JP5477799B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that executes a variable display effect during a variable display of a symbol for displaying a lottery result, and particularly relates to a process for selecting a content for effect that notifies the possibility of winning before the stop display of the symbol.

  Conventionally, pachinko machines that are an example of this type of gaming machine, when an internal lottery is executed in response to the occurrence of a winning at the start opening, after the symbols are variably displayed, the symbols are stopped and displayed in a manner corresponding to the lottery result . When the symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner corresponding to the winning, it becomes a “hit”, and the player is given an opportunity for a big win game or the like to which conditions more advantageous than usual are applied.

  However, during the symbol variation display, it is impossible to know whether the result of the lottery is winning or not, and the player needs to wait until the symbol is stopped and displayed. By performing a variable display effect using an effect symbol expressed by a rotating body, a liquid crystal image, or the like during this time, it is possible to provide a player with a visually appealing interest. In addition, for example, when a variable display effect is performed using three rows of effect symbols, and finally three effect symbols of the same type are stopped in a straight line and the effect is performed according to the flow of “big hit”, the variable display effect By generating a state (so-called reach state) in which up to two production symbols of the same type are arranged inside, an effect of making the player have a sense of expectation for a big hit is obtained. Furthermore, before and after the occurrence of the reach state, by executing both the pre-reach notice announcement effect and the reach occurrence notice effect, various operations from the previous stage of the reach state to the final stop display effect are performed. The effect of sustaining the expectation to the big hit at the timing is obtained.

As a general example of a notice effect, a character image is displayed separately from the effect symbol at the timing before the reach state occurs, or a notice sound is output to give a reach notice and thus a big hit notice. is there. For example, with regard to the method of producing a notice using a warning sound, first, the output with the expected value (possibility) of jackpot is low, the expected value is medium, and the expected value is high. A prior art is known in which, after a certain amount of time has elapsed, the sound quality is changed in accordance with the expected value of the jackpot at that time, and the expected value based on the warning sound is easily discriminated (for example, see Patent Document 1). . According to this prior art, it is possible to prevent a player from perceiving a notice sound having a low expected value from the beginning, and to suppress a decrease in expectation until a certain amount of time has elapsed.
JP 2003-181027 A

  However, if it turns out that a notice effect with a low expected value occurred before the occurrence of the reach state, the player's expectation will be reduced at that time, and no matter how much reach effect or notice effect is performed after that, Eventually it will be boring for the player. That being said, if it is not a big hit, but only a high-expected announcement effect is frequently selected, the player will be distrusted and uncomfortable, which is counterproductive.

  Therefore, the present invention is intended to suppress as much as possible that the player's sense of expectation is greatly reduced or that results that are contrary to expectation occur frequently.

The present invention employs the following means in order to solve the above problems.
Solution 1: In the present invention, when a lottery opportunity occurs during a game, a lottery executing means for executing an internal lottery related to a player's profit, and when the internal lottery is performed, the symbols are variably displayed over a predetermined fluctuation time. After that, the symbol display means for stopping and displaying the symbols in a manner according to the result of the internal lottery, and the variation for selecting one of the variation patterns prepared in advance for the symbol variation display by the symbol display means When the pattern determination means and the result of the internal lottery correspond to winning, and the symbols are stopped and displayed in a specific manner by the symbol display means, an opportunity for special games to which special conditions different from normal games are applied After executing the special game opportunity granting means to be given to the player and the change display effect corresponding to the change display of the symbols by the symbol display means within at least the change time, it is stopped by the symbol display means. When the pattern effect executing means for executing the stop display effect corresponding to the displayed symbol and the variation pattern selected by the variation pattern determining means satisfy the predetermined reach occurrence condition, the symbol effect executing means executes the variable display effect. A reach state generating means for generating a reach state that partially configures a stop display effect corresponding to a symbol of a specific aspect, and a variable display effect by the symbol effect executing means before the reach state is generated After the occurrence of the reach state during the execution of the pre-occurrence notice effect executing means for executing the pre-occurrence notice effect of the content for notifying that the symbol may be stopped and displayed in the mode, and the variable display effect by the symbol effect executing means , A post-occurrence notice effect executing means for executing a notice effect after the occurrence of the content for notifying that there is a possibility that the symbol of the specific mode may be stopped and displayed, and a pre-occurrence notice In addition, a plurality of types of contents are defined in advance for each of the post-occurrence notice effects, and the expected value indicating the degree of possibility that a symbol is stopped and displayed in a specific manner for each content corresponds to at least a high or low classification The expected value for each content of the pre-occurrence notice effect and the post-occurrence notice effect to be executed, respectively, in the case where the result of the internal lottery corresponds to the win and the case where the result of the internal lottery corresponds to the non-winning A classification setting means for setting in advance which of the high and low classifications stipulated by the precautionary content prescribing means, and a high or low classification of the expected value set by the preliminary classification setting means based on the result of the internal lottery Effect control means for performing control for selecting each content of the pre-occurrence notice effect and post-occurrence notice effect corresponding to the above from the notice content defining means and causing each notice effect execution means to execute It is a gaming machine equipped with.

  As described above, in the present invention, the content of the notice effect (preparation effect before the occurrence of reach state, notice effect after the occurrence of reach state) prepared in a plurality of ways has an expected value for each of at least high or low (or large or small) It is classified. The “expected value” here indicates “the degree of possibility that the symbol is stopped and displayed in a specific manner”, and further, “the degree of possibility that the result of the internal lottery corresponds to the winning”, and “ It also indicates the “degree of possibility that a special game opportunity will be granted”. In any case, if the expected value is categorized as “high”, the content of the notice effect is a notice that it is relatively likely to be given a special game opportunity (a big hit). On the contrary, if the expected value is categorized as “low”, the content of the notice effect is defined as a notice that the possibility of a special game opportunity is not so high.

  In addition, the present invention manages a plurality of advance notice effects whose expected values are classified as at least high or low and in what pattern these should appear before and after the occurrence of the reach state. is there. In other words, in the present invention, the expected value is set in advance for the notice effect to be executed before and after the reach state occurs in the case of winning the internal lottery and in the case of not winning. When the effect is executed, the pre-occurrence notice effect and the post-occurrence notice effect of the content corresponding to the expected value (high and low) as set according to the lottery result are respectively executed.

  For this reason, simply because a notice effect with a low expected value appears before the occurrence of the reach state, it does not necessarily confirm the non-winning, and the player is executed after the occurrence of the reach state. By looking at the content of the notice effect, it is possible to determine the expected value of the overall winning from the expected value (high or low). For example, even if the announcement effect before the occurrence of the reach state has a low expected value, if the announcement effect after the occurrence of the reach state has a high expectation value, the player will eventually stop displaying the symbol. As a result, it is possible to maintain a sense of expectation and to enjoy the reach variation display production that has been thrilling to the end.

  In this regard, conventionally, there is no particular management of the expected value (high or low) of the notice effect before and after the reach state, and the expected value of the notice effect before and after the reach state is determined by a random number. It was left to the completely random selection method by the lottery table using. In such a selection method, both before and after the reach state occurs, if there is no win, there is a tendency that a notice effect with a low expected value tends to be selected probabilistically. When a notice effect with a low expected value appears before the occurrence of the state, the player's expectation is reduced at a stroke. On the other hand, even if it is not elected, a notice effect with a high expectation value may appear both before and after the occurrence of the reach state, which may cause the player to buy a disappointment. It was.

In the present invention, the expected value of the notice effect selected before and after the occurrence of the reach state is managed in advance, and the notice effect is displayed with an expected value pattern suitable for each time of non-winning and winning. This eliminates the problems caused by the conventional selection method.
The gaming machine of the present invention manages not only the result of internal lottery (winning or non-winning) but also the state of the game at that time by managing the contents of the notice effect based on the expected value (high and low) set in advance It is possible to realize an effect suitable for the state of the effect.

  The above-mentioned “notice content definition means” classifies the expected value for each content of the notice effect into “high” and “low”. For example, the “low” classification includes “very low” and “low”. “Medium-low” may be included, and “Medium-high” or “Highest” may be included in the category of “High”. In this case, each content of the pre-occurrence notice effect and the post-occurrence notice effect may be defined by the number of expected value classifications. Further, the contents of the pre-occurrence notice effect and the post-occurrence notice effect may be defined for each of a plurality of variation patterns.

  Solution 2: In Solution 1, the pre-occurrence notice effect indirectly notifies that there is a possibility that a reach state may occur, thereby indirectly indicating that the symbol may be stopped and displayed in a specific manner. Contents to be notified may be included.

  Generally, a relatively long variation time is set at the time of winning an internal lottery, and a variation pattern that satisfies the reach condition occurrence condition tends to be easily selected. For this reason, it can be said that the expected value of winning increases only when the reach state occurs during the variable display effect.

  Therefore, in the present invention, the contents of the pre-occurrence notice effect include a notice that “there is a possibility that a reach state may occur”, so that the pre-occurrence notice effect is indirectly won (the symbol is stopped and displayed in a specific manner). To be announced). In this case, if the expected value for the content of the pre-occurrence notice effect that has been executed is “high”, it is possible to increase the expectation that a reach state will occur during the variable display effect for the player. As a result, an effect of increasing expectation for winning indirectly (the symbol is stopped and displayed in a specific manner) can be obtained. On the contrary, even if the expected value of the pre-occurrence notice effect that was executed was “low”, the reach state occurred after that, and the expected value for the content of the notice effect after the occurrence was “high” Thus, the variable display effect can be enjoyed to the end without lowering the overall expectation given to the player.

  Solving means 3: In the solving means 1 or 2, the notice classification setting means sets a combination of a plurality of high and low classifications corresponding to expected values for each content in the pre-occurrence notice effect and the post-occurrence notice effect. It may be.

  In other words, in the present invention, there are two “pre-occurrence notice effect” and “post-occurrence notice effect”, and there are at least “high” and “low” expected values for each content. There are at least four possible combinations of display effects: “Low / Low”, “Low / High”, “High / Low”, and “High / High”. For example, a combination of “low / low” means that the expected value for the content of the pre-occurrence notice effect is “low” and the expected value for the content of the pre-occurrence notice effect is also “low”. .

  In this case, by setting the overall expected value for each combination of higher and lower (“low / low”, “low / high”, “high / low”, “high / high”), for example, the following expectations A value management form can be realized.

(1) The expected values of “pre-occurrence notice effect” and “post-occurrence notice effect” are managed as a combination of “high / high”. In this case, the winning pattern can be realized by setting the overall expected value to the highest value.

(2) The expected values of “pre-occurrence notice effect” and “post-occurrence notice effect” are managed as a combination of “low / low”. In this case, even though the overall expected value is set to the minimum, it is not zero at all. Thereby, even if a notice effect with a low expected value appears both before and after the occurrence of the reach state, it is possible to realize an effect pattern that does not reduce the sense of expectation for winning until the end.

(3) On the other hand, as in (2) above, even if the expected value of the “pre-occurrence notice effect” is “low”, the expected value of the “pre-occurrence notice effect” is “high”. The height is managed by the combination of the above, and the overall expected value is set higher than the above (2). As a result, even if a notice effect with a low expected value appears before the reach state occurs, if a notice effect with a high expectation value appears after the reach state occurs, the player's expectation is maintained high from that point on. A production pattern can be realized.

(4) Or, as in (1) above, the expected value of the “pre-occurrence notice effect” is “high”, but the expected value of the “pre-occurrence notice effect” is “low”. When managing the height by combination, although the overall expected value is not as high as the above (1), it is set higher than the above (2). This allows the player to maintain a high level of expectation at the time when a high-expectation notice effect appears before the reach state occurs, and then cause a low-expectation notice effect to appear. It is possible to realize a production pattern that makes you feel excited.

  Solving means 4: In solving means 3, at least one of the pre-occurrence notice effect or the post-occurrence notice effect includes a plurality of notice effects that are executed during the symbol variation effect, and the notice classification setting means includes the pre-occurrence notice effect. Alternatively, for each of the plurality of notice effects included in the notice effect after the occurrence, a high and low classification corresponding to an expected value for the content is set.

  That is, even if it is called “pre-occurrence notice effect” or “post-occurrence notice effect”, only a single effect is not executed, but a plurality of notice effects (for example, pre-occurrence notice effect) 1, 2,...) May be executed. Therefore, when the pre-occurrence notice effect and the post-occurrence notice effect include a plurality of notice effects, the level of the expected value can be set for each content and managed.

  Solving means 5: In the solving means 3 or 4, the notice category setting means sets the setting corresponding to the classification with a low expected value for the content of the notice effect before the occurrence even if the result of the internal lottery corresponds to winning. On the other hand, even if the result of the internal lottery corresponds to non-winning, it has a setting corresponding to a category with a high expected value for the content of the pre-occurrence notice effect.

  That is, as described in (2) and (3) above, even if a notice effect with a low expected value appears before the reach state occurs, it does not determine the non-winning by itself. As mentioned above, just because a notice effect with a high expectation appears before the reach state occurs, that alone does not mean that the winning is confirmed. In any case, since it is necessary to determine the overall expected value including the expected value (high and low) about the content of the notice effect after the reach state occurs, the player will not be exhausted until the end Production can be provided.

  Solution 6: In any one of solutions 3 to 5, the notice classification setting means has a high expected value for the contents of the pre-occurrence notice effect and the post-occurrence notice effect when the result of the internal lottery corresponds to winning. If you have a setting that falls under the category and the internal lottery result is not won, you can set a category that has a high expected value for both the pre-occurrence notice effect and the post-occurrence notice effect. It does not have.

  In this case, if a notice effect with a high expectation appears both before and after the occurrence of the reach state, the winning is confirmed, so that an effect pattern that is difficult to betray the player's expectation as described in (1) above. Can be realized.

  Solution 7: In any one of Solution 1 to 6, the gaming machine according to the present invention, when the result of the internal lottery corresponds to a special type of winning, after the special game is completed by the special game opportunity granting means, High probability state transition means for shifting to a high probability state in which the winning probability in the internal lottery by the lottery execution means is changed to be higher than the state and the symbol change time is shortened by the symbol display means, and a special game opportunity When the special game by the granting means is finished, it further comprises a time shortening state transition means for shifting to a time shortening state in which the symbol variation time by the symbol display means is shortened compared to the normal state, and the notice classification setting means Is based on the contents of the pre-occurrence notice effect and the post-occurrence notice effect depending on at least whether it is a normal state, a high probability state, or a time reduction state. Or expected value corresponds to any of the classifications of high and low is to set in a different manner.

  As described above, the symbol variation time is shortened in the high probability state and the time shortening state, and the time efficiency is improved for the player to advance the game. In such a situation, it is more convenient for the player to make the variable display effect simple and finish within a short time and switch to the next variable display effect at a faster tempo than to perform the notice effect at the time of non-winning. It is. Also, in the high probability state, the winning probability is higher than usual, and it is almost promised that the next winning will be obtained within a relatively short period of time, so it is bothered to reach during the variable display production at the time of non-winning Creating a state does not make much sense to the player.

  Therefore, in the present invention, with regard to the high probability state and the time reduction state, the height management of the notice effect is set differently from the normal state, thereby realizing an effect pattern suitable for each state. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent a situation in which a notice effect with a high expected value frequently occurs even though the result of the internal lottery is not won in the high probability state or the time reduction state.

  Solving means 8: In any one of the solving means 1 to 7, the gaming machine of the present invention normally displays a scene using at least a predetermined normal image when executing the variable display effect and the stop display effect by the symbol effect executing means. It further includes a scene effect executing means for executing the effect or a special effect for displaying a scene using a special image different from the normal image. The notice classification setting means is provided by the scene effect executing means. Depending on whether the normal effect or the special effect is being executed, it is set in a different manner whether the expected value for each content of the pre-occurrence notice effect and the post-occurrence notice effect corresponds to high or low.

