JP5548801B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that randomly generates a prize during the execution of a game, and relates to a gaming machine that executes an effect at least upon the occurrence of a prize.

  An example of this type of gaming machine is a pachinko machine that uses a gaming ball as a medium. Normally, a pachinko machine's game board surface (game area) is provided with a number of obstacle nails (game nails) that randomly guide the game balls, and the game balls that are thrown into the game board surface are guided by the obstacle nails. It flows down along. In addition, a winning opening through which game balls can flow is installed on the game board surface, and when a gaming ball flows into the winning holes, it is counted as a win. When a winning occurs, a winning ball is paid out or an internal lottery related to the player's profit occurs.

  As described above, the obstacle nail originally guides the game ball randomly, but the guide characteristic may change due to deformation or the like accompanying use. When the guidance characteristics of the obstacle nail change, the average number of winnings per hour is also affected, and in some cases, the game content may be distorted. For this reason, amusement hall operating entities usually maintain the fairness of the game by collecting / inspecting guide nails while collecting data such as the number of winnings per hour for each gaming machine (unit).

  As a prior art that collects data such as the number of winnings for each gaming machine with higher accuracy, for example, when a single pachinko machine has multiple winning openings, each winning entry is received by a separate winning sensor. What is tabulated as separate data by detection is known (see Patent Document 1). In this prior art, by separately providing a winning sensor for a winning opening that is always open and a winning opening having a movable member, it is possible to determine which winning opening from each winning sensor by each winning sensor. To do.

  In other words, winning to a winning opening that is always open is influenced by the guiding characteristics of the obstacle nail, but the winning opening having a movable member has a large ease of winning (the size of the opening width) depending on its operating state. Because it changes, the influence of the obstacle nail does not appear directly in the data such as the number of winning prizes. For this reason, it is desirable that the data to be used as a reference for the inspection / adjustment work of the obstacle nail is the number of times of winning a prize opening that is always open.

  Therefore, the above-mentioned prior art makes it possible to efficiently collect data that should be used as a standard for inspection / adjustment work of obstacle nails in an amusement hall, and its use value can be said to be extremely high.

JP 2006-174866 A

  According to the above-described prior art, it is possible to promote that the inspection / adjustment work of the obstacle nail is appropriately and smoothly performed by the game hall operating entity. However, since the inspection / adjustment work is performed manually, it is difficult to completely eliminate the fine adjustment differences in all the gaming machines (tables). Moreover, even if there is a slight difference in the degree of adjustment for each stand, it does not greatly promote unfairness among players, and it has the property that a certain degree of judgment (quit) can be given by observation. Therefore, it is also a pleasure for the player to read the subtle differences in the degree of adjustment for each table.

  However, in actuality, it is necessary to have a certain amount of experience in order to read the small differences in the adjustments, and it is possible that an unfamiliar player can hardly judge. In addition, since this type of gaming machine has elements of technical intervention, simply because the number of winnings per hour is small, it does not immediately indicate whether the adjustment is good or bad.

  Therefore, the present invention provides a technique that makes it easy to objectively discriminate differences in winning data caused by factors such as the degree of adjustment and the degree of technical intervention.

The present invention employs the following means in order to solve the above problems.
Solution D1: That is, the present invention relates to a prize generating means for randomly generating a prize during the execution of a game, and a demonstration effect executing means for executing a demonstration effect within a period in which no prize is generated by the prize generating means. A frequency calculating means for calculating the frequency of occurrence of the winning by the winning generating means, and an effect mode for changing the mode of the demonstration effect executed by the demonstration effect executing means based on the frequency of occurrence calculated by the frequency calculating means. When the production mode change unit changes the mode of the demonstration production based on the frequency of occurrence calculated by the change unit and the frequency calculation unit, an occurrence occurs along with an operation on the production adjustment switch that can accept an operation from the outside. Multiple reference values for high and low frequency A gaming machine provided with an adjusting means for enabling switching to Ri.

  According to the gaming machine of the present invention, if the mode of the demonstration effect is observed, it is possible to easily read the occurrence frequency of the winning for each stand without depending on the individual skill or proficiency level. The frequency of winning is expressed by, for example, the number of winnings generated per hour, or in the case of using game balls, it is expressed by the number of winnings (number of winnings) per certain number (for example, 100, 250, etc.). Can be.

  In addition, regardless of whether or not the player is particularly conscious, by changing the mode of demonstration production, the gaming machine objectively and positively transmits information unique to itself (frequency of winning a prize on that stand). Can be expressed externally. For this reason, for example, when a large number of gaming machines are installed in the amusement hall, the player can use the demonstration performance mode as a reference for selecting a stand, or from the tendency of the demonstration performance mode as viewed throughout the game hall, It can also contribute to the reference of selection (so-called store selection). On the other hand, for the amusement center operating entity, the level of adjustment for each unit is reflected in the production, and there are advantages in improving the effect of attracting customers and differentiating from other stores.

  Demonstration production is performed during a period when no winning occurs, so it must be performed even if the player is not actually playing the game or while the game is not occurring. Can do. In this case, the occurrence frequency of winning can be calculated through the games played so far. As a result, for example, even if the player is not actually playing the game, the occurrence frequency of the winning is expressed to the outside from the change in the aspect of the demonstration effect, so that the player who is going to play a game from now on It is possible to proactively appeal information unique to the stand (frequency of winnings so far).

  In this regard, the conventional demonstration performance was simply an aspect that appealed the existence of the gaming machine or attracted the player's attention, but in the present invention, it is unique to the stand from the aspect of the demonstration performance. In terms of obtaining information, it is possible to exert a great effect that has not been obtained in the past.

  Also, when changing the aspect of various effects based on the frequency of occurrence, when using the calculated frequency of occurrence as an absolute value (the relationship between the frequency of occurrence and the aspect of the effect is a one-to-one relationship), the reference value is particularly important. Although it is not necessary to provide it, some reference value is required when changing the mode of production while judging the degree of occurrence frequency. Therefore, in the present invention, when changing the mode of the demonstration effect based on the calculated occurrence frequency, a plurality of reference values for determining the degree of the height are defined in advance, and any one selected from them is defined. Switching to the reference value is possible. Thereby, since the pattern which changes the aspect of an effect changes with the case where a reference value is set comparatively low, and the case where it is set high, it can also give diversity also to the change of the aspect of an effect.

  The gaming machine of the present invention gives the player an objective and easy-to-understand suggestion without requiring special habituation or proficiency by making the occurrence frequency of winning a prize appear outside from the change in the aspect of the production. be able to. In addition, since information unique to the gaming machine can be easily displayed through the production, there is an advantage that it is possible for the game hall operating entity to appeal the goodness of its adjustment in an easy-to-understand manner.

  Solution 2: In Solution 1, the gaming machine according to the present invention includes a game board in which a game area for allowing a game ball to flow down is formed on the front side, and a ball that intermittently launches game balls one by one toward the game area. A launcher, a large number of obstacle nails that are installed in the game area, and randomly guide the flow of game balls launched into the game area by the ball launcher, and installed in the game area and flow down in the game area The game area is controlled by the ball launcher regardless of whether or not it has flowed into the start winning opening, the winning opening switch that can detect the gaming ball that has flowed into the starting winning opening, An out path for collecting all the game balls launched inside and discharging them to the outside, and an out ball count switch for detecting the game balls discharged through the out path. The winning generation means generates a winning when the gaming ball is detected by the winning opening switch, and the frequency calculating means calculates the number of gaming balls detected by the winning opening switch during the execution of the game. In addition to storing the number of winning balls, the number of game balls detected by the out-ball counting switch is stored as the number of out-balls, and the occurrence frequency of winning is calculated based on the number of winning balls and the number of out-balls stored. is there.

  According to the above configuration, the game balls randomly flow into the start winning opening by the guidance (guidance) by the obstacle nail, but the frequency is influenced by the degree of adjustment of the obstacle nail. In addition, the frequency of the game ball flowing into the start winning opening is also affected by the degree of game ball launch (such as the strength of launch) by the ball launcher. In this case, if the obstacle nail adjustment is not so good, or if the game ball is not properly launched by the ball launcher, even if a considerable number of game balls have been launched, it will flow into the start winning opening. The number of game balls does not increase so much. On the other hand, the number of game balls that flow into the start winning opening according to the number of game balls that have been launched, if the adjustment of the obstacle nails is good or the game balls are properly launched by the ball launcher. Will also increase.

  Therefore, in this solution, the game balls that have flowed into the start winning opening are detected, and the number is stored as the number of winning balls, and all the game balls launched in the game area are collected and detected, and the number is counted out. By storing it as the number of balls, it is possible to calculate the occurrence frequency of the winning in a certain span. As a result, the occurrence frequency can be calculated with high accuracy based on a larger number of samples (number of out balls, number of winning balls), so various effects (effects at the time of winning a prize, demonstration effects, effects during special games, stages, etc.) The reliability can be improved in changing the aspect of the production or the like.

  Solution 3: In Solution 2, the gaming machine of the present invention is installed in the game area separately from the start winning opening, and the game moves down in the game area in a non-operating state in which a predetermined movable piece is in the closed position. A variable start winning device that facilitates the inflow of game balls in an operating state in which the inflow of the movable piece is displaced from the closed position to the open position while making the inflow of the ball difficult, and the game ball that has flowed into the variable start winning device is detected. A prize-winning device switch that is installed in the game area, a start gate through which a game ball flowing down in the game area can randomly pass, a gate switch that detects a game ball that has passed through the start gate, and a gate switch When the ball is detected, an operation lottery executing means for executing an operation lottery for determining whether or not to operate the movable piece of the variable start winning device and the variable start winning device are operated when winning in the operation lottery. When a game ball that has flowed into the moving piece actuating means and at least the variable start winning device is detected by the winning device switch, a winning ball payout device that pays out a predetermined number of gaming balls as a winning ball, and the result of the internal lottery is not won In the case of the above, at least the variation time for performing the variation display of the symbol by the symbol display means is shortened than usual, and the time shortening state transition means for shifting to the time shortening state in which the winning probability of the operation lottery is changed to be higher than usual. Is provided. The winning generating means generates a winning when the game ball that has flowed into the variable starting winning device separately from the starting winning opening is detected by the winning device switch, while the frequency calculating means is a time shortening state shifting means. The occurrence frequency of the winning is calculated only when the time is not shifted to the time shortening state, and the calculation of the winning occurrence frequency is stopped while the time is shifted to the time reducing state.

  With such a configuration, during the time shortening state, the operation lottery is won with high probability, and the variable start winning device is frequently operated, so that inflow of game balls (winning) frequently occurs. In addition, game balls (prize balls) are frequently paid out due to the inflow (winning) of game balls to the variable start winning device, and for the player, the decrease in game balls used is compensated by the prize balls. There is an advantage that the game can be continued without consuming almost any possession. In this way, during the time shortening state, in addition to shortening the fluctuation time of the symbols, the variable start winning device is frequently operated and the game balls are paid out accordingly, so the frequency of winnings is determined during this period. Even if it is calculated, it does not reflect the original nature so accurately.

  Therefore, in this solution, the occurrence frequency of the winning is calculated only when the time has not been shifted to the time shortening state, and the calculation of the winning occurrence frequency is stopped during the transition to the time shortening state. The occurrence frequency can be calculated. As described above, the calculation of the occurrence frequency is performed based on the stored number of out balls and the number of winning balls. Therefore, when the calculation of the occurrence frequency is stopped, the storage of the number of out balls and the number of winning balls is also updated. It is also desirable to stop. Thereby, since the calculation basis of occurrence frequency is adjusted appropriately, the reliability of the calculated occurrence frequency can be improved.

  The gaming machine of the present invention can give a player an objective and easy-to-understand suggestion.

It is a front view of a pachinko machine. It is a rear view of a pachinko machine. It is the elements on larger scale of a composite sub control board unit. FIG. 6 is a partial exploded perspective view showing the arrangement of the out-passage assembly. It is a figure (internal back view) which shows the internal structure of an out channel | path assembly. It is a block diagram which shows the various electronic devices with which the pachinko machine was equipped. It is a flowchart (1/2) which shows the example of a procedure of a reset start process. It is a flowchart (2/2) which shows the example of a procedure of a reset start process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of an interruption management process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the process at the time of a start opening prize. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the production | presentation determination process at the time of acquisition. It is a flowchart which shows the structural example of a special symbol game process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the special symbol change pre-processing. It is a flowchart which shows the structural example of a variable winning apparatus management process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a big winning opening opening pattern setting process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a big prize opening / closing operation | movement process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a big winning opening closing process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of an end process. It is a continuous figure which shows the example of an effect using an effect design and a background image. It is a continuation figure which shows the example of the losing reach production and the notice production performed before and behind it. It is the figure which showed the example of the background image used by stage production. It is a continuation figure showing an example of a stage change production. It is a continuous figure which shows the flow of the change production performed in the aspect different from a 1st aspect. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the effect control process performed by effect control CPU. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of effect design management processing. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of an effect design change pre-process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a prize occurrence frequency production management process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a prize occurrence frequency production condition setting process. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a stage change distribution rank setting table. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a reach distribution rank setting table. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of an advance selection process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a demonstration selection process.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  The game board 8 is provided with a normal symbol display device 33 and a normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, for example, at the lower right position in the window 4a, as well as a first special symbol display device 34, a second special symbol display device 35, A first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, a second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a, and a game state display device 38 are provided. Among these, the normal symbol display device 33, for example, turns on two lamps (LEDs) alternately to display the normal symbols variably, and stops and displays the normal symbols when the lamps are turned on or off. The normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a displays 0 to 4 memory numbers depending on, for example, a combination of turning off, lighting, or blinking of two lamps (LEDs).

  The first special symbol display device 34 and the second special symbol display device 35 can display the variation state and stop state of the special symbol by, for example, 7 segment LEDs (with dots), respectively (symbol display means). In addition, the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a and the second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a each display 0 to 4 memory numbers, for example, by combinations of extinguishing, lighting, or blinking of two lamps (LEDs). . For example, when both lamps are off, 0 is stored, when 1 lamp is lit, 1 is displayed, and when the same lamp is flashing, 2 is displayed. When the other lamp is turned on, 3 stored numbers are displayed, and when the two lamps are both flashed, 4 stored numbers are displayed.

  The first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a is displayed one by one in the sense that the winning occurs when the game ball flows into the upper start winning opening 26, and the change of the special symbol is triggered by the winning. Each time is started, the display decreases by one. Further, the second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a is displayed one by one in the sense that when a game ball flows into the variable start winning device 28 (lower start winning port), the fact that a winning has occurred is stored one by one. Every time a special symbol change is started, the display is reduced by one. In any case, the display number (maximum 4) of each special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, 35a represents the number of winnings that have not yet started to change in the first special symbol or the second special symbol. Yes.

  The game state display device 38 includes four LEDs respectively corresponding to, for example, a jackpot type display lamp, a probability variation state display lamp, and a short time state display lamp (none of which is provided with a reference numeral). In the present embodiment, the normal symbol display device 33, the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, the first special symbol display device 34, the second special symbol display device 35, the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, and the second special symbol described above. The operation memory lamp 35a and the game status display device 38 are mounted on the game board 8 in a state where they are mounted on a single integrated display board (not shown).

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

  A ball guide passage 40d is formed at the left edge of the effect unit 40, and a rolling stage 40e is formed at the lower edge thereof. The ball guide passage 40d is opened obliquely upward to the left in the game area 8a. When a game ball flowing down in the game area 8a randomly flows into the ball guide path 40d, it passes through the inside and rolls. Released onto the stage 40e. The upper surface of the rolling stage 40e has a smooth curved surface. Here, the game ball can roll in the left-right direction. The game ball that has rolled on the rolling stage 40e will eventually flow into the lower game area 8a. A ball discharge path 40f is formed at the center of the rolling stage 40e. At this time, the game ball that has flowed down from the rolling stage 40e to the ball discharge path 40f easily flows into the upper start winning opening 26 directly below the ball discharge path 40f. Become. However, whether or not the game ball flows into the upper start winning opening 26 is random here, because it may collide with other game balls that have been accidentally approached or may be hit by a nearby obstacle nail. The game ball flowing down from the ball discharge path 40f may not flow into the upper start winning opening 26.

