JP5830446B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine capable of making a prior determination before the storage of various elements used for the lottery is consumed.

Conventionally, an effect (so-called “pre-reading notice”) for notifying that there is a possibility of a big hit based on a prior determination result such as a random number used in the lottery is used.
For example, there is a prior art of a gaming machine that has a plurality of types of hold display modes having different degrees of possibility of being a big hit (so-called reliability) as a display mode of a prefetch notice (see Patent Document 1). In this prior art, a pattern that uses a hold display mode with high reliability from the beginning of the pre-reading notice, and a pattern that switches to a hold display mode with high reliability in the middle while making a hold display mode with low reliability at the beginning of the start. Pre-reading notice is used.

  According to the above prior art, the pre-reading notice effect is executed from the stage before the stored random number etc. is used for the actual lottery, and the mode of the hold display corresponding to the storage of the random number etc. is varied according to the reliability. By changing it, it is thought that the feeling of expectation until it reaches the fluctuation associated with the actual lottery can be maintained.

JP 2004-173957 A

  However, as in the prior art, when performing the pre-reading notice effect by changing the hold display mode, even if the storage of random numbers or the like has already been accumulated, until the hold display mode corresponding to the storage is actually changed During the period, there is a problem that a special notice effect is not obtained. That is, for the player, it is possible to touch the pre-reading notice effect only after the change of the hold display mode occurs, and during the period until the hold display mode changes, the player may be positively aware of the pre-reading notice effect. It is not possible.

  Apart from the above prior art, it is also possible to determine the timing for changing the hold display mode by lottery other than at the time of winning a prize, making it impossible to predict at what timing the hold display mode will change. In particular, it is difficult for the player to be aware of the pre-reading notice effect during the period until the actual hold display mode changes, and it is difficult to obtain the effect on the effect in advance.

  Then, this invention makes it a subject to provide the technique which can fully utilize the prior determination result and can exhibit the effect on production.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention employs the following solutions.
Solution 1: That is, according to the present invention, when a lottery opportunity occurs during a game, a lottery element necessary for execution of an internal lottery related to a player's profit (for example, a profit that an operation opportunity of a variable winning device is generated) is acquired. Element acquisition means, element storage means for sequentially storing the lottery elements acquired by the element acquisition means up to a predetermined maximum number, and predetermined start conditions (for example, the design is not changing and the previous change is performed) If the lottery element is stored by the element storage means in a state in which the condition that the symbol stop display is confirmed is satisfied, the lottery elements are consumed in the order of storage and the internal lottery is performed. When the internal lottery is executed by the lottery executing means to be executed and the lottery executing means, predetermined symbols (including symbols visually recognized) are changed over a preset variation time. The symbol display means for stopping and displaying the symbol in a manner representing the result of the internal lottery after the display, and the lottery execution when the lottery element acquired by the element acquisition means is newly stored by the element storage means Pre-determining means for preliminarily judging the result of the internal lottery using the newly stored lottery element before being consumed by the means, and at least within the fluctuation time when the symbol display by the symbol display means After executing the variable display effect corresponding to the symbol variable display, the symbol effect executing means for executing the stop display effect corresponding to the symbol stop display mode, and the variable display executed by the symbol effect executing means In parallel with the production and the stop display production, the lottery element is used by using a memory display image that individually represents the presence or absence of the lottery element stored by the element storage means. A stored number display effect executing means for executing a stored number display effect in a mode of displaying a stored number, and a plurality of the lottery elements stored in the element storing means using at least one of the lottery elements When the prior determination result by the prior determination unit performed satisfies a specific condition, the stored number is stored using a specific period in which the symbol display and stop display are performed multiple times by the symbol display unit. Display mode change notice period effect executing means for executing a display form change notice period effect of an aspect for notifying that there is a possibility that the display form change effect for changing the display form of the stored display image used for the display effect is executed. With.

  According to the gaming machine of the present invention, the lottery execution means makes a prior determination before the memory of the lottery element is actually consumed, and the determination result satisfies a specific condition (for example, a condition corresponding to winning). Based on the above, the “display mode change notice period effect” can be executed within a specific period. This “display mode change notice period effect” is a mode of “notifying that there is a possibility that an effect of changing the display mode of the stored display image (display mode change effect) will be executed”. By executing the “mode change notice period effect”, the player is given a sense of expectation that “the display mode change effect is likely to occur within the period until all the memory of the current lottery element is consumed”. Can do. In addition, since the “display mode change notice period effect” is executed over a plurality of symbol fluctuation display and stop display, the effect on the effect is exhibited from the stage before the actual display mode change effect occurs. can do.

  In addition, the “display mode change notice period effect” used in the present invention is simply “a notice effect (zone effect) that is highly likely to be won within a specific period” performed over a plurality of variable display and stop display. Unlike this, it is foretelling that “the display mode of the stored display image is likely to change with a certain high probability within this period”, and in this sense, it has novel gameplay. In other words, it is a highly integrated content of “a specific period (zone) effect” that spans multiple changes and stops, and a general “prefetching notice effect that changes the hold display mode”. In other words, the former has the property that “the expectation degree and occupancy rate of the winning within a specific period are high”, and the latter also has the property that “the expectation degree and occupancy rate of the winning for the memory whose holding display mode has changed” is also high However, in the present invention, it is possible to produce an effect obtained by fusing both effects. Thereby, a great advantage in game play can be obtained.

  Solving means 2: In solving means 1, the display mode change notice period effect executing means specifies the stored display image corresponding to the lottery element for which the prior determination result by the prior determination means satisfies the specific condition. In the state, the display mode change notice period effect can be executed according to a mode for notifying that the display mode change effect may be executed for the specified stored display image.

  As described above, in the present invention, there are a plurality of lottery elements stored, and if the prior determination result satisfies a specific condition for any of them, the “display mode change notice period effect” is executed. At that time, as in this solution, if it is a mode for notifying which of the lottery elements the display mode change effect is likely to be executed for, the player will be asked which It is possible to present useful information such as “Is it necessary to pay attention to the stored display image”? Thereby, it is possible to attract the player's interest for a specific stored display image by paying attention to the change of the display mode.

  Solving means 3: In the solving means 2, the stored number display effect executing means includes a base image corresponding to the maximum number of lottery elements that can be stored by the element storing means, and the element storing means. The marker image corresponding to each of the lottery elements actually stored and displayed in combination with each of the base images to indicate the presence of the lottery element stored by the element storage means The stored number display effect is executed using a display image, and the display mode change notice period effect executing means executes the display mode change notice period effect for the number of bases corresponding to the maximum number of the lottery elements. Of the images, the prior determination result by the prior determination means is displayed in combination with the marker image representing the presence of the lottery element that satisfies the specific condition. The serial-based image, identifying the memory display image by changing to a different special display mode and other of the base image.

The present solution adds the following advantages.
(1) Since the storage display image is composed of a “base image” as a basis and combined with a “marker image”, the storage display image is configured as much as compared to an aspect composed of only one image. Can be diversified.
(2) For the “base image”, the maximum number of images is displayed regardless of whether or not lottery elements are stored. For this reason, “the number of base images to be displayed = the maximum number of lottery elements that can be stored”, and if “marker images” are combined, there is a lottery element memory for that “base image”. On the other hand, if the “marker image” is not combined (if not displayed), it becomes obvious at a glance that no lottery element exists for the “base image”. As a result, the “current number of lottery elements” is displayed to the player in an easy-to-understand manner from the displayed number of “marker images”, and at the same time, the “number of displayed marker images” is further increased from the displayed number of “base images”. Information on how many memories can be added can be taught to the player in an easy-to-understand manner.
(3) In the “display mode change notice period effect”, the “base image” is changed to a special display mode, so that the player can easily tell which “marker image” is the target of the change. Then, we can focus on the process of subsequent changes. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the player from overlooking or not noticing the display mode change effect, and to fully exhibit the effect of the effect.

SOLUTION 4: SOLUTION 2, the gaming machine of the present invention, the case where the display mode change notice period effect by the display form changing advance notice effect execution means is performed, the symbol display unit within said specific time period The specific display mode change for executing the display mode change effect for the stored display image specified by the display mode change notice period effect execution means in the process in which the symbol change display and stop display are executed a plurality of times. It further includes production execution means.

  In this case, by actually changing the display mode of the stored display image specified in the display mode change notice period effect, it is possible to more strongly impress the expectation of winning for a specific lottery element.

  Solving means 5: Further, in the solving means 1 to 4, the present invention provides a variation pattern defining means that preliminarily defines a plurality of variation patterns related to the setting of the variation time with respect to the symbol variation display by the symbol display means, A variation pattern determining unit that selects any one of the plurality of variation patterns defined by the variation pattern defining unit when the symbol variation is displayed by the symbol display unit; Accompanying the occurrence of the lottery opportunity, the variation pattern determining element necessary for the selection of the variation pattern by the variation pattern determining unit is further acquired together with the lottery element, and the element storage unit is acquired by the element acquiring unit The lottery element and the variation pattern determination element are stored in order as a set, and the variation pattern The determining means consumes the storage of the variation pattern determination element stored in combination with the lottery element consumed by the lottery execution means, and selects the variation pattern. When the new combination of the lottery element and the variation pattern determination element acquired by the element acquisition unit is stored by the element storage unit, it is included in the new group before being consumed by the variation pattern determination unit. The variation pattern determination element is used to determine in advance information about the variation pattern that is to be selected by the variation pattern determination unit, and the display mode change notice period effect execution unit is configured to perform a plurality of lotteries by the element storage unit. In a state in which a set of elements and the variation pattern determining elements is stored, the above-mentioned thing performed using the lottery elements included in any of the sets Whether the prior determination result by the determination unit satisfies the specific condition, or the previous determination result by the prior determination unit performed using the variation pattern determination element included in any of the sets is the specific When the condition is satisfied, the display mode change notice period effect may be executed.

  According to this solving means, on the condition that a lottery opportunity is generated, a variation pattern determining element is acquired in addition to the lottery element, and these are stored in a set state. In addition, in the prior determination, apart from the result of the internal lottery using the lottery element, the selection result of the variation pattern using the variation pattern determining element can be clarified. As a result, if the determination result in advance using the variation pattern determination element included in one of the sets of memory satisfies a specific condition (for example, corresponding to the reach variation pattern), the display mode change notice is based on that. A period effect can be executed. As a result, it is possible to execute more effects based on various prior determination results as well as simple determination results of “winning” or “non-winning”, and the player can make a display mode change notice period effect. More opportunities for contact can be provided.

  Solving means 6: In the solving means 5, the display mode change notice period effect executing means corresponds to storing a set including the variation pattern determining element in which the prior determination result by the prior determination means satisfies the specific condition. In a state in which the stored display image is specified, the display mode change notice period effect is executed in a manner of notifying that there is a possibility that the display mode change effect is executed for the specified stored display image.

  According to this solving means, similarly to the solving means 2, there are a plurality of combinations of lottery elements and variation pattern determining elements, and the determination result in advance is specified for the variation pattern determining elements included in any of the combinations. When the above condition is satisfied, the “display mode change notice period effect” is executed. At that time, as in the present solution, if it is an aspect for notifying which memory (a combination of a lottery element and a variation pattern determination element) a display aspect change effect is likely to be executed, a game The user can be presented with useful information such as “which memory display image should be focused on in the future”. Thereby, it is possible to attract the player's interest for a specific stored display image by paying attention to the change of the display mode.

  According to the gaming machine of the present invention, it is possible to make full use of the prior determination results for the elements used for the lottery and the like and to exert the effect on the production.

It is a front view of a pachinko machine. It is a rear view of a pachinko machine. It is a front view which expands and shows a part of game board. It is a block diagram which shows the various electronic devices with which the pachinko machine was equipped. It is a flowchart (1/2) which shows the example of a procedure of a reset start process. It is a flowchart (2/2) which shows the example of a procedure of a reset start process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a power-off occurrence check process concretely. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of an interruption management process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a switch input event process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a 1st special symbol memory update process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a 2nd special symbol memory update process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the production | presentation determination process at the time of acquisition. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the reach group selection table at the time of difference | error according to a state and the number of working memory. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a fluctuation pattern prefetch information command selection table. It is a figure which shows the reach classification corresponding table according to command. It is a flowchart which shows the structural example of a special symbol game process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the special symbol change pre-processing. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the fluctuation pattern determination process at the time of loss. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a fluctuation pattern selection table. It is a figure which shows the structure row | line | column of the 1st special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table. It is a figure which shows the structure column of the 2nd special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a special symbol memory | storage area shift process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the special symbol stop display process. It is a flowchart which shows the structural example of a display output management process. It is a flowchart which shows the structural example of a variable winning apparatus management process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a big winning opening opening pattern setting process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a big prize opening / closing operation | movement process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a big winning opening closing process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of an end process. It is a continuation figure (the 1) which shows the example of the production image made to correspond to the change display and stop display of a special symbol. It is the continuation figure (the 2) which shows the example of the production image matched with the change display and stop display of a special symbol. It is a continuation figure showing the example of the production picture at the time of each change after prefetch hold change notice production. It is a continuation figure (1/2) which shows an example of the production technique used by this embodiment. It is a continuation figure (2/2) which shows an example of the production technique used by this embodiment. It is a continuation figure (1/3) which shows the example of the production performed at the time of the change accompanying the consumption of the operation memory where the display mode changed by the reserve change high probability zone production. It is a continuation figure (2/3) which shows the example of the production performed at the time of the change accompanying consumption of the operation memory in which the display mode changed by the reserve change high probability zone production. It is a continuation figure (3/3) which shows the example of the production performed at the time of the change accompanying the consumption of the operation memory in which the display mode changed by the reserve change high probability zone production. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the effect control process performed by effect control CPU. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of an operation | movement memory production | presentation management process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a marker display mode selection process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a pending | holding change high probability zone management process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of zone production progress processing. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the zone effect progress pattern scenario according to the said previous fluctuation frequency. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of effect design management processing. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of an effect design change pre-process.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  FIG. 3 is an enlarged front view showing a part of the game board unit 8 (lower right position in the window 4a). The first special symbol display device 34 and the second special symbol display device 35 can display the variation state and stop state of the special symbol by, for example, 7 segment LEDs (with dots), respectively (symbol display means). The first special symbol display device 34 and the second special symbol display device 35 may have a form in which a plurality of dot LEDs are arranged geometrically (for example, in a circular shape).