  The above-mentioned “normal effects” and “special effects” correspond to concepts such as “modes” and “stages” of so-called effects. In other words, if the production mode or stage that is the most basic in the normal state is “normal production”, the “special production” is to remind the player of a special production mode or stage that is different from the normal. The difference is, for example, a difference between background images (images constituting the background of the effect design on the screen) or a difference in music flowing behind. Such a change in the production mode and stage has an effect of providing a player with an opportunity to change the mood for continuing the game for a long time and preventing a decrease in gaming motivation.

  For this reason, in the present invention, it is possible to realize an effect pattern suitable for each effect mode and stage by separately setting the level management of the expected value for the “normal effect” and the “special effect”. For example, as described in Solution 3 above, when a notice effect appears with a combination of “low / high” expected values in “normal effect”, the overall expected value is not so high, but “special effect” In the case where a notice effect appears with a combination of the same “low / high” expected values, a variety of effects can be realized such that the expected value of the winning is extremely high.

The gaming machine of the present invention can achieve an effect suitable for the state of the game and the state of the effect.

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. 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.

[Overall configuration of gaming machine]
The pachinko machine 1 mainly includes an outer frame unit 2, a glass frame unit 4, a tray unit 6 and a gaming machine frame (not shown) as its main body. Among these, the outer frame unit 2 is fixed to an island facility (not shown) in the game hall using a fastener such as a screw. The other glass frame unit 4, the tray unit 6, and a gaming machine frame (not shown) are attached to the island facility via the outer frame unit 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 locking unit (not shown) is provided on the inner side (back side) of the right edge of the gaming machine frame, and correspondingly, the right edge of the glass frame unit 4 and the outer frame unit 2 are not shown. Locking tool is provided. As shown in FIG. 1, in a state where the glass frame unit 4 and the gaming machine frame are closed with respect to the outer frame unit 2, the locking unit together with the locking device disables the opening of the glass frame unit 4 and the gaming machine frame. Yes.

  A cylinder lock 6 c 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 6c clockwise, the locking unit is activated and the glass frame unit 4 and the tray unit 6 can be opened together with the gaming machine frame. Become. When these are opened from the outer frame unit 2 to the front side (moved like a door), the back side of the pachinko machine 1 is exposed. On the back side of the pachinko machine 1, a not-shown dispensing device unit and launching device unit are installed, as well as various electronic devices (including a control computer) that make up the power supply system and control system of the pachinko machine 1, connection Terminals are installed. The electronic devices will be further described later based on another block diagram (FIG. 2).

  On the other hand, when the cylinder lock 6c is twisted counterclockwise, the glass frame unit 4 is unlocked while the gaming machine frame is 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. When the lock mechanism is released in this state, the tray unit 6 can be opened to the front side with respect to the gaming machine frame.

  The pachinko machine 1 includes a game board 8 as a game unit. The game board 8 is supported by a game machine frame (not shown) behind the glass frame unit 4. The gaming board 8 can be attached to and detached from the gaming machine frame 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.

  An upper plate 6 a is formed on the upper surface of the tray unit 6. The upper plate 6a can store a game ball (rental ball) lent to a player and a game ball (prize ball) acquired by winning a prize. 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 received from the payout unit 6 separately from the prize balls (mainly the upper plate 6a). To be paid out. Further, the tray unit 6 is formed with a lower plate 6b at a lower position than the upper plate 6a. The lower tray 6b can store game balls that do not fit into the upper tray 6a or game balls discharged from the upper tray 6a.

  An operation panel unit 9 is installed on the upper surface of the tray unit 6, and a ball lending button 10 and a return button 12 are arranged on the operation panel unit 9. When a player operates the ball lending button 10 with a valuable medium (for example, a magnetic recording medium, an IC memory built-in medium, etc.) inserted in a CR unit (not shown), it corresponds to a predetermined frequency unit (for example, 5 times). A number of game balls (for example, 125) are lent out. A frequency display unit (not shown) is arranged on the upper surface of the operation panel unit 9, and the remaining frequency of the valuable medium is displayed on the frequency display unit. The player can receive the return of the valuable medium with the remaining frequency by operating the return button 12. Further, the operation panel unit 9 is provided with a production push button 14 and up / down / left / right direction keys 15, and these push buttons 14 and direction keys 15 can be appropriately operated by the player during the game. .

  An upper dish ball removal lever 6d is installed on the upper left part of the tray unit 6, and a lower dish ball removal lever 6e is installed on the front surface of the wall portion surrounding the lower dish 6b. The player can cause the game balls stored in the upper plate 6a to flow down to the lower plate 6b by operating the upper plate ball removing lever 6d. In addition, the player can operate the lower tray ball removal lever 6e to drop the gaming balls stored in the lower tray 6b 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 a launching device unit (not shown) and can launch (shoot) a game ball toward the game area 8a. 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 and windmills (not shown in the figure) are arranged in the game area 8a, and the thrown game balls flow down in the game area 8a while being guided by the obstacle nails and windmills.

[Configuration of the board]
In the game area 8a, a 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 gate 20 in the process of flowing down, or win (inflow) into the normal winning ports 22, 24 and the upper start winning port 26. The variable start winning device 28 and the variable winning device 30 are in a state in which a game ball can flow in during each operation. The game balls that have passed through the gate 20 continue to flow down in the game area 8 a, but the winning game balls are collected to the back side through through holes formed in the game board 8.

  The variable start winning device 28 operates when a predetermined condition is satisfied (when a normal symbol is stopped and displayed in a predetermined manner), and allows a winning to the lower start winning port 28a ( Ordinary electric accessory). 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. 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 (there is no gap through which game balls can flow). . 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. The arrangement (gauge) of the obstacle nails installed on the game board 8 is a mode in which it is easy to guide the flow of the game ball toward the variable start winning device 28.

  The variable winning device 30 operates when a specific condition is satisfied (when a special symbol is stopped and displayed in a specific manner), and allows a winning to a big winning opening (no reference sign). (Special electric accessory). 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 drawing, the opening / closing member 30a is in the closed position along the board surface, and at this time, it is impossible to win a prize winning opening (the prize winning opening is closed). When the variable winning device 30 is activated, the opening / closing member 30a is displaced so as to fall forward with its lower end edge as the center, thereby opening the large winning opening. During this time, the variable winning device 30 is in a state where a game ball can flow in, and generates a winning in the big winning opening. 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. The collected game balls join a supply route for an island facility (not shown).

  The game board 8 is provided with a normal symbol display device 33 and a normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a at the upper right position in the window 4a, for example, as well as a first special symbol display device 34, a second special symbol display device 36, A first operation memory lamp 34a, a second operation memory lamp 36a, and a game state display device 38 are 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).

  The first special symbol display device 34 and the second special symbol display device 36 can respectively display the variation state and the stopped state of the first special symbol and the second special symbol, respectively, by, for example, a 7-segment LED (with dots). it can. In addition, the first operation memory lamp 34a and the second operation memory lamp 36a display 0 to 4 memory numbers, for example, by combinations of extinguishing or lighting and blinking of two lamps (LEDs). For example, when all the lamps are turned off, the memory number 0 is displayed. When one lamp is lit, one memory number is displayed. When the same one lamp blinks, two memory numbers are displayed. For example, when one lamp is lit, 3 stored numbers are displayed, and when both lamps blink, 4 stored numbers are displayed. In the present embodiment, one working memory lamp 34a represents the number of working memories of the first special symbol, and the other working memory lamp 36a represents the number of working memories of the second special symbol.

  The game state display device 38 includes, for example, four lamps (LEDs) corresponding to a jackpot type display lamp (2 rounds or 15 rounds), a probability variation state display lamp, and a time shortening state display lamp.

  In the present embodiment, most of the game board 8 is formed of a transparent member, and the normal symbol display device 33, the first special symbol display device 34, the second special symbol display device 36, etc. are all transparent. It is installed behind the other member (a position that can be easily seen by the player). Further, a relatively large liquid crystal display 40 is installed on the rear side of the game board 8, and the liquid crystal display 40 includes a first design symbol corresponding to the first or second special symbol, and the first design symbol. In addition to displaying the memory number display markers M1 and M2 linked to the display of the operation memory lamp 34a and the second operation memory lamp 36a, various effect images are displayed. The display screen of the liquid crystal display 40 can be seen well from the front side through the transparent game board 8.

  Further, the game board 8 is provided with a partition member 42 along its upper edge. The partition member 42 functions as a guide member whose upper surface changes the flow-down direction of the game ball, and the game ball thrown into the game area 8 a is distributed to the left or right along the upper surface of the partition member 42. A warp inlet 44 is installed at the left edge of the game area 8a, and a ball guide passage 46 leading to the warp inlet 44 is formed on the back side of the transparent game board 8. Since the ball guide passage 46 is also made of a transparent member, the visibility of the liquid crystal display 40 is not hindered by this, and the game ball passing through the ball guide passage 46 is clearly visible from the player. Is possible.

  Furthermore, a rolling stage 48 is formed on the game board 8 at a position slightly lower than its approximate center. The warp inlet 44 is opened upward in the game area 8a. When a game ball flowing down in the game area 8a randomly flows into the warp inlet 44, the game ball rolls through the ball guide passage 46. Released onto the moving stage 48. The upper surface of the rolling stage 48 has a smooth curved surface. Here, the game ball can roll in the left-right direction. An opening is formed in the game board 8 so as to open the front side of the rolling stage 48, and the game ball rolling on the rolling stage 48 eventually flows down into the lower game area 8a through the opening. A ball discharge path 50 is formed at the center position of the rolling stage 48. The ball discharge path 50 extends downward from the upper surface of the rolling stage 48 behind the game board 8, and is further bent forward. Open at the front of the game board 8. The game ball that has flowed down from the rolling stage 48 into the ball discharge path 50 is discharged from the opening on the front surface. And it becomes easy to win | release the released game ball to the upper start winning opening 26 just under it. In addition, since the members constituting the rolling stage 48 and the ball discharge path 50 are also transparent, the visibility of the liquid crystal display 40 is not hindered, and the game passing through the rolling stage 48 and the ball discharge path 50 The ball is clearly visible to the player.

[Configuration of the front of the frame]
The glass frame unit 4 is provided with a glass frame upper lamp 52, a glass frame left lamp 54, and a glass frame right lamp 56 as components for production. These lamps 52, 54, and 56 execute, for example, effects by light emission (lighting and blinking, change in luminance gradation, change in color tone, and the like) of built-in LEDs. A pair of left and right upper speakers 58 are built in the upper part of the glass frame unit 4, and a lower speaker 60 is built in a position slightly to the right of the center of the tray unit 6. These speakers 58 and 60 output effects sound, BGM, sound, etc. (overall sound) and execute effects.

[Control configuration]
Next, a configuration related to control of the pachinko machine 1 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing various electronic devices equipped in the pachinko machine 1. The pachinko machine 1 includes a main control device 70 serving as the center of the control operation, and the main control device 70 mainly has a function of controlling the progress of the game in the pachinko machine 1. The main control device 70 is equipped with a circuit board on which a main control CPU 72 which is a central processing unit is mounted. The main control CPU 72 is a semiconductor memory such as a ROM 74 and a RAM (RWM) 76 together with a CPU core and a register (not shown). Is configured as an LSI.

  The main controller 70 is equipped with a random number generator 75 and a sampling circuit 77. Among these, the random number generator 75 generates a hardware random number (for example, 0 to 65535 in decimal notation) for determining the big hit, and the generated random number is input to the main control CPU 72 through the sampling circuit 77. The In the present embodiment, since the two symbols of the first special symbol and the second special symbol are used for the big hit determination, a random number generator 75 may be provided for each of these symbols. In addition, the main controller 70 is provided with peripheral ICs such as a clock generation circuit, an input / output driver (PIO), a counter / timer circuit (CTC), etc. (not shown), which are mounted on the circuit board together with the main control CPU 72. Has been implemented. On the circuit board, signal transmission paths, power supply paths, control buses, and the like are formed as wiring patterns.

  The start gate 20 described above is integrally provided with a gate switch 78 for detecting the passage of a game ball. Further, the game board 8 is provided with an upper start winning port switch 80, a lower start winning port switch 82 and a large winning port switch 84 corresponding to the upper start winning port 26, the variable start winning device 28 and the variable winning device 30, respectively. ing. The start winning port switches 80 and 82 are for detecting winning of a game ball to the upper start winning port 26 and the variable start winning device 28 (lower start winning port 28a), respectively. The big prize opening switch 84 is for detecting the winning of a game ball to the variable prize winning device 30 (large prize opening). 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. Detection signals from these switches 78 to 86 are input to the main control CPU 72 via an input / output driver (not shown).

  The normal symbol display device 33, the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, the first and second special symbol display devices 34 and 36, the first and second operation memory lamps 34a and 36a, and the game state display device 38 described above are the main control CPU 72. The display operation is controlled on the basis of the control signal from. The main control CPU 72 outputs control signals for the display devices 34, 36, 38 and the lamps 33a, 34a, 36a according to the progress of the game, and controls the lighting state of each LED.

  Further, the game board 8 is provided with a lower start opening solenoid 88 and a large winning 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 pachinko machine 1 is equipped with a prize ball payout control device 92. The prize ball payout control device 92 (prize ball payout control computer) controls the operation of the above-described payout device unit. The prize ball payout control device 92 is equipped with a circuit board on which a payout control CPU (not shown) is mounted, and this payout control CPU is also configured as an LSI in which a semiconductor core such as ROM and RAM is integrated together with a CPU core (not shown). Has been. The prize ball payout control device 92 (payout control CPU) controls the operation of the payout control unit on the basis of the prize ball instruction command from the main control CPU 72, and executes the requested number of game balls to be paid out.

  Apart from the main controller 70, the pachinko machine 1 includes an effect control device 94 (effect control means) as a control structure. This effect control device 94 controls the effect accompanying the progress of the game in the pachinko machine 1. The effect control device 94 is also equipped with a circuit board on which an effect control CPU 96 that is a central processing unit is mounted. The effect control CPU 96 includes a CPU core (not shown) and a semiconductor memory such as a ROM 98 and a RAM 100 as a main memory.

  The effect control device 94 is equipped with an input / output driver (not shown) and various ICs, as well as a lamp driving circuit 102 and an acoustic driving circuit 104. The effect control CPU 96 controls the effect based on the command for the effect transmitted from the main control CPU 72, gives commands to the lamp drive circuit 102 and the acoustic drive circuit 104, and causes various lamps to emit light, and the speakers 58, 60. To actually output sound effects, voices, and the like.

  The lamp driving circuit 102 includes a switching element such as a PWM (pulse width modulation) IC or a MOSFET (not shown). The lamp driving circuit 102 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 above-mentioned glass frame upper lamp 52, glass frame left lamp 54, and glass frame right lamp 56, the various lamps include decoration / production lamps (without reference numerals) installed on the game board 8. .

  The acoustic drive circuit 104 is, for example, a sound generator including a sound ROM, an acoustic control IC (DSP), an amplifier, and the like (not shown). The acoustic drive circuit 104 drives the upper speaker 58 and the lower speaker 60 to output sound. I do.

