JP5533836B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a ball-type game machine such as a pachinko machine or an arrangement ball machine that plays a game when a game ball flows down in a game area.

  Conventionally, as a gaming machine of this type, at the time of a big hit, by performing so-called right-handed hitting a game ball on a stepped portion formed on a right shoulder along a rail surrounding a gaming area by rotating the handle as much as possible, There has been proposed one that allows a large number of game balls to be awarded to the big prize opening (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This gaming machine is provided with a right-handed detection switch for detecting right-handed hitting, and indicates that a right-handed hit is required when a right-hand hit is not detected until a predetermined time has elapsed after achieving the big hit state. A warning is executed, and when a right-hand hit is continuously detected for a predetermined time in a state where the big hit state is not achieved, a warning that an inappropriate right-hand hit is being executed is executed.

JP 2008-68138 A

  As described above, in a gaming machine that needs to change the way of hitting (the launching mode of the game ball) depending on the game state, it is preferable to notify the player of the best way to hit the game state when the game state changes. is there. However, there may be situations where it is not always appropriate to report the launch mode. For example, when the notification effect display for notifying the effect display device is performed while the symbol effect display is being performed on the effect display device with the progress of the variable display of the symbol, the symbol is displayed by the notification effect display. Visual recognition of the effect display is hindered.

  The main purpose of the gaming machine of the present invention is to notify the launch mode suitable for the gaming state without obstructing the visual recognition of the effect display accompanying the progress of the variable display of symbols.

The gaming machine of the present invention adopts the following means in order to achieve the above-mentioned main object.
That is, the gaming machine of the present invention is
A gaming machine that plays a game by a game ball flowing down in a game area,
A launcher capable of launching a game ball toward the upstream side of the game area in a launch mode according to the player's operation;
Launch detection means for detecting whether or not a game ball is being fired;
A first start port in which a state of a game ball receiving port is configured to be constant, and a game ball flowing down the first region of the game region can enter;
The game ball receiving state is configured to be switchable between a state in which the game ball is easily received and a state in which the game ball is difficult to be received, and the game ball flowing down the first region or the first region of the game region A second starting port through which a game ball flowing down a second region different from the first zone can enter,
It is configured to be able to switch between a state in which a game ball can be received and a state in which a game ball cannot be received, and a game ball flowing down the first region or a game ball flowing down the second region can enter A prize opening,
A symbol display device for performing variable display of symbols triggered by a game ball entering the first starting port or the second starting port;
Based on the fact that the symbols variably displayed on the symbol display device stop-display in a winning manner, a winning game execution means for executing a winning game that allows a game ball to be received in the special winning opening,
Specific game execution means for executing a specific game in which the second start port is in a state advantageous to the player;
A normal game execution means for executing a normal game in which the second start port is in a disadvantageous state for the player;
An effect display device for displaying various effects;
Effect display control means for controlling the effect display device so as to execute the symbol effect display with the progress of the variable display of the symbol;
With
The effect display control means includes:
When the specific game is started, the effect display device is controlled to execute a first notification effect display for notifying a firing mode of a game ball suitable for the specific game until a predetermined first notification end condition is satisfied. When it is detected by the firing detection means that the game ball is not being fired before the first notification termination condition is satisfied, the launch detection means detects that the game ball is being fired. The execution of the first notification effect display is interrupted,
When the normal game is started, the effect display device is controlled to execute a second notification effect display for notifying a firing mode of a game ball suitable for the normal game until a predetermined second notification end condition is satisfied. When it is detected by the firing detection means that the game ball is not being fired before the second notification termination condition is satisfied, the launch detection means detects that the game ball is being fired. The execution of the second notification effect display is interrupted.
It is characterized by that.

In addition, the gaming machine of the reference invention disclosed for reference in this specification is:
A gaming machine that plays a game by a game ball flowing down in a game area,
A launcher capable of launching a game ball toward the upstream side of the game area in a launch mode according to the player's operation;
Launch detection means for detecting whether or not a game ball is being fired;
A first start port in which a state of a game ball receiving port is configured to be constant, and a game ball flowing down the first region of the game region can enter;
The game ball receiving state is configured to be switchable between a state in which the game ball is easily received and a state in which the game ball is difficult to be received, and the game ball flowing down the first region or the first region of the game region A second starting port through which a game ball flowing down a second region different from the first zone can enter,
It is configured to be able to switch between a state in which a game ball can be received and a state in which a game ball cannot be received, and a game ball flowing down the first region or a game ball flowing down the second region can enter A prize opening,
A symbol display device for performing variable display of symbols triggered by a game ball entering the first starting port or the second starting port;
A winning game execution means for executing a winning game that allows a game ball to be received in the big winning opening when the symbol variably displayed on the symbol display device is stopped and displayed in a winning manner;
Specific game execution means for executing a specific game that makes the second starting port advantageous to the player after the end of the winning game;
An effect display device for displaying various effects;
A first notification effect that controls the effect display device to execute a symbol effect display as the symbol variation display progresses, and notifies a firing mode suitable for the specific game when the specific game is started. Effect display control means for controlling the effect display device to execute display until a predetermined first notification end condition is satisfied;
With
The effect display control means may be such that when it is detected that the game ball is not being fired by the firing detection means before the first notification end condition is satisfied, the game detection ball is being fired by the launch detection means. The gist of the present invention is means for interrupting execution of the first notification effect display until it is detected.

In the gaming machine of this reference invention, a symbol effect display is executed as the symbol variation display progresses, and when a specific game is started, a first notification effect display for notifying a firing mode suitable for the specific game is predetermined. Until the first notification end condition is satisfied, and when it is detected that the game ball has not been fired before the first notification end condition is satisfied, the first notification end condition is detected. 1 The execution of the notification effect display is interrupted. Thus, the symbol effect display is not hindered by the notification effect display while the player stops the launch of the game ball and confirms the effect by the symbol effect display after the winning game ends. In addition, since the notification effect display is performed when the game ball is being fired, it is possible to appropriately notify the game ball firing mode that the player should take after the winning game is over.

In the gaming machine of the reference invention, the second start opening is a start opening into which one of a game ball flowing down the first area and a game ball flowing down the second area can enter. The large winning opening may be a winning opening through which the other of the game balls flowing down the first area and the game balls flowing down the second area can enter. In this case, since the launch mode suitable for the hit game is different from the launch mode suitable for the specific game, the significance of performing the first notification effect display becomes greater.

Furthermore, in the gaming machine according to the reference invention, a holding storage means for storing a game ball entering the first start port or the second start port as a hold, and while the hit game is being executed, It is also possible to provide a suspension digesting means for stopping the digestion of the suspension stored in the suspension storage means and starting the digestion of the suspension when the corresponding game ends. In this way, it is possible to prevent the visual effect display from being obstructed by the notification effect display when the game effect ball display is stopped and the symbol effect display associated with the on-hold digestion is confirmed.

In the gaming machine of the reference invention, the first notification end condition may be a condition that is satisfied when a game ball enters the second start port. In this way, the notification effect display can be terminated at the timing when the purpose is achieved.

Further, in the gaming machine of the reference invention, a holding storage means for storing the entering of the game ball into the first starting port or the second starting port as a holding, and the holding stored in the holding storage means is the hit game. Holding determination means for determining whether or not the winning game is a holding hold, and the effect display control means stores the winning hold in the holding storage means when the winning game ends. If not, it may be a means for executing the first notification effect display. In this way, it is possible to prevent the useless notification effect display from being performed, and to indicate to the player that the winning hold is included by not displaying the notification effect display.

In addition, in the gaming machine of the reference invention, after the specific game is completed, the gaming machine includes a normal game execution means for performing a normal game that puts the second starting port in a disadvantageous state for the player, and the effect display control means includes: When the normal game is started, the effect display device is controlled to execute a second notification effect display for notifying a firing mode of a game ball suitable for the normal game until a predetermined second notification end condition is satisfied. When it is detected by the firing detection means that the game ball is not being fired before the second notification end condition is satisfied, the second notification effect display is made until it is detected that the game ball is being fired. It may be a means for interrupting the execution of. In this way, the symbol effect display is not hindered by the notification effect display while the player stops firing the game ball and confirms the effect by the symbol effect display after the end of the specific game. In addition, since the notification effect display is performed when the game ball is being fired, it is possible to appropriately notify the game ball firing mode that the player should take after the specific game is finished. In the gaming machine according to the reference invention of this aspect, the second notification end condition may be a condition that is satisfied when a game ball enters the first start port. In this way, the notification effect display can be terminated at the timing when the purpose is achieved.

Further, in the gaming machine of the reference invention, the gaming machine includes a center accessory disposed in the center of the gaming area, the second start opening is formed integrally with the center accessory, and the first start opening is the It can also be arranged below the center accessory.

  According to the gaming machine of the present invention, it is possible to notify the launch mode suitable for the gaming state without hindering the visual display of the effect display accompanying the progress of the variable display of symbols.

1 is an external perspective view showing an external appearance of a pachinko machine 10 that is one embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the outline of a structure of the game board 30 of the pachinko machine 10 of an Example. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the control circuit of the pachinko machine 10 of an Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the mode of operation | movement of the normal electric accessory 39. FIG. It is explanatory drawing explaining the structure of the symbol display apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the display mode of the normal symbol display apparatus 41. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the display mode of the special symbol display apparatus 42 at the time of big hit. FIG. 38 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a screen configuration of the effect display device 34. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the change display and stop display of the effect symbol of the effect display apparatus 34. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an outline of a configuration of a sub control board 90. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a main control process executed by a CPU 70a of the main control board 70. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a normal symbol game process executed by a CPU 70a of the main control board 70. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a normal symbol variation start process executed by a CPU 70a of the main control board 70. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the hit determination table of a normal symbol. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a special symbol game process executed by a CPU 70a of the main control board 70. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a special symbol game process executed by a CPU 70a of the main control board 70. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a special symbol game process executed by a CPU 70a of the main control board 70. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a variable display related process executed by a CPU 70a of the main control board 70. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the table for jackpot determination. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the big hit symbol determination table for 1st special symbols. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the big hit symbol determination table for 2nd special symbols. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a big hit variation pattern table distribution process executed by a CPU 70a of the main control board 70. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a variation pattern table allocation process for detachment executed by a CPU 70a of the main control board 70. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the variation pattern table for big hits at the time of high probability. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the variation pattern table for big hits at the time of low probability. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the fluctuation pattern table for a high probability deviation. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the fluctuation pattern table for out of time at the low probability. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a big hit game process executed by a CPU 70a of the main control board 70. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a big hit game end process executed by a CPU 70a of the main control board 70. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a firing monitoring process executed by a CPU 70a of the main control board 70. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an effect control process executed by a CPU 90a of a sub control board 90. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a start winning effect process executed by a CPU 90a of a sub control board 90. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the symbol fluctuation effect process performed by CPU90a of the sub-control board 90. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a big hit game effect process executed by a CPU 90a of a sub control board 90. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the first half part of the firing mode notification effect process performed by CPU90a of the sub-control board 90. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the latter half part of the discharge mode alerting | reporting effect process performed by CPU90a of the sub control board | substrate 90. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a right strike notification production | presentation screen. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the left-handed notification effect screen. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a position alerting | reporting effect screen. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol game process of a modification. It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of the big hit game end of a modification. It is a flowchart which shows the discharge mode alerting | reporting effect process of a modification.

  Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described using examples. In the following, an example in which the present invention is applied to a pachinko machine of a type (so-called seven machine type) in which a jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed in response to the end of the change display of the special symbol and the jackpot game is triggered by this will be described. To do. In the following description, a game ball entering (accepting) a variety of winning holes provided on the game board may be referred to as “winning” or “entering”. Of these, “winning” means that a game ball enters the winning entrance, which is the premise for paying out the winning ball. In terms of indicating that a gaming ball enters (accepts) the winning entrance, Substantially synonymous with “sphere”.

  FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing the appearance of a pachinko machine 10 (game machine) according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the outline of the configuration of a game board 30 of the pachinko machine 10. 3 is a block diagram showing an outline of the configuration of the control circuit of the pachinko machine 10.

[Overall configuration of pachinko machine 10]
As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko machine 10 of the embodiment has a game board 30 (see FIG. 2) in which the board surface is arranged so as to be visible through a glass plate 12 (transparent plate) fitted in the front frame 11, An upper tray 14 and a lower tray 16 that store game balls, and a launching handle 18 for launching the game balls stored in the upper tray 14 to the game board 30 are provided.

  The front frame 11 is fitted into the main body frame 21 and can be rotated with respect to the main body frame 21 with the left side as a rotation axis. The main body frame 21 is fitted into the outer frame 22 so that it can be rotated with respect to the outer frame 22 with the left side as a rotation axis. The front frame 11 and the main body frame 21 are configured as a substantially rectangular plastic frame. The outer frame 22 is configured as a substantially rectangular wooden frame, and is fixed to the island frame of the island facility of the pachinko hall.

  Speakers 28a and 28b are provided on the upper left and upper right of the front frame 11 for making various sound effects and notifying the player of the game state as the game progresses. The part is provided with a locking device 29 for locking the front frame 11 to the main body frame 21. In addition, a prepaid card type ball lending device (CR unit) (not shown) is provided on the left side of the front frame 11.

  The upper tray 14 is inserted into the CR unit on the upper surface portion thereof, and a ball lending button 24a for instructing lending of game balls within the range of the value balance (valuable balance) of the card inserted into the CR unit. A return button 24b for instructing the return of the card is provided.

  The launch handle 18 is provided at the lower right portion of the front frame 11, and includes a touch sensor 18a (see FIG. 3) that detects that the player is touching the handle and a launch stop that temporarily stops launch of the game ball. A switch 18b (see FIG. 3) is provided. A launching device (not shown) for launching game balls stored in the upper tray 14 one by one is connected to the rotation shaft of the launching handle 18, and the launching device is provided when the launching handle 18 is rotated. The firing motor 19 (see FIG. 3) rotates, and accordingly, a game ball is launched with a striking force having a strength corresponding to the operation amount of the firing handle 18.

[Composition of game board 30]
As shown in FIG. 2, the game board 30 has a game area 31 surrounded by an outer rail 31a and an inner rail 31b. This game board 30 is arranged at the left part of the game area 31 and has a normal symbol operation gate 32 having a gate switch 32a (see FIG. 3) for detecting the passage of a game ball, and a pattern arranged at the lower right part of the game area 31. Display device 40, effect display device 34 disposed in the center of game area 31, center accessory 50 disposed so as to surround the outer frame of effect display device 34, and disposed below center accessory 50 The first start port 36 having a first start port switch 36a (see FIG. 3) for detecting the winning of the game ball and the second formed integrally with the left portion of the center accessory 50 for detecting the winning of the game ball. A second start port 38 having a start port switch 38a (see FIG. 3), an openable / closable tulip-type ordinary electric accessory 39 attached to the second start port 38, and a lower right portion of the game area 31. Grand prize that can be opened and closed 44, a total of four general winning ports 45 having a general winning port switch 45a (see FIG. 3) arranged at the lower left and right of the game area 31 for detecting the winning of a game ball, and games that have not entered any of the winning ports And an outlet 46 for collecting the sphere. In addition, the game board 30 is provided with a windmill 48 below the normal symbol operating gate 32, and a number of nails (not shown) for guiding and playing game balls around the above-described winning holes. Is provided.

  The ordinary electric accessory 39 includes a wing piece portion 39a provided at the second starting port 38, and an ordinary electric accessory solenoid 39b (see FIG. 3) that operates the wing piece portion 39a. FIG. 4 shows how the ordinary electric accessory 39 operates. As shown in the drawing, the ordinary electric accessory 39 is in a normal state in which the possibility of winning a game ball to the second starting port 38 is relatively low when the wing piece 39a is upright (see FIG. 4A). ), When the wing piece 39a is open to the left side, the game ball is open to the second start port 38 in a higher open state than the normal state (see FIG. 4B). In this embodiment, in a normal state in which the wing piece 39a is upright, it is configured such that it is impossible to enter a game ball into the second start port 38.

  The special winning opening 44 is normally in a closed state that does not accept a game ball, and in a big hit game (special game), the special winning opening solenoid 44a (see FIG. 3) is in an open state in which it is easy to accept the game ball. It is driven as follows. A large winning opening switch 44b (see FIG. 3) for detecting the winning of a game ball and counting the number of winning is attached to the large winning opening 44. In the present embodiment, as a process for the big hit game, one round is a time until a predetermined time (for example, 25 seconds) elapses before the big winning opening switch 44b counts 10 winning game balls or counts 10 game balls. The winning opening 44 is opened, and the opening operation of the large winning opening 44 is repeated until the prescribed round. In addition, between each round, the special winning opening 44 is closed for a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds).

  As illustrated in the configuration diagram of FIG. 5, the symbol display device 40 includes a normal symbol display device 41 capable of displaying and changing a normal symbol, and a special symbol display device capable of displaying and changing a special symbol. 42. The normal symbol display device 41 includes a left normal symbol display unit 41a and a right normal symbol display unit 41b configured using light emitting diodes (LEDs). In FIG. 6, an example of the display mode of the normal symbol display device 41 is shown. As shown in FIG. 6, the normal symbol display device 41 includes a display mode in which both the left normal symbol display unit 41a and the right normal symbol display unit 41b are turned off (see the first row from the top in FIG. 6), and the left normal symbol display unit 41b. A display mode in which the display unit 41a is turned on and the right normal symbol display unit 41b is turned off (see the second row from the top in FIG. 6), and a display mode in which the left normal symbol display unit 41a is turned off and the right normal symbol display unit 41b is turned on. (Refer to the third row from the top in FIG. 6) and four display modes in which the left normal symbol display portion 41a and the right normal symbol display portion 41b are both lit (see the fourth row from the top in FIG. 6). There is. When the normal symbol display device 41 detects that the game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gate 32, the normal symbol display device 41 performs variable display by sequentially switching the four display modes. The display is stopped in one of the display modes. At this time, when the display mode stopped and displayed is a specific display mode (for example, the display mode shown in the fourth row from the top in FIG. 6), the ordinary electric accessory 39 is held for a certain time (for example, 0. 0). For 5 seconds). When the game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gate 32 during the normal symbol fluctuation display, the normal symbol fluctuation display is held up to four times, and when the current fluctuation display ends, it is held. The variable display is digested sequentially.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the special symbol display device 42 includes a first special symbol display unit 42 a and a second special symbol display unit 42 b configured using a seven-segment display. A plurality of display modes (up to 128) are expressed by combinations with light extinction. When the winning of either the first start port 36 or the second start port 38 is detected, the special symbol display device 42 performs variable display by sequentially switching the display state, and when the execution time of the variable display has elapsed. The display is stopped in any one of the display modes that can be expressed. At this time, when the stop-displayed display mode is a specific display mode, the big winning opening 44 is opened for a predetermined time (for example, 25 seconds) as a big hit. In the embodiment, the first special symbol display unit 42a is a display unit for a first start port winning prize that is variably displayed when a game ball is won at the first start port 36, and the second special symbol display unit 42b is a second start port. A display portion for winning the second start opening that is displayed in a variable manner when the game ball is won at 38. Hereinafter, in particular, the special symbol displayed on the first special symbol display unit 42a for winning the first start opening is also referred to as a first special symbol, and is displayed on the second special symbol display unit 42b for winning the second starting port. The special symbol is also called a second special symbol. In FIG. 7, an example of the display mode of the special symbol display device 42 at the time of big hit is shown. As shown in the figure, the first normal big hit is the display mode in which the upper right, lower right, and lower left vertical bar segments in the first special symbol display unit 42a are turned on, and the middle horizontal bar segment in the second special symbol display unit 42b. There is a display mode in which the vertical bar segments on the upper right and lower left are turned on (see the first row from the top in FIG. 7). Further, the first probability variation big hit is a display mode in which the upper horizontal bar segment and the lower right and lower left vertical bar segments in the first special symbol display part 42a are lit, and the upper horizontal line in the second special symbol display part 42b. There is a display mode in which the bar segment and the upper left and lower left vertical bar segments are lit (see the second row from the top in FIG. 7). The second probability big hit is a display mode in which the upper horizontal bar segment and the lower right vertical bar segment in the first special symbol display unit 42a are lit, and the upper and lower horizontal bar segments in the second special symbol display unit 42b. There is a display mode in which the lower left vertical bar segment is lit (see the third row from the top in FIG. 7). In addition, the display mode at the time of big hit is not limited to the above mode, and may be displayed in any manner, and the type of display mode at each big hit is not limited to one type, and a plurality of types are prepared. Also good. When the game ball wins either the first starting port 36 or the second starting port 38 during the special symbol variation display, the variation display of the special symbol is suspended for up to four times for each starting port, When the current fluctuation display is finished, the pending fluctuation display is sequentially digested. As will be described later, the number of holdings of the variable display of the first special symbol is displayed by the first holding symbol 35a, and the number of holdings of the variable display of the second special symbol is displayed by the second holding symbol 35b.

  Here, in the first normal jackpot, a jackpot game in which the opening operation of the big winning opening 44 is repeated over a predetermined number of rounds (for example, 15 rounds) is performed, and a predetermined number of times (for example, after the jackpot game ends) , 100 times) until the special symbol variation display is performed, the variation time of the special symbol and the normal symbol is shortened, and when the normal symbol is stopped and displayed, the opening time of the ordinary electric accessory 39 is extended. It is a big hit mode that becomes a state (so-called short-time state). In addition, after the big hit game related to the first normal big hit, the low probability state (also referred to as a low probability mode) where the probability of the big hit determination result is a big hit is low. As in the first normal jackpot, the first winning jackpot game is a jackpot game in which the opening operation of the jackpot 44 is repeated for a predetermined number of rounds (for example, 15 rounds), and after the jackpot game ends. This is a big hit mode in which a probability change state (also referred to as a high probability mode) in which the probability of the big hit determination is higher than that in the low probability mode becomes a time-short state until the big hit is drawn. In addition, in the second probability variation jackpot, a jackpot game in which the opening of the big winning opening 44 is repeated over a smaller number of rounds (for example, two rounds) than the first normal jackpot is performed, and after the jackpot game is over This is a big hit mode in which a probabilistic state and a short time state are obtained until the next big hit is drawn. In this embodiment, at the start of the big hit game, a round display unit 43 for displaying a symbol indicating the maximum number of rounds of the big hit game is provided in a part of the symbol display device 40 (see FIG. 5). The round display unit 43 is configured by using a 7-segment display, similarly to the first special symbol display unit 42a and the second special symbol display unit 42b. The display mode of the round display unit 43 includes a display mode in which the upper and middle horizontal bar segments and the upper left and lower left vertical bar segments are lit (in the form of the letter “F”), and the upper display in the round display unit 43. , Middle and lower horizontal bar segments and upper right and lower left vertical bar segments are lit (lighted in the form of “2” in arithmetic numbers). The former display mode is “first normal jackpot” ”And“ first probability variation jackpot ”as a trigger, and the latter display mode corresponds to a jackpot game round number display as a trigger of“ second probability variation jackpot ”.

