JP5634491B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that, when a lottery is performed in response to an occurrence of an event during a game, displays a symbol in a manner that indicates the result of the lottery after displaying a variation of the symbol.

  As a prior art related to this type of gaming machine, when a ball wins an ordinary variable winning ball device (so-called electric Chu), the variable display device is controlled to derive a symbol display result, and a predetermined specific display result is obtained. When it becomes, the thing which will be in the state which can give a predetermined game value is known (for example, refer patent document 1).

  In particular, the above-described prior art stores up to the upper limit (four) that a ball has been won in an ordinary variable winning ball device such as an electric chew, and if this number is relatively small, it is displayed on the variable display device. If the time (variation time) during which the derivation control of the result is performed is lengthened and the number of winning prizes stored is relatively large, the variation time is conversely shortened. As a result, in the prior art, especially when long fluctuations such as reach do not occur, the number of memories exceeds the upper limit (overflow), or conversely, the number of memories is lost (no memory is changed to zero). ).

  Furthermore, according to the prior art, when the electric chew is operated more frequently than usual (probability improvement state), the number of winning memory is likely to increase accordingly, so the setting of the variation time is shortened as a whole. To do. Thereby, since the progress of the game becomes speedy in the probability improvement state, it is considered that the number of lotteries per hour increases for the player, and the time efficiency is improved accordingly.

Japanese Patent No. 3395977 (page 2-3)

  However, according to the concept of the prior art, the following problem occurs when this is applied to a gaming machine that performs variable display using a plurality of (for example, two) symbols. For example, as a gaming machine to which the concept of the prior art is applied, it is assumed that two symbols are used for the lottery and each has a difference in added value that can be enjoyed by the player when winning. In such a gaming machine, it is beneficial for the player to preferentially change the symbol with the higher added value. For this reason, especially when the time efficiency is high as in the state of probability improvement in the prior art, only the symbol with the highest added value is varied as much as possible. Even if the number of memories is large, the appeal to the player increases if it is not changed as much as possible.

  However, according to the concept of the prior art, when the probability is improved, the variation time of the symbol is greatly shortened as a whole. If the number of winnings cannot be caught, the number of memories may eventually be interrupted. In this case, there is no memorization of the winning symbol for those who want to prioritize variation, and as a result, an unwilling situation (a situation that is unfavorable for the player) in which the symbol of those who do not want to prioritize must be varied. I will.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of stably changing a symbol to be given priority.

The present invention employs the following means in order to solve the above problems.
Solution 1: The gaming machine according to the present invention includes a lottery element acquisition unit that acquires a first lottery element or a second lottery element, respectively, when at least a first event or a second event occurs during a game. When an internal lottery related to a player's profit is performed using one of the two lottery elements, the first symbol or the second symbol corresponding to the first or second lottery element is displayed in a variable manner. When the first or second symbol is stopped and displayed in a specific winning manner by the symbol display means for stopping and displaying the first or second symbol in a manner representing the result of the internal lottery later, Special game execution means for executing a special game to which a special condition different from normal is applied, and a start condition that allows the symbol display means to start the variable display of either the first or second symbol are satisfied. Made When the second event occurs, the lottery element storage means for storing the second lottery element acquired by the lottery element acquisition means, and the second lottery element stored by the lottery element storage means, The lottery execution means for executing the internal lottery using the stored second lottery element, and the storage of the second lottery element used for the internal lottery by the lottery execution means is erased from the lottery element storage means. As a result of erasure of the memory of the second lottery element by the memory erasure means and the memory erasure means, when the symbol display means starts the variable display of the second symbol, the lottery element storage means And an event occurrence accelerating means for accelerating the occurrence of the second event until at least the next start condition is satisfied when the stored number no longer remains.

  Solution 2: In Solution 1, when the special game ends, the time is shifted to a time reduction state in which the time for changing the first or second symbol by the symbol display means is reduced by the symbol display means. A state transition means, wherein the event occurrence promotion means has at least the next start condition when the stored number of the second lottery elements no longer remains from the lottery element storage means in the time reduction state. It facilitates the occurrence of the second event before it is satisfied.

  Solving means 3: In the solving means 1 or 2, the lottery element storing means may be configured so that the symbol display means before the start condition that allows the variable display of either the first or second symbol to be started is satisfied. When the first or second event occurs, the first or second lottery element acquired by the lottery element acquisition unit is individually stored as a pending treatment up to a predetermined upper limit number, and is not won in the internal lottery In this case, when the symbol display means starts to change the display of the first or second symbol, the stored number of the first or second lottery elements stored at least by the lottery element storage means as being held. And a variation time setting means for individually setting a variation time for the first or second symbol, wherein the event occurrence promotion means has no remaining number of stored second lottery elements. The variation time set for the second symbol by the variation time setting means is set for the first symbol by the variation time setting means when the stored number of the first lottery elements no longer remains. Make it longer than the fluctuation time.

  Solving means 4: In any of the solving means 1 to 3, when winning in the internal lottery using the second lottery element as compared to winning in the internal lottery using the first lottery element Profit setting means for setting a large profit that the player can enjoy is further provided.

  The gaming machine of the present invention has a lottery element (first lottery element or second lottery element) corresponding to each of a plurality of symbols (at least two of the first symbol and the second symbol, and may be three or more). Use the to draw an internal lottery. However, even if there are multiple symbols, the internal lottery is not performed in parallel. In other words, when the gaming machine of the present invention performs one internal lottery, it displays a variation of the corresponding symbol, stops and displays the symbol in a manner representing the result of the internal lottery, and then performs the next internal lottery. Run.

  In order to execute the internal lottery, an event (first event or second event) that becomes a lottery trigger must be generated as a precondition. For this reason, the player plays a game with the initial goal being to generate an event that will be the lottery opportunity. The first and second events that trigger the lottery occur randomly (or accidentally or randomly), and usually only one of the events does not occur randomly (or necessarily) . When the first or second event occurs randomly as described above, the first or second lottery element is acquired each time. The first lottery element and the second lottery element correspond to the first symbol and the second symbol, respectively.

  On the other hand, it takes a certain amount of time (fluctuation time) from the start of the variable display of the symbol until the stop display is performed. Once the variable display of the symbol is started, the stop display is completed. The next lottery will not be held. For this reason, when an event that becomes a lottery trigger occurs during the symbol variation display (or before the stop display is completed), the lottery element acquired thereby is stored, and is temporarily held there. Next, when the symbol start condition is satisfied, a lottery is performed using the lottery elements that have been stored as held until then, and the symbol variation display is started again. However, a predetermined upper limit (for example, four per symbol) is provided for the number of memories, and the number of memories does not increase beyond this upper limit.

  The gaming machine of the present invention executes internal lottery using the second lottery element preferentially if both the first lottery element and the second lottery element are stored at the time of the symbol stop display. (2) If only one of the lottery elements is stored, the lottery element is executed using the stored lottery element. For this reason, as long as the number of stored second lottery elements remains, only the variable display of the second symbol is always performed. Thus, for example, in the case where the value at the time of winning is different between the first symbol and the second symbol, the higher value of the variable display will be given priority, thereby increasing the appeal to the player. Can be increased.

  Nevertheless, the first event and the second event occur randomly as described above, and only the second event should be generated intentionally or only the first event should not be generated. I can't. For this reason, if the variable display of the second symbol is given priority one after another, the number of memories of the second lottery element will eventually be lost, and it will be unavoidably necessary to display the variable display of the first symbol. .

  Therefore, the gaming machine of the present invention promotes the occurrence of the second event until the start condition that enables the start of the variable display of the symbol is satisfied when the number of stored second lottery elements does not remain. By doing so, the above problems are solved. That is, even if the stored number of the second lottery element does not remain, if the second event occurs until the next symbol start condition is satisfied, the stored number of the second lottery element is restored accordingly. Therefore, the second symbol can be preferentially displayed in a variable manner next time. Thereby, the situation where the change display of the 1st symbol is started can be prevented beforehand, and the fall of appeal power to a player can be controlled. In other words, even if the number of lottery elements is temporarily interrupted for the priority symbol, the number of lottery elements can be recovered immediately, thereby preventing a decrease in the expectation of the game. it can. Also, even if the change of the non-prioritized symbol is started, the number of lottery elements stored can be recovered for the symbol of the preferred one before the start of the next change. Can be kept to a minimum, thereby giving the player a great sense of security. Note that “at least until the next start condition is satisfied” includes not only the next first time but also a period until the second and subsequent start conditions are satisfied. A specific method for promoting the occurrence of the second event will be described later.