  The liquid crystal display 40 is installed on the back side of the game board 8, but is separate from the game board 8, and the liquid crystal display 40 is exchanged when the game board 8 is replaced (so-called board change). do not have to. A display control device 114 is installed on the back side of the gaming machine frame, and the display operation by the liquid crystal display 40 is controlled by the display control device 114. The display control device 114 is provided with a circuit board on which a display controller CPU 116 which is a general-purpose central processing unit and a VDP 122 which is a display processor are mounted. Among these, the display control CPU 116 is configured as an LSI in which semiconductor memories such as a ROM 118 and a RAM 120 are integrated together with a CPU core (not shown). The VDP 122 is configured as an LSI in which a semiconductor core such as an image ROM 124 and a VRAM 126 is integrated together with a processor core (not shown). The VRAM 126 can use a part of the storage area as a frame buffer.

  The ROM 98 of the effect control CPU 96 stores a basic program related to effect control, and the effect control CPU 96 executes effect control according to this program. Production control includes production control using various lamps and speakers 58 and 60 as described above, and production control by image display using the liquid crystal display 40. The effect control CPU 96 transmits basic information (for example, effect pattern number) related to the effect to the display control CPU 116, and the display control CPU 116 that has received the information specifically outputs the image for effect based on the basic information. Control to display.

  The display control CPU 116 outputs a more detailed control signal to the VDP 122. The VDP 122 that has received this accesses the image ROM 124 based on the control signal, reads necessary image data therefrom, and transfers it to the VRAM 126. Further, the VDP 122 expands the image data in the frame buffer for each frame (still image per unit time) on the VRAM 126, and individually handles each pixel (full color pixel) of the liquid crystal display 40 based on the buffered image data. To drive.

  In addition, although not shown, a power supply control unit is provided on the back side of the gaming machine frame. This power supply control unit takes in external electric power (for example, AC 24 V) from the island facility, and generates necessary electric power (for example, DC +34 V, +12 V, etc.) therefrom. The electric power generated by the power supply control unit is supplied to various places of the pachinko machine 1 including the main control device 70, the effect control device 94, the prize ball payout control device 92, and the display control device 114.

  In addition, the main control CPU 72 provides external information (special symbol variation start information, prize ball payout request information, jackpot, probability variation function in operation, time reduction function in operation, etc.) to the outside of the pachinko machine 1 through an external terminal board (not shown). (Game status information) can be output. The signals output from the external terminal board are collected by, for example, a hall computer in 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.

  3 and 4 are flowcharts showing an example of the procedure 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 performs initial setting of the mask register.

  Step S104: 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), next, Step S105 is executed.

  Step S105: The main control CPU 72 checks whether backup information is stored in the RAM 76, that is, whether a backup validity determination flag is set. If the backup ends normally 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 S106.

  Step S106: The main control CPU 72 executes a sum check on the backup information in the RAM 76. If the check result is normal (Yes), the backup validity determination flag is reset (for example, “0000H”), and then the main control CPU 72 executes step S107.

  Step S107: The main control CPU 72 executes an effect control return process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 transmits a return command to the effect control device 94. In response to this, the effect control device 94 restores the effect state (for example, the display mode of the effect symbol, the sound output content, the light emission state of various lamps, etc.) that was being executed at the time of the previous power shutdown.

  Step S108: The main control CPU 72 executes state return processing. In this processing, based on the backup information, the main control CPU 72 is a game state that was being executed at the time of the previous power shutdown (for example, special symbol display mode, internal probability state, operation memory content, various flag states, random number update state) Etc.). Then, the backed up PC register value is restored, and the processing is continued from the program address.

  On the other hand, when the RAM clear switch is operated at power-on (step S104: Yes), when the backup validity determination flag is not set (step S105: No), or when the backup information is not normal. (Step S106: No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to Step S109.

  Step S109: The main control CPU 72 clears the stored contents of the RAM 76. Thereby, even if the backup information is stored in the RAM 76, the contents are deleted.

  Step S110: The main control CPU 72 also clears the command transmission request buffer secured in the buffer area of the RAM 76.

  Step S111: The main control CPU 72 executes an effect control output process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 outputs a command to be transmitted to the effect control device 94 after reset (command necessary for effect control).

  Step S112: The main control CPU 72 executes a CTC initialization process, and initializes a CTC (counter / timer circuit) that is a peripheral device. Then, the main control CPU 72 shifts to the main loop shown in FIG. 4 (connection symbol A → A).

  Step S113, Step S114: The main control CPU 72 executes the power interruption occurrence check process after prohibiting interruption. In this process, for example, a signal input from a power supply monitoring IC that is a peripheral device is referenced to monitor the occurrence of power interruption (decrease in supply voltage). When the power is cut off, the main control CPU 72 saves the register, backs up the entire contents of the RAM 76, and stops the processing (NOP). If the power is not shut off, the main control CPU 72 next executes step S115. 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 S115: 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 this embodiment, various random numbers are generated on the program in addition to the big hit decision random number. These software random numbers are updated by a loop counter within a predetermined range in another interrupt process (step S201 in FIG. 5). In this process, the initial value of the loop counter is changed every time the random number value makes one round. doing. The initial value update random number is used to randomly change the initial value, and in step S115, the initial value update random number is updated. Note that the reason why step S115 is executed after the interruption is prohibited in step S113 is that the same process is executed in another interrupt process (step S202 in FIG. 5), and therefore overlap (conflict) with this. It is for preventing.

  Step S116, Step S117: The main control CPU 72 permits interruption and executes other random number update processing. The random numbers updated by this process are random numbers (reach determination random numbers, variation pattern determination random numbers, etc.) that are not involved in the determination of the jackpot type among software random numbers. This process is performed during the remaining time when a timer interrupt occurs during execution of the main loop and an interrupt management process described later is executed.

  Step S118: Next, the main control CPU 72 refers to the value of the interrupt counter, and determines whether or not the interrupt processing executed so far has exceeded a predetermined number (for example, twice). If the value of the interrupt counter does not exceed the predetermined value (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to step S113. On the other hand, if the value of the interrupt counter exceeds a predetermined value (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S119. As a result, at least two timer interrupts are generated during execution of the main loop, and the interrupt management process described later is executed. Further, the main control CPU 72 shuts off the power at the remaining time when the timer interrupt occurs. Generation check processing (step S114) and initial value update random number update processing (step S115) are executed.

  Step S119, Step S120: The main control CPU 72 executes an effect control output process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 outputs a command to be transmitted to the effect control device 94 (command necessary for effect control). The main control CPU 72 clears the port output request buffer secured in the buffer area of the RAM 76.

  Step S121: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes prize ball payout processing. In this process, a prize ball is awarded to the prize ball payout control device 92 based on the winning detection signals input from the various prize opening switches 80, 82, 84, 86 in another interruption process (step S203 in FIG. 5). A prize ball instruction command for instructing the number is output.

  Step S122, Step S123: The main control CPU 72 executes a special symbol game process and a normal symbol game process in the main loop. These processes are for specifically proceeding with the game in the pachinko machine 1. Among these, in the special symbol game process, the main control CPU 72 controls the variable display and stop display by the first and second special symbol display devices 34 and 36 described above, or the variable winning device 30 of the variable winning device 30 according to the display result. Control the operation. In the normal symbol game process, 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. 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 another interrupt management process (FIG. 5). Then, the main control CPU 72 reads out the random number value in the normal symbol game process and determines whether or not it falls within a predetermined hit range. 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 displays the stop of the normal symbol in a predetermined hit state, and then the main control CPU 72 excites the lower start port solenoid 88. Then, the variable start winning device 28 is operated. 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. Details of the special symbol game process will be described later with reference to another flowchart.

  Step S124: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes external information processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 outputs the above external information to the hall computer in the game hall through the external terminal board.

  Step S125: The main control CPU 72 executes test signal processing in the main loop. In this process, the main control CPU 72 generates a test signal indicating its own internal state (for example, during a big hit, when the probability variation function is activated, when the time shortening function is activated, or when an error is occurring), and this is output to the outside of the main controller 70. Output to. With this test signal, for example, the internal state of the main control CPU 72 can be tested outside the main controller 70.

  Step S126: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes an output management process. In this process, the port output request buffer secured in the buffer area of the RAM 76 is referred to, and the excitation states (ON or OFF) of various solenoids (the lower start opening solenoid 88 and the big winning opening solenoid 90) are output to the output port. .

  In this embodiment, an example in which the processes of steps S119 to S126 are incorporated in the main loop is given, but there is a known programming example in which the CPU executes the processes as a timer interrupt process.

[Interrupt management processing (timer interrupt processing)]
Next, interrupt management processing (timer interrupt processing) will be described. FIG. 5 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 is written in the registers (A to L) after the value is saved during 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, jackpot symbol random numbers, normal symbol random numbers determined, and the like. Of these, the jackpot symbol random number is numerical data that is sequentially updated in the range of 0 to 99, for example. In this embodiment, since the two symbols of the first special symbol and the second special symbol are used, a big hit symbol random number may be generated for each of these symbols. In this case, an initial value update random number may be prepared for each symbol.

  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 driver (PIO). Specifically, the passage detection signal from the gate switch 78, and the input state (ON / OFF) of the winning detection signal from the upper starting winning port switch 80, the lower starting winning port switch 82, the large winning port switch 84, and the winning port switch 86 are displayed. OFF).

  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, an event occurring during the game is determined based on detection signals from the gate switch 78, the upper start winning port switch 80, and the lower starting winning port switch 82. Depending on the event that has occurred, further processing is executed.

  In this embodiment, when a winning detection signal (ON) is input from the upper start winning opening switch 80, the main control CPU 72 generates an event (first event) that triggers an internal lottery corresponding to the first special symbol. Is determined. The main control CPU 72 determines that an event (second event) that triggers an internal lottery corresponding to the second special symbol has occurred when the winning detection signal (ON) is input from the lower start winning a prize opening switch 82. . 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: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes display output management processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 performs the normal symbol display device 33, the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, the first special symbol display device 34, the second special symbol display device 36, the first operation memory lamp 34a, and the second operation memory lamp 36a. The lighting state of the game state display device 38 and the like is controlled. Specifically, a drive signal (byte data) to be applied to each LED is generated and output from the output port. 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 S206: When the above processing is completed, the main control CPU 72 updates the interrupt counter. This counter is referred to in step S118 in the main loop described above.

  Steps S207 and S208: Then, the main control CPU 72 restores the saved values of the registers (A to L) and permits the interrupt. Thereafter, the main control CPU 72 returns to the main loop (program address indicated by the stack pointer).

[Start-up winning process]
Next, processing that is further executed in the switch input event processing (step S204) will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the start winning process. 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 opening switch 80 corresponding to the first special symbol. When the input of the winning detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes the next step S12.

  Step S12: The main control CPU 72 refers to the value of the first special symbol working memory number counter to check whether the working memory number is less than four. The working memory number counter represents the number of jackpot determination random numbers and jackpot symbol random numbers (number of sets) 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) for each symbol (first special symbol, second special symbol), and each section contains a big hit decision random number and a big hit symbol random number. Each can be stored as a set. At this time, if the number of stored jackpot determined random numbers and jackpot symbol random numbers corresponding to the first special symbol does not reach four, the value of the first special symbol working memory number counter is less than 4 (Yes), In this case, the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S14.

  Step S14: The main control CPU 72 adds one first special symbol working memory number. The first special symbol operation memory number counter is stored, for example, in a counting area of the RAM 76, and the main control CPU 72 increments (+1) the value. Based on the counter value added here, the lighting state of the first operation memory lamp 34a is controlled in the display output management process (step S205 in FIG. 5).

  Step S <b> 16: The main control CPU 72 acquires the jackpot determination random number value corresponding to the first special symbol from the random number generator 75 through the sampling circuit 77. The random value is acquired by specifying the pin address of the random number generator 75. In the case where the main control CPU 72 performs 8-bit processing, the address designation is performed twice for each upper byte and lower byte. When the main control CPU 72 reads the jackpot determination random number value from the designated address, it saves it as a jackpot determination random number corresponding to the first special symbol at the transfer source address.

  Step S17: Next, the main control CPU 72 obtains a jackpot symbol random number corresponding to the first special symbol from the counter area of the RAM 76. In this case, the random value is acquired by designating the address of the RAM 76. When the main control CPU 72 reads the jackpot symbol random number value from the designated address, it saves it as a jackpot symbol random number corresponding to the first special symbol at the transfer source address.

  Step S18: The main control CPU 72 transfers the saved jackpot decision random number and the jackpot symbol random number to the random number storage area corresponding to the first special symbol, 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 S20: The main control CPU 72 sets a first special symbol start opening prize flag. When the main control CPU 72 returns to the main loop, it refers to the value of the flag set here and transmits a start opening winning tone control command to the effect control device 94, and also gives a prize ball instruction to the prize ball payout control device 92. Send a command.

  When the above procedure is completed, or when no winning detection signal is input from the upper start winning opening switch 80 (step S10: No), or when the first special symbol operating memory number has reached 4 (step S12). : No), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S22.

  Step S22: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not a winning detection signal has been input from the lower start winning opening switch 82 corresponding to the second special symbol. If the input of the winning detection signal is not confirmed (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the interrupt management process. On the other hand, when the input of the winning detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes the next step S24.

  Step S24: The main control CPU 72 refers to the value of the second special symbol working memory number counter to check whether the working memory number is less than four. Similarly to the above, the second special symbol operation memory number counter represents the jackpot determination random number and the number of jackpot symbol random numbers (the number of sets) stored in the random number storage area of the RAM 76. At this time, if the value of the second special symbol operation memory number counter reaches 4 (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the interrupt management process. On the other hand, if the value of the second special symbol operation memory number counter is still less than 4 (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S26.

  Step S26: The main control CPU 72 increments the second special symbol operation memory number by one (increments the value of the second special symbol operation memory number counter).

  Step S28: Then, the main control CPU 72 acquires a jackpot determination random number value corresponding to the second special symbol from the random number generator 75. The method for acquiring the random value is the same as that in step S16 described above.

  Step S29: Next, the main control CPU 72 acquires a jackpot symbol random number corresponding to the second special symbol from the counter area of the RAM 76. The method for acquiring the random value is the same as that in step S17 described above.

  Step S30: The main control CPU 72 transfers both the saved jackpot determination random number and the jackpot symbol random number to the random number storage area corresponding to the second special symbol, and stores them in a free section in the area as a set. The storage method is the same as step S18 described above.

  Step S32: The main control CPU 72 sets a second special symbol start opening prize flag. When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the interrupt management process.

[Special design game processing]
Next, the details of the special symbol game process executed during the main loop will be described. FIG. 7 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 big hit game process (step S5000) subroutine group. Here, first, the basic flow of the special game management process will be described along each process.

  Step S1000: In the execution selection process, the main control CPU 72 selects a jump destination of a process to be executed next (any one of steps S2000 to S5000). For example, the main control CPU 72 designates the program address of the process to be executed next, and sets the end of the special symbol game process in the “jump table” as the jump destination and return address. Which process is selected as the next jump destination depends on the progress of the processes performed so far. For example, if both the first special symbol and the second special symbol have not yet started to be changed, the main control CPU 72 selects the special symbol change pre-process (step S2000) as the next jump destination. On the other hand, if the special symbol change pre-processing has already been completed, the main control CPU 72 selects the special symbol changing process (step S3000) as the next jump destination, and if the special symbol changing process has been completed, For example, the special symbol stop display processing (step S4000) is selected as the 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 of preparing conditions for starting the variation display of the first special symbol or the second 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 performs drive control of the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 36 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 driving signal changes with the passage of time, and thereby, the variation display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol is performed.

  Step S4000: In the special symbol stop display process, the main control CPU 72 performs drive control of the first special symbol display device 34 and the second special symbol display device 36. Similarly, an ON or OFF drive signal is output for each segment and dot of the 7-segment LED, but the drive signal pattern is constant, thereby stopping the display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol. Is done.