  Further, the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a and the second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a have 0 to 4 each, for example, depending on a display mode constituted by a combination of extinction or lighting and blinking of two lamps (LEDs). Is stored (memory number display means). For example, in a display mode in which both lamps are extinguished, a memory number of 0 is displayed, in a display mode in which one lamp is lit, a memory number of 1 is displayed, and in a display mode in which the same one lamp is blinked. In the display mode in which two stored numbers are displayed, and in addition to blinking one lamp, the other lamp is lit, three stored numbers are displayed, and in the display mode in which the two lamps are flashed together, the stored number is four. For example, the individual is displayed.

  The first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a is changed to the display mode after being incremented one by one in the sense of memorizing that a winning is generated each time a game ball flows into the upper start winning opening 26. (Up to a maximum of four), every time the change of the special symbol is started with the winning, the display mode is changed by one by one. Further, the second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a is displayed after being incremented by one in the sense of memorizing that a winning occurs every time a game ball flows into the variable starting winning device 28 (lower starting winning port). It changes to the mode (up to 4), and each time the change of the special symbol is started with the winning as a trigger, it changes to the display mode after decreasing by one. In the present embodiment, when the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a is not lit (the number of memories is 0), the first special symbol is already in the upper start winning opening 26 in a state where the first special symbol can start to change (when stopped). Even if a game ball flows in, the display mode does not change. In addition, when the second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a is not lit (the number of memories is 0), the variable start winning device 28 (lower start winning port) in a state where the second special symbol can already start to change (when stopped). Even if a game ball flows in, the display mode does not change. That is, the number of memories (maximum 4) represented by the display mode of each special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, 35a is the number of winnings that have not yet started to change in the first special symbol or the second special symbol. Represents.

  The game state display device 38 includes four LEDs corresponding to, for example, jackpot type display lamps 38a and 38b, a probability variation state display lamp 38c, and a short time state display lamp 38d. In the present embodiment, the normal symbol display device 33, the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, the first special symbol display device 34, the second special symbol display device 35, the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, and the second special symbol described above. The operation memory lamp 35a and the game state display device 38 are attached to the game board unit 8 in a state where they are mounted on one integrated display board 89.

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

  A ball guide passage 40d is formed at the left edge of the effect unit 40, and a rolling stage 40e is formed at the lower edge thereof. The ball guide passage 40d is opened obliquely upward to the left in the game area 8a. When a game ball flowing down in the game area 8a randomly flows into the ball guide path 40d, it passes through the inside and rolls. Released onto the stage 40e. The upper surface of the rolling stage 40e has a smooth curved surface. Here, the game ball can roll in the left-right direction. The game ball that has rolled on the rolling stage 40e will eventually flow into the lower game area 8a. A ball discharge path 40f is formed at the center of the rolling stage 40e. At this time, the game ball that has flowed down from the rolling stage 40e to the ball discharge path 40f easily flows into the upper start winning opening 26 directly below the ball discharge path 40f. Become.

  In addition, the decoration unit 400 is attached to the effect unit 40 as a movable body for the effect. The decorative body 400 is a decorative part shaped like a heart shape, for example, and is stored in the effect unit 40 at a position above the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42 in the state shown in FIG. The decoration body 400 is lowered from the position stored in the effect unit 40 by the action of a decoration body motor, a link mechanism, and the like not shown in FIG. 1, and the whole moves to a position before the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42. can do. Further, the decorative body 400 is provided with a decorative body lamp not shown in FIG. 1, and the decorative body 400 can perform a light emission effect by turning on and blinking the decorative body lamp. Such a decorative body 400 executes an effect accompanied by an operation of a tangible object in addition to an effect using an image by the liquid crystal display 42 and an effect by a light emitter. Such an effect using the decorative body 400 can have an impact different from the effect using a two-dimensional image.

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

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

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

  Further, a jog dial 45a is provided around the effect switching button 45 so as to surround the effect switching button 45 (individual information receiving means). A player can input individual information such as a password through an operation menu displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 42, for example, by rotating the jog dial 45a. Alternatively, when the player is requested to rotate the jog dial 45a for the effect during the game, the player can actually respond to the request for the effect by rotating the jog dial 45a.

[Configuration on the back side]
As shown in FIG. 2, on the back side of the pachinko machine 1, there are a power supply control unit 162, a main control board unit 170, a dispensing device unit 172, a flow path unit 173, a launch control board set 174, and a dispensing control board unit 176. A back cover unit 178 and the like are installed. In addition, on the back side of the pachinko machine 1, various electronic devices (including a control computer not shown) constituting the power supply system and control system of the pachinko machine 1, an external terminal board 160, a power cord (power plug) 164, A ground wire (ground terminal) 166, connection wiring (not shown), and the like are installed. The electronic devices will be further described later based on another block diagram (FIG. 4).

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

  The external terminal board 160 is an interface for connecting the pachinko machine 1 to an external electronic device (for example, a data display device, a hall computer, etc.). From the external terminal board 160, the game progress of the pachinko machine 1 is achieved. Various external information signals (for example, award ball information, door opening information, symbol determination number information, jackpot information, start opening information, etc.) indicating the state and maintenance state are output to an external electronic device. Yes.

  The power cord 164 secures a power source (electric power) necessary for the operation of the pachinko machine 1 by being connected to, for example, a power source device (for example, AC 24V) installed in an island facility of a game arcade. The ground wire 166 is also connected to a ground terminal installed in the island facility to secure the ground (ground) of the pachinko machine 1.

[Control configuration]
Next, a configuration related to control of the pachinko machine 1 will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing various electronic devices equipped in the pachinko machine 1. The pachinko machine 1 includes a main control device 70 (main control computer) that serves as the center of the control operation. The main control device 70 mainly has a function of controlling the progress of the game in the pachinko machine 1. Yes. The main controller 70 is built in the main control board unit 170 described above.

  The main controller 70 is equipped with a circuit board (main control board) on which a main control CPU 72 as a central processing unit is mounted. The main control CPU 72 includes a ROM 74 and a RAM (RWM) together with a CPU core and registers (not shown). ) This is configured as an LSI in which semiconductor memories such as 76 are integrated. The main controller 70 is equipped with a random number generator 75 and a sampling circuit 77. Among these, the random number generator 75 generates a hardware random number (for example, 0 to 65535 in decimal notation) for determining the big hit, and the generated random number is input to the main control CPU 72 through the sampling circuit 77. The In addition, the main controller 70 is equipped with peripheral ICs such as an input / output (I / O) port 79, a clock generation circuit (not shown), a counter / timer circuit (CTC), etc., and these are circuited together with the main control CPU 72. It is mounted on the board. A signal transmission path, a power supply path, a control bus, and the like are formed as wiring patterns on the circuit board (or the inner layer portion).

  The start gate 20 described above is integrally provided with a gate switch 78 for detecting the passage of a game ball. Further, the game board unit 8 is provided with an upper start winning port switch 80, a lower start winning port switch 82 and a count switch 84 corresponding to the upper start winning port 26, the variable start winning device 28 and the variable winning device 30, respectively. Yes. Each start winning port switch 80, 82 is for detecting the winning of a game ball to the upper start winning port 26 and the variable start winning device 28 (lower start winning port 28a). The count switch 84 is for detecting the winning of a game ball to the variable winning device 30 (large winning opening) and counting the number. Similarly, the game board unit 8 is equipped with a winning port switch 86 for detecting the winning of a game ball to the normal winning ports 22 and 24. Here, a configuration using a common winning opening switch 86 for all the normal winning openings 22 and 24 is given as an example, but for example, separate winning opening switches 86 are installed on the left and right sides of the board, and the left winning opening switch is provided. In 86, a winning of a game ball for the normal winning ports 22, 24 located on the left side of the board surface is detected, and in the right winning port switch 86, a winning of a game ball in the normal winning port 24 located on the right side of the board surface is detected. Also good.

  In any case, the winning detection signals of these switches 78 to 86 are input to the main control CPU 72 via an input / output driver (not shown). Due to the configuration of the game board unit 8, in this embodiment, the winning detection signals from the gate switch 78, the count switch 84 and the winning opening switch 86 are transmitted via the panel relay terminal plate 87, and are sent to the panel relay terminal plate 87. Are provided with wiring patterns and connection terminals for relaying the respective winning detection signals.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Further, the pachinko machine 1 is provided with a full switch 161, for example, inside the lower plate 6c (the position of the bowl as viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 1). The prize balls (game balls) that are actually paid out are discharged to the upper plate 6b through the flow path unit 173. When the upper plate 6b is full of game balls, As described above, it flows into the lower plate 6c. When the lower tray 6c is filled with game balls, the full tank switch 161 is turned ON, and a full tank detection signal is input to the payout control device 92 (payout control CPU 94). In response to this, even if the payout control CPU 94 receives a prize ball instruction command from the main control CPU 72, it temporarily suspends further prize ball operations, and stores the unpaid prize ball remaining number in the RAM 98. Note that the RAM 98 can be backed up even when the power is cut off, so that even if a power failure (including momentary power failure) occurs during the game, the information on the number of remaining unsold prize balls will not be lost. .

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

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

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

  The tray unit 6 includes a frequency display board 122 and a rental / return switch board 123. Of these, the frequency display board 122 is provided with the display of the frequency display unit (7-segment LED for 3 digits). The lending / return switch board 123 has switch modules connected to the ball lending button 10 and the return button 12, respectively. When the ball lending button 10 or the return button 12 is operated, the operation signal is lended and It is transmitted from the return switch board 123 to the CR unit via the game ball rental device connecting terminal board 120. Further, a frequency signal indicating the remaining frequency of the valuable medium is transmitted from the CR unit to the frequency display board 122 via the game ball lending device connection terminal board 120. A display circuit (not shown) on the frequency display board 122 drives the display unit based on the frequency signal, and displays the remaining frequency of the valuable medium as a numerical value. If no valuable medium is inserted in the CR unit or the remaining frequency of the inserted valuable medium becomes zero, the display circuit of the frequency display board 122 drives the display device to display a demonstration (of the valuable medium). (Display for prompting input) can also be performed.

  Further, the pachinko machine 1 includes an effect control device 124 (effect control computer) as a control configuration. The effect control device 124 controls the effect accompanying the progress of the game in the pachinko machine 1. The effect control device 124 is also equipped with a circuit board (composite sub-control board) on which an effect control CPU 126 that is a central processing unit is mounted. The effect control CPU 126 includes a CPU core (not shown) and a semiconductor memory such as a ROM 128 and a RAM 130 as a main memory. The production control device 124 is provided at a position covered by the back cover unit 178 on the back side of the pachinko machine 1.

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

  The effect control device 124 and the main control device 70 are connected to each other via, for example, a communication harness (not shown). However, the communication between these is performed only in one direction from the main control device 70 to the effect control device 124, and communication in the reverse direction is not performed. Note that the communication harness may adopt a parallel format according to the bus width of various commands transmitted from the main control device 70 to the effect control device 124, or each driver IC (I / O). A serial format may be adopted according to the hardware configuration.

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

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

  In the present embodiment, a glass frame decoration board 136 is installed on the inner surface of the glass frame unit 4, and drive signals from the lamp drive circuit 132 and the acoustic drive circuit 134 pass through the glass frame decoration board 136 and various lamps 46. To 52 and speakers 54, 55, and 56. Further, the effect switching button 45 is connected to the glass frame decorating board 136, and when the player operates the effect switching button 45, the contact signal is input to the effect control device 124 through the glass frame decorating board 136. Is done. Further, the jog dial 45a is connected to the glass frame decorating board 136. When the player rotates the jog dial 45a, the rotation signal is input to the effect control device 124 through the glass frame decorating board 136. In addition, although the example which connected the effect switch button 45 and the jog dial 45a to the glass frame decor substrate 136 is given here, when the above-described saucer decor board is installed, the effect switch button 45 and the jog dial 45a are the saucer decor. It may be connected to the substrate.

  In addition, the panel board 138 is installed in the game board unit 8, and a drive signal from the lamp drive circuit 132 is applied to the panel lamp 53 via the panel board 138. In addition, the decorative body motor 402 and the decorative body lamp 404 are connected to the effect control device 124 (effect control CPU 126) via the panel electric decoration board 138. As described above, the decorative body motor 402 can move the decorative body 400 up and down via a link mechanism or the like (not shown). Further, the decorative body lamp 404 can cause the decorative body 400 to emit light in a decorative manner, for example, by light emission of an LED.

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

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

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

  In addition, a power supply control unit 162 (power supply control means) is provided on the back side of the plastic frame assembly 7. The power supply control unit 162 has a built-in switching power supply circuit. When external power (for example, AC 24V) is taken from the island facility through the power cord 164, necessary power (for example, DC + 34V, + 12V) can be generated therefrom. The electric power generated by the power supply control unit 162 is distributed to the main control device 70, the payout control device 92, the effect control device 124, and the inverter board 158. Furthermore, power is supplied to the launch control board 108 via the payout control device 92, and power is supplied to the CR unit via the game ball rental device connection terminal board 120. The low voltage power for logic (for example, DC + 5V) is generated by a power supply IC (3-terminal regulator or the like) built in each device. Further, as described above, the power supply control unit 164 is grounded (grounded) to the island facility through the ground wire 166.

  The external terminal plate 160 is connected to the payout control device 92, and various external information signals generated by the main control device 70 (main control CPU 72) pass through the payout control device 92 to the external terminal plate 160. Is output to the outside. The main control device 70 (main control CPU 72) and the payout control device 92 (payout control CPU 94) can output an external information signal to the outside of the pachinko machine 1 through the external terminal board 160. The signals output from the external terminal board 160 are collected by, for example, a hall computer (not shown) in a game hall. Here, the configuration via the payout control device 92 is taken as an example, but a configuration in which an external information signal is directly output from the main control device 70 to the external terminal board 160 may be used.

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

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

  5 and 6 are flowcharts showing a procedure example of the reset start process. Hereinafter, the process performed by the main control CPU 72 will be described step by step.