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

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

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

[Configuration on the back side]
As shown in FIG. 2, on the back side of the pachinko machine 1, there are a power supply control unit 162, a main control board unit 170, a composite sub-control board unit 171, a dispensing device unit 172, a flow path unit 173, a launch control board set. 174, a payout control board unit 176, a back cover unit 178, and the like are installed. Among these, the main control board unit 170 and the composite sub control board unit 171 are installed on the back side of the game board 8, and the composite sub control board unit 171 is covered with the back cover unit 178 when viewed from the back side. Further, the composite sub-control board unit 171 is provided with an effect adjustment switch 125 (adjustment means), and this effect adjustment switch 125 can be operated with the plastic frame assembly 7 opened to the front side as described above, for example. It is.

  In addition to this, on the back side of the pachinko machine 1, various electronic devices (including a control computer not shown) constituting the power supply system and control system of the pachinko machine 1, external terminal plates 160 and 161, power cord (power plug) 164, a ground wire (ground terminal) 166, connection wiring (not shown), and the like are installed. The electronic devices will be further described later based on another block diagram (FIG. 6).

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

[Direction adjustment switch]
FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged view of the composite sub control board unit 171. As described above, the composite sub-control board unit 171 is provided with the effect adjustment switch 125. The effect adjustment switch 125 can be operated, for example, by sliding in the horizontal direction (arrow direction in the figure). The effect adjustment switch 125 can be switched to a total of three positions, for example, both end positions and intermediate positions, along with the slide.

  The composite sub-control board unit 171 (board surface or resin cover surface) has adjustment values “1”, “2”, and “3” corresponding to, for example, three switching positions. One of the adjustment values “1” to “3” can be selected by sliding 125 to the corresponding position. The adjustment value selected here is used as one parameter for effect control in the pachinko machine 1. Note that the example shown in FIG. 3 indicates that “3” is selected as the adjustment value. An example of the effect control using the adjustment value will be described later.

[Out passage assembly]
FIG. 4 is a partial exploded perspective view showing the arrangement of the out-passage assembly 180. The out passage assembly 180 is installed on the lower edge (back side) of the plastic frame assembly 7 so as to overlap the dispensing control board unit 176. In the out passage assembly 180, for example, snap latches 181 are provided at both end positions in the width direction. On the other hand, two mounting holes 7 a are formed in the plastic frame assembly 7 so as to correspond to these snap latches 181. The out passage assembly 180 is attached to the plastic frame assembly 7 by, for example, pushing the two snap latches 181 into the corresponding attachment holes 7a.

  FIG. 5 is a view (internal back view) showing the internal structure of the out passage assembly 180. In addition, although the exterior board 180d (refer FIG. 4) is provided in the out channel | path assembly 180, FIG. 5 shows the internal structure in the state which removed this exterior board 180d.

  A recovery rod 180a is formed on the upper end surface of the out passage assembly 180, and the recovery rod 180a extends in the width direction of the out passage assembly 180 (left and right direction in FIG. 5).

  Further, an out passage 180b is formed in the out passage assembly 180, and the out passage 180b is curved so as to draw a hairpin shape (laterally U-shaped). The out passage 180b has a wide open upper end at a position continuous with the recovery rod 180a, and the width of the out passage 180b suddenly narrows downward. Further, the out passage 180b is bent largely in the width direction (left direction in FIG. 5) at the lower position of the recovery rod 180a, and then bends downward and further extends in the reverse direction (right direction in FIG. 5). ing. The out passage 180b bends and extends downward before the end of the out passage 180b and is opened at the lower end of the out passage assembly 180.

[Out ball count switch]
The game balls (reference symbol B in FIG. 5) collected to the back side of the game board 8 fall into the out passage 180b through the collection basket 180a, and are further aligned while flowing down in the out passage 180b. One by one from the end of the passage 180b is discharged to the outside (island facility) of the pachinko machine 1. The out path assembly 180 is provided with an out ball count switch 182 at the end position of the out path 180 b, and the discharged game ball is detected by the out ball count switch 182.

  In addition, the out passage assembly 180 is formed with a ball passage 180c in addition to the out passage 180b. The ball passageway 180c opens to the side surface of the outpassage assembly 180, and extends from the inside along the one side edge in the vertical direction. The ball removal passage 180c is connected to the flow path unit 173, and when a ball is removed from the payout device unit 172 (the prize ball tank 172a and the prize ball case), the game ball is removed from the flow path unit 173 and the ball removal passage 180c. It will be discharged inside. The ball removal passage 180c is opened at the lower end of the out passage assembly 180, and the game balls released therefrom are collected by an island facility (not shown).

[Control configuration]
Next, a configuration related to control of the pachinko machine 1 will be described. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing various electronic devices equipped in the pachinko machine 1. The pachinko machine 1 includes a main control device 70 that serves as the center of the control operation. The main control device 70 mainly has a function of controlling the progress of the game in the pachinko machine 1. The main controller 70 is built in the main control board unit 170 described above.

  The main controller 70 is equipped with a circuit board (main control board) on which a main control CPU 72 as a central processing unit is mounted. The main control CPU 72 includes a ROM 74 and a RAM (RWM) together with a CPU core and registers (not shown). ) This is configured as an LSI in which semiconductor memories such as 76 are integrated.

  The main controller 70 is equipped with a random number generator 75 and a sampling circuit 77. Among these, the random number generator 75 generates a hardware random number (for example, 0 to 65535 in decimal notation) for determining the big hit, and the generated random number is input to the main control CPU 72 through the sampling circuit 77. The In addition, the main controller 70 is equipped with peripheral ICs such as an input / output driver (I / O) 79, a clock generation circuit (not shown), a counter / timer circuit (CTC), etc., and these are circuited together with the main control CPU 72. It is mounted on the board. A signal transmission path, a power supply path, a control bus, and the like are formed as wiring patterns on the circuit board (or the inner layer portion).

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

  The above-mentioned normal symbol display device 33, normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, first special symbol display device 34, second special symbol display device 35, first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a and game The state display device 38 is controlled in display operation based on a control signal from the main control CPU 72. The main control CPU 72 outputs control signals for the display devices 33, 34, 35, 38 and the lamps 33a, 34a, 35a according to the progress of the game, and controls the lighting state of each LED. The display devices 33, 34, 35, and 38 and the lamps 33 a, 34 a, and 35 a are installed on the game board 8 in a state of being mounted on one integrated display substrate 89, for example. The control signal is transmitted from the main control CPU 72 via the panel relay terminal board 87.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  The pachinko machine 1 includes an effect control device 124 as a control configuration. The effect control device 124 is built in the composite sub control board unit 171. The effect control device 124 controls the effect accompanying the progress of the game in the pachinko machine 1. The effect control device 124 is also equipped with a circuit board (composite sub-control board) on which an effect control CPU 126 that is a central processing unit is mounted. The effect control CPU 126 includes a CPU core (not shown) and a semiconductor memory such as a ROM 128 and a RAM 130 as a main memory. The production control device 124 is provided at a position covered by the back cover unit 178 on the back side of the pachinko machine 1. The effect adjustment switch 125 is mounted on a circuit board, and the switch signal is input to the effect control device 124 through a wiring pattern (not shown). As shown in FIG. 2, the effect adjustment switch 125 is in a position not covered by the back cover unit 178 in order to facilitate operation.

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

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

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

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

  In addition, the panel board 138 is installed in the game board 8, and a driving signal from the lamp driving circuit 132 is applied to the panel lamp 53 via the panel board 138.

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

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

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

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

  A board external terminal board 160 is installed on the back side of the game board 8, and a frame external terminal board 161 is installed on the back side of the plastic frame assembly 7. The main control device 70 (main control CPU 72) and the payout control device 92 (payout control CPU 94) are external information (special symbol variation) toward the outside of the pachinko machine 1 through the panel external terminal plate 160 and the frame external terminal plate 161, respectively. Start status, prize ball payout information, game status information such as during jackpot, probability variation function in operation, and time reduction function in operation can be output. The signals output from the board external terminal board 160 are collected by, for example, a hall computer in a game hall.

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

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

  7 and 8 are flowcharts showing a procedure example of the reset start process. Hereinafter, the process performed by the main control CPU 72 will be described step by step.

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

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

Step S103: The main control CPU 72 performs initial setting of the mask register.
Step S104: The main control CPU 72 refers to the input signal from the previously cleared RAM clear switch and confirms whether or not the RAM clear switch has been operated (switch ON). If the RAM clear switch is not operated (No), next, Step S105 is executed.

  Step S105: The main control CPU 72 checks whether backup information is stored in the RAM 76, that is, whether a backup validity determination flag is set. If the backup ends normally in the previous power-off process and the backup validity determination flag (for example, “A55AH”) is set (Yes), then the main control CPU 72 executes step S106.

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

  Step S107: The main control CPU 72 executes an effect control return process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 transmits a return command to the effect control device 124. In response to this, the effect control device 124 restores the effect state (for example, the display mode of the effect symbol, the sound output content, the light emission state of various lamps, etc.) that was being executed at the time of the previous power shutdown.

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

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

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

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

  Step S111: The main control CPU 72 executes an effect control output process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 outputs a command to be transmitted to the effect control device 124 after reset (command necessary for effect control).

  Step S112: The main control CPU 72 executes a CTC initialization process, and initializes a CTC (counter / timer circuit) that is a peripheral device. Then, the main control CPU 72 shifts to the main loop shown in FIG. 8 (connection symbol A → A).

  Step S113, Step S114: The main control CPU 72 executes the power interruption occurrence check process after prohibiting interruption. In this process, for example, a signal input from a power supply monitoring IC that is a peripheral device is referenced to monitor the occurrence of power interruption (decrease in supply voltage). When the power is cut off, the main control CPU 72 saves the register, backs up the entire contents of the RAM 76, and stops the processing (NOP). If the power is not shut off, the main control CPU 72 next executes step S115. There is also a known programming example in which the CPU executes the process at the time of the occurrence of power interruption as a non-maskable interrupt (NMI) process.

  Step S115: The main control CPU 72 executes an initial value update random number update process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 increments random numbers for updating (changing) initial values of various software random numbers. In this embodiment, various random numbers are generated on the program in addition to the big hit decision random number. These software random numbers are updated by a loop counter within a predetermined range in another interrupt process (step S201 in FIG. 9). In this process, the initial value of the loop counter is changed every time the random number value makes one round. doing. The initial value update random number is used to randomly change the initial value, and in step S115, the initial value update random number is updated. Note that the reason why step S115 is executed after the interruption is prohibited in step S113 is that the same process is executed in another interrupt process (step S202 in FIG. 9). It is for preventing.

  Step S116, Step S117: The main control CPU 72 permits interruption and executes other random number update processing. The random numbers updated in this process are random numbers (reach determination random numbers, variation pattern determination random numbers, etc.) that are not involved in the determination of the winning type (winning type) among software random numbers. This process is performed in the remaining time when a timer interrupt occurs during execution of the main loop and the main control CPU 72 executes another interrupt management process (FIG. 9). The contents of the interrupt management process will be described later.

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

  Step S119, Step S120: The main control CPU 72 executes an effect control output process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 outputs a command to be transmitted to the effect control device 124 (command necessary for effect control). The main control CPU 72 clears the port output request buffer secured in the buffer area of the RAM 76.

  Step S121: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes prize ball payout processing. In this process, the number of winning balls is instructed to the payout control device 92 based on the winning detection signals input from the various switches 80, 82, 84, 86 in another interruption process (step S203 in FIG. 9). A prize ball instruction command is output.

  Step S122, Step S123: The main control CPU 72 executes a special symbol game process and a normal symbol game process in the main loop. These processes are for specifically proceeding with the game in the pachinko machine 1. Among these, in the special symbol game process, the main control CPU 72 controls the variable display and stop display by the first special symbol display device 34 and the second special symbol display device 35 described above, and variable prize according to the display result. The operation of the device 30 is controlled.

  In the normal symbol game process, the main control CPU 72 controls the variable display and stop display by the normal symbol display device 33 described above, and controls the operation of the variable start winning device 28 according to the display result. For example, the main control CPU 72 stores a random number (ordinary symbol big hit decision random number) acquired in response to the passage of the start gate 20 in another interrupt management process. Then, the main control CPU 72 reads a random number value in this normal symbol game process, and determines whether or not it falls within a predetermined hit range (operation lottery execution means). When the random number value falls within the hit range, the normal symbol display device 33 displays the normal symbol in a variable manner, and after stopping the normal symbol in a predetermined hit state, the main control CPU 72 switches the normal electric accessory solenoid 88 on. Excitingly activates the variable start winning device 28 (movable piece actuating means). On the other hand, if the random number value is out of the hit range, the main control CPU 72 performs a normal symbol stop display in a manner of deviation after the variable display. Details of the special symbol game process will be described later with reference to another flowchart.

  Step S124: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes external information processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 outputs the above external information to the hall computer in the game hall through the board external terminal board 160.

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

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

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

[Interrupt management processing (timer interrupt processing)]
Next, interrupt management processing (timer interrupt processing) will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary procedure of interrupt management processing. The main control CPU 72 executes an interrupt management process every predetermined time (for example, several milliseconds) based on the interrupt request signal from the counter / timer circuit. Each procedure will be described below.

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

  Step S201: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a lottery random number update process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 updates the value of the counter for generating various random numbers for lottery. The value of each counter is incremented in the counter area of the RAM 76 and loops within a specified range. The various random numbers include, for example, jackpot symbol random numbers, ordinary symbol jackpot random numbers, and the like. Among these, the big hit symbol random number and the small big hit symbol random number are updated in order within a range of 0 to 99, for example.

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

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

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

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

  Step S205: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes display output management processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 performs the normal symbol display device 33, the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, the first special symbol display device 34, the second special symbol display device 35, the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, and the second special symbol. The lighting state of the operation memory lamp 35a, the game state display device 38, etc. is controlled. Specifically, a drive signal (byte data) to be applied to each LED is generated and output from the output port. As a result, each LED is driven in a predetermined display mode (a mode of performing symbol variation display, stop display, working memory number display, game state display, etc.).

  Step S206: When the above processing is completed, the main control CPU 72 updates the interrupt counter. This counter is referred to in step S118 in the main loop described above.

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

[Processing at start-up winning a prize]
Next, processing that is further executed in the switch input event processing (step S204) will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of processing at the start opening prize. Each procedure will be described below.

  Step S10: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not a winning detection signal is input from the upper start winning opening switch 80 corresponding to the first special symbol. When the input of the winning detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes the next step S12.

  Step S12: The main control CPU 72 refers to the value of the first special symbol working memory number counter to check whether the working memory number is less than four. The working memory number counter represents the number of jackpot determination random numbers and jackpot symbol random numbers (number of sets) stored in the random number storage area of the RAM 76. That is, the random number storage area of the RAM 76 is divided into four sections (for example, 2 bytes each) for each symbol (first special symbol, second special symbol), and each section contains a big hit decision random number and a big hit symbol random number. Each can be stored as a set. At this time, if the number of stored jackpot determined random numbers and jackpot symbol random numbers corresponding to the first special symbol does not reach four, the value of the first special symbol working memory number counter is less than 4 (Yes), In this case, the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S14.