  As described above, the gaming machine of the present invention has a benefit that a player can enjoy when winning in the internal lottery using the second lottery element, as compared to winning in the internal lottery using the first lottery element. Profit setting means for setting a larger value is further provided.

  Regardless of which one of the first lottery element and the second lottery element is used, when the winning lottery is won, the gaming machine of the present invention executes a special game. As a benefit that a player can enjoy during this special game, there is generally one that a special winning opportunity is given. Special prize opportunities include, for example, a special variable prize device that does not operate during normal operation, and opens a special prize opening (large prize opening) multiple times (for example, a prescribed number of prizes during one opening) Or when about 30 seconds elapses, one release is ended, and such an opening operation is continuously performed about 15 times at a constant interval). When such special winning opportunities are granted, players can frequently generate winnings that do not occur during normal times, thereby gaining many winning benefits (such as paying out game media) per hour. can do.

  However, some special games have virtually no chance of winning a prize, and may end within a relatively short time. In the example of the special variable winning device described above, the time during which the winning opening is opened is extremely short, or the number of times of opening is extremely small. “Extremely short time” means, for example, in the case of a pachinko game machine in which game balls are continuously fired to play a game, the winning opening is opened more than the interval (time interval) at which the game balls are fired one by one. Means that the time is shorter. In such a short period of time, it is difficult to win a game ball substantially, and unless it happens that the game ball was flowing down to the nearest position at the timing just before the release, It is difficult to occur. Further, “the number of times is extremely small” means, for example, the minimum number (= 2 times) of more than once.

  In any case, during a special game where almost no chance of winning a prize is given, either a prize is barely generated or no prize is generated at all. There is little profit that can be enjoyed. Then, what kind of merit there is in such a special game with little profit is an advantageous privilege given to the player after the end of the special game. For example, (1) the winning probability of the internal lottery is changed to be higher than normal (probability fluctuation state), or (2) the average symbol fluctuation time is compared with the normal time. It is to be shortened (short time state) (or both (1) and (2)). If the winning probability of the internal lottery increases, the player can receive the internal lottery under conditions that are more favorable than usual, and if the average symbol variation time is shortened, more players per hour. The internal lottery can be received and time efficiency is increased.

  Such an advantageous privilege is given in the same way when winning in the internal lottery using the first lottery element or in the internal lottery using the second lottery element. Since there is a large and small difference in profit, from the viewpoint of the player, it is also profitable for him to win by an internal lottery using the second lottery element. Then, in the first symbol and the second symbol, the appeal to the player is enhanced by giving priority to the variable display of the second symbol having higher added value. Therefore, if the occurrence of the second event is promoted when the number of stored second lottery elements does not remain as described above, the appealing power to the player can be reduced accordingly.

  In addition, as described above, the gaming machine of the present invention, when not winning in the internal lottery, when the symbol display means starts changing the display of the first or second symbol, at least the lottery element storage means Is further provided with a variation time setting means for individually setting the variation time for the first or second symbol on the basis of the stored number of first or second lottery elements. In this case, the event occurrence promoting means uses the fluctuation time set for the second symbol by the fluctuation time setting means when the memory number of the second lottery element does not remain, and the memory number of the first lottery element remains. When it stops, it is preferable to make it longer than the variation time set about the 1st symbol by the variation time setting means. Note that the variation time may be set based on a special condition (for example, when an outlier reach variation is performed) in addition to the case where the variation time is set based on the number of memories.

  Here, a specific promotion method is mentioned. As described above, both the first event and the second event occur randomly, but if the player continues playing without stagnation, it is expected to occur naturally to some extent. It is. In the example of a pachinko machine, if the game balls are continuously fired at a certain interval (a situation where the launch is not intentionally stopped), the number of memories of the second lottery element temporarily Even if it does not remain, it is expected that the second event will occur with a frequency (probability) close to the expected value, and that the number of memories of the second lottery element will be recovered (that is, increased).

  Therefore, in the gaming machine of the present invention, when the stored numbers of the first lottery element and the second lottery element do not remain, the variation time of the second symbol that has priority over the variation time set for the first symbol. Is set to be long, the probability that the second event will occur before the next start condition is actually satisfied is increased. Thereby, it is possible to effectively prevent the stored number of the second lottery elements from being interrupted when the next (or subsequent) start condition is satisfied.

  As described above, in the gaming machine of the present invention, when the special game is finished, the time reduction for shifting to the time shortening state in which the variation time for performing the variation display of the first or second symbol by the symbol display means is shortened than usual by the symbol display means. A state transition unit may be further provided. The event occurrence promotion means generates a second event at least until the next start condition is satisfied when the number of stored second lottery elements does not remain from the lottery element storage means in the time shortening state. It is desirable to promote that. The “time reduction state” includes a state in which the winning probability of the internal lottery is changed higher than usual (high probability state, probability fluctuation state).

In this case, the playability in the gaming machine of the present invention has, for example, the following characteristics.
(1) When winning in the internal lottery at the normal time, a special game opportunity is given thereby.
(2) In the case of winning in the first symbol (internal lottery using the first lottery element) and in the case of winning in the second symbol (internal lottery using the second lottery element), the latter is the special game Due to the large profits, players are more likely to want to win the second symbol.
(3) Regardless of whether the first symbol or the second symbol is won, after the special game is over, the time shifts to the time shortening state. In the time shortening state, since the variation time of the symbol is shortened, the player can advance the game more speedily than usual, and the expectation of winning can be increased accordingly.
(4) For this reason, the time shortening state is a chance that the winning is continuously high (so-called continuous change), so it is more advantageous for the player to win the second symbol as much as possible.
(5) Even if the memory number of the second lottery element does not remain in the time shortening state, the occurrence of the second event is promoted until the next start condition is satisfied. It is possible to give the player a sense of security that it is easy to win with a symbol.

  The event occurrence promoting means maintains the fluctuation time set for the first symbol by the fluctuation time setting means at the same level as the fluctuation time set in the normal time even when the time reduction state is shifted. It is also possible to use this mode.

  According to the above aspect, even if the occurrence of the second event is not in time during the transition to the time shortening state, and the variation display of the first symbol is thereby started, The fluctuation time is set to the same level as normal. “Same degree” means whether it is exactly the same as the normal time, slightly shortened, or hardly shortened. For this reason, even in the time shortening state, the variation time of the first symbol becomes relatively long in the time shortening state, and it can be expected that the second event occurs during the variation display. And when the memory | storage number of a 2nd lottery element has actually recovered | restored, a 2nd symbol can be prioritized by the next fluctuation | variation. Thereby, even if the change display of the first symbol is performed during the time shortening state, the change can be suppressed to the minimum as much as possible, and the decrease in appeal to the player can be suppressed accordingly.

  In the gaming machine of the present invention, the ball launching means for driving the game ball toward the game area formed on the game board surface, and the game ball installed in the game area and flowing down in the game area flow in at random. The first start winning opening for generating the first event, and the game piece which is installed in the game area and the predetermined movable piece is in the closed position makes it difficult for the game ball to flow down the game area, while the movable piece In the state of being operated from the closed position to the open position, the inflow of the game ball is facilitated and the second start winning opening for generating the second event by the inflow is installed in the game area. An operation lottery that executes an operation lottery to determine whether or not to operate the movable piece of the second start winning opening with a start gate through which a game ball flowing down can pass at random and a game ball passing through the start gate When winning by means of execution and action lottery Further comprising a movable piece actuating means for actuating towards the movable piece of the second start winning opening in the open position. In the time shortening state, in addition to shortening the variation time, at least the winning probability of the operation lottery is changed to be higher than usual.