  The effect display device 34 is configured as a display device such as a liquid crystal display, and various effect displays such as a change display of effect symbols, a reach effect, and a notice effect are performed on the display screen. As shown in the screen configuration illustrated in FIG. 8, the effect display device 34 of the present embodiment has three effect symbols (pseudo special symbols) that are arranged side by side and are composed of characters and numbers. ) 34L, 34M, 34R and a background symbol (not shown). The effect display device 34 variably displays the three effect symbols 34L, 34M, and 34R when the game ball wins the first start port 36 and when the game ball wins the second start port 38. In FIG. 9, an example of the change display and stop display of the effect symbol of the effect display device 34 is shown. The production symbols 34L, 34M, and 34R are variably displayed so as to scroll at a high speed from the top to the bottom when the variation display is started, and when the execution time of the variation display elapses, The effect symbols 34R and the middle effect symbol 34M are stopped and displayed in this order. At this time, when the left effect symbol 34L and the right effect symbol 34R do not match, it becomes a simple disengagement without reach (see FIG. 9A), and the left effect symbol 34L and the right effect symbol 34R are separated. Reach when they match. When the middle production symbol 34M stops with a predetermined reach production and the middle production symbol 34M and the left and right production symbols 34L and 34R do not match, it is determined that the reach is lost (FIG. 9B). )), A big hit is obtained when the middle production symbol 34M and the right and left production symbols 34L and 34R coincide (see FIG. 9C). The result of success / failure of the effect symbol displayed on the effect display device 34 is basically the result of the success / failure of the special symbol (first special symbol, second special symbol) displayed by the special symbol display device 42 described above. Matches.

  In the present embodiment, the effect display device 34 also displays the first reserved symbol 35a and the second reserved symbol 35b in the display screen. The first reserved symbol 35a is displayed one by one in order from the left whenever a game ball is won at the first starting opening 36 during the variation display of the first special symbol, and the variation display of the first special symbol is started. Are erased in the reverse order of the starting prize. The second reserved symbols 35b are also displayed one by one in order from the left whenever a game ball is won at the second start opening 38 during the second special symbol variation display, and the second special symbol variation display is started. Are erased in the reverse order of the starting prize.

  In the pachinko machine 10 of the embodiment thus configured, the first start port 36 is disposed below the center accessory 50, and the player can play the game ball in the game area 31 during a normal game that is not a big hit game. By rotating the firing handle 18 so as to flow down to the left (so-called left-handed), the game ball can be won at the first start port 36. The second starting port 38 is formed in the left part of the center accessory 50, and when the time is short, the player can make a left-handed game ball in the second starting port 38. it can. The big prize opening 44 is arranged in the lower right part of the game area 31. When the big hit game is started, the player performs a so-called right-handed shot by rotating the launch handle 18 to the right to the maximum and firing the game ball. The game ball can flow down to the right side of the game area 31 and can be awarded to the big prize opening 44.

[Configuration of control circuit]
Next, the configuration of the control circuit of the pachinko machine 10 of the embodiment will be described with reference mainly to FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the control circuit of the pachinko machine 10 includes a main control board 70 that controls the basic progress of the game, a payout control board 80 that controls the payout of prize balls and ball rentals, The control board includes a sub-control board 90 that controls the overall control of various effects performed along with the progress, and a control board such as a launch control board 100 that controls the game ball. These control boards include a CPU that executes various logical operations and calculation operations, a ROM that stores various programs and data executed by the CPU, a RAM that temporarily stores data when the programs are executed, peripheral devices, Peripheral device interface (PIO) for exchanging data between them, an oscillator that outputs a clock for the CPU to perform operations, a watchdog timer for monitoring CPU runaway, and a CTC (counter that periodically generates interrupt signals) Various peripheral LSIs such as a timer circuit are connected to each other by a bus. In FIG. 3, only the CPU 70 a, ROM 70 b, and RAM 70 c of the main control board 70 among the various devices mounted on each control board are shown, and the other parts are not shown. Here, FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an outline of the configuration of the sub-control board 90 forming a part of the control circuit.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the main control board 70 receives signals from the first start port switch 36a and wins from the second start port switch 38a as signals necessary for controlling the basic progress of the game. A signal is directly input and a passing signal from the gate switch 32a, a winning signal from the big winning opening switch 44b and the general winning opening switch 45a, and the like are input through the relay terminal plate 72. From the main control board 70, a control signal to the symbol display board 40 a that controls display of the symbol display device 40, a drive signal to the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 39 b, a drive signal to the big prize opening solenoid 44 a, etc. are relay terminal boards 72 is output. The main control board 70 communicates with the payout control board 80, the sub control board 90, and the launch control board 100 (communication via the payout control board 80), and various command signals (commands, drive signals, etc.) and data. We are exchanging.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the payout control board 80 directly receives a detection signal from a frame opening switch 81 for detecting the opening of the front frame 11 as a signal necessary for performing control related to payout of award balls and ball rentals. The operation signals from the ball lending button 24a and the return button 24b are input via the ball lending display board 82 and the relay terminal board 83, and are received from the pre-payout switch 84 and the post-payout switch 85 for detecting the payout of the prize ball. A detection signal is input via the relay terminal board 87. From the payout control board 80, a drive signal to the payout motor 86 for paying out the prize balls is output via the relay terminal plate 87. The payout control board 80 communicates with the main control board 70 and the launch control board 100, and exchanges various command signals and data.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the sub-control board 90 includes a CPU 90a, a ROM 90b, a RAM 90c, etc., and receives various command signals from the main control board 70 and produces a game according to the commands. The sub control board 90 drives an effect display control board 91 that controls the effect display device 34, an amplifier board 92 that drives the various speakers 28a and 28b, various LED lamps 93a, and operates a movable decorative member. A decoration drive board 93 for driving the decoration motor 93b, an effect button board 94 for inputting an operation signal from the effect button 26, and the like are connected.

  The firing control board 100 detects a detection signal from the touch sensor 18a, an operation signal from the firing stop switch 18b, a detection signal from the lower tray full switch 102 that detects that the game ball is full in the lower tray 16 and the like. And a pulse signal for driving is output to the firing motor 19. The launch control board 100 drives the launch motor 19 to launch a game ball when the launch handle 18 is rotated, the touch sensor 18a is on, the launch stop switch 18b is off, and the lower tray full switch 102 is off. When either the touch sensor 18a is turned off, the firing stop switch 18b is turned on, or the lower tray full tank switch 102 is turned on, the driving of the firing motor 19 is stopped and the launch of the game ball is stopped. Further, the launch control board 100 communicates with the main control board 70 via the payout control board 80, and data regarding the operation state of the launch handle 18 such as a detection signal from the touch sensor 18 a is sent via the payout control board 80. It is transmitted to the main control board 70.

[Main control processing]
Next, the operation of the pachinko machine 10 according to the embodiment thus configured will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of main control processing executed by the CPU 70a of the main control board 70. This process is executed when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned on. The main control process executes a power-on process necessary for power-on such as an initialization process (step S100), a game start process (step S110), a normal symbol game process (step S120), and a special symbol game process. (Step S130), a big hit game process (Step S140), and a firing monitoring process (Step S150) are repeatedly executed. In the present embodiment, the time required for the processes of steps S110 to S150 is about 4 msec, and therefore these processes are repeatedly executed at intervals of about 4 msec. The main control board 70 advances the entire game of the pachinko machine 10 by transmitting various commands to the control board in charge and executing the processes according to the commands in accordance with the execution of these processes.

[Game start processing]
In the game start process in step S110, the CPU 70a of the main control board 70 first starts various sensors (gate switch 32a, first start port switch 36a, second start port switch 38a, large winning port switch 44b, general winning port switch 45a. Etc.) and stored in a predetermined state storage area of the RAM 70c, or update various random number values (such as jackpot determination random numbers, jackpot symbol determination random numbers, reach random numbers, fluctuation pattern determination random numbers, etc. described later). To do. Subsequently, it is determined whether or not a game ball is detected by a switch related to winning a game ball (first start port switch 36a, second start port switch 38a, large winning port switch 44b, general winning port switch 45a, etc.). If it is determined, the number of prize balls to be paid out is calculated and saved as prize ball information in a predetermined prize ball information storage area of the RAM 70c. When the prize ball information is not 0, a prize ball number designation command ( The award ball information) is transmitted to the payout control board 80, and the game start process is terminated. When the payout control board 80 receives the award ball number designation command, the payout motor 86 is driven to pay out the game balls one by one, and the game balls paid out by the pre-payout switch 84 and the post-payout switch 85 are detected. Each time a prize ball payout process is performed to decrement the prize ball information (the number of unpaid game balls) by one value. This award ball payout process is repeatedly executed until the award ball information reaches a value of 0, but when a winning game ball is detected and a new award ball number designation command is received from the main control board 70, the award ball information is received. The process is repeated until the value becomes zero. When the game start process ends, the process returns to the main control process and proceeds to the normal symbol game process of the next step S120.

[Normal design game processing]
The normal symbol game process of step S120 is executed according to the flowchart shown in FIG. In the normal symbol game process, the CPU 70a of the main control board 70 first inputs a passage signal from the gate switch 32a and determines whether or not the game ball has passed through the normal symbol operation gate 32 (step S200). If it is determined that the game ball has passed through the normal symbol operation gate 32, it is determined whether or not the current number of reserved symbols of the normal symbol is less than the upper limit value (value 4 in this embodiment) (step S202). . When it is determined that the current number of holds is less than the upper limit value, the number of holds is incremented by 1 (step S204), and a random number for determination (a hit determination random number) is acquired to obtain a predetermined determination random number in the RAM 70c. Store in the storage area (step S206). If it is determined in step S200 that the game ball has not passed through the normal symbol operating gate 32, or if it is determined in step S202 that the number of normal symbols has reached the upper limit, the processing of steps S204 and S206 is skipped. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S208. Next, whether or not the second start port 38 (ordinary electric accessory 39) is in the opening operation (step S208), whether or not the normal symbol is in a variable display (step S210), and the normal symbol is stopped. It is determined whether or not it is in time (step S212) and whether or not the number of ordinary symbols held is 0 (step S214). When it is determined that the second start port 38 is not in the opening operation, the normal symbol is not being displayed in a variable manner, not in the stop display time, and the number of holdings is not 0, it is stored in the determination random number storage area. The oldest determination random number among the determination random numbers (win determination random number) is read (step S216), the normal symbol variation start process shown in FIG. 13 is executed (step S218), and the normal symbol game process is temporarily terminated. . Details of the normal symbol variation start process will be described below.