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

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

  Step S103: The main control CPU 72 executes a standby process at reset. This process is for securing a certain standby time (for example, about several thousand ms) at the time of reset start (for example, power-on) and checking the main power-off detection signal during that time. Specifically, when the main control CPU 72 sets the loop counter for the waiting time, the main control CPU 72 bit-checks the input port of the main power-off detection signal while decrementing the value of the loop counter. The main power-off detection signal is input from, for example, a power monitoring IC that is a peripheral device. If the input of the main power-off detection signal is confirmed before the loop counter reaches 0, the main control CPU 72 restarts the process from the beginning. As a result, for example, the system can be protected when a main power switch (not shown) is turned on and off repeatedly within a short time (about 1 to 2 seconds).

  Step S104: Next, the main control CPU 72 permits access to the work area of the RAM 76. Specifically, the RAM protect setting value in the work area is reset (00H). As a result, thereafter, access to the work area of the RAM 76 is permitted.

  Step S105: Also, the main control CPU 72 performs initial setting of a mask register in order to set an interrupt mask. Specifically, a value for enabling the CTC interrupt is stored in the mask register.

  Step S106: The main control CPU 72 refers to the input signal from the previously cleared RAM clear switch and confirms whether or not the RAM clear switch has been operated (switch ON). If the RAM clear switch is not operated (No), step S107 is executed next.

  Step S107: Next, the main control CPU 72 checks whether or not backup information is stored in the RAM 76, that is, whether or not a backup validity determination flag is set. If the backup is normally completed in the previous power-off process and the backup validity determination flag (for example, “A55AH”) is set (Yes), then the main control CPU 72 executes step S108.

  Step S108: The main control CPU 72 executes a sum check on the backup information in the RAM 76. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sum-checks all areas of the work area of the RAM 76 (a user work area including a use-prohibited area and a stack area) except the backup validity determination flag and the sum check buffer. If the result of the sum check is normal (Yes), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S109.

Step S109: The main control CPU 72 resets the backup validity determination flag (for example, “0000H”).
Step S110: The main control CPU 72 clears the command waiting for transmission immediately before the occurrence of the previous power interruption.

  Step S111: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes an effect control return process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 instructs the effect control device 124 to return a command (for example, a model designation command, a special symbol probability state designation command, a special symbol-specific prefetch information command, a variation pattern prefetch information command, an increase in the number of working memories. A production command, a production command when the number of working memories decreases, a remaining count counter command, a special game state designation command, etc.) are transmitted. In response to this, the effect control device 124 performs the effect state (for example, the internal probability state, the effect symbol display mode, the operation memory count effect display mode, the sound output content, and the various lamps being executed at the time of the previous power shutdown. Light emission state, etc.) can be restored.

  Step S112: The main control CPU 72 executes state return processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sets various values in the work area of the RAM 76 based on the backup information, and the gaming state (for example, the display state of special symbols, the internal probability state, The operation memory contents, various flag states, random number update states, etc.) are restored. The main control CPU 72 restores the backed up PC register value.

  On the other hand, when the RAM clear switch is operated at power-on (step S106: Yes), when the backup validity determination flag is not set (step S107: No), or when the backup information is not normal. (Step S108: No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to Step S113.

Step S113: The main control CPU 72 clears the stored contents other than the use prohibited area of the RAM 76. As a result, the work area and stack area of the RAM 76 are all initialized, and even if valid backup information is stored, the contents are erased.
Step S114: The main control CPU 72 performs initial setting of the RAM 76.

  Step S115: The main control CPU 72 executes an effect control output process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 outputs a command (command necessary for effect control) to be transmitted to the effect control device 124 after the initial setting.

  Step S116: The main control CPU 72 executes a payout control output process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 outputs an instruction command for starting the payout of prize balls to the payout control device 92.

  Step S117: The main control CPU 72 executes CTC initial setting processing, and performs initial setting of a CTC (counter / timer circuit) that is a peripheral device. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sets an interrupt vector register and sets an interrupt count value (for example, 4 ms) in the CTC. As a result, when a CTC interrupt occurs next time, the main control CPU 72 can continue the processing from the program address of the PC register that has been backed up.

  When the above procedure is executed in the reset start process, the main control CPU 72 shifts to the main loop shown in FIG. 6 (connection symbol A → A).

  Step S118, Step S119: The main control CPU 72 executes the power interruption occurrence check process after prohibiting interruption. In this process, the main control CPU 72 performs bit check on the input port of the main power-off detection signal and monitors the occurrence of power-off (decrease in drive voltage). When the power is cut off, the main control CPU 72 clears the output port buffer corresponding to the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 88, the big prize opening solenoid 90, etc., and the entire area excluding the backup validity judgment flag and the sum check buffer in the work area of the RAM 76. Is backed up, and the sum result value is stored in the sum check buffer. Then, the main control CPU 72 stores the valid value (for example, “A55AH”) in the backup validity determination flag area, prohibits access to the RAM 76, and stops (NOP) the process. On the other hand, if the power shutoff does not occur, the main control CPU 72 next executes step S120. There is also a known programming example in which the CPU executes the process at the time of the occurrence of power interruption as a non-maskable interrupt (NMI) process.

  Step S120: The main control CPU 72 executes an initial value update random number update process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 increments random numbers for updating (changing) initial values of various software random numbers. In this embodiment, various random numbers excluding jackpot determined random numbers (hardware random numbers) (for example, hit determined random numbers corresponding to ordinary symbols, jackpot symbol random numbers, reach group determined random numbers, reach mode determined random numbers, variation pattern determined random numbers, etc.) Is generated in the program. These software random numbers are updated by a loop counter within a predetermined range by another interrupt process (step S201 in FIG. 8). In this process, the initial value of the loop counter (all The random number of may not be the target). The initial value updating random number is used to randomly change the initial value, and in step S120, the initial value updating random number is updated. Note that the reason why step S120 is executed after the interruption is prohibited in step S118 is that the same process is executed in another interrupt management process (step S202 in FIG. 8), and therefore overlap (conflict) ) To prevent the above). As described above, in this embodiment, the big hit determination random number is a hardware random number generated by the random number generator 75, and its update cycle is faster (eg, several μs) than the timer interrupt cycle (eg, several ms). Therefore, it is not necessary to update the initial value of the jackpot determination random number.

  Step S121, Step S122: The main control CPU 72 permits the interrupt and executes other random number update processing. The random numbers updated by this processing are random numbers (reach determination random numbers, variation pattern determination random numbers, etc.) that are not related to the determination of the winning type (winning type) among software random numbers. This process is performed in the remaining time when a timer interrupt occurs during execution of the main loop and the main control CPU 72 executes another interrupt management process (FIG. 8). The contents of the interrupt management process will be described later.

[Power failure check processing]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart specifically illustrating a procedure example of the power-off occurrence check process.
Step S130: First, the main control CPU 72 sets a condition for checking the occurrence of power interruption. This check condition can be set as an on-counter value for confirming that the main power-off detection signal is continuously output, for example.

  Step S132: Next, the main control CPU 72 reads the main power-off detection switch input port and confirms whether or not the main power-off detection signal is output (checks a specific bit). Although not particularly illustrated, the main power-off detection switch is mounted on the main controller 70, for example, and this main power-off detection switch monitors the drive voltage supplied from the power control unit 162, and the voltage level is monitored. When the voltage falls below the reference voltage, the main power-off detection signal is output. Note that the main power-off detection switch may be built in the power control unit 162. When the main control CPU 72 confirms that the main power-off detection signal is not output at this time (No), the main control CPU 72 exits this process and returns to the reset start process. On the other hand, when it is confirmed that the main power-off detection signal is output (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S134.

  Step S134: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the above check conditions are satisfied. Specifically, for example, 1 is subtracted from the on-counter value set in the previous step S130, and it is confirmed whether or not the result is 0. If the on-counter value is not yet 0 at this time (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to step S132 and reconfirms the main power-off detection switch input port. When the check condition is satisfied by repeating the loop from step S134 to step S132 (step S134: Yes), the main control CPU 72 then proceeds to step S136.

  Step S136: The main control CPU 72 clears the output port buffer corresponding to the test signal terminal and the command control signal in addition to the output port corresponding to the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 88 and the big prize opening solenoid 90 as described above.

Step S138, Step S140: Next, the main control CPU 72 adds the entire contents excluding the backup validity determination flag and the sum check buffer in the work area of the RAM 76 in units of 1 byte, and repeats until the addition is completed for all areas. .
Step S142: When the calculation of the sum is completed for all the areas (Step S140: Yes), the main control CPU 72 stores the sum result value in the sum check buffer.

Step S144: Next, the main control CPU 72 stores the valid value in the backup validity determination flag area as described above.
Step S146: The main control CPU 72 stores “01H” indicating access prohibition in the protect value of the RAM 76, and prohibits access to the work area (including the use prohibition area and the stack area) of the RAM 76.
Step S148: Then, the main control CPU 72 enters a standby loop and stops all other processes in preparation for shutting off the main power supply. After the main power is cut off, the backup power is supplied from a backup power circuit (not shown) (for example, a circuit including a capacitive element mounted on the main controller 70), so the stored contents of the RAM 76 are lost even after the main power is turned off. Held without. The backup power supply circuit may be incorporated in the power supply control unit 162, for example.

  Through the above processing, all the information stored in the work area of the RAM 76 to be backed up (sum added) is retained in the RAM 76 even after the main power is turned off. The stored memory is restored as backup information when the power is turned off after confirming the normality of the checksum in the previous reset start process (FIG. 5).

[Interrupt management processing (timer interrupt processing)]
Next, interrupt management processing (timer interrupt processing) will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary procedure of interrupt management processing. The main control CPU 72 executes an interrupt management process every predetermined time (for example, several ms) based on the interrupt request signal from the counter / timer circuit. Each procedure will be described below.

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

  Step S201: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a lottery random number update process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 updates the value of the counter for generating various random numbers for lottery. The value of each counter is incremented in the counter area of the RAM 76 and loops within a specified range. The various random numbers include, for example, jackpot symbol random numbers, normal symbol random numbers determined, and the like.

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

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

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

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

  Step S205, Step S206: The main control CPU 72 executes a special symbol game process and a normal symbol game process during the interrupt management process. These processes are for specifically proceeding with the game in the pachinko machine 1. Of these, in the special symbol game process (step S205), the main control CPU 72 controls the execution of the internal lottery corresponding to the first special symbol or the second special symbol described above, or the first special symbol display device 34 and the second special symbol display device 34. (2) The variable display and stop display by the special symbol display device 35 are controlled, and the operation of the variable winning device 30 is controlled according to the display result. Details of the special symbol game process will be described later with reference to another flowchart.

  In the normal symbol game process (step S206), the main control CPU 72 controls the variable display and stop display by the normal symbol display device 33 described above, and controls the operation of the variable start winning device 28 according to the display result. To do. For example, the main control CPU 72 stores a random number (ordinary random number per symbol) acquired in response to the passage of the start gate 20 in the previous switch input event processing (step S204). The random number value is read out from the memory, and it is determined whether or not it falls within a predetermined hit range (operation lottery execution means). When the random number value falls within the hit range, the normal symbol display device 33 displays the normal symbol in a variable manner, and after stopping the normal symbol in a predetermined hit state, the main control CPU 72 switches the normal electric accessory solenoid 88 on. Excitingly activates the variable start winning device 28 (movable piece actuating means). On the other hand, if the random number value is out of the hit range, the main control CPU 72 performs a normal symbol stop display in a manner of deviation after the variable display.

  Step S207: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes prize ball payout processing. In this process, based on the winning detection signals input from the various switches 80, 82, 84, 86 in the previous input process (step S203), a prize ball instruction command for instructing the payout control device 92 the number of prize balls is issued. Output.

  Step S208: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes external information processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sends the above-mentioned external information signals (for example, prize ball information, door opening information, symbol determination number information, jackpot information, start port information, etc.) to the hall computer of the game hall through the external terminal board 160. Store in port output request buffer.

  In the present embodiment, among various external information signals, for example, “big hit 1” to “big hit 5” are output to the outside as jackpot information, so that an external electronic device (data display device) connected to the pachinko machine 1 is output. Can provide various jackpot information (external information signal output means). In other words, the jackpot information is divided into a plurality of “big hit 1” to “big hit 5” and output, so that the type of jackpot (winning type) from these combinations can be tabulated and managed by a hall computer (not shown) or internal Recognize changes in the probability state (low probability state or high probability state) or shortened state of symbol variation time, or generate a small hit (a hit where the condition device does not work) that is not classified as a “big hit” even if it is not winning Can be aggregated and managed. Based on the jackpot information, for example, a data display device (not shown) counts and displays the number of jackpot occurrences within the past several business days for each pachinko machine 1, and recognizes whether or not each jackpot is currently jackpot. Or for each table, it can be recognized whether or not the current symbol variation time is in a shortened state. In this external information processing, the main control CPU 72 controls each output state (set of ON or OFF) of “big hit 1” to “big hit 5” in detail.

  Step S209: The main control CPU 72 executes test signal processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 generates various test signals representing its internal state (for example, normal symbol game management state, special symbol game management state, jackpot, probability variation function in operation, time reduction function in operation). These are stored in the port output request buffer. With this test signal, for example, the internal state of the main control CPU 72 can be tested outside the main controller 70.

  Step S210: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes display output management processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 performs the normal symbol display device 33, the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, the first special symbol display device 34, the second special symbol display device 35, the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, and the second special symbol. The lighting state of the operation memory lamp 35a, the game state display device 38, etc. is controlled. Specifically, the drive signal stored in the port output request buffer is output to the port in the previous special symbol game process (step S205) or the normal symbol game process (step S206). The drive signal is stored in the port output request buffer as byte data to be applied to each LED. As a result, each LED is driven in a predetermined display mode (a mode of performing symbol variation display, stop display, working memory number display, game state display, etc.).

  Step S211: The main control CPU 72 executes output management processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 outputs the external information signal (byte data) stored in the port output request buffer in the previous external information processing (step S208). Further, the main control CPU 72 outputs the drive signals, test signals, and the like of the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 88 and the special prize opening solenoid 90 stored in the port output request buffer together.

  Step S212: The main control CPU 72 executes an effect control output process. In this processing, it is confirmed whether or not there is a command (command necessary for presentation control) that the main control CPU 72 should transmit to the presentation control device 124 in the command buffer. Output port.

  Step S213: The main control CPU 72 clears the port output request buffer stored by the current CTC interrupt.

  In the present embodiment, an example is given in which the processing (game control program module) of steps S205 to S212 is executed as a timer interrupt processing. However, these processings are executed by being incorporated in the main loop of the CPU. There is also a programming example.

