the reach has already accumulated “40 seconds”, so the reach time from here is added as the sum of the reach time. Specifically, the count-up display is gradually performed in the order of “00:41” → “00:42” → “00:43”.

[Preliminary notice after reach occurs (first time)]
In FIG. 33 (D): After a reach state has occurred, for example, a notice effect after the occurrence of reach is performed in which images representing “flower patterns” form a group and cross diagonally across the screen. In this case, since the image of the “flower pattern group” is suddenly displayed on the screen, this can increase the visual appeal to the player. By executing such a notice effect after the visually lively reach notice occurs, the player can have a greater expectation that this notice can be expected to be a big hit. At this time, the “total reach time” as the total reach time of the reach is gradually counted up (“total reach time 00:46”).

[Progress of reach production]
FIG. 34 (E): Following the notice effect after the occurrence of reach, for example, images representing the numbers “2” to “9” are displayed in a three-dimensional column on the screen, and the head of the column (front) ) To “2”, “3”, “4”,... Such an effect is also performed for the purpose of suggesting (impliciting) or reminding the player that the number “7” remains without being erased to the end. Also, if the number “6” is erased and “7” remains in front of the screen, it is “big hit”, but the number “7” is also erased and “8” or later (“9” may be omitted). .) Is left in front of the screen, it means “out of”, and conversely, the number “6” remains without being erased. Therefore, during this time, the numbers “2”, “3”, “4”,... Are erased in order, and as the number “6” approaches, the player's tension and expectations The feeling will also increase. After this, for example, if up to the number “5” is erased on the screen, the next time the number “6” is finally erased, the possibility of a “big hit” increases, so there is a player's tension. A feeling increases at a stretch.
This time, it is assumed that the “total reach time” as the total reach time of the reach has reached “target value 01:00” which is the achievement condition of the mission mode at this time.

[Preliminary notice after the occurrence of reach (second time)]
In FIG. 34 (F): When the reach production is approaching the final stage, the image of the character is suddenly displayed on the screen as if it was split (cut in), and the character emits some dialogue. A notice effect is generated after the occurrence of reach (or the content of smiling silently). At this time, for example, the content of the reach production is a development that “if the number“ 6 ”is erased, then the possibility of a big hit of“ 7 ”-“ 7 ”-“ 7 ”increases” ”. Therefore, by causing a large character image to appear at this timing, it is possible to obtain an effect of giving the player a great sense of expectation that “it may finally be a big hit”.

[Internal state teaching effect]
In response to the achievement of the above mission, the characters “currently being changed” are displayed in the lower display area (reference symbol X2) (internal state teaching means). This display not only gives the player a sense of expectation that it will be displayed as “probably changing, and a cut-in will appear, so it will hit with this change”. It is possible to give a sense of security that "the next hit is close".

[Result display effect]
In FIG. 34 (G): For example, the last medium effect symbol stops substantially in synchronization with the special symbol stop display. At this time, if the result of the internal lottery corresponds to winning, the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a mode corresponding to the winning type at that time, so the effect symbol is displayed in a mode according to the winning type (winning symbol). Stopped display. In the example shown in the figure, the winning symbol corresponds to the “probable variation” symbol, so that the player is informed that the odd symbol “7” is “probable variation big hit” by stopping display in the center of the screen. A result display effect is performed. In addition to this, even in the case of “probable big hit”, even numbered effect symbols are stopped and displayed from the stage of reach, and the odd numbered effect symbols are stopped and displayed by re-variation and promoted to “probable change”. There is a case where an effect such as promotion to “probable change” is performed during the game.

[Gameability using mission mode production]
Thereby, the following game play is realizable in this embodiment.
(1) The mission mode effect can appropriately give an opportunity to clarify the ambiguous state and promote the continuation of the game.
(2) The mission mode effect can realize a new gameability in which ambiguity and clarity coexist.
(3) Since the achievement conditions of the mission mode can be cleared by accumulating the reach, the player can regard even the normal reach as an added value.

(4) By counting the reach production time from the time of the temper, it is possible to make the production easy to understand for the player as an intuition.
(5) By displaying the reach production time as “total reach time” on the liquid crystal display 42, it is possible to make the mission mode easy to understand visually.
(6) When the mission is achieved and the jackpot is achieved, the jackpot effect is performed after the mission achievement effect is performed, so that the player can enjoy the jackpot after confirming the internal state.

[Control method]
Next, an example of a control method for specifically realizing the above effects will be described. The above-described effects at the time of winning the second round (FIG. 24), effects during the hidden probability change mode (FIG. 25), mode transition effects (FIG. 26), mission mode effects (FIGS. 27 to 34), etc. are performed through the following control processing. It is controlled.