  In the normal symbol variation start process, first, the value of the variation shortening flag is checked (step S250). When the variation shortening flag is off, the hit determination is performed using the hit determination random number read in step S216 and the low probability hit determination table. (Step S252) When the fluctuation shortening flag is ON, the hit determination is performed using the read hit determination random number and the high probability hit determination table (Step S254). An example of the hit determination table is shown in FIG. FIG. 14A shows a low probability hit determination table, and FIG. 14B shows a high probability hit determination table. As shown in the figure, in this embodiment, in the low probability hit determination table, the hit determination random number is a value 100 or 101 out of values 0 to 255 (a hit probability of about 0.08%), and a high probability. In the usage determination table, the winning determination random number is 0 to 99 and 102 to 255 among the values 0 to 255 (the contact probability of about 99.2%). Subsequently, when the result of the hit determination is a win (step S256), a win symbol (in this embodiment, the fourth symbol from the top in FIG. 6) is set (step S258), and when the hit is not a hit (step S256) The off symbol (in this embodiment, one of the first to third symbols from the top in FIG. 6) is set (step S260). Then, the value of the fluctuation shortening flag is checked (step S262). When the fluctuation shortening flag is off, the normal display time (60 seconds in this embodiment) is set as the fluctuation display time (step S264). When is off, the time for reducing the change (1 second in this embodiment) is set as the change display time (step S266). When the fluctuation display time is set, the normal symbol fluctuation display is started (step S268), the number of normal symbols held is decremented by 1 (step S270), and the normal symbol fluctuation start processing is terminated.

  Returning to the normal symbol game process of FIG. 12, if it is determined in step S210 that the normal symbol is being displayed in a variable manner, it is determined whether or not the variable display time has elapsed (step S220). This determination is performed by determining whether or not the time for fluctuation reduction has elapsed when the fluctuation reduction flag is on (time reduction state), and for normal fluctuation when the fluctuation reduction flag is off (non-time reduction state). This is done by determining whether or not the time has elapsed. If it is determined that the variable display time has not elapsed, the normal symbol game process is temporarily terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the variable display time has elapsed, the normal symbol variable display is stopped (step S222), the stop display time is set (step S224), and whether or not the stop display time has elapsed. Is determined (step S226). The stop display time is an interval from the stop of the normal symbol variation display to the start of the next variation display, and is set to 0.6 seconds, for example. If it is determined that the stop display time has not elapsed, the normal symbol game process is temporarily terminated. If the stop display of the normal symbol is made, it is determined in step S212 that the stop display time is in progress. Therefore, in step S226, it is determined again whether or not the stop display time has passed, and the stop display time has passed. If it is determined, it is determined whether or not the normal symbol that is stopped and displayed is a winning symbol (step S228). If it is determined that the symbol is not a winning symbol, that is, it is determined that the symbol is a missed symbol, the normal symbol game process is temporarily terminated.

  On the other hand, when the winning symbol is determined, it is determined whether or not the opening extension flag is on (step S230). When the opening extension flag is off, the opening pattern of the second starting port 38 (ordinary electric accessory 39) is short. A time release pattern is set (step S232), and when the release extension flag is off, a long-time release pattern is set as the release pattern (step S234). Here, in this embodiment, the short-time release pattern is set to 0.5 seconds, and the long-time release pattern is extended to 6 seconds. When the opening pattern is set, the opening operation of the second start port 38 (ordinary electric accessory 39) is started (step S236), and the normal symbol game process is once ended. As described above, the opening operation of the second start port 38 is performed by opening and closing the wing piece portion 39a to the left side by drivingly controlling the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 39b. When the opening operation of the second start port 38 is started, since it is determined that the opening operation of the second start port 38 is being performed in step S208 of the normal symbol game process after the next lap, it is determined whether or not the opening end condition is satisfied. Determination is made (step S238). In the present embodiment, the release end condition is established that either the release time set in steps S232 and S234 has elapsed, or that a specified number (for example, 8) of game balls has won the second start opening 38. It was established when When the opening end condition is not satisfied, the normal symbol game process is temporarily ended while maintaining the opening operation, and when the opening end condition is satisfied, the opening operation of the second start port 38 is ended (step S240). The normal symbol game process is terminated. When the normal symbol game process ends, the process returns to the main control process and proceeds to the special symbol game process of the next step S130.

[Special design game processing]
The special symbol game process of step S130 is executed according to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. When the special symbol game process is executed, the CPU 70a of the main control board 70 first inputs a detection signal from the first start port switch 36a to the first start port 36 for variably displaying the first special symbol. It is determined whether or not the game ball has won (step S300). When it is determined that a game ball has won the first start opening 36, it is determined whether or not the current number of reserved first special symbols is less than the upper limit (value 4 in this embodiment) (step). S302). When it is determined that the number of reserved special symbols is less than the upper limit value, the number of reserved special symbols is incremented by 1 (step S304), and a random number for determination is acquired to perform a predetermined determination in the RAM 70c. The first special symbol hold occurrence command is transmitted to the sub-control board 90 (step S308). Here, as the determination random number acquired in step S306, when the big hit determination random number used in the big hit determination performed by winning the game ball to the first start port 36 or the result of the big hit determination is a big hit The special display random number for determining the jackpot symbol to be stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display unit 42a, and the reach display when the effect symbol is variably displayed on the display screen of the effect display device 34 because the result of the jackpot determination is out of place. For example, reach random numbers for determining whether or not to perform. In addition, the first special symbol hold-time occurrence command transmitted in step S308 includes a hold number designation command for displaying the hold number on the first hold symbol 35a in the display screen of the effect display device 34. If it is determined in step S300 that no game ball has been won in the first start port 36, or if it is determined in step S302 that the number of reserved first special symbols has reached the upper limit, steps S304 to S308 are performed. Skip this process and proceed to the next process.

  Subsequently, a detection signal from the second start port switch 38a is input to determine whether or not a game ball has won a prize at the second start port 38 for variably displaying the second special symbol (step S310). If it is determined that the game ball has won the second start port 38, it is determined whether or not the current number of reserved special symbols is smaller than the upper limit value (value 4 in the present embodiment) (step). S312). When it is determined that the number of reserved special symbols is less than the upper limit value, the number of reserved special symbols is incremented by 1 (step S314), and a random number for determination is acquired to make a predetermined determination in the RAM 70c. The random number is stored in the random number storage area (step S316), and the second special symbol hold occurrence command is transmitted to the sub-control board 90 (step S318). Here, as the determination random number acquired in step S316, the big hit determination random number or the big special symbol to be stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display unit 42b is the same as when the game ball is won in the first starting port 36. Examples include random numbers for determining jackpot symbols and reach random numbers for determination. Further, the second special symbol hold occurrence command transmitted in step S318 includes a hold number designation command for displaying the hold number on the second hold symbol 35b. If it is determined in step S310 that a game ball has not won the second starting port 38, or if it is determined in step S312 that the number of second special symbols has reached the upper limit, steps S314 to S318 are performed. Skip this process and proceed to the next process.

  Next, it is determined whether or not a big hit game is being played (step S320), whether any of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is being displayed in a variable manner (step S322), the first special symbol and the second special symbol. It is determined whether or not any of the symbols is during the stop display time (step S324). If it is determined that the big hit game is being played, the special symbol game process is terminated, and the process returns to the main control process to proceed to the next big hit game process in step S140. On the other hand, when it is determined that the game is not a big hit game, neither the first special symbol nor the second special symbol is variably displayed, and neither the first special symbol nor the second special symbol is in the stop display time. Then, it is determined whether or not the number of reserved special symbols is 0 (step S326). If it is determined that the second special symbol hold number is not 0, the oldest determination random number among the second special symbol random numbers (big hit determination random numbers) stored in the random number storage area (RAM 70c) is used. Reading (step S328), the variable display related process shown in FIG. 18 is executed (step S330), and the special game process is temporarily terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the number of reserved special symbols is 0, it is determined whether the number of reserved special symbols is 0 (step S332). If it is determined that the first special symbol hold number is not 0, the oldest determination random number among the random numbers for determination of the first special symbol (big hit determination random number) stored in the random number storage area (RAM 70c) is used. Reading (step S334), the variable display related process is executed (step S336), and the special symbol game process is temporarily terminated. When the number of holds for the first special symbol is also 0, the special symbol game process is terminated. In steps S326 to S336, when both the number of reserved first symbol symbols and the number of reserved second symbol symbols are not 0, the second special symbol variable display (holding digestion) is preferentially executed. Details of the variable display related process will be described below. Since both the first special symbol variation display related process and the second special symbol variation display related process are executed in common, they will be described with reference to a common flowchart (the flowchart of FIG. 18).

  In the variation display related process, first, it is determined whether or not the probability variation flag is on, that is, whether the current gaming state is the high probability mode or the low probability mode (step S400). When the probability change flag is off, that is, when the current gaming state is in the low probability mode, the jackpot determination is performed using the jackpot determination random number read in step S328 and the low probability jackpot determination table (step S402). When it is on, that is, when the current gaming state is the high probability mode, the big hit determination random number and the high probability big hit determination table that have been read out are used (step S404), and whether or not the determination result is a big hit Is determined (step S406). An example of the big hit determination table is shown in FIG. FIG. 19A shows a low probability jackpot determination table, and FIG. 19B shows a high probability jackpot determination table. As shown in the figure, in this embodiment, the same jackpot determination table is used for the first special symbol and the second special symbol, and in the low probability jackpot determination table, the jackpot determination random number is a value from 0 to 796. The jackpot is set to 60 or 61 (a jackpot probability of 1 / 398.5), and the jackpot determination table for high probability is set to the jackpot when the hit determination random number is a value 60 to 79 out of the values 0 to 796. (Large probability of 1 / 39.85).

