JP5793490B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  This invention repeats display and stop display of effect symbols multiple times for the jackpot lottery, and performs a continuous effect that increases the reliability of the jackpot as the number of repetitions increases, and executes each step effect in stages. The present invention relates to a gaming machine that performs a step-up effect.

  Conventionally, when a game ball launched into the game area of the game board wins a specific start opening, a random number is obtained at the start winning timing under the control of the main control board, and the random number matches a predetermined jackpot random number In this case, pachinko gaming machines are widely used in which a special symbol is stopped with a symbol indicating a jackpot and the game is shifted to a jackpot gaming state.

  Such a pachinko gaming machine is provided with an effect control board that performs an effect upon receiving the result of the determination of the jackpot random number by the main control board. The production control board controls the image display unit provided in the center of the game board so that, for example, three rows of production symbols (numbers, characters, symbols, etc.) are moved from top to bottom in accordance with changes in special symbols. The display is changed. Then, in the case of a big hit, the image display unit is controlled so that the same or related effect symbols are arranged on a certain line (effective line).

  An effect control board is known that gradually increases a player's expectation by executing a notice effect using a predetermined character image or the like and then shifting to a reach effect. The reach effect is an effect in which, for example, after two identical symbols are arranged on the effective line, only the last effect symbol is changed, the effect time is longer than usual, and the degree of expectation for jackpot is increased.

  As the notice effect, there is a continuous effect in which a change is started again and a series of effects are performed over a plurality of change displays when a specific symbol called a chance is stopped and displayed. In particular, there is a quasi-continuous effect in which the effect is continuously performed while the special symbol controlled by the main control unit changes once.

  In such a pseudo-continuous effect, when the symbol indicating reach is stopped and displayed, the effect is ended and the process proceeds to reach effect. In addition, the pseudo-continuous production has a preset upper limit number of times (for example, five times) for performing variable display in advance, and as the number of continuous variable displays approaches the upper limit number of times, the player has a greater expectation. Can be given.

  Also, in recent pachinko machines, when the effect symbols are displayed in a variable manner, several types of characters are displayed in order, for example, from the first step effect to the fourth step effect. There is a known step-up production that increases the expectation of reach production according to the number.

  Techniques have been proposed for performing such step-up effects and pseudo-continuous effects. Specifically, a pachinko gaming machine has been proposed in which a step-up effect is performed for each pseudo variation during pseudo continuous variation (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below).

JP 2008-229112 A

  However, the above-described step-up effect in the pseudo-continuous effect is a problem that the player only presents the step-up effect to the player in the process of increasing the number of continuous display of the variable display effect and increasing the expectation for reach. was there.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can further increase the sense of expectation for jackpots in order to eliminate the above-described problems caused by the prior art.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention employs the following configuration. The gaming machine according to the present invention includes a special game determination means for determining whether or not to perform a special game when the start condition is established, and a determination result by the special game determination means after the symbols are displayed in a variable manner on a predetermined symbol display means. And a special game advantageous to the player after the symbol display control means stops and displays the symbol when it is determined that the special game determination means determines that the special game is to be performed. The special game executing means for performing the effect and the effect of performing the effect symbol variation effect comprising the effect symbol variation display and the stop display in the predetermined effect symbol display means when the symbol display control means is variably displayed. Execution means, and the effect execution means performs a special effect for variably displaying the effect symbol in a special variation display mode. Based on the result of determination by the special effect execution means and the special game determination means, it is determined whether or not to perform a pseudo-variation effect consisting of the change display and stop display of the effect symbol, and the pseudo-effect that performs the pseudo-change effect. When it is determined by the pseudo-variation determining means that determines the number of times of change from the plural and the pseudo-variation determining means by the pseudo-variation determining means, it is determined before the special effect is performed by the special effect executing means. A pseudo-variation effect executing means for performing the pseudo-change effect for the number of times of the pseudo-variation, and when the pseudo-change effect is performed by the pseudo-change effect executing means, a predetermined notice effect is provided for each pseudo-change effect. A notice effect executing means capable of performing, wherein the notice effect executing means is based on a determination result by the special game determining means. The first step up notice effect up to the first step suggesting that the special game is not likely to be performed by the special game executing means, and the special game is performed more than the first step up notice effect. The second step-up notice effect up to the second step more than the first step suggesting that there is a high possibility, or the special game is more likely to be performed than the second step-up notice effect. The stage advance notice specifying means for specifying any of the third step-up notice effects up to the final step more than the second step, and the stage advance notice based on the fact that a predetermined execution condition is satisfied The first step-up notice effect, the second step-up notice effect, or the third step specified by the effect specifying means. Stage notice effect execution means for performing a pop-up notice effect, and the stage notice effect specifying means is configured to perform the pseudo change effect for the previous pseudo change effect among a plurality of pseudo change effects performed by the pseudo change effect execution means. When the second step-up notice effect is specified, the second step-up notice effect and the third step are not specified without specifying the first step-up notice effect for the pseudo-change effect after the previous pseudo-change effect. If any one of the up-notice effects is specified and the third step-up notice effect is specified with respect to the previous pseudo-change effect among the plurality of pseudo-change effects performed by the pseudo-change effect executing means, The first step-up notice effect and the second step-up notice effect are applied to the pseudo-variation effect after the previous pseudo-change effect. The third step-up notice effect is specified without specifying, and the stage notice effect execution means performs the second step-up notice effect on the previous pseudo-variable effect and the subsequent pseudo-change effect. When the second step-up notice effect is specified, in the subsequent pseudo-variable effect, the second step-up notice effect from the first step to the second step is performed, and the preceding pseudo-effect effect is performed. When the second step-up notice effect is performed for the variable effect and the third step-up notice effect is specified for the subsequent pseudo-change effect, the first step in the subsequent pseudo-change effect is performed. Through the second step and then the third step-up notice effect until the final step, and the pseudo-change When the third step-up notice effect is performed for the effect and the third step-up notice effect is specified for the subsequent pseudo-variable effect, the first step is performed in the subsequent pseudo-change effect. After passing through the second step, the third step-up notice effect until the final step is then performed.

  In the above invention, the stage notice effect executing means performs the high stage notice effect after performing the low stage notice effect when the high stage notice effect is specified by the stage notice effect specifying means. To do.

  According to the present invention, since the transition is made to the next effect based on the effect executed during the immediately preceding variable effect in the continuous effect, there is an effect that it is possible to further increase the sense of expectation for the jackpot.

1 is a front view showing an example of a pachinko gaming machine according to a first embodiment; It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the control part of a pachinko game machine. It is explanatory drawing which shows the functional structure of an image and audio | voice control part. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the timer interruption process which a main control part performs. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the special symbol process which a main control part performs. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the timer interruption process which an effect supervision part performs. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the command reception process which an effect supervision part performs. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the effect button process which an effect supervision part performs. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the production | presentation selection process which an production supervision part performs. It is explanatory drawing which shows the fluctuation production pattern table. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the command reception process which an image and audio | voice control part performs. It is explanatory drawing which shows the upper limit step number pattern table in quasi-continuous production (fluctuation 5 times). It is explanatory drawing which shows the upper limit step number pattern table in quasi-continuous production (fluctuation 3 times). It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the step-up effect process which an image and audio | voice control part performs. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a step-up effect. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of a step-up effect process executed by the image / sound control unit according to the second embodiment; It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a step-up effect. 10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of step-up effect processing executed by the image / sound controller according to the third embodiment; It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a step-up effect. 10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a start port SW process executed by a main control unit according to a fourth embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the prior determination process which a main control part performs. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the command reception process which an effect supervision part performs. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the production | presentation selection process which an production supervision part performs. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the change effect pattern selection process which an effect supervision part performs. It is explanatory drawing which shows the continuous jackpot lottery table for big hits. It is explanatory drawing which shows the continuous notice lottery table for reach. It is explanatory drawing which shows the fluctuation production pattern table for final fluctuations. It is explanatory drawing which shows the fluctuation production pattern table (continuous notice flag ON). It is explanatory drawing which shows the fluctuation production pattern table (continuous notice flag OFF). It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the upper limit step number selection process which an image and audio | voice control part performs. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the step-up effect process which an image and audio | voice control part performs.

  Exemplary embodiments 1 to 4 of the gaming machine according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
(Basic configuration of pachinko machine)
First, the basic configuration of the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a front view of an example of a pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the first embodiment includes a game board 101. A launcher (see reference numeral 292 in FIG. 2) is disposed at a lower position of the game board 101. The game ball launched by driving the launching unit rises between the rails 102 a and 102 b and reaches the upper position of the game board 101, and then falls within the game area 103.

  The game area 103 is provided with a plurality of nails (not shown), and the game balls fall in an unspecified direction by the nails. In the game area 103, a windmill and various winning openings (such as a start opening and a big winning opening) that change the falling direction of the gaming balls are arranged at positions in the middle of the falling of the gaming balls.

  An image display unit 104 is disposed at a substantially central portion of the game board 101. As the image display unit 104, a liquid crystal display (LCD) or the like is used. A first start port 105 and a second start port 106 are disposed below the image display unit 104. The first start port 105 and the second start port 106 are winning ports for starting and winning. In addition, in a holding ball state where a plurality of game balls have won at the first starting port 105, if a gaming ball wins at the second starting port 106, the first starting port 105 has priority over the holding ball by winning. 2 The design of the reserved ball is changed by winning a prize at the starting port 106.

  An electric tulip 107 is provided in the vicinity of the second start port 106. The electric tulip 107 has a closed state (a closed state) that makes it difficult to win the game ball to the second starting port 106 and an open state (opened state) that makes it easier to win than the closed state. Control of these states is performed by a solenoid (see reference numeral 231 in FIG. 2) provided in the electric tulip 107.

  The electric tulip 107 is opened based on the lottery result of the normal symbol lottery performed when the game ball passes through the gate 108 arranged on the left side of the image display unit 104. The gate 108 is not limited to the left side (the illustrated position) of the image display unit 104, and may be disposed at an arbitrary position in the game area 103.

  The above-described image display unit 104 has a plurality of (for example, three) design effects (hereinafter referred to as “production designs”) when a game ball wins the first start port 105 or the second start port 106 (at the time of start winning). The variable display is started and stopped after a predetermined period. At this time, for example, if the production symbol is stopped with a specific combination (for example, “777”), a big hit state is obtained. A big prize opening 109 is provided below the second start opening 106. The big winning opening 109 is a winning opening that is opened when a big hit gaming state is reached and for paying out a predetermined number (for example, 15) of winning balls when winning a game ball.

  A normal winning opening 110 is provided on the side of the image display unit 104 or below. The normal winning opening 110 is a winning opening for paying out a predetermined number (for example, 10) of winning balls by winning a game ball. The normal winning opening 110 is not limited to the position shown in the figure, and may be arranged at an arbitrary position in the game area 103. At the bottom of the game area 103, there is provided a collection port 111 for collecting game balls that have not won any winning ports.

  In the lower right part of the game board 101, a special symbol display unit 112 for displaying special symbols is arranged. The special symbol display unit 112 includes a first special symbol display unit (see reference numeral 112a in FIG. 2) on which a first special symbol (hereinafter referred to as “special diagram 1”) is displayed, and a second special symbol (hereinafter referred to as “special diagram 2”). ”) Is displayed on the second special symbol display section (see reference numeral 112b in FIG. 2).