[Production control processing]
FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the effect control process executed by the effect control CPU 126. This effect control process is executed, for example, in a timer interrupt process (interrupt management process) separately from a reset start (main) process (not shown). The effect control CPU 126 generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined interrupt period (for example, a period of several milliseconds) during execution of the reset start process, and executes the timer interrupt process.

  The effect control process includes a command reception process (step S400), an effect symbol management process (step S402), a display output process (step S404), a lamp drive process (step S406), an acoustic drive process (step S408), and an effect random number update process. This includes a subroutine group of (Step S410) and other processing (Step S412). Hereinafter, the basic flow of the effect control process will be described along each process.

  Step S400: In the command receiving process, the effect control CPU 126 receives an effect command transmitted from the main control CPU 72. The effect control CPU 126 analyzes the received commands and stores them in the command buffer area of the RAM 130 according to type. The effects commands transmitted from the main control CPU 72 include, for example, a special figure destination determination effect command, a special figure-specific operation memory number command, a start opening winning tone control command, a demonstration effect command, a lottery result command, and a variation pattern. There are a command, a change start command, a stop symbol command, a symbol stop command, a state designation command, a round number command, an error notification command, an internal state transmission command, and the like.

  Step S402: In the effect symbol management process, the effect control CPU 126 controls the contents of the variable display effect and the result display effect using the effect symbols, and controls the effect contents during the opening / closing operation of the variable winning device 30. The contents of the effect symbol management process will be further described later with reference to another drawing.

  Step S404: In the display output process, the effect control CPU 126 controls the effect display control device 144 (display control CPU 146) with basic control information of the effect contents (for example, the number of operating memories of special symbols, variable effect pattern number, notice effect) Number, mode number, mission mode basic information, mission mode state teaching information, mission mode end information, etc.). Thereby, the effect display control device 144 (the display control CPU 146 and the VDP 152) controls the display operation by the liquid crystal display 42 based on the instructed contents of the effect (acts as various effect executing means).

  Step S406: In the lamp driving process, the effect control CPU 126 outputs a control signal to the lamp driving circuit 132. In response to this, the lamp driving circuit 132 drives (turns on or off, blinks, changes in luminance gradation, etc.) the various lamps 46 to 52 and the panel lamp 53 based on the control signal.

  Step S408: In the next sound drive process, the effect control CPU 126 sends the effect contents (for example, BGM, sound data, etc. during the variable display effect, during the reach effect, during the mode transition effect, during the jackpot effect) to the sound drive circuit 134. Instruct. Thereby, the sound according to the production content is output from the speakers 54, 55, and 56.

  Step S410: In the effect random number update process, the effect control CPU 126 updates various effect random numbers in the counter area of the RAM 130. The effect random numbers include, for example, a random number used for the advance notice selection, a random number used for the normal background change lottery (effect lottery), and a random number used for the mission mode effect execution lottery. The mission mode setting and the mission mode effect execution lottery will be described later using another flowchart.

  Step S412: In other processing, for example, when there is a movable body for presentation, the presentation control CPU 126 outputs a control signal to the movable body driving IC. Although not particularly illustrated, the movable body is operated by a driving source such as a solenoid or a stepping motor, and produces an effect in synchronism with the display of an image by the liquid crystal display 42 or independently. These drive sources such as solenoids and stepping motors can be connected to, for example, the panel illumination board 138 in FIG.

  Through the above-described effect control process, the effect control CPU 126 can comprehensively control the effect contents in the pachinko machine 1. Next, the contents of the effect symbol management process executed in the effect control process will be described.

[Direction design management processing]
FIG. 36 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the effect symbol management process. The effect symbol management process includes an execution selection process (step S500), an effect symbol change pre-process (step S502), an effect symbol change process (step S504), an effect symbol stop display process (step S506), and a variable winning device operation. This is a configuration including a subroutine group of processing (step S508). Hereinafter, the basic flow of the effect symbol management process will be described along each process.

  Step S500: In the execution selection process, the effect control CPU 126 selects the jump destination of the process to be executed next (any one of steps S502 to S508). For example, the effect control CPU 126 sets the program address of the process to be executed next as the jump destination address, and sets the end of the effect symbol management process in the “jump table” as the return address. Which process is selected as the next jump destination depends on the progress of the processes performed so far. For example, if the situation has not yet started the variation display effect, the effect control CPU 126 selects the effect symbol variation pre-processing (step S502) as the next jump destination. On the other hand, if the effect symbol variation pre-processing has already been completed, the effect control CPU 126 selects the effect symbol variation processing (step S504) as the next jump destination, and if the effect symbol variation in-process has been completed, As a jump destination, the effect symbol stop display in-progress process (step S506) is selected. The variable winning device operating process (step S508) is selected as a jump destination only when the variable winning device management process (step S5000 in FIG. 11) is selected in the main control CPU 72. In this case, steps S502 to S506 are not executed.