  When the result of the big hit determination is determined to be a big win in step S406, the big hit symbol determination random number is read from the determination random number storage area (RAM 70c) (step S408), and the big hit is stopped and displayed based on the read big hit symbol determination random number. A symbol is selected and set (step S410). Here, the determination of the jackpot symbol for the first special symbol illustrated in FIG. 20 is used for determining the jackpot symbol of the first special symbol, and the determination of the jackpot symbol for the second special symbol is illustrated in FIG. A jackpot symbol determination table for the second special symbol is used. In the jackpot symbol determination table for the first special symbol, as shown in FIG. 20, when the jackpot symbol determination random number is a value 0 to 101 among the values 0 to 255, the symbol at the upper left of FIG. “First normal big hit” (approximately 40% big hit distribution probability), when the big hit symbol determination random number is between 102 and 203, the symbol in the middle left of FIG. 7 is selected and becomes “first probable big hit” (About 40% big hit distribution probability) When the big hit symbol determination random number is a value of 204 to 255, the lower left symbol of FIG. 7 is selected and becomes the “second probability variation big hit” (about 20% big hit distribution) probability). Also, in the big special symbol determination table for the second special symbol, as shown in FIG. 21, when the random symbol for big hit symbol determination is a value 0 to 101 among the values 0 to 255, the symbol in the upper right part of FIG. 7 is selected. 7 becomes the “first normal big hit” (about 40% big hit distribution probability), and when the big hit symbol determination random number is between 102 and 229, the right middle symbol of FIG. When the random number for determining the big hit symbol is 230 to 255, the lower right symbol in FIG. 7 is selected and becomes the “second probability variation big hit” (about 10% Jackpot distribution probability). Thus, in the present embodiment, the probability of occurrence of the “first probability variation big hit” at the time of winning the second start port 38 is higher than the probability of occurrence of “first probability variation big hit” at the time of winning the first start port 36. The probability of occurrence of the “second probability variation big hit” at the time of winning the second starting port 38 is lower than the probability of occurrence of the “second probability variation big hit” at the time of winning the first starting port 36. When the big hit symbol is determined, the big hit variation pattern table distribution process shown in FIG. 22 is executed to allocate the big hit variation pattern table for determining the variation pattern of the special symbol at the time of the big hit (step S412).

  In the big hit variation pattern table distribution process, whether or not the probability variation flag is on, that is, whether or not the current gaming state is in the high probability mode (step S430), whether or not the variation shortening flag is on, that is, whether the current gaming state is It is determined whether or not the time is short (step S432). When the probability variation flag is on, the high probability big hit variation pattern table is set (step S432), and when the probability variation flag is off and the variation shortening flag is on, the probability is low. This is done by setting the variable pattern table for time-hit big hit (step S434), and setting the low-probability non-time-hit big hit fluctuation pattern table when the probability variation flag is off and the fluctuation shortening flag is off (step S438). FIG. 24 shows an example of the jackpot variation pattern table in the high probability mode, and FIG. 25 shows an example of the jackpot variation pattern table in the low probability mode. FIG. 25A shows a low probability short-time big hit variation pattern table, and FIG. 25B shows a low probability non-short time big hit variation pattern table. 24 and 25 show a table storing a small number of patterns for the sake of convenience, but actually, a table storing a larger number of patterns (for example, 20 or more patterns) is used.

  When the big hit variation pattern table is set, the variation pattern determining random number is read (step S414), and the variation pattern is selected and set using the read variation pattern determining random number and the set big hit variation pattern table (step S414). S416).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S406 that the result of the big hit determination is not big hit, a missing symbol is set (step S418), and a variation pattern table for losing for determining the variation pattern of the special symbol at the time of losing is assigned. The deviation variation pattern table allocation process is executed (step S416). Although the detailed explanation is omitted, for example, the winning symbol can be set using a jackpot symbol determining random number and a not-showing symbol determining table. Of course, if a losing symbol determining random number is acquired separately from the jackpot symbol determining random number, it can be set using the losing symbol determining random number and the losing symbol determining table.

  The variation pattern table allocation process for detachment determines whether or not the probability variation flag is on (step S440) and whether or not the variation shortening flag is on (step S442). The variation pattern table is set (step S442), and when the probability variation flag is off and the variation shortening flag is on, the variation pattern table for low probability short-time deviation is set (step S444), the probability variation flag is off and the variation shortening flag is off. Is performed by setting a variation pattern table for low probability non-short-time deviation variation pattern (step S448). FIG. 26 shows an example of the deviation variation pattern table for the high probability mode, and FIG. 27 shows an example of the deviation variation pattern table for the low probability mode. FIG. 27A shows a variation pattern table for low probability and short-time deviation, and FIG. 27B shows a variation pattern table for low probability non-short-time deviation. 26 and 27 show a table storing a small number of patterns for the sake of convenience, but in reality, a table storing a larger number of patterns (for example, 20 or more patterns) is used. Further, as shown in the figure, in the variation pattern table for detachment, a variation pattern table for reach when there is a reach display and a variation pattern table for non-reach when there is no reach display are prepared.

  When the deviation variation pattern table is set, the variation pattern determination random number and the reach random number are read out (step S422), and the variation pattern determination random number and the reach random number are set and the variation variation table is set. A pattern is selected and set (step S424).

  When the big hit symbol and its variation pattern or the off symbol and its variation pattern are set, the variation display of the special symbol is started (step S426), and the symbol variation start command is transmitted to the sub-control board 90 (step S428). Then, the variable display related process is terminated. Here, the symbol variation start command includes a big hit variation pattern, a variation time in the pattern (variation pattern designation command), and a big hit stop symbol (special symbol stop information designation command) when the big hit determination result is a big hit. When the result of the big hit determination is out, a deviation variation pattern, a variation time in the pattern (variation pattern designation command) and a loss stop symbol (special symbol stop information designation command) are included. Receiving the symbol variation start command, the sub-control board 90 analyzes the command, determines the effect content to be performed on the screen of the effect display device 34, and controls the effect display device 34.

  Returning to the special symbol game process of FIGS. 15 to 17, after the special symbol variation display is started, when the special symbol game process is executed in the next lap, in step S322, the first special symbol or the second special symbol is processed. Since any of the symbols is determined to be in the variable display, the CPU 70a of the main control board 70 determines whether or not the variable display time has elapsed (step S338). Since the variation display time is determined according to the variation pattern when determining the variation pattern of the special symbol, whether or not the variation display time has passed is determined by the special symbol (the first special symbol or the second special symbol). This can be done by comparing the elapsed time from the start of the variable display with the determined variable display time. If it is determined that the variable display time has not elapsed, the special symbol game process is temporarily terminated. If it is determined that the variation display time has elapsed, the variation display of the special symbol (first special symbol or second special symbol) is stopped (step S340), and a symbol stop command is transmitted to the sub-control board 90 ( Step S342). The sub control board 90 that has received the symbol stop command transfers the symbol stop command to the effect display control board 91. Then, a stop display time is set (step S344), and it is determined whether or not the stop display time has passed (step S346). Here, the stop display time is an interval from when the special symbol variation display is stopped until the next variation display is started, and is set to 0.6 seconds, for example. If it is determined that the stop display time has not elapsed, the special symbol game process is temporarily terminated. When the special symbol stop display is made, it is determined in step S324 that the stop display time is in progress. Therefore, it is determined again in step S346 whether or not the stop display time has elapsed, and it is determined that the stop display time has elapsed. Then, it is determined whether or not the special symbol that is stopped and displayed is a jackpot symbol (step S348).

  If it is determined in step S348 that the game is a big hit symbol, the current gaming state, specifically, the value of the fluctuation shortening flag and the release extension flag when the big hit occurs is stored (step S350), and the big hit gaming flag is turned on. (Step S352), a big hit game start designation command is transmitted to the sub-control board 90 (Step S354). Thereby, the big hit game is started by the big hit game processing described later. In addition, during the big hit game, in order to stop the probability variation function, the time shortening function, and the release extension function, the probability variation flag is turned off when the probability variation flag is on (steps S356 and S358), and the variation shortening flag when the variation shortening flag is on. Is turned off and the release extension flag is turned off (steps S360 to S364), the special symbol game process is terminated, and the process returns to the main control process to proceed to the next big hit game process of step S140.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S348 that the symbol is not a big hit symbol, it is determined whether or not the variation shortening flag is on (step S366). If the variation shortening flag is not on, the special symbol game processing is temporarily terminated. When the fluctuation shortening flag is on, the fluctuation shortening counter is decremented by 1 (step S368), and it is determined whether or not the fluctuation shortening counter is 0 (step S370). Here, the fluctuation shortening counter indicates the upper limit value of the number of fluctuations of the special symbol that maintains the state of time reduction (special symbol and normal symbol fluctuation shortening), and the value corresponding to the big hit mode is set at the end of the big hit game Is done. When the fluctuation shortening counter is not 0, the special symbol game process is temporarily terminated while maintaining the time shortening state. When the fluctuation shortening counter is 0, the variation shortening flag is turned off in order to terminate the time shortening state ( In step S372), the release extension flag is turned off (step S374), a game state designation command is transmitted to the sub-control board 90 (step S376), and the special symbol game process is temporarily terminated. Thereby, the gaming state of the pachinko machine 10 is changed from the short-time state to the non-short-time state. Note that the gaming state designation command includes a setting status of a variation shortening flag and an opening extension flag indicating the current gaming state of the pachinko machine 10. The sub control board 90 that has received the gaming state designation command outputs a control signal to the effect display control board 91 to change the background screen of the effect display device 34 from the background for the time reduction to the background for the non-time reduction, for example. Process. The determination in step S370 is executed regardless of the low probability mode or the high probability mode. However, in the first probability variation big hit and the second probability variation big hit, 10,000 times are set in the fluctuation shortening counter after the big hit ends. Therefore, in the case of these probable big hits, the fluctuation shortening counter cannot normally have a value of 0, and the time saving state does not end until the next big hit is drawn.

[Big hit game processing]
The jackpot game process of step S140 is executed according to the flowchart shown in FIG. When the jackpot game process of FIG. 28 is executed, the CPU 70a of the main control board 70 first determines whether or not the jackpot game flag is on, that is, whether or not the jackpot game is in progress (step 500). When it is determined that the big hit game flag is off, the big hit game processing is ended as it is. When the big hit game process ends, the process returns to the main control process and proceeds to the next step 150 for the launch monitoring process. On the other hand, if it is determined that the jackpot game flag is ON, it is determined whether or not it is time to start the jackpot game (step S502). The number of rounds is initialized to 0 and the number of remaining rounds is initialized to the number of rounds according to the type of jackpot (step S504). In the present embodiment, the number of rounds to be initialized is 15 rounds when the type of jackpot is the first normal jackpot or the second probability variation jackpot, and two rounds when the second probability variation jackpot. If it is not the start timing of the jackpot game, since the remaining number of rounds has been initialized, the process of step S504 is skipped and the process proceeds to the next step S506.

  Then, it is determined whether or not the special winning opening 44 is open (step S506). If it is determined that the special winning opening 44 is closed (not open), the timing for opening the special winning opening 44 is determined. It is determined whether or not (step S508). This determination is performed by determining whether or not a prescribed closing time (2 seconds in this embodiment) has elapsed. If it is determined that it is the opening timing of the big prize opening 44, the big prize opening solenoid 44a is driven and controlled so that the big prize opening 44 is opened (step S510), and the number N of times of opening is incremented by 1 and the remaining rounds. The number is decremented by 1 (step S512), an N-th release designation command is transmitted to the sub-control board 90 (step S514), and the big hit game process is temporarily terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is not the opening timing of the big winning opening 44, the big hit game processing is once ended.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S506 that the special winning opening 44 is open, it is determined whether or not it is the closing timing of the special winning opening 44 (step S516). This determination is made by determining whether the specified opening time has elapsed or the number of game balls won in the big winning opening 44 has reached a specified number (10 in this embodiment). . The opening time is determined according to the type of jackpot. In this embodiment, the opening time is set to 25 seconds in either case of the first normal jackpot or the first probability variation jackpot, In the case of the second probability variation big hit, it is set to 6 seconds. If it is determined that it is not the closing timing of the big prize opening 44, the big hit game process is temporarily ended while the big prize opening 44 is kept open. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is the closing timing of the big prize opening 44, the big prize opening solenoid 44a is driven and controlled so that the big prize opening 44 is closed (step S518), and the number of remaining rounds is greater than 0? It is determined whether or not (step S520). When the number of remaining rounds is greater than the value 0, a big winning opening closing designation command is transmitted to the sub-control board 90 (step S522), and the big hit game process is once ended. When the number of remaining rounds is 0, FIG. Is executed (step S524), and the jackpot game process is terminated.