  Step S14: The main control CPU 72 adds one first special symbol working memory number. The first special symbol operation memory number counter is stored, for example, in a counting area of the RAM 76, and the main control CPU 72 increments (+1) the value. Based on the counter value added here, the lighting state of the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a is controlled in the display output management process (step S205 in FIG. 9).

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

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

  Step S18: The main control CPU 72 transfers the saved jackpot decision random number and the jackpot symbol random number to the random number storage area corresponding to the first special symbol, and stores these random numbers as a set in an empty section in the area. The order (for example, first to fourth) is set in the plurality of sections. If all the first to fourth sections are empty at this stage, the random numbers are stored in order from the first section. Alternatively, if the first section is already filled and the other second to fourth sections are empty, the random numbers are stored in order from the second section.

  Step S20: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes an effect determination process at the time of acquisition for the first special symbol. This process is for determining the production content in advance (before the start of variation) based on the jackpot determination random number and the jackpot symbol random number of the first special symbol respectively acquired in the previous steps S16 and S17. The specific processing contents will be described later with reference to another flowchart.

  Step S22: After returning from the effect determination process at the time of acquisition, the main control CPU 72 next sets the upper bytes (for example, “B8H”) of the special figure destination determination effect command for the first special symbol. This high-order byte data describes that the command type is “for special figure destination determination effect relating to the first special symbol”. Since the lower byte of the special figure destination determination effect command is set in the previous acquisition-time effect determination process (step S20), the upper byte is combined with the lower byte, for example. Will be generated.

  Step S24: The main control CPU 72 executes an effect command output process for the first special symbol. This process is for transmitting the special figure destination determination effect command generated in the previous step S22 and the start opening winning sound control command to the effect control device 124.

  When the above procedure is completed, or when no winning detection signal is input from the upper start winning opening switch 80 (step S10: No), or when the first special symbol operating memory number has reached 4 (step S12). : No), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S26.

  Step S26: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not a winning detection signal is inputted from the lower start winning a prize opening switch 82 corresponding to the second special symbol. If the input of the winning detection signal is not confirmed (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the interrupt management process. On the other hand, when the input of the winning detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes the next step S28.

  Step S28: The main control CPU 72 refers to the value of the second special symbol working memory number counter to check whether the working memory number is less than four. Similarly to the above, the second special symbol operation memory number counter represents the jackpot determination random number and the number of jackpot symbol random numbers (the number of sets) stored in the random number storage area of the RAM 76. At this time, if the value of the second special symbol operation memory number counter reaches 4 (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the interrupt management process. On the other hand, if the value of the second special symbol operation memory number counter is still less than 4 (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S30.

  Step S30: The main control CPU 72 increments the second special symbol working memory number by one (increments the value of the second special symbol working memory number counter). As in the previous step S14, the lighting state of the second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a is controlled by the display output management process (step S205 in FIG. 9) based on the counter value added here. .

  Step S32: The main control CPU 72 obtains the jackpot determination random number value corresponding to the second special symbol from the random number generator 75. The method for acquiring the random value is the same as that in step S16 described above.

  Step S34: Next, the main control CPU 72 obtains a jackpot symbol random number corresponding to the second special symbol from the counter area of the RAM 76. The method for acquiring the random value is the same as that in step S17 described above.

  Step S36: The main control CPU 72 transfers the saved jackpot determination random number and the jackpot symbol random number to the random number storage area corresponding to the second special symbol, and stores them in a free section in the area as a set. The storage method is the same as step S18 described above.

  Step S38: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes an acquisition effect determination process for the second special symbol. This process is for determining the effect content in advance (before the start of variation) based on the jackpot determination random number and the jackpot symbol random number of the second special symbol acquired in the previous steps S32 and S34, respectively. Specific processing contents will be described later.

  Step S40: After returning from the effect determination process at the time of acquisition, the main control CPU 72 sets the upper byte (for example, “B9H”) of the special figure destination determination effect command. This high-order byte data describes that the command type is “for special figure destination determination effect relating to the second special symbol”. Similarly, since the lower byte of the special figure destination determination effect command is set in the previous acquisition-time effect determination process (step S38), for example, one word is synthesized by combining the upper byte with the lower byte. A long command will be generated.

  Step S42: The main control CPU 72 executes an effect command output process for the second special symbol. When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the interrupt management process.

[Acquisition process during acquisition]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure of the above-described acquisition effect determination process. The main control CPU 72 executes the acquisition-time effect determination process in the above-described start opening winning process (steps S20 and S38 in FIG. 10). As described above, this process is executed for each of the first special symbol (when winning the upper start winning opening 26) and the second special symbol (when winning the variable start winning device 28). Therefore, the following description may correspond to a process related to the first special symbol and a process related to the second special symbol. Hereinafter, the contents of the processing will be described along each procedure.

  Step S50: The main control CPU 72 sets the lower byte (for example, “00H”) of the special figure destination determination effect command. The byte data set here represents the standard value of the command (at the time of loss).

  Step S52: Next, the main control CPU 72 loads the jackpot determination random number as the first determination random value. The random number to be loaded here is stored in the RAM 76 in the previous start opening winning process (steps S18 and S36 in FIG. 10).

  Step S54: The main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the loaded random number is outside the range of the winning value. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sets the comparison value in the A register, and subtracts the loaded random number value from this comparison value. The comparison value is defined in advance according to the winning probability of the internal lottery in the pachinko machine 1. Next, the main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the calculation result is 0 or a positive value from the value of the flag register, for example. As a result, if the loaded random number is outside the range of the winning value (Yes), the main control CPU 72 returns to the start opening winning time process (FIG. 10). On the other hand, if the loaded random number is not outside the range of the winning value but is within the range (No), the main control CPU 72 then proceeds to step S56.

  Step S56: In this case, the main control CPU 72 sets the comparison value for the next low probability (normal time) in the A register. The comparative value for low probability is also defined in advance according to the winning probability at the low probability in the pachinko machine 1.

  Step S58: Next, the main control CPU 72 loads a special symbol probability state flag. This state flag indicates whether or not the current internal state is highly probable (probably changing), and is stored in the flag area of the RAM 76. If the probability is high (probably changing), the value “01H” is set as the state flag, and if the probability is low (normally normal), the value of the state flag is reset (“00H”).

  Step S60: Then, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the loaded special symbol probability state flag does not represent a high probability (≠ 01H). If the result indicates a high probability (No), the next step Step S62 is executed.

  Step S62: The main control CPU 72 sets a comparative value for high probability. As a result, the low-probability comparison value set in the previous step S58 is rewritten. The high probability comparison value is defined in advance according to the winning probability at the high probability in the pachinko machine 1.

  Thus, when the internal state has a high probability, the next step S64 is executed after rewriting the comparison value. On the other hand, when it is confirmed in the previous step S60 that the state flag does not represent a high probability (Yes), the main control CPU 72 skips step S62 and executes the next step S64.

  Step S64: The main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the random number loaded in the previous step S52 is outside the range of the winning value. That is, the main control CPU 72 subtracts the jackpot determination random number value from the comparison value set for each state. Similarly, the main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the calculation result is a negative value (<0) from the value of the flag register, and if the result is that the loaded random number is outside the range of the winning value (Yes). The main control CPU 72 returns to the start opening winning time process (FIG. 10). On the other hand, if the loaded random number is not outside the range of the winning value but is within the range (No), the main control CPU 72 then proceeds to step S66.

  Step S66: The main control CPU 72 executes a big hit type determination process. This processing is for determining the jackpot type (winning type) at that time based on the jackpot symbol random number. For example, when the main control CPU 72 loads the jackpot symbol random number stored in the previous start opening winning process (step S18, step S36 in FIG. 10), the main control CPU 72 executes a calculation using the comparison value as in the above step S54. From the result, it is determined whether the jackpot type corresponds to “2-round symbol” or “15-round symbol”. The main control CPU 72 stores the determination result at this time as a special symbol determination value, and proceeds to the next step S68.

  Step S68: The main control CPU 72 sets the special symbol judgment value stored in the previous step S66 as the lower byte of the special figure destination judgment effect command. As the special symbol determination value, for example, “0AH” is set when it corresponds to “2 round symbols”, and “01H” is set when it corresponds to “15 round symbols”. In any case, by setting the lower byte data here, the standard lower byte data “00H” set in the previous step S50 is rewritten. When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the start port winning process.

[Special design game processing]
Next, the details of the special symbol game process executed during the main loop will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a configuration example of the special symbol game process. The special symbol game process includes an execution selection process (step S1000), a special symbol change pre-process (step S2000), a special symbol change process (step S3000), a special symbol stop display process (step S4000), and a variable winning device management process. This includes the subroutine group of (Step S5000). Here, first, the basic flow of the special game management process will be described along each process.

  Step S1000: In the execution selection process, the main control CPU 72 selects the jump destination of the process to be executed next (any one of steps S2000 to S5000) from the “jump table”. For example, the main control CPU 72 sets the program address of the process to be executed next as the jump destination address, and sets the end of the special symbol game process as the return destination address in the stack pointer. Which process is selected as the next jump destination depends on the progress of the processes performed so far. For example, if the special symbol has not yet started to be changed, the main control CPU 72 selects the special symbol change pre-process (step S2000) as the next jump destination. On the other hand, if the special symbol change pre-processing has already been completed, the main control CPU 72 selects the special symbol changing process (step S3000) as the next jump destination, and if the special symbol changing process has been completed, For example, the special symbol stop display processing (step S4000) is selected as the jump destination. In this embodiment, the jump destination address is specified by the “jump table” and the process is selected. However, apart from such a selection method, a “process flag”, a “process selection flag”, or the like is used. There is also a known programming example in which the CPU selects a process to be executed next. In such a programming example, the CPU CALLs each process in a single way, and at the top step, the conditional branch (continuation / return) is performed by referring to the flag one by one. However, in the selection method of this embodiment, the main control is performed. There is no need for the CPU 72 to call each process one by one.

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

  Step S3000: In the special symbol changing process, the main control CPU 72 controls the driving of the first special symbol display device 34 and the second special symbol display device 35 while counting the change timer. Specifically, an ON or OFF drive signal (1 byte data) is output for each segment and dot (0th to 7th) of the 7-segment LED. The pattern of the drive signal changes with the passage of time, whereby a special symbol is displayed in a variable manner.

  Step S4000: In the special symbol stop display process, the main control CPU 72 performs drive control of the first special symbol display device 34 and the second special symbol display device 35. Similarly, an ON or OFF drive signal is output for each segment and dot of the 7-segment LED. However, the pattern of the drive signal is constant, whereby a special symbol is stopped and displayed.

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

  Further, when the main control CPU 72 sets the large winning opening opening pattern (the number of rounds and the number of opening / closing operations per round) in the variable winning device management process, every time the opening / closing operation of the variable winning device 30 for one round is completed. Increment the value of the round counter. The value of the round number counter is stored in the count area of the RAM 76 with an initial value of 0, for example. Further, the main control CPU 72 generates a round number command representing the value of the round number counter. The round number command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S119 in FIG. 8). When the value of the round number counter reaches the set number of continuous operations, the main control CPU 72 ends the big hit game (big player) only for that round.

  When the big hit game ends, the main control CPU 72 changes the state after the big hit game (high probability state, time reduction state) based on the game state flag (probability variation function operation flag or time reduction function operation flag). When the “high probability state” is entered, the probability variation function is activated, and the winning probability in the internal lottery is higher (approximately 10 times) than usual (specific game state transition means). In addition, when the “time reduction state” is entered, the time reduction function is activated, and the variation time of the special symbol at the time of non-winning is reduced as a whole compared to the normal state (time reduction state transition means). Note that the “high probability state” and the “time reduction state” may be transferred to only one of them in terms of control, or may be transferred in accordance with both of them. Such transition to the “high probability state” or “time reduction state” will be further described later.

[Multiple winning types]
In addition to the above 15 round big hit (first winning type), in this embodiment, two round big hit (second winning type) is provided as a plurality of winning types. If the first special symbol or the second special symbol is stopped in the big round big hit mode in the previous special symbol stop display processing, an opportunity to shift from the normal state until then to the short hit big hit gaming state occurs. However, since the 2-round jackpot game ends in an extremely short time compared to the 15-round jackpot game, there is almost no winning in the big winning opening. Instead, after the big hit game is over, for example, a privilege to shift to the “high probability state” is given to the player (specific game state transition means).

  In the present embodiment, small wins (special winnings) are provided as winning types other than non-winning. When winning a small winning game, a small winning game is performed separately from the big winning game, and the variable winning device 30 is opened and closed. That is, in the previous special symbol stop display process, if the special symbol stops in a small win mode, a small hit game (game in which the variable winning device 30 operates) is executed in the normal state. In such a small winning game, the variable winning device 30 opens and closes a special number of times (for example, twice), but hardly wins in the big winning opening as in the two-round big winning game. In addition, even when the small hit game ends, a privilege to shift to the “high probability state” or “time reduction state” is not given (it is not a precondition for that).

[Special symbol change pre-treatment]
FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the special symbol variation pre-processing. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along each procedure.

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

  Step S2500: In this process, the main control CPU 72 generates a demonstration effect command. The demonstration effect command is output to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S119 in FIG. 8). When the demo setting process is executed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol game process. When returning, it returns to the end address as described above (and so on).

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

  Step S2200: The main control CPU 72 executes special symbol storage shift processing after prohibiting interruption. In this process, the main control CPU 72 preferentially reads out the lottery random numbers (big hit determination random number, big hit symbol random number) stored in the random number storage area of the RAM 76, which corresponds to the second special symbol. At this time, if random numbers are stored in two or more sections, the main control CPU 72 sequentially reads the random numbers from the first section, and moves (shifts) the remaining random numbers one by one to the previous section. The shifted random number is erased from the random number storage area of the RAM 76. Only when the random number corresponding to the second special symbol is not stored, the main control CPU 72 reads the random number corresponding to the first special symbol and stores it in another common storage area. Each random number stored in the common storage area is used for internal lottery in the next jackpot determination process. As a result, in the present embodiment, the variable display of the second special symbol is preferentially performed over the first special symbol. In addition, the program which reads a random number in the order memorize | stored simply may be sufficient, without providing the priority order according to such special symbols.

  Step S2250: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a special symbol operating memory number subtraction process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 subtracts one value of the working memory number counter (which corresponds to either the first special symbol or the second special symbol) stored in the RAM 76, and obtains the value after the subtraction. Set to “Number of working memories at start of change”. At this time, the working memory number counter to be subtracted corresponds to the one on which the random number stored in the previous step S2200 has been shifted. Thereby, the display mode of the number stored by the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a or the second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a changes (decreases by 1) in the display output management process (step S205 in FIG. 9). . When the procedure so far is finished, the main control CPU 72 permits the interrupt and then executes step S2300.

  Step S2300: The main control CPU 72 executes a big hit determination process (internal lottery). In this process, the main control CPU 72 first sets a range of the big hit value and determines whether or not the read random number value is included in this range (lottery execution means). The range of the jackpot value set at this time is different between the normal state and the high probability state (probability variation state). In the high probability state, the range of the jackpot value is expanded to about 10 times that of the normal state. If the random value read at this time is included in the range of the big hit value, the main control CPU 72 sets the big hit flag (01H), and then proceeds to step S2400. Here, as a more detailed procedure of the jackpot determination process, for example, the procedure (steps S52 to S64 in FIG. 11) mentioned in the previous acquisition-time effect determination process may be applied.

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

  Here, as described above, since the big hit determination random number value is read separately for the first special symbol or the second special symbol, the big hit determination process (internal lottery) is performed for each symbol. For example, if the random number value corresponding to the first special symbol is read in the previous step S2200, the jackpot determination is performed corresponding to the first special symbol. On the other hand, if the random number value corresponding to the second special symbol is read, the jackpot determination is performed corresponding to the second special symbol.