  Step S5000: The jackpot game process is selected when the first special symbol or the second special symbol is stopped and displayed in a big hit manner in the previous special symbol stop display process. When either the first special symbol or the second special symbol is stopped in the big hit display mode, the normal state is changed to the big hit gaming state (a gaming state advantageous to the player). During the big hit game, the big prize opening solenoid 90 is energized a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 times) for a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds or until nine winnings are counted) in the big hit game processing, thereby the variable winning device 30 is Open operation with a fixed pattern (continuous operation of 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). The opening operation of the variable winning device 30 is referred to as “round”, and if the prescribed number of times is 15 in total, this may be collectively referred to as “15 round”.

  When the big hit game ends, the main control CPU 72 sets a game state flag indicating the state after the big hit game (high probability state, time reduction state). When the “high probability state” is reached, the probability variation function is activated, and the probability that the next big hit will occur is higher (about 10 times) than the normal state (high probability state transition means). Further, when the “high probability state” is reached, the time shortening function is activated, and the variation time of the first special symbol or the second special symbol is shortened as a whole as compared with the normal state. The “time shortening state” is a state in which only the time shortening function is activated without operating the probability variation function. When this “time shortening state” is reached, the first special symbol or the second special symbol is compared with the normal state. The symbol variation time is shortened as a whole (time shortening state transition means).

  In the present embodiment, the first special symbol and the second special symbol are provided as symbols relating to the big winning internal lottery in order to provide the following gaming characteristics, for example. That is, in this embodiment, the magnitude of the profit given to the player is different between the case where the first special symbol is stopped in the jackpot display mode and the case where the second special symbol is stopped in the jackpot display mode. Cases are provided. Hereinafter, this point will be described.

  First, in both the first special symbol and the second special symbol, the ratio that the jackpot type is “probability variation jackpot”, that is, the probability variation ratio is the same (for example, about 50% is “probability variation jackpot”). However, for the first special symbol, “probability variation jackpot” is set to be a jackpot of “2 rounds” (for example, about 10% of 50%). The big hit of “2 rounds” is a relatively short opening time per time (for example, about 0.3 seconds), and after a single opening operation, a predetermined interval (for example, about 1 to 2 seconds) is set. The second opening operation is performed, and the process ends only by that. For this reason, even if it becomes a big hit of “2 rounds”, the winning in the big winning opening does not occur or the winning of one game ball is barely generated, and the player can be won during the big hit. It can be said that there are almost no prize balls.

  On the other hand, for the second special symbol, all “probability variation jackpots” are jackpots of “15 rounds”. In this case, the opening time per time is relatively long (until 30 seconds or 9 winnings are counted as described above), and when a single opening operation ends, a predetermined interval (for example, about 1 to 2 seconds) ), And after performing the opening operation for 15 times, the big hit game ends. For this reason, when the “15 round” is a big hit, the winning prizes are intensively generated, so that the player receives a relatively large number of winning balls in a short time (for example, 14 payouts per winning prize). Can be earned.

  For this reason, from the player's point of view, the overall profit is greater for the second special symbol than for the first special symbol. Of course, for the first special symbol, the “probability variation jackpot” may be a jackpot of “15 rounds” (for example, about 40% of 50%), but may be a jackpot of “2 rounds”. For some reason, it is easier to feel a sense of security for a big hit with the second special symbol than a big hit with the first special symbol. Therefore, the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment realizes a game property that “it is an important strategy for advancing the game to launch the game ball with the aim of winning the game ball in the lower start opening 28a as much as possible”. doing.

  However, the setting of the number of rounds as described above is merely an example, and the playability by the pachinko machine 1 is the type of winning symbol (winning type, winning type) for the first special symbol and the second special symbol, respectively. It depends on what ratio is allocated. For example, conversely to the above example, if the first special symbol does not have a “two rounds” jackpot, and the second special symbol has only a “two rounds” jackpot, this time the reverse The pachinko machine 1 will have a completely different game characteristic that “it is advantageous to avoid winning the lower start opening 28a as much as possible”.

  In the present embodiment, both the first special symbol and the second special symbol are assumed on the assumption that the example of the gaming specification given first (example in which only the first special symbol has a “2 round” jackpot) is adopted. When there is a working memory, the appeal of the player is enhanced by variably displaying the second special symbol in preference to the first special symbol. Hereinafter, a control method that prioritizes the variable display of the second special symbol will be described. Note that such control is not essential for the implementation of the present invention, and it is possible to adopt a control for evenly varying display of either symbol, or conversely, the first special symbol may be preferentially varied and displayed. Good.

[Special symbol change pre-treatment]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of special symbol variation pre-processing. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along each procedure.

  Step S2100: First, the main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the first special symbol working memory number or the second special symbol working memory number remains (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 number of working memories of both the first special symbol and the second special symbol is 0 (No), the main control CPU 72 executes a demonstration setting process in 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 94 in the effect control output process (step S119 in FIG. 4). When the demo setting process is executed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol game process.

  On the other hand, if the value of any of the working memory number counters is greater than 0 (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S2200.

  Step S2200: The main control CPU 72 executes special symbol storage shift processing after prohibiting interruption. In this process, the main control CPU 72 preferentially reads out the lottery random numbers (big hit determination random number, big hit symbol random number) stored in the random number storage area of the RAM 76, which corresponds to the second special symbol. At this time, if random numbers are stored in two or more sections, the main control CPU 72 sequentially reads the random numbers from the first section, and moves (shifts) the remaining random numbers one by one to the previous section. Only when the random number corresponding to the second special symbol is not stored, the random number corresponding to the first special symbol is read and stored in another common storage area. Each random number stored in the common storage area is used for internal lottery in the next jackpot determination process. As a result, in the present embodiment, the variable display of the second special symbol is preferentially performed over the first special symbol.

  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 (which corresponds to either the first special symbol or the second special symbol) stored in the RAM 76, and obtains the value after the subtraction. Set to “Number of working memories at start of change”. At this time, the working memory number counter to be subtracted corresponds to the one on which the random number stored in the previous step S2200 has been shifted. As a result, the display mode of the number stored by the first operation memory lamp 34a or the second operation memory lamp 36a changes (decreases by 1) in the display output management process (step S205 in FIG. 5). When the procedure so far is finished, the main control CPU 72 permits the interrupt and 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 sets a range of the big hit value and determines whether or not the read random number value is included in this range (lottery execution means). The range of the jackpot value set at this time is different between the normal state and the high probability state (probability variation state). In the high probability state, the range of the jackpot value is expanded to about 10 times that of the normal state. At this time, if the read random number value 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. In this embodiment, the jackpot value is determined by setting a range of the jackpot value on the program. However, the jackpot determination table is written in the ROM 74 in advance, and the jackpot determination is performed by reading this and comparing it with the random number value. There are also programming examples.

  Here, as described above, since the big hit determination random number value is read separately for the first special symbol or the second special symbol, the big hit determination process (internal lottery) is performed for each symbol. For example, if the random number value corresponding to the first special symbol is read in the previous step S2200, the jackpot determination is performed corresponding to the first special symbol. On the other hand, if the random number value corresponding to the second special symbol is read out, the big hit determination is performed corresponding to the second special symbol (designated lottery execution means). Here, in order to prioritize the variation of the second special symbol, it is assumed that the random number value corresponding to the second special symbol is read in step S2200.

  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 S2404.

  Step S2404: The main control CPU 72 executes an off-time stop symbol determination process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether the current fluctuation display corresponds to the first special symbol or the second special symbol, and sets the stop symbol number data at the time of the loss for the corresponding special symbol. To do. Specifically, if the big hit determination random number corresponding to the second special symbol and the big hit symbol random number have been preferentially shifted in the previous special symbol memory shift process, the main control CPU 72 displays the second special symbol display here. Stop symbol number data by the device 36 is set. On the other hand, if the memory of the big hit determination random number corresponding to the first special symbol is shifted, the main control CPU 72 sets the stop symbol number data by the first special symbol display device 34 here. The main control CPU 72 also generates a stop symbol number command and a lottery result command (at the time of loss) to be transmitted to the effect control device 94. These commands are transmitted to the effect control device 94 in the effect control output process (step S119 in FIG. 4).

  In this embodiment, since the 7-segment LED is used for each of the first special symbol display device 34 and the second special symbol display device 36, for example, the display mode of the stop symbol at the time of disconnection is always set to one segment (the center It is possible to fix the stop symbol number data to a common value (for example, 64H) for both symbols by only turning on the bar “-”). 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 of the special symbol at the time of detachment for the first special symbol or the second special symbol. The variation pattern number is used to distinguish the variation display type (pattern) of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, or to correspond to the variation time required for the variation display. Except when the reach variation is performed, the variation 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.

  The above steps S2404 and S2406 are control procedures when the big hit determination result is out of order, but when the determination result is big hit (step S2400: Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes the following procedure.

  Step S2410: The main control CPU 72 executes a big hit stop symbol determination process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the type of winning symbol (hit-stopping symbol number) for the first special symbol or the second special symbol that is won in the current internal lottery, based on the jackpot symbol random number. The relationship between the jackpot symbol random number value and the type of winning symbol for each symbol is defined in advance in the special symbol determination data table. For this reason, the main control CPU 72 can determine the type of winning symbol for each symbol based on the jackpot symbol random number based on the stored content by referring to the special symbol determination table in the symbol determination process for big hit.

  Step S2412: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a hit variation pattern determination process. In this process, when the main control CPU 72 obtains the variation pattern determination random number from the counter area of the RAM 76, the main control CPU 72 determines the variation pattern (variation time) of the first special symbol or the second special symbol based on the value. Further, the main control CPU 72 sets the determined variation time value in the variation timer. Basically, since the hit hit fluctuation is performed at the time of hitting, if the reach determining random number is not used in this process, the acquisition of the reach determining random number may be omitted. In general, in the case of big hit reach fluctuation, a fluctuation time longer than that at the time of losing is determined.

  Step S2413: The main control CPU 72 determines the type of “probability variation symbol” or “non-probability variation (normal) symbol” based on the winning symbol type (big hit stop symbol number) determined in the previous step S2410, In the case of “probable variation”, a value (01H) is set in the probability variation flag. Further, the main control CPU 72 sets the number of rounds (2, 5, 15) during the big hit based on the type of winning symbol (stop symbol number at the time of big hit). The number of rounds set here is used in the big hit game process (step S5000 in FIG. 7).

  In step S2413, the main control CPU 72 determines the display mode of the stop symbol (big hit symbol) by the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 36 based on the big hit time stop symbol number. The main control CPU 72 also 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 94. The stop symbol command and the lottery result command are also transmitted to the effect control device 94 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. At the same time, the main control CPU 72 sets the variation start flag of the first special symbol or the second special symbol 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 94. This variation start command is also transmitted to the effect control device 94 in the effect control output process. When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol game process.

[Figure 7: Special symbol change processing, special symbol stop display processing]
When returning to the special symbol game process, the main control CPU 72 sets the special symbol changing process (step S3000) as the next jump destination. In the special symbol variation processing, the main control CPU 72 loads the value of the variation timer from the register to the timer counter as described above, and then decrements the value of the timer counter as time elapses (clock pulse count). . The main control CPU 72 controls the variable display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol 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 stop display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol based on the stop symbol determined in the stop symbol determination process (steps S2404 and S2410 in FIG. 8). To do. The main control CPU 72 generates a symbol stop command to be transmitted to the effect control device 94. The symbol stop command is transmitted to the effect control device 94 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.

  As described above, when the big hit internal lottery is performed in the pachinko machine 1, the variation pattern (variation time) is determined under the control of the main control CPU 72, and the variation display by the first special symbol and the second special symbol is performed. (Design display means). However, as described above, the first special symbol and the second special symbol itself are lighted and blinked by 7-segment LEDs, so that they have poor appeal. Therefore, in the pachinko machine 1, the variable display effect using the effect symbol is performed as described above.

  The effect designs 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 40 (see FIG. 1). ). Each effect design is a design of a picture card with a character attached together with the numbers “1” to “9”, for example. 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. In addition, each symbol row is configured by alternately arranging symbols of a picture card with numbers and relatively small blank symbols (for example, figures, symbols, crests, etc.). 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.

[Variation production example]
FIG. 9 is a continuous diagram showing, as an example, the flow of a fluctuating effect using effect symbols. The “fluctuation effect” referred to here corresponds to a series of effects performed from when the first special symbol or the second special symbol starts the variable display until the stop display (including the fixed stop). Here, first, before explaining the specific contents of the control processing, the flow of the fluctuating effects adopted in the present embodiment will be explained. In FIG. 9, the form of the screen (display area) of the liquid crystal display 40 is simplified (the actual display area is not rectangular).

[Variable display effects]
In FIG. 9, (A): In synchronization with the start of the change of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, the columns of the left effect symbol, the middle effect symbol, and the right effect symbol are scrolled vertically on the screen of the liquid crystal display 40. In this way, the variable display effect is started (design effect execution means). Although not shown here, on the screen of the liquid crystal display 40, an image (background image) serving as the background of the effect design is displayed. In the figure, the change display of the effect symbol is simply indicated by a downward arrow.

[Pre-warning effect (1)]
In FIG. 9, (B): Next, in a relatively early stage of the variable display effect, the pre-occurrence notice effect (1) using the character image is performed (pre-occurrence notice effect executing means). The effect design image is positioned in front of the effect design that is variably displayed on the screen, and is displayed so as to appear, for example, from the left end of the screen (other appearance modes may also be used). Note that “pre-occurrence notice” here means that the possibility of reach or the possibility of a big hit is announced before any effect symbol is stopped and displayed. By executing such a “pre-occurrence notice effect”, it is possible to obtain an effect of giving the player a sense of expectation that “it may develop into a reach = the possibility of a big hit is increased”.

[Pre-warning effect (2)]
In FIG. 9, (C): Further, as a pre-occurrence notice effect (2), an effect using a picture image of a character different from the previous one is performed (pre-occurrence notice effect executing means). Specifically, another pattern image appears additionally from the left end of the screen, and the two image images are displayed side by side on the screen by shifting the position of the previously displayed pattern image to the right side. This is a mode of production. Such a pre-occurrence notice effect (2) using the second picture image is an advanced type further advanced from the pre-occurrence notice effect (1) performed in FIG. 9B. The aspect of the “pre-occurrence notice effect” that develops in this way may be expressed as “step-up notice” or the like. Here, an example is shown in which the second picture image appears in the pre-occurrence notice effect (2), but the third, fourth, and fifth design images appear and appear one after another. An aspect may be sufficient. Even at this stage, the variation display of the effect symbols is continued.

[Stop of left design]
In FIG. 9 (D): The middle stage of the variable display effect is approached, and the variable display of the left effect symbol is eventually stopped. At this point, the effect symbol representing the number “7” is stopped at the upper left position of the screen, and the effect symbol representing the number “8” is stopped at the lower left position. And the blank symbol which does not have a number has stopped in the left middle stage position.

[Occurrence of reach condition]
In FIG. 9, (E): Following the left effect symbol, for example, the change display of the right effect symbol is stopped. At this point, the effect symbol representing the number “6” is stopped at the lower right position, and the effect symbol representing the number “7” is stopped at the upper right position of the screen. The combination of the numbers “7” — “being changed” — “7” is partially displayed at the upper position (upper line). In general, when three productions of the same type are stopped in the production, the game is “big hit”. Here, only one of the medium production symbols remaining until “big hit” is left. In this way, it is possible to generate a “reach state” during the variable display effect by stopping up to two of the same type of effect symbols (reach state generating means). Further, the occurrence of the “reach state” and the combination of two numbers is referred to as “tempering”. At this time, in order to tell the player that the “reach state” has occurred, character information such as “reach!” Is displayed on the screen, and a sound is output together.