  Here, the special figure 1 is a symbol representing the lottery result of the first jackpot lottery performed when the game ball wins the first starting port 105. The special figure 2 is a symbol representing the lottery result of the second big hit lottery performed when the game ball wins the second starting port 106. The first jackpot lottery and the second jackpot lottery are lotteries for determining whether or not to change the gaming state to the jackpot gaming state.

  In addition, a normal symbol display portion 113 for displaying normal symbols is arranged in the lower right portion of the game board 101. Here, the normal symbol is a symbol representing the lottery result of the normal symbol lottery. The normal symbol lottery is a lottery for determining whether or not to open the electric tulip 107 as described above. For example, a 7-segment display is used as the special symbol display unit 112 and the normal symbol display unit 113.

  On the left side of the special symbol display unit 112 and the normal symbol display unit 113, a reserved ball display unit 114 that displays the number of reservations for the special symbol or the normal symbol is arranged. The reserved ball is a game ball that is won during a change of a special symbol or a normal symbol and is held in a held state. As the reserved ball display unit 114, for example, an LED is used. A plurality of LEDs serving as the holding ball display unit 114 are arranged, and the number of holdings is indicated by turning on / off. Note that the notification of the holding ball is also made by display from the image display unit 104.

  A frame member 115 is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the game area 103 of the game board 101. On the two sides which are the upper side and the lower side of the game area 103 in the frame member 115, an effect light part (frame lamp) 116 is provided. The effect light units 116 each have a plurality of lamps. Each lamp irradiates the player in front of the pachinko gaming machine 100, and the irradiation direction of light can be changed in the vertical direction so that the irradiation position moves along the abdomen from the top of the player. . Each lamp is driven by a motor (not shown) provided in the effect light unit 116 so as to change the light irradiation direction in the vertical direction.

  An operation handle 117 is disposed at a lower position of the frame member 115. The operation handle 117 includes a firing instruction member 118 that drives the above-described launching unit to launch a game ball. The firing instruction member 118 is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the operation handle 117 so as to be rotated clockwise as viewed from the player. The launching unit launches a game ball when the firing instruction member 118 is directly operated by a player.

  In the frame member 115, an effect button (chance button) 119 for receiving an operation by the player is provided on the lower side of the game area 103. In the frame member 115, a cross key 120 is provided next to the effect button 119. The frame member 115 incorporates a speaker (see reference numeral 254 in FIG. 2) that outputs sound.

  Although illustration is omitted, an effect for the effect (hereinafter referred to as an “effect effect” (see reference numeral 265 in FIG. 2)) is provided at a predetermined position in the game area 103 (for example, around the image display unit 104). ing. This effect agent is connected to a solenoid or motor (not shown) and is driven by driving of the solenoid or motor.

(Internal configuration of control unit of pachinko machine)
Next, the internal configuration of the control unit of the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a control unit of the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 200 of the pachinko gaming machine 100 includes a main control unit 201 that controls the progress of the game, an effect control unit 202 that controls the contents of the effect, and a prize ball control that controls the payout of prize balls. Part 203. The configuration of each control unit will be described in detail below.

(1. Main control unit)
The main control unit 201 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 211, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 212, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 213, an input / output interface (I / O) (not shown), and the like. The

  The main control unit 201 functions to control the progress of the game of the pachinko gaming machine 100 by executing various programs stored in the ROM 212 while the CPU 211 uses the RAM 213 as a work area. Specifically, the main control unit 201 performs jackpot lottery, normal symbol lottery, game state control, and the like, and controls the progress of the game. The main control unit 201 is realized by a main control board.

  The CPU 211 executes basic processing as the game content progresses based on various programs stored in the ROM 212 in advance. The ROM 212 stores a jackpot lottery program, a normal symbol lottery program, an electric tulip control program, a big prize opening control program, a game state setting program, and the like.

  The jackpot lottery program performs a jackpot lottery, a special symbol variation pattern lottery, etc., when a game ball is detected by the first start port SW221 or the second start port SW222, and sends the lottery result as a command to the effect control unit 202 It is a program to do.

  The normal symbol lottery program is a program for performing a normal symbol lottery where the electric tulip 107 is hit (opened) or disengaged (maintains a closed state) when the passage of the game ball to the gate 108 is detected. The electric tulip control program is a program that keeps the electric tulip 107 in a closed state in a normal state and opens the electric tulip 107 for a predetermined period based on the lottery result of the normal symbol lottery. The big prize opening control program is a program for opening the big prize opening 109 for a predetermined number of rounds when the big hit.

  The game state setting program is a program for setting the game state to any one of a normal game state, a short-time game state, a probability variation game state, and a latent game state. The normal gaming state is a low-probability state with a low jackpot winning probability, and is a gaming state without electric chew support. The electric chew support is a function in which the winning probability in the normal symbol lottery is set high, the variation time of the normal symbol is set short, and the opening time of the electric tulip 107 at the time of winning is set long. .

  The short-time gaming state is a low-probability state and a gaming state with electric chew support. The probability variation game state is a high probability state and a game state with electric Chu support. The latent game state is a high probability state and a game state that does not involve electric chew support.

  The main control unit 201 includes various switches (SW) for detecting a game ball, a solenoid for opening and closing an electric combination such as a prize winning port 109, the first special symbol display unit 112a, and the second special symbol display. The unit 112b, the normal symbol display unit 113, the reserved ball display unit 114, and the like are connected.

  Specifically, the various SWs described above include a first start port SW221 that detects a game ball won in the first start port 105, and a second start port SW222 that detects a game ball won in the second start port 106. , A gate SW 223 that detects a game ball that has passed through the gate 108, a big winning opening SW 224 that detects a gaming ball that has won a prize winning opening 109, and a normal winning opening SW 225 that detects a gaming ball that has won a winning prize 110 Is connected to the main control unit 201.

  The detection results by the respective SWs (221 to 225) are input to the main control unit 201. A proximity switch or the like is used for these SWs. It should be noted that a plurality of the normal winning opening SW225 may be provided for each arrangement position of the normal winning opening 110.

  Further, as the solenoid, an electric tulip solenoid 231 that opens and closes the electric tulip 107 and a big prize opening solenoid 232 that opens and closes the big prize opening 109 are connected to the main control unit 201. The main control unit 201 controls the driving of each solenoid (231, 232). For example, the main control unit 201 controls the driving of the electric tulip solenoid 231 based on the lottery result of the normal symbol lottery. Further, the main control unit 201 controls the driving of the big winning opening solenoid 232 based on the lottery result of the big hit lottery.

  The main control unit 201 controls display contents of the first special symbol display unit 112a, the second special symbol display unit 112b, and the normal symbol display unit 113 based on the lottery results of the jackpot lottery and the normal symbol lottery. For example, the main control unit 201 performs a jackpot lottery (first jackpot lottery) on the game balls won in the first starting port 105, and changes the special chart 1 of the first special symbol display unit 112a. Then, after a predetermined period of time, the special figure 1 is stopped at the symbol indicating the lottery result of the first big hit lottery.

  Similarly, the main control unit 201 performs a jackpot lottery (second jackpot lottery) on the game balls won in the second starting port 106, and fluctuates / stops the special diagram 2 of the second special symbol display unit 112b. In addition, the main control unit 201 performs a normal symbol lottery and fluctuates / stops the normal symbol on the normal symbol display unit 113.

  The main control unit 201 is also connected to the effect control unit 202 and the prize ball control unit 203, and outputs various commands to the respective control units. For example, the main control unit 201 outputs effect commands such as a change start command and a change stop command to the effect control unit 202. Further, the main control unit 201 outputs a prize ball command to the prize ball control unit 203. Here, the prize ball command includes information indicating the number of prize balls to be paid out.

(2. Production control unit)
The effect control unit 202 includes an effect control unit 202a, an image / sound control unit 202b, and a lamp control unit 202c, and has a function of controlling the effect contents of the pachinko gaming machine 100. Here, the production control unit 202 a has a function of supervising the entire production control unit 202 based on various commands received from the main control unit 201. The image / sound control unit 202b has a function of controlling the image and sound based on the instruction content from the production control unit 202a. The lamp controller 202c has a function of controlling lighting of lamps provided on the game board 101, the frame member 115, and the like.

(2-1. Director of Production)
First, the configuration of the production control unit 202a will be described. The production control unit 202a includes a CPU 241, a ROM 242, a RAM 243, a real-time clock (hereinafter referred to as "RTC") 244, an input / output interface (I / O) (not shown), and the like.

  CPU241 performs the process which determines the content of production based on the various programs previously memorize | stored in ROM242. The ROM 242 stores various programs necessary for the CPU 241 to execute the above processing. The RAM 243 functions as a work area for the CPU 241. The data set in the RAM 243 by the CPU 241 executing various programs is output to the image / sound controller 202b and the lamp controller 202c at a predetermined timing.

  The effect control unit 202a functions to control the entire effect control unit 202 by executing various programs stored in the ROM 242 while the CPU 241 uses the RAM 243 as a work area. For example, the ROM 242 stores a production supervision program.

  For example, the production control program causes the main control unit 201 to select an effect to be performed while the special symbol is fluctuating according to the variation time of the special symbol, and causes the image / sound control unit 202b to output a fluctuating effect start command. It is a program. For example, the production control program selects whether to perform a pseudo-continuous production or a step-up production.

  Here, the quasi-continuous effect refers to a continuous effect in which the effect symbol variation display and stop display are repeated a plurality of times for one jackpot lottery, and the greater the number of repetitions, the higher the reliability for the jackpot. The step-up effect is an effect in which each step effect is executed step by step. Specifically, when the effect design is variably displayed, several types of characters are displayed in order, for example, from the first step effect to the fourth step effect, depending on the type of character and the number of step effects displayed. It is an effect that raises the expectation for reach production. Here, the step effect refers to, for example, an effect from when one character appears until another character appears.

  The RTC 244 counts and outputs real time. The RTC 244 continues timing operation by a backup power source (not shown) even when the power of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is cut off. Note that the RTC 244 is not limited to the example in which the RTC 244 is arranged in the production control unit 202 such as the production control unit 202a, but may be arranged in the main control unit 201. Further, the RTC 244 may be arranged alone.

  In addition, an effect button 119 is connected to the effect control unit 202a, and a command indicating that the effect button 119 has been operated (pressed) is input from the player. Although not shown in FIG. 2, a cross key 120 is connected to the production control unit 202a, and data corresponding to the key selected by the player is input.

(2-2. Image / Audio Control Unit)
Next, the configuration of the image / sound controller 202b will be described. The image / sound control unit 202b includes a CPU 251, a ROM 252, a RAM 253, an input / output interface (I / O) (not shown), and the like.

  The CPU 251 executes image and sound generation and output processing. The ROM 252 stores a program for image and sound generation and output processing, various image data such as background images, design images, and character images necessary for the processing, various sound data, and the like. The RAM 253 functions as a work area for the CPU 251 and temporarily stores image data to be displayed on the image display unit 104 and audio data to be output from the speaker 254.