  Step S502: In the effect symbol variation pre-processing, the effect control CPU 126 performs an operation of preparing conditions for starting the variable display effect using the effect symbol. The effect control CPU 126 executes control (display of demonstration effect) to display the standby demonstration screen in the effect symbol variation pre-processing.

  Step S504: In the effect symbol changing process, the effect control CPU 126 generates control information instructing the effect display control device 144 (display control CPU 146) as necessary. For example, when performing an effect using the effect switching button 45 during execution of the variable display effect using the effect symbol, the effect control CPU 126 monitors whether or not the player has operated the effect button, and an effect corresponding to the result is displayed. The control information on the contents (button effect) is instructed to the display control CPU 146.

  Step S506: In the effect symbol stop display process, the effect control CPU 126 controls the contents of the result display effect using the effect symbols and moving images in a manner corresponding to the result of the internal lottery. That is, the effect control CPU 126 instructs the effect display control device 144 (display control CPU 146) to end the variable display effect and execute the result display effect. In response to this, the effect display control device 144 (display control CPU 146) ends the variable display effect that has been actually executed within the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42, and executes the result display effect. As a result, the result display effect is executed substantially in synchronization with the stop display of the special symbol, and the result of the internal lottery can be effectively taught (disclosure, notification, notification, etc.) to the player (execution of the symbol effect) means). However, in the present embodiment, as described above, the result display effect is executed in a manner similar to or close to that of the loss at least at the time of winning two rounds from normal time or at the time of a small hit.

  Step S508: In the variable winning device operation process, the effect control CPU 126 controls the contents of the effect during the small hit or the big hit. For example, in the case of a big hit of 15 rounds, the production control CPU 126 selects a special production pattern during the 15 round big hit as the production contents to be displayed on the liquid crystal display 42, and this is selected for the production display control device 144 (display control CPU 146). Instruct. In addition, when the effect control CPU 126 selects an effect pattern in accordance with the progress status of the game during the 15 round big hit (for example, the progress status of the round), these are appropriately instructed to the effect display control device 144 (display control CPU 146). To do. Thereby, on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42, a special effect image is displayed during the big round of 15 rounds, and the content of the effect changes as the round progresses.

  Or when it corresponds to "2 round jackpot", production control CPU126 performs control which performs said normal fluctuation production (for example, production example of FIG. 24). Also, in the case of “small hit”, the effect control CPU 126 performs control to execute the same effect as the normal variation effect (for example, the effect example in FIG. 24).

[Preliminary design change processing]
FIG. 37 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the above-described effect symbol variation pre-processing. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along the example of a procedure.

  Step S600: The effect control CPU 126 confirms whether or not a demonstration effect command is received from the main control CPU 72. Specifically, the effect control CPU 126 accesses the command buffer area of the RAM 130 and confirms whether or not a demonstration effect command is stored. As a result, when it is confirmed that the command for demonstration effect is stored (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 executes step S602.

  Step S602: The effect control CPU 126 executes a demo selection process. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 sets and counts the time until the transition to the standby demonstration screen, and executes control for actually shifting to the standby demonstration screen.

  When the above procedure is completed, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the last address of the effect symbol management process. Then, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the effect control process as it is, and in the subsequent display output process (step S404 in FIG. 28) and the lamp drive process (step S406 in FIG. 28), standby demonstration screens (“eye catch screen”, “ The control for displaying the “title screen” etc. is executed.

  On the other hand, if it is confirmed in step S600 that the demonstration effect command is not stored (No), the effect control CPU 126 next executes step S604. The processing in this case is not for shifting to the standby demonstration screen, but for executing the change display effect and the result display effect in response to the change of the special symbol each time.

  Step S604: The effect control CPU 126 confirms whether or not the current fluctuation is out of place (non-winning). Specifically, the effect control CPU 126 accesses the command buffer area of the RAM 130 and confirms whether or not a lottery result command at the time of non-winning is stored. As a result, when it is confirmed that the lottery result command at the time of non-winning is saved (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 executes step S612. On the other hand, when it is confirmed that the lottery result command at the time of non-winning is not saved (No), the effect control CPU 126 executes step S606. Note that whether or not the current variation is off can be confirmed based on the variation pattern command in addition to the lottery result command. That is, if the current variation pattern command falls under the normal variation or outlier reach variation, it can be determined that the current variation is outlier (however, the non-reach variation pattern at the time of 2 round big hits is excluded). ).