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

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

  Step S2404: The main control CPU 72 executes an off-time stop symbol determination process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sets stop symbol number data at the time of disconnection by the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35. Specifically, if the big hit determination random number corresponding to the second special symbol and the big hit symbol random number have been preferentially shifted in the previous special symbol memory shift process, the main control CPU 72 displays the second special symbol display here. Stop symbol number data by the device 36 is set. On the other hand, if the memory of the big hit determination random number corresponding to the first special symbol is shifted, the main control CPU 72 sets the stop symbol number data by the first special symbol display device 34 here. Further, the main control CPU 72 generates a stop symbol command and a lottery result command (at the time of loss) to be transmitted to the effect control device 124. These commands are transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S119 in FIG. 8).

  In this embodiment, since the 7-segment LED is used for each of the first special symbol display device 34 and the second special symbol display device 35, for example, the display mode of the stop symbol at the time of disconnection is always set to one segment (the center It is possible to fix the stop symbol number data to one value (for example, 64H) by keeping only the lighting display of the bar "-"). In this case, the storage capacity used in the program can be reduced, the processing load on the main control CPU 72 can be reduced, and the processing speed can be improved.

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

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

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

[Winning pattern at the time of big hit]
In the present embodiment, for example, “15 round symbols” and “2 round symbols” are defined in advance as the winning symbols that are selectively determined at the time of the big hit. More specifically, there are mainly two types of winning symbols as major classifications, but even if the same “15 round symbol”, for example, “15 round symbol A”, “15 round symbol B”, “15 round symbol C” ", ...", a plurality of winning symbols are defined in more detail, and for "2-round symbol", for example, "2-round symbol A", "2-round symbol B", "2-round symbol C" ”, Etc., a plurality of winning symbols are defined more finely. Such a fine classification is for diversifying the stop display of the winning symbol by the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35. For example, even if the same “15 round symbol” is used, if the “15 round symbol A” is sub-classified, all seven segments are lit in the first or second special symbol display devices 34 and 35 (for example, “day” character shape). In the case of “15 round symbol B”, five segments are lit (for example, a “self” shape). However, if the “15 round symbol” is the same as the major category, the result (effect) is the same in proceeding with the subsequent game regardless of which symbol is selected in the fine category. A plurality of types of winning symbols provided for each number of rounds are defined in advance by the special symbol determination table.

  Step S2412: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a big hit hour variation pattern determination process. In this process, when the main control CPU 72 obtains the variation pattern determination random number from the counter area of the RAM 76, the variation pattern (variation time and stop display time) of the first special symbol or the second special symbol is determined based on the value. To do. The main control CPU 72 sets the determined variation time value in the variation timer, and sets the stop display time value in the stop symbol display timer. In general, in the case of big hit reach fluctuation, a fluctuation time longer than that at the time of loss is determined.

  Step S2413: The main control CPU 72 executes a big hit other setting process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the probability as a gaming state flag regardless of whether the winning symbol type (hit stop symbol number) determined in the previous step S2410 is “15 round symbol” or “2 round symbol”. The value (01H) of the variable function operation flag is set in the flag area of the RAM 76. Further, when the current gaming state is already in the probability variation state (when the probability is high), the main control CPU 72 also sets the value (01H) of the time shortening function operation flag in the flag area of the RAM 76 as a gaming state flag. The significance of such processing will be further described later together with the description of the game system in the pachinko machine 1.

  In step S2413, the main control CPU 72 determines the display mode of the stop symbol (big hit symbol) by the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35 based on the big hit stop symbol number. In addition, the main control CPU 72 generates a stop symbol command and a lottery result command (at the time of a big hit) to be transmitted to the effect control device 124. The stop symbol command and the lottery result command are also transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process.

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

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

  Step S2408: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a small hit hour variation pattern determination process. In this process, when the main control CPU 72 obtains the variation pattern determination random number from the counter area of the RAM 76, the variation pattern (variation time and stop display time) of the first special symbol or the second special symbol is determined based on the value. To do. Further, the main control CPU 72 sets the value of the determined variation time in the variation timer, and sets the value of the stop display time in the stop symbol display timer. In the present embodiment, the reach variation pattern is not selected in the case of a small hit, and the variation time equivalent to the normal variation is determined. This is to make it difficult for the player to notice that a small hit is caused by the fluctuation by generating a normal fluctuation even at the small hit.

  Step S2409: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a small hitting and other setting process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the display mode of the stop symbol (small hit symbol) by the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35 based on the stop symbol number at the time of small hit. In addition, the main control CPU 72 generates a stop symbol command and a lottery result command (at the time of a small hit) to be transmitted to the effect control device 124. The stop symbol command and the lottery result command are also transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process.

  Step S2414: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes special symbol variation start processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 selects the fluctuation pattern data based on the fluctuation pattern number (out of time / hit), and sets the fluctuation time value corresponding to the fluctuation pattern in the fluctuation timer. The main control CPU 72 sets the value of the stop symbol display time corresponding to the variation pattern in the display timer. At the same time, the main control CPU 72 sets a special symbol variation start flag in the flag area of the RAM 76. Then, the main control CPU 72 generates a change start command to be transmitted to the effect control device 124. This variation start command is also transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process. When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 sets the special symbol changing process (step S3000 in FIG. 12) as the next jump destination, and returns to the special symbol game process.

  In the special symbol variation processing, the main control CPU 72 loads the value of the variation timer from the register to the timer counter as described above, and then decrements the value of the timer counter as time elapses (clock pulse count). . The main control CPU 72 controls the special symbol variation display as described above until the value becomes 0 while referring to the value of the timer counter. When the value of the timer counter becomes 0, the main control CPU 72 sets the special symbol stop display process (step S4000 in FIG. 12) as the next jump destination.

  In the special symbol stop display process, the main control CPU 72 controls the special symbol stop display based on the stop symbol determined in the stop symbol determination process (step S2404, step S2407, and step S2410 in FIG. 13). The main control CPU 72 generates a symbol stop command to be transmitted to the effect control device 94. The symbol stop command is transmitted to the effect control device 94 in the effect control output process. When the stop symbol is displayed for a predetermined time in the special symbol stop display process, the main control CPU 72 deletes the symbol changing flag.

  Then, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not a value (01H) is set in the big hit flag or the small hit flag. As a result, if no value is set in any of the flags (at the time of non-winning), the main control CPU 72 sets the special symbol change pre-processing (step S2000 in FIG. 12) as the next jump destination and the special symbol game. Return to processing. On the other hand, when a value is set in any of the flags (at the time of big hit or small hit), the main control CPU 72 sets the variable winning device management process (step S5000 in FIG. 12) as the next jump destination. Return to special symbol game processing.

[Variable winning device management process]
Next, details of the variable winning device management process will be described. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a configuration example of the variable winning device management process. The variable winning device management process includes a gaming process selection process (step S5100), a special winning opening opening pattern setting process (step S5200), a special winning opening / closing operation process (step S5300), a special winning opening closing process (step S5400), and an end. This is a configuration including a subroutine group of processing (step S5500).

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

[Big prize opening pattern setting process]
FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the special winning opening opening pattern setting process. This process is for setting conditions such as the number of times that the variable winning device 30 is opened and closed and the opening time thereof at the time of big hit or small hit. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along each procedure.

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

[Procedure for jackpot]
First, the procedure for the big hit is as follows.
Step S5204: The main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the current jackpot symbol (winning type) is “2 round symbols”. At this time, if “2 round symbols” is selected in the previous big hit stop symbol determination process (step S2410 in FIG. 13) (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S5206.

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

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

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

  Step S5212: The main control CPU 72 sets the number of execution rounds in the current jackpot game based on the jackpot winning symbol selected in the previous jackpot stop symbol determination process (step S2410 in FIG. 13). Specifically, if “15 round symbol” is selected as the winning symbol, the main control CPU 72 sets the number of execution rounds to 15 times. If “2 round symbols” is selected as the winning symbol, the main control CPU 72 sets the number of execution rounds to two. The number of execution rounds set here is stored in the buffer area of the RAM 76, for example, as a corresponding value on the program ("1" for 2 times, "4" for 5 times).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Big prize opening / closing operation processing]
FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for a special winning opening / closing operation process. This process is mainly for controlling the opening / closing operation of the variable winning device 30. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along a procedure.

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

  Step S5304: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes an open timer countdown process. In this process, the countdown of the release timer set in the previous winning opening opening pattern setting process (step S5214 or step S5220 in FIG. 15) is executed.

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

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

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

  If it is determined in step S5306 that the opening time has expired (Yes), or if it is confirmed in step S5310 that the count has reached a predetermined number (No), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S5312. Note that the value of the release timer is set for a short time in both small hits and 2 rounds or 5 rounds, so that the main control CPU 72 normally has reached the predetermined number in step S5310. In most cases, it is determined in step S5306 that the opening time has ended before confirming the above.

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

  Step S5314: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes interval standby processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 executes a countdown of the interval timer set in the above-described special winning opening opening pattern setting process (step S5216 or step S5222 in FIG. 15). When the value of the interval timer becomes 0 or less, the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S5316.

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

[Large prize closing process]
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the special winning opening closing process. This special winning opening closing process is for continuing the operation of the variable winning device 30 or terminating the operation. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along a procedure.

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

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

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

  Step S5405: The main control CPU 72 generates a round number command from the current round number counter value. This command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S119 in FIG. 8) as described above. The effect control device 124 can confirm the current number of rounds based on the received round number command.

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

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

  When the main control CPU 72 next executes a variable winning device management process, the main control CPU 72 executes a big prize opening opening / closing operation process as a next jump destination in a game process selection process (step S5100 in FIG. 14). Then, after execution of the special prize opening / closing operation process, through the execution of the special prize opening closing process, the main control CPU 72 executes the special prize opening closing process again, and repeatedly executes the above steps S5402 to S5408. Thereby, the opening / closing operation of the variable winning device 30 is continuously executed until the actual round number reaches the set execution round number (2 times or 15 times).

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

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

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

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

  Step S5413: Next, the main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the value of the incremented number-of-releases counter has reached the set number of times of release. The number of times of opening is set in the previous big opening opening pattern setting process (step S5218 in FIG. 15). If the value of the opening number counter has not yet reached the set opening number (No), the main control CPU 72 executes step S5416.

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

  When the main control CPU 72 next executes a variable winning device management process, the main control CPU 72 executes a big prize opening opening / closing operation process as a next jump destination in a game process selection process (step S5100 in FIG. 14). Then, after execution of the special prize opening / closing operation process, the main control CPU 72 executes the special prize opening closing process again through the execution of the special prize opening closing process, and repeatedly executes the above steps S5401 to S5413. Thereby, the opening / closing operation of the variable prize device 30 is repeatedly executed until the actual number of times of opening reaches the set number of times of opening (2 times).

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

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

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

〔End processing〕
FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the end process. This end process is for preparing conditions for ending the operation of the variable prize apparatus 30. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along a procedure.

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

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

Step S5505: The main control CPU 72 deletes the continuous operation number command here.
Step S5506: Next, the main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the value (01H) of the probability variation function operation flag is set. This flag is set in the big hit other setting process (step S2413 in FIG. 13) during the previous special symbol fluctuation pre-processing.

  Step S5508: When the value of the probability variation function operation flag is set (step S5506: Yes), the main control CPU 72 sets the probability variation number (for example, about 10,000 times). The set value of the probability variation number is stored in the probability variation counter area of the RAM 76, for example. The probability variation number set here is an upper limit number of times that the variation (internal lottery) of the first special symbol or the second special symbol is performed in a high probability state in subsequent games. However, if a large number of times such as 10,000 is set, there is almost no chance of non-winning so far (the winning probability at the time of high probability is, for example, about 1/30 to 1/39), so Will continue to have a high probability until the next winning. On the other hand, when a substantial upper limit is set in the high probability state, the probability variation number is set to a realistic number (for example, about 10 times) (so-called number cut probability change). If the value of the probability variation function activation flag is not set (step S5506: No), the main control CPU 72 does not execute step S5508.

  Step S5510: Next, the main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the value of the time reduction function operation flag (01H) is set. This flag is also set in the big hit other setting process (step S2413 in FIG. 13) during the previous special symbol fluctuation pre-processing.

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

  Step S5514: The main control CPU 72 generates a state designation command based on various flags. Specifically, a state designation command representing “normal” is generated as the gaming state when the big hit flag is reset or the big game ends. If the high-probability state function activation flag is set, a state designation command indicating “high probability” is generated as the internal state, and if the time reduction function activation flag is set, the internal state is “reduced time”. A state designation command representing “medium” is generated. These state designation commands are transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S119 in FIG. 8).

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

  Step S5518: The main control CPU 72 sets the jump destination in the execution selection process (step S1000 in FIG. 12) in the special symbol game process to the special symbol change pre-process. When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the variable winning device management process.

  The above is the content of the control process by the main control CPU 72, and the game in the pachinko machine 1 proceeds smoothly through the control process described above. In particular, during this time, when winnings (inflow of game balls) to the upper start winning opening 26 and the variable start winning device 28 occur, the main control CPU 72 performs a big hit internal lottery. When winning in the internal lottery, the first special symbol or the second special symbol variably displayed at that time is stopped and displayed in the mode (special mode) at the time of winning, and then the big hit game is executed as an opportunity for the special game. During the big hit game (especially 15 round big hit), the variable winning device 30 is continuously operated up to the maximum number of times so that it is possible to win the big prize opening, so that the player can obtain profit (mainly paying out the winning ball) during this time. Becomes larger than usual. However, how much you can get a chance to win a big game through the game depends on the results of the internal lottery. Therefore, for a player, the basic strategy for playing a game is to digest as many internal lotteries as possible during normal times and win one after another in as short a time as possible.

  On the other hand, how often the internal lottery can be digested during a normal game is determined by how often the game balls that are driven into the game area 8a flow into the upper start winning opening 26 and the variable start winning apparatus 28. It depends on crab. Among these, the variable start winning device 28 is mainly affected by the result of the operation lottery, considering that winning the operation lottery corresponding to the normal symbol is a precondition for generating the winning. This is a prize to the upper start prize opening 26 that is not performed.

  The winning to the upper start winning opening 26 is basically caused by a random flow of game balls, but the frequency of the winning is determined by how the pachinko machine 1 adjusts the obstacle nails and the player's own launch operation. It is influenced by the degree of technical intervention using In general, it is necessary to have appropriate experience to read the adjustment of the obstacle nail and to acquire the technique of launching operation, and it is difficult to predict the frequency of winning a prize unless it is skilled. In the embodiment, the determination of the occurrence frequency of the winning is made easy by changing the aspect of the effect according to the occurrence frequency of the winning. Therefore, a method of changing the aspect of the effect according to the winning occurrence frequency will be described below.

[Directing mode by directing design]
When the internal lottery is performed as described above, the fluctuation pattern (fluctuation time) is determined based on the lottery result, and then the display is changed according to the fluctuation display and the lottery result based on the first special symbol and the second special symbol. Display is performed (symbol display means). However, since the first special symbol and the second special symbol itself are both lit and blinking display by 7 segment LED (the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35), it is just the appearance. Poor appeal. Therefore, in the pachinko machine 1, a variable display effect and a stop display effect using the effect symbols are performed.

  FIG. 19 is a continuous diagram showing an example of an effect using an effect symbol and a background image. This effect example represents an example of a variable display effect and a stop display effect using the effect symbol. Among these, the variable display effect corresponds to a series of effects performed from when the special symbol starts variable display to when it is stopped and displayed (including fixed stop). The stop display effect is an effect that indicates that the special symbol is stopped and displayed, and the result of the internal lottery at that time is a combination of the effect symbols.