In this case, the following features are added to the gaming machine of the present invention.
(1) Normally, the first start winning opening is easier to win (inflow of game balls), and the second starting winning opening is difficult to win. Since the winning to the second start winning opening is required to win the operation lottery, the probability of the winning is reduced accordingly. Therefore, at the normal time, the first event is more likely to occur than the second event.
(2) On the other hand, in the time shortening state, the winning probability of the operation lottery is higher than that in the normal time, thereby increasing the probability of winning in the second start winning opening.
(3) For this reason, the time shortened state is a great chance to advance the game more quickly than usual and to win the second symbol, and can greatly increase the player's expectation.
(4) On top of that, the gaming machine of the present invention prevents the memory of the second lottery element from being interrupted when the time is shortened, thereby reducing the player's expectation and lengthening the motivation for the game. Can be maintained.
(5) However, it is only when the number of memories in the second lottery element is interrupted (during one change) that the variation time is lengthened despite the time shortening state. The next variation time is shortened. Therefore, it is possible to minimize a decrease in the time efficiency of the game during the time reduction state.

  According to the gaming machine of the present invention, it is possible to continue to prevent a decrease in expectation for a game even if the number of stored lottery elements is temporarily interrupted for the priority symbol. Moreover, even if the change of the non-priority symbol is started, the player can be given a great sense of security.

It is a front view of a pachinko machine. It is a block diagram which shows the various electronic devices with which the pachinko machine was equipped. It is a flowchart (1/2) which shows the example of a procedure of a reset start process. It is a flowchart (2/2) which shows the example of a procedure of a reset start process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of an interruption management process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a start winning process. It is a flowchart which shows the structural example of a special symbol game process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the special symbol change pre-processing. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the fluctuation pattern determination process at the time of loss. It is the table | surface which showed the example of the change time selected through the selection examples 1-8 by the list. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure (2nd example) of the fluctuation pattern determination process at the time of loss. It is the table | surface which showed the example of the variation time selected in the 2nd example as a list. It is a time chart which shows a mode that the working memory number at the time of a fluctuation | variation corresponding to a 2nd special symbol and fluctuation | variation time change with progress of an actual game.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter abbreviated as “pachinko machine”) 1. The pachinko machine 1 uses a game ball as a game medium, and a player borrows a game ball from a game hall operator to play a game with the pachinko machine 1.

[Overall configuration of gaming machine]
The pachinko machine 1 mainly includes an outer frame unit 2, a glass frame unit 4, a tray unit 6 and a gaming machine frame (not shown) as its main body. Among these, the outer frame unit 2 is fixed to an island facility (not shown) in the game hall using a fastener such as a screw. The other glass frame unit 4, the tray unit 6, and a gaming machine frame (not shown) are attached to the island facility via the outer frame unit 2, and these operate in an openable manner via a hinge mechanism (not shown). An opening / closing axis of a hinge mechanism (not shown) extends in the vertical direction along the left end as viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 1.

  A locking unit (not shown) is provided on the inner side (back side) of the right edge of the gaming machine frame, and correspondingly, the right edge of the glass frame unit 4 and the outer frame unit 2 are not shown. Locking tool is provided. As shown in FIG. 1, in a state where the glass frame unit 4 and the gaming machine frame are closed with respect to the outer frame unit 2, the locking unit together with the locking device disables the opening of the glass frame unit 4 and the gaming machine frame. Yes.

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

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

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

  An upper plate 6 a is formed on the upper surface of the tray unit 6. The upper plate 6a can store a game ball (rental ball) lent to a player and a game ball (prize ball) acquired by winning a prize. The pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment is a so-called CR machine (model connected to the CR unit), and the game balls borrowed by the player are received from the payout unit 6 separately from the prize balls (mainly the upper plate 6a). To be paid out. Further, the tray unit 6 is formed with a lower plate 6b at a lower position than the upper plate 6a. The lower tray 6b can store game balls that do not fit into the upper tray 6a or game balls discharged from the upper tray 6a.

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

  An upper dish ball removal lever 6d is installed on the upper left part of the tray unit 6, and a lower dish ball removal lever 6e is installed on the front surface of the wall portion surrounding the lower dish 6b. The player can cause the game balls stored in the upper plate 6a to flow down to the lower plate 6b by operating the upper plate ball removing lever 6d. In addition, the player can operate the lower tray ball removal lever 6e to drop the gaming balls stored in the lower tray 6b downward and discharge them. The discharged game ball is received by, for example, a ball receiving box (not shown).

  A grip unit 16 is installed at the lower right portion of the tray unit 6. The player operates the grip unit 16 to operate a launching device unit (not shown) and can launch (shoot) a game ball toward the game area 8a. The launched game ball rises along the left side edge of the game board 8, is guided by an outer band (not shown), and is thrown into the game area 8a. A large number of obstacle nails and windmills (not shown in the figure) are arranged in the game area 8a, and the thrown game balls flow down in the game area 8a while being guided by the obstacle nails and windmills.

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

  The variable start winning device 28 operates when a predetermined condition is satisfied (when a normal symbol is stopped and displayed in a predetermined manner), and allows a winning to the lower start winning port 28a ( Ordinary electric accessory). The variable start winning device 28 has, for example, a pair of left and right movable pieces 28b, and these movable pieces 28b reciprocate in the left-right direction along the board surface by the action of a link mechanism using a solenoid (not shown), for example. As shown in the figure, the left and right movable pieces 28b are in the closed position with the tip facing upward, and at this time, winning to the lower start winning opening 28a is impossible (there is no gap through which game balls can flow). . When the variable start winning device 28 is operated, the left and right movable pieces 28b are displaced (expanded) from the closed position toward the open position, and the opening width of the lower start winning port 28a is expanded to the left and right. During this time, the variable start winning device 28 is in a state in which a game ball can flow in, and generates a win to the lower start winning port 28a. The arrangement (gauge) of the obstacle nails installed on the game board 8 is a mode in which it is easy to guide the flow of the game ball toward the variable start winning device 28.

  The variable winning device 30 operates when a specific condition is satisfied (when a special symbol is stopped and displayed in a specific manner), and allows a winning to a big winning opening (no reference sign). (Special electric accessory). The variable winning device 30 has, for example, one opening / closing member 30a, and this opening / closing member 30a reciprocates in the front-rear direction with respect to the board surface by the action of a link mechanism using a solenoid (not shown), for example. As shown in the drawing, the opening / closing member 30a is in the closed position along the board surface, and at this time, it is impossible to win a prize winning opening (the prize winning opening is closed). When the variable winning device 30 is activated, the opening / closing member 30a is displaced so as to fall forward with its lower end edge as the center, thereby opening the large winning opening. During this time, the variable winning device 30 is in a state where a game ball can flow in, and generates a winning in the big winning opening. At this time, the opening / closing member 30a also functions as a member for guiding the inflow of the game ball to the special winning opening.

  In addition, an out port 32 is formed in the game area 8 a, and game balls that have not won a prize are finally collected through the out port 32 to the back side of the game board 8. The collected game balls join a supply route for an island facility (not shown).

  The game board 8 is provided with a normal symbol display device 33 and a normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a at the upper right position in the window 4a, for example, as well as a first special symbol display device 34, a second special symbol display device 36, A first operation memory lamp 34a, a second operation memory lamp 36a, and a game state display device 38 are provided. Among these, the normal symbol display device 33, for example, turns on two lamps (LEDs) alternately to display the normal symbols variably, and stops and displays the normal symbols when the lamps are turned on or off. The normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a displays 0 to 4 memory numbers depending on, for example, a combination of turning off, lighting, or blinking of two lamps (LEDs).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  The main controller 70 is equipped with a random number generator 75 and a sampling circuit 76. Among these, the random number generator 75 generates a hardware random number (for example, 0 to 65535 in decimal notation) for determining the big hit, and the generated random number is input to the main control CPU 72 through the sampling circuit 77. The In the present embodiment, since the two symbols of the first special symbol and the second special symbol are used for the big hit determination, a random number generator 75 may be provided for each of these symbols. In addition, the main controller 70 is provided with peripheral ICs such as a clock generation circuit, an input / output driver (PIO), a counter / timer circuit (CTC), etc. (not shown), which are mounted on the circuit board together with the main control CPU 72. Has been implemented. On the circuit board, signal transmission paths, power supply paths, control buses, and the like are formed as wiring patterns.