  Step S606: If the lottery result command is other than non-winning (missing) (step S604: No), the effect control CPU 126 confirms whether or not the current fluctuation is a big hit. Specifically, the effect control CPU 126 accesses the command buffer area of the RAM 130 and confirms whether or not the lottery result command at the time of the big hit is stored. As a result, when it is confirmed that the lottery result command at the time of big hit is stored (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 executes step S610. On the contrary, when it is confirmed that the lottery result command at the time of big hit is not stored (No), since only the lottery result command at the time of small hit is left, in this case, the effect control CPU 126 executes step S608. Whether or not the current variation is a big hit can also be confirmed based on the variation pattern command. That is, if the current variation pattern command corresponds to a big hit variation (including a non-reach variation pattern at the time of two round big hits), it can be determined that the current variation is a big hit.

  Step S608: The effect control CPU 126 executes a small hit effect pattern selection process. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 determines the effect pattern number at that time based on the variation pattern command received from the main control CPU 72 (for example, “C0H00H” to “D0H7FH”). The effect pattern number is prepared in advance in pairs with the variation pattern command, and the effect control CPU 126 refers to an effect pattern selection table (not shown) and selects the effect pattern number corresponding to the variation pattern command at that time. Can do.

  When the effect pattern number is selected, the effect control CPU 126 refers to an effect table (not shown), and the effect symbol change schedule (change time, reach type and reach occurrence timing) corresponding to the change effect pattern number at that time, stop display The mode and the like are determined. Note that the types of effect symbols determined here correspond to the “combination of symbols at the time of a small hit”.

  Although the above procedure corresponds to “small hit”, if it corresponds to 15 round big hit or 2 round big hit, the effect control CPU 126 confirms that it is “big hit” in step S606 (Yes). In this case, the effect control CPU 126 executes step S610.

  Step S610: The effect control CPU 126 executes a big hit effect pattern selection process. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 determines the effect pattern number at that time based on the variation pattern command (for example, “E0H00H” to “F0H7FH”) received from the main control CPU 72. The types of effect symbols determined here include those that constitute the “ordinary gap at the time of two rounds of big hit” in addition to those that constitute the above “hit combination”. In addition, the usual gap at the time of the big round 2 may be a combination of regular numbers such as “1-2-3” and “3-5-7” (so-called chance win). Further, in the big hit effect pattern selection process, the process may be further branched for each big hit stop symbol.

  In the case of non-winning, the following procedure is executed. In other words, when the effect control CPU 126 confirms that there is a shift in step S604 (Yes), it next executes step S612.

  Step S612: The effect control CPU 126 executes an off-effect effect pattern selection process. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 determines the effect pattern number at the time of deviation based on the variation pattern command (for example, “A0H00H” to “A6H7FH”) received from the main control CPU 72. The effect pattern numbers at the time of losing are classified into “ordinary deviation fluctuation”, “short-time deviation fluctuation”, “outlier reach fluctuation”, and the like, and a fine reach fluctuation pattern is defined in “outlier reach fluctuation”. Note that which effect pattern number is selected by the effect control CPU 126 is determined by the variation pattern command transmitted from the main control CPU 72.

  When the effect pattern number at the time of detachment is selected, the effect control CPU 126 refers to an effect table (not shown), and the effect symbol change schedule corresponding to the change effect pattern number at that time (change time, presence / absence of reach, occurrence of reach) , Reach type and reach occurrence timing) and stop display mode (for example, “7”-“2”-“8”, etc.).

  When any one of the above steps S608, S610, and S612 is executed, the effect control CPU 126 next executes step S614.

  Step S614: The effect control CPU 126 executes a notice selection process. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 selects the content of the notice effect to be executed during the current variable display effect by lottery. The content of the notice effect is determined based on, for example, the result of internal lottery (winning or non-winning) and the current internal state (normal state, high probability state, time reduction state). The notice effect is for notifying the player of the possibility that a reach state will occur during the variable display effect, or for notifying that there is a possibility that it will eventually be a big hit. Therefore, the selection ratio of the notice effect is set to be low at the time of non-winning, but the selection ratio of the notice effect is set to be relatively high to increase the player's expectation at the time of winning.

  Step S616: The effect control CPU 126 executes a mission mode selection process. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 determines whether or not to enter the mission mode and executes specific processes when entering the mission mode. Note that the details of the specific control will be described later using still another flowchart.

  When the above procedure is completed, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the effect symbol management process (end address).