  That is, the image / sound control unit 202b executes various programs such as an effect program stored in the ROM 252 while the CPU 251 uses the RAM 253 as a work area, and thereby, based on an instruction from the effect control unit 202a. It functions to control audio.

  The effect program displays, for example, a continuous effect and a step-up effect based on the effect content selected by the effect control program executed by the effect control unit 202a. At this time, the effect program selects the effect contents of the step-up effect in each variation display.

  In addition, the CPU 251 executes various image processing and audio processing such as background image display processing, effect design variation / stop display processing, character image display processing, and the like based on the instruction content instructed from the effect supervising unit 202a. At this time, the CPU 251 reads out image data and audio data necessary for processing from the ROM 252 and writes them in the RAM 253.

  Image data such as background images and effect design images written in the RAM 253 is output to the image display unit 104 connected to the image / sound control unit 202b, and is superimposed on the display screen of the image display unit 104. . That is, the effect design image is displayed so as to be seen in front of the background image. When the background image and the design image overlap at the same position, the design image is preferentially stored in the RAM 253 by referring to the Z value of the Z buffer of each image data by a known hidden surface removal method such as the Z buffer method. Remember.

  The audio data written in the RAM 253 is output to the speaker 254 connected to the image / audio control unit 202b, and audio based on the audio data is output from the speaker 254.

(2-3. Lamp control unit)
Next, the configuration of the lamp control unit 202c will be described. The lamp control unit 202c includes a CPU 261, a ROM 262, a RAM 263, an input / output interface (I / O) (not shown), and the like. The CPU 261 executes processing for turning on the lamp and the like. The ROM 262 stores various programs necessary for executing the above processing, control data used for lamp lighting necessary for the processing, and the like. The RAM 263 functions as a work area for the CPU 261.

  The lamp control unit 202c is connected to the effect light unit (frame lamp) 116, the panel lamp 264, and the effect agent 265, and outputs data for lighting control and data for operation control. Thereby, the lamp control unit 202c functions to control the lighting of the lamps provided in the game board 101, the frame member 115, and the like, and the operation of the effect actor 265.

  The effect control unit 202 includes an effect control unit 202a, an image / sound control unit 202b, and a lamp control unit 202c, which are configured on different substrates, but are configured on the same printed circuit board. It may be a thing. However, even when they are incorporated on the same printed circuit board, their functions are assumed to be independent.

(3. Prize ball control unit)
Next, the configuration of the winning ball control unit 203 will be described. The prize ball control unit 203 includes a CPU 281, a ROM 282, a RAM 283, an input / output interface (I / O) (not shown), and the like. The CPU 281 executes a prize ball control process for controlling a prize ball to be paid out. The ROM 282 stores a program necessary for the processing. The RAM 283 functions as a work area for the CPU 281.

  The prize ball control unit 203 is connected to a payout unit (payout drive motor) 291, a launch unit 292, a fixed position detection SW 293, a payout ball detection SW 294, a ball presence detection SW 295, and a full tank detection SW 296. .

  The prize ball control unit 203 controls the payout unit 291 to pay out the number of prize balls at the time of winning. The payout unit 291 includes a motor for paying out a predetermined number from the game ball storage unit. Specifically, the winning ball control unit 203 receives the winning game balls that have won the winning units 291 (the first starting port 105, the second starting port 106, the big winning port 109, the normal winning port 110) with respect to the payout unit 291. Control to pay out the corresponding number of prize balls.

  In addition, the prize ball control unit 203 detects the operation of launching the game ball with respect to the launch unit 292 and controls the launch of the game ball. The launcher 292 launches a game ball for a game, and includes a sensor that detects a game operation by the player, a solenoid that launches the game ball, and the like. When the prize ball control unit 203 detects a game operation by the sensor of the launch unit 292, the prize ball control unit 203 intermittently fires a game ball by driving a solenoid or the like in response to the detected game operation, thereby playing the game area 103 of the game board 101. A game ball is sent out.

  The prize ball control unit 203 is connected to various detection units for detecting the state of the game ball to be paid out, and detects the payout state for the prize ball. These detection units include a fixed position detection SW293, a payout ball detection SW294, a ball presence detection SW295, a full tank detection SW296, and the like. For example, the prize ball control unit 203 realizes its function by a prize ball control board.

  Further, a board external information terminal board 297 is connected to the main control unit 201, and various information executed by the main control unit 201 can be output to the outside. The prize ball control unit 203 is also connected to the frame external information terminal board 298, and can output various information executed by the prize ball control unit 203 to the outside.

  The main control unit 201, the effect control unit 202, and the prize ball control unit 203 having the above-described configuration are provided on different printed boards (main control board, effect control board, and prize ball control board). For example, the prize ball control unit 203 can be provided on the same printed circuit board as the main control unit 201.

(Basic operation of pachinko machines)
An example of the basic operation of the pachinko gaming machine 100 configured as described above will be described. Control during the game is performed by the CPU 211 of the main control unit 201, and the winning situation of the game balls for each winning opening is output to the winning ball control unit 203. Then, the winning ball control unit 203 pays out the number of winning balls corresponding to the winning situation.

  In addition, the main control unit 201 outputs a corresponding command to the effect control unit 202 every time a game ball wins the start opening 105 or 106. Based on the command from the main control unit 201, the effect control unit 202 causes the image display unit 104 to variably display the effect symbol, and then stops the display. When the jackpot is confirmed, the effect control unit 202 aligns and stops predetermined effect symbols based on the corresponding command. Then, the main control unit 201 performs control to open the big winning opening 109 as the big hit gaming state.

  The effect control unit 202 performs various effects corresponding to the selected event. Here, the event includes, for example, a big hit, a small hit. The jackpot includes 15 rounds per probability variation (so-called probabilistic jackpots), 15 rounds per normal length (so-called ordinary jackpots), 15 rounds without short-term probable shorts (so-called latent jackpots), and the like. The small hit is one of the offenses, but by making the content of the performance similar to the content of the performance in the latent big hit, the player is informed whether the state has shifted to a high probability state or is holding a low probability state. It is an event that makes you not understand.

  For example, the effect control unit 202 displays various effects in addition to the effect symbol variation display on the image display unit 104 during the big hit, the reach until the big hit occurs, the reach notice, or the like. In addition, a specific drive is performed for various types of accessories, and effects such as changing the lighting state of the effect light unit 116 and the panel lamp 264 are performed.

  For example, when a big hit occurs, the big winning opening 109 is opened 15 times. Specifically, 15 rounds are repeatedly executed with one release as one round. The period of one round is a period until 10 game balls are won, for example, or a predetermined period. Note that the opening time of one round per long is 29.5 seconds, and the opening time of one round per short is 0.1 seconds.

  At this time, the winning ball control unit 203 pays out, for example, 15 winning balls per winning game ball to the big winning opening 109. After the jackpot is over, the jackpot gaming state is canceled, and if it is per 15 round probability variation length, it shifts to the probability variation gaming state, and if it is per 15 round normal length, it shifts to the short-time gaming state. Further, if the potential hit is a big hit, the game shifts to the latent probability gaming state after the big hit.

  In the high probability state, jackpot determination is performed using a random number determination table for high probability. In the high probability random number determination table, the probability of jackpot occurrence is set, for example, about 10 times higher than the low probability random number determination table used in the low probability state.

(Functional configuration of image / sound controller)
Next, the functional configuration of the image / audio control unit 202b according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a functional configuration of the image / sound control unit according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 3, the image / sound control unit 202b includes a selection unit 301, an upper limit number storage unit 302, a reception unit 303, an execution unit 304, a step number storage unit 305, a determination unit 306, and a lottery unit 307. , A transition unit 308, and an output unit 309.

  The selection unit 301 selects the upper limit number of step-up effects in each variation stop effect. Here, the upper limit number of steps means the maximum number of steps produced in the step-up effect of each variation stop effect. The upper limit step number is set in advance for each variation effect in the upper limit step number pattern table which will be described later with reference to FIGS. Specifically, the upper limit step number pattern table is stored in the ROM 252 of the image / sound control unit 202b. Further, the selection unit 301 selects the upper limit number of steps at the start of each variation stop effect.

  The number of steps refers to the number of step effects actually produced in each variation stop effect, and the step effect refers to effects at each stage of the step-up effect. Since the step-up effect has four-step step effects from the first step effect to the fourth step effect, the upper limit number of steps is any number from “1” to “4”. For example, when the upper limit number of steps is “1”, only the first step effect is produced. Further, when the upper limit step number is “4”, there is a possibility that the first step effect to the fourth step effect are produced.

  The upper limit number storage unit 302 stores the upper limit number of steps selected by the selection unit 301. Specifically, the upper limit number of steps is stored in the RAM 253 of the image / sound control unit 202b.

  The accepting unit 303 accepts an operation input from the player. Specifically, an effect button command is received from the effect control unit 202a.

  The execution unit 304 executes the step effect within the range of the upper limit step number stored in the upper limit number storage unit 302 based on the operation input received by the reception unit 303.

  The step number storage unit 305 stores the step number of the step-up effect executed during the immediately preceding variable effect in the continuous effect (hereinafter referred to as “previous step number”). The previous step number is stored in the RAM 253 of the image / sound control unit 202b.

  The determination unit 306 determines whether or not the number of steps of the step-up effect during the current variation effect (hereinafter referred to as “the number of steps”) is equal to or greater than the previous step number stored in the step number storage unit 305. To do.

  The lottery unit 307 is provided in the transition unit 308. When the determination unit 306 determines that the number of steps is equal to or greater than the previous step number, the lottery unit 307 receives the reception unit within the effective period in each step effect up to the upper limit step number stored in the upper limit number storage unit 302. When an operation input is accepted in step 303, a step-up transition lottery for determining whether or not to proceed to the next step effect is performed.

  The transition unit 308 shifts to the next step effect based on the previous step number stored in the step number storage unit 305. In addition, the transition unit 308 includes a lottery unit 307 and transitions to the next step effect when the lottery unit 307 wins the step-up transition lottery. Depending on the result of the step-up transition lottery, the number of steps does not necessarily reach the preset upper limit number of steps. That is, when the step-up shift lottery is deviated, the number of steps may not reach the upper limit step number.

  Further, when the determination unit 306 determines that the number of steps is less than the previous step number, the transition unit 308 shifts to the next step effect when an operation input is received by the reception unit 303 within the valid period. . In this case, the transition unit 308 transitions to the next step effect according to the number of times the effect button 119 received by the reception unit 303 is within the range up to the previous step number stored in the step number storage unit 305. Let

  For example, when the effect button 119 is pressed once during the effect of the first step effect, the transition unit 308 presses twice during the effect of the first step effect until the second step effect that is the next step effect. When it is done, a transition is made to the third step effect which is the next step effect. In this case, it is possible to shift to a step effect having a smaller number of steps than the previous step number, and then shift by step-up shift lottery. Moreover, you may make it transfer by a step-up transfer lottery from the start of fluctuation to the number of steps immediately before.

  The output unit 309 outputs the step effect transferred by the transfer unit 308. Specifically, the output unit 309 outputs the image to the image display unit 104, the speaker 254, and the like connected to the image / sound control unit 202b.