  When the “reach state” is generated and further developed into a certain reach production pattern, only the production symbols corresponding to the tempered number (here, “7”) are displayed on the screen, and the others are not displayed. At this time, the effect design may be displayed in a reduced state at the corner of the screen. On the other hand, in the case of normal reach production (normal reach), the left and right production symbols corresponding to the tempered numbers remain in the state shown in FIG. 9E, for example, only the middle production symbols scroll slowly. Thus, the reach effect is displayed in a variable manner.

[Preliminary notice after occurrence (1)]
In FIG. 9, (F): After the occurrence of the “reach state”, for example, a post-occurrence notice effect (1) for displaying a character image on the screen as a close-up is performed (post-occurrence notice effect executing means). If the medium effect design has been simply scrolled until then, the display content of the screen is suddenly changed and the image of the character becomes a close-up, so that the visual appeal to the player can be enhanced. By executing such a post-occurrence notice effect (1), it is possible to obtain an effect of giving the player a sense of expectation that “this notice can be expected to be a big hit”.

[Progress of reach production]
In FIG. 9 (G): Following the post-occurrence notice effect (1), for example, the images representing the numbers “2” to “7” move in a circle on the screen while moving “2”, “ The effect of deleting the numerical images from the screen in the order of “3”, “4”... Such an effect is performed for the purpose of suggesting (impliciting) or reminding the player that the number “7” 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, then the next time the number “6” is erased, it is a “hit”, and the player's feeling of tension increases rapidly.

[Preliminary notice after occurrence (2)]
In FIG. 9, (H): When the reach production is almost full, the image of the character is suddenly split and displayed (cut-in) on the screen, and the content that the character emits some dialogue A post-notice effect (2) is performed (post-notice effect execution means). At this time, the content of the production is a large development of “7”-“7”-“7” big hit if the number “6” is deleted ”. Therefore, by causing the image of the character 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”.

[Stop display effect]
In FIG. 9, (I): The last medium effect symbol stops in synchronization with the stop display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol. At this time, if the first special symbol or the second special symbol is stopped and displayed as an outlier symbol, the effect symbol is similarly displayed as a stop display effect in the same manner (design effect execution means). In the example shown in the figure, the number “6” remains on the screen without being erased, and unfortunately, it has been expressed stellarly that the current change did not result in a “hit”. Here, although the case of non-winning is taken as an example, if the result of the internal lottery is winning, the effect symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner corresponding to the winning type at that time (winning symbol). That is, if the winning symbol corresponds to the “probable variation”, three effect symbols representing odd numbers “1”, “3”, “5”, “7”, “9” are stopped and displayed together. Thus, an effect is provided in which the player is informed that it is a “probable big hit”. On the other hand, if the winning symbol is “non-probable variation”, an effect that tells the player that “normal (non-probable variation) big hit” is performed by stopping and displaying all three even-numbered representation symbols. Is called. In addition, even in the case of “probable big hit”, there is a case where an even number of effect symbols are stopped and displayed, and an effect of promoting to “probable change” during the big hit game is performed. Further, in the case of “2 round probability variation big hit”, not the odd number of three but a production symbol of an odd number combination such as “1”-“3”-“5” is displayed.

  The above is the basic flow of the fluctuating effects (variable display effects, pre-occurrence notice effects, reach effects, post-occurrence notice effects, and stop display effects). It is prepared.

[Special production example]
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a plurality of special effects examples performed with respect to the variable effects. Each example will be described below.

[Mission production]
In FIG. 10, (A): This special effect is an effect in which a page labeled “command sheet” is suddenly displayed on the screen, and the command content such as “Start change” is displayed there. Yes, this is called “mission effect” in this embodiment. The mission effect is usually performed with a deadline such as “within 20 fluctuations” or “within 3 minutes”. The timing for starting the mission effect is, for example, when the variable display effect is started ((A) in FIG. 9). During the execution of the mission effect, the background image is changed to a special content, or the music that is being displayed is changed.

  Such a mission effect teaches (implies) to the player that if the condition written in the content of the command is satisfied, the game will be a “hit”. Of course, in an actual game, the content of the command cannot be satisfied by the player's own intention, so this is only performed as an effect. In other words, when winning in the internal lottery during execution of the mission effect, the effect with the content that satisfies the content of the command is executed on the effect. For example, it is assumed that the content of “XXOOSEYO” is “Make a character notice appear”. At this time, if the condition of “execution of mission effect and receiving winning command” is satisfied on the control, the effect of “make the character notice appear at the start of change” is executed on the control. In this case, it is possible to give the player the impression that the player has achieved the “big hit” as a result of achieving the contents of the command.

  Mission production has the effect of giving players a chance to change their mood and changing their consciousness, and prevent a decline in gaming motivation. Then, when the mission is actually cleared, the player is given a certain level of satisfaction and achievement.

[Special production mode]
In FIG. 10, (B): In this special effect, the background image displayed on the screen changes to an image with special contents, and the music being displayed in a variable manner also changes to a different one. . For example, if a normal background image displayed at a relatively high frequency represents “outdoor scenery”, this special effect changes to a special background image representing “indoor pattern”. In this embodiment, a case where a normal background image is displayed and a variation effect is performed is referred to as a “normal effect mode”, and a case where a special background image is displayed and a variation effect is performed is referred to as a “special effect mode”. When the above mission effect is not being performed, a change effect is performed by selecting any mode (scene effect execution means).

  In addition, since the selection ratio of the “special performance mode” is lower than that of the “normal performance mode”, switching from the “normal performance mode” to the “special performance mode” can change the player's mood and consciousness. It can provide an opportunity for change. In the “special effect mode”, a notice effect and a reach effect with contents that only appear in that mode are prepared. For this reason, the “special effect mode” for the player is an opportunity to be able to come into contact with an effect with special contents, so that a decrease in game willingness is suppressed.

[Special notice effect]
(C) in FIG. 10: This special effect is performed as part of the “post-announcement notice effect”. For example, when a reach state occurs during a fluctuating display effect, an image representing a meteor shower is displayed on the screen, so that a post-occurrence notice effect that enhances the expectation of “big hit” is performed. Such special notice effects are set to have a lower selection ratio than other notice effects, and are expected to greatly increase the expectation of “big hit” just by appearing. For this reason, the special notice effect has an effect of instructing the player that the possibility of being a “hit” is extremely high and enjoying the reach effect until the end.

[Other special effects]
Although not particularly illustrated, in the present embodiment, the following are prepared as other special effects.

(1) Subtitle notice effect: This special effect is performed as a part of the “pre-occurrence notice effect”. For example, the screen is darkened (blacked out) at the beginning of the start of the variable display effect, and an effect is displayed in which the subtitles such as “Fast Eat Confrontation!” And “Chiaki Raku Ichiban!

(2) Push button effect: This special effect is also performed as part of the “pre-occurrence notice effect”. For example, at the beginning of the start of the variable display effect, a message “Please press the button” is displayed on the screen, and in response to this, the player presses the push button 14 (provided on the operation panel unit 9). When pressed, an effect is displayed to display a special image or message (such as “Become Reach!”) As a “pre-occurrence notice effect”.

(3) Symbol animation production: This special production is performed as a part of the “post-announcement notice production”. For example, when the reach state occurs, an effect is performed in which the character of the effect symbol corresponding to the number that was tempered at that time moves or emits some dialogue. Alternatively, an effect is produced in which an effect symbol (picture card) corresponding to the number that has been tempered rotates three-dimensionally (on the fly) on the screen.

(4) Movable body effect: This special effect can correspond to both “pre-occurrence notice effect” and “post-occurrence notice effect”. For example, when the game board 8 is provided with a movable body for production (decorations such as a character's figure or prop), an effect is produced in which the movable body is operated by a motor, a solenoid, or the like. The effect using the movable body is accompanied by the motion of an object having a presence, and therefore has an effect of increasing the visual appeal to the player rather than a planar image.

(5) Illuminant effect: This special effect can also correspond to both the “pre-occurrence notice effect” and the “pre-occurrence notice effect”. For example, with respect to the glass frame upper lamp 52, the glass frame left lamp 54, the glass frame right lamp 56, etc., an effect of emitting light in a special pattern is performed. The effect using the illuminant can be enhanced in a wide range extending outside the game area 8a, so that the visual appeal to the player can be increased accordingly.

  In addition to the above, in the present embodiment, various types of effects are defined for the “pre-occurrence notice effect” and the “post-occurrence notice effect”. In addition, an expected value indicating the degree of possibility of jackpot is set in advance for the contents of each effect, and in this embodiment, a classification of “high” or “low” is defined as the expected value. The “expected value” here is represented by a ratio at which the effect is selected when winning in the internal lottery. For example, if there is a “pre-occurrence notice effect A” selected at a rate of 60% at the time of winning the internal lottery, the expected value of the “pre-occurrence notice effect A” is 40 %, But there is a possibility of a big hit at 60% ", so this is a" notice production with high expected value ". On the other hand, if there is a “pre-occurrence notice effect B” selected at a rate of 80% when the internal lottery is not won, the expected value of the “pre-occurrence notice effect B” is “the possibility of a big hit is Since it is “only 20%”, this means “notice effect with low expected value”.

  In this way, by setting the expected values of “High” and “Low” for each content of the notice effect, when the notice effect of each content appears, the player has various high and low expectations. The effect to hold is obtained. Generally, when a notice effect with a high expectation value appears, the player's expectation increases accordingly, but when a notice effect with a low expectation value appears, the player's expectation does not tend to increase so much. For this reason, from the player's standpoint, a high-expectation notice effect is a reliable presence that brings profits to itself, and there is a “strong” image, but a low-expectation notice effect. Is not very reliable and has only a “weak” image. Therefore, in this embodiment, in comparison with such a player's sense of confidence “strong and weak”, the high expectation value of the notice effect is “strong” and the low expectation value is intuitively “weak”. It shall be expressed in Accordingly, in the following description, “strong” and “weak” mean “high” and “low”, respectively, of the expected values (the same notation in the drawings).

  On the other hand, there are “pre-occurrence notice effect” and “post-occurrence notice effect” as described above, and the “pre-occurrence notice effect” and “pre-occurrence notice effect” are (1), (2), etc., respectively. Since a plurality of types of effects are prepared, how to manage the strengths of these notice effects is important for effect control. For example, if a performance with a strong expectation value was executed in both the “pre-occurrence notice effect” and the “pre-occurrence notice effect”, but it was ultimately unselected, the disappointment given to the player would be extremely It gets bigger. On the other hand, if only the performance with a weak expectation value is executed from the stage of the “pre-occurrence notice production (1)”, the player's expectation has already declined even if it develops from there to reach production. I can hardly enjoy the contents of the production.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the following control method is adopted for the selection process of the notice effect, and the strength of the notice effect that is actually selected is managed well. Hereinafter, the control method of the fluctuation effect will be specifically described.

[Variation production processing]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the changing effect process executed by the effect control CPU 96. This variation effect process is executed in a timer interrupt process (interrupt management process) (not shown). The effect control CPU 96 generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined interrupt period (for example, a period of several milliseconds) separately from the effect control main process, and executes the timer interrupt process. In the effect control main process (not shown), the effect control CPU 96 executes a process for receiving various commands transmitted from the main control CPU 72 and an effect random number update process, as well as the display control device 114 and the lamp driving circuit 102. The signal output processing for the acoustic drive circuit 104 and the like is executed. Hereinafter, the variation effect process will be described along each procedure.

  Step S500: The effect control CPU 96 checks whether or not a lottery result command, a stop symbol command, a variation pattern command or a demonstration effect command is received from the main control CPU 72. Of these, the lottery result command indicates the result of the big hit lottery, and the stop symbol command specifies the display mode when the symbol is stopped, and indicates the type (probability variable or non-probable variable symbol) in the case of the big win It is. The demonstration effect command represents that the working memory counter of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is 0 (no symbol variation).

  Step S502: When it is determined that the command is received from the main control CPU 72 in the previous step S500 (Yes), the effect control CPU 96 determines whether or not the command corresponds to the demonstration effect command. If the commands received from the main control CPU 72 are a lottery result command, a stop symbol command, and a variation pattern command and are not a demonstration effect command (No), the effect control CPU 96 next executes step S504.

  Step S504: The effect control CPU 96 executes effect lottery table selection processing. In this process, the condition is judged based on the current state (internal state, production mode, number of fluctuations, etc.), and the production lottery table (including various first tables) having contents according to the state at that time is selected. To do. Note that specific contents of the effect lottery table and an example of processing procedures will be described later with reference to different drawings.

  Step S506: Next, the effect control CPU 96 executes a notice classification determination process. In this process, based on the effect lottery table (various first tables) selected in the previous step S504, the expected values of “strong” and “weak” are respectively obtained for the “pre-occurrence notice effect” and the “pre-occurrence notice effect”. Determine the combination. The specific contents of the process will be described later while showing an example of an effect lottery table in another drawing.

  Step S508: Next, the effect control CPU 96 executes a variation pattern advance notice selection process. In this processing, specific contents of “pre-occurrence notice effect” and “post-occurrence notice effect” for each “strong” and “weak” determined in the previous step S506 are selected from the notice selection table (second table). . The notice selection table defines the contents of “pre-occurrence notice effect” and “post-occurrence notice effect” for each variation pattern, and the effect control CPU 96 selects “occurrence” based on the change pattern command received from the main control CPU 72. Each content of “pre-notice effect (1), (2)” and “post-notice effect (1), (2)” is selected from the table. The specific contents of the process will be described later while showing an example of the notice selection table (second table) in another drawing.

  Step S510: The effect control CPU 96 executes effect display processing. In this process, the effect control CPU 96 instructs the display control device 114 about the effect contents (variable effect pattern number, notice effect number, etc.) and outputs a control signal to the lamp drive circuit 102. Thereby, the display control apparatus 114 controls the display operation by the liquid crystal display 40 based on the instructed contents of the effect. The lamp driving circuit 102 drives (turns on or off, blinks, changes the luminance gradation, etc.) various lamps based on the control signal.

  Step S512: In the next sound output process, the effect control CPU 96 instructs the sound driving circuit 104 on the effect contents (for example, changing BGM, audio data, etc.). Thereby, the sound according to the production content is output from the speakers 58 and 60.

  Step S514: If it is determined in step S502 that a demonstration effect command has been received from the main control CPU 72 (Yes), the effect control CPU 96 executes a demonstration selection process. In this process, the effect control CPU 96 selects a demo effect pattern. The demonstration effect pattern defines the contents of the effect indicating that the pachinko machine 1 is in a so-called customer waiting state.

  Since the lottery result command, the stop symbol command, the variation pattern command, etc. are not received during the variation effect (step S500: No), the effect control CPU 96 outputs the effect image currently being executed in steps S510 and S512. And continue sound output. If the demonstration effect pattern has been selected in the previous step S514, the effect control CPU 96 instructs the execution of the demonstration effect in steps S510 and S512. When the above procedure is completed, the effect control CPU 96 returns to the timer interrupt process (interrupt management process).

[Other timer interrupt processing]
Apart from the above-described variation effect process, the effect control CPU 96 executes the following process in the timer interrupt process.

[Count-up process]
FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the count-up process. Hereinafter, each procedure will be described.

  Step S800: The effect control CPU 96 checks whether or not a variation pattern command has been received from the main control CPU 72. In particular, if the variation pattern command has not been received (No), the effect control CPU 96 returns to the timer interrupt process (interrupt management process).