  Step S214: When the above processing is completed, the main control CPU 72 stores a value (01H) for designating the end of interrupt in the interrupt program counter, and ends the CTC interrupt.

  Step S215, Step S216: Then, the main control CPU 72 restores the saved values of the registers (A to L) and permits the next CTC interrupt. Thereafter, the main control CPU 72 returns to the main loop (program address indicated by the stack pointer).

[Switch input event processing]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the switch input event process (step S204 in FIG. 8). Each procedure will be described below.

  Step S10: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not a winning detection signal is input from the upper start winning opening switch 80 corresponding to the first special symbol (the first event is generated). When the input of the winning detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S12 and executes the first special symbol memory update process. Specific processing contents will be further described later using another flowchart. On the other hand, when no winning detection signal is input (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S14.

  Step S14: Next, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not a winning detection signal is input (second event occurs) from the lower start winning port switch 82 corresponding to the second special symbol. When the input of the winning detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S16 and executes the second special symbol memory update process. Here again, the details of the specific processing will be further described later using another flowchart. On the other hand, if there is no input of a winning detection signal (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S18.

  Step S18: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not a winning detection signal is input from the count switch 84 corresponding to the big winning opening. When the input of the winning detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S20 and executes a large winning mouth count process. In the big winning opening counting process, the main control CPU 72 counts the number of winning balls to the variable winning device 30 every round during the big hit game. On the other hand, if no winning detection signal is input (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S22.

  Step S22: The main control CPU 72 checks whether or not a passage detection signal is input from the gate switch 78 corresponding to the normal symbol. When the input of the passage detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S24 and executes the normal symbol memory update process. In the normal symbol memory update process, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the current number of normal symbol working memories is less than the upper limit number (for example, 4), and if it does not reach the upper limit number, obtains a random number per normal symbol To do. Further, the main control CPU 72 increments the normal symbol operating memory number by one. Then, the main control CPU 72 stores the acquired random value per normal symbol in the random number storage area of the RAM 76. On the other hand, when no winning detection signal is input (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the interrupt management process (FIG. 8).

[First special symbol memory update process]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the first special symbol memory update process (step S12 in FIG. 9). Hereinafter, the procedure of the first special symbol memory update process will be described in order.

  Step S30: First, the main control CPU 72 refers to the value of the first special symbol working memory number counter to check whether or not the working memory number is less than the maximum value (for example, 4). The working memory number counter represents the number (the number of sets) of big hit determination random numbers and big hit symbol random numbers stored in the random number storage area of the RAM 76. That is, the random number storage area of the RAM 76 is divided into four sections (for example, 2 bytes each) for each symbol (first special symbol, second special symbol), and each section contains a big hit decision random number and a big hit symbol random number. Each can be stored as a set. At this time, if the value of the working memory number counter corresponding to the first special symbol has reached the maximum value (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the switch input event processing (FIG. 9). On the other hand, if the value of the working memory number counter is less than the maximum value (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S31.

  Step S31: The main control CPU 72 adds one first special symbol working memory number. The first special symbol operation memory number counter is stored, for example, in the operation memory number area of the RAM 76, and the main control CPU 72 increments (+1) the value. Based on the counter value added here, the lighting state of the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a is controlled by the display output management process (step S210 in FIG. 8).

  Step S32: The main control CPU 72 acquires a jackpot determination random number value corresponding to the first special symbol from the random number generator 75 through the sampling circuit 77 (acquisition of lottery elements, element acquisition means). The random value is acquired by specifying the pin address of the random number generator 75. In the case where the main control CPU 72 performs 8-bit processing, the address designation is performed twice for each upper byte and lower byte. When the main control CPU 72 reads the jackpot determination random number value from the designated address, the main control CPU 72 saves it at the transfer destination address as a jackpot determination random number corresponding to the first special symbol.

  Step S33: Next, the main control CPU 72 acquires a jackpot symbol random number value corresponding to the first special symbol from the jackpot symbol random number counter area of the RAM 76. The acquisition of the random number value is also performed by designating the address of the jackpot symbol random number counter area. When the main control CPU 72 reads the jackpot symbol random number value from the designated address, the main control CPU 72 saves it at the transfer destination address as a jackpot symbol random number corresponding to the first special symbol.

  Step S34: The main control CPU 72 sequentially obtains a reach group determination random number, a reach mode determination random number, and a variation pattern determination random number from the random number counter area for variation in the RAM 76 as random number values related to the variation condition of the first special symbol ( Fluctuation pattern determination element acquisition, element storage acquisition means). Similarly, these random number values are acquired by designating the address of the random number counter area for variation. When the main control CPU 72 acquires the reach group determination random number, the reach mode determination random number, and the variation pattern determination random number from the designated address, the main control CPU 72 saves them in the transfer destination address.

  Step S35: The main control CPU 72 transfers the saved jackpot decision random number, jackpot symbol random number, reach group decision random number, reach mode decision random number and variation pattern decision random number to the random number storage area corresponding to the first special symbol, and these random numbers. Are stored as a set in a free section in the area (processing as element storage means). The order (for example, first to fourth) is set in the plurality of sections. If all the first to fourth sections are empty at this stage, the random numbers are stored in order from the first section. Alternatively, if the first section is already filled and the other second to fourth sections are empty, the random numbers are stored in order from the second section. Note that the random number storage area is read out in a FIFO (First In First Out) format.

  Step S36: Next, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the current game management state (internal state) is a big hit. If it is not a big hit (No), the main control CPU 72 executes the following step S37. If it is a big hit (Yes), the main control CPU 72 skips step S37 and proceeds to step S38. This determination is made in the present embodiment because basically the pre-reading effect is not performed during the big hit, but the operation memory generated during the big hit may be the target of the pre-reading notice effect.

  Step S37: When the current game management state (internal state) is other than the big hit (step S36: No), the main control CPU 72 executes an effect determination process at the time of acquisition for the first special symbol. In this process, the result of the internal lottery is determined in advance (before the start of fluctuation) based on the jackpot determination random number and the jackpot symbol random number of the first special symbol respectively acquired in the previous steps S32 and S33, and also acquired in step S34. By determining the variation pattern information in advance based on the random numbers for variation, the content of the effect is determined in advance (so-called “prefetching”). In this process, the main control CPU 72 generates various prefetch information commands. The specific processing contents will be described later with reference to another flowchart.

  Step S38: After returning from the acquisition effect determination process, the main control CPU 72 next sets an effect command for increasing the number of working memories for the first special symbol. Specifically, for the preceding value (for example, “BAH”) representing the command type, the number of working memories after the increase (for example, “01H” to “04H”) is added to the lower byte to be a one-word length A production command is generated. At this time, for the lower byte, the second place is set to “0” by default to indicate that the value is “result (change information) due to increase in number of working memories”. That is, if the lower byte is “01H”, it indicates that the current working memory number has become “01H” as a result of increasing by one from the previous working memory number “00H”. Similarly, if the lower byte is “02H” to “04H”, it is increased by one from the previous working memory numbers “01H” to “03H”, so that the current working memory number is “02H” to “02H”. 04H ". The preceding value “BAH” is a value indicating that the current production command is an operation memory number command for the first special symbol.

  Step S39: The main control CPU 72 executes an effect command output setting process for the first special symbol. This processing includes the effect command at the time of special figure destination determination generated at the previous step S37 (special figure-specific pre-read information command, variation pattern pre-read information command), the effect command at the time of increase of the working memory generated at step S38, and the start port. This is for transmitting a winning sound control command or the like to the effect control device 124 (memory number notifying means).

  When the above procedure is completed or the first special symbol operation memory number has reached 4 (step S30: No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the switch input event process (FIG. 9).

[Second special symbol memory update process]
Next, FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the second special symbol memory update process (step S16 in FIG. 9). Hereinafter, the procedure of the second special symbol memory update process will be described in order.

  Step S40: The main control CPU 72 refers to the value of the second special symbol working memory number counter to check whether or not the working memory number is less than the maximum value. Similarly to the above, the second special symbol actuated memory number counter represents the number (number of sets) of jackpot determination random numbers and jackpot symbol random numbers stored in the random number storage area of the RAM 76. At this time, if the value of the second special symbol working memory number counter reaches the maximum value (for example, 4) (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the switch input event processing (FIG. 9). On the other hand, if the value of the second special symbol operation memory number counter is still less than the maximum value (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S41 and thereafter.

  Step S41: The main control CPU 72 increments the second special symbol working memory number by one (increments the value of the second special symbol working memory number counter). Similarly to the previous step S31 (FIG. 10), the lighting state of the second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a is controlled in the display output management process (step S210 in FIG. 8) based on the counter value added here. Will be.

  Step S42: The main control CPU 72 acquires the jackpot determination random number value corresponding to the second special symbol from the random number generator 75 through the sampling circuit 77 (acquisition of lottery elements, element acquisition means). The method for acquiring the random value is the same as that in step S32 (FIG. 10) described above.

  Step S43: Next, the main control CPU 72 acquires a jackpot symbol random number value corresponding to the second special symbol from the jackpot symbol random number counter area of the RAM 76. The method for acquiring the random value is the same as that in step S33 (FIG. 10) described above.

  Step S44: Further, the main control CPU 72 sequentially acquires the reach group determination random number, the reach mode determination random number and the variation pattern determination random number regarding the variation condition of the second special symbol from the variation random number counter area of the RAM 76 (the variation pattern determination element). Acquisition, element acquisition means). The acquisition of these random values is also performed in the same manner as step S34 (FIG. 10) described above.

  Step S45: The main control CPU 72 transfers the saved jackpot decision random number, jackpot symbol random number, reach group decision random number, reach mode decision random number and variation pattern decision random number to the random number storage area corresponding to the second special symbol, and these random numbers. Are stored as a set in a free section in the area (processing as element storage means). The storage method is the same as step S35 (FIG. 10) described above.

  Step S45a: Next, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the current game management state (internal state) is a big hit. If it is not a big hit (No), the main control CPU 72 executes the following step S46. Conversely, if it is a big hit (Yes), the main control CPU 72 skips step S46 and proceeds to step S48. The reason why this determination is made in the present embodiment is that the pre-reading effect is not performed during the big hit.

  Step S46: When it is other than big hit (step S45a: No), next, the main control CPU 72 executes an effect determination process at the time of acquisition for the second special symbol. This process also determines the result of the internal lottery in advance (before the start of fluctuation) based on the second special symbol jackpot determination random number and the jackpot symbol random number obtained in the previous steps S42 and S43, and in step S44. By determining the variation pattern information in advance based on the acquired variation random numbers, the content of the effect is determined in advance. Here again, the main control CPU 72 generates various prefetch information commands. The specific processing contents will be described later.

  Step S48: After returning from the acquisition effect determination process, the main control CPU 72 next sets an effect command at the time of increasing the number of working memories regarding the second special symbol. Here, a one-word-length production command in which the number of working memories after the increase (for example, “01H” to “04H”) is added to the lower byte with respect to the preceding value (for example, “BBH”) of the upper byte representing the command type Is generated. Similarly, for the second special symbol, the second place of the lower byte is set to “0” by default to indicate that the value is “a result of an increase in the number of working memories (change information)”. it can. The preceding value “BBH” is a value indicating that the current effect command is an operation memory number command for the second special symbol.

  Step S49: The main control CPU 72 executes an effect command output setting process for the second special symbol. As a result, with respect to the second special symbol, an effect control device such as an effect command at the time of determination of the special symbol destination (special symbol-specific pre-reading information command, variation pattern pre-reading information command), an effect command when the number of operating memories increases, a start opening winning sound control command, etc. 24 is prepared for transmission (memory number notifying means). When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the switch input event process (FIG. 9).

[Acquisition process during acquisition]
FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of the effect determination process at the time of acquisition. The main control CPU 72 executes this acquisition effect determination process in the first special symbol memory update process and the second special symbol memory update process (step S37 in FIG. 10 and step S46 in FIG. 11) (preliminary determination). means). As described above, this process is executed for each of the first special symbol (when winning the upper start winning opening 26) and the second special symbol (when winning the variable start winning device 28). Therefore, the following description may correspond to a process related to the first special symbol and a process related to the second special symbol. Hereinafter, the contents of the processing will be described along each procedure.

  Step S50: First, the main control CPU 72 loads a jackpot determination random number as a random number value for the previous determination. The random numbers to be loaded here are those stored in the RAM 76 in the first special symbol memory update process (step S35 in FIG. 10) or the second special symbol memory update process (step S45 in FIG. 11). .

  Step S52: The main control CPU 72 executes a hit confirmation process using the loaded random number. Here, a range of hit values is set for each probability state (low probability state or high probability state), and it is determined whether or not the loaded jackpot determination random number is within the range of hit values. When the winning is confirmed here, the main control CPU 72 sets the winning offset (for example, “1”) as a return value. On the other hand, if the winning is not confirmed, the main control CPU 72 sets a non-winning offset (for example, “0”) as a return value. The “offset for winning” and “offset for non-winning” are values indicating whether the determination result of the winning confirmation process (step S52) is “winning” or “non-winning”.

  Step S54: Next, the main control CPU 72 loads the jackpot symbol random number as the random number value for the first determination. The random number to be loaded here is the big hit symbol for each symbol stored in the RAM 76 in the first special symbol memory update process (step S35 in FIG. 10) or the second special symbol memory update process (step S45 in FIG. 11). It is a random number.

  Step S56: The main control CPU 72 executes symbol confirmation processing. This process is for determining the jackpot type (winning type) for each of the first special symbol or the second special symbol based on the jackpot symbol random number paired with the jackpot determined random number. For example, the main control CPU 72 loads the jackpot symbol random number for each symbol stored in the first special symbol memory update process (step S35 in FIG. 10) or the second special symbol memory update process (step S45 in FIG. 11). Then, a comparison is made with the comparison value stored in the symbol type determination table (not shown in particular), and from the result, whether the jackpot type corresponds to “non-probable (normal) symbol” or “probable symbol” Further, it is determined whether the symbol corresponds to “7-round symbol” or “16-round symbol”. Then, the main control CPU 72 sets the symbol confirmation offset to a return value based on the determination result. The above processing is performed when the winning offset is set as a return value in the hit confirmation processing in step S52. When the main control CPU 72 sets the non-winning offset in step S52 as a return value, in the current symbol confirmation process, for example, a non-winning symbol confirmation offset can be set as a return value. The “symbol confirmation offset” used here is a value representing “what the winning symbol corresponds to” or “not applicable to the winning symbol (non-winning)” as the determination result performed in the symbol confirmation process (step S56). is there.