  The selection unit 301, the upper limit number storage unit 302, the reception unit 303, the execution unit 304, the step number storage unit 305, the determination unit 306, the lottery unit 307, the transition unit 308, and the output unit 309 Each unit is realized by the CPU 251 of the image / sound control unit 202b. That is, each part is implement | achieved when CPU251 of the image / sound control part 202b runs an effect program.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, the production control unit 202a and the image / sound control unit 202b are separate substrates, but these may be the same substrate or the same substrate. May be provided with the functional units 301 to 309 on the substrate.

(Processing procedure of the main control unit)
Next, the contents of the processing procedure of the main control unit 201 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of timer interrupt processing executed by the main control unit. The timer interrupt process is a process that interrupts the main control process executed by the main control unit 201 every predetermined period (for example, 4 ms) during the power supply period.

  In the timer interrupt process, first, the CPU 211 of the main control unit 201 executes a random number update process (step S401). The random number update process is a process of updating each random number by incrementing each random number, for example, by +1.

  Each random number is a jackpot random number, a design random number, a reach random number, a variation pattern random number, or the like. The jackpot random number determines whether the jackpot, the jackpot, or the loss. The symbol random number determines the type of jackpot (presence / absence of transition to a high-probability gaming state, long / short win, presence / absence of short-time game). The reach random number determines the presence or absence of reach when the lottery result of the jackpot lottery is out of place. The variation pattern random number determines the variation pattern.

  Thereafter, a switch process performed when a game ball is detected by each switch is executed (step S402). In the switch process, a start port SW process for acquiring a random number every time a game ball is detected by the first start port SW221 or the second start port SW222, or a random number is acquired every time a game ball is detected by the gate SW223. There is a gate SW process.

  Thereafter, symbol processing such as normal symbol processing for changing and stopping the normal symbol and special symbol processing described later with reference to FIG. 6 is executed (step S403). In addition, an electrical accessory process such as an electric chew process for operating the electric tulip 107 and a special winning opening process for operating the special winning opening 109 is executed (step S404). Thereafter, a prize ball process for performing a prize ball for the winning game ball is executed (step S405), and an output process for outputting a command set in each process is executed (step S406).

  Here, the start port SW process of step S402 will be described. In the start port SW process, the CPU 211 of the main control unit 201 determines whether or not the first start port SW 221 of the first start port 105 is ON. When it is determined that the first start port SW221 is ON, it is determined whether or not the count value of the first start port detection counter that has counted the number of detections of the first start port SW221 is smaller than “4”. When the count value is smaller than “4”, “1” is added to the count value. Then, the random number is acquired, and the acquired random number is stored in the RAM 213. Thereafter, a hold number 1 increase command indicating that the hold number 1 indicating the winning of the game ball to the first starting port 105 has increased is set.

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the second start port SW222 of the second start port 106 is ON. When it is determined that the second start port SW222 is ON, it is determined whether or not the count value of the second start port detection counter that counts the number of times the second start port SW222 is detected is smaller than “4”. When the count value is smaller than “4”, “1” is added to the count value. Then, the random number is acquired, and the acquired random number is stored in the RAM 213. Thereafter, a hold number 2 increase command indicating that the hold number 2 indicating the winning of the game ball to the second starting port 106 has increased is set, and the process is terminated.

(Special symbol processing)
Next, the special symbol processing performed by the main control unit 201 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of special symbol processing executed by the main control unit. This special symbol process is a process content included in the symbol process of step S403 shown in FIG.

  In the special symbol process, first, the CPU 211 of the main control unit 201 determines whether or not the winning game flag is ON (step S501). The winning game flag is a flag that is set when the stopped special symbol indicates a winning in the stopping process shown in step S514.

  If the winning game flag is ON (step S501: Yes), the process is terminated as it is. If the winning game flag is not ON (step S501: No), it is determined whether or not the special symbol is changing (step S502). If it is changing (step S502: Yes), the process proceeds to step S511. . If it is not fluctuating (step S502: No), it is determined whether there is at least one count value U2 of the second start port detection counter as the number of game balls held in the second start port 106 (step S502). S503).

  When there is one or more count value U2 (step S503: Yes), a value obtained by subtracting one count value U2 is set as a new hold number (step S504), and the process proceeds to step S507. In step S503, if there is not one or more count value U2 (step S503: No), that is, if “U2 = 0”, the first start port detection counter as the number of game balls held in the first start port 105 is retained. It is determined whether or not there is at least one count value U1 (step S505). If there is not one or more count value U1 (step S505: No), that is, if “U1 = 0”, the process is terminated as it is.

  When there is one or more count value U1 (step S505: Yes), a value obtained by subtracting one count value U1 is set as a new hold number (step S506), and the process proceeds to step S507. As shown in step S503 to step S506, the game ball won in the second start port 106 is digested earlier than the game ball won in the first start port 105.

  In step S507, jackpot determination processing is performed (step S507). The jackpot determination process is a process of determining whether or not the jackpot random number acquired when the game ball wins the first starting port 105 or the second starting port 106 matches a preset jackpot random number. Thereafter, the variation pattern selection process is performed (step S508). This variation pattern selection process is a process of selecting a variation pattern of a special symbol according to the determination result of the jackpot determination process.

  Then, the special symbol change is started (step S509). Further, a change start command is set in the RAM 213 (step S510). Then, it is determined whether or not the variation time of the special symbol has passed the variation time selected by the variation pattern selection process (step S511). If the fluctuation time has not elapsed (step S511: No), the processing is terminated as it is.

  When the variation time has elapsed (step S511: Yes), the variation of the special symbol is stopped (step S512), and a variation stop command is set (step S513). Thereafter, the stop process is executed (step S514), and the process ends. The stopped process is a process for setting a hit flag when the stopped special symbol indicates a win, or turning off the short-time game flag indicating the short-time game state according to the number of remaining short-time games. .

(Timer interrupt processing executed by the Production Control Department)
Next, a timer interrupt process executed by the effect supervision unit 202a of the effect control unit 202 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of timer interruption processing executed by the production control unit. This timer interruption process is a process in which the production control unit 202a operates to interrupt the main production control process executed by the production control unit 202a every predetermined period (for example, 4 ms) during activation.

  In the timer interruption process, first, the CPU 241 of the production control unit 202a executes a command reception process that is performed when a command is received from the main control unit 201 (step S601). The command reception process will be described later with reference to FIG. Furthermore, the effect button process performed when the effect button 119 is pressed is performed (step S602). The effect button process will be described later with reference to FIG. Then, a command transmission process for transmitting a command to the image / audio control unit 202b or the lamp control unit 202c is executed (step S603), and the process ends.

(Command reception processing)
Next, details of the command reception process shown in step S601 of FIG. 6 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7A is a flowchart of a command reception process performed by the production control unit. In the command reception process, first, the CPU 241 of the production control unit 202a determines whether or not a variation start command indicating the variation start of the special symbol has been received from the main control unit 201 (step S701). The change start command is a command set in the special symbol processing by the main control unit 201 (see step S510 in FIG. 5).

  When the change start command is not received (step S701: NO), the process proceeds to step S703. When the change start command is received (step S701: Yes), the effect selection process is executed (step S702). The effect selection process is a process of selecting the contents of the effect, and details will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not a change stop command for stopping the effect symbol has been received (step S703). The change stop command is a command indicating change stop of the special symbol, and is a command set in the special symbol processing of the main control unit 201 (see step S513 in FIG. 5).

  When the change stop command is not received (step S703: No), the process is ended as it is. When the change stop command is received (step S703: Yes), the process during the end of change effect is executed (step S704), and the process ends. In addition, the process during the end of the variation effect is a process of stopping the variation of the effect symbol or ending the effect mode according to the gaming state according to the number of times of change.

(Direction button processing)
Next, an effect button process executed by the effect supervision unit 202a will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7-2 is a flowchart illustrating the processing procedure of the effect button process executed by the effect control unit. This effect button process shows the process content shown in step S602 of FIG. In the first embodiment, it is executed when a step-up shift lottery is accepted.

  In the effect button process, first, the CPU 241 of the effect control unit 202a determines whether or not the effect button 119 is ON when pressed by the player (step S721). If the effect button 119 is OFF (step S721: No), that is, if the effect button 119 is not pressed by the player, the process ends as it is.

  If the effect button is ON (step S721: Yes), an effect button command indicating that the effect button 119 has been pressed is set (step S722), and the process ends. The set effect button command is transmitted to the image / sound control unit 202b and the lamp control unit 202c.

(Direction selection process)
Next, details of the effect selection process shown in step S702 of FIG. 7-1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the effect selection process executed by the effect control unit. In the effect selection process, first, the CPU 241 of the effect control unit 202a analyzes a change start command (step S801). Specifically, the game state of the main control unit 201, whether it is a win or not, or whether it is a reach or the like is analyzed. Thereafter, the mode flag is referred to (step S802).

  The mode flag is a flag that is set corresponding to each effect mode. For example, in the normal gaming state, the mode flag in the normal mode is “0”, the mode flag in the probability change mode is “1”, the mode flag in the time reduction mode is “2”, the mode flag in the sudden accuracy mode is “3”, The mode flag is set for each mode such as “4”.

  Thereafter, a variation effect pattern selection process is executed using the variation effect pattern table (step S803). The variation effect pattern table will be described later with reference to FIG. The variation effect pattern selection process is a process of selecting one of a plurality of types of effects prepared in advance. Specifically, using the information indicating the variation time of the special symbol obtained by analyzing the variation start command, an effect having the same reproduction time as this variation time is selected. As a result, the effect symbol is displayed in a variable manner in accordance with the change in the special symbol, and the effect symbol is stopped and displayed in accordance with the stop of the special symbol.

  In the variation effect pattern selection process, a loss effect, a reach effect, a pseudo-continuous effect, or the like is selected. The outlier effect is an effect in which variable display is performed and stop display is performed with the outlier symbol. The reach effect is an effect in which the variable display is performed, the reach symbol is stopped and displayed, the reach effect is performed, and the symbol indicating the lottery result of the jackpot lottery is stopped and displayed.

  The pseudo continuous effect is an effect in which a special symbol is changed and displayed multiple times while a special symbol is changed once by the main control unit 201 for a single jackpot lottery. This is an effect in which the next variation display is started by stopping display of “eye”. In addition, the pseudo continuous effect is an effect in which the reliability for the jackpot is higher as the number of times of the change display of the effect symbol is larger. Specifically, the number of times of change display is set corresponding to the change time of the special symbol.

  Next, it is determined whether or not a pseudo continuous effect is selected in the variation effect pattern selection process (step S804). When the pseudo continuous effect is not selected (step S804: No), the process proceeds to step S806. When the pseudo continuous effect is selected (step S804: Yes), an upper limit step number selection command is set (step S805). The upper limit step number selection command is a command indicating selection of the upper limit step number of the step-up effect during each variation effect of the pseudo continuous effect. Thereafter, a change effect start command indicating start of change of the effect symbol is set (step S806), and the process ends.

(Variation production pattern table)
Next, the variation effect pattern table will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a variation effect pattern table. The variation effect pattern table is a table used in step S803 in FIG.