  The start gate 20 described above is integrally provided with a gate switch 78 for detecting the passage of a game ball. Further, the game board 8 is provided with an upper start winning port switch 80, a lower start winning port switch 82 and a large winning port switch 84 corresponding to the upper start winning port 26, the variable start winning device 28 and the variable winning device 30, respectively. ing. The start winning port switches 80 and 82 are for detecting winning of a game ball to the upper start winning port 26 and the variable start winning device 28 (lower start winning port 28a), respectively. The big prize opening switch 84 is for detecting the winning of a game ball to the variable prize winning device 30 (large prize opening). Similarly, the game board 8 is equipped with a winning opening switch 86 for detecting the winning of a game ball to the normal winning openings 22 and 24. Detection signals from these switches 78 to 86 are input to the main control CPU 72 via an input / output driver (not shown).

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

  Further, the game board 8 is provided with a lower start opening solenoid 88 and a large winning opening solenoid 90 corresponding to the variable start winning device 28 and the variable winning device 30, respectively. These solenoids 88 and 90 are operated (excited) based on a control signal from the main control CPU 72 to open and close (activate) the variable start winning device 28 and the variable winning device 30 respectively.

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

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

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

  The lamp driving circuit 102 includes a switching element such as a PWM (pulse width modulation) IC or a MOSFET (not shown). The lamp driving circuit 102 switches driving voltages (or duty switching) applied to various lamps including LEDs. ) And manage the operation such as light emission and flashing. In addition to the above-mentioned glass frame upper lamp 52, glass frame left lamp 54, and glass frame right lamp 56, the various lamps include decoration / production lamps (without reference numerals) installed on the game board 8. .

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

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

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

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

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

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

  The above is a configuration example relating to the control of the pachinko machine 1. Next, control processing executed by the main control CPU 72 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 for guaranteeing a stable gaming operation of the pachinko machine 1 after adjusting the initial state.

  3 and 4 are flowcharts showing an example of the procedure of the reset start process. Hereinafter, the process performed by the main control CPU 72 will be described step by step.

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

Step S102: Subsequently, the main control CPU 72 sets the vector-type interrupt mode (mode 2) and corrects the default RST-type interrupt mode (mode 0). Thus, thereafter, the main control CPU 72 can refer to an arbitrary address (however, the least significant bit is 0) as an interrupt vector and execute a designated interrupt handler.
Step S103: The main control CPU 72 performs initial setting of the mask register.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Step S115: The main control CPU 72 executes an initial value update random number update process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 increments random numbers for updating (changing) initial values of various software random numbers. In the present embodiment, various random numbers are generated on the program in addition to the jackpot determination random number. These software random numbers are updated by a loop counter within a predetermined range in another interrupt process (step S201 in FIG. 5). In this process, the initial value of the loop counter is changed every time the random number value makes one round. doing. The initial value update random number is used to randomly change the initial value, and in step S115, the initial value update random number is updated. Note that the reason why step S115 is executed after the interruption is prohibited in step S113 is that the same process is executed in another interrupt process (step S202 in FIG. 5), and therefore overlap (conflict) with this. It is for preventing.

  Step S116, Step S117: The main control CPU 72 permits interruption and executes other random number update processing. The random numbers updated by this processing are random numbers (variation pattern determination random numbers, reach determination random numbers, loss symbol determination random numbers, etc.) that are not involved in the determination of the jackpot type among software random numbers.

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

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

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

  Step S122, Step S123: The main control CPU 72 executes a special symbol game process and a normal symbol game process in the main loop. These processes are for specifically proceeding with the game in the pachinko machine 1. Among these, in the special symbol game process, the main control CPU 72 controls the variable display and stop display by the first and second special symbol display devices 34 and 36 described above, or the variable winning device 30 of the variable winning device 30 according to the display result. Control the operation. In the normal symbol game process, the main control CPU 72 controls the variable display and stop display by the normal symbol display device 33 described above, and controls the operation of the variable start winning device 28 according to the display result. For example, the main control CPU 72 stores a random number acquired in response to the passage of the start gate 20 in another interrupt management process (FIG. 5). Then, the main control CPU 72 reads out the random number value in the normal symbol game process and determines whether or not it falls within a predetermined hit range. When the random number value falls within the hit range, the main control CPU 72 excites the lower start port solenoid 88 after the normal symbol display device 33 displays the normal symbol in a predetermined hit state, and then the variable start winning device 28 is excited. Is activated. Details of the special symbol game process will be described later with reference to another flowchart.

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

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

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

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

[Interrupt management processing (timer interrupt processing)]
Next, interrupt management processing (timer interrupt processing) will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary procedure of interrupt management processing. The main control CPU 72 executes an interrupt management process every predetermined time (for example, several milliseconds) based on the interrupt request signal from the counter / timer circuit. Each procedure will be described below.

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

  Step S201: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a lottery random number update process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 updates the value of the counter for generating various random numbers for lottery. The value of each counter is incremented in the counter area of the RAM 76 and loops within a specified range. The various random numbers include, for example, a jackpot symbol random number, a jackpot type determination random number, an ordinary symbol determination random number, and the like. In this embodiment, since the two symbols of the first special symbol and the second special symbol are used, a big hit symbol random number may be generated for each of these symbols. In this case, an initial value update random number may be prepared for each symbol.

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

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

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

  In this embodiment, when a winning detection signal (ON) is input from the upper start winning opening switch 80, the main control CPU 72 determines that an event (first event) serving as a lottery trigger corresponding to the first special symbol has occurred. To do. Further, when the winning detection signal (ON) is input from the lower start winning award opening switch 82, the main control CPU 72 determines that an event (second event) serving as a lottery trigger corresponding to the second special symbol 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 36, the first operation memory lamp 34a, and the second operation memory lamp 36a. The lighting state of the game state display device 38 and the like is controlled. Specifically, a drive signal (byte data) to be applied to each LED is generated and output from the output port. As a result, each LED is driven in a predetermined display mode (a mode of performing symbol variation display, stop display, working memory number display, game state display, etc.).

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

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

[Start-up winning process]
Next, processing that is further executed in the switch input event processing (step S204) will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the start winning process. Each procedure will be described below.

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

  Step S12: The main control CPU 72 refers to the value of the first special symbol working memory number counter to check whether the working memory number is less than four. The working memory number counter represents the number of jackpot determination random numbers 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 4 sections (2 bytes each) for each symbol (first special symbol, second special symbol), and one big hit determination random number is stored in each section. Is done. At this time, if the number of stored jackpot determination random numbers corresponding to the first special symbol has not reached four, the value of the first special symbol actuated memory number counter is less than 4 (Yes), and in this case, the main control The CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S14.

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

  Step S16: Then, the main control CPU 72 acquires a random number for jackpot determination corresponding to the first special symbol from the random number generator 75 through the sampling circuit 77 (acquisition of the first lottery element). 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 as a jackpot determination random number at the transfer source address.

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

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

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

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

  Step S24: The main control CPU 72 refers to the value of the second special symbol working memory number counter to check whether the working memory number is less than four. At this time, if the value of the second special symbol operation memory number counter reaches 4 (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the interrupt management process. On the other hand, if the value of the second special symbol operation memory number counter is still less than 4 (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S26.

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

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

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

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

[Special design game processing]
Next, the details of the special symbol game process executed during the main loop will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a configuration example of the special symbol game process. The special symbol game process includes an execution selection process (step S1000), a special symbol change pre-process (step S2000), a special symbol change process (step S3000), a special symbol stop display process (step S4000), and a big hit game process (step S5000) subroutine group. Here, first, the basic flow of the special game management process will be described along each process.