Step S802: When the variation pattern command is received (step S800: Yes), the effect control CPU 96 increments the following counter.
(1) Deviation fluctuation counter: A counter that accumulates the number of consecutive deviation fluctuations.
(2) Counter after special notice: A counter for accumulating the number of fluctuations after executing a notice effect classified as a special effect.
(3) Power ON counter: A counter that accumulates the number of fluctuations since the pachinko machine 1 is powered on.

  The counter values (1) to (3) are updated in the counter area of the RAM 100, for example. When the above procedure is executed, the effect control CPU 96 returns to the timer interrupt process (interrupt management process).

[Count clear processing]
Next, FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure of the count clear process. Hereinafter, each procedure will be described.

  Step S900: The effect control CPU 96 checks whether or not a big hit command has been received from the main control CPU 72. The big hit command is transmitted from the main control CPU 72 to the effect control CPU 96 when the big hit game process (step S5000 in FIG. 7) is executed in the main control CPU 72. When the jackpot command has been received (Yes), the effect control CPU 96 executes the next step S902.

  Step S902: The effect control CPU 96 clears (= 0) the (1) deviation fluctuation counter and (2) the counter after special notice. Then, the effect control CPU 96 returns to the timer interrupt process (interrupt management process).

  Step S904: If the jackpot command has not been received (step S900: No), the effect control CPU 96 checks whether or not the special notice effect has been selected. The special notice effect here has a content with a low selection ratio (appearance rate) among the “pre-occurrence notice effect” or the “pre-occurrence notice effect” as exemplified in the above “special effect” (particularly, , When the deviation variation pattern is selected), the previously specified notice effect is applicable. The selection of the special notice effect is performed in the above-described notice pattern selection process for each variation pattern (step S508 in FIG. 11). When the special notice effect is actually selected during this process (Yes), the effect control CPU 96 executes the next step S906.

  Step S906: The effect control CPU 96 clears the counter (2) after special notice described above (= 0). If the above procedure is executed or if it is determined in step S904 that the special notice effect has not been selected (No), the effect control CPU 96 returns to the timer interrupt process (interrupt management process).

[Direction lottery table selection process]
14 and 15 are flowcharts showing a procedure example of the effect lottery table selection process (step S504 in FIG. 11) executed in the above-described variation effect process. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along each procedure.

  Step S700: The effect control CPU 96 checks whether or not the current state (internal state of the main control CPU 72) is highly probable. This confirmation can be performed based on a gaming state command transmitted from the main control CPU 72. As described above, when the jackpot type corresponds to a probability variation symbol, a value (01H) is set in the probability variation flag, and the internal state of the main control CPU 72 shifts to a high probability after the jackpot game is over. In this case, the main control CPU 72 transmits a high probability state command to the effect control CPU 96 in the effect control output process (step S119 in FIG. 4), and notifies the effect control CPU 96 that the current internal state is highly probable. To do. If it is confirmed that the current state is in a high probability based on the high probability state command (Yes), the effect control CPU 96 next executes step S702.

  Step S702: Next, the effect control CPU 96 confirms whether or not the winning in the probability variation symbol (= per odd number) is met. This confirmation can be performed based on the lottery result command and the stop symbol command. If it is confirmed that “per odd number”, the effect control CPU 96 executes the next step S704.

  Step S704: The effect control CPU 96 selects “odd per odd odd number table” as the effect lottery table (including the first table). Specifically, a table number (table address) corresponding to “table per odd number at high probability” is acquired, and the value is saved in the buffer area of the RAM 100.

  On the other hand, when it is confirmed that the winning state is other than “per odd number” in the high probability state, that is, the winning in the non-winning or non-probable (normal) symbol (step S702: No), the effect control CPU 96 executes step S706. To do.

  Step S706: The effect control CPU 96 selects “non-corresponding table per odd number at high probability” as the effect lottery table. Then, the effect control CPU 96 acquires the corresponding table number (table address) and saves the value in the buffer area of the RAM 100.

  If it is confirmed that the current state is not a high probability (step S700: No), the effect control CPU 96 executes step S708.

  Step S708: The effect control CPU 96 checks whether or not the current state is being shortened. This confirmation can also be performed based on the gaming state command transmitted from the main control CPU 72. As described above, when the big hit type corresponds to a non-probable change (normal) symbol, the internal state of the main control CPU 72 shifts to a time shortened state after the big hit game ends, for example, until the fluctuation reaches 100 times. To do. In this case, the main control CPU 72 transmits a time reduction state command to the effect control CPU 96, and notifies the effect control CPU 96 that the current internal state is in time reduction. If it is confirmed based on the short state command that the current state is short (Yes), the effect control CPU 96 next executes step S710.

  Step S710: The effect control CPU 96 selects the “time reduction table” as the effect lottery table. The effect control CPU 96 acquires the corresponding table number (table address) and saves the value in the buffer area of the RAM 100.

  On the other hand, when it is confirmed that the current state is not too short (that is, the normal state) (step S708: No), the effect control CPU 96 executes step S712.

  Step S712: The effect control CPU 96 checks whether or not the mission effect (see (A) in FIG. 10) is currently being executed. If the mission effect is being performed (Yes), the effect control CPU 96 next executes step S714.

  Step S714: When the “mission effect table” is selected as the effect lottery table, the effect control CPU 96 acquires the corresponding table number (table address) and saves the value in the buffer area of the RAM 100.

  On the other hand, when it is confirmed that the mission effect is not being executed in the normal state (step S712: No), the effect control CPU 96 next executes step S716 (connection symbol 1 → 1).

[See FIG. 15: Production lottery table selection process (2/2)]
Step S716: The effect control CPU 96 checks whether or not the value of the counter after special notice is 50 or less. The value of the counter after the special notice is incremented for each change in the count-up process (FIG. 12), and is cleared when it is determined that the special notice effect is selected in the count clear process (FIG. 13). The effect control CPU 96 acquires the value of the counter after special notice from the counter area of the RAM 100, and if this value is 50 or less (Yes), next, executes step S718.

  Step S718: The effect control CPU 96 confirms whether or not the special effect ((B) in FIG. 10) using the special background image is currently being executed. When it is confirmed that the special effect is being performed (Yes), the effect control CPU 96 next executes step S720.

  Step S720: The effect control CPU 96 selects the “low type special table” as the effect lottery table (first table). Then, the effect control CPU 96 acquires the corresponding table number (table address) and saves the value in the buffer area of the RAM 100.

  On the other hand, if it is confirmed that the special effect is not being performed (step S718: No), the effect control CPU 96 next executes step S722.

  Step S722: The effect control CPU 96 checks whether the value of the power ON counter is 100 or less or whether the value of the deviation fluctuation counter is 1001 or more. The value of the power ON counter is incremented for each change in the count-up process (FIG. 12). This counter is cleared in an initialization process (not shown) when the power is turned on after the power is turned off (or cleared when the power is turned off). The effect control CPU 96 acquires the value of the power ON counter from the counter area of the RAM 100, and if this value is 100 or less (Yes), the effect control CPU 96 executes step S724. On the other hand, if the value of the power ON counter exceeds 100, the effect control CPU 96 next acquires the value of the deviation variation counter from the counter area of the RAM 100 and checks whether the value is 1001 or more. The value of the deviation fluctuation counter is incremented for each fluctuation in the count-up process (FIG. 12), and is cleared at the big hit in the count clear process (FIG. 13). If the current deviation fluctuation counter value is 1001 or more (Yes), the effect control CPU 96 executes step S724.

  Step S724: In this case, the effect control CPU 96 selects the “low type / premium highly accurate table” as the effect lottery table (first table). Then, the effect control CPU 96 acquires the corresponding table number (table address) and saves the value in the buffer area of the RAM 100.

  On the other hand, when the value of the power ON counter is 101 or more and the value of the deviation fluctuation counter is 1000 or less (step S722: No), the effect control CPU 96 executes step S726.

  Step S726: In this case, the effect control CPU 96 selects “low type normal table” as the effect lottery table. Then, the effect control CPU 96 acquires the corresponding table number (table address) and saves the value in the buffer area of the RAM 100.

  The above procedure (steps S718 to S726) is executed when the value of the counter after special notice is 50 or less in the normal state, but when the value of the counter after special notice is 51 or more (step S716: No) ), The following procedure is executed.

  Step S728: Here again, the effect control CPU 96 checks whether or not the special effect (B in FIG. 10) using the special background image is currently being executed. When it is confirmed that the special effect is being performed (Yes), the effect control CPU 96 next executes step S730.

  Step S730: In this case, the effect control CPU 96 selects “standard type special table” as the effect lottery table. Then, the effect control CPU 96 acquires the corresponding table number (table address) and saves the value in the buffer area of the RAM 100.

  On the other hand, when it is confirmed that the special effect is not being performed (step S728: No), the effect control CPU 96 next executes step S732.

  Step S732: The effect control CPU 96 checks whether or not the value of the power ON counter is 100 or less, or whether or not the value of the deviation fluctuation counter is 1001 or more. The specific processing content is the same as in step S722 described above. If the value of the power ON counter is 100 or less, or if the value of the deviation fluctuation counter is 1001 or more (Yes), then the effect control CPU 96 executes step S734.

  Step S734: The effect control CPU 96 selects “standard type / premier high accuracy table” as the effect lottery table. Then, the effect control CPU 96 acquires the corresponding table number (table address) and saves the value in the buffer area of the RAM 100.

  On the other hand, when the value of the power ON counter is 101 or more and the value of the deviation fluctuation counter is 1000 or less (step S732: No), the effect control CPU 96 executes step S736.

  Step S736: In this case, the effect control CPU 96 selects “standard type normal table” as the effect lottery table. Then, the effect control CPU 96 acquires the corresponding table number (table address) and saves the value in the buffer area of the RAM 100.

  When one of the effect lottery tables (including the first table) is selected through the above procedure, the effect control CPU 96 returns to the variable effect process.

[List of first table]
FIG. 16 is a table listing which effect lottery table is finally selected for each condition (state, count, effect, etc.) determined in the effect lottery table selection process. That is, the leftmost column in FIG. 16 shows the conditions according to the states of “high probability”, “short time”, and “normal”, and the second column from the left is the condition based on the value of the counter after the special notice. Is shown. The third column from the left indicates the condition for each effect or the condition based on the values of various counters. In FIG. 16, when each condition is viewed in the horizontal direction sequentially from the left column, the final table is finally reached with the same logic as the effect lottery table selection process.

  Here, the characteristics of the first table included in the effect lottery table will be mentioned. As described above, the first table is for managing how to set “strong” and “weak” for the “pre-occurrence notice effect” and the “pre-occurrence notice effect”, respectively. The direction (seasoning) of strength management differs depending on the type of table as follows.

(1) High odd probability per odd table: This table is selected when the conditions of “high probability” and “per odd number” are satisfied. In this case, since it is in a very advantageous state for the player of “high probability”, and because it actually corresponds to the winning of the probable variation pattern in the internal lottery, the expected value is also high for the notice effect. It is appropriate to make things appear. In addition, a special notice effect (premium notice) with a relatively low selection ratio may be set as an effect for “determining a probable big hit”. Such a premium notice has the effect of significantly raising the player's expectation only by appearing. Therefore, the direction of strength management of the “first table” included in the odd per odd number table is “strong” for both “pre-occurrence notice effect” and “pre-occurrence notice effect”. It is preferable that a special notice effect is included in the “strong” classification.

(2) Non-corresponding table per odd number at high probability: This table is selected when the condition of “high probability” but “other than odd number” is satisfied. In this case, since “high probability” is in a very advantageous state for the player, it is appropriate that a lot of content with a high expected value appears as a notice effect as well. However, in the case of non-winning (missing), it is meaningless for the player to make a notice effect with a high expected value every time, so it is appropriate to set the expected value to “weak” when not winning. Therefore, the direction of strength management of “first table” included in the non-corresponding table per odd number at high probability is set to “strong” for both “pre-occurrence notice effect” and “pre-occurrence notice effect” when winning. However, it is better to set “Weak” for both “Pre-occurrence notice effect” and “Post-occurrence notice effect” when not winning. In addition, it is preferable that a premium notice or the like for teaching “determined probability change big hit decision” is not included in the options as the notice effect.

(3) Time reduction table: This table is selected when the condition of “time reduction medium” is satisfied. In this case, although it is not as high as “high probability”, the player is in a time efficient state, and therefore it is appropriate that a notice effect with a high expected value appears as it is when winning. Also, in the case of non-winning (off), the fluctuation time is extremely shortened (for example, the usual 12 seconds is shortened to 1.5 seconds), and it is not necessary to dare to make a notice effect appear. It is appropriate to set the expected value to “weak” when winning. Therefore, for the direction of strength management of the “first table” included in the time reduction table, “strong” is suitable for both “pre-occurrence notice effect” and “pre-occurrence notice effect” when winning, but when not winning A setting of “Weak” is suitable for both “Pre-occurrence notice effect” and “Post-occurrence notice effect”.

  Since the following table is based on the condition of “normal state”, the direction of strength management of the “first table” cannot be generally described. In other words, in the “normal state”, it may be appropriate to set “strong” for both the “pre-occurrence notice effect” and the “pre-occurrence notice effect”, or the “pre-occurrence notice effect” and the “pre-occurrence notice effect”. In some cases, it is suitable to set “weak” for both. In addition, it may be appropriate to set “Strong / Weak” for “Pre-occurrence notice effect” and “Post-occurrence notice effect”. In some cases. Based on the above assumptions, the characteristics of each table are shown below.

(4) Mission production table: This table is selected when the condition of “during mission production” is satisfied in “normal time”. In this case, since a special effect “during mission effect” is in progress, it is appropriate to make a notice effect with content suitable for such an effect appear frequently. In addition, “Mission production” has the effect of giving the player a temporary sense of tension and expectation, and therefore avoids the frequent occurrence of “Strong” notice productions when not winning Is good. Therefore, it is desirable not to set the selection ratio so high in this table for the notice effects classified as “strong” such as special notice effects.

(5) Low type special table: This table is selected when the condition of “the value of the counter after special notice is 50 or less” and the condition of “during special effect” is satisfied except for the above (4). In this case, since a large number of fluctuations have not passed since the special notice effect was selected last time, it is desirable that the special notice effect is not selected at a high frequency at the time of non-winning. Instead, when the special notice effect is selected, it is preferable that the expected value is extremely “strong” and the seasoning such as “confirm big hit” is made.

(6) Low type / premium high accuracy table: This table is different from the above (4) except that the counter value after special notice is 50 or less and the power ON counter value is 100 or less It is selected when the condition that the counter value is 1001 or more is satisfied. Similarly, in this case, since a large number of fluctuations have not passed since the previous special notice effect was selected, it is desirable that the special notice effect is not selected very frequently at the time of non-winning. However, paying attention to the condition that “the value of the power ON counter is 100 or less”, it is considered that this is a time zone (in the morning of the business day) that the game arcade has just started business, It is preferable to set the premium notice selection ratio higher in the sense of appealing to the player (inspiring motivation to start the game). Also, in view of the condition of “the deviation fluctuation counter value is 1001 or more”, even if the number of fluctuations has not passed too much since the last special notice effect was selected, the deviation from the previous big hit was over 1000 times. Since fluctuations have been digested (so-called humiliation), it is preferable to set the premium notice selection ratio higher in the sense of appealing to the player (maintaining the willingness to continue the game).