  The variation effect pattern table 900 includes a change start command 901, a change time 902, and a change effect 903. The variation start command 901 is a command indicating the variation start of the special symbol, and is C1 to C5 in the variation effect pattern table 900. The variation time 902 is a variation time of a special symbol included in the variation start command 901, and is, for example, 15 seconds, 30 seconds, 40 seconds, 50 seconds, or 60 seconds. The variation effect 903 is an effect performed during the variation of the special symbol, and is “out of effect”, “reach effect”, and “pseudo continuous effect”.

  The “reach effect” is O reach to Z reach in the change effect pattern table 900, and the effect contents are different. “Pseudo-continuous production” includes, for example, a pattern in which variable display is repeated twice, three times, four times, five times.

  For example, when the change start command 901 is C1, the change time 902 is 15 seconds, and the change effect 903 is selected as the outlier effect E. When the change start command 901 is C3, the change time 902 is 40 seconds, and the change effect 903 is selected from one of the reach effect Q, the reach effect R, and the pseudo-continuous effect (3 times change). . When the variation start command 901 is C5, the variation time 902 is 60 seconds, and the variation effect 903 is selected from one of the reach effect Y, the reach effect Z, and the pseudo continuous effect (fluctuation 5 times). .

  In this way, the effect supervising unit 202a uses the variable effect pattern table 900 to select a content deviating effect, a reach effect, and a pseudo-continuous effect corresponding to the variation time of the special symbol.

(Command reception processing)
Next, a command reception process executed by the image / sound controller 202b will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of command reception processing executed by the image / sound controller. In the command reception process, first, the CPU 251 of the image / sound control unit 202b determines whether or not a variable effect start command has been received (step S1001). The variation production start command is a command set in step S806 in FIG.

  When the change production start command is not received (step S1001: No), the process proceeds to step S1003. When the change effect start command is received (step S1001: Yes), the change image data is stored in the RAM 253 (step S1002). Here, the fluctuating image data is data of an image that is variably displayed in the off-line effect, the reach effect, the pseudo-continuous effect (see FIG. 9), etc., selected in the change effect pattern selection process (see step S803 in FIG. 8). It is.

  Thereafter, it is determined whether an upper limit step number selection command has been received (step S1003). The upper limit step number selection command is the command set in step S805 of FIG. When the upper limit step number selection command has not been received (step S1003: No), the process ends. When an upper limit step number selection command is received (step S1003: Yes), an upper limit step number pattern selection process is executed (step S1004).

  The upper limit step number pattern selection process is a process of selecting the upper limit step number of the step-up effect during each variation effect of the pseudo continuous effect. Specifically, the upper limit step number pattern is selected from the upper limit step number pattern table in which the upper limit step number for each change is set based on the change time and the number of changes of the selected pseudo-continuous effect. The upper limit step number pattern table will be described later with reference to FIGS. 11A and 11B.

  Thereafter, the step effect image data is stored in the RAM 253 (step S1005), and the process ends. Here, the step effect image data is image data in the step effect, and is image data obtained by image processing from a character image, a background image, or the like stored in the ROM 252. In step S1005, the step effect image data stores image data of the upper limit number of steps in the upper limit step number pattern selected in step S1004.

(Upper limit step number pattern table)
Next, the upper limit step number pattern table of the step-up effect in the pseudo continuous effect will be described with reference to FIGS. 11A and 11B. FIG. 11A is an explanatory diagram of an upper limit step number pattern table in the pseudo continuous effect (fluctuation 5 times). The upper limit step number pattern table 1110 stores the upper limit step number pattern selection process (step of FIG. 10) when the variation effect 903 of the pseudo continuous effect (fluctuation 5 times) is selected in the change start command 901 of “C5” in FIG. This table is used in S1004).

  The upper limit step number pattern table 1110 includes a variable number of times 1111, an upper limit step number pattern 1112, and an upper limit step number 1113. Fluctuation times 1111 are represented by “1” to “5”, and indicate each time of fluctuating display repeated five times in the pseudo-continuous performance. The upper limit step number pattern 1112 is represented by “a”, “b”, “c”, and the like, and indicates a combination of the upper limit step numbers in each variation times 1111. The upper limit step number 1113 is represented by “1” to “4”, and indicates the first step effect to the fourth step effect.

  For example, when the upper limit step number pattern 1112 of “c” is selected in the variation effect pattern of the pseudo-continuous effect (fluctuation five times), only the first step effect is effected in the first variation display. In the second and third variation displays, the effect is produced up to the second step effect, and in the fourth and fifth variation displays, the effect is produced up to the fourth step effect.

  FIG. 11B is an explanatory diagram of an upper limit step number pattern table in the pseudo-continuous production (3 times variation). The upper limit step number pattern table 1120 is the upper limit step number pattern selection process (step of FIG. 10) when the variation effect 903 of the pseudo continuous effect (3 times change) is selected in the change start command 901 of “C3” in FIG. This table is used in S1004).

  The upper limit step number pattern table 1120 includes variable times 1121, an upper limit step number pattern 1122, and an upper limit step number 1123. The variation times 1121 are represented by “1” to “3”, and indicate each time of three variation displays repeated in the pseudo continuous effect.

  For example, when the upper limit step number pattern 1122 of “c” is selected in the variation effect pattern of the pseudo continuous effect (three times), only the first step effect is effected in the first variation display. In the second variation display, the effect is produced up to the second step effect, and in the third variation display, the effect is produced up to the fourth step effect.

(Step-up effect processing according to the first embodiment)
Next, the step-up effect process executed during the step-up effect by the image / sound control unit 202b according to the first embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, when it is determined that the number of steps is less than the immediately preceding step number, when an operation by the effect button 119 is accepted within the effective period, the immediately preceding step 119 is pressed according to the number of times the effect button 119 is pressed. This is a step-up effect for shifting to the next step effect up to the number of steps. That is, until the previous step number is reached, when the effect button 119 is pressed, the effect is to step up without performing the step-up transition lottery.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of step-up effect processing executed by the image / sound controller. In the step-up effect process, first, the CPU 251 of the image / sound control unit 202b determines whether or not the effect button 119 is valid (step S1201). The valid period is set in consideration of the upper limit number of steps and the like based on the change production start command transmitted from the production supervision unit 202a. If it is not during the effective period of the effect button 119 (step S1201: No), the process proceeds to step S1211.

  If it is during the effective period of the effect button 119 (step S1201: Yes), it is determined whether an effect button command has been received from the effect control unit 202a (step S1202). If the effect button command is not received (step S1202: No), the process is terminated as it is. When an effect button command is received (step S1202: Yes), it is determined whether there is a next step effect (step S1203).

  Note that “whether or not there is a next step effect” means whether or not the current step effect is not an upper limit and can be shifted to the next step effect. For example, when the current step effect is the second step effect and the upper limit number of steps is 2, there is no next step effect.

  In step S1203, when there is no next step effect (step S1203: No), that is, when the upper limit step effect is reached, the processing is ended as it is. When there is a next step effect (step S1203: Yes), “1” is added to the count value B obtained by counting the number of times the effect button 119 is pressed within the effective period of the effect button 119 (step S1204).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the count value B is “5” (step S1205). When the count value B is not “5” (step S1205: No), it is determined whether the step number G is smaller than the immediately preceding step number H (step S1206). When the step number G is smaller than the immediately preceding step number H (step S1206: Yes), the process proceeds to step S1209.

  If this step number G is greater than or equal to the previous step number H (step S1206: No), a step-up transition lottery is performed (step S1207), and it is determined whether or not a step-up transition lottery is won (step S1208). ). When the step-up shift lottery is not won (step S1208: No), the process is terminated as it is. When the step-up transfer lottery is won (step S1208: Yes), the process proceeds to step S1209.

  In step S1209, the next step effect G + 1 is stored in RAM 253 (step S1209). Then, the next step effect G + 1 is set to the number of steps G in the next fluctuation time (step S1210), and the count value B is set to “0” (step S1211).

  On the other hand, when the count value B is “5” in step S1205 (step S1205: Yes), the process proceeds to step S1209. In other words, in the first embodiment, even if the step-up shift lottery is off, it is possible to shift to the next step effect when the effect button 119 is hit five times during one step effect.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the current fluctuation time is the final fluctuation time in the pseudo continuous effect (step S1212). If the current fluctuation time is not the last fluctuation time (step S1212: No), the process is terminated. If the current fluctuation time is the last fluctuation time (step S1212: Yes), the number of steps G is set to “1” in preparation for the next pseudo-continuous production to start after the current pseudo-continuous production ends. (Step S1213), the process is terminated.

(Example of step-up effect according to the first embodiment)
Next, an example of a step-up effect according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a step-up effect. FIG. 13 shows an example of the step-up effect when the upper limit step number is “4” and the immediately preceding step number is “2”.

  The transition from the first step effect 1301 to the second step effect 1302 is realized when the effect button 119 is pressed once. That is, the step-up transition lottery is not performed. After the transition to the second step effect 1302 corresponding to the previous step number “2”, the transition to the third step effect 1303 and the transition from the third step effect 1303 to the fourth step effect 1304 is a step-up transition lottery. This is realized when winning or when the effect button 119 is hit five times.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, based on the number of steps of the step-up effect executed during the immediately preceding variable effect in accordance with the player's operation input in the pseudo continuous effect, the process proceeds to the next step effect. I made it. Specifically, among the step-up effects executed during a series of pseudo-continuous fluctuations, the number of steps immediately before is changed according to the player's operation input. That is, the number of steps immediately before is determined by the presence / absence of operation of the effect button 119 or the lottery result of the step-up transition lottery in the immediately preceding variation effect.

  Therefore, since the number of steps to be transferred can be made different for each variation effect by the player's operation input, the step effect executed in the step-up effect can be varied.

  Further, in the first embodiment, when it is determined that the number of steps is equal to or greater than the number of previous steps, a preset upper limit number of steps is set based on the result of the step-up transition lottery by the player operating the effect button 119. It was set as the structure which can be transferred to. Thereby, the player can play a game while having a sense of expectation for the step-up transition lottery, and the fun of the game can be improved. In addition, a sense of expectation for jackpot can be obtained by the number of steps transferred. As described above, according to the first embodiment, the player can participate in the game, and the expectation for the jackpot can be further enhanced.

  Further, in the first embodiment, when it is determined that the number of steps is less than the previous step number, the transition is performed without performing the step-up transition lottery until the previous step number is reached. Therefore, when actively participating in a game, the number of steps is shifted to the immediately preceding step, so that it is possible to further increase the awareness of participation in the game.

(Embodiment 2)
Next, the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, when it is determined that the number of steps is less than the previous step number in the step-up effect, the next step is sequentially performed until the previous step number is reached regardless of whether or not the effect button 119 is operated. The point which made it transfer to production differs from Embodiment 1.

(Functional configuration of image / sound controller)
First, the functional configuration of the image / sound control unit 202b according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

  When the determining unit 306 determines that the number of steps is less than the immediately preceding step number, the transition unit 308 sequentially proceeds at a predetermined timing until reaching the immediately preceding step number stored in the step number storage unit 305. Shift to the next step production. In this case, the transition unit 308 shifts to the next step effect regardless of whether or not the effect button command received by the receiving unit 303 is received. That is, the transition unit 308 shifts the step effect up to the previous step number even if the effect button 119 is not pressed, and even if the effect button 119 is pressed, the step-up shift lottery is not performed at a predetermined timing. To change the step production.