  In the big hit game end process of FIG. 29, the CPU 70a of the main control board 70 first determines whether or not the release extension flag when the big hit occurs is off (step S550). This determination can be made by checking the value of the release extension flag because the value of the release extension flag when the big hit occurs is stored in step 350 of the special symbol game process of FIG. When the release extension flag at the time of a big hit is off, a normal notification big hit game end designation command is transmitted to the sub-control board 90 (step S552), and when the release extension flag at the time of a big hit is on, a simple notification big hit game end designation is made. The command is transmitted to the sub control board 90 (step S554). Details of the normal notification jackpot game end designation command and the simple notification jackpot game end designation command will be described later. Then, the jackpot game flag is turned off from on (step S556), and it is determined whether the jackpot symbol is a probability variation symbol, that is, whether the current jackpot is the “first probability variation bonus” or the “second probability variation bonus”. (Step S558). If it is determined that it is not a probability variation symbol, that is, the current big hit is the “first normal big hit”, the probability variation flag is kept off and the variation shortening counter is set to 100 times (step S560). Is determined (step S562), the fluctuation shortening counter is set to 10,000 times (step S564). As described above, when the fluctuation shortening counter is set 10,000 times, the time-saving state is substantially continued until the next big hit is drawn. When the fluctuation shortening counter is set in this way, the fluctuation shortening flag is turned on (step S566), the release extension flag is turned on (step S568), and a gaming state designation command is transmitted to the sub control board 90 (step S570). The process when the big hit game ends is completed. The sub control board 90 that has received the game state designation command performs processing such as outputting a control signal to the effect display control board 91 to set the background screen of the effect display device 34 as the background for the time reduction, for example.

[Launch monitoring process]
The launch monitoring process in step S150 is executed according to the flowchart illustrated in FIG. In the launch monitoring process of FIG. 30, the CPU 70a of the main control board 70 first determines whether or not a firing flag indicating that a game ball is being fired is on (or that a game ball has not been fired). Is determined (step S600). When the firing flag is on, it is determined whether the touch sensor 18a is on (step S602) and the firing stop switch 18b is on (step S604). When either the touch sensor 18a is off or the firing stop switch 18b is on, the firing flag is turned off (step S606), the firing stop flag is turned on (step S608), and a firing stop command is sent to the sub-control board. 90 (step S610), and the firing monitoring process is terminated. On the other hand, when the touch sensor 18a is on and the firing stop switch 18b is off, the state of the firing flag and the firing stop flag is maintained, and the firing monitoring process is terminated.

  If it is determined in step S600 that the firing flag is off, it is determined whether the touch sensor 18a is on (step S612) and whether the firing stop switch 18b is off (step S614). When the touch sensor 18a is on and the firing stop switch 18b is off, the firing flag is turned on (step S616), the firing stop flag is turned off (step S618), and a firing start command is transmitted to the sub-control board 90. (Step S620), and the firing monitoring process is terminated. On the other hand, when the touch sensor 18a is off or the firing stop switch 18b is on, the state of the firing flag and the firing stop flag is maintained, and the firing monitoring process is terminated. Note that the firing flag and the firing stop flag have a relationship that when one is on, the other is off, and when one is off, the other is on, and therefore only one of the flags may be used.

[Production control processing]
Next, operations performed by the sub control board 90 will be described. FIG. 31 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the effect control process executed by the CPU 90a of the sub control board 90. In the effect control process, a start winning effect process (step S700), a symbol variation effect process (step S710), a jackpot game effect process (step S720), and a firing mode notification effect process (step S730) are repeatedly executed. Is done.

[Start-up winning effect processing]
The start winning effect process is executed according to the flowchart illustrated in FIG. In the start winning effect process of FIG. 32, the CPU 90a of the sub-control board 90 first determines whether or not a hold occurrence command for the first special symbol has been received (step S800). When the on-hold command is received, it is determined whether or not the second notification effect execution flag indicating that the second launch mode notification effect is being executed (step S802), and the second notification effect execution flag is OFF. Sometimes one additional display of the first hold symbol 35a is displayed to update the hold display of the first special symbol (step S808), and when the second notification effect execution flag is on, the second launch mode notification effect is terminated and the second The notification effect execution flag is turned off (step S804), the second notification effect execution timer is cleared (step S806), and the hold display of the first special symbol is updated (step S808). Note that when the on-hold occurrence command for the first special symbol is not received, the processing of steps S802 to S808 is skipped and the processing proceeds to the next step S810. Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the second special symbol hold occurrence command has been received (step S810), and whether or not the first notification effect execution flag indicating that the first launch mode notification effect is being executed is ON. (Step S812), and when the first notification effect execution flag is off, one second hold symbol 35b is additionally displayed to update the hold display of the second special symbol (step S818), and the first notification effect is displayed. When the execution flag is on, the first firing mode notification effect is ended and the first notification effect execution flag is turned off (step S814), and the first notification effect execution timer is cleared (step S816), and then the second The special symbol hold display is updated (step S818), and the start winning effect process is terminated. If the second special symbol on-hold occurrence command has not been received, the processing of steps S812 to S818 is skipped, and the start winning effect process is terminated. Here, although the details will be described later, the first launch mode notification effect is an effect for notifying the launch mode (left-handed) suitable for the short-time game after the big hit game is finished, and the second launch mode The notification effect is an effect for notifying the launch mode (left-handed) suitable for the game (normal game) after the short time has ended. The first notification effect execution timer is a timer for defining the execution time of the first launch mode notification effect, and the second notification effect execution timer is for defining the execution time of the second launch mode notification effect. It is a timer.

[Design variation effect processing]
The symbol variation effect process is executed according to the flowchart illustrated in FIG. In the symbol variation effect process of FIG. 33, first, the CPU 90a of the sub-control board 90 has received the symbol variation start command transmitted by the main control board 70 in the process of step S428 of the variation display related process of FIG. Is determined (step S900). If it is determined that the symbol variation start command has been received, it is determined whether or not the result of the current big hit determination is a big hit based on the received command (step S902). While setting (step S904), the big hit symbol is set (step S906). As described above, the symbol variation start command at the time of jackpot includes the jackpot variation pattern, the variation time in the pattern (variation pattern designation command) and the jackpot stop symbol (special symbol stop information designation command). Therefore, the selection of the jackpot effect pattern and the jackpot symbol corresponds to the effect pattern corresponding to the received variation pattern designation command and the received special symbol stop information designation command among the jackpot effect pattern and jackpot symbol pre-stored in the ROM 90b. This can be done by reading out the stop symbol to be performed. Then, whether one of the first notification effect execution flag or the second notification effect execution flag is on, that is, whether the first launch mode notification effect or the second launch mode notification effect is being executed. Determination is made (step S908), and when any of the flags is on, the corresponding launch mode notification effect is terminated (step S910), and the symbol variation effect is started (step S912). When both flags are off, the process of step S910 is skipped and the symbol variation effect is started (step S912). Moreover, in the process of step S910, along with the end of the firing mode notification effect, the notification effect execution flag corresponding to the completed launch mode notification effect is turned off, and the notification effect execution timer corresponding to the completed launch mode notification effect is set. To clear. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S902 that the result of this big hit determination is not a big hit, the off effect pattern is selected and set (step S914), and the off symbol is set (step S916). Start (step S912). The command variation start command when the big hit determination result is not a big hit (when it is out of) includes the outbreak variation pattern, the variation time in that pattern (variation pattern designation command), and the outage stop symbol (special symbol stop information designation command). Therefore, the selection of the off effect pattern and the off symbol is selected from among the off effect patterns and off symbols pre-stored in the ROM 90b and the special pattern stop received from the effect pattern corresponding to the received variation pattern designation command. This can be done by reading out the stop symbol corresponding to the information specifying command.

  If it is determined in step S900 that the symbol variation start command has not been received, or if the symbol variation effect is started in step S912, the main control board 70 transmits in the process of step S342 of the special symbol game process of FIG. It is determined whether a symbol stop command to be received is received (step S918). When the symbol stop command is received, the symbol variation effect is terminated (step S920), and the symbol variation effect process is terminated. When the symbol stop command is not received, the symbol variation effect process is temporarily ended.

[Big hit game effect processing]
The big hit game effect process is executed according to the flowchart illustrated in FIG. In the jackpot game effect process of FIG. 34, the CPU 90a of the sub-control board 90 first determines whether or not a jackpot game start designation command has been received (step S1000). Here, as described above, the jackpot game start designation command is transmitted by the main control board 70 in the process of step S354 when it is determined that the jackpot game starts in the special symbol game process of FIG. If it is determined that the jackpot game start designation command has been received, a jackpot game start effect is executed (step S1002). If it is determined that the jackpot game designation command has not been received, the process of step S1002 is skipped and the next step is executed. The process proceeds to step S1004. In the jackpot game start effect, a control signal is output to the effect display control board 91 so that the jackpot fanfare screen indicating the occurrence of the jackpot is displayed on the effect display device 34, and sound corresponding to the screen display is output from the speakers 28a and 28b. The driving signal is output to the amplifier substrate 92, and the driving signal is output to the decorative driving substrate 93 so that the LED 93a is lit in the lighting mode corresponding to the screen display.

  Next, it is determined whether or not an Nth release designation command has been received (step S1004). Here, the N-th release designation command is transmitted by the main control board 70 in the process of step S514 when starting the round of big hit game in the big hit game process of FIG. If it is determined that the Nth opening designation command has been received, the Nth round effect is executed (step S1006). If it is determined that the Nth opening designation command has not been received, the process of step S1006 is skipped. The process proceeds to the next step S1008. In the N-th round effect, a control signal is output to the effect display control board 91 so that an N-th round effect screen, which is an effect indicating execution of the N-th round, is displayed on the effect display device 34, and sound corresponding to the screen display is displayed. Is output from the speakers 28a and 28b to output a drive signal to the amplifier board 92, and the drive signal is output to the decorative drive board 93 so that the LED 93a is turned on in a lighting mode corresponding to the screen display.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not a special winning opening closing designation command has been received (step S1008). Here, the big winning opening closing designation command is transmitted by the main control board 70 in the process of step S522 when closing the big winning opening 44 in the state where the number of remaining rounds is larger than the value 0 in the big hit game processing of FIG. The When it is determined that the special winning opening closing command has been received, an effect during closing of the special winning opening is executed (step S1010), and when it is determined that the special winning opening closing command has not been received, the process of step S1010 is performed. Is skipped and the process proceeds to the next step S1012. The effect during closing of the big prize opening is to output a control signal to the production display control board 91 so that an interval screen showing an interval from when the big prize opening 44 is closed until it is opened next is displayed on the production display device 34. A drive signal is output to the amplifier board 92 so that sound corresponding to the screen display is output from the speakers 28a and 28b, and a drive signal is output to the decorative drive board 93 so that the LED 93a is lit in a lighting mode corresponding to the screen display. Is done.