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

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

  Step S3000: In the special symbol variation processing, the main control CPU 72 performs drive control of the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 36 while counting the variation timer. Specifically, an ON or OFF drive signal (1 byte data) is output for each segment and dot (0th to 7th) of the 7-segment LED. The pattern of the driving signal changes with the passage of time, and thereby, the variation display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol is performed.

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

  Step S5000: The jackpot game process is selected when the first special symbol or the second special symbol is stopped and displayed in a big hit manner in the previous special symbol stop display process. When either the first special symbol or the second special symbol is stopped in the big hit display mode, the normal state is changed to the big hit gaming state (a gaming state advantageous to the player). During the big hit game, the big prize opening solenoid 90 is energized a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 times) for a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds or until nine winnings are counted) in the big hit game processing, thereby the variable winning device 30 is Open operation with a fixed pattern (continuous differential of special electric accessory). In the meantime, by allowing the variable winning device 30 to win game balls in a concentrated manner, the player is given an opportunity to collect a lot of prize balls. The opening operation of the variable winning device 30 is referred to as “round”, and if the prescribed number of times is 15 in total, this may be collectively referred to as “15 round”. When the big hit game ends, the main control CPU 72 sets a game state flag indicating the state after the big hit game (high probability state, time reduction state). When the “high probability state” is reached, the probability variation function is activated, and the probability that the next big hit will occur is higher than usual (about 10 times). Further, when the “high probability state” is reached, the time shortening function is activated, and the variation time of the first special symbol or the second special symbol is reduced as a whole. The shortening of the fluctuation time will be further described later.

[Profit during jackpot]
Here, in this embodiment, the magnitude of the profit given to the player is different between the case where the first special symbol is stopped in the jackpot display mode and the case where the second special symbol is stopped in the jackpot display mode. Cases are provided. Hereinafter, this point will be described.

  First, for both the first special symbol and the second special symbol, the ratio that the jackpot type is “probability variation jackpot” is the same (for example, about 57% is “probability variation jackpot”). However, for the first special symbol, “probability variation jackpot” may be a jackpot of “2 rounds” (for example, about 12% of 57%). The big hit of “2 rounds” is a relatively short opening time per time (for example, about 0.3 seconds), and after a single opening operation, a predetermined interval (for example, about 1 to 2 seconds) is set. The second opening operation is performed, and the process ends only by that. For this reason, even if it becomes a big hit of “2 rounds”, the winning in the big winning opening does not occur or the winning of one game ball is barely generated, and the player can be won during the big hit. It can be said that there are almost no prize balls.

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

  For this reason, from the player's point of view, the overall profit is greater for the second special symbol than for the first special symbol. Of course, for the first special symbol, the “probability variation jackpot” may be a jackpot of “15 rounds” (for example, about 45% of 57%), but it may be a jackpot of “2 rounds”. For some reason, it is easier to feel a sense of security for a big hit with the second special symbol than a big hit with the first special symbol.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, when there is working memory for both the first special symbol and the second special symbol, the second special symbol is given priority over the first special symbol, and the player is appealed. I am raising my power. Hereinafter, a control method that prioritizes the variable display of the second special symbol will be described.

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

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

  Step S2500: In this process, the main control CPU 72 generates a demonstration effect command. The demonstration effect command is output to the effect control device 94 in the effect control output process (step S119 in FIG. 4). When the demo setting process is executed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol game process.

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

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

  Step S2250: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a special symbol operating memory number subtraction process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 subtracts one value of the working memory number counter (which corresponds to either the first special symbol or the second special symbol) stored in the RAM 76, and obtains the value after the subtraction. Set to “Number of working memories at start of change”. At this time, the working memory number counter to be subtracted corresponds to the one on which the random number stored in the previous step S2200 has been shifted. As a result, the display mode of the number stored by the first operation memory lamp 34a or the second operation memory lamp 36a changes (decreases by 1) in the display output management process (step S205 in FIG. 5). When the procedure so far is finished, the main control CPU 72 permits the interrupt and then executes step S2300.

  Step S2300: The main control CPU 72 executes a big hit determination process (internal lottery). In this process, the main control CPU 72 sets a range of the big hit value and determines whether or not the read random number value is included in this range. The range of the jackpot value set at this time is different between the normal state and the high probability state (probability variation state). In the high probability state, the range of the jackpot value is expanded to about 10 times that of the normal state. At this time, if the read random number value is included in the range of the big hit value, the main control CPU 72 sets the big hit flag (01H), and then proceeds to step S2400. In this embodiment, the jackpot value is determined by setting a range of the jackpot value on the program. However, the jackpot determination table is written in the ROM 74 in advance, and the jackpot determination is performed by reading this and comparing it with the random number value. There are also programming examples.

  Step S2400: The main control CPU 72 determines whether or not a value (01H) is set for the big hit flag in the previous big hit determination process. If the value (01H) is not set in the jackpot flag (No), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S2404.

  Step S2404: The main control CPU 72 executes an off-time stop symbol determination process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 extracts a random symbol for declining symbol determination from the random number update area of the RAM 76, and based on the random number value, the stop symbol (missing symbol) by the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 36 is extracted. The display mode of the symbol is determined. Note that, when the special symbol memory shift process has been shifted with priority given to storing the jackpot determination random number corresponding to the second special symbol, the main control CPU 72 determines the stop symbol by the second special symbol display device 36 here. The display mode is determined. 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 determines the display mode of the stop symbol 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 94. These commands are transmitted to the effect control device 94 in the effect control output process (step S119 in FIG. 4).

  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 (corresponding to the variation time) of the special symbol at the time of detachment for the first special symbol or the second special symbol. Except for the case where reach variation is performed, the variation time at the time of the deviation is determined based on the “variable display start operation memory number (0 to 3)” set in step S2250. The variation time is determined separately for the first special symbol and the second special symbol. The details of the specific processing will be further described later using another flowchart.

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

  Step S2408: The main control CPU 72 executes jackpot type determination processing. In this process, first, the main control CPU 72 acquires a big hit type determination random number from the counter area of the RAM 76. Next, the main control CPU 72 sets a range of the probability variation determined value, and determines whether or not a random number value is included in this range. As a result, if the random value is included in the range of the probability variation determined value, the main control CPU 72 determines the jackpot type as “probability variation jackpot”. Conversely, if the random value is outside the range of the probability variation determined value, the main control CPU 72 determines the jackpot type as “non-probable variation (normal) jackpot”. For the probability variation jackpot corresponding to the first special symbol, the main control CPU 72 also distributes the number of rounds. For example, if the number of rounds is set, for example, a “2-round judgment range” is set within the range of the above-mentioned probability variation determined value, and if a random number is included in this range, “probability large hit” is set to “2 rounds” big hit. Determine as. When the big hit type is determined as “probability big hit”, the main control CPU 72 sets a value (01H) in the probability fluctuation flag. Here, the big hit type is determined using “big hit type determining random number”, but the main control CPU 72 uses the big hit symbol random number in the following step S2410 without providing the big hit type determining process in step S2408. The jackpot type may be determined.

  Step S2410: Subsequently, the main control CPU 72 executes a hit stop symbol determination process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 obtains a winning design determining random number from the counter area of the RAM 76, and based on the random number value, the stop symbol (big winning symbol) by the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 36. The display mode of is determined. If the value (01H) is set in the probability variation flag in the previous jackpot type determination process, the display mode of the stop symbol (at the time of probability change) is determined after offsetting the random symbol value for winning symbol determination. The main control CPU 72 also generates a stop symbol command and a lottery result command (at the time of a big hit) to be transmitted to the effect control device 94. The stop symbol command and the lottery result command are also transmitted to the effect control device 94 in the effect control output process. Although only the display pattern of the stop symbol is determined here, the jackpot type may be determined using the jackpot symbol random number as described above. In this case, the previous step S2408 can be omitted.

  Step S2412: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a hit variation pattern determination process. In this process, when the main control CPU 72 obtains the random number for determining the variation pattern from the counter area of the RAM 76, the main control CPU 72 determines the variation pattern (variation time) of the first special symbol or the second special symbol based on the value. In general, since the big hit reach fluctuation is performed at the time of hitting, a fluctuation time longer than that at the time of loss is determined.