(Step-up effect processing according to the second embodiment)
Next, the step-up effect process executed by the image / sound control unit 202b according to the second embodiment during the step-up effect will be described. FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a step-up effect process performed by the image / sound controller according to the second embodiment. In the step-up effect process, first, it is determined whether or not the step number G is smaller than the immediately preceding step number H (step S1401).

  When the step number G is smaller than the immediately preceding step number H (step S1401: Yes), it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed in the step effect (step S1402). Here, the predetermined time is the time from the start of one step effect to the start of the next step effect due to the appearance of a new character, and is, for example, 2 to 3 seconds.

  In step S1402, when the predetermined time has not elapsed (step S1402: No), the process ends. When the predetermined time has elapsed (step S1402: Yes), the process proceeds to step S1410. Note that before the predetermined time has elapsed, the step-up transition lottery is not performed regardless of whether or not the effect button 119 is operated.

  In step S1401, when this step number G is greater than or equal to the previous step number H (step S1401: No), it is determined whether or not the effect button 119 is in an effective period (step S1403). If it is not during the effective period of the effect button 119 (step S1403: No), the process proceeds to step S1412.

  If it is during the effective period of the effect button 119 (step S1403: Yes), it is determined whether or not an effect button command has been received from the effect control unit 202a (step S1404). When the effect button command has not been received (step S1404: No), the process is terminated as it is. When an effect button command is received (step S1404: Yes), it is determined whether there is a next step effect (step S1405).

  When there is no next step effect (step S1405: No), that is, when the upper limit step effect is reached, the process is ended as it is. When there is a next step effect (step S1405: Yes), “1” is added to the count value B obtained by counting the number of times the effect button 119 is pressed within the effective period of the effect button 119 (step S1406).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the count value B is “5” (step S1407). When the count value B is “5” (step S1407: Yes), the process proceeds to step S1410. When the count value B is not “5” (step S1407: No), a step-up transition lottery is performed (step S1408), and it is determined whether or not the step-up transition lottery is won (step S1409).

  When the step-up shift lottery is not won (step S1409: No), the process is terminated as it is. When the step-up shift lottery is won (step S1409: Yes), the next step effect G + 1 is stored in the RAM 253 (step S1410). Then, the next step effect G + 1 is set to the number of steps G in the next fluctuation time (step S1411), and the count value B is set to “0” (step S1412).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the current fluctuation time is the final fluctuation time in the pseudo continuous effect (step S1413). If the current fluctuation time is not the last fluctuation time (step S1413: No), the process is terminated. If the current fluctuation time is the last fluctuation time (step S1413: Yes), the number of steps G is set to “1” in preparation for the next pseudo-continuous production to start after the current pseudo-continuous production ends. (Step S1414), the process is terminated.

(Example of step-up effect according to the second embodiment)
Next, an example of a step-up effect according to the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a step-up effect. FIG. 15 shows an example of the step-up effect when the upper limit number of steps is “4” and the number of previous steps is “2”, as in FIG. 13.

  The transition from the first step effect 1301 to the second step effect 1302 is realized if a predetermined period elapses without the effect button 119 being pressed. That is, the step-up transition lottery is not performed. After the transition to the second step effect 1302 corresponding to the previous step number “2”, the transition to the third step effect 1303 and the transition from the third step effect 1303 to the fourth step effect 1304 is a step-up transition lottery. This is realized when winning or when the effect button 119 is hit five times.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, when it is determined that the number of steps is less than the immediately preceding step number, the transition is surely made until the preceding step number is reached regardless of whether or not the player has operated. did. Accordingly, the player can view the number of steps already viewed again with peace of mind without operating the effect button 119. Further, the player can prepare for the operation of the effect button 119 in the step-up transition lottery performed thereafter.

  In addition, according to the second embodiment, each step effect until the previous step number is reached is executed, so that all step effects executed up to the immediately preceding variation effect can be seen. Thereby, the player can enjoy a series of effects and can participate in the game while expecting a step effect after the previous step number.

(Embodiment 3)
Next, the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the third embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment, when it is determined in the step-up effect that the number of steps is less than the previous step number, the step effect is started from the last step effect of the previous step number regardless of whether or not the effect button 119 is operated. This is different from the first embodiment.

(Functional configuration of image / sound controller)
First, the functional configuration of the image / sound control unit 202b according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the third embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

  When the determining unit 306 determines that the number of steps is less than the immediately preceding step number, the shifting unit 308 shifts to the step effect of the immediately preceding step number stored in the step number storage unit 305. In this case, the transition unit 308 shifts to the step effect of the previous step number regardless of whether or not the effect button command received by the reception unit 303 is received. That is, the transition unit 308 shifts the step effect so that the step-up effect is started from the last step effect of the immediately preceding step number in the next variation effect.

(Step-up effect processing according to the third embodiment)
Next, step-up effect processing executed by the image / sound controller 202b according to the third embodiment during step-up effect will be described. FIG. 16 is a flowchart of a step-up effect process performed by the image / sound controller according to the third embodiment.

  In the step-up effect process, first, it is determined whether or not it is time to start the variation of the pseudo-continuous effect (step S1601). If it is not the timing to start (step S1601: No), the process proceeds to step S1605. If it is the time to start (step S1601: Yes), it is determined whether or not it is the first change in the pseudo-continuous production (step S1602).

  If it is the first change (step S1602: Yes), the step-up effect is started from the first step effect (step S1603). If it is not the first change (step S1602: No), the step-up effect is started from the H-th step effect (step S1604). The H-th step effect means the final step effect of the previous step number H. Then, it is determined whether or not the effect button 119 is in an effective period (step S1605). If it is not during the effective period of the effect button 119 (step S1605: No), the process proceeds to step S1614.

  If it is during the effective period of the effect button 119 (step S1605: Yes), it is determined whether or not an effect button command has been received from the effect control unit 202a (step S1606). If the effect button command has not been received (step S1606: No), the process ends. When the effect button command is received (step S1606: Yes), it is determined whether there is a next step effect (step S1607).

  When there is no next step effect (step S1607: No), that is, when the upper limit step effect is reached, the process is terminated. When there is a next step effect (step S1607: Yes), “1” is added to the count value B obtained by counting the number of times the effect button 119 is pressed within the effective period of the effect button 119 (step S1608).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the count value B is “5” (step S1609). When the count value B is “5” (step S1609: Yes), the process proceeds to step S1612. When the count value B is not “5” (step S1609: No), a step-up shift lottery is performed (step S1610), and it is determined whether or not the step-up shift lottery is won (step S1611).

  When the step-up shift lottery is not won (step S1611: No), the process is terminated. When the step-up transition lottery is won (step S1611: Yes), the next step effect G + 1 is stored in the RAM 253 (step S1612). Then, the next step effect G + 1 is set to the number of steps G in the next fluctuation times (step S1613), and the count value B is set to “0” (step S1614).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the current fluctuation time is the final fluctuation time in the pseudo continuous effect (step S1615). If the current fluctuation time is not the last fluctuation time (step S1615: No), the process is terminated. If the current fluctuation time is the final fluctuation time (step S1615: Yes), the number of steps G is set to “1” in preparation for the next pseudo-continuous production to start after the current pseudo-continuous production ends. (Step S1616), the process is terminated.

(Example of step-up effect according to the third embodiment)
Next, an example of a step-up effect according to the third embodiment will be described. FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a step-up effect. FIG. 17 shows an example of the step-up effect when the upper limit step number is “4” and the immediately preceding step number is “2”, similarly to FIGS. 13 and 15.

  In Embodiment 3, the step-up effect is started from the second step effect 1302 corresponding to the previous step number H, and the first step effect 1301 is not displayed. In this case, the effect button 119 is realized without being pressed. The transition to the third step effect 1303 and the transition from the third step effect 1303 to the fourth step effect 1304 are realized when the step up transition lottery is won or when the effect button 119 is hit five times. The

  As described above, in the third embodiment, when it is determined that the number of steps is less than the previous step number, the step-up effect is performed from the last step effect of the immediately preceding step number regardless of the player's operation. The configuration was started. Thereby, the player can feel the continuity with the step-up effect in the immediately preceding variation effect, and can participate in the game while further increasing the expectation for the jackpot.

  In the third embodiment, since the step-up effect is started from the last step effect of the immediately preceding step number, the step effect already shown to the player is not shown until the immediately preceding variable effect. For example, the start timing of the step-up transition lottery can be advanced, so that the player can participate in the game with a sense of expectation to see the step effect that has not yet been seen.

(Embodiment 4)
Next, the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the fourth embodiment will be described. The fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a step-up effect is performed when the continuous notice effect changes. In the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

  The notice effect includes a continuous effect in which a change is started again and a series of effects are performed over a plurality of change displays when a specific symbol called an opportunity is stopped and displayed. Among such continuous effects, the pseudo continuous effect according to the first embodiment performs a plurality of continuous effects while the special symbol controlled by the main control unit changes once. On the other hand, the continuous notice effect according to the fourth embodiment continuously performs the same number of change display effects as the number of changes of the special symbol.

(Start-up SW processing)
Next, the start port SW process executed by the main control unit 201 according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 18 is a flowchart of a process procedure of a start port SW process executed by the main control unit according to the fourth embodiment. The start port SW process is a process content included in the switch process shown in step S402 of FIG.

  In the start port SW process, first, the CPU 211 of the main control unit 201 determines whether or not the first start port SW221 of the first start port 105 is ON (step S1801), and the first start port SW221 is ON. Is determined (step S1801: Yes), it is determined whether or not the count value U1 of the first start port detection counter that counts the number of detections of the first start port SW 221 is smaller than “4” (step). S1802).

  When the count value U1 is smaller than “4” (step S1802: Yes), “1” is added to the count value U1 (step S1803). Then, the random number is acquired, and the acquired random number is stored in the RAM 213 (step S1804). The random number is a jackpot random number, a design random number, a reach random number, a variation pattern random number, or the like.

  Thereafter, a pre-determination process is performed (step S1805), and a hold number 1 increase command indicating that the hold number 1 indicating the winning of a game ball to the first starting port 105 has increased is set (step S1806). In step S1801, when the first start port SW221 is not ON (step S1801: No), the process proceeds to step S1807. If it is determined in step S1802 that the count value U1 is “4” (step S1802: No), the process proceeds to step S1807.

  In step S1807, it is determined whether or not the second start port SW222 of the second start port 106 is ON (step S1807), and when it is determined that the second start port SW222 is OFF (step S1807: No). The process is terminated as it is. When it is determined that the second start port SW222 is ON (step S1807: Yes), the count value U2 of the second start port detection counter that counts the number of times the second start port SW222 is detected is smaller than “4”. It is determined whether or not (step S1808).

  When the count value U2 is smaller than “4” (step S1808: Yes), “1” is added to the count value U2 (step S1809). Then, the random number is acquired, and the acquired random number is stored in the RAM 213 (step S1810). If it is determined in step S1808 that the count value U2 is “4” (step S1808: No), the processing ends.

  After the process of step S1810, a pre-determination process is executed (step S1811), and a hold number 2 increase command indicating that the hold number 2 indicating the winning of a game ball to the second starting port 106 has increased is set ( In step S1812), the process ends.