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

[Variable display production start]
In FIG. 19, (i): In synchronization with the start of variation of the special symbol, the variation display effect is started by the scroll variation of the three symbol rows on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42 (symbol effect execution means). . That is, substantially in synchronism with the start of fluctuation of the special symbol, the variable display effect is started in such a manner that the columns of the left effect symbol, the middle effect symbol, and the right effect symbol scroll vertically in the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42. The In the figure, the change display of the effect symbol is simply indicated by a downward arrow.

[Stage production]
At this time, a so-called “stage effect” is performed by displaying an image (background image) as a background of the effect symbol in the display screen. The example shown in (i) of FIG. 19 is a background image representing a “seaside landscape”. In the present embodiment, this is, for example, a “normal stage” for production. Such “stage production” is to remind the player of the concept of the stage and mode in which he / she is currently staying while continuing the game. Further, the “stage effect” has an effect of changing the player's eyes by changing the background image (so-called stage change effect), for example. The stage change effect will be further described later.

[Left design stop]
In FIG. 19, (ii): For example, when a certain amount of time has elapsed, the left effect symbol first stops changing. In this example, the effect symbol representing the number “6” is stopped at the middle position of the screen. Here, illustration of the background image is omitted (the same applies to the following).

[Right production symbol stop]
In FIG. 19, (iii): Following the left effect symbol, the right effect symbol thereafter stops changing. In this example, the effect symbol representing the number “7” is stopped at the middle position of the screen. Since it has already been determined that the reach state has not occurred at this point, it is almost clear that the current fluctuation (internal lottery result) was not won.

[Stop display effect]
In FIG. 19, (iv): The last medium effect symbol stops substantially in synchronization with the special symbol stop display. At this time, if the special symbol is stopped and displayed as an off symbol, the effect symbol is similarly displayed in a stop manner. In the example shown in the figure, the effect symbol representing the numeral “3” is stopped at the middle position of the screen. In this case, since the combination of effect symbols is “6-3-7”, the fact that the current variation is “out” is expressed in an effect. In this example, the case of non-winning is taken as an example, but if the result of the internal lottery is “15 rounds big hit”, the combination of the left, middle, and right production symbols through the reach production (for example, “7”-“7”-“7”) is displayed in a jackpot manner composed of “7”-“7”-“7”).

  The above example of production shows the basic flow of the change display effect and the stop display effect performed at the time of non-winning. Although not shown here, when “out of reach reach” is designated as the change pattern of the special symbol at the time of non-winning, the out of reach display effect is executed in the change display effect as follows.

[Reach production, notice production]
FIG. 20 is a continuous diagram illustrating an example of a loss reach effect and a notice effect executed before and after that effect.

  FIG. 20A: Similarly here, for example, the left effect symbol, the middle effect symbol, and the right effect symbol on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42 substantially in synchronization with the start of fluctuation of the first special symbol or the second special symbol. The variable display effect is started so as to scroll the vertical column in the vertical direction. Although not shown here, it is assumed that, for example, “normal stage” is selected as the background image by “stage effect”.

[Preliminary production before reach (first stage)]
(B) in FIG. 20: Next, at a relatively early stage of the variable display effect, a pre-reach notice effect using the character image is performed. At this time, the character design image is positioned in front of the effect design that is variably displayed on the screen. For example, the character design image is displayed so as to appear suddenly from the left end of the screen (other appearance modes may be used). Note that the “pre-reach notice” means that a reach or a big hit is announced before any effect symbol is stopped and displayed. By executing such a “pre-reach announcement effect”, an effect of giving the player a sense of expectation that “it may develop into a reach = the possibility of a big hit increases” is obtained.

[Advance notice before the reach occurs (second stage)]
In FIG. 20, (C): Further, as a pre-reach notice effect, an effect using a picture image of a character different from the previous one is performed. Specifically, another pattern image appears additionally from the left end of the screen, and the two image images are displayed side by side on the screen by shifting the position of the previously displayed pattern image to the right side. This is a mode of production. Such a pre-reach pre-announcement effect using the second picture image is an advanced type further advanced from the pre-reach pre-announcement effect (first stage) performed in FIG. . In this way, the aspect of “pre-reach notice effect” that develops in stages may be expressed as “step-up notice” or the like. Here, an example is given in which the second pattern image appears in the pre-reach notice effect, but the third, fourth, and fifth pattern images appear and appear one after another. There may be. Even at this stage, the variation display of the effect symbols is continued.

[Stop of left design]
(D) in FIG. 20: The middle stage of the variable display effect is approached, and the variable display of the left effect symbol is eventually stopped. At this point, the effect symbol representing the number “7” is stopped at the upper left position of the screen, and the effect symbol representing the number “8” is stopped at the lower left position. And the blank symbol which does not have a number has stopped in the left middle stage position.

[Occurrence of reach condition]
In FIG. 20, (E): Following the left effect symbol, for example, the change display of the right effect symbol is stopped. At this point, the effect symbol representing the number “6” is stopped at the lower right position, and the effect symbol representing the number “7” is stopped at the upper right position of the screen. The combination of the numbers “7” — “being changed” — “7” is partially displayed at the upper position (upper line). In general, when three productions of the same type are stopped in the production, the game is “big hit”. Here, only one of the medium production symbols remaining until “big hit” is left. In this way, it is possible to generate a “reach state” during the variable display effect by stopping up to two of the same type of effect symbols (reach state generating means). Further, the occurrence of the “reach state” and the combination of two numbers is referred to as “tempering”. At this time, in order to tell the player that the “reach state” has occurred, character information such as “reach!” Is displayed on the screen, and a sound is output together.

  When the “reach state” is generated and further developed into a certain reach production pattern, only the production symbols corresponding to the tempered number (here, “7”) are displayed on the screen, and the others are not displayed. At this time, the effect design may be displayed in a reduced state at the corner of the screen. On the other hand, in the case of normal reach production (normal reach), the left and right production symbols corresponding to the tempered numbers remain in the state shown in (E) of FIG. 20, for example, only the middle production symbols scroll slowly. Thus, the reach effect is displayed in a variable manner.

[Preliminary notice after reach occurs (first time)]
In FIG. 20, (F): When a “reach state” occurs, for a while, a notice effect after the occurrence of reach (first time) is displayed in which characters such as “chance !?” are displayed large on the screen. If the medium performance symbol has been simply scrolled until then, the message suddenly becomes a large copy on the screen, which can increase the visual appeal to the player. By executing such a notice effect after the occurrence of reach, an effect of giving the player a sense of expectation that “this notice can be expected to be a big hit” is obtained. At the same time, an effect of outputting sound such as “chance” from the speakers 54, 55, and 56 may be performed.

[Progress of reach production]
In FIG. 20, (G): Following the notice effect after the first reach, for example, images representing numbers “2” to “7” move in a circle on the screen while “2”, There is an effect in which numerical images are erased from the screen in the order of “3”, “4”. Such an effect is performed for the purpose of suggesting (impliciting) or reminding the player that the number “7” remains without being erased. Therefore, during this time, the numbers “2”, “3”, “4”,... Are erased in order, and as the number “6” approaches, the player's tension and expectations The feeling will also increase. After this, for example, if up to the number “5” is erased on the screen, then the next time the number “6” is erased, it is a “hit”, and the player's feeling of tension increases rapidly.

[Preliminary notice after the occurrence of reach (second time)]
In FIG. 20, (H): When the reach production is almost full, the image of the character suddenly breaks down (cuts in) on the screen, and the content that the character emits some dialogue A notice effect after the occurrence (second time) is performed (a notice effect execution means after the reach occurs). At this time, the content of the production is a large development of “7”-“7”-“7” big hit if the number “6” is deleted ”. Therefore, by causing the character image to appear at this timing, it is possible to obtain an effect of giving the player a sense of expectation that “it may finally be a big hit”. In the present embodiment, the expectation of the big hit differs depending on the size of the character image (the size of the cut-in) at this time, and it is assumed that the expectation of the big hit is relatively high when a cut-in notice is generated particularly for a large image. Yes.

[Stop display effect]
In FIG. 20, (I): The last medium effect symbol stops substantially in synchronization with the stop display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol. At this time, if the first special symbol or the second special symbol is stopped and displayed as an outlier symbol, the effect symbol is similarly displayed as a stop display effect in the same manner (design effect execution means). In the example shown in the figure, the number “6” remains on the screen without being erased, and unfortunately, it has been expressed stellarly that the current change did not result in a “hit”. Here, although the case of non-winning is taken as an example, if the result of the internal lottery is winning, the effect symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner corresponding to the winning type at that time (winning symbol). That is, if the winning symbol corresponds to the “probable variation”, three effect symbols representing odd numbers “1”, “3”, “5”, “7”, “9” are stopped and displayed together. Thus, for example, an effect is provided in which the player is informed that it is “probable big hit”. On the other hand, if the winning symbol is “non-probable variation”, an effect that tells the player that “normal (non-probable variation) big hit” is performed by stopping and displaying all three even-numbered representation symbols. Is called. In addition, even in the case of “probable big hit”, there is a case where an even number of effect symbols are stopped and displayed, and an effect of promoting to “probable change” during the big hit game is performed. Further, in the case of “2 round probability variation big hit”, not the odd number of three but a production symbol of an odd number combination such as “1”-“3”-“5” is displayed.

[Example of stage production]
FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of a background image used in stage effects. In the present embodiment, in addition to the above “normal stage” ((A) in FIG. 21), for example, the following background images are prepared as stage effects.

  FIG. 21B: For example, an image of another female character wearing a yukata is displayed at the center of the display screen as another background image. In the present embodiment, the stage effect using such a background image is referred to as a “yukata stage”.

  In FIG. 21, (C): Another image of a female character looking up at the night sky is displayed on the left side of the display screen together with, for example, “night sky that fires fireworks” as another background image. In the present embodiment, the stage effect using such a background image is referred to as a “fireworks stage”.

  In FIG. 21, (D): As another background image, for example, a background image related to a festival (images of drums, lanterns, fan fans, fireworks, etc. arranged) is displayed on the display screen. In the present embodiment, a stage effect using such a background image is referred to as a “festival stage”.

[Stage change production]
Moreover, in this embodiment, a stage change effect can be performed by changing the content of a background image at some opportunity. As an opportunity to change the content of the background image, for example, the start (initial start) of the variable display effect can be cited.

  FIG. 22 is a continuous diagram illustrating an example of a stage change effect. Hereinafter, the flow of the stage change effect will be schematically described.

(Door closing effect)
FIG. 22 (E): For example, if the background image so far is the “normal stage” shown in FIG. 21 (A), doors (襖) appear from both sides of the display image at the start of the design variation effect. Then, a stunning closing effect is performed at the center. Such a door closing effect is performed for the purpose of attracting the player's eyes by temporarily covering the display screen so far.

(Door opening production)
(F) in FIG. 22: Next, the closed door quickly moves to the left and right of the display screen, and an effect (door opening effect) representing the operation of opening the door is performed. Such a door opening effect is performed, for example, in the sense that the player is interested in the result of the opening of the door.

[Stage change production]
In FIG. 22, (G): When the door is opened, the background image changes to the above-mentioned “Yukata stage” together with the text information “Yukata stage !!”, for example. By executing such a stage change effect, it is possible to visually appeal to the player that the stage has changed to a different stage (or mode).

[Yukata stage production]
In FIG. 22, (H): Subsequent to the stage change effect, the above-described variation display effect is executed substantially in synchronization with the variation display of the special symbol. The background image at this time has already been switched to the “yukata stage”. As a result, the opening / closing operation of the door is performed and the player is informed that the stage has shifted from the “normal stage” to the “yukata stage”.

  The above are the standard aspects of the effects (stage effects, stage change effects) using effects (stage display effect, stage change effect) and effects using the effect image (variable display effect, reach effect, notice announcement after reaching, stop display effect). This is an example of “first aspect”.

  Next, FIG. 23 is a continuous diagram showing the flow of the fluctuating effect performed in a mode different from the first mode. That is, the various effects shown in FIG. 23 are different from the first effects shown in FIG.

[Variable display effects]
23 (A): Here, the columns of the left effect symbol, the middle effect symbol, and the right effect symbol are vertically displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42 substantially in synchronization with the start of fluctuation of the first special symbol or the second special symbol. The variable display effect is started by scrolling in a direction (for example, from top to bottom). Note that there is no difference from the first aspect at this stage.

[Preliminary production before reach (first stage)]
(B) in FIG. 23: As in the first mode, the first stage pre-reach notice effect is performed at a relatively early stage of the variable display effect (before the reach state occurs). Here, the character displayed on the picture card is different from the first aspect, and there is no particularly noticeable difference.

[Advance notice before the reach occurs (second stage)]
(C) in FIG. 23: Next, the second pre-reach occurrence announcement effect is performed in an aspect different from the first aspect (hereinafter referred to as “second aspect”). Specifically, in this second mode, another pattern image additionally appears from the right end of the screen, and is displayed so as to overlap the front of the previously displayed pattern image. The picture image displayed at this time is larger in size than the picture image displayed previously. And the effect by the sound output that the character expressed by the picture image emits a dialogue (for example, “I will reach” etc.) is also performed. Here, an example is given until the second-stage design image appears. However, in the second aspect of the pre-reach notice effect, for example, the third-stage, fourth-stage, and fifth-stage design images appear one after another. Each time it is displayed, the size may be enlarged.

[Stop of left design]
(D) in FIG. 23: The middle stage of the variable display effect is approached, and then the variable display of the left effect symbol is stopped. At this point, the effect symbol representing the number “7” is stopped at the upper left position of the screen, and the effect symbol representing the number “8” is stopped at the lower left position. And the blank symbol which does not have a number has stopped in the left middle stage position.

[Occurrence of reach condition]
(E) in FIG. 23: Subsequently to the left effect symbol, for example, the change display of the right effect symbol is stopped. At this point, the effect symbol representing the number “7” is stopped at the lower right position, and the effect symbol representing the number “8” is stopped at the upper right position of the screen. On the diagonal line (on two diagonal lines), two types of reach states of the numbers “7” — “being changed” — “7” and “8” — “being changed” — “8” have occurred. On the screen, an image that emphasizes two diagonal lines that are in a reach state on a diagonal line is displayed together. In addition, an effect of outputting a voice such as “Reach!” Is performed. Furthermore, in this example, since there are two candidates for the medium effect symbol, “7” and “8” (so-called double reach and double template), it is a highly anticipated reach state. Also, in this case, if the number “7” is aligned, it is a probability variation jackpot, and if the number “8” is aligned, it is a non-probable variation jackpot. It is possible to make players feel various tensions.

  When the reach state is further developed after the reach state occurs, only the effect symbols corresponding to the tempered numbers (here, “7” and “8”) are displayed on the screen, and the others are not displayed. At this time, the effect symbols may be displayed in a reduced state at the four corners of the screen.

[Preliminary notice after reach occurs (first time)]
In FIG. 23 (F): In the first mode described above, characters such as “chance !?” were only displayed on the screen, but in this second mode, after a reach state has occurred, For example, a notice effect (first time) is performed after reaching, in which images representing “flower patterns” form a group and pass diagonally on the screen. In this case, since the image of the “flower pattern group” is suddenly displayed on the screen, this can increase the visual appeal to the player. By executing such a notice effect after the visually lively reach notice occurs, the player can have a greater expectation that this notice can be expected to be a big hit.

[Progress of reach production]
In FIG. 23 (G): Following the announcement effect after the first reach, for example, images representing the numbers “2” to “9” are displayed in a three-dimensional column on the screen. There is an effect in which numerical images are erased from the screen in the order of “2”, “3”, “4”. Such an effect is also intended to suggest (imply) or remind the player that the number “7” or “8” is a “hit” if it remains unerased to the end. Done in If the number “6” is erased and “7” remains in front of the screen, it is “probable big hit”, but if the number “7” is also erased and “8” remains in front of the screen, “normal (non- "Probable change" is a big hit, and the number "8" is also erased, and when "9" finally remains, it means "out of place". Therefore, during this time, the numbers “2”, “3”, “4”,... Are erased in order, and as the number “6” approaches, the player's tension and expectations The feeling will also increase. After this, for example, if up to the number “5” is erased on the screen, the next time the number “6” is finally erased, then “probable big hit” or “normal (non-probable big) big hit” is possible. Because of the increased nature, the player's tension will increase at once.