[Mission mode selection process]
Next, FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the mission mode selection process. In this mission mode selection process, the effect control CPU 126 performs control related to the mission mode. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along a procedure.

  Step S700: First, the effect control CPU 126 confirms whether or not the mission mode is already being executed at the present time. Specifically, if the mission mode flag of the RAM 130 is set, it can be confirmed that the mission mode is currently executed. In this case (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 executes the mission mode process of step S800. Note that the details of the specific control will be described later using still another flowchart. On the other hand, if the mission mode has not yet been executed (step S700: No), the effect control CPU 126 executes the next step S702.

  Step S702: The effect control CPU 126 executes a mission mode entry lottery process. During this lottery, the probability of entering the mission mode may be higher than the normal probability for several revolutions after the “two round big hits (two rounds probable change, two rounds normal)” and after the “small hits”. Good. For example, when the probability of entering the mission mode in the normal state is about 1/300, after 50 rounds after “2 round big hit (2 round probability change, 2 round normal)” and after “small hit”, 1 / 20 or so. When the mission mode entry lottery is won, the effect control CPU 126 sets a mission mode flag in the RAM 130. As described above, by making it easier to enter the mission mode after “2 rounds” or “after winning the small hits”, it becomes easier for the player to check the internal state.

  Step S702: The effect control CPU 126 determines whether or not to enter the mission mode. Specifically, the mission mode flag in the RAM 130 is confirmed, and if the flag is set (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 proceeds to step S800 to enter the mission mode, and if the flag is not set ( No), the effect control CPU 126 returns to the effect symbol variation pre-processing (FIG. 37).

[Mission mode processing]
FIG. 39 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the mission mode process. In this mission mode process, the effect control CPU 126 performs detailed control during the mission mode. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along a procedure.

  Step S801: First, the effect control CPU 126 confirms whether or not this mission mode process is the first activation (calling). If it is the first activation (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 next executes Step S802, and if it is not the first activation (No), it executes Step S803. Whether or not it is the first activation is determined by the mission mode first activation flag of the RAM 130 described above. If the mission mode initial activation flag is not set, it is determined that the mission mode is first activated, and the mission mode initial activation flag is also set. If the mission mode initial activation flag is set, it is determined that it is not the first activation.

  Step S802: The effect control CPU 126 executes a mission condition selection process. In this mission condition selection process, the effect control CPU 126 determines an end condition and an achievement condition in the mission mode. In this case, the effect control CPU 126 refers to the “mission mode condition selection table” and determines an end condition and an achievement condition using a random number for effect lottery. A specific example of the table configuration will be described later with reference to still another drawing. When the process of step S802 is completed, the effect control CPU 126 proceeds to step S803.

Step S803: The effect control CPU 126 executes a mission mode effect selection process. In this process, mission mode basic information is set as control information in order to execute the mission mode effect in the display output process (step S404 in FIG. 35). The mission mode basic information includes information such as the end condition, the achievement condition, and the total reach production time.
In addition, during the mission mode, the effect control CPU 126 updates the mission mode such as update information of the end condition during the mission mode (for example, countdown from the remaining 10 rotations to the remaining 9 rotations), and information on the count up of the reach performance time. Information is also set as control information. Various types of information are managed by the effect control CPU 126 using the RAM 130.

  Step S804: The effect control CPU 126 checks whether or not a reach state occurs due to the current fluctuation. Specifically, the effect control CPU 126 confirms the variation pattern command stored in the command buffer area of the RAM 130, and when it is determined that the reach state occurs (Yes), the process proceeds to step S900, and the reach state does not occur. If it is determined (No), the process proceeds to step S807.

  Step S900: The effect control CPU 126 executes reach effect time addition processing. In this reach effect time addition process, the effect control CPU 126 performs reach effect time addition processing. Note that the details of the specific control will be described later using still another flowchart. When the process of step S900 is completed, the effect control CPU 126 proceeds to step S805.

  Step S805: The effect control CPU 126 determines whether or not the mission satisfies the achievement condition. Specifically, the value of “total reach production time (total reach time)” calculated in step S950 is compared with the value of “mission achievement time (target value)”, and “total reach production time” If “Mission Achievement Time” (Yes), the process proceeds to Step S806, and if “Total Reach Production Time” <“Mission Achievement Time” (No), the process proceeds to Step S807.

  Step S806: The effect control CPU 126 performs an internal state teaching effect selection process. The effect control CPU 126 confirms whether the current internal state is the normal probability state or the high probability state based on the internal state transmission command stored in the command buffer area of the RAM 130. In this process, mission mode state teaching information is set as control information in order to execute the internal state teaching effect in the display output process (step S404 in FIG. 35). The mission mode state teaching information includes information on either the normal state or the high probability state as the current internal state. By this processing, it is possible to teach the player whether the normal state or the high probability state. Next, the effect control CPU 126 proceeds to step S808.