  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). At the same time, the main control CPU 72 sets the variation start flag of the first special symbol or the second special symbol in the flag area of the RAM 76. Then, the main control CPU 72 generates a change start command to be transmitted to the effect control device 94. This variation start command is also transmitted to the effect control device 94 in the effect control output process. When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol game process.

[Change pattern determination process at the time of loss]
Next, the details of the variation pattern determination process at the time of loss will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure of the change pattern determination process at the time of loss. Each procedure will be described below.

  Step S402: The main control CPU 72 determines whether or not reach fluctuation at the time of disconnection should be performed. This determination can be made using the reach determination random number. The main control CPU 72 acquires a reach determination random number from the counter area of the RAM 76 and determines whether or not the random number value is included in the reach determination range. In particular, if the random value is not included in the reach determination range (No), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S404.

[High probability / short-time fluctuation pattern]
Step S404: Next, the main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the current internal state corresponds to either the “high probability state” or the “time reduction state”. This determination is made by referring to the value of the “probability change flag” or the “time reduction flag”. The “time reduction flag” is set to a value (01H) after the big hit game ends. If the current internal state is either the “high probability state” or the “time reduction state” (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S406.

  Step S406: The main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the current variation display is for the first special symbol. If the memory of the big hit determination random number corresponding to the first special symbol has been shifted in the previous special symbol memory shift process (step S2200 in FIG. 8), the main control CPU 72 is a variable display for the first special symbol. Judgment is made (Yes). In this case, the main control CPU 72 next executes step S408.

[Selection example 1: High probability / short time and first special symbol working memory number 0]
Step S <b> 408: The main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the value of “the number of operation memories at the start of change” is greater than zero. The value of the “actual memory number at the start of change” is set in the previous special symbol operating memory number subtraction process (step S2250 in FIG. 8), and the value is the value of the first special symbol or the second special symbol. This corresponds to the number of operating memories (remaining number) at the start of fluctuation. For example, when the special symbol working memory number subtraction process is executed in the state where the number of working memories so far is “N”, the value of the “number of working memories at the start of change” is subtracted from “N” so far To “N−1”. At this time, if the value of “the number of operating memories at the start of change” is 0 (No), the main control CPU 72 then proceeds to step S410.

  Step S410: The main control CPU 72 selects the one corresponding to the fluctuation time “medium” as the current fluctuation pattern. The variation time is, for example, the time required from the start of the variation display of the first special symbol (or the second special symbol) to the stop display. The longer the variation time is, the longer the time is required for the first special symbol (or the second special symbol) to be displayed in a variable manner, and a longer time is required before the stop display is performed. Conversely, the shorter the change time, the shorter the time required from the change display to the stop display.

In the present embodiment, for example, the following three patterns are prepared as variation patterns to be selected by the main control CPU 72 at the time of disconnection.
(1) Fluctuation pattern corresponding to fluctuation time “short”: about 1500 ms (2) Fluctuation pattern corresponding to fluctuation time “medium”: about 6000 ms (3) Fluctuation pattern corresponding to fluctuation time “long”: about 12000 ms

  As described above, with respect to the variation time “short”, the variation time “medium” is about four times longer, and the variation time “long” is about eight times longer. Note that the setting of these fluctuation times is merely an example, and is not particularly limited. In any case, when the main control CPU 72 selects a variation pattern corresponding to one of the variation times “short”, “medium”, or “long”, the variation pattern number relating to the current variation display is set. When the flow proceeds to step S410 in the flow of conditional branching so far (“no reach” → “high probability / short time” → “number of working memories at start of change = 0”), the main control CPU 72 sets the change time to “medium”. A corresponding variation pattern is selected, and a variation pattern number (for example, “02H”) corresponding to this is set.

[Selection example 2: When the first special symbol working memory number is 1 or more with high probability and short time]
On the other hand, when it is determined in the previous step S408 that the value of the “number of operating memories at the start of change” is greater than 0 (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S414.

  Step S414: In this case, the main control CPU 72 selects a variation pattern corresponding to the variation time “short”, and sets a variation pattern number (for example, “01H”) corresponding thereto.

  The above selection examples 1 and 2 are for the first special symbol, but when the second special symbol is variably displayed, the procedure is as follows.

  Step S406: If it is determined that the current variation display is for the second special symbol (No), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S416.

[Selection example 3: High probability / short time and second special symbol working memory number 1 or more]
Step S416: If it is determined that the value of “number of working memories at start of change” is greater than 0 (Yes), the main control CPU 72 then proceeds to step S414 and selects the change pattern corresponding to the change time “short” Then, a variation pattern number corresponding to this is set.

[Selection example 4: High probability / short time and second special symbol working memory number 0]
On the other hand, when it is determined that the value of “the number of operating memories at the start of change” is 0 (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S418.

  Step S418: In this case, the main control CPU 72 selects a variation pattern corresponding to the variation time “long”, and sets a variation pattern number (for example, “03H”) corresponding thereto.

[Normal (low probability) variation pattern]
The normal fluctuation pattern is determined according to the following procedure.
Step S404: If the main control CPU 72 determines that the current internal state is neither the “high probability state” nor the “time reduction state” (No), it next executes step S420.

  Step S420: If the main control CPU 72 determines that the current deviation fluctuation is a fluctuation display for the first special symbol (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S422.

[Selection Example 5: When the number of first special symbol working memory is 1 or less at normal time]
Step S422: If the value of “the number of operation memory at the start of change” is 1 or less (1 or 0) (No), the main control CPU 72 then proceeds to step S418 and changes corresponding to the change time “long”. Select a pattern. Thereby, the variable display of the first special symbol is performed over a long period of time.

[Selection Example 6: When the first special symbol working memory number is 2 or more at normal time]
Step S424: On the other hand, if “the number of operating memories at the start of change” is greater than 1 (2 or 3) (step S422: Yes), the main control CPU 72 selects the change pattern corresponding to the change time “medium”. To do. As a result, if the number of working memories is accumulated to some extent, the fluctuation time at the time of loss (so-called holding time reduction) is reduced.

  Step S420: If the main control CPU 72 determines that the current deviation fluctuation is a fluctuation display for the second special symbol (No), then the main control CPU 72 executes step S426.

[Selection Example 7: When the second special symbol working memory number is 1 or less at normal time]
Step S426: If the value of “the number of operation memories at the start of change” is 1 or less (1 or 0) (No), the main control CPU 72 then proceeds to step S428 and changes corresponding to the change time “long” Select a pattern. As a result, the variation display of the second special symbol is performed over a long period of time.

[Selection Example 8: When the number of second special symbol working memory number is 2 or more at normal time]
Step S424: On the other hand, if “the number of operation memories at the start of change” is greater than 1 (2 or 3) (step S426: Yes), the main control CPU 72 selects the change pattern corresponding to the change time “medium”. To do. As a result, when the number of working memories for the second special symbol is accumulated to some extent, the fluctuation time at the time of loss (so-called holding time reduction) is reduced.

  Step S430: If it is determined in step S402 that shift reach variation is to be performed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes reach variation pattern determination processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 selects a fluctuation time at the time of reach fluctuation based on the fluctuation pattern determination random number, and sets a fluctuation pattern number (for example, “90H” to “97H”) corresponding thereto.

  When the variation time is selected in any of the above selection examples 1 to 8 or the reach variation pattern determination process (step S430) and the variation pattern number at that time is set, the main control CPU 72 next executes step S412.

  Step S412: The main control CPU 72 determines a value for the variation timer based on the selected variation pattern, and writes it in the register. When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol game process.

[Summary of Selection Examples 1 to 8]
FIG. 10 is a table showing a list of examples of the variation times selected through the selection examples 1 to 8 described above. From this list, the following features of the present embodiment are apparent.

[High probability / short time]
(1) When the deviation fluctuation is performed, different fluctuation times are selected for the first special symbol and the second special symbol depending on the value of the “number of working memories at the start of fluctuation”.