[Preliminary notice after the occurrence of reach (second time)]
In FIG. 23 (H): When the reach production is approaching the final stage, the character image suddenly appears on the screen as if it was split into a large image, and the character emits some dialogue (or silently) A notice effect (second time) is performed after the occurrence of reach (may be a content of smiling) (notice effect execution means). Compared to the first aspect described above, the second aspect differs in that the character image to be cut-in is enlarged as a whole (large cut-in). At this time, for example, the content of the reach effect is a development that “if the number“ 6 ”is erased, then the possibility of a big hit of“ 7 ”-“ 7 ”-“ 7 ”increases” ”. In addition, even if the number “7” is deleted in the subsequent reach production, there is still a possibility of an uncertain change big hit of “8”-“8”-“8”. Therefore, by causing a large character image to appear at this timing, it is possible to obtain an effect of giving the player a great sense of expectation that “it may finally be a big hit”.

  As a reach production different from the above, for example, if “numbers“ 2 ”to“ 7 ”are erased and the last remaining number“ 8 ”remains without being erased,“ 8 ”-“ 8 There is also a development that “There is a possibility of a non-probable big hit of“ 8 ””. When the character image appears at such a timing, an effect can be obtained in which the player has a desire that “even if the probable big hit is missed, it may somehow become a non-probable big hit”.

[Stop display effect]
In FIG. 23 (I): The last medium effect symbol stops substantially in synchronization with the stop display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol. At this time, if the result of the internal lottery corresponds to winning, the first special symbol or the second special symbol is stopped and displayed with the winning symbol corresponding to the winning type at that time, so the winning type (winning symbol) The effect symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner corresponding to the above. In the example shown in the figure, the winning symbol corresponds to the “probable variation symbol”, so that the player can be identified as “probable variation big hit” by stopping and displaying the production symbol representing the odd number “7” in the center of the screen. The direction taught to is performed. On the other hand, if the winning symbol is “non-probable variation”, the player can be identified as “ordinary (non-probable variation) big hit” by stopping and displaying the production symbol representing the even number “8” in the center of the screen. An effect is taught. In addition to this, even in the case of “probable big hit”, even numbered production symbols are stopped and displayed, and odd-numbered production symbols are stopped and displayed by re-variation and promoted to “probability”. There is a case where an effect such as promotion to “probability” is performed. Further, in the case of “2 round probability variation big hit”, not the odd number of three but a production symbol of an odd number combination such as “1”-“3”-“5” is displayed. On the other hand, if the result of the internal lottery is non-winning, the first special symbol or the second special symbol is stopped and displayed with the off symbol, so that the effect symbol is similarly provided with a stop display effect in a manner of deviation ( Design effect execution means). In this case, by displaying the numbers “6” and “9” other than “7” and “8” in the center of the screen, unfortunately, there is an effect that informs that the current change has not been a big hit.

[Various notice effects]
Further, although not particularly shown, regarding the notice effect executed in the variable display effect, in this embodiment, the character notice effect of (B) and (C) in FIG. 23 and the flower of (F) in FIG. For example, the following multiple types of notice effects are prepared including the pattern group notice effect and the character cut-in notice effect shown in FIG.

(1) Subtitle notice effect: This notice effect is performed as part of the above-mentioned “pre-reach notice effect”. For example, the screen is darkened (blacked out) at the beginning of the variable display effect, and the subtitles such as “Notice! This change is a reach!” Or “Notice! Fireworks in the night sky!” Is done.

(2) Push button notice effect: This notice effect is also performed as part of the “pre-reach notice effect”. For example, when a message such as “Please press the button” is displayed on the screen at the beginning of the start of the variable display effect, and the player presses the effect switching button 45 in response to this, the “notice effect before the occurrence of reach” is displayed. A special image or message (such as “Please expect reach!”) Is displayed.

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

(4) Movable body notice effect: This notice effect can correspond to both “notice effect before reach occurrence” and “notice effect after reach occurrence”. For example, in the case where a production movable body (decorations such as character figures and props) is provided in the game area 8a, a production is performed in which the movable body is operated by a motor, a solenoid, or the like. The effect using the movable body is accompanied by the motion of an object having a presence, and therefore has an effect of increasing the visual appeal to the player rather than a planar image.

(5) Luminescent notice effect: This notice effect can also correspond to both “notice effect before reach occurrence” and “notice effect after reach occurrence”. For example, the above-mentioned glass frame top lamps 46 and 48, the glass frame side lamp 50, the saucer lamp 52, etc. are rendered to emit light in a special pattern. The effect using the illuminant can be enhanced in a wide range extending outside the game area 8a, so that the visual appeal to the player can be increased accordingly.

  In addition to the above, a plurality of types are defined with respect to the contents of the “pre-reach notice announcement” and the “reach notice notice effect”. In addition, an expected value indicating the degree of possibility of a big hit is set in advance in the content of each effect, and in this embodiment, there is a classification of “high” or “low” as an expected value. The “expected value” here is represented by a ratio at which the effect is selected when winning in the internal lottery.

  For example, if there is a “post-reach notice effect A” selected at a rate of 60% at the time of winning the internal lottery, the player expects the “pre-reach notice effect A after reach” to be “the case of losing” Is 40%, but there is a possibility of a big hit at 60% ", so this is a" notice effect with a high expected value ". Conversely, if there is a “pre-reach announcement effect B” that is selected at a rate of 80% when the internal lottery is not selected, the expected value of the “pre-reach announcement effect B” is “a possible big hit This is a “notice effect with a low expected value”.

  The second notice after the occurrence of reach described in the first aspect ((H) in FIG. 20) is a “cut-in small” pattern, which belongs to a category with low expectation. On the other hand, the second post-reach notice effect (in FIG. 23 (H)) mentioned in the second mode is a “cut-in large” pattern, which belongs to a highly expected category. In addition, for example, there is a “cut-in” pattern in the notice effect after the occurrence of reach, which belongs to a category with a medium expectation. It should be noted that the expected degree (high / medium / low) of the notice effect is generated by lottery by the effect control device 124 (effect control CPU 126) based on the result of the internal lottery at that time. . In addition, in this embodiment, for example, even if the result of the internal lottery is non-winning, the effect mode is changed according to the frequency of winning that has occurred so far.

[Changes in presentation style due to winning frequency]
For example, even if the result of the internal lottery is the same non-winning, on the basis of the frequency of winning (for example, winning to the upper start winning opening 26) that has occurred in the game by the pachinko machine 1 up to that time, The mode of production can be changed.

[Changes in the aspect of the notice effect]
(1) For example, a character image to be displayed can be changed in a pre-reach notice effect executed at the time of non-winning. In this case, when the occurrence frequency of the prize is relatively low and high, the information that “the occurrence frequency of the prize is high” is set by setting a high ratio in which the specific character image is selected in the latter case. Can be suggested (teached, implied).

(2) Or, in the pre-reach notice effect executed at the time of non-winning, it is possible to change the content of the dialogue ((C) in FIG. 23) that the character utters. In this case, in the case where the frequency of winning is relatively low and high, it is also possible to set a high ratio for selecting a specific dialogue (for example, “It feels so good!”) In the latter case. Information that “the winning frequency is high” can be suggested (teached or implied) to the player.

(3) Also, in the after-reaching notice effect that is executed at the time of non-winning, it is possible to change the displayed characters and the group notice image. For example, in the above-described first mode ((F) in FIG. 20), the character “chance !?” is displayed as a notice effect after the occurrence of reach, but this is changed to a specific character “excellent machine !!” or the like. Can be made. In this case, when the occurrence frequency of the prize is relatively low or high, the player is given the information that “the occurrence frequency of the prize is high” by setting a high ratio for selecting a specific character in the latter case. Can be suggested (teached, implied).

(4) In addition, the type of character to be cut-in ((H) in FIG. 20, (H) in FIG. 23) can be changed in the post-reach notice effect (cut-in notice) executed at the time of non-winning. . In this case, in the case where the occurrence frequency of the winning is relatively low and in the case where the winning frequency is relatively high, by setting a high ratio in which the specific character is selected in the latter case, information indicating that “the winning frequency is high” Can be suggested (teached, implied).

(5) Or, if the expectation differs depending on the large / medium / small size of the cut-in in the post-reach pre-announcement effect (cut-in pre-announcement), even if the result of the internal lottery is non-winning, The lower the is, the higher the ratio at which the notice effect after the occurrence of the cut-in reach is generated can be set higher. This is because the lower the frequency of winnings, the smaller the number of fluctuations in the game, so conversely, by increasing the appearance rate of highly anticipated notice productions, let's keep between players as much as possible It is what. Such a change in the production mode will be described later with an example.

[Changes in the aspect of stage change effects]
(6) Further, in the stage change effect (FIG. 22), the content of the selected background image can be changed. In this case, if the occurrence frequency of the prize is relatively low and high, the ratio of selecting a specific background image (for example, “festival stage”) is set high in the latter case, Information indicating “high frequency” can be suggested (teached or implied) to the player.

(7) Alternatively, in the stage change effect, the stage change probability at the time of non-winning can be changed. That is, even if the result of the internal lottery is not won, the probability that the stage change effect is executed can be set higher as the winning frequency is lower. This is because, as the frequency of winnings is lower, the number of fluctuations during the game is considered to be less, so conversely, by increasing the occurrence rate of stage change effects, the player tries to have as much as possible between the players. Is. Such a change in the effect mode will be described later with an example.

[Production control processing]
Next, an example of a control method for specifically realizing the above effect example will be described.
FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the effect control process executed by the effect control CPU 126. This effect control process is executed, for example, in a timer interrupt process (interrupt management process) separately from a reset start (main) process (not shown). The effect control CPU 126 generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined interrupt period (for example, a period of several milliseconds) during execution of the reset start process, and executes the timer interrupt process.

  The effect control process includes a command reception process (step S400), a prize occurrence frequency effect management process (step S401), an effect symbol management process (step S402), a display output process (step S404), a lamp driving process (step S406), and an audio. This includes a subroutine group of drive processing (step S408), effect random number update processing (step S410), and other processing (step S412). Hereinafter, the basic flow of the effect control process will be described along each process.

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

  Step S401: In the winning occurrence frequency effect management process, the effect control CPU 126 calculates the winning occurrence frequency. The effect control CPU 126 sets conditions for changing various effect modes based on the calculated winning frequency. The specific processing contents will be described later with reference to still another flowchart.

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

  Step S404: In the display output process, the effect control CPU 126 controls the effect display control device 144 (display control CPU 146) with basic control information of the effect contents (for example, the number of working memories of each of the first special symbol and the second special symbol). , Change effect pattern number, notice effect number, mode number, etc.). Thereby, the effect display control device 144 (the display control CPU 146 and the VDP 152) controls the display operation by the liquid crystal display 42 based on the instructed contents of the effect (acts as various effect executing means).

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

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

  Step S410: In the effect random number update process, the effect control CPU 126 updates various effect random numbers in the counter area of the RAM 130. The effect random number includes, for example, a random number used for selecting a notice and a random number used for stage change effect lottery.

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

  Through the above-described effect control process, the effect control CPU 126 can comprehensively control the effect contents in the pachinko machine 1. In addition, the effect control CPU 126 can change the aspect of various effects according to the frequency of winning. First, the contents of the effect symbol management process executed in the effect control process will be described.

[Direction design management processing]
FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the effect symbol management process. The effect symbol management process includes an execution selection process (step S500), an effect symbol change pre-process (step S502), an effect symbol change process (step S504), an effect symbol stop display process (step S506), and a variable winning device operation. This is a configuration including a subroutine group of processing (step S508). Hereinafter, the basic flow of the effect symbol management process will be described along each process.

  Step S500: In the execution selection process, the effect control CPU 126 selects the jump destination of the process to be executed next (any one of steps S502 to S508). For example, the effect control CPU 126 sets the program address of the process to be executed next as the jump destination address, and sets the end of the effect symbol management process in the “jump table” as the return address. Which process is selected as the next jump destination depends on the progress of the processes performed so far. For example, if the situation has not yet started the variation display effect, the effect control CPU 126 selects the effect symbol variation pre-processing (step S502) as the next jump destination. On the other hand, if the effect symbol variation pre-processing has already been completed, the effect control CPU 126 selects the effect symbol variation processing (step S504) as the next jump destination, and if the effect symbol variation in-process has been completed, As a jump destination, the effect symbol stop display in-progress process (step S506) is selected. The variable winning device operating process (step S508) is selected as a jump destination only when the variable winning device management process (step S5000 in FIG. 12) is selected in the main control CPU 72. In this case, steps S502 to S506 are not executed.

  Step S502: In the effect symbol variation pre-processing, the effect control CPU 126 performs an operation of preparing conditions for starting the variable display effect using the effect symbol. In addition, the production control CPU 126 also performs demonstration production control when the pachinko machine 1 is in a so-called customer waiting state. The specific processing content will be described later using another flowchart.

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

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

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

  Or when it corresponds to "2 round jackpot", production control CPU126 performs control which performs said normal fluctuation production (for example, production example of FIG. 19). In this case, the number of operations of the variable winning device 30 is minimum, and the continuous operation during that time ends within a short time (for example, about 1 second). Also, in the case of “small hit”, the effect control CPU 126 performs control to execute the same effect as the normal variation effect (effect example in FIG. 19). In this case as well, the variable prize device 30 operates a plurality of times within a short time, but no special effects are executed during that time. In addition to this, with regard to “2 round big hit” and “small win”, the door opens and closes in the display screen in accordance with the operation of the variable winning device 30 (for example, (E) → (F) in FIG. 22). ) May be executed.

[Preliminary design change processing]
FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the effect symbol variation pre-processing. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along the example of a procedure.

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

  Step S602: The effect control CPU 126 executes a demo selection process. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 selects a demonstration effect pattern. The demonstration effect pattern defines the contents of the effect indicating that the pachinko machine 1 is in a so-called customer waiting state. In the present embodiment, the pattern of the demonstration effect can also be changed based on the winning frequency. For this reason, details of the demonstration selection process will be further described later using another flowchart.

  When the above procedure is completed, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the last address of the effect symbol management process. Then, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the effect control process as it is, and controls the contents of the demonstration effect based on the demonstration effect pattern in the subsequent display output process (step S404 in FIG. 24) and lamp driving process (step S406 in FIG. 24). To do.

  On the other hand, if it is confirmed in step S600 that the demonstration effect command is not stored (No), the effect control CPU 126 next executes step S604.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  In addition, the following procedure is executed when not winning. In other words, when the effect control CPU 126 confirms that there is a shift in step S604 (Yes), it next executes step S612.

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

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

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

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

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

[Control method based on winning frequency]
Next, an example of a control method for changing the production mode according to the frequency of occurrence of winning will be described.

  FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the winning occurrence frequency effect management process. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along the example of a procedure.

  Step S700: The effect control CPU 126 determines whether or not the current internal state (game state) is operating the time reduction function. This determination can be made based on a state designation command transmitted from the main control CPU 72. If the current internal state is when the time reduction function is not activated (No), the effect control CPU 126 executes the next step S702.