(7) Low type normal table: Contrary to the above (6), this table shows that “the value of the counter after the special notice is 50 or less” and “the value of the power ON counter is 101 or more or the deviation fluctuation counter. Is selected when the condition of “the value of 1000 or less” is satisfied. Similarly, in this case, since a large number of fluctuations have not passed since the previous special notice effect was selected, it is desirable that the special notice effect is not selected very frequently at the time of non-winning. In addition, since “a value of the power ON counter is 101 or more” is considered that a certain amount of time has passed since the start of the game hall business, it is preferable to set the selection ratio of the premium notice low. In addition, the fact that the value of the outlier fluctuation counter is 1000 or less does not digest so much outlier fluctuation from the previous big hit, so it means a premium notice in order to appeal to the player (maintain the willingness to continue the game) There is no need to set the selection ratio higher.

(8) Standard type special table: This table is selected when the condition of “special counter value is 51 or more” and “during special effect” is satisfied, except for the above (4). In this case, since a certain number of fluctuations have been consumed since the special notice effect was selected last time, it is desirable to set the selection ratio of the special notice effect as a standard even when not winning.

(9) Standard type / premium high accuracy table: This table is different from the above (4), “the counter value after special notice is 51 or more” and “the power ON counter value is 100 or less, or deviation fluctuation. It is selected when the condition that the counter value is 1001 or more is satisfied. Similarly, in this case, since a certain number of fluctuations have been consumed since the special notice effect was selected last time, it is desirable to set the selection ratio of the special notice effect as a standard even when not winning. The selection ratio for premium notice is preferably set in the same manner as in (6) above.

(10) Standard type normal table: Contrary to the above (9), this table is “special counter value is 51 or more” and “power ON counter value is 101 or more, or deviation fluctuation counter. Is selected when the condition of “the value of 1000 or less” is satisfied. Similarly, in this case, since a certain number of fluctuations have been consumed since the special notice effect was selected last time, it is desirable to set the selection ratio of the special notice effect as a standard even when not winning. The selection ratio for premium notice is preferably set in the same manner as in (7) above.

[Details of production lottery table]
FIG. 17 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of each of the effect lottery tables (1) to (10). For example, as shown in the upper position in FIG. 17, the high probability odd number per table (reference symbol T0) in the above (1) is “high probability odd number per first (notice management) table (FIG. In this configuration, “first table (T01)”) and “temporary table before (T02 in the figure)” and “tempered table (T03 in the figure)” are included as a set. Further, as shown in the middle position in FIG. 17, the low type special table (reference numeral T4 in the figure) of the above (5) is the “low type special first (notice management) table (in the figure“ The first table (noted as “T41”) ”and“ the pre-tempe table (reference T42 in the figure) ”and“ the post-tempe table (reference T43 in the figure) ”are included in the set. Similarly, the standard type normal table (10 in the figure, T9) shown at the lower position in FIG. 17 is “standard type normal first (notice management) table (“ first table in the figure ”). (T91) ”) and“ Tempai pre-table (T92 in the figure) ”and“ Tempai table (T93 in the figure) ”are included in the set. The other tables that are not shown have the same configuration.

  Next, FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a “first (notice management) table”, a “table before tempai”, and a “table after tempai” included in each table as a set. In the figure, the “first table” is the above “first table for odd numbers at high probability (T01)”,..., “Low type special table (T41)”,. These are generalized representations of various types such as the first normal table (T91). Each will be described below.

[First table]
In FIG. 18, (A): The “first table” is for managing “strong” and “weak” of “pre-occurrence notice effect” and “pre-occurrence notice effect” as described above. The top row in the table shows “strong” and “weak” for “pre-occurrence notice effect (indicated as“ before tempering ”in the figure)” and “post-announcement notice effect (indicated in the figure as after tempering)”. The management content (management pattern that combines strength and weakness) is shown. Here, “Pre-occurrence notice effect” and “Post-occurrence notice effect” are “weak / weak”, “weak / strong”, and “strong / weak”, respectively. , Four management patterns of “strong / strong” are set. The second row from the top in the table shows the selection ratio (numerator value) of each management pattern at the time of deviation fluctuation (non-winning). This means that the “weak” management pattern is selected, the “weak / strong” management pattern is selected in 15/41, and the “strong / weak” management pattern is selected in 15/41. Yes. In the first table, the “strong / strong” management pattern is not selected (0/41) when the deviation fluctuation (non-winning) is selected.

  Next, the third row from the top in the table shows the selection ratio (numerator value) of each management pattern at the time of hit variation (winning). In this example, the management pattern “weak / weak” is selected at 6/41 at the time of hit fluctuation, the management pattern “weak / strong” is selected at 15/41, and “15/41” This means that the management pattern “strong / weak” is selected, and the management pattern “strong / strong” is selected at 5/41.

  The bottom row in the table shows the overall expected value (winning ratio) when each management pattern is selected. For example, when the “weak / weak” management pattern is selected in the first table, the winning ratio is 6/17, so the expected value is 35.29%. Further, when the “weak / strong” management pattern is selected, the winning ratio is 15/30 in total, so the expected value is 50.00%. Similarly, when the “strong / weak” management pattern is selected, the winning ratio is 15/30 in total, and the expected value is 50.00%. In this first table, since the “strong / strong” management pattern is not selected at the time of deviation fluctuation (non-winning), the expected value is 100% when the “strong / strong” management pattern is selected. (Big hit is confirmed).

  In addition, even if the “pre-occurrence notice production (before tempering)” is classified as the same “weak”, the latter expectation of the “weak / weak” management pattern and the “weak / strong” management pattern The value is about 1.4 times the former. Therefore, if “post-occurrence notice effect (after tempering)” is classified as “strong”, a setting is made such that the expected value is increased by 1.4 times that of “weak”.

[Table before Tempe]
In FIG. 18, (B): “Tempai pre-table” further subdivides the above management pattern, and the above “occurrence” occurs in a combination of “none” and “weak” or a combination of “none” and “strong”. The detailed management pattern of “pre-notice effect (1)” and “pre-occurrence notice effect (2)” is set. In the figure, “pre-occurrence notice effect (1)” is abbreviated as “pre-notice notice 1”, and “pre-occurrence notice effect (2)” is abbreviated as “pre-notice notice 2” (the same applies to the subsequent figures). ).

  In order to correspond to each of the management patterns “weak” and “strong”, the “tempe pre-temple table” is composed of “pre-tempe (weak) table” and “pre-tempe (strong) table”. Among these, the “pre-tempe (weak) table” is used when the “pre-occurrence notice effect” selected in the “first table” corresponds to “weak”. On the other hand, the “pre-tempered (strong) table” is used when the “pre-occurrence notice effect” selected in the “first table” corresponds to “strong”. For example, if the above management pattern is “Weak / Weak” or “Weak / Strong”, since “Pre-occurrence notice effect” corresponds to “Weak”, in this case, the “Pre-tempe (weak) table” The detailed management pattern of “pre-occurrence notice effect (1)” and “pre-occurrence notice effect (2)” is determined. On the other hand, when the “pre-occurrence notice effect” corresponds to “strong”, the “pre-occurrence notice effect (1)” and the “pre-occurrence notice effect (2)” are referred to with reference to the “pre-tempe (strong) table”. The detailed management pattern is determined.

  Next, the top row in the “Pre-temple (weak) table” shows the detailed management pattern of “Pre-occurrence notice effect (1)” and “Pre-occurrence notice effect (2)”. Four detailed management patterns are set for “notice effect (1)” and “pre-occurrence notice effect (2)”: “no / no”, “no / weak”, “weak / no”, and “weak / weak” respectively. Has been. Also, the second row from the top in the table shows the selection ratio (numerator value) of each detailed management pattern at the time of deviation fluctuation (non-winning). In this example, the detail management pattern “None / None” is selected at 10/31 at the time of fluctuation, and the detail management pattern “None / Weak” is selected at 15/31, and at 5/31 This means that the detailed management pattern “weak / nothing” is selected, and the detailed management pattern “weak / weak” is selected in 1/31.

  The third row from the top in the “Pre-tempe (weak) table” shows the selection ratio (numerator value) of each detailed management pattern at the time of hit variation (winning). In this example, the detail management pattern of “None / None” is selected at 1/32 of the hit fluctuation, and the detail management pattern of “None / Weak” is selected at 10/32, and at 15/32 This means that the detailed management pattern “weak / nothing” is selected, and the detailed management pattern “weak / weak” is selected in 6/32.

  The bottom row in the table shows the overall expected value (winning ratio) when each detailed management pattern is selected. The concept of the expected value is the same as that described in the first table.

  In addition, for the “Tempai Pre-Strength (Strong) Table”, the detailed management pattern is set to “None / None”, “None / Strong”, “Strong / None”, “Strong / Strong” This is the same as “Pre-tempe (weak) table”.

[Table after Tempe]
In FIG. 18 (C): “post-tempe table” also subdivides the above-described management pattern into the combination of “none” / “weak” or the combination of “none” / “strong”. The detailed management pattern of “post-announcement notice effect (1)” and “post-occurrence notice effect (2)” is set. In the drawing, “post-notice notice effect (1)” is simply shown as “post-notice notice 1” and “post-notice notice effect (2)” is simply shown as “post-notice notice 2”.

  The “post-tempe table” is also composed of “post-tempe (weak) table” and “post-tempe (strong) table”. Among these, the “post-tempered (weak) table” is used when the “post-occurrence notice effect” selected in the “first table” corresponds to “weak”. On the other hand, the “post-tempered (strong) table” is used when “post-occurrence notice effect” selected in the “first table” corresponds to “strong”. The contents of the “post-tempe (weak) table” and “post-tempe (strong) table” given here are the same as the “pre-tempe (weak) table” and “post-tempe (weak) table”, respectively.

[Details of the notice classification decision process]
Next, the contents of the notice classification determination process (step S506 in FIG. 11) executed in the above-described variation effect process will be described.

  First, the effect control CPU 96 refers to the table number (table address) selected in the previous effect lottery table selection process, and acquires the table data of the “first table” from the table storage area of the ROM 98.

  Next, the effect control CPU 96 acquires a strength management random number (one of the effect random numbers), and based on the “first table”, the strength management pattern (depending on the deviation fluctuation (non-winning) or the hit fluctuation (winning)) ( “Weak / weak”, “weak / strong”, “strong / weak”, or “strong / strong”) is determined (notification classification setting means). The strength management random number is acquired (extracted) from the counter area of the RAM 100 when a stop symbol command is received from the main control CPU 72.

  When the management pattern is determined, the production control CPU 96 selects “pre-tempered (weak) table” or “pre-tempe (strong) table” from the table storage area of the ROM 98 according to “strong” / “weak” of the “pre-occurrence notice effect”. Get table data.

  Further, the effect control CPU 96 acquires a detailed management random number (one of the effect random numbers), and at the time of deviation fluctuation (non-winning) or based on the “pre-tempe (weak) table” or “pre-tempe (strong) table” or Detailed management pattern of “Pre-occurrence notice effect” according to the hit fluctuation (winning) (“No / No”, “No / Weak”, “Weak / No”, “Weak / Weak”, or “No / No” ”,“ None / Strong ”,“ Strong / None ”, or“ Strong / Strong ”). The detailed management random number is also obtained (extracted) from the counter area of the RAM 100 when the stop symbol command is received from the main control CPU 72.

  Similarly, the effect control CPU 96 sets the table data of “post-tempered (weak) table” or “post-tempered (strong) table” from the table storage area of the ROM 98 in accordance with “strong” / “weak” of “post-announcement effect”. To get.

  Then, based on the “after tempering (weak) table” or “after tempering (strong) table”, the effect control CPU 96 details the “post-occurrence notice effect” at the time of deviation fluctuation (non-winning) or hit fluctuation (winning). Management pattern ("None / None", "None / Weak", "Weak / None", "Weak / Weak" or "None / None", "None / Strong", "Strong / None", " “Strong / Strong”).

  As described above, if the basic management pattern is determined from the “first table” selected according to the conditions and the detailed management pattern is determined from the “table before the tempai” and the “table after the tempai”, Expected values for all of “Pre-occurrence notice effect (1)”, “Pre-occurrence notice effect (2)”, “Post-occurrence notice effect (1)”, and “Post-occurrence notice effect (2)” to be executed during the production (Strong / Weak) setting is completed in advance. Thereafter, specific contents of the effects are determined for each notice effect, and the execution (output) of the effects is controlled according to the respective time schedules.

[Details of notice selection process by variation pattern]
Next, the contents of the change pattern notice selection process (step S508 in FIG. 11) executed in the above-described change effect process will be described.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of the variation effect pattern selection table. This table is used to determine the variation effect pattern number at that time based on the variation pattern commands (“A0H00H” to “A6H7FH”) received from the main control CPU 72. The variation pattern command is, for example, 2-byte data transmitted in the format of “MODE value−EVENT value”, and the presentation control CPU 96 determines the “MODE value” and “EVENT value” based on the received variation pattern command. The variation production pattern number corresponding to is selected. For example, when the variation pattern command (variation pattern number) is described as “A0H00H”, the effect control CPU 96 selects “160000” as the corresponding variable effect pattern number from the uppermost section of the table. In the illustrated example, the variable effect pattern number is set with a value obtained by converting the command value into a decimal number, but other settings may be adopted. In other words, the command value from the main control CPU 72 is discontinuous for each MODE value (by state) (a state in which skips are skipped), but there is no gap between the numbers regarding the variable effect pattern numbers. You may set a serial number in In this case, it is possible to reduce the capacity necessary for storing the variation effect pattern selection table in the ROM 98.

  Fluctuation effect pattern numbers are individually assigned classifications such as “normal fluctuation”, “short-time fluctuation”, “outlier reach fluctuation”, “per reach fluctuation”, etc., and “outlier reach fluctuation” and “per reach fluctuation”. ”Defines a fine reach variation pattern. Therefore, if the variation effect pattern number selected in the current variation falls under the category of “out of reach reach variation” or “per-reach variation”, the “reach state” in the present variation effect is controlled by the effect control CPU 96. "Occurs (reach state generating means).

  When the change effect pattern number is selected, the effect control CPU 96 refers to an effect table (not shown), and the effect design change schedule corresponding to the change effect pattern number at that time (change time, presence / absence of reach, reach in the case of reach occurrence) Type and reach occurrence timing) and stop display mode (for example, “7”-“5”-“3”, etc.).

  Further, the effect control CPU 96 refers to the “second table”, and specifically determines the content of each notice effect corresponding to the changing effect pattern number at that time. In the “second table”, the contents of “pre-occurrence notice effect” and “post-occurrence notice effect” are defined in detail for each variable effect pattern number. Hereinafter, the contents of the “second table” will be described.

[Contents of the second table: Means for specifying the notice content]
FIG. 20 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the second table. In the “second table”, a detailed table corresponding to the expected value (strength) is prepared for each “pre-occurrence notice effect” and “post-occurrence notice effect” to appear. That is, as the effects to appear, “Pre-occurrence notice effect (1)”, “Pre-occurrence notice effect (2)”, “Post-occurrence notice effect (1)”, “Post-occurrence notice effect (2)”, etc.・ If there is a setting of “Strong” and “Weak” for each, the “Second Preliminary Notice 1 Table”, “Preliminary Notice 2 Table”... "Table", "Two after notice table", and so on are included. Further, the “preliminary notice 1 (strong) table” and the “preliminary notice 1 (strong) table” are included as minimum units in the “preliminary notice 1 table” separately for “strong” and “weak”.

  For example, when “pre-occurrence notice effect (1)” is set to “weak” in the detailed management pattern, the effect control CPU 96 determines “second table” when determining the content of “pre-occurrence notice effect (1)”. Refer to the “preliminary notice 1 (weak) table” in the smallest unit. In this table, contents classified as “weak” of “pre-occurrence notice effect (1)” are defined for each variable effect pattern number. Here, for simplification, the variable effect pattern number is represented by a one-digit numerical value (“1”, “2”, “4”, “5”). At this time, if the current variation effect pattern number is “1 (out)”, “None” is selected for “Pre-occurrence notice effect (1)” at 126/126. In this case, the current variation effect that corresponds to “weak” of “pre-occurrence notice effect (1)” is not executed.