  Step S807: When it is determined in step S804 that the reach state does not occur (step S804: No), or when it is determined in step S805 that “total reach effect time” <“mission achievement time” (S805: No), the effect control CPU 126 determines whether or not to continue the mission mode. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the end condition set in step S802 is satisfied. If it is determined that the end condition is satisfied (Yes), the presentation control CPU 126 proceeds to step S808 to end the mission mode. If it is determined that the end condition is not satisfied (No), the effect control CPU 126 returns to the mission mode selection process (FIG. 38) in order to continue the mission mode. Regarding the determination of whether or not the end condition is satisfied, the end condition is set based on a predetermined number of fluctuations or a predetermined elapsed time. Can be realized.

  Step S808: The effect control CPU 126 executes a mission mode end effect selection process. In this process, mission mode end information is set as control information in order to execute the mission mode end effect in the display output process (step S404 in FIG. 35). Then, the effect control CPU 126 resets various flags related to the mission mode, and returns to the mission mode selection process (FIG. 38).

[Reach production time addition processing]
FIG. 40 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the reach effect time addition process. In this reach effect time addition process, the effect control CPU 126 performs a specific addition process of reach effect time. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along a procedure.
Step S901: The effect control CPU 126 reads the value of the past reach time total from the buffer area of the RAM 130 (the initial value is 0), adds the reach effect time selected this time to the value, and The value is the value of the total reach time. The method of calculating the reach effect time selected this time will be further described later with reference to another drawing.

  Step S901: The effect control CPU 126 stores the reach time total value added in step S901 in the buffer area of the RAM 130 again. Then, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the mission mode process (FIG. 39).

[Calculation method of reach production time]
FIG. 41 shows an example of the effect lottery table.
The effect control CPU 126 selects a change effect pattern number corresponding to the “MODE value” and “EVENT value” based on the change pattern command received from the main control CPU 72. For example, when the variation pattern command (variation pattern number) is described as “A0H00H”, the effect control CPU 126 selects “160000” as the corresponding variation effect pattern number from the uppermost section of the table.

  When the variation effect pattern number is selected, the effect control CPU 126 next acquires the “variation time” and “reach effect time” corresponding thereto. In the illustrated example, the “variation time” corresponding to the variation effect pattern number “160000” is “16 seconds”, and the “reach effect time” is “10 seconds”. Thereby, the production time of the reach selected this time can be calculated. Note that the reach production time may be added using “variation time” instead of “reach production time” as the reach production time. In addition, the effect control CPU 126 refers to, for example, an effect table (not shown) and changes the effect symbol change schedule corresponding to the change effect pattern number “160000” at that time, whether or not there is a notice effect, and a stop display mode (for example, “1”). -“5”-“4”, etc.), acoustic schedule, notice audio content, etc.

[Mission mode condition selection table]
FIG. 42 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the “mission mode condition selection table” described above. This lottery table is for determining mission mode end conditions and achievement conditions based on random numbers (for example, 0 to 254) acquired by the effect control CPU 126.

In the table of FIG. 42, “low to medium” and “high” are defined as candidate values of the difficulty level in the left column, and “time” and “rotation” are set as end condition type candidate values in the middle column. “Number” is defined, and in the right column, 16 achievement condition contents such as “Clear reach time of 15 seconds or more within 1 minute” are prepared as candidates for the achievement condition contents.
The effect control CPU 126 selects the contents of any one achievement condition from the table, and there are three selection methods in this case.

  First, as a first method, an achievement condition is simply selected at random. In this case, whether an achievement condition with a low difficulty level is selected or an achievement condition with a high difficulty level is selected depends on luck. Next, as a second method, when performing a mission with a high expectation of big hits, such as after 2 rounds of probability change, after 2 rounds of normal, after a small hit, or after a mission mode is not achieved, etc. When the achievement condition is selected and the expectation of the jackpot that is not so is low, the achievement condition is selected from those having a high difficulty level. And as a third method, at the time of entering the mission mode for the first time, select achievement conditions from those with high difficulty, and make the achievement difficult, and when entering the mission mode again, from among those with low difficulty This is a method for selecting achievement conditions. By freely changing the difficulty level of the mission mode achievement conditions, it is possible to improve the gameability of the mission mode effect.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, while the effect control CPU 126 executes a common effect in a common mode regardless of whether the effect control CPU 126 is in a low probability state or a high probability state, the player is given a sense of expectation. By giving the player a chance to know the internal state by the production control CPU 126 performing the above-described mission mode production, it is possible to prevent the game from continuing to decline without knowing the internal state for a long time.