(Preliminary judgment processing)
Next, the pre-determination process executed by the main control unit 201 will be described with reference to FIG. The prior determination process is the process shown in steps S1805 and S1811 of FIG. FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of a preliminary determination process executed by the main control unit. In the prior determination process, first, it is determined whether or not a high-probability gaming state is set (step S1901).

  If it is determined in step S1901 that the game state is a high-probability gaming state (step S1901: Yes), a “high-probability random number determination table” is selected (step S1902), and each random number is determined (step S1903). The “high probability random number determination table” is each table (big hit random number determination table, reach random number determination table, variation pattern random number determination table) used for random number determination in a high probability gaming state. In addition, the random number determination is a jackpot random number determination, a determination of a symbol random number at the time of a big hit by winning at the first starting port 105, a determination of a symbol random number at the time of a big hit by winning at the second starting port 106, a reach random number determination, a variation pattern For example, random number determination.

  Thereafter, the determination result of step S1903 is stored as prior determination information (step S1904), and the process is terminated as it is. The stored prior determination information is transmitted to the production control unit 202a by the pending number increase command shown in steps S1806 and S1812 of FIG.

  If it is determined in step S1901 that the gaming state is not high probability (step S1901: No), “low probability random number determination table” is selected (step S1905), and step S1903 is performed. The “low probability random number determination table” is a table used for random number determination in a low probability gaming state (a jackpot random number determination table, a reach random number determination table, a variation pattern random number determination table).

(Command reception processing)
Next, the details of the command reception process executed by the effect supervision unit 202a will be described with reference to FIG. The command reception process is the process shown in step S601 of FIG. FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of command reception processing executed by the production control unit. In the command reception process, first, the CPU 241 of the production supervision unit 202a determines whether or not a pending number increase command has been received (step S2001). The pending number increase command is a command set in the main control unit 201 in step S1806 and step S1812 in FIG.

  In step S2001, when the pending number increase command is not received (step S2001: No), the process proceeds to step S2005 described later. Further, when the pending number increase command is received (step S2001: Yes), the advance determination information included in the pending number increase command is stored in the RAM 243 (step S2002). Thereafter, a sign hold display lottery is performed (step S2003), and a hold increase command is set (step S2004). The sign hold display lottery is a lottery for determining whether or not to display on the image display unit 104 whether or not the lottery result of the jackpot lottery advantageous to the player is held.

  After performing step S2004, it is determined whether or not a variation start command indicating the variation start of the special symbol is received from the main control unit 201 (step S2005). The change start command is a command set in the special symbol processing by the main control unit 201 (see step S510 in FIG. 5).

  In step S2005, when the change start command is not received (step S2005: No), the process proceeds to step S2007 described later. When the variation start command is received (step S2005: Yes), the effect selection process is executed (step S2006).

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not a change stop command for stopping the effect symbol has been received (step S2007). The change stop command is a command indicating change stop of the special symbol, and is a command set in the special symbol processing of the main control unit 201 (see step S513 in FIG. 5). If the change stop command has not been received (step S2007: No), the process is terminated as it is. When the change stop command is received (step S2007: Yes), the process during the end of change effect is executed (step S2008), and the process ends.

(Direction selection process)
Next, the effect selection process executed by the effect supervising unit 202a will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the effect selection process executed by the effect control unit. In the effect selection process, first, the CPU 241 of the effect control unit 202a analyzes the change start command (step S2101). Specifically, the game state of the main control unit 201, whether it is a win or not, or whether it is a reach or the like is analyzed. Thereafter, the mode flag is referred to (step S2102).

  Thereafter, a variation effect pattern selection process is executed (step S2103). The variation effect pattern selection process is a process of selecting one of a plurality of types of effects set in a variation effect pattern table prepared in advance, and will be described later with reference to FIG. Thereafter, an upper limit step number selection command is set (step S2104). The upper limit step number selection command is a command indicating selection of the upper limit step number of the step-up effect during each variation effect of the continuous notice effect. Then, a variation effect start command indicating the start of variation of the effect symbol is set (step S2105), and the process ends.

(Variation effect pattern selection process)
Next, the changing effect pattern selection process performed by the effect supervising unit 202a will be described with reference to FIG. The variation effect pattern selection process is the process shown in step S2103 of FIG. FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the changing effect pattern selection process performed by the effect supervising unit.

  First, in the variation effect pattern selection process, it is determined whether or not the continuous notice flag is ON (step S2201). If the continuous notice flag is ON (step S2201: Yes), step S2207 described later is performed. If the continuous notice flag is OFF (step S2201: No), it is determined whether there is a big hit or reach for the hold (step S2202).

  In step S2202, if there is a jackpot or reach in the hold (step S2202: Yes), a continuous notice effect lottery is performed (step S2203). The continuous notice effect lottery is a lottery for determining whether or not to start the continuous notice effect, and is performed using a continuous notice lottery table which will be described later with reference to FIGS. 23-1 and 23-2.

  After performing step S2203, it is determined whether or not the continuous notice effect is to be executed (step S2204). When the continuous notice effect is to be executed (step S2204: Yes), the continuous notice flag is turned ON (step S2205). The continuous notice flag being ON indicates that a continuous notice effect is being executed.

  Thereafter, Kmax is set (step S2206). Kmax is the number of changes performed in the continuous notice effect, and is any one of “1” to “4”. After that, a value obtained by adding “1” to the variation count K is set as a new variation count K (step S2207). Note that the variation count K indicates how many variations of the continuous notice effect.

  After step S2207, it is determined whether or not the variation count K is equal to Kmax (step S2208). If the variation count K is equal to Kmax (step S2208: Yes), the final variation variation effect pattern table is displayed. Set (step S2209). The variation effect pattern table for final variation is a table used when determining the variation effect to be performed in the final variation of the continuous notice effect, the details of which will be described later with reference to FIG. Thereafter, “0” is set in the fluctuation count K (step S2210), and the continuous notice flag is turned OFF (step S2211).

  If it is determined in step S2208 that the number of changes K is not the same as Kmax (step S2208: No), a change effect pattern table (continuous notice flag ON) is set (step S2212). The fluctuation effect pattern table (continuous notice flag ON) is a table used when determining a fluctuation effect in a change other than the final change of the continuous notice effect, and details thereof will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In step S2202, if there is no big hit or reach in the hold (step S2202: No), the variable effect pattern table (continuous notice flag OFF) is set (step S2213). The variation effect pattern table (continuous notice flag OFF) is a table used when determining the change effect when the continuous notice effect is not performed, and details thereof will be described later with reference to FIG. In step S2204, when the continuous notice effect is not executed (step S2204: No), step S2213 is performed.

  After step S2211, step S2212, and step S2213, a variation effect pattern is selected (step S2214), and the process ends. At this time, a variation effect pattern is selected using the variation effect pattern table set in any of step S2209, step S2212, and step S2213.

(Continuous notice lottery table)
Next, the continuous notice lottery table will be described with reference to FIGS. 23-1 and 23-2. The continuous notice lottery table is a table used for the continuous notice lottery. Each continuous notice lottery table includes a lottery result 2311, a holding number 2312, presence / absence 2313, a range 2314, a ratio 2315, and a random value 2316.

  The lottery result 2311 is a lottery result of the jackpot lottery for the holding ball that triggers the continuous notice effect lottery, and is either a jackpot or a reach. The number of holds 2312 indicates how many times the hold ball that triggers the execution of the continuous notice effect lottery will be changed, and is “1” to “4”.

  The presence / absence of execution 2313 is whether or not to execute the continuous notice effect. When “Yes”, the continuous notice effect is executed, and when “No”, the continuous notice effect is not executed. A range 2314 indicates a range of continuous notice effect random numbers, and is 0-99. The ratio 2315 is a numerical value obtained by dividing the number of random numbers 2316 by the number of ranges 2314. The random value 2316 indicates a continuous notice effect random number for each of the number of holdings 2312 and the presence / absence of execution 2313.

  FIG. 23A is an explanatory diagram of a jackpot continuous notice lottery table. In the jackpot continuous notice lottery table 2310, for example, when the lottery result 2311 is a big hit, the number of holds 2312 is “1”, and the acquired random number 2316 is any one of 0 to 19, the presence / absence of execution 2313 is “Yes” and the ratio 2315 is 20/100. Further, when the hold number 2312 is “1” and the acquired random number value 2316 is any one of 20 to 99, the presence / absence 2313 of execution is “none” and the ratio 2315 is 80/100.

  Also, for example, when the lottery result 2311 is a big hit, the hold number 2312 is “2”, and the acquired random number value 2316 is any of 0 to 29, the execution presence / absence 2313 is “present”, The ratio 2315 is 30/100. Further, when the hold number 2312 is “2” and the acquired random number 2316 is any one of 30 to 99, the presence / absence 2313 of execution is “none” and the ratio 2315 is 70/100.

  Further, for example, when the lottery result 2311 is a big hit, the hold number 2312 is “3”, and the acquired random number value 2316 is any of 0 to 39, the execution presence / absence 2313 is “present”, The ratio 2315 is 40/100. Further, when the hold number 2312 is “3” and the acquired random number value 2316 is any one of 40 to 99, the execution presence / absence 2313 is “none” and the ratio 2315 is 60/100.

  Also, for example, when the lottery result 2311 is a big hit, the hold number 2312 is “4”, and the acquired random number value 2316 is any of 0 to 49, the execution presence / absence 2313 is “present”, The ratio 2315 is 50/100. Further, when the hold number 2312 is “4” and the acquired random number value 2316 is any of 50 to 99, the presence / absence 2313 of execution is “none” and the ratio 2315 is 50/100.

  FIG. 23-2 is an explanatory diagram of a reach continuous notice lottery table. In the reach continuous notice lottery table 2320, for example, when the lottery result 2311 is reach, the hold number 2312 is “1”, and the acquired random number 2316 is any one of 0 to 39, the presence / absence of execution 2313 is “Yes” and the ratio 2315 is 40/100. Further, when the hold number 2312 is “1” and the acquired random number value 2316 is any one of 40 to 99, the presence / absence 2313 of execution is “none” and the ratio 2315 is 60/100.

  For example, when the lottery result 2311 is reach, the number of holds 2312 is “2”, and the acquired random number 2316 is any of 0 to 29, the presence / absence of execution 2313 is “present”, The ratio 2315 is 30/100. Further, when the hold number 2312 is “2” and the acquired random number 2316 is any one of 30 to 99, the presence / absence 2313 of execution is “none” and the ratio 2315 is 70/100.

  Also, for example, when the lottery result 2311 is reach, the hold number 2312 is “3”, and the acquired random number value 2316 is any one of 0 to 19, the presence / absence of execution 2313 is “present”, The ratio 2315 is 20/100. In addition, when the hold number 2312 is “3” and the acquired random number 2316 is any one of 20 to 99, the presence / absence 2313 of execution is “none” and the ratio 2315 is 80/100.

  For example, when the lottery result 2311 is reach, the number of holds 2312 is “4”, and the acquired random number 2316 is any of 0 to 9, the presence / absence of execution 2313 is “present”, The ratio 2315 is 10/100. Further, when the hold number 2312 is “4” and the acquired random number 2316 is any one of 10 to 99, the presence / absence 2313 of execution is “none” and the ratio 2315 is 90/100.