  Step S57: The main control CPU 72 generates a special symbol-specific symbol prefetch information command based on the symbol confirmation offset which is a return value. This command represents the result of pre-reading “out of symbol” or “hit symbol type” for each of the first special symbol or the second special symbol. The special symbol-specific symbol prefetch information command generated here is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S212 in FIG. 8).

  Step S58: After executing the procedure so far, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the previous determination result in the hit confirmation process (step S52) is true. This confirmation can be performed using the symbol confirmation offset of the return value set immediately before. In other words, if the symbol confirmation offset is a value representing “out-of-order symbol” (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S60, and conversely if the symbol confirmation offset is a value representing any “big hit symbol type” ( Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S68. In either case, the main control CPU 72 generates a prefetch information command related to the variation pattern in the subsequent procedure. First, the procedure at the time of disconnection is described.

[Procedure for generating a change pattern prefetch information command at the time of loss]
Step S60: The main control CPU 72 sets a reach group selection table for each state and each number of working memories. The reach group selection table is a table for performing random drawing of the variation pattern using the reach group determination random number among the three random numbers (reach group determination random number, reach mode determination random number, and variation pattern determination random number) related to the determination of the variation pattern. is there. A configuration example of the reach group selection table will be described later with reference to another drawing.

Step S62: Next, the main control CPU 72 loads the stored reach group determination random number from the RAM 76.
Step S64: The main control CPU 72 executes the first variation pattern determination process. In this process, as described above, the variation pattern category lottery (reach type lottery) is performed using the reach group determination random number, and the selected offset is set as a return value. The details of the specific process will be described later together with a configuration example of the reach group selection table.

  Step S66: The main control CPU 72 generates a variation pattern prefetch information command using the selected offset value. The command generated here is also transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S212 in FIG. 8).

[Procedure for generating variation pattern look-ahead information command for hits]
The above procedure is a procedure when the result of the pre-reading hit confirmation is out of place, but when the hit is confirmed by pre-reading (step S58: Yes), a variation pattern pre-reading information command is generated by the following procedure.

  Step S68: In this case, the main control CPU 72 selects an offset that has been fixed in advance for hitting, and sets this as a return value. Therefore, it is not particularly necessary to perform category lottery here.

  Step S66: The main control CPU 72 generates a variation pattern prefetch information command fixed in advance using the selected fixed offset value for hitting time. In this way, since the offset is always fixed at the time of hitting, the variation pattern prefetch information command can be of one type. The command generated here is also transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S212 in FIG. 8). The “fixed offset for hitting time” is a value indicating that the determination result of the previous hit checking process (step S52) was “winning”.

  When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the first special symbol memory update process (FIG. 10) or the second special symbol memory update process (FIG. 11).

[Reach group selection table by state and working memory count]
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the reach group selection table at the time of divergence by state and number of working memories. In the ROM 76 of the main control CPU 72, for example, a plurality of selection tables are stored in advance for each internal state and each operation memory number. In step S60 of the effect determination process at the time of acquisition, the main control CPU 72 stores the current internal state and operation memory. Set the reach group selection table that suits the number of conditions. The internal state condition includes, for example, a low probability non-short state, a low probability short state, a high probability non-short state, or a high probability short state, and the working memory number condition includes, for example, the first special symbol. Or, there is a distinction of 0 to 1, 2, 3, etc. for each second special symbol, or a distinction of 0-4, 5, 6, 7, etc. as the total working memory number of both. Note that the table shown in FIG. 13 assumes a normal state (low probability non-short state) and 0 to 1 working memories.

  13 is a structure in which, for example, a “comparison value” and an “offset value” are set and stored in units of 1 byte in order from the head address. Here, the “comparison value” includes eight different values “124”, “174”, “374”, “546”, “616”, “761”, “961”, “999 (0FFFH), for example. ”And reach mode selection offsets“ 06 ”,“ 10 ”,“ 02 ”,“ 06 ”,“ 10 ”,“ 02 ”,“ offset values ”for each“ comparison value ”, “11” and “12” are assigned.

  The main control CPU 72 compares the loaded reach group determined random numbers with the above “comparison value” in order, and if the random number value is equal to or smaller than the comparison value, selects the offset value corresponding to the comparison value. For example, if the reach group determination random number at that time is “190”, the value of the random number exceeds the comparison value compared to the first comparison value “124”, so the main control CPU 72 determines the next comparison value “ 174 "and the value of the random number are compared. Again, since the value of the random number exceeds the comparison value, the main control CPU 72 further compares the value of the random number with the next comparison value “374”. In this case, since the value of the random number is equal to or smaller than the comparison value, the main control CPU 72 selects the corresponding reach mode selection offset “02”. Alternatively, if the reach group determination random number is “979”, the main control CPU 72 has compared to the third comparison value “961” from the bottom, and then exceeded the next comparison value “961”. The reach mode selection offset “12” corresponding to the comparison value “999 (0FFFH)” is selected.

  The offset value selected here specifies the conditions for selection of the variation pattern table for each reach mode using the reach mode determination random number in the next stage in the actual variation start processing (displacement variation pattern determination processing). is there. In the actual processing, the variation pattern determination lottery using the variation pattern determination random number at the final stage is specified through the reach mode variation pattern table selection lottery. In the actual processing, the variation pattern number is selected at the actual variation start (at the variation) from the result of the variation pattern determination lottery at the final stage.

  In addition, in the effect determination process at the time of acquisition (FIG. 12) of this embodiment, the lower byte (EVENT value) of the variation pattern prefetch information command is set only by the reach mode selection offset obtained in the initial selection lottery. Yes. In other words, at the start of actual variation, the final variation pattern number is uniquely determined using all of the reach group determination random number, reach mode determination random number and variation pattern determination random number obtained at the time of winning a prize. In the form of “look-ahead”, there is a unique advantage in that the variation pattern look-ahead information command is determined using only the reach group determination random number. More specific description will be given below.

[Change pattern look-ahead information command selection table]
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a variation pattern prefetch information command selection table. (A) in FIG. 14 shows a table applied when the result of prefetching is out of sync, and (B) in FIG. 14 shows a table applied when the result of prefetching is hit.

[Change pattern look-ahead information command at the time of loss]
14A: The left column in the table indicates the reach mode selection offsets “00” to “12” selected using the reach group determined random numbers. The two columns on the right side of the table indicate the values of the variation pattern prefetch information command corresponding to each offset value. Among these, the central column indicates the common “BEH” that is the upper byte (MODE value) of the command, and the rightmost column indicates the lower byte (EVENT value) of the command. That is, the change pattern prefetch information command is described in a word format in which the upper byte is the MODE value (common “BEH”) and the EVENT value (undefined value) of the lower byte is combined therewith.

  If the value of the reach mode selection offset is either “00” or “01” as shown in the upper two rows excluding the heading row in the table (the same applies thereafter), the corresponding variation pattern prefetching is performed. The lower byte of the information command is “00H”. If the value of the reach mode selection offset is any one of “02” to “04”, the lower byte of the corresponding variation pattern prefetch information command is “02H”. Similarly, for each of the reach mode selection offset values “05” to “12”, the lower byte of the corresponding variation pattern prefetch information command is “00H”, “01H”, “03H”, “04H”. Either one is selected.

[Hit fluctuation pattern look-ahead information command]
In FIG. 14, (B): The variation pattern prefetch information command at the time of hitting is fixed as described above. That is, when the winning effect is determined in the acquisition effect determination process (FIG. 12), the main control CPU 72 selects “99” as the fixed reach mode selection offset for winning time (step S68 in FIG. 12). In this case, the lower byte of the corresponding variation pattern prefetch information command in the table is always fixed and is “7EH”. The upper byte is common to “BEH”.

[Reach type correspondence table by command]
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a reach type correspondence table for each command. This correspondence table indicates the reach type (variation pattern information) corresponding to the variation pattern prefetch information command generated in the acquisition effect determination process (FIG. 12).

  The left two columns in the table indicate “BEH00H” to “BEH04H” and “BEH7EH (fixed value)” of the variation pattern prefetch information commands. The right column in the table indicates the reach type corresponding to each command.

[Reach type]
Here, “non-reach”, “normal reach”, “weak super reach”, “strong super reach”, and “story reach” of the reach types shown in the table of FIG. 15 collectively refer to the following categories, respectively. It shall be.

(1) “Non-reach”
“Non-reach” as the reach type means that a variation pattern (usually a shift variation pattern) that does not perform reach variation with the variation is selected. In this case, the variation pattern selected in the actual process (the variation pattern determination process at the time of loss) is always “non-reach”, and a relatively short variation time (for example, about 2 to 13 seconds) is selected. .

(2) “Normal reach system”
“Normal reach system” as the reach type means that a reach variation is performed in the variation, but a variation pattern designating a variation effect pattern belonging to “normal reach” is selected in the effect control. In this case, the variation pattern selected in the actual process (the variation pattern determination process at the time of loss) is always “reach variation”, but a relatively short variation time (for example, about 20 to 30 seconds) is selected. It will be.

(3) "Weak super reach system"
“Weak super reach system” as the reach type means that a change pattern is selected that performs a reach change by the change and specifies a change production pattern belonging to “weak super reach” in the production control. Yes. In this case as well, the variation pattern selected in the actual process (the variation pattern determination process at the time of loss) is always the “reach variation”, and a relatively medium variation time (for example, about 50 to 60 seconds). ) Will be selected.

(4) “Strong super reach system”
“Strong super reach system” as the reach type means that a variation pattern that specifies a variation effect pattern belonging to “strong super reach” on the effect control is selected while performing the reach variation with the variation. Yes. In this case as well, the variation pattern selected in the actual process (the variation pattern determination process at the time of loss) is always “reach variation”, and a relatively long variation time (for example, about 100 seconds to 120 seconds) is selected. Will be.

(5) "Story reach system"
“Story reach type” as the reach type means that a change in reach is performed based on the change, and a change pattern that specifies a change effect pattern belonging to “story reach” is selected in the effect control. In this case, the variation pattern selected in the actual process (the variation pattern determination process at the time of disconnection) is always “reach variation”, and among these, the variation time (for example, 150 seconds to About 200 seconds) is selected.

(6) “Fluctuation per hit”
Note that “win fluctuation” as the reach type means that win fluctuation is performed by the fluctuation. In this case, the variation pattern selected in the actual processing (big hit hour variation pattern determination processing) is “big hit hour reach variation”. In addition, since the result of “winning” is more important than what kind of production is designated at the time of winning, only a simple result of “winning fluctuation” is transmitted to the production control device 124. Yes.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the prefetch information command is generated using only the reach group determination random number among the various random numbers for variation in the acquisition stage effect determination process (FIG. 12), and this is sent to the stage control device 124. Sending. In this case, the transmitted variation pattern prefetch information command does not completely specify the unique variation pattern number (specific total variation time) selected by the variation, but the variation is “non-reach” or It can be seen that basic information indicating which one is “reach”, and in the case of “reach”, type information indicating which reach type is clearly indicated. In addition, when the previous determination result is a win, it clearly indicates “win fluctuation”. Therefore, it is possible to sufficiently execute the pre-determination effect using the above-described variation pattern prefetch information command in the effect control process by the effect control device 124 while reducing the processing load of the main control CPU 72.

  Further, if the previous determination result is a win, it is a fixed command and the subsequent processing is omitted. Thereby, the processing load by the main control CPU 72 can be further reduced. In addition, since a fixed command indicating “hit fluctuation” is transmitted at the time of hitting, it is possible to execute a predetermination effect corresponding to the hitting time correctly in the effect control. Details of the effect control process will be described later.

[Special design game processing]
Next, the details of the special symbol game process executed in the interrupt management process (FIG. 8) will be described. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a configuration example of the special symbol game process. The special symbol game process includes an execution selection process (step S1000), a special symbol change pre-process (step S2000), a special symbol change process (step S3000), a special symbol stop display process (step S4000), and a variable winning device management process. This is a configuration including a subroutine (program module) group of (Step S5000). First, the basic flow of the special symbol game process will be described along each process.

  Step S1000: In the execution selection process, the main control CPU 72 selects the jump destination of the process to be executed next (any one of steps S2000 to S5000) from the “jump table”. For example, the main control CPU 72 sets the program address of the process to be executed next as the jump destination address, and sets the end of the special symbol game process as the return destination address in the stack pointer.

  Which process is selected as the next jump destination differs depending on the progress of the process performed so far (special symbol game management status). For example, if the special symbol has not yet started changing display (special symbol game management status: 00H), the main control CPU 72 selects the special symbol variation pre-processing (step S2000) as the next jump destination. On the other hand, if the special symbol variation pre-processing has already been completed (special symbol game management status: 01H), the main control CPU 72 selects the special symbol variation processing (step S3000) as the next jump destination, and the special symbol variation is in progress. If the process has been completed (special symbol game management status: 02H), the special symbol stop displaying process (step S4000) is selected as the next jump destination. In this embodiment, the jump destination address is specified by the “jump table” and the process is selected. However, apart from such a selection method, a “process flag”, a “process selection flag”, or the like is used. There is also a known programming example in which the CPU selects a process to be executed next. In such a programming example, the CPU CALLs each process in a single way, and at the top step, the conditional branch (continuation / return) is performed with reference to the flag one by one. There is no need for the CPU 72 to call each process one by one.

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

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

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

  Step S5000: The variable winning device management process is selected when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the winning mode (a mode other than non-winning) in the previous special symbol stop display process. For example, when a special symbol is stopped and displayed in a 16-round big hit mode, an opportunity to shift from a normal state until then to a big hit gaming state (a special gaming state advantageous to the player) occurs. During the big hit game, the jump destination is set in the variable winning device management process in the previous execution selection process (step S1000), and the special symbol variation display is not performed. In the variable winning device management process, the large winning opening solenoid 90 is excited for a predetermined time (for example, 29 seconds or until nine winnings are counted) for a predetermined number of continuous operations (for example, 7 times, 16 times), As a result, the variable winning device 30 is opened and closed in a predetermined pattern (continuous operation of the special electric accessory). In the meantime, by allowing the variable winning device 30 to win the game balls intensively, the player is given an opportunity to collect a lot of prize balls (special game execution means). Note that the opening / closing operation of the variable winning device 30 at the time of the big win is referred to as “round”, and if the total number of continuous operations is 16 times, these may be collectively referred to as “16 rounds”. The round operation of the variable winning device 30 is that a predetermined opening time (for example, about 29 seconds) elapses in the open state, or a prescribed number of winnings (for example, winning of eight game balls) occurs during the opening. Then, it returns to the closed state and ends. In the present embodiment, not only 16 round big hits but also multiple types of 7 round big hits are provided as the types of big hits. In addition, for the 16 round big hit and the 7 round big hit, a plurality of winning types (winning symbols) are provided therein.