  Then, it is determined whether or not a jackpot game end designation command has been received (step S1012). Here, the jackpot game end designation command is transmitted by the main control board 70 in the process of step S552 or step S554 in the process of jackpot game end in FIG. If it is determined that the jackpot game end designation command has been received, the jackpot game end effect is executed (step S1014), the jackpot game effect processing is terminated, and if it is determined that the jackpot game end designation command has not been received. Then, the process of step S1014 is skipped and the jackpot game effect process is terminated. In the jackpot game end effect, a control signal is output to the effect display control board 91 so that a jackpot ending screen indicating the end of the jackpot game is displayed on the effect display device 34, and sound corresponding to the screen display is output from the speakers 28a and 28b. As described above, the driving signal is output to the amplifier board 92, and the driving signal is output to the decorative driving board 93 so that the LED 93a is lit in the lighting mode corresponding to the screen display.

[Launch mode notification process]
The firing mode notification process is executed according to the flowcharts illustrated in FIGS. 35 and 36, the CPU 90a of the sub control board 90 first determines whether or not a big hit game start designation command has been received (step S1100). If it is determined that the jackpot start designation command has been received, the firing mode notification effect at the start of the jackpot game illustrated in FIG. 37 is executed (step S1102). The launch mode notification effect at the start of the big hit game is the notification screen that prompts the player to “right-hand” as the launch mode, as shown in FIG. 36, because the big prize opening 44 is arranged in the lower right part of the game area 31. Is performed by outputting a control signal to the effect display control board 91 so that the effect is displayed on the effect display device 34. If it is determined that the jackpot game start designation command has not been received, the process of step S1102 is skipped and the process proceeds to the next step S1104.

  Next, it is determined whether or not a jackpot game end designation command has been received (step S1104). If it is determined that the jackpot game end designation command has been received, it is determined whether or not the received jackpot game end designation command is for normal notification (step S1106). The firing mode notification effect is started (step S1108), and when it is determined that it is not for normal notification, that is, for simple notification, the first firing mode notification effect for simple notification is started (step S1110). An example of the first launch mode notification effect is shown in FIGS. 38 and 39. The first firing mode notification effect for normal notification is an effect for notifying a firing mode suitable for a short-time game that is performed after the big-hit game when a big-hit game occurs in a non-time-short state. A left-hand notification screen (see FIG. 38) for prompting “left-hand” is displayed on the effect display device 34 for a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds), and then the position of the second start port 38 to be aimed at in a short time. This is performed by displaying a position notification screen (see FIG. 39) indicating “” on the effect display device 34. The first firing mode notification effect for simple notification is an effect for notifying a firing mode suitable for a short-time game that is performed after the big-hit game when a big-hit game occurs in a short-time state, The display of the latter position notification screen is omitted from the two notification screens displayed in FIG. Since the short-time state always occurs when the big hit game ends, when the big hit game occurs in the short-time state, the first firing mode notification effect for normal notification is performed at the time of the previous big hit game occurrence, There may be a case where it is troublesome for the player who recognizes the launch mode to perform the detailed launch mode notification effect. Based on these reasons, when a big hit game is generated in a short time state, the first launch mode notification effect for simple notification is executed instead of the normal notification after the big hit game is ended. When the jackpot game end designation command is received, since the jackpot ending effect is performed in step S1014 of the jackpot game effect process, the first launch mode notification effect is started together with the jackpot ending effect. When the first launch mode notification effect is thus started, the first notification effect execution flag is turned on (step S1112), and the first notification effect execution timer is started (step S1114). If it is determined in step S1104 that the big hit game end designation command has not been received, the process of steps S1106 to S1114 is skipped and the process proceeds to the next step S1116. Since the first launch mode notification effect is an effect for notifying the launch mode suitable for the short-time game performed after the end of the big hit game, when the game ball wins the second starting port 38, the launch mode is given to the player. It is judged that it was made to recognize, and a 1st discharge mode alerting | reporting effect is complete | finished (refer step S812-S816 of the start winning effect process of FIG. 32).

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not a gaming state designation command has been received (step S1116). If it is determined that a gaming state designation command has been received, a variable shortening flag (open extension) included in the received gaming state designation command is determined. It is determined whether or not the setting state of (flag) indicates OFF, that is, whether or not the time-saving state has ended (step S1118). If it is determined that the fluctuation shortening flag is off, the second launch mode notification effect is started (step S1120). The second launch mode notification effect is an effect for notifying a launch mode suitable for a normal game that is not short-time (non-short-time game). In this embodiment, the notification screen illustrated in FIG. This is done by displaying on the screen. When the second launch mode notification effect is thus started, the second notification effect execution flag is turned on (step S1122) and the second notification effect execution timer is started (step S1124). Since the second launch mode notification effect is an effect for notifying the launch mode suitable for the normal game that is not time-saving when the time-short game is completed, when the game ball wins the first start port 36, the launch mode is changed to the game. It is determined that the person has been able to recognize, and the second launch mode notification effect is ended (see steps S802 to S806 of the start winning effect process in FIG. 32).

  Then, it is determined whether one of the first notification effect execution flag or the second notification effect execution flag is on (step S1126). If any flag is determined to be on, whether or not the time-up time of either the first notification effect execution timer or the second notification effect execution timer has elapsed (step S1128), a launch stop command is issued. It is determined whether or not it has been received (step S1130). Here, the time-up time is the maximum execution time of the first and second launch mode notification effects, and is set to 40 seconds in this embodiment. This time-up time can be arbitrarily set in consideration of the time required for the game ball to win a prize at the first start port 36 or the second start port 38 from the start of the game ball discharge. The set time is not particularly limited as long as it is a time sufficient for allowing the player to recognize the aspect. In this embodiment, during execution of the first launch mode notification effect or the second launch mode notification effect, as long as the game ball is being fired according to the notification effect, the first notification effect execution timer or the second notification effect execution is performed. The possibility that the timer will time up is very low. The launch stop command is a command indicating that the launch of the game ball has been stopped, and either the touch sensor 18a is turned off or the launch stop switch 18b is turned on during launch in the launch monitoring process of FIG. Is transmitted by the main control board 70 in the process of step S610. If it is determined that the firing stop command has been received before the time-up time of either the first notification effect execution timer or the second notification effect execution timer has elapsed, the current launch mode notification effect is interrupted. (Step S1132), the notification effect interruption flag is turned on (Step S1134). At this time, the operation (timekeeping) of the notification effect execution timer corresponding to the interrupted launch mode notification effect is also interrupted. Here, in the big hit game, the reserved ball is not digested, and in the game in the short time, the second start port 38 is frequently opened and many game balls win the second start port 38, so the first launch mode notification is made. At the end of the big hit game where the effect is executed or when the second launch mode notification effect is executed, the reserved number of special symbols is often the upper limit value or a value close thereto. For this reason, the launch mode notification effect is continued even when a symbol change notice effect or reach effect such as a step-up notice or a cut-in notice occurs after the end of the jackpot game or after the short time is over. When executed, the firing mode notification effect may hinder the visual recognition of the symbol change notice effect and the reach effect. In this example, in consideration of the fact that the player often stops the launch of the game ball at the time of digestion on hold after the end of the jackpot game or after the end of the short time, or at the occurrence of a notice effect or reach effect at the time of symbol change, When the launch of the game ball is stopped, the inconvenience described above is prevented by interrupting the launch mode notification effect until the launch is resumed.

  Then, it is determined whether or not the notification effect interruption flag is on (step S1136) and whether or not a firing start command is received (step S1138). The firing start command is a command indicating that the launching of the game ball has started. When the touch sensor 18a is turned on and the firing stop switch 18b is turned off during the firing stop in the firing start process of FIG. 30, step S620 is performed. Is transmitted by the main control board 70 in this process. If it is determined that the notification effect interruption flag is on and the firing start command has been received, the suspended firing mode notification effect is resumed (step S1140), the notification effect interruption flag is turned off (step S1142), and the firing mode notification is performed. The production process ends. In addition, the operation (time keeping) of the interrupted notification effect execution timer is restarted with the restart of the suspended launch notification effect.

  If it is determined in step S1128 that the time-up time of the notification effect execution timer has elapsed, the currently executed launch mode notification effect is terminated (S1144). At this time, the notification effect execution flag corresponding to the completed launch mode notification effect is turned off, and the notification effect execution timer corresponding to the completed launch mode notification effect is cleared. Thus, the situation where the first launch mode notification effect or the second launch mode notification effect that is being executed does not end indefinitely occurs by ending the firing mode notification effect as the time-up time of the notification effect execution timer elapses. Can be prevented. In other words, there is a long situation in which a game ball does not win the first start port 36 or the second start port 38 even though the player recognizes the launch mode suitable for the game and appropriately launches the game ball. Even if there is a problem such as failure of commands from the main control board 70 in the sub control board 90 or communication abnormality of each board in the sub-control board 90, the first launch mode notification effect and the second launch mode notification effect that are being executed are indefinite. It is possible to prevent the visual recognition effect at the time of symbol change and the reach effect (design variation effect) performed on the effect display device 34 from being disturbed for a long time without ending.

  According to the pachinko machine 10 of the embodiment described above, a short game is performed in which the special symbol and the normal symbol are shortened and the second starting port 38 (ordinary electric accessory 39) is extended after the big hit game is finished. When the big hit game ends, the player is caused to display on the effect display device 34 the first launch mode notification effect suitable for a short-time game as the launch mode until the game ball wins the second starting port 38. When the launch of the game ball stops while the first launch mode notification effect is being executed, the first launch mode notification effect being executed is interrupted until the launch of the game ball is resumed, so the end of the big hit game When a notice change effect and a reach effect at the time of symbol change are executed on the effect display device 34 later due to the on-hold digestion, the visual recognition of the effect being executed is prevented from being hindered by the first launch mode notification effect. Can. In addition, when the short-time game ends, the second display mode notification effect suitable for the normal game that is not short-time is displayed on the effect display device 34 as the launch mode to the player until the game ball wins the first starting port 36. When the launch of the game ball is stopped while the second launch mode notification effect is being executed, the second launch mode notification effect that is being executed is interrupted until the launch of the game ball is resumed. When the symbol change notice effect and the reach effect are being executed on the effect display device 34 due to the on-hold digestion after the end, the visual recognition of the effect being executed is prevented from being hindered by the second launch mode notification effect. be able to.

  In the pachinko machine 10 of the embodiment, when the short-time game is ended, the second launch mode notification effect suitable for the normal game that is not short-time is executed for the player. Execution may be omitted.