  Also, if the current variation pattern number is “2 (out of line)”, “None” is selected for “Pre-occurrence notice effect (1)” with a selection ratio of 50/126, but it is also 126 minutes. “Preliminary notice 1-1” is selected at a selection ratio of 50, and “preliminary notice 1-2” is selected at a selection ratio of 26/126. When “None” is selected, the current variation effect corresponding to “Weak” of “Pre-occurrence notice effect (1)” is not executed, but “Preliminary notice 1-1” or “Previous notice 1-2” is not executed. When "" is selected, the contents corresponding to "Weak" of "Pre-occurrence notice effect (1)" are executed for each content.

  On the other hand, if the current variation pattern number is, for example, “4 (per)”, “None” is not selected in “Pre-occurrence notice effect (1)” (0/126) and 30/126 is selected. “Previous notice 1-1” is selected as the ratio, and “Preliminary notice 1-2” is selected at the selection ratio of 90/126. As a result, the player's expectation can be gradually increased before the occurrence of the reach state by always executing some pre-occurrence notice effect at the time of the big hit.

  Other “Previous notice 1 (strong) table”, “Previous notice 2 (weak) table”, “Previous notice 2 (strong) table”,..., “After notice 1 (weak) table”, “After notice 1” The same applies to “(strong) table”, “following notice 1 (weak) table”, “following notice 2 (strong) table”, and so on.

  In any case, in the change pattern notice selection process, the effect control CPU 96 refers to the minimum unit table corresponding to the detailed management data set at that time, and the notice effect to be executed based on the current change effect pattern number. The content of is selected from a table with different expected values (strong / weak). The effect control CPU 96 performs control to actually execute the notice effect of the content selected here in the display output process (step S510 in FIG. 11) (effect control means). If there is a notice effect for which “none” is set in the detailed management data, the effect control CPU 96 does not refer to the table for the notice effect. In this case, the notice effect with “None” set is not executed during the current fluctuating effect.

  In addition, each of the “preliminary notice 1 (strong) table”, the “preliminary notice 2 (strong) table”, the “following notice 1 (strong) table”, the “following notice 2 (strong) table”, etc. has the above special notice. An effect and a premium notice effect are defined, and these tables are set so that a special notice effect and a premium notice effect are selected at a relatively high ratio when winning.

[Control example]
Although the details of the present embodiment have already been clarified from the above description, the execution timing of the notice effect executed during the fluctuating effect will be described below along the actual time chart.

  FIG. 21 is a time chart when the variation effect process is executed. In FIG. 21, the horizontal axis indicates the passage of time, and the times t1 to t5 that come between the start of change of the first special symbol or the second special symbol and the stop display are shown on the way.

[At the start of change: time t1]
21A: During the special symbol variation pre-processing (FIG. 8) executed by the main control CPU 72, the variation display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol is started in the special symbol variation start process (step S2414). .

  21 (B) to (D): Each display symbol (left effect) in the display output process (step S510 in FIG. 11) executed by the effect control CPU 96 when the first special symbol or the second special symbol starts to change. Variation display of the symbol, right effect symbol, middle effect symbol) is started. As a result, each effect symbol is variably displayed so as to flow (scroll) in the vertical direction on the screen (see (A) in FIG. 9 as appropriate).

[Pre-warning effect (1)]
In FIG. 21, (E): For example, as indicated by “weak notice” in the figure, “weak” in “pre-occurrence notice effect (1)” at the timing before the change display of the effect symbol stops. Applicable ones are executed (see (B) in FIG. 9 as appropriate).

[Pre-warning effect (2)]
In FIG. 21 (F): When “Pre-occurrence notice effect (1)” is executed, “Pre-occurrence notice effect (2)” “ Those corresponding to “weak” are executed (see (C) in FIG. 9 as appropriate). At this timing, the variation display of the effect symbols has not been stopped yet.

[Fluctuating: Time t2]
(B) in FIG. 21: For example, among the three effect symbols, the variation of the left effect symbol is first stopped. Thereby, for example, the left effect symbols representing the numbers “7” and “8” are displayed in a stopped state on the screen (see (D) in FIG. 9 as appropriate).
(C) and (D) in FIG. 21: At this time, the other right effect symbols and middle effect symbols are still in a variable display.

[Reach display: Time t3]
(C) in FIG. 21: For example, the change in the right performance symbol is stopped second. At this time, a reach state is generated by displaying the right effect symbol representing the number “7” in a stopped state on the upper position on the screen (see (E) in FIG. 9 as appropriate).
(D) in FIG. 21: At this time, the remaining medium performance symbols are still being displayed in a variable manner.

[During reach production: time t3 to time t4]
In FIG. 21, (A): The first special symbol or the second special symbol continues to be changed as it is, but the following reach effects are performed within this period.

  In FIG. 21, (B), (C): After time t3, the left effect symbol and the right effect symbol shift to a state of being displayed on the screen. As shown above, the symbols other than the numbers that have been tempered disappear from the screen, and the tempered numbers are moved to the upper left and right corners of the screen, and a large area in the center of the screen is secured. .

  (D) in FIG. 21: After time t3, the medium effect symbol shifts to a mode in which the reach is changed. For example, an effect is performed in which a medium effect symbol is enlarged and displayed within a wide reserved area at the center of the screen, or when the variation of the medium effect symbol is stopped, and the variation is continued.

[Preliminary notice after occurrence (1)]
In FIG. 21, (G): As indicated by “strong notice” in the figure, the timing corresponding to “strong” in “post-occurrence notice effect (1)” is executed at a timing after time t3. (Refer to (F) in FIG. 9 as appropriate).

[Preliminary notice after occurrence (2)]
In FIG. 21, (H): As indicated by “strong notice” in the figure, after “pre-occurrence notice effect (1)” is executed, “post-occurrence notice effect (2) ) ”Corresponding to“ strong ”is executed (see (H) in FIG. 9 as appropriate).

[Stop display: Time t4]
In FIG. 21, (A): When the fluctuation time set by the main control CPU 72 has elapsed, the first special symbol or the second special symbol is stopped and displayed in the special symbol stop display processing (step S4000 in FIG. 7).

  In FIG. 21, (D): With the stop display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, the medium effect symbol is displayed in a state where the reach variation is stopped. At this time, if the medium effect symbol represents the number “7”, the three effect symbols are aligned in “7”-“7”-“7”. Is clearly taught. On the other hand, if the medium effect symbol represents something other than the number “7” (for example, “6”), the combination of the effect symbols is “7”-“6”-“7”, and it looks to the player. It is clearly taught that it was “out of” above. Here, the reach variation of the medium effect symbol is stopped in time with the stop of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, but the reach variation is stopped before the stop display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol. It may be stopped.

[Confirmation display: time t4 to time t5]
In FIG. 21, (A): During this period, the fixed display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol is performed in the special symbol stop display processing. During this time, the stop symbol at that time is actually displayed by the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 36 (7-segment LED).

  In FIG. 21, (B) to (D): The three effect symbols are again in the stop display state. For example, in the case of a big hit, this period is used to enlarge or highlight in a state where three effect symbols (“7”-“7”-“7”) are aligned on the screen. Thereby, it is possible to appeal to the player that it is a “hit” and to clearly teach the player the type of jackpot (probability change or non-probability change) according to the display mode of the effect design.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to manage the strength of the notice effect before and after the occurrence of reach according to conditions such as the actual game state, the effect being executed, and the number of changes. Therefore, for example, in the “first table” for setting the basic management pattern, if the expected value when the “strong / strong” management pattern is selected is set to 100%, the occurrence occurs before the reach occurs. Despite the appearance of the “strong” notice effect later, the result of “non-winning” will no longer be seen. Thereby, it is difficult to give the player a feeling of discomfort, disappointment, weakness, etc., and it is possible to suppress a decrease in gaming will for a long time.

  Also, if the expected value when the management pattern of “Weak / Weak” or “Weak / Strong” is selected is set to be greater than 0%, it will be assumed that a notice effect of “Weak” appears before the reach occurs. However, depending on the subsequent development, it can be expected to be a “big hit”, so that the player can enjoy the production until the end. As mentioned in this embodiment, if “strong” appears in the notice effect after the occurrence of reach, the expected value will rise compared to “weak”. You can have a sense of that.

[Other Embodiments]
The contents of the various tables listed in the embodiment are merely examples, and the contents can be changed as appropriate. In addition, the pre-occurrence notice effect and the post-occurrence notice effect may be prepared not only in (1) and (2) but also after (3), and the number of pre-occurrence notice effects and post-occurrence notice effects differs. It may be.

  In the above embodiment, an intuitive expression of “strong” and “weak” is used for the degree of expected value related to the notice effect, but the original “high” and “low” expressions including the contents of various tables are used. It is naturally possible to use.

  Furthermore, the image for the notice effect described in the embodiment is an example, and it is naturally possible to execute the notice effect using an image of another aspect.

  In one embodiment, the first special symbol and the second special symbol are used as the special symbols, but only one special symbol may be used.

It is a front view of a pachinko machine. 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 start winning 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 continuous figure which shows the flow of the fluctuation production using an effect design as an example. It is a figure which shows the some special effect example performed regarding a change effect. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a change production process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a count-up process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a count clear process. It is a flowchart (1/2) which shows the example of a procedure of an effect lottery table selection process. It is a flowchart (2/2) which shows the example of a procedure of an effect lottery table selection process. It is the figure which listed the production | presentation lottery table selected according to various conditions. It is a figure which shows schematically the structure of an effect lottery table. It is a figure which shows an example of the "1st table", the "table before tempei", and the "table after tempei" which are contained in the production lottery table. It is a figure which shows an example of the variation production pattern selection table. It is the figure which showed the structure of the 2nd table roughly. It is a time chart when a change production process is performed.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pachinko machine 8 Game board 8a Game area 20 Start gate 26 Upper start prize opening 28 Variable start prize device 28a Lower start prize opening 33 Normal symbol display device 33a Normal symbol operation memory lamp 34 First special symbol display device 34a First operation memory Lamp 36 Second special symbol display device 36a Second operation memory lamp 70 Main controller 72 Main control CPU
74 ROM
76 RAM
94 Production control device 96 Production control CPU

Claims (8)

A lottery execution means for executing an internal lottery related to the profit of the player when a lottery opportunity occurs during the game;
When the internal lottery is performed, after the symbol is variably displayed over a predetermined variation time, the symbol display means for stopping and displaying the symbol in a mode according to the result of the internal lottery,
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,
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 grant means to be granted,
After executing a variation display effect corresponding to a symbol variation display by the symbol display means at least within the variation time, a symbol effect execution is performed to execute a stop display effect corresponding to a symbol that is stopped and displayed by the symbol display means Means,
When the variation pattern selected by the variation pattern determining means satisfies a predetermined reach generation condition, a stop display effect corresponding to the symbol of the specific mode is partially executed during execution of the variation display effect by the symbol effect executing means. Reach state generating means for generating a configured reach state;
Before the occurrence of the pre-occurrence notice effect of the content for notifying that there is a possibility that the symbol may be stopped and displayed in the specific mode before the occurrence of the reach state during the execution of the variable display effect by the symbol effect execution means. Notice production execution means,
After the occurrence of the reach state during the execution of the variable display effect by the symbol effect execution means, after the occurrence of the content for notifying that there is a possibility that the symbol of the specific mode may be stopped and displayed, Production execution means;
The pre-occurrence notice effect and the post-occurrence notice effect are preliminarily defined in plural ways, and the expected value indicating the degree of possibility that the symbol is stopped and displayed in the specific mode for each content is at least high or low A notice content defining means that stipulates which classification is applicable,
When the result of the internal lottery corresponds to winning and when it corresponds to non-winning, an expected value for each content of the pre-occurrence notice effect and the post-occurrence notice effect to be executed is determined by the notice content defining unit. Preliminary classification setting means for presetting according to the result of the internal lottery without depending on the fluctuation pattern selected by the fluctuation pattern determination means as to which of the specified high and low classifications to be applied,
When executing the variable display effect by the symbol effect execution means, the pre-occurrence notice effect to be executed in the current variable display effect depending on whether the result of the internal lottery corresponds to winning or non-winning The notice category indicating whether the expectation value for the content of the content corresponds to the high or low classification and the expectation value for the content of the notice effect after the occurrence corresponds to the high or low classification After determining based on the setting of the setting means, the content of the pre-occurrence notice effect and the content of the post-occurrence notice effect corresponding to the expected value shown in the notice category are selected from the notice content defining means, respectively. An amusement machine comprising: an effect control means for performing control to be executed by each of the notice effect execution means. In the gaming machine according to claim 1,
The pre-occurrence notice effect includes contents for informing in advance that there is a possibility that the symbol may be stopped and displayed in the specific mode by notifying that the reach state may occur. A gaming machine characterized by that. In the gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2,
The notice classification setting means includes:
A gaming machine, wherein the pre-occurrence notice effect and the post-occurrence notice effect are set by combining a plurality of high and low classifications corresponding to expected values for each content. The gaming machine according to claim 3,
At least one of the pre-occurrence notice effect or the post-occurrence notice effect includes a plurality of notice effects that are executed during the symbol variation effect,
The notice classification setting means includes:
A gaming machine characterized in that, for each of a plurality of notice effects included in the pre-occurrence notice effect or the post-occurrence notice effect, a high and low classification corresponding to an expected value of the content is set. In the gaming machine according to claim 3 or 4,
The notice classification setting means includes:
Even if the result of the internal lottery corresponds to a win, it has a setting corresponding to a classification with a low expected value for the content of the pre-occurrence notice effect,
Even if the result of the internal lottery corresponds to non-winning, the gaming machine has a setting corresponding to a category with a high expected value for the content of the pre-occurrence notice effect. In the gaming machine according to any one of claims 3 to 5,
The notice classification setting means includes:
When the result of the internal lottery corresponds to a win, the contents of the pre-occurrence notice effect and the post-occurrence notice effect both have a setting corresponding to a high expected value, and
When the result of the internal lottery corresponds to non-winning, the contents of the pre-occurrence notice effect and the post-occurrence notice effect do not have a setting corresponding to a category with a high expected value. In the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
When the result of the internal lottery corresponds to a special type of winning, after the special game by the special game opportunity granting means is finished, the winning probability in the internal lottery by the lottery executing means is changed higher than the normal state And high probability state transition means for transitioning to a high probability state in which the symbol variation time by the symbol display means is shortened,
When the special game by the special game opportunity giving means is completed, the time reduction state transition means for making a transition to a time reduction state in which the symbol variation time by the symbol display means is shortened compared to a normal state,
The notice classification setting means includes:
According to at least the normal state, the high probability state, or the time reduction state, the expected value for each content of the pre-occurrence notice effect and the post-occurrence notice effect corresponds to either high or low classification A game machine characterized by setting whether or not to do so in a different manner. In the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
When executing the variable display effect and the stop display effect by the symbol effect execution means, at least a normal effect that displays a scene using a predetermined normal image, or a scene that uses a special image different from the normal image. It further comprises a scene effect execution means for executing any one of the special effects to be displayed,
The notice classification setting means includes:
Whether the expected value for each content of the pre-occurrence notice effect and the post-occurrence notice effect corresponds to high or low depending on whether the normal effect or the special effect is being executed by the scene effect execution means A game machine that is set in a different manner.

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