[Other Embodiments]
The above is an example of an effective technique in the “hidden probability change mode” after the two-round big hit game and the “yukata mode” after the small hit occurrence, but the following patterns can be applied in addition.

  For example, “15 rounds probable big hit” and “15 round normal (non-probable change) big hit” have a common effect mode (background image of the variable display effect) after the big hit game ends. Further, even in the internal high probability state, the upper limit number of times that the “time reduction function” is activated is set to a realistic number of about 100 times. In this case, the “hidden probability change mode” after the big hit of 2 rounds is different from the above-described “hidden probability change mode”, but it is clearly informed on whether or not the internal state has shifted to the high probability state after the big round of 15 rounds of big hit games (teaching and disclosure) ), The internal state can be not notified to the player. Even in such a mode, by applying the above-described mission mode, it is possible to provide enjoyment of guessing the internal state by the reach of time reduction.

  In addition, the specific aspect of the production | presentation symbol and standby demonstration screen which were given in various production examples is an example to the last, These can be deform | transformed suitably. In addition, the structure of the pachinko machine 1 and the board surface configuration are preferable examples including those shown in the drawings, and it goes without saying that these can be appropriately modified.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pachinko machine 8 Game board 8a Game area 20 Start gate 26 Upper start prize port 28 Variable start prize device 28a Lower start prize port 33 Normal symbol display device 33a Normal symbol operation memory lamp 34 Special symbol display device 34a Special symbol operation memory lamp 38 Game state display device 42 Liquid crystal display 47 Fluctuation start switch 70 Main control device 72 Main control CPU
74 ROM
76 RAM
124 Production control device 126 Production control CPU

Claims (10)