  Step S702: The effect control CPU 126 stores (accumulates) parameters relating to the winning occurrence frequency. Specifically, the effect control CPU 126 counts the number of times the detection signal is input from the out-sphere count switch 182 and updates the counter value. This count value represents the number of game balls (number of out balls) that have been driven into the game area 8a and used for the game. Further, the effect control CPU 126 receives a prize at the upper start winning opening 26 based on the special figure destination determination effect command or the variation pattern command (command corresponding to the first special symbol) received in the previous command receiving process (step S400). The number of occurrences (number of winning balls) is counted and the count value is updated. Here, the number of times that the winning to the variable start winning device 28 has occurred (the number of times related to the variation of the second special symbol) is not specifically counted, but the number of winnings to both the upper start winning port 26 and the variable start winning device 28 May be counted.

  Step S704: Next, the production control CPU 126 confirms whether or not the timing (calculation time) for calculating the winning occurrence frequency has been reached. This timing can be, for example, the time when a certain time (for example, 1 hour) has elapsed since the previous occurrence frequency was calculated.

  If the timing has not yet been reached (step S704: No), the effect control CPU 126 returns to the effect control process (FIG. 24) here. In this case, the effect control CPU 126 updates the parameter storage in the next step S702.

  Thereafter, when it is determined that the calculation timing has been reached (step S704: Yes), the effect control CPU 126 next executes step S706.

  Here, as an example of the timing for calculating the occurrence frequency of winnings, a point in time when a certain time has passed since the previous calculation is given, but other than this, for example, the following multiple calculation timings should be set Can do.

(1) The effect control CPU 126 can calculate the occurrence frequency of winning every time the number of out balls counted in step S702 reaches a predetermined number (for example, about 6000). In this case, the production control CPU 126 resets the count value of the number of out balls every time the occurrence frequency is calculated, and then determines that the calculation timing has been reached when the count value reaches a predetermined number (step S704: Yes).

  In this case, not only the passage of time but also the number of game balls actually used in the game can be counted, and the occurrence frequency of the winnings can be calculated therein, so that the game tempo can be calculated for each player. Even if the progress speeds are different, the frequency of winning can be calculated based on common conditions (number of used game balls).

(2) Alternatively, as in the above example, even when a certain time has elapsed from the previous calculation timing, the cumulative number of out balls counted within this certain time is less than the prescribed number (for example, Even if it is determined that the production control CPU 126 has reached the calculation timing in step S704, the previous calculation result may be maintained without performing another calculation in the next step S706. Good. For example, if a game has not been performed in the pachinko machine 1 for a while (in a vacant stand state), even if a certain time has passed since the previous calculation timing, the number of game balls used during that time There are few, and it is thought that the frequency | count that the prize was generated temporarily has also decreased extremely with it. Therefore, in this case, the frequency of occurrence of the winning is not calculated, and the previous calculation result is taken over as it is, so that an unnatural winning frequency (for example, extremely high value or extremely low value) is calculated. Can be prevented.

  Further, the predetermined number of values may be changed as appropriate in the determination of the timing of (1) (for example, several hundreds), or the specified number of values may be changed as appropriate in the determination of the timing of (2). It is also possible (for example, several tens). Further, the fixed time determined in step S704 may be changed as appropriate (for example, several tens of minutes or several hours).

Step S706: The effect control CPU 126 calculates a winning occurrence frequency here. The occurrence frequency can be calculated based on, for example, the number of out balls and the number of winning balls stored (accumulated) after the previous calculation. Specifically, the following calculation formula (1) is used.
Occurrence frequency = number of winnings / number of out balls / 100 (1)

  The above equation (1) is for calculating the frequency of winning based on the assumption that, for example, 100 gaming balls are used in one minute, and is generally referred to as “minute start number”. is there. In the above formula (1), the number of wins and the number of out balls are both excluded from the value in the big hit game. The effect control CPU 126 stores the result calculated here in, for example, the RAM 130.

  Step S708: Next, the effect control CPU 126 executes a winning occurrence frequency effect condition setting process. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 sets conditions for changing various aspects of the effect based on the calculated occurrence frequency (number of minutes started). Note that specific processing contents will be described later using another flowchart.

  When the above procedure is executed, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the effect control process (FIG. 24). In step S700, if the current internal state is in operation of the time reduction function (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 does not execute the subsequent steps, and from the prize occurrence frequency effect management process to the effect control process (FIG. 24). Return to. This is because the variable start winning device 28 is activated with high probability (high frequency) while the time reduction function is in operation, so that it is extremely easy to win a prize compared to when the time reduction function is not activated. This is because the data in the meantime is excluded from the calculation target.

  FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of a winning occurrence frequency effect condition setting process. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 sets various conditions according to the winning occurrence frequency as follows.

  Step S800: First, the effect control CPU 126 loads the current frequency of occurrence (for example, the number of start-ups per minute). Specifically, the result calculated and stored in the previous winning occurrence frequency effect management process (step S706 in FIG. 27) is loaded.

  Step S801: Next, the effect control CPU 126 loads an adjustment value by the effect adjustment switch 125. The adjustment value by the effect adjustment switch 125 can be set to any one of “1” to “3” by the game hall manager as described above (see FIG. 3).

  Step S802: When the above load is completed, the effect control CPU 126 first sets a stage change distribution rank based on the current occurrence frequency and adjustment value. This setting can be performed based on, for example, a stage change distribution rank setting table stored in the ROM 128. The “stage change distribution rank” here means a plurality of ranks having different occurrence probabilities of the stage change effects described above. For example, the distribution ranks A to D are determined in advance, and the occurrence probability of the stage change effect differs for each rank set at that time. An example of a setting method using the stage change distribution rank setting table will be described later.

  Step S804: Next, the effect control CPU 126 sets a notice selection table based on the current occurrence frequency and adjustment value. This setting is performed, for example, by designating any one of the plurality of notice selection tables stored in the ROM 128 according to the current occurrence frequency and adjustment value. The setting of the notice selection table will be described later using another flowchart related to the notice selection process.

  Step S806: The effect control CPU 126 sets the reach distribution rank based on the current occurrence frequency and the adjustment value. This setting can be performed based on a reach distribution rank setting table stored in the ROM 128, for example. Here, the “reach distribution rank” means, for example, a plurality of ranks having different occurrence probabilities of a notice effect belonging to a category with a high expectation level (or a low category) in the execution of the notice effect after the occurrence of reach described above. Specifically, the distribution ranks A to D are determined in advance, and the occurrence probability of the notice effect with high expectation differs for each rank set at that time. An example of a setting method using the reach distribution rank setting table will be described later.

  Step S808: Furthermore, the effect control CPU 126 sets a big hit effect selection table based on the current occurrence frequency and adjustment value. This setting is performed, for example, by designating one of the table numbers corresponding to the current occurrence frequency and the adjustment value from among a plurality of big hit effect selection tables stored in the ROM 128.

  Step S810: The effect control CPU 126 sets a demonstration effect selection table based on the current occurrence frequency and adjustment value. This setting is also performed by designating any table number according to the current occurrence frequency and adjustment value from among a plurality of demonstration effect selection tables stored in the ROM 128, for example. The setting of the demonstration effect selection table will be described later using another flowchart related to the demonstration selection process.

  When the above procedure is executed, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the winning occurrence frequency effect management process (FIG. 27), and further returns to the effect control process (FIG. 24).

[Stage change distribution rank setting table]
FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a stage change distribution rank setting table. This setting table defines the occurrence frequency range (reference value) in the left column of the figure, the corresponding distribution rank is specified in the center column, and the occurrence probability of stage change effects is specified in the right column It is.

  For example, if the current winning frequency is 6.70 or more, the effect control CPU 126 sets “A rank” as the corresponding stage change distribution rank from the setting table of FIG. The occurrence probability of the stage change effect at this time is set to “1%”, for example.

  If the current winning frequency is 6.30 or more and less than 6.70, the effect control CPU 126 sets “B rank” as the stage change distribution rank. The occurrence probability of the stage change effect at this time is set to “5%”, for example.

  Hereinafter, if the winning occurrence frequency is 6.00 or more and less than 6.30, “C rank” is set, and the occurrence probability of the stage change effect is set to “10%”, for example. If the winning occurrence frequency is less than 6.00, “D rank” is set, and the occurrence probability of the stage change effect is set to “20%”, for example.

  In this way, the setting table in FIG. 29 sets a lower probability of stage change effects as the winning frequency is relatively high. This is because when the number of winnings at the upper start winning opening 26 does not occur during normal times, the number of changes in the special symbol itself is considered to be relatively small. Emphasize the change and try to have a game. As a result, even if the game is continued on a table where the winning frequency is not so high, it is possible to prevent the player's motivation from being greatly reduced.

  On the other hand, when the winning frequency is high, the number of changes in the special symbol itself increases, so that a feeling of stagnation during the game is unlikely to occur without particularly increasing the probability of stage change effects. Instead, by setting a high ratio at which a specific background image is selected in the stage effect as described above, information indicating that “the winning frequency is high” is surely suggested to the player (teaching, suggestion). can do.

  Contrary to the above, a table may be used in which the probability of stage change effects is set higher as the winning frequency is relatively high. In this case, if a game is played on a stand with a high winning frequency, special stage changes (internal lottery) will occur frequently, and stage change effects will also occur frequently. As a whole, the game tempo can be improved. Further, by frequently generating stage change effects, it is possible to make it easier to express to the outside that “the place where the winning frequency is high”.

[Change by adjustment value (adjustment means)]
Note that the setting table shown in FIG. 29 is applied when the adjustment value by the effect adjustment switch 125 is “2”, for example. If the adjustment value is lowered to “1” from here, the range of the left column in the setting table becomes lower overall. Conversely, if the adjustment value is raised to “3”, the range of the left column in the setting table becomes overall. To be high. In this case, there is a merit that even if the occurrence frequency of winnings is the same value, the degree of changing the aspect of the effect can be selected by the judgment of the playground management entity. For example, when it is desired to widely appeal that the occurrence frequency of the prize is relatively high, the adjustment value can be set to “1” in advance to easily change the aspect of the effect. On the other hand, if you do not want to appeal too much, the adjustment value can be set to “3”, so that the aspect of the production can be made not to change much.

[Reach distribution rank setting table]
FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a reach distribution rank setting table. In this setting table, the range of occurrence frequency is defined in the left column of the figure, and the corresponding distribution rank is defined in the right column.

  For example, if the current winning frequency is 6.70 or more, the effect control CPU 126 sets “A rank” as the corresponding reach distribution rank from the setting table of FIG. If the current winning frequency is 6.30 or more and less than 6.70, the effect control CPU 126 sets “B rank” as the stage change distribution rank.

  Hereinafter, “C rank” is set if the winning occurrence frequency is 6.00 or more and less than 6.30, and “D rank” is set if the winning occurrence frequency is less than 6.00.

  As described above, the reach distribution ranks A to D vary the probability of occurrence of the after-reaching notice effect during the reach effect (for example, the cut-in notice shown in FIG. 20 and FIG. 23H). However, according to the reach distribution rank set at this time, it is possible to change the winning expectation degree of the reach production itself by the cut-in notice. For example, there are patterns of “Large”, “Medium”, and “Small” in the cut-in advance notice. Here, the larger the character image to be cut in, the higher the degree of expectation of winning (in the case of internal lottery winning, The selection ratio is high and the selection ratio is low during non-winning).

That is, the characteristics of the reach distribution ranks A to D are, for example, as follows.
Rank A: The selection ratio for cut-in notice (all) is set as the default when not winning.
B rank: The selection ratio of the cut-in small notice at the time of non-winning is made higher than the initial setting.
C rank: The selection ratio of the notice during cut-in when not winning is higher than the initial setting.
D rank: The selection ratio of the large cut-in notice at the time of non-winning is made higher than the initial setting.

  As described above, in the setting table of FIG. 30, when the winning frequency is relatively high, the occurrence probability of the notice effect (cut-in large / medium / small) is not particularly changed at the time of non-winning, and the generating frequency becomes low. Along with this, the probability of occurrence of a notice effect (high cut-in) with a high degree of expectation is gradually set high. This is because when the number of winnings in the upper start winning opening 26 does not occur during normal times, the number of fluctuations of the special symbol itself is considered to be relatively small. This is to give the player an opportunity to have a certain level of expectation even when not winning. As a result, even if the game is continued on a table where the winning frequency is not so high, it is possible to prevent the player's motivation from being greatly reduced.

  On the other hand, when the winning frequency is high, the number of changes in the special symbol itself increases, so it can be said that there are many opportunities for generating a highly anticipated notice effect without changing the distribution rank. Instead, by setting a high ratio that a specific character is selected in the cut-in notice as described above, information indicating that “the winning frequency is high” is surely suggested to the player (teaching, implied) can do.

  In contrast to the above, a table may be used in which the allocation rank is set to “A” as the winning frequency is relatively high, and the selection ratio of the notice effect with high expectation is increased. In this case, if a game is played on a platform where the winning frequency is high, in addition to the fact that special symbols change (internal lottery) is performed as frequently as that, the expectation is high when a reach effect is executed. Since the notice effect is likely to occur, it is possible to suppress the stagnation of the game as a whole. Further, by frequently generating a high-expectation notice effect at the time of execution of the reach effect, it is possible to easily indicate to the outside that “the place where the winning frequency is high”.

  Also in the setting table of FIG. 30, it is assumed that the adjustment value by the effect adjustment switch 125 can be reflected as described above. That is, the setting table shown in FIG. 30 is applied when the adjustment value by the effect adjustment switch 125 is “2”, for example. If the adjustment value is lowered to “1” from here, the range of the left column in the setting table becomes lower overall. Conversely, if the adjustment value is raised to “3”, the range of the left column in the setting table becomes overall. To be high. In this case as well, there is a merit that even if the occurrence frequency of winnings is the same value, the degree of changing the aspect of the effect can be switched according to the judgment of the playground management entity.

  In any case, when the effect control CPU 126 sets various conditions with reference to the above setting table, the conditions set in the subsequent notice selection processing (step S614 in FIG. 26) are reflected. Hereinafter, this point will be described.

[Preliminary selection process]
FIG. 31 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the notice selection process. The effect control CPU 126 executes control reflecting the conditions set in this process. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along each procedure.

  Step S820: In the notice selection process, the effect control CPU 126 first confirms whether or not the current internal state is in a high probability (the probability variation function is in operation). The internal state is confirmed in order to select a background image used in the stage effect. At this time, if the state designation command received from the main control CPU 72 indicates “high probability” (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 next executes step S822.

  Step S822: The effect control CPU 126 selects a high probability stage according to the current internal state. Although not particularly shown here, the “high probability stage image” is selected as a background image for stage effects. The “high probability stage image” is a content that can clearly teach (notify) the player that the current internal state is high probability (for example, “high probability” is displayed as character information) ) Is set.

  On the other hand, if the current internal state is not a high probability (step S820: No), the effect control CPU 126 next executes step S824.

  Step S824: The effect control CPU 126 confirms whether or not the current internal state is in a short time (time shortening function is operating). This confirmation is also performed in order to select a background image used for stage effects. At this time, if the state designation command received from the main control CPU 72 indicates “time is being shortened” (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 next executes step S826.

  Step S826: The effect control CPU 126 selects the short / medium stage in accordance with the current internal state. Although not particularly shown here, in this case, the “time / middle stage image” is selected as the background image for stage effects. In addition, the “time / middle stage image” also displays content (for example, “time / middle” as character information) that can clearly teach (notify) the player that the current internal state is being shortened. Etc.).

  On the other hand, if the current internal state is not being shortened (step S824: No), the effect control CPU 126 next executes step S828.

  Step S828: Here, the production control CPU 126 executes a stage change production lottery for the set distribution ranks “A” to “D”. For example, if the current stage change distribution rank is set to “A”, the effect control CPU 126 executes the stage change effect lottery with a probability of 1% as described above. Conversely, if the current stage change distribution rank is set to “D”, the effect control CPU 126 executes the stage change effect lottery with a probability of 20% as described above. The effect lottery is performed by, for example, obtaining an effect random number from the counter area of the RAM 130 and comparing the random number value with a determination value. At this time, the effect control CPU 126 can use a lottery table having different determination values according to the probability (1% to 20%) of the effect lottery.