  Further, when the main control CPU 72 sets the large winning opening opening pattern (number of rounds, number of opening / closing operations per round, opening time, etc.) in the variable winning device management process, the main control CPU 72 performs the opening / closing operation of the variable winning device 30 for one round. Each time it is finished, the value of the round number counter is incremented by one. The value of the round number counter is stored in the count area of the RAM 76 with an initial value of 0, for example. Further, the main control CPU 72 generates a round number command representing the value of the round number counter. The round number command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S212 in FIG. 8). When the value of the round number counter reaches the set number of continuous operations, the main control CPU 72 ends the big hit game (big player) only for that round.

  When the big hit game ends, the main control CPU 72 changes the state after the big hit game (high probability state, time reduction state) based on the game state flag (probability variation function operation flag, time reduction function operation flag). In the “high probability state”, the probability variation function is activated, and the winning probability in the internal lottery becomes, for example, about ten times higher than usual (specific game state transition means, high probability state transition means, high probability state setting means). In the “time reduction state”, the time reduction function is activated, and the normal symbol operation lottery has a high probability as described above, the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is shortened, and the opening time of the variable start winning device 28 is extended. As a result, the number of times of opening increases (so-called electric Chu support is performed). Note that the “high probability state” and the “time reduction state” may be transferred to only one of them in terms of control, or may be transferred in accordance with both of them.

[Multiple winning types]
In the present embodiment, for the above-mentioned “16 round jackpot”, for example, (1) “16 round probability variable jackpot” and (2) “16 round normal (non-probability) jackpot” are provided as a plurality of winning types (this) There may be more). In addition to “16 round big hits”, in this embodiment, (3) “7 rounds probable big hits” and (4) “7 round normal (non-probable big hits)” are provided as a plurality of winning types (more than this May be).

  The winning type corresponds to the type of the first special symbol or the second special symbol that is stopped and displayed at the time of winning. For example, “16 round probability variation jackpot” corresponds to the jackpot of “16 round probability variation symbol”, and “16 round normal jackpot” corresponds to the jackpot of “16 round regular symbol”. “7 round probability variation big hit” corresponds to the big hit of “7 round probability variation big deal”, and “7 round normal big hit” corresponds to the big hit of “7 round normal variation big hit”. Therefore, hereinafter, the “winning type” will be appropriately referred to as “winning symbol”.

[16 rounds of normal symbols (usually winning types)]
First, when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the “16 round normal symbol” mode in the special symbol stop display processing described above, an opportunity to shift from the normal state to the big hit gaming state occurs (special game execution). means). In this case, the special winning opening is opened once each over a sufficiently long time (for example, a maximum opening time of 29.0 seconds) from the first round, and this continues until the 16th round. For this reason, the “16-round normal symbol” jackpot game gives 16 rounds of award (prize balls) to the player. Note that when a predetermined number of times (for example, 9 times = 9 game balls) is generated within one round, the special winning opening is closed without waiting for the longest opening time to elapse. In this case, since the “probability changing function” is not activated, the privilege to shift to the “high probability state” is not given to the player. However, even if the “time reduction function” is inactive in the previous game, by operating the “time reduction function” after the end of the big hit game, there is a privilege to shift to the “variable time reduction state”. It is given to the player.

[16 round probability variation (specific winning types)]
Alternatively, when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the “16 round probability variation symbol” mode in the previous special symbol stop display process, an opportunity to shift from the normal state until then to the big hit gaming state occurs (special game executing means) ). In this case, the special winning opening is opened once each over a sufficiently long time (for example, a maximum opening time of 29.0 seconds) from the first round, and this continues until the 16th round. Each of these “16-round probable symbols” jackpot games also gives the player 16 balls (prize balls) for 16 rounds. Further, when a predetermined number of times (for example, 9 times = 9 game balls) is generated within one round, the big winning opening is closed without waiting for the longest opening time to elapse. Then, for example, by operating the “probability changing function” after the big hit game is finished, a privilege to shift to the “high probability state” is given to the player as a result. Also, in this case, even if the “time reduction function” is inactive in the previous game, by operating the “time reduction function” after the big hit game is finished, the “variable time reduction state” is also achieved. A privilege to be transferred is given to the player.

[7 round normal design]
In the above special symbol stop display process, when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the form of “7 round normal symbol”, an opportunity to shift from the normal state until then to the big hit gaming state occurs (special game executing means). . In this case, the winning opening is opened once for a sufficiently long time from the first round (for example, a maximum opening time of 29.0 seconds), and this continues until the seventh round. For this reason, in the “7 round normal symbol” jackpot game, 7 rounds of winning balls (prize balls) are given to the player. Note that when a predetermined number of times (for example, 9 times = 9 game balls) is generated within one round, the special winning opening is closed without waiting for the longest opening time to elapse. In this case, since the “probability changing function” is not activated, the privilege to shift to the “high probability state” is not given to the player. In addition, regarding the “seven round normal symbol”, even after the end of the big hit game, the “time reduction function” is not activated, and the privilege to shift to the “variable time reduction state” is not given to the player.

[7 rounds probable design]
Alternatively, when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the form of “7 round probability variation symbol” in the previous special symbol stop display processing, an opportunity to shift from the normal state until then to the big hit gaming state occurs (special game executing means) ). In this case, the winning opening is opened once for a sufficiently long time from the first round (for example, a maximum opening time of 29.0 seconds), and this continues until the seventh round. Each of these “7-round probable symbols” jackpot games also gives the player 7 balls (prize balls) for 7 rounds. Further, when a predetermined number of times (for example, 9 times = 9 game balls) is generated within one round, the big winning opening is closed without waiting for the longest opening time to elapse. Then, for example, by operating the “probability changing function” after the big hit game is finished, a privilege to shift to the “high probability state” is given to the player as a result. In addition, regarding the “7-round probabilistic symbols”, the player may be given a privilege to activate the “time reduction function” after the jackpot game ends and shift to the “variable time reduction state”. There may be a case where the “time reduction function” is not activated later and the transition to the “variable time reduction state” is not made. Details of these distributions will be described later.

  In any case, if the winning symbol falls under either of the above “16-round probability variation symbol” or “7-round probability variation symbol”, the player is given a privilege to shift the internal state to the “high probability state” after the big hit game ends. Is granted. In addition, if the internal lottery is won in the “high probability state” and the winning symbol at that time corresponds to either “16 round probability variation symbol” or “7 round probability variation symbol”, the “high probability state” will be maintained even after the jackpot game ends. Is continued (resumed). On the other hand, if the internal lottery is won in the “high probability state” and falls into either of the above “16 round normal symbol” or “7 round normal symbol”, the internal state will be the normal probability state (low probability state) after the big hit game ends. Return to). Needless to say, if the internal lottery is won in the normal probability state and falls into either “16 round normal symbol” or “7 round normal symbol”, the internal state is maintained in the normal probability state even after the big hit game ends.

[Small hits]
In the present embodiment, small wins are provided as winning types other than non-winning. When winning a small winning game, a small winning game is performed separately from the big winning game, and the variable winning device 30 is opened and closed. That is, if the first special symbol or the second special symbol is stopped and displayed in the small hit state in the previous special symbol stop display processing, the game (variable winning a prize) in the normal probability state or the high probability state. A game in which the device 30 operates) is executed. In such a small win game, the variable winning device 30 opens and closes a predetermined number of times (for example, twice), but hardly wins a big winning opening. In addition, even if the small hit game ends, the “probability change function” does not operate, and the “time reduction function” does not operate, so it goes to the “high probability state” or “time reduction state”. The privilege to be transferred is not granted (it is not a prerequisite for that). Also, even if you win a small hit in the “high probability state”, the “high probability state” will not end after the game of that small hit, and even if you win a small hit in the “time reduction state” The “time reduction state” does not end after the end of the small hit game (except when the upper limit is reached). In the present embodiment, the game specification for setting a small hit is used, but it may be a game specification for not setting a small hit.

[Special symbol change pre-treatment]
FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the special symbol variation pre-processing. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along each procedure.

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

  Step S2500: In this process, the main control CPU 72 generates a demonstration effect command. The demonstration effect command is output to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S212 in FIG. 8). When the demo setting process is executed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol game process. When returning, it returns to the end address as described above (and so on).

  On the other hand, if the value of the working memory number counter of either the first special symbol or the second special symbol is greater than 0 (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S2200.

  Step S2200: The main control CPU 72 executes a special symbol storage area shift process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 preferentially reads out the lottery random numbers (big hit determination random number, big hit symbol random number) stored in the random number storage area of the RAM 76, which corresponds to the second special symbol. At this time, if random numbers are stored in two or more sections, the main control CPU 72 reads and erases (consumes) the random numbers in order from the first section, and then moves (shifts) the remaining random numbers one by one to the previous section. ) The read random number is stored, for example, in another temporary storage area. When the random number corresponding to the second special symbol is not stored, the main control CPU 72 reads the random number corresponding to the first special symbol and stores it in the temporary storage area. Each random number stored in the temporary storage area is used for internal lottery in the next jackpot determination process. As a result, in the present embodiment, the variable display of the second special symbol is preferentially performed over the first special symbol. In addition, the program which reads a random number in the order memorize | stored simply may be sufficient, without providing the priority order according to such special symbols. Further, in this process, the main control CPU 72 subtracts one value of the working memory number counter (the one of the first special symbol or the second special symbol which has been subjected to the random number shift) stored in the RAM 76, and after the subtraction Is set to “Number of working memories at start of change”. Thereby, the display mode of the number stored by the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a or the second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a changes (decreases by 1) in the display output management process (step S210 in FIG. 8). . When the procedure so far is finished, the main control CPU 72 then executes step S2300.

  Step S2300: The main control CPU 72 executes a big hit determination process (internal lottery). In this process, the main control CPU 72 first sets a range of the big hit value and determines whether or not the read random number value is included in this range (lottery execution means). The range of the jackpot value set at this time is different between the normal probability state and the high probability state (when the probability variation function is activated). In the high probability state, the range of the jackpot value is expanded to about 10 times that of the normal probability state. The If the random value read at this time is included in the range of the big hit value, the main control CPU 72 sets the big hit flag (01H), and then proceeds to step S2400.

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

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

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

  Step S2404: The main control CPU 72 executes an off-time stop symbol determination process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sets stop symbol number data at the time of disconnection by the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35. Further, the main control CPU 72 generates a stop symbol command and a lottery result command (at the time of loss) to be transmitted to the effect control device 124. These commands are transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S212 in FIG. 8).

  In this embodiment, since the 7-segment LED is used for the first special symbol display device 34 and the second special symbol display device 35, for example, the display mode of the stop symbol at the time of disconnection is always set to one segment (the central bar). It is possible to fix the stop symbol number data to one value (for example, 64H) by keeping only the “−”) lighting display. In this case, the storage capacity used in the program can be reduced, the processing load on the main control CPU 72 can be reduced, and the processing speed can be improved. Alternatively, when the first special symbol display device 34 and the second special symbol display device 35 are arranged in the form of a plurality of dot LEDs, the display mode of the stop symbol at the time of detachment may be a lighting display of one specific dot LED. .

  Step S2405: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a deviation variation pattern determination process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the fluctuation pattern number at the time of deviation for the special symbol (fluctuation pattern selection means). The variation pattern number is used to distinguish the variation display type (pattern) of the special symbol or to correspond to the variation time required for the variation display. Since the fluctuation time at the time of loss differs depending on whether or not it is the above “time reduction state”, in this process, the main control CPU 72 loads the gaming state flag and the current state is “time reduction state”. Check if it exists. In the “time shortening state”, except for the case where reach variation is basically performed, the variation time at the time of disconnection is set to a shortened time (shortening variation time determination means). Even if the state is not “time shortening state”, the fluctuation time at the time of losing is, for example, the “variable display start operation memory number (for example, 0 to 3 or the total operation) set in step S2200, except when the reach fluctuation is performed. The number may be shortened based on “0-4, 5, 6, 7, etc.”. Note that the symbol stop display time at the time of disconnection is constant (for example, about 0.5 seconds) regardless of the variation pattern. The main control CPU 72 sets the value of the determined variation time (the number of variation seconds at the time of disconnection) in the variation timer, and sets the value of the stop display time at the time of disconnection in the stop symbol display timer.

  In the present embodiment, when the result of the internal lottery is a non-winning result, for example, a “reach effect” is generated and the control is performed so that the “reach effect” is not generated. It is said. The “variation pattern selection table at the time of loss” preliminarily defines variation patterns corresponding to a plurality of types of effects such as “non-reach effect” and “reach effect”. One of the fluctuation patterns is selected from the inside. Reach production includes reach production classified as “normal reach” as described above, reach production classified as “weak super reach” or “strong super reach”, and “story reach”. Various reach effects such as reach effects classified into

[Change pattern determination process at the time of loss]
FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure of the above-described variation pattern determination process at the time of loss. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along the example of a procedure.

  Step S2450: First, the main control CPU 72 sets a reach group selection table for each state and each number of working memories. This content is the same as the above-described acquisition effect determination process (step S60 in FIG. 12). Therefore, the main control CPU 72 sets the reach group selection table corresponding to the current conditions according to the internal state and the number of operating memories.

  Step S2452: Next, the main control CPU 72 loads the reach group determination random number among the various random numbers for variation shifted in the previous special symbol storage area shift process (step S2200 in FIG. 17). The target to be loaded here has the same value as the effect determination process at the time of acquisition (step S62 in FIG. 12).

  Step S2454: Then, the main control CPU 72 executes the first fluctuation pattern determination process. In this process, a variation pattern category lottery (reach type lottery) is performed using the loaded reach group determination random number, and the selected offset is set as a return value. The content of the process here is the same as the above-described acquisition effect determination process (step S64 in FIG. 12), and the detachment reach group selection table (FIG. 13) similar to the above is used for the category lottery. Accordingly, the reach mode selection offset is set to the return value here.