  In the pachinko machine 10 of the embodiment, when the big hit game end designation command is received, the first launch mode notification effect suitable for the short-time game is executed, but whether or not the big hit is included in the hold When the jackpot is included in the hold that exists when the jackpot game ends, the first firing mode notification effect may not be executed. In this case, the special symbol game process of FIG. 40 is executed instead of the special symbol game process of FIG. 15, the big hit game end process of FIG. 41 is executed instead of the big hit game end process of FIG. The firing mode notification process of FIG. 42 may be executed instead of the firing mode notification process. Hereinafter, the special symbol game process of FIG. 40, the big hit game end process of FIG. 41, and the firing mode notification process of FIG. 42 will be described in order, but the same processes as those of FIG. 15, FIG. 29 and FIG. Step numbers are assigned, and the description is omitted because it is redundant. In the special symbol game process of FIG. 40, a process for pre-determining whether or not the jackpot is included in the hold is added. Specifically, in accordance with the winning of the game ball to the first start port 36, step S306a. When the random number for determination of the first special symbol is acquired at step S306b, it is determined in advance whether or not it is a big hit using the random number for determination of big hit among the acquired random numbers for determination of the first special symbol (step S306b). The preliminary determination result is stored in the predetermined determination random number storage area (RAM 70c) together with the random number for use (step S306c), and the first special symbol hold occurrence command is transmitted to the sub-control board 90 (step S308). When the random number for determination of the second special symbol is acquired in step S316a in accordance with the winning of the game ball to the second starting port 38, the random number for determination of big hit is out of the acquired random numbers for determination of the second special symbol. Whether or not it is a big hit (step S316b), and the pre-determined result is stored in the predetermined determination random number storage area (RAM 70c) together with the acquired determination random number (step S316c), and the second special symbol hold occurs This is performed by transmitting a time command to the sub-control board 90 (step S318). In addition, the command which shows a prior determination result is contained in the command at the time of holding | maintenance generation transmitted by step S308 and step S318. The big hit game end process in FIG. 41 includes a process for transmitting an instruction not to notify the firing mode to the sub-control board 90 when the big hit is included in the hold existing at that time. Determines whether or not there is a jackpot hold based on the prior determination result in the processing of steps S306b and S316b described above (step S540). This is performed by transmitting a notification jackpot game end designation command (step S542). If it is determined that there is no big hit hold, a big hit game end designation command for normal notification or simple notification is transmitted by the processing of steps S550 to S554. 42, when the big hit game end designation command is received from the main control board 70 in step S1104, it is determined whether or not the received big hit game end designation command is for firing type non-notification (step S1103). When it is determined that the firing mode is not for notification, the first launch mode notification effect (steps S1106 to S1114) is skipped.

  In the pachinko machine 10 of the embodiment, the reach effect is performed as the effect accompanying the change display of the special symbol. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a determination random number (a big hit determination random number) in the hold is used. It is good also as what performs various effects (a pre-reading notice effect etc.) which reflected the prior determination result by the hold | maintenance before the hold determined in advance and prior determination. Even in this case, by interrupting the firing mode notification effect when the launch of the game ball is stopped, it is possible to prevent the visual recognition of the pre-reading notice effect or the like from being hindered by the firing mode notification effect.

  In the pachinko machine 10 of the embodiment, two types of notification effects for normal notification and simple notification are switched and executed as the first launch mode notification effect, but the present invention is not limited to this. May be executed, or three or more types may be switched and executed.

  In the pachinko machine 10 according to the embodiment, the first hit mode notification effect is started when the jackpot game end designation command is received, that is, when the jackpot game ends. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the timing immediately before the jackpot game ends. For example, at the timing when the final round (the 15th round in the case of the first normal jackpot or the first probability variation jackpot and the second round in the case of the second probability variation jackpot) is started, the first launch mode notification effect It is good also as starting. In this case, the first launch mode notification effect may be started when the Nth release designation command is received in the final round.

  In the pachinko machine 10 of the embodiment, the timing at which the time-up time elapses or the game ball wins at the start opening of the notification effect is set as the end timing of the launch mode notification effect. However, either one of the conditions may be omitted, or another end condition may be added.

  In the pachinko machine 10 of the embodiment, it is determined whether or not the game ball is being fired based on the detection signal from the touch sensor 18a and the detection signal from the firing stop switch 18b. However, the present invention is not limited to this. A sensor for detecting the passage of the game ball is arranged on the game ball guiding path that is formed between the outer rail 31a and the inner rail 31b and guides the game ball to the upstream side of the game area 31. Any detection method may be used as long as it can detect whether or not a game ball is being fired, such as detecting whether or not a game ball is being fired.

  In the pachinko machine 10 of the embodiment, the second start port 38 is arranged at a position suitable for left-handed (the left part of the center accessory 50), and the grand prize winning port 44 is suitable for right-handed (right of the game area 31). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is assumed that the second starting port 38 is disposed at a position suitable for right-handed and the big winning opening 44 is disposed at a position suitable for left-handed. Alternatively, both the second starting opening and the big winning opening 44 may be arranged at positions suitable for left-handed, and both the second starting opening and the big winning opening 44 are arranged at positions suitable for right-handing. It may be arranged. When the second start port 38 is disposed at a position suitable for right-handed and the special winning opening 44 is disposed at a position suitable for left-handed, a notification effect that prompts a right-hand strike is executed as the first launch mode notification effect, When both the start opening 38 and the big winning opening 44 are arranged at positions suitable for left-handed, a notification effect for urging left-handed is executed as the first firing mode notification effect, and the second starting opening 38 and the special winning opening 44 are When both are arranged at a position suitable for right-handed, a notification effect that prompts a right-hand strike may be executed as the first firing mode notification effect.

  In the pachinko machine 10 according to the embodiment, the second start port 38 is formed integrally with the center accessory 50, but may be formed separately from the center accessory 50.

  The correspondence between the main elements of the embodiment and the main elements of the invention described in the column of means for solving the problems will be described. In the embodiment, the pachinko machine 10 corresponds to the “game machine”, the launching device including the launching motor 19 corresponds to the “launching device”, and the touch sensor 18a and the firing stop switch 18b correspond to the “launching detection unit”. The first starting port 36 corresponds to the “first starting port”, the second starting port 38 with the ordinary electric accessory 39 corresponds to the “second starting port”, and the big winning port 44 is the “large winning port”. The special symbol display device 42 corresponds to the “symbol display device”, the main control board 70 for executing the special symbol game process and the big hit game process corresponds to the “hit game execution means”, and performs the normal symbol game process. The main control board 70 to be executed corresponds to “specific game execution means”, the effect display device 34 corresponds to “effect display device”, and the sub control board 90 to execute effect control processing corresponds to “effect display control means”. To do. Further, the ROM 70b corresponds to the “hold storage unit”, and the main control board 70 that executes the processing of steps S320 to S336 of the special symbol game process of FIG. 16 corresponds to the “hold digest unit”. Further, the main control board 70 that executes the processes of steps S306b and S316b of the special symbol game process of FIG. 40 corresponds to the “hold determination unit”. The center accessory 50 corresponds to a “center accessory”. The correspondence between the main elements of the embodiment and the main elements of the invention described in the column of means for solving the problem is the same as that of the embodiment described in the column of means for solving the problem. Therefore, the elements of the invention described in the column of means for solving the problems are not limited. In other words, the interpretation of the invention described in the column of means for solving the problems should be made based on the description of the column, and the examples are those of the invention described in the column of means for solving the problems. It is only a specific example.

  The embodiments of the present invention have been described using the embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and can be implemented in various forms without departing from the gist of the present invention. Of course you get.

  10 Pachinko machine, 11 Front frame, 12 Glass plate, 14 Upper tray, 16 Lower tray, 18 Launch handle, 18a Touch sensor, 18b Launch stop switch, 19 Launch motor, 21 Body frame, 22 Outer frame, 24a Ball rental button, 24b return button, 26 effect button, 28a, 28b speaker, 29 locking device, 30 game board, 31a outer rail, 31b inner rail, 32 normal symbol operation gate, 32a gate switch, 34 effect display device, 34L, 34M, 34R effect Symbol, 35a First reserved symbol, 35b Second reserved symbol, 36 First starting port, 36a First starting port switch, 38 Second starting port, 38a Second starting port switch, 39 Normal electric accessory, 39a Normal electric accessory Solenoid, 40 symbol display device, 40a symbol display board, 41 normal diagram Display device, 41a Left normal symbol display portion, 41b Right normal symbol display portion, 42 Special symbol display device, 42a First special symbol display portion, 42b Second special symbol display portion, 43 Round display portion, 44 Grand prize opening, 44a Large winning port solenoid, 44b Large winning port switch, 45 General winning port, 45a General winning port switch, 46 Out port, 48 Windmill, 50 Center character, 70 Main control board, 70a CPU, 70b ROM, 70c RAM, 72 Relay Terminal board, 80 payout control board, 81 frame release switch, 82 ball rental display board, 83 relay terminal board, 84 pre-payout switch, 85 post-payout switch, 86 payout motor, 87 relay terminal board, 90 sub control board, 90a CPU , 90b ROM, 90c RAM, 91 effect display control board, 92 amplifier board, 93 Decoration drive substrate, 93a LED lamp, 93b decoration motor, 94 performance button board.

Claims (1)

A gaming machine that plays a game by a game ball flowing down in a game area,
A launcher capable of launching a game ball toward the upstream side of the game area in a launch mode according to the player's operation;
Launch detection means for detecting whether or not a game ball is being fired;
A first start port in which a state of a game ball receiving port is configured to be constant, and a game ball flowing down the first region of the game region can enter;
The game ball receiving state is configured to be switchable between a state in which the game ball is easily received and a state in which the game ball is difficult to be received, and the game ball flowing down the first region or the first region of the game region A second starting port through which a game ball flowing down a second region different from the first zone can enter,
It is configured to be able to switch between a state in which a game ball can be received and a state in which a game ball cannot be received, and a game ball flowing down the first region or a game ball flowing down the second region can enter A prize opening,
A symbol display device for performing variable display of symbols triggered by a game ball entering the first starting port or the second starting port;
Based on the fact that the symbols variably displayed on the symbol display device stop-display in a winning manner , a winning game execution means for executing a winning game that allows a game ball to be received in the special winning opening,
A particular game execution means for executing a specific game to be favorable state before Symbol second start hole to the player,
A normal game execution means for executing a normal game in which the second start port is in a disadvantageous state for the player;
An effect display device for displaying various effects;
And effect display control means that Gyosu control the effect display device to perform a pattern effect display with the progress of the variable display of the symbols,
With
The effect display control means includes :
When the specific game is started, the effect display device is controlled to execute a first notification effect display for notifying a firing mode of a game ball suitable for the specific game until a predetermined first notification end condition is satisfied. When it is detected by the firing detection means that the game ball is not being fired before the first notification termination condition is satisfied, the launch detection means detects that the game ball is being fired. The execution of the first notification effect display is interrupted ,
When the normal game is started, the effect display device is controlled to execute a second notification effect display for notifying a firing mode of a game ball suitable for the normal game until a predetermined second notification end condition is satisfied. When it is detected by the firing detection means that the game ball is not being fired before the second notification termination condition is satisfied, the launch detection means detects that the game ball is being fired. A gaming machine , wherein execution of the second notification effect display is interrupted .

Images