  Step S830: Next, as a result of performing the stage change effect lottery, the effect control CPU 126 confirms whether or not to execute the stage change effect (the effect has been won). When the stage change effect is not executed (No), the effect control CPU 126 skips step S832 and proceeds to step S834. On the other hand, when the stage change effect is executed (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 executes step S832.

  Step S832: The effect control CPU 126 selects a stage change effect pattern. Specifically, one of the above-mentioned “normal stage”, “yukata stage”, “fireworks stage”, and “festival stage” is selected as the type of stage effect to be changed by the stage change effect. Which one is selected can be determined by the effect random number acquired in the previous step S828. At this time, the higher the occurrence frequency of the winnings, the higher the ratio at which the “fireworks stage” is selected (effect mode changing means).

  Step S834: Next, the effect control CPU 126 checks whether or not the current variation is a reach variation. This confirmation can be performed based on the variation pattern command received from the main control CPU 72. As a result, when it is confirmed that the current variation is a reach variation (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 next executes step S836.

  Step S836: Then, the effect control CPU 126 executes the notice effect lottery for the set reach distribution ranks “A” to “D”. The notice effect lottery is performed, for example, for the purpose of determining whether or not to execute the notice effect before the reach occurrence and the notice effect after the reach occurrence, and for determining the pattern of the notice effect when it is executed.

  At this time, for example, if the current reach distribution rank is set to “A”, the effect control CPU 126 applies an effect by applying a lottery table that does not change the selection ratio of the cut-in notice when not winning, as described above. Run a lottery. Conversely, if the current reach distribution rank is set to “D”, the production control CPU 126 applies the lottery table in which the selection ratio of the cut-in large notice is changed higher than the initial setting as described above. Execute. Here again, the effect lottery is performed, for example, by acquiring the effect random number from the counter area of the RAM 130 and comparing the random number value with the determination value. At this time, the effect control CPU 126 selects the type of the lottery table to be used according to the result of the internal lottery (lottery result command) and, in the case of winning, the type of winning (stop symbol command) at that time.

  When the current variation is a reach variation, the above processing is performed, but when the current variation is not a reach variation (step S834: No), the effect control CPU 126 executes step S838.

  Step S838: In this case, the effect control CPU 126 executes a non-reach time notice effect lottery. This notice effect lottery is performed mainly for the purpose of determining whether or not to execute the notice effect before the occurrence of reach and determining the pattern of the notice effect when it is executed.

  Although not shown in particular, in this notice effect lottery, the effect control CPU 126 can change the lottery table based on the current winning frequency. For example, when the frequency of winnings is relatively high, a lottery table with a high probability of pre-reach notice effect (winning probability of effect lottery) is used, or a specific character or line is used It is possible to use a lottery table in which the selection ratio of the notice effect pattern is set high (effect mode changing means).

  When the above procedure is completed, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the effect symbol variation pre-processing (FIG. 26). Then, when the effect control CPU 126 returns to the effect symbol management process (FIG. 25) and executes the effect symbol changing process (step S504 in FIG. 25), the above-described stage change effect and various kinds of effects are selected. The notice effect will be executed.

[Demo selection process]
Next, FIG. 32 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the demo selection process. Here, the aspect of the demonstration effect can be changed based on the occurrence frequency of the winning. The demonstration effect is an effect that is executed during a period in which no game is played by the player in the pachinko machine 1 and no winning occurs (so-called waiting for customers). The demonstration selection process is executed when the effect control CPU 126 receives a demonstration effect command from the main control CPU 72 in the effect symbol change pre-process (FIG. 26). Hereinafter, it demonstrates along the example of a procedure.

  Step S300: The effect control CPU 126 confirms whether or not the demo state flag is ON at this time. The demonstration state flag is set (ON) by the effect control CPU 126 when the demonstration effect is actually started. If the demonstration effect is already being executed, the demonstration state flag is ON (Yes), and in this case, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the effect symbol variation pre-processing (FIG. 26). On the other hand, if the demonstration effect is not yet executed at this time (No), the effect control CPU 126 proceeds to the next step S302.

  Step S302: Next, the effect control CPU 126 confirms whether or not the demonstration switching timer is already counting. The demonstration switching timer is a timer that starts when a demonstration effect command is received from the main control CPU 72, for example. When this timer reaches a specified time, the demonstration effect is started. If the timer is not still counting at this time (No), the effect control CPU 126 proceeds to the next step S304. On the other hand, if the timer is already being counted (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 skips step S304.

Step S304: Here, the production control CPU 126 starts counting the demo switching timer.
Step S306: Then, the effect control CPU 126 checks whether or not the count time of the demo switching timer has reached a specified time (for example, about 10 seconds to 30 seconds). If the specified time has not yet been reached (No), the effect control CPU 126 returns from the demo selection process to the effect symbol variation pre-process (FIG. 26).

  Thereafter, when it is confirmed that the count time of the demo switching timer has reached the specified time (step S306: Yes), the effect control CPU 126 executes step S308.

  Step S308: Here, the production control CPU 126 turns on the demo state flag. Thereafter, a demonstration effect is actually started using the screen of the liquid crystal display 42, the panel lamp 53, and the various lamps 46, 48, 50, 52 of the glass frame unit 4.

  Step S310: Then, the production control CPU 126 selects a demonstration production pattern according to the current winning frequency. This selection is performed using the effect selection table set in the winning occurrence frequency effect condition setting process (step S810) of FIG. Thereby, for example, when the winning occurrence frequency is relatively high, the following demonstration effect pattern is selected.

(1) A specific character is displayed in an image for displaying a manufacturer logo on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42. The specific character is, for example, a successive character that has been used in various models in the past several decades.

(2) It is assumed that a plurality of demonstration effect images are prepared in advance, and the type of the demonstration effect image is changed in accordance with the frequency of occurrence of winnings so far. Among them, when the winning frequency is high, a specific demonstration effect image is selected with high probability.

(3) When the effect switch button 45 is pressed by the player during execution of the demonstration effect, the displayed demonstration effect image is changed or a specific sound is output. Teach that the frequency of occurrence is high.

(4) Alternatively, the BGM (music) output during the demonstration performance is changed according to the frequency of winning. In particular, when the occurrence frequency of the winnings so far is high, a specific BGM is set to be easily output.

(5) During execution of the demonstration effect, the light emission colors of the various lamps 46, 48, 50, 52 of the glass frame unit 4 are changed in accordance with the winning occurrence frequency. In particular, when the occurrence frequency of the winning is high, the setting is such that light emission with a specific color or pattern (for example, a pattern that changes to seven colors) is easily performed.

(6) Command execution is received using the effect switching button 45 during execution of the demonstration effect, and the frequency of occurrence of winnings until then is disclosed. For example, when the effect switching button 45 is pressed, a menu is displayed on the display screen, and a command such as “display winning frequency” can be selected by further pressing the effect switching button 45. When the player selects the command and presses the effect switching button 45, the occurrence frequency (high / medium / low) calculated so far is displayed.

(7) Alternatively, during the execution of the demonstration effect, the motion probability of the movable body can be changed according to the winning frequency. In particular, the higher the frequency of winning, the higher the operation probability of the movable body. In this case, if the movable body is operating during the demonstration production, it is objectively easy to understand that the stand has a high winning frequency.

  As described above, by changing the mode of the demonstration effect according to the occurrence frequency of winning, it is possible to actively appeal the goodness of adjustment to surrounding players. Thereby, the start of the game by a new player can be accelerated | stimulated and it can contribute to maintaining the operation | movement of the pachinko machine 1. FIG.

[Changes in other effects]
In the present embodiment, the following effects can be further changed.

(1) For example, in stage effects, it is possible to execute a dedicated stage effect (specific mode) for disclosing the occurrence frequency of a prize. That is, when the winning occurrence frequency exceeds a certain reference value (for example, the number of start-ups per minute is 6.70 or more), the content that tells the player that the winning occurrence frequency is higher than the reference value Perform exclusive stage production. Also, in this case, the effect mode may be changed based on the winning occurrence frequency only when the stage is changed to the dedicated stage effect (specific mode), and otherwise the effect mode may not be changed.

(2) Also, if the winning occurrence frequency exceeds the above-mentioned reference value, for example, the current occurrence frequency is notified during the execution of the reach effect, so that the expectation degree Can appear to have improved. As an example, even if a reach production pattern with low expectation is selected, the cut-in notice is forcibly executed and the character of the cut-in image is changed according to the current occurrence frequency. . In this case, it can be shown to the outside that the more frequently a specific character appears, the higher the winning frequency is.

(3) Alternatively, it is combined with a so-called “prefetching effect”. “Pre-reading effect” indicates that, when a winning to the upper start winning opening 26 or the variable start winning device 28 occurs during the special symbol variation display, the lottery result regarding the storage (holding) is displayed on the effect before the actual variation. It is something to be issued. Such a “prefetching effect” can be executed based on a special figure destination determination effect command (FIG. 11) transmitted from the main control CPU 72. Therefore, for example, if the occurrence frequency of the “pre-reading effect” is increased when the occurrence frequency of the winning exceeds the reference value, it is possible to indicate to the outside that the occurrence frequency of the winning is high.

(4) In addition, the generation ratio of specific effects (those that do not affect the variation time) may be changed according to the frequency of winning. As a specific effect, for example, a specific pattern is prepared for the pre-reach notice effect, and when the winning frequency is high, the pre-reach notice effect of a specific pattern is easily selected.

(5) Further, in the game board 8, for example, the variable start winning device 28 has a built-in LED for full color decoration for light emission decoration, and when the occurrence frequency of the winning exceeds the reference value, it is made to emit light with a specific color. Alternatively, light may be emitted in a specific pattern (change to seven colors, etc.).

(6) Alternatively, a timing (disclosure point number) for disclosing the frequency of winning a prize during a game is set, and when that timing arrives (the number of disclosure points is reached), the degree of the frequency of winning a prize (high)・ Medium / Low) shall be disclosed. The timing to disclose can be determined by lottery in the effect control CPU 126, for example. In other words, an effect random number is acquired when an out ball is detected or a lottery result command is received, and points are randomly assigned from the effect random number with reference to another table. The given points are stored in the RAM 130, and when the value reaches the number of disclosed points, the frequency of winning is disclosed on presentation.

(7) Furthermore, a special effect pattern for disclosing the frequency of occurrence of a prize is prepared in advance, and when it is determined by random lottery by the effect control CPU 126, the special effect pattern is executed. The dedicated effect pattern is, for example, that a specific icon is displayed on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42 or a specific movable body is moved.

[Changes in performance during the big hit]
Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the effect mode during the big hit can be changed according to the frequency of winning. The effect during the big hit is indirectly triggered by the execution of the internal lottery (the occurrence of a prize at the upper start winning opening 26 or the variable start winning device 28). "Is an opportunity. For example, the following content can be given as an example of changing the effect mode during the big hit based on the occurrence frequency of winning.

(1) For example, it is assumed that a plurality of types of effects are prepared in advance even for the same 15 rounds of big hit. In addition, when the frequency of winning is high, the ratio at which a specific type of jackpot effect is selected can be increased. As a result, when a specific type of effect occurs during the big hit game, it is possible to indicate to the outside that the occurrence frequency of the winning of the stand is relatively high.

(2) Also, at the start and end of the big hit game, the pattern of the opening image and the ending image can be changed according to the winning occurrence frequency. In particular, when the frequency of winning is high, the ratio of selecting a specific opening image or ending image can be increased.

(3) Alternatively, a mini-game effect can be executed during the big hit game, and the frequency of winning can be disclosed according to the type and result. In the mini game effect, for example, the player is requested to operate the effect switching button 45 during the big hit game, and a game different from the pachinko game is provided on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42. In such an aspect, when the winning frequency is high, the probability of providing a specific type of mini-game (for example, a game imitating a poker game, a roulette game, a slot machine game, etc.) is increased, and those games are also provided. The win rate in the Then, when the player wins in the mini game (win / lose has been determined on the control), an effect of disclosing the frequency of winning is executed.

(4) The type of sound (sound) output during the big hit effect is changed according to the frequency of winning. In particular, when the winning frequency is relatively high, the probability that a specific type of sound (such as sound effects) is output can be increased.

(5) Or, in relation to the big hit, after the big hit game is finished, it is possible to change the production mode as a whole until the next big hit. For example, once the big hit game ends, the probability that a specific type of notice effect will be selected until the next time can be increased.

  The setting for changing the effect mode during the big hit can be performed by the setting of the big hit effect selection table described above (step S808 in FIG. 28).

[Summary of changes in production mode]
In any case, according to the various examples in the present embodiment, when the occurrence frequency of the winning is relatively high in the pachinko machine 1, it is possible to objectively express the characteristic unique to the stand in the production. Therefore, even a player who is not so familiar with the game can determine whether the adjustment of the obstacle nail is good or bad based on the production mode, or can determine his / her technical intervention level. In addition, for the operating entity of the amusement hall, it is possible to appeal the goodness of adjustment for each stand in an objective and easy-to-understand manner. Therefore, such a function of the pachinko machine 1 becomes a sales point in sales.

  The present invention can employ various modifications without being limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, the images and operations listed as various effects are merely examples, and these can be modified as appropriate. Moreover, the structure of the pachinko machine 1, a board | substrate surface structure, etc. are a preferable illustration including the thing of illustration, and it cannot be overemphasized that these can be deform | transformed suitably.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pachinko machine 8 Game board 8a Game area 20 Start gate 26 Upper start prize port 28 Variable start prize device 28a Lower start prize port 33 Normal symbol display device 33a Normal symbol operation memory lamp 34 1st special symbol display device 35 2nd special symbol Display device 34a First special symbol operation memory lamp 35a Second special symbol operation memory lamp 38 Game state display device 42 Liquid crystal display 70 Main control device 72 Main control CPU
74 ROM
76 RAM
124 Production control device 126 Production control CPU

Claims (2)

A prize generating means for randomly generating a prize during the execution of the game;
Demonstration effect execution means for executing a demonstration effect within a period in which no winning occurs by the winning occurrence means;
Frequency calculating means for calculating the frequency of occurrence of winning by the winning generating means;
An effect mode changing means for changing an aspect of the demonstration effect executed by the demonstration effect executing means based on the occurrence frequency calculated by the frequency calculating means,
When the production mode change unit changes the mode of the demonstration production based on the frequency of occurrence calculated by the frequency calculation unit, the frequency of the occurrence is related to the operation of the production adjustment switch that can accept an external operation. A gaming machine comprising adjustment means that allows a plurality of reference values to be switched. In the gaming machine according to claim 1,
A game board in which a game area for allowing a game ball to flow down on the front side is formed;
A ball launcher that intermittently launches game balls one by one toward the game area;
A number of obstacle nails that are installed in the gaming area and randomly guide the flow of gaming balls launched into the gaming area by the ball launcher;
A start winning opening that is installed in the gaming area and into which game balls flowing down in the gaming area can randomly flow;
A winning opening switch for detecting a game ball flowing into the starting winning opening;
Regardless of whether or not it has flowed into the starting winning opening, an out passage for collecting all the game balls launched into the game area by the ball launcher and discharging them to the outside,
An out ball count switch for detecting a game ball discharged through the out passage,
The winning generation means is:
When a game ball is detected by the winning opening switch, a winning is generated,
The frequency calculating means includes
The number of game balls detected by the winning opening switch during the execution of the game is stored as the number of winning balls, and the number of game balls detected by the out ball count switch is stored as the number of out balls. A gaming machine that calculates the frequency of winning based on the number of winning balls and the number of out balls.

Images