  Step S2456: The main control CPU 72 sets a reach mode selection table using the reach mode selection offset which is the previous return value. The procedure from here is different from the effect determination process at the time of acquisition (FIG. 12). The reach mode selection table set here is used for selection lottery using the reach mode determination random number as an argument in the next stage.

Step S2458: In order to perform the selection lottery, the main control CPU 72 loads a reach mode determination random number.
Step S2460: The main control CPU 72 executes the second variation pattern determination process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 selects a corresponding variable mode offset from the reach mode selection table based on the reach mode determination random number, and sets the result as a return value. The variation mode offset selected here designates the address of the variation pattern selection table used in the final variation pattern determination lottery.

  Step S2462: Therefore, next, the main control CPU 72 sets the variation pattern selection table using the variation mode offset which is a return value. Specifically, the table address indicated by the value of the variation mode offset is designated on the ROM 74 as described above.

Step S2464: When the table address is designated, the main control CPU 72 loads the variation pattern determination random number which is the last random number.
Step S2466: The main control CPU 72 executes the third variation pattern determination process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 selects a corresponding variation pattern number from the variation pattern selection table based on the variation pattern determination random number. The main control CPU 72 sets the selected variation pattern number as a return value. The variation pattern number selected here is the unique variation pattern that is finally performed in the variation (variation mode from the start of the change to the occurrence of the notice, the time from the start of the tempe, the reach mode, the reach variation time, and the final stop display. ), And the total fluctuation time (fluctuation seconds) in the fluctuation is uniquely determined from the fluctuation pattern number.

  Step S2468: Finally, the main control CPU 72 generates a variation pattern command from the variation pattern number selected as the return value. The generated variation pattern command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S212 in FIG. 8). Then, the effect control device 124 can grasp the change pattern information of the change from the received change pattern command or select the change effect pattern.

[Configuration example of variation pattern selection table]
FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a variation pattern selection table. Note that (A) to (K) in FIG. 19 show the tables specified by the variable mode offset values “00” to “10” separately for each address. In each table, the range of the variation pattern determination random number is shown in the left column, and the variation pattern number corresponding to the right column is shown.

  For example, when the main control CPU 72 has set the variation mode offset “00” as the return value, in the third variation pattern determination process, the main control CPU 72 designates the table address shown in FIG. In this case, the main control CPU 72 selects “special 0” as the variation pattern number regardless of the variation pattern determination random number between 0 and 250.

  If the main control CPU 72 has set the fluctuation mode offset “01” as a return value, the main control CPU 72 designates the table address shown in FIG. 19B in the third fluctuation pattern determination process. In this case, the main control CPU 72 selects “special 1” as the variation pattern number regardless of the variation pattern determination random number between 0 and 250.

  Next, when the main control CPU 72 has set the fluctuation mode offset “02” as a return value, the main control CPU 72 designates the table address shown in FIG. At this time, if the variation pattern determination random number is within the range of 0 to 200, the main control CPU 72 selects “special 2” as the variation pattern number, but the variation pattern determination random number is 201 or more (within 250). If there is, the main control CPU 72 selects “Special 4” as the variation pattern number.

  In the same manner, the main control CPU 72 sets the return values for the variable mode offsets “03”, “04”, “05”, “06”, “07”, “08”, “09”, “10”, respectively. The table addresses shown in (D), (E), (F), (G), (H), (I), (J), and (K) in FIG. The main control CPU 72 can select a variation pattern number corresponding to the value of the variation pattern determination random number in each table.

  When the procedure of the variation pattern determination process at the time of disconnection (FIG. 18) is completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol fluctuation pre-process (FIG. 17). After returning, the main control CPU 72 proceeds to a special symbol fluctuation pre-process (step S2415 in FIG. 17).

[Refer to Fig. 17: Special symbol change pre-processing]
Here, step S2404 and step S2405, which are executed before the special symbol variation pre-processing (step S2415), are control procedures when the big hit determination result is out of place (in the case of non-winning), but the determination result is a big hit (step In the case of S2400: Yes) or small hit (step S2402: Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes the following procedure. First, the case of jackpot will be described.

  Step S2410: The main control CPU 72 executes a big hit stop symbol determination process (winning type determining means, first symbol winning type determining means, second symbol winning type determining means). In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the type of the winning symbol (stop symbol number at the time of jackpot) for each special symbol (first special symbol or second special symbol) based on the jackpot symbol random number. The relationship between the jackpot symbol random number and the type of winning symbol is defined in advance in the special symbol determination data table (winning type defining unit, first symbol winning type defining unit, second symbol winning type defining unit). For this reason, the main control CPU 72 can determine the type of winning symbol based on the big hit symbol random number from the stored contents by referring to the big hit symbol stop selection table in the big hit symbol stop determination process.

[Winning pattern at the time of big hit]
In this embodiment, there are roughly 10 types of winning symbols that are selectively determined at the time of a big hit. The 10 types are: “7 Round Normal Symbol 1”, “7 Round Normal Symbol 2”, “7 Round Normal Symbol 3”, “16 Round Normal Symbol 1”, “16 Round Normal Symbol 2”, “16 Round Normal” Symbol 3 ”,“ 16 round probability variation symbol 1 ”,“ 16 round probability variation symbol 2 ”,“ 7 round probability variation symbol 1 ”, and“ 7 round probability variation symbol 2 ”. Each of the 10 types of winning symbols may further include a plurality of winning symbols. For example, “7 round normal symbol 1”, “7 round normal symbol 1a”, “7 round normal symbol 1b”, “7 round normal symbol 1c”, and so on.

  In the present embodiment, the first special symbol and the second special symbol are different in the type of winning symbol selected at the time of the big winning of the internal lottery corresponding to each. That is, at the time of the big winning of the internal lottery corresponding to the first special symbol, any one of “7 round normal symbols 1 to 3”, “16 round probability variation symbol 1”, and “7 round probability variation symbols 1 and 2” is selected.

  On the other hand, at the time of the big winning of the internal lottery corresponding to the second special symbol, any one of “16 round normal symbols 1 to 3” and “16 round probability variation symbols 1 and 2” is selected. For this reason, the main control CPU 72 distinguishes the objects that can be selected as the winning symbol depending on whether the result of the big hit this time corresponds to the first special symbol or the second special symbol.

[First Special Symbol Big Stop Stop Symbol Selection Table]
FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a configuration column of the first special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table. When the result of the big jackpot corresponds to the first special symbol, the main control CPU 72 determines the winning symbol type with reference to the first special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table shown in FIG.

  In the first special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table, the left column shows the distribution value by winning symbol, and each distribution value “6”, “7”, “8”, “4”, “ 48 "and" 27 "correspond to the ratio when the denominator is 100. In the second column from the left, “7 round normal symbol 1”, “7 round normal symbol 2”, “7 round normal symbol 3”, “16 round probability variable symbol 1”, “ 7 round probability variation design 1 "," 7 round probability variation design 2 "are shown. That is, at the big hit corresponding to the first special symbol, the ratio of “7 round normal symbol 1” selected is 6/100 (= 6%), and the ratio of “7 round normal symbol 2” selected is It is 7/100 (= 7%). In addition, the ratio that “7 round normal symbol 3” is selected is 8/100 (= 8%), and the proportion that “16 round probability variation 1” is selected is 4/100 (= 4%). is there. In addition, the ratio that “7 round probability variation 1” is selected is 48/100 (= 48%), and the rate that “7 round probability variation 2” is selected is 27/100 (= 27%). is there. The size of each distribution value corresponds to the selection ratio for each winning symbol using a jackpot symbol random number. Therefore, the selection ratio of probability variation symbols for the first special symbol as a whole is 79%.

  In any case, if the current jackpot result corresponds to the first special symbol, the main control CPU 72 performs a selection lottery based on the jackpot symbol random number, and the selection ratio shown in the first special symbol jackpot stop symbol selection table To select the winning symbol selectively. Further, in the first special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table, for example, 2-byte command data is defined as a stop symbol command at the time of winning as shown in the third column from the left. The stop symbol command is described by, for example, a combination of MODE value-EVENT value, and among these, the MODE value “B1H” of the upper byte is selected when the winning symbol of this time is the big hit of the first special symbol. Represents. In addition, the EVENT values “00H”, “01H”, “02H”, “06H”, “08H”, and “09H” in the lower byte represent the types of winning symbols corresponding to each other in the selection table. Therefore, for example, if the result of the big hit this time corresponds to the first special symbol and “7 round normal symbol 1” is selected as the winning symbol, the stop symbol command at the time of winning is described as “B1H00H” Will be.

  As described above, when the selected symbol is selected from the first special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table, the main control CPU 72 generates a stop symbol command at that time. The generated stop symbol command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process described above, for example. Further, the main control CPU 72 determines a big hit stop symbol number for the first special symbol based on the selected winning symbol.

[Time reduction]
In the fourth column (right column) from the left of the first special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table, the value of the number of short times (limit number) given after the big hit game is ended is shown. Specific values for the number of time reductions are as follows.

In the case of “7 round normal symbol 1”, the time reduction is given 0 times. It should be noted that that the number of time reductions is given 0 means a state that is substantially the same as the state where the time reductions are not given.
In the case of “7 round normal symbol 2”, the number of time reductions is given 0 times.
In the case of “7 round normal symbol 3”, the number of time reductions is given 0 times.
As for “7 round normal symbols 1 to 3”, if the winning time is in the time shortening state, 30 times, 50 times, and 100 times may be given.

In the case of “16 round probability variation 1”, the number of time reductions is given 10,000 times.
In the case of “7 round probability variation 1”, the number of time reductions is given 10,000 times.
In the case of “7 round probability variation 2”, the number of time reductions is given 0 times. Therefore, when winning in “7-round probability variation 2”, the transition is made to the high probability state, but the transition to the time reduction state is not made, so the transition to the so-called latent probability variation state is made.

[2nd special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table]
FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a configuration column of the second special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table. When the result of the big jackpot corresponds to the second special symbol, the main control CPU 72 determines the winning symbol type with reference to the second special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table shown in FIG.

  In the second special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table, the left column also shows the distribution value by winning symbol, and each distribution value is “6”, “7”, “8”, “4”. , “75” corresponds to the ratio when the denominator is 100. Similarly, in the second column from the left, “16 round normal symbol 1”, “16 round normal symbol 2”, “16 round normal symbol 3”, “16 round probability variation 1” corresponding to each distribution value, “16-round probability variation 2” is shown. That is, at the big hit corresponding to the second special symbol, the ratio of selecting “16 round normal symbol 1” is 6/100 (= 6%), and “16 round normal symbol 2” is selected. The ratio is 7/100 (= 7%). In addition, the ratio that “16 round normal symbol 3” is selected is 8/100 (= 8%), and the proportion that “16 round probability variation 1” is selected is 4/100 (= 4%). is there. Further, the ratio of selecting “16 round probability variation 2” is 75/100 (= 75%). Therefore, also for the second special symbol, the selection ratio of the probability variation symbol as a whole is 79%. However, in the second special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table, distribution values for “7 round normal symbols 1 to 3” and “7 round probability variation symbols 1 and 2” are not set.

  When the result of this big hit corresponds to the second special symbol, the main control CPU 72 performs a selection lottery based on the big hit symbol random number, and selects the winning symbol with the selection ratio shown in the second special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table To decide. Similarly, in the second special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table, for example, 2-byte command data is defined as the stop symbol command at the time of winning as shown in the third column from the left. Again, the stop symbol command is described by the combination of the above MODE value-EVENT value. Among these, the MODE value “B2H” of the upper byte is the one selected when the winning symbol of the second special symbol is the current winning symbol. It represents that. Further, the EVENT values “03H”, “04H”, “05H”, “06H”, and “07H” in the lower byte represent the types of winning symbols corresponding in the selection table. Therefore, for example, if the result of the big hit this time corresponds to the second special symbol, and “16 round normal symbol 1” is selected as the winning symbol, the stop symbol command is described as “B2H03H”. Become.

  As described above, when the selected symbol is selected from the second special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table, the main control CPU 72 generates a stop symbol command at that time. The generated stop symbol command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process described above, for example. Further, the main control CPU 72 determines a big hit stop symbol number for the second special symbol based on the selected winning symbol.

[Time reduction]
The fourth column from the left (right column) of the second special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table shows the value of the number of short hours given after the big hit game ends. Specific values for the number of time reductions are as follows.
In the case of “16 round normal symbol 1”, the number of time reductions is given 30 times.
In the case of “16 round normal symbol 2”, the number of time reductions is given 50 times.
In the case of “16 round normal symbol 3”, the number of time reductions is given 100 times.
In the case of “16 round probability variation 1”, the number of time reductions is given 10,000 times.
In the case of “16 round probability variation 2”, the number of time reductions is given 10,000 times.

  Note that the selected winning symbols are different between the first special symbol and the second special symbol as described above, for example, for the following reason. That is, when shifting to the “high probability state” or “time shortening state”, the variable start winning device 28 operates more frequently than in the normal time (when the time shortening function is not activated), so the second special symbol The working memory of is difficult to break. In this embodiment, since the memory for the second special symbol is prioritized over the first special symbol, the winning type for the second special symbol is “7 round normal big hit” or “7 round probability big hit”. If “” is excluded, it becomes difficult to draw “7 round normal big hit” or “7 round probable big hit” especially in the “high probability state” and “time shortened state”, so the player's profit can be increased accordingly. There is an advantage.

[Refer to Fig. 17: Special symbol change pre-processing]
Step S2412: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a big hit hour variation pattern determination process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the variation pattern (variation time and stop display time) of the first special symbol or the second special symbol based on the variation pattern determination random number shifted in the previous step S2200. The main control CPU 72 sets the value of the determined fluctuation time (fluctuation seconds at the time of big hit) in the fluctuation timer, and sets the value of the stop display time in the stop symbol display timer. In general, in the case of big hit reach fluctuation, a fluctuation time longer than that at the time of loss is determined.