(2) For both the first special symbol and the second special symbol, if the number of working memories at the start of variation is 1 or more, the variation pattern corresponding to the variation time “short” is selected. For this reason, as long as the number of working memories remains, if the result of the big hit determination is out of order, the variable display and the stop display are repeated in a relatively short cycle (about 1.5 seconds + stop display time). The tempo of the game can be accelerated and the time efficiency can be improved.

(3) However, as shown in “Selection Example 4”, for the second special symbol, when the value of “number of working memory at start of change” becomes 0 (the number of stored memory does not remain), high probability / short time Even so, a relatively long variation time “long” is selected (about 12 seconds). Thereby, the possibility that the game ball wins the variable start winning device 28 within the variation time can be increased, and the second special symbol can be prioritized for the next variation display. In this case, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the first special symbol variation display is started due to an interruption in the number of working memories, and to suppress a decrease in appeal to the player.

  When the probability is high and the time is short, the main control CPU 72 expands the range of the hit determination value corresponding to the normal symbol as compared with the normal time, and further reduces the variation time for the normal symbol as compared with the normal time. For this reason, if the game ball passes through the start gate 20 at a certain frequency while the game is in progress, a hit corresponding to the normal symbol frequently occurs, and as a result, the variable start winning device 28 is frequently set. By operating (so-called electric Chu support), it is possible to generate a winning (second event) to the lower start winning opening 28a at a certain frequency. Therefore, as shown in “Selection Example 4”, if the variation time when the number of working memories becomes 0 is relatively long, it is possible to promote the occurrence of winning in the lower start winning opening 28a during that time, The working memory number can be restored.

[Normal (low probability)]
(4) For the normal time, if both the first special symbol and the second special symbol have a number of working memories at the time of variation of 1 or less, the variation pattern corresponding to the variation time “long” is selected. Thereby, the game can be advanced at a certain tempo while executing the so-called “normal fluctuation”.

(5) In normal times, when both the first special symbol and the second special symbol are increased to 2 or more, the variation pattern corresponding to the variation time “medium” is selected. As a result, a so-called “short holding time” can be generated to temporarily speed up the game tempo and prevent a decrease in time efficiency.

  After that, when the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol fluctuation pre-processing (FIG. 8), it starts the fluctuation display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol in the special symbol fluctuation start process (step S2414). At this time, if the variation start flag of the first special symbol or the second special symbol is set, when the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol game process (FIG. 7), the execution selection process (step S1000) is used as the next jump destination. Select the special symbol variation processing.

[Figure 7: Special symbol change processing, special symbol stop display processing]
The main control CPU 72 loads the value of the variable timer from the register to the timer counter, and then decrements the value of the timer counter as time elapses (clock pulse count). The main control CPU 72 controls the variable display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol as described above until the value becomes 0 while referring to the value of the timer counter. When the value of the timer counter becomes 0, the main control CPU 72 displays the stop display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol based on the stop symbol determined in the stop symbol determination process (steps S2404 and S2410 in FIG. 8). To control. 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.

  When the above control method is the first example of the present embodiment, the following control method can be given as the second example. Hereinafter, a second example of the control method will be described.

[List of variation pattern determination process and variation time in the second example]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of the change pattern determination process at the time of loss that is given as a second example. Here, the steps already described in the first example are denoted by common reference numerals, and the duplicate description thereof is omitted.

[When the variable display is performed for the first special symbol with high probability and short time]
In the case of the second example, the following procedure is different from that of the first example.
Step S407: When the main control CPU 72 determines that the first special symbol is a variable display with a high probability and a short time (step S406: Yes), the variable time “ A variation pattern corresponding to “long” or variation time “medium” is selected.

  Step S409: That is, if the value of “the number of operation memory at the start of change” is 1 or less (1 or 0) (step S407: No), the main control CPU 72 displays a change pattern corresponding to the change time “long”. select. Thereby, the variation display of the first special symbol is performed over a long time (for example, about 12 seconds) similar to the normal time.

  Step S410: On the other hand, if the value of “the number of operation memory at the start of change” is greater than 1 (2 or 3) (step S407: Yes), the main control CPU 72 changes the change pattern corresponding to the change time “medium”. Select. As a result, when the number of working memories is accumulated to some extent as in the normal time, the fluctuation time at the time of loss (so-called holding time is shortened) is performed. Other procedures (when normal or when the second special symbol is changed) are the same as those described in the first example.

  FIG. 12 is a table showing a list of examples of the variation times selected in the second example. As shown in this table, in the second example, when the first special symbol is shifted in the high probability / short time, it is the same as the normal time depending on the value of the “number of working memories at the start of the fluctuation”. The variation time (12 seconds when the number is 1 or less, and 6 seconds when the number is 2 or more) is selected. In this case, the following features are added to the present embodiment.

(1) Assume that the number of working memories does not remain for the second special symbol, and the display of fluctuation is unavoidably started for the first special symbol. In this case, since the variation time comparable to the normal time is selected despite the high probability and short time, it is possible to promote the occurrence of winning in the lower start winning opening 28a during the variation display. .

(2) If the winning at the lower start winning opening 28a occurs as expected, the number of working memories corresponding to the second special symbol can be recovered thereby. In this case, since the next variation display can be performed with priority given to the second special symbol, even if the number of working memories of the first special symbol that does not want to be prioritized remains, the number of variations is minimized. To the limit.

  In FIG. 12, the variation time of the first special symbol is the same value for the low probability (normal) and the high probability / short time, but the variation time for the high probability / short time is slightly reduced. Also good. For example, even when the number of working memories is 1 or less, the time is shortened to about 11.0 seconds to 11.8 seconds, and when the number is 2 or more, it is shortened to about 5.0 seconds to 5.8 seconds. Good.

[Other examples]
In addition to the first example and the second example described above, the following method can be cited as another example for the procedure of the variation pattern determination process at the time of loss. That is, when the variable display is performed for the first special symbol at high probability / short time, the process jumps to the reach variation pattern determination process (step S430) forcibly (or with high probability). In this case, each time the first special symbol is changed, the reach variation is changed, and a long variation time (for example, about 60 seconds) is selected. Therefore, if the game ball is continuously fired, the lower start winning opening 28a is in the meantime. Is expected to occur. Alternatively, when “the number of operation memory at the start of change” is 0 in step S426 in FIGS. 9 and 11 (Yes), the main control CPU 72 forcibly (or with high probability) reach change pattern determination processing (step S430). You may jump to). In this case as well, when the number of working memories becomes 0, the second special symbol also shifts to reach each time, and a long variation time (for example, about 60 seconds) is selected. If so, it is expected that a prize will be generated in the lower start prize opening 28a during that period.

  Although details of the present embodiment have already been clarified from the above description, the following description will be made while showing changes in the number of working memories at the start of variation on an actual time chart.

  FIG. 13 is a time chart showing how the number of operating memories at the start of change and the change time corresponding to the second special symbol change as the actual game progresses. The horizontal axis in FIG. 13 represents the passage of time.

  In FIG. 13, (A): For example, it is assumed that the probability variation jackpot (2 rounds or 15 rounds) has ended and the special symbol variation time shortening function is activated together with the probability variation function.

  (B) in FIG. 13: If the number of working memories of the second special symbol has been three (the second working memory lamp 36a is indicated by three) so far, “variation start 1” is indicated in the figure. At the timing, the operating memory number at the start of change is subtracted by one to become two.

  FIG. 13C: In this case, as described in “Selection Example 3” above, the variation time “short” is selected for the second special symbol, and the actual variation time is shortened.

In FIG. 13, (B): When the variation display of the second special symbol is stopped and the condition for starting the next variation display is satisfied, the variation starts further at the timing indicated by “variation start 2” in the drawing. The working memory number is subtracted to one.
In FIG. 13, (C): In this case as well, the variation time “short” is selected for the second special symbol, and the actual variation time is shortened. In this way, when the probability is high and the time is short, the variation time of the special symbol is basically shortened, so that the tempo of the game is accelerated and the time efficiency is improved accordingly.