  As described above, in the jackpot consecutive notice lottery table 2310, the larger the number of holds 2312, the higher the ratio 2315 that the execution presence / absence 2313 is “present”, and the reach consecutive notice lottery table 2320 for the reach The higher the number 2323, the higher the ratio 2315 in which the presence / absence 2313 is “none”. Thereby, it is set as the structure which gives a player a big feeling of expectation, so that the frequency | count of a change performed in a continuous notice effect is large.

(Variation production pattern table)
Next, the variation effect pattern table will be described with reference to FIGS. 24-1, 24-2, and 24-3. The variation effect pattern table is a table used when a variation effect pattern is selected in step S2214 of FIG. Each variation effect pattern table includes a variation time 2401 and a variation effect 2402. The fluctuation time 2401 is the fluctuation time received from the main control unit 201, and includes T0 to T9. The variation effect 2402 is an effect performed during the variable display corresponding to each variation time 2401, and is usually an off-line effect, a reach effect, a continuous notice effect (with reach), a continuous notice effect (without reach), and the final There is a continuous notice effect.

  The continuous notice effect (with reach) is an effect that prompts the operation of the effect button 119 by stopping and displaying the effect symbol at the reach symbol in the continuous notice effect. At this time, when the operation of the effect button 119 is accepted during the button valid period, the reach symbol is released and the stop display is made at the chance. If the operation of the effect button 119 is not accepted during the button valid period, the shift symbol is stopped and displayed without releasing the reach symbol.

  The continuous notice effect (no reach) is an effect that stops and displays the effect symbol at the chance. The final continuous notice effect is an effect that is performed in the final variation of the continuous notice effect, and is an effect that stops and displays the effect symbol with the reach symbol, performs the reach effect, and stops and displays the symbol indicating the lottery result of the jackpot lottery.

  FIG. 24A is an explanatory diagram of a variation effect pattern table for final variation. The final variation variation effect pattern table 2410 is a table set in step S2209 in FIG. In the final variation effect pattern table 2410, for example, when the variation time 2401 is any one of T2 to T9, the variation effect 2402 is a final continuous notice effect. When the variation effect pattern table 2410 for final variation is selected, the variation time 2401 is not a short time as T0 or T1, and therefore the variation effect 2402 is set for the variation time 2401 at T0 and T1. Absent.

  FIG. 24-2 is an explanatory diagram of a variation effect pattern table (continuous notice flag ON). The variation effect pattern table (continuous notice flag ON) 2420 is a table set in step S2212 of FIG. In the variation effect pattern table (continuous notice flag ON) 2420, for example, when the change time 2401 is T0 or T1, the change effect 2402 is a continuous notice effect (no reach). For example, when the variation time 2401 is any one of T2 to T9, the variation effect 2402 is a continuous notice effect (with reach).

  FIG. 24-3 is an explanatory diagram of a variation effect pattern table (continuous notice flag OFF). The variation effect pattern table (continuous notice flag OFF) 2430 is a table set in step S2213 in FIG. In the variation effect pattern table (continuous notice flag OFF) 2430, for example, when the variation time 2401 is T0 or T1, the variation effect 2402 is usually a deviation effect. For example, when the variation time 2401 is any one of T2 to T9, the variation effect 2402 is a reach effect.

(Upper limit step selection process)
Next, the upper limit step number selection process executed by the image / sound control unit 202b will be described with reference to FIG. The upper limit step number selection process is a process executed by the image / audio control unit 202b that has received the upper limit step number selection command set in step S2104 in FIG.

  FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of an upper limit step number selection process executed by the image / sound controller. In the upper limit step number selection process, first, it is determined whether or not the variation effect pattern is a continuous notice effect (step S2501). If the variation effect pattern is not a continuous notice effect (step S2501: No), that is, if the variation effect pattern is a normal deviation effect or a reach effect, the process ends.

  When the variation effect pattern is a continuous notice effect (step S2501: Yes), it is determined whether or not the immediately preceding step number H is 0 or 1 (step S2502). Here, the immediately preceding step number H of 0 means that there was no immediately preceding variation effect in the continuous notice effect, that is, the variation effect starting from now is the first variation effect in the continuous notice effect. . Further, the number of steps H immediately before 1 means that the final step effect executed during the immediately preceding variation effect in the continuous notice effect was the first step effect.

  In step S2502, when the previous step number H is 0 or 1 (step S2502: Yes), one of the upper limit step numbers J set in the range of “1” to “4” is selected (step S2503). ). Then, the selected upper limit step number information is stored in the RAM 253 (step S2504), and the process is terminated.

  In step S2502, when the immediately preceding step number H is not 0 or 1 (step S2502: No), it is determined whether or not the immediately preceding step number H is 2 (step S2505). When the immediately preceding step number H is 2 (step S2505: Yes), one of the upper limit step numbers J set in the range of “2” to “4” is selected (step S2506), and step S2504 is executed. Do it.

  In step S2505, when the immediately preceding step number H is not 2 (step S2505: No), it is determined whether the immediately preceding step number H is 3 (step S2507). When the immediately preceding step number H is 3 (step S2507: Yes), one of the set upper limit step numbers J of “3” or “4” is selected (step S2508), and step S2504 is performed.

  In step S2507, if the immediately preceding step number H is not 3 (step S2507: No), the immediately preceding step number H is 4 (step S2509), so the set upper limit step number J of “4” is selected ( Step S2510) and step S2504 are performed.

(Step-up effect processing according to the fourth embodiment)
Next, a step-up effect process executed by the image / sound control unit 202b according to the fourth embodiment during the continuous notice effect will be described with reference to FIGS. 26-1 and 26-2. FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of step-up effect processing executed by the image / sound control unit.

  As in the step-up effect process according to the first embodiment, the fourth embodiment is a step-up effect that shifts to the next step effect when it is determined that the number of steps is less than the previous step number. Specifically, when an operation by the effect button 119 is received within the effective period, a step-up effect that shifts to the next step effect is limited to the number of previous steps depending on the number of times the effect button 119 is pressed. It is. That is, until the previous step number is reached, when the effect button 119 is pressed, the effect is to step up without performing the step-up transition lottery. In addition, description is abbreviate | omitted about the process similar to Example 1 of the step-up effect process concerning Embodiment 1, and a different process is demonstrated.

  In step S2612, it is determined whether or not the current fluctuation is the final fluctuation in the continuous notice effect (step S2612). If it is not the final change (step S2612: No), the process is terminated. If it is the final fluctuation (step S2612: Yes), the number of steps G is set to “1” (step S2613). Then, the immediately preceding step number command is set (step S2614), and the process ends. The immediately preceding step number command transmits information on the immediately preceding step number H to the production control unit 202a.

  As described above, in the fourth embodiment, in the step-up effect when the continuous notice effect changes, if it is determined that the number of steps is less than the previous step number, the step-up transition lottery is performed until the previous step number is reached. It was set as the structure which transfers without doing.

  Thereby, the player can play a game while having a sense of expectation for the step-up transition lottery, and the fun of the game can be improved. In addition, a sense of expectation for jackpot can be obtained by the number of steps transferred. As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, it is possible to allow a player to participate in the game and to further increase the expectation of jackpot.

  In the fourth embodiment, the transition to the previous step number is made by pressing the effect button 119, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in the second embodiment, the images may be displayed sequentially as a predetermined period elapses. Further, as shown in the third embodiment, only the previous step number may be displayed.

  As described above, according to the gaming machine of the present invention, it is possible to allow a player to participate in the game, and to further increase the expectation for jackpot.

100 Pachinko machine 119 Production button 201 Main control unit 202 Production control unit 241 CPU
251 CPU
301 selection unit 302 upper limit number storage unit 303 reception unit 304 execution unit 305 step number storage unit 306 determination unit 307 lottery unit 308 transfer unit 309 output unit

Claims (1)

Special game determination means for determining whether or not to perform a special game when the start condition is satisfied;
A symbol display control means for stopping and displaying a symbol indicating a determination result by the special game determining means after the symbols are variably displayed in a predetermined symbol display means;
If it is determined that the special game is determined to be performed by the special game determination means, special game execution means for performing a special game advantageous to the player after the symbol display control means is stopped and displayed;
When the symbol is variably displayed by the symbol display control means, an effect execution means for performing an effect symbol variation effect consisting of an effect symbol variation display and a stop display in a predetermined effect symbol display means,
With
The production execution means
A special effect executing means for performing a special effect of variably displaying the effect symbol in a special variable display mode;
Based on the determination result by the special game determination means, it is determined whether or not to perform a pseudo-variation effect consisting of the display and stop display of the effect symbol, and the number of times of pseudo-variation to perform the pseudo-variation effect is selected from a plurality of A pseudo-variation determining means determined from:
When it is determined by the pseudo-variation determining means that the pseudo-variation effect is to be performed, the pseudo-variation effect that performs the pseudo-variation effect for the determined number of pseudo-variations before the special effect is performed by the special effect executing means. Execution means;
When the pseudo-variation effect is performed by the pseudo-variation effect execution means, the notice effect execution means capable of performing a predetermined notice effect for each pseudo-variation effect;
Have
The notice effect execution means includes:
Based on the determination result by the special game determination means, a first step-up notice effect up to a first step suggesting that the special game is not likely to be performed by the special game execution means , the first step up notice the second step-up announcement attraction to a second step greater than the suggests likely to special game is performed first step than directed, or than said said second step-up announcement attraction Stage notice effect specifying means for specifying any of the third step-up notice effects until the final step more than the second step, which suggests that there is a high possibility that a special game will be performed;
Performing the first step-up notice effect, the second step-up notice effect, or the third step-up notice effect specified by the step notice effect specifying means based on a predetermined execution condition being satisfied Notice production execution means,
Comprising
The stage notice effect specifying means is:
When the second step-up notice effect is specified with respect to the previous pseudo-variable effect among a plurality of pseudo-variable effects performed by the pseudo-variable effect executing means, the pseudo-variable effect after the previous pseudo-variable effect is specified. For any one of the second step-up notice effect and the third step-up notice effect without specifying the first step-up notice effect,
When the third step-up notice effect is specified with respect to the previous pseudo-variable effect among a plurality of pseudo-variable effects performed by the pseudo-variable effect executing means, the pseudo-variable effect after the previous pseudo-variable effect is specified. For specifying the third step-up notice effect without specifying the first step-up notice effect and the second step-up notice effect ,
The stage notice effect execution means includes:
When the second step-up notice effect is performed with respect to the previous pseudo-change effect and the second step-up notice effect is specified with respect to the subsequent pseudo-change effect, in the subsequent pseudo-change effect, Perform the second step-up notice effect from the first step to the second step,
When the second step-up notice effect is performed with respect to the previous pseudo-change effect and the third step-up notice effect is specified with respect to the subsequent pseudo-change effect, in the subsequent pseudo-change effect, After going through the first step, going through the second step, then performing the third step-up notice effect until the final step,
When the third step-up notice effect is performed for the previous pseudo-change effect and the third step-up notice effect is specified for the subsequent pseudo-change effect, in the subsequent pseudo-change effect, A gaming machine characterized by performing the third step-up notice effect from the first step to the second step and then to the final step .

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