In a gaming machine having a normal state in which normal conditions for a game are applied, and a specific game state in which conditions that are advantageous to the player compared to the normal state are applied,
An internal lottery execution means for executing an internal lottery when a lottery opportunity occurs during the game;
When the internal lottery is executed, the symbol display means for displaying the symbols in a manner corresponding to the result of the internal lottery after the symbols are variably displayed over a predetermined fluctuation time;
For the variation display of the symbol by the symbol display means, a variation pattern determination means for selecting any of a plurality of variation patterns prepared in advance,
The symbol effect executing means for executing the stop display effect corresponding to the stop display of the symbol by the symbol display means after executing the change display effect corresponding to the symbol change display by the symbol display means within at least the change time. When,
A reach state generating means for generating a reach state during execution of the change display effect by the symbol effect executing means when the change pattern selected by the change pattern determining means satisfies a predetermined reach generation condition;
At the time of the variable display effect by the symbol effect execution means, a common effect execution means for executing a common effect in a common mode regardless of whether the current state is the normal state or the specific game state;
When a predetermined production execution trigger occurs during execution of the common production by the common production execution means, an end condition regarding a predetermined number of fluctuations or a predetermined elapsed time, and an achievement condition regarding a reach production time for the reach state, And a requested effect executing means for executing a requested effect that requires the player to satisfy the achievement condition before the end condition is satisfied,
Reach effect that counts the reach effect time of the reach state generated by the reach state generating unit based on the variation pattern selected by the variation pattern determining unit during execution of the requested effect by the requested effect executing unit. Time counting means;
If the achievement condition is satisfied before the end condition is satisfied by the reach effect time counting means counting the reach effect time during execution of the requested effect by the requested effect executing means, an internal state A game machine comprising an internal state teaching means for teaching a player whether the game is in the normal state or the specific game state. In the gaming machine according to claim 1,
The reach production time counting means includes:
Each reach production time in the reach state generated by the reach state generation unit between the start of the requested production by the requested production execution unit and the completion of the requested production by satisfying the end condition. The game machine is characterized in that the sum of reach effect times in the reach state generated by the reach state generating means is counted by sequentially adding. In the gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2,
The reach production time counting means includes:
At the time of the variable display effect by the symbol effect execution means, a state where other effect symbols are aligned except one of the effect symbols, a specific effect symbol of the effect symbols is stopped and the remaining effect symbols are fluctuating. A gaming machine, characterized in that counting of the reach performance time is started when at least one of a state, a reach, or a declaration or display equivalent thereto is made. In the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The game machine further comprising: an effect information display means for displaying the reach effect time counted by the reach effect time counting means together with the end condition and the achievement condition presented to the player by the requested effect executing means. . In the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
When the result of the internal lottery corresponds to winning, and the symbol is stopped and displayed in a specific manner by the symbol display means, a special game opportunity to which a special condition different from a normal game is applied is given to the player. A special game opportunity granting means to be granted,
The internal state teaching means includes
When the result of the internal lottery corresponds to winning and the achievement condition is satisfied, the special game opportunity giving means teaches the internal state before giving the player a special game opportunity. A gaming machine. In the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
When a special prize event corresponding to a special prize occurs during the game, a special privilege granting means for granting a special prize privilege to the player,
While the specified condition is not satisfied during the game, the closed state in which the occurrence of the special prize event is always disabled is maintained, while only when the specified condition is satisfied, the special prize event is not released from the closed state. A special prize event generating means that makes it possible to shift to an open state where generation is impossible,
A winning type defining means for preliminarily defining a plurality of winning types including at least a first special winning type and a second special winning type for the result of winning in the internal lottery;
When winning by the internal lottery execution means by the internal lottery execution means, a winning type determining means for determining which of the plurality of winning types specified by the winning type defining means is combined,
The symbol display means determines that the result of the internal lottery corresponds to winning and the symbol display means determines that the winning type determination means corresponds to either the first special winning type or the second special winning type. When the symbol is stopped and displayed in the special winning mode corresponding to the first special winning type or the second special winning type, the above-mentioned prescribed condition is satisfied, so that the occurrence of the special winning event is difficult even if it is not impossible. Short-term opening / closing operation execution means for executing a short-time opening / closing operation for a predetermined number of times to shift the special prize event generation means from the closed state to the open state and return to the closed state only for a time;
When the result of the internal lottery corresponds to winning and the winning type determining means determines that it corresponds to the first special winning type, after the short-term opening / closing operation executing means ends, the internal lottery As the specific gaming state in which the winning is obtained at a higher probability than the low probability state from the low probability state as the normal state in which the winning is obtained with at least a normal probability in the internal lottery performed by the lottery execution means High probability state transition means for transitioning to or maintaining the high probability state; and
When the result of the internal lottery corresponds to winning and the winning type determining means determines that the second special winning type corresponds to the second special winning type, after the short-term opening and closing operation executing means ends, the internal lottery Further comprising low probability state transition means for shifting from the high probability state to the low probability state during the internal lottery performed by the lottery execution means, or maintaining the low probability state;
The variation pattern determining means includes
When the result of the internal lottery corresponds to winning, and the winning type determining means determines that it corresponds to either the first special winning type or the second special winning type, the reach generation condition is satisfied. A gaming machine characterized by not selecting a variation pattern. The gaming machine according to claim 6,
The winning type defining means is:
We have further defined special winning types as multiple winning types,
The result of the internal lottery corresponds to winning, and the symbol display means determines the special winning mode corresponding to the special winning type by determining that the winning type determining means corresponds to the characteristic winning type. Is displayed in a stopped state, the prescribed condition is satisfied, so that it is difficult not to generate the special prize event as a normal game but neither the special game nor the short-term opening / closing operation. Only the special short-time opening / closing operation until the special winning event generating means is changed from the closed state to the open state and then returned to the closed state is executed a predetermined number of times, and the internal state is maintained thereafter. It further comprises special operation execution means,
The requested production execution means
When either the short-term opening / closing operation by the short-term opening / closing operation executing means or the special-purpose short-time opening / closing operation by the special operation executing means is executed, the short-time opening / closing operation or the special short-term opening / closing operation is terminated. A game machine characterized in that an effect execution lottery probability related to the effect execution trigger is set higher than a probability in a normal state until the symbol display by the symbol display means reaches a predetermined number of times. The gaming machine according to claim 7,
The requested production execution means
When the requested effect is executed after either the short-term opening / closing operation by the short-term opening / closing operation executing means or the special-purpose short-time opening / closing operation by the special action executing means is executed, the winning type specified by the winning type specifying means A game machine, wherein the difficulty level of the achievement condition is determined based on a type. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
The requested production execution means
In the case where the requested effect is completed by satisfying the end condition before the achievement condition is satisfied in spite of the execution of the requested effect, the symbol display means by the symbol display means after the requested effect ends. A game machine characterized by setting an effect execution lottery probability related to the effect execution opportunity higher than a probability in a normal state until the variable display reaches a predetermined number of times. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
The requested production execution means
In spite of executing the requested effect, the requested effect is terminated when the end condition is satisfied before the achievement condition is satisfied, and the requested effect is executed again when a predetermined effect execution trigger occurs. In the case of playing, the gaming machine is characterized by presenting the player with an achievement condition that is less difficult than the achievement condition presented in the first required performance.

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