In FIG. 13, (B): When the variation display of the second special symbol is stopped and the condition for starting the next variation display is satisfied, at the timing indicated as “variation start 3” in the diagram, the variation The starting working memory number is subtracted to zero.
In FIG. 13, (C): In this case, as described in “Selection Example 4” above, since the variation time “long” is selected for the second special symbol, even if it is a high probability / short time, it is actually The fluctuation time is relatively long.

In FIG. 13, (D): On the other hand, at the time of high probability / short time, the normal symbol variation time reduction function is activated.
In FIG. 13, (E): Also, the game balls driven into the game area 8a randomly pass through the operation gate 20, and the pass detection signal of the gate switch 78 is turned ON each time.

  In FIG. 13, (F): When the passage detection signal of the gate switch 78 is turned ON, the normal symbol display device 33 displays the fluctuation of the normal symbol, and then stops and displays in a hit state (indicated by the downward arrow in the figure). timing). During the operation of the normal symbol variation time shortening function, the variation time of the normal symbol is shortened (from about 4 seconds to about 1 second in normal time). Further, as described above, since the hit determination corresponding to the normal symbol is performed in a high probability state (for example, about 250/251), the normal symbol becomes a hit mode with almost every change.

  In FIG. 13, (G): When the normal symbol is displayed in a winning manner, the lower start opening solenoid 88 is excited, and the variable start winning device 28 is activated (opened twice for about 1 second). As a result, the winning to the lower start winning opening 28a becomes easy. The variable start winning device 28 operates twice each time the normal symbol is stopped and displayed in a winning manner. As described above, during the operation of the normal symbol variation time shortening function, the normal symbol frequently operates and is stopped and displayed in a winning manner, so that the frequency with which the variable start winning device 28 operates is increased accordingly. I understand.

  In FIG. 13, (H): For this reason, at a high probability and a short time, it is expected that a winning to the lower start winning opening 28a occurs with a certain high frequency. In particular, when the number of operating memories becomes zero, the second special symbol fluctuates over a long fluctuating time, so that it is possible to promote the occurrence of winning at the lower start winning award 28a during this time. And, when the winning to the lower start winning opening 28a continuously occurs during the actual fluctuation display, the number of working memories of the second special symbol is restored (increased) to 1 to 4 (numbers in parentheses in the figure). Can be made.

  In FIG. 13, (B): As a result, the second special symbol can be preferentially displayed in the next time, so that the player can be given a sense of security even if the time of change temporarily increases. Can do. In addition, as indicated by “change start 4” in the figure, the number of working memories at the start of change is three at the timing of starting the change display of the next second special symbol. In this case, since the variation time “short” is selected, it is possible to maintain high time efficiency with high probability and short time.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, even when the number of working memories corresponding to the second special symbol does not remain at high probability / short time, until the next start condition is satisfied (main control Before the CPU 72 executes the special symbol variation pre-processing in FIG. 8, it is possible to promote the occurrence of winning in the lower start winning opening 28a. Then, when a prize is actually generated in the lower start winning opening 28a, the main control CPU 72 adds the second special symbol working memory number by the interruption process (start prize winning process in FIG. 6), and newly acquired jackpot determination random number Remember. Therefore, during the next special symbol variation start pre-processing (step S2200 in FIG. 8), the main control CPU 72 executes a big hit determination (internal lottery) preferentially using the big hit determination random number corresponding to the second special symbol. be able to.

  In particular, a high probability / short time is a chance for a player to have a high probability of continuously winning big hits. In this case, the player is more likely to win “15 rounds” than “2 rounds”. Tend to want. In this embodiment, by changing the second special symbol more frequently at high probability / short time, the possibility that the next big hit will be “two rounds” is reduced, thereby giving the player a sense of security. be able to.

  The present invention can be implemented with various modifications without being limited to the above-described embodiment. In the variation pattern determination process at the time of losing of one embodiment, the procedure for selecting the “long” variation time when the number of working memories at the time of the variation start of the second special symbol becomes zero at the time of high probability / short time is configured. Here, a procedure for selecting the “medium” variation time may be configured. Further, the variation time may be selected from not only three stages of “long”, “medium”, and “short” but also more stages.

  In one embodiment, in the procedure for determining the variation pattern at the time of loss, a large number of conditional branches are provided, and finally the variation times “short”, “medium”, and “long” are selected. Not limited to. For example, for the first special symbol and the second special symbol, the variation time is stored in the table area of the ROM 74 in a table format according to the state of low probability or high probability / short time, and when the variation starts at the head address of each table The value of the variation time when the number of working memories is 0 is arranged. Then, the actual read operation memory numbers 0 to 3 at the time of change are added as offset values (“00H” to “03H”) to the top address of each table, and the change time is selected from the corresponding address on the table. It may be.

  In the above-described embodiment, the first special symbol and the second special symbol are different in the number of rounds of “probability variation big hit”, but may be different in the number of rounds in “normal big hit”. Further, the number of rounds is not limited to two types of “2 rounds” and “15 rounds”, and other round numbers may be set.

1 Pachinko machine 8 Game board 8a Game area 20 Start gate 26 Upper start winning opening (first starting winning opening)
28 Variable start winning device 28a Lower start winning port (second starting winning port)
33 Normal symbol display device 33a Normal symbol operation memory lamp 34 First special symbol display device 34a First operation memory lamp 36 Second special symbol display device 36a Second operation memory lamp 70 Main controller 72 Main control CPU
76 RAM

Claims (4)

Lottery element acquisition means for acquiring the first lottery element or the second lottery element, respectively, when at least the first event or the second event occurs during the game;
When a predetermined internal lottery is performed using either the first drawing element or the second drawing element, the first symbol or the respectively corresponding to the first drawing element or the second drawing element this triggered a symbol display unit for stopping displaying the first symbol or the second symbol in a manner that represents the result of the internal lottery 2 symbol after displaying variation,
When the first symbol or the second symbol in a particular winning mode is displayed stopped by the symbol display unit, a special game execution means for executing a special game,
When the second event in a state where the start condition is satisfied to allow initiation of one of variable display of the first symbol or the second symbol by the symbol display means generates, acquired by the lottery element acquisition unit Lottery element storage means for storing the second lottery element;
Lottery execution means for executing the internal lottery using the stored second lottery element when the second lottery element is stored by the lottery element storage means;
A storage erasure unit for erasing the storage of the second lottery element used for the internal lottery by the lottery execution unit from the lottery element storage unit;
As a result of the storage of the second lottery element being erased by the memory erasure means in a state in which the occurrence of the second event is difficult compared to the first event, the variation display of the second symbol by the symbol display means When the number of memorized second lottery elements does not remain from the lottery element storing means at the start, the first event that is difficult to generate compared to the first event at least until the next start condition is satisfied. 2. A game machine comprising event occurrence promoting means for promoting occurrence of two events. In the gaming machine according to claim 1,
When the special game terminated, further comprising a first symbol or time shortening state shift means for shifting the time shortening state change time is shortened for performing variable display of the second symbol by the symbol display unit than usual,
The event occurrence promoting means includes
When the number of stored second lottery elements no longer remains from the lottery element storage means in the time reduction state, the second event occurs at least until the next start condition is satisfied. A gaming machine characterized by promoting. In the gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2,
The lottery element storage means
When the start condition to enable the start of one of variable display of the first symbol or the second symbol by the symbol display means the first event or the second event occurs before the filled, the lottery element acquisition is intended to individually stored as hold treats the first drawing element or the second drawing element obtained by means up to a predetermined upper limit number,
If a non-winning by the internal lottery, the symbol when displaying means starting a variable display of the first symbol or the second symbol, at least the lottery element storage the first stored as a pending deal by means lottery element or based on the number of storage of the second drawing element, further comprising a variable time setting means for setting the individual variable time for the first symbol or the second symbol,
The event occurrence promoting means includes
The variation time set for the second symbol by the variation time setting means when the stored number of the second lottery element does not remain, and the variation when the stored number of the first lottery element does not remain. A gaming machine, characterized in that it is longer than the variation time set for the first symbol by the time setting means. In the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
Compared to the case of winning in the internal lottery using the first drawing element, further comprising a profit setting means to set a large profit in the case of winning in the internal lottery using the second drawing element A featured gaming machine.

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