  In the present embodiment, when the result of the internal lottery corresponds to 16 round big hit (16 round normal big hit or 16 round positive hit big hit) or 7 round big hit (7 round normal big hit or 7 round positive hit big hit), It is assumed that control is performed to generate a “effect” and make a big hit. The “big hit winning variation pattern selection table” defines a variation pattern corresponding to multiple types of “reach production”, and when it hits 16 round big hit or 7 round big hit, one of them is selected. Will be selected. The reach production includes various reach production such as normal reach production, weak super reach production, strong super reach production, story reach production, etc. (There may be other reach productions). When winning in a high probability state in which the time shortening function is activated, a variation pattern having a short variation time (a variation pattern not performing reach production) is selected without selecting a variation pattern having a long variation time. You may do it. In this case, it is necessary to prepare a selection table for each internal state or special symbol. The same applies to the variation pattern selection table at the time of loss.

  Step S2414: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a big hit other setting process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines whether the winning symbol type (hit stop symbol number) determined in the previous step S2410 is “7 round probability variation symbol 1, 2” or “16 round probability variation symbol 1, 2”. In some cases, the value (01H) of the probability variation function operation flag is set as a gaming state flag in the flag area of the RAM 76 (high probability state transition means, probability variation function operation means). The main control CPU 72 determines the probability as the gaming state flag when the type of winning symbol determined in the previous step S2410 is any one of “7 round normal symbols 1 to 3” and “16 round normal symbols 1 to 3”. The value of the variable function operation flag is reset (low probability state setting means, low probability state transition means).

  Further, the main control CPU 72 determines that the winning symbol type (stop symbol number at the time of big hit) determined in the previous step S2410 is “16 round probability variation symbol 1, 2,” “7 round probability variation symbol 1,” “16 round normal symbol 1 to In the case of “3”, the main control CPU 72 sets the value (01H) of the time shortening function operation flag as a game state flag in the flag area of the RAM 76 (time shortening state transition means, time shortening function operation means).

  In the process of step S2414, the main control CPU 72 determines the display mode of the stop symbol (big hit symbol) by the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35 based on the big hit time stop symbol number. At the same time, the main control CPU 72 generates a lottery result command (at the time of the big hit) together with the stop symbol command (at the time of the big hit). The stop symbol command and the lottery result command are also transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process.

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

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

  Step S2408: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a small hit hour variation pattern determination process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the variation pattern (variation time and stop display time) of the first special symbol or the second special symbol based on the variation pattern determination random number shifted in the previous step S2200 (variation pattern selection means). ). Further, the main control CPU 72 sets the value of the determined variation time (the number of variation seconds at the small hit) in the variation timer, and sets the value of the stop display time in the stop symbol display timer. In the present embodiment, the reach variation pattern can be selected in the case of a small hit, or a variation pattern equivalent to that in the normal variation can be selected.

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

  Step S2415: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes special symbol variation start processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 selects the fluctuation pattern data based on the fluctuation pattern number (out of time / hit). At the same time, the main control CPU 72 sets a special symbol variation start flag in the flag area of the RAM 76. Then, the main control CPU 72 generates a change start command to be transmitted to the effect control device 124. This variation start command is also transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process. When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 sets the special symbol changing process (step S3000) as the next jump destination and returns to the special symbol game process.

[Fig. 16: Special symbol change processing, special symbol stop display processing]
In the special symbol fluctuation processing, the main control CPU 72 loads the value of the fluctuation timer from the register to the timer counter as described above, and then the timer according to the passage of time (clock pulse count number or interrupt counter value). Decrement the counter value. The main control CPU 72 controls the special symbol variation display as described above until the value becomes 0 while referring to the value of the timer counter. When the value of the timer counter becomes 0, the main control CPU 72 sets the special symbol stop display in-progress process (step S4000) as the next jump destination.

  In the special symbol stop display process, the main control CPU 72 controls the special symbol stop display based on the stop symbol determined in the stop symbol determination process (steps S2404, S2407, and S2410 in FIG. 17). The main control CPU 72 generates a symbol stop command to be transmitted to the effect control device 124. The symbol stop command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process. When the stop symbol is displayed for a predetermined time in the special symbol stop display process, the main control CPU 72 deletes the symbol changing flag.

[Special symbol memory area shift processing]
FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the special symbol storage area shift process. When the value of the operation memory counter corresponding to the first special symbol or the second special symbol is larger than “0” in the previous special symbol fluctuation pre-processing (step S2100: Yes in FIG. 17), the main control CPU 72 Executes this special symbol storage area shift process. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along each procedure.

  Step S2210: The main control CPU 72 refers to the random number storage area and checks whether or not the value of the working memory counter corresponding to the second special symbol that is preferentially consumed is “0”. At this time, if the value of the operation memory counter corresponding to the second special symbol is “1” or more (No), the main control CPU 72 then proceeds to step S2212.

  Step S2212: The main control CPU 72 designates the second special symbol as the target special symbol (special symbol to be changed). This designation is performed, for example, by setting “02H” as the target symbol designation value.

  Step S2214: On the other hand, when the value of the working memory counter corresponding to the second special symbol is “0” (step S2210: Yes), the main control CPU 72 uses the first special symbol as a special symbol to be shifted in the storage area. Is specified. The designation in this case is performed, for example, by setting “01H” as the target symbol designation value.

  Step S2216: The main control CPU 72 shifts the random number storage area of the RAM 76 for the target special symbol designated in either step S2212 or step S2214. The details of the specific processing are as already described in the previous special symbol change pre-processing.

  Step S2218: Further, the main control CPU 72 subtracts the value of the operation memory counter for the target special symbol designated in either step S2212 or step S2214. For example, if the current target special symbol is the second special symbol, the main control CPU 72 subtracts (-1) the value of the working memory counter corresponding to the second special symbol.

  Step S2220: Then, the main control CPU 72 sets “the number of operation memories at the start of fluctuation” from the value of the operation memory counter after the subtraction. Here, for both the first special symbol and the second special symbol, the value of the operation memory counter may be added and the “number of operation memories at the start of change” may be set. The “number of working memories at the start of change (total number of memories)” set here is, for example, after this, according to the state and the number of working memories as described above in the fluctuation pattern determination process at the time of deviation (step S2450 in FIG. 18). This can be referred to when setting the reach-reach group selection table.

Step S2222: The main control CPU 72 also checks whether or not the special symbol to be shifted in the current storage area is the second special symbol.
Step S2224: When the target is the second special symbol (step S2222: Yes), the main control CPU 72 sets the working command when the number of working memories is reduced for the second special symbol. The effect command set here is also generated as a one-word-length command, but its structure is in contrast to the above-described “effect command when increasing the number of working memories”. That is, the production command at the time when the number of working memories decreases is lower than the preceding value (for example, “BBH”) indicating the command type, and the value of the lower bytes (for example, “00H” to “03H” indicating the number of operating memories after the decrease. )) And an additional value (for example, “10H”) meaning “decrease in the number of working memories accompanying consumption” is further added (logical sum) to the lower byte value. Therefore, for the lower byte, the second value becomes “1” by ORing the added value “10H”, and this value represents “the result (change information) due to the decrease in the number of working memories”. It will be a thing. In other words, if the lower byte of the command is “13H”, it means that the number of working memories up to the previous time “4” (command notation is “14H”) is reduced by one, so that the number of working memories this time is “3” (command The notation is “13H”). Similarly, if the lower byte is “12H” to “10H”, it means that the number of working memories “3” to “1” up to the previous time (command notation is “13H” to “11H”) is decreased by one respectively. This indicates that the current operation memory number is “2” to “0” (command notation is “12H” to “10H”). The preceding value “BBH” is a value indicating that the current effect command is the working memory number command for the second special symbol.

  Step S2226: If the current target is the first special symbol (Step S2222: No), the main control CPU 72 sets an effect command for reducing the number of working memories regarding the first special symbol. The command in this case is the same as the above except that the preceding value is a value (for example, “BAH”) indicating that it is a working memory number command for the first special symbol.

Step S2228: Then, the main control CPU 72 executes an effect command output process. This process is for transmitting the production command for reducing the number of working memories set in the previous step S2224 or step S2226 to the production control device 124 (memory number notification means).
When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol variation pre-processing (FIG. 17).

[Special symbol stop display processing]
Next, FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the special symbol stop display process. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along each procedure.

  Step S4100: The main control CPU 72 subtracts the value of the stop symbol display timer (decrements by the interrupt period).

  Step S4200: The main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the stop display time has ended based on the value of the stop symbol display timer subtracted this time. Specifically, if the value of the stop symbol display timer is not 0 or less, the main control CPU 72 determines that the stop display time has not yet ended (No). In this case, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol game process, and jumps from the execution selection process (step S1000 in FIG. 16) and repeatedly executes the special symbol stop display process in the next interrupt cycle.

  On the other hand, if the value of the stop symbol display timer is 0 or less, the main control CPU 72 determines that the stop display time has ended (Yes). In this case, the main control CPU 72 next executes step S4250.

  Step S4250: The main control CPU 72 generates a symbol stop command. The symbol stop command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process. Further, the main control CPU 72 deletes the symbol changing flag here.

  Step S4300: Here, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the value of the big hit flag (01H) is set. When the value of the big hit flag (01H) is set (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S4350.

[When winning]
Step S4350: The main control CPU 72 sets the jump destination of the jump table to “variable winning device management process”.
Step S4355: Further, the main control CPU 72 resets the flag at the time of cut-off function operation. Thereby, when at least one of the variation time shortening function or the probability variation function is activated before the big hit game is started, the function is deactivated.
Step S4400: The main control CPU 72 sets “start of big role (during big hit game)” as an internal state flag for control. The main control CPU 72 sets the value of the continuous operation count status according to the type of the big hit symbol. For example, if the type of jackpot symbol is “16 round normal symbol” or “16 round probability variation symbol”, a value corresponding to “16 round” is set in the continuous operation count status. In the case of “7 round normal symbol” or “7 round probability variation symbol”, a value representing “7 round” is set in the continuous operation count status. At the same time, the main control CPU 72 generates a status command representing a big hit. The state command representing the big hit is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process.

  Step S4500: The main control CPU 72 generates a continuous operation number command. The continuous operation number command can be generated based on the type of jackpot symbol (stop symbol number) determined in the previous jackpot stop symbol determination process (step S2410 in FIG. 17). For example, if the type of jackpot symbol is any “16 round probability variation symbol”, the continuous operation number command is generated as a value (maximum number of times) representing “16 rounds”. Further, in the case of “7 round probability variation symbol”, the continuous operation number command is generated as a value representing “7 rounds”. The generated continuous operation number command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process.

  When the above procedure is completed at the time of the big hit, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol game process.

[When not winning]
On the other hand, the following procedure is executed in cases other than the big hit.
That is, if the main control CPU 72 determines in step S4300 that the value of the big hit flag (01H) is not set (No), it next executes step S4600.

  Step S4600: The main control CPU 72 next checks whether or not the value of the small hit flag (01H) is set. If the value of the small hit flag (01H) is not set and is simply a deviation (No), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S4602.

  Step S4602: The main control CPU 72 sets the special symbol variation pre-processing address as the jump destination address of the jump table.

  Step S4605: On the other hand, if the value (01H) of the small hit flag is set (step S4600: Yes), the main control CPU 72 sets the address of the variable winning device management process as the jump destination address of the jump table.

  Step S4606: Then, the main control CPU 72 sets “small hit start (medium hit)” as an internal state flag for control. At the same time, the main control CPU 72 generates a status command indicating that a small hit is being made. The state command representing the small hit is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process.

  Step 4610: Next, the main control CPU 72 loads the value of the count-down counter. In the “counting counter”, the counter values are set in the probability variation count area and the time reduction count area of the RAM 76 in the “high probability state” and the “time reduction state”. In this case, “number of times cut” is used, but the value of the number of times counter in the “high probability state” can be set to an extremely large value (for example, 10,000 times or more). By setting such an enormous value, it is possible to probabilistically guarantee that the “high probability state” will continue until the next winning is substantially obtained. In addition, when there is only a single “time shortening state” instead of the “high probability state”, the number cut counter is set to a standard numerical value (for example, 30 times, 50 times, 100 times, etc.).

  Step S4620: The main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the loaded counter value is zero. At this time, if the count cut counter value is already 0 (Yes), the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol game process. On the other hand, when the count cut counter value is not 0 (No), after generating the count cut counter value command, the main control CPU 72 next executes step S4630.

Step S4630: The main control CPU 72 decrements (subtracts 1) the count-down counter value.
Step S4640: Then, the main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the subtraction result is not zero. As a result of the subtraction, when the value of the number cut counter is not 0 (Yes), the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol game process. On the other hand, if the value of the number cut counter becomes 0 (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S4650.

  Step S4650: Here, the main control CPU 72 resets a flag at the time of turning off the number of times function. The probability variable function operation flag or the time shortening function operation flag is reset, but since the value of the count counter is not zero in the “high probability state” as described above, it is practical. It is the time reduction function activation flag that is reset above. As a result, the time reduction state ends after the special symbol stop display. When the above procedure is completed, the process returns to the special symbol game process.

[Display output management processing]
Next, FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing a configuration example of the display output management process (step S210 in FIG. 8) executed in the interrupt management process. The display output management process includes a special symbol display setting process (step S1200), a normal symbol display setting process (step S1210), a state display setting process (step S1220), an operation memory display setting process (step S1230), and a continuous operation number display setting. This is a configuration including a subroutine group of processing (step S1240).

  Among these, the special symbol display setting process (step S1200), the normal symbol display setting process (step S1210), and the operation memory display setting process (step S1230) are the first special symbol display device 34, the second, as already described. Generates drive signals to be applied to the LEDs of the special symbol display device 35, the normal symbol display device 33, the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, and the second special symbol operation memory number display lamp 35a. And output processing.

  The state display setting process (step S1220) and the continuous operation number display setting process (step S1240) are processes for generating and outputting a drive signal to be applied to each LED of the gaming state display device 38. First, in the state display setting process, the main control CPU 72 controls the lighting of the probability variation state display lamp 38c and the time reduction state display lamp 38d, respectively, according to the value of the probability variation function activation flag or the time reduction function activation flag. For example, if the value (01H) is set in the probability variation function operation flag when the pachinko machine 1 is turned on, the main control CPU 72 outputs a lighting signal to the LED corresponding to the probability variation state display lamp 38c. The probability variation state display lamp 38c continues to be lit until the big hit game related to the special symbol is started, or until the probability variation function is turned off (inactivated) after the special symbol variation display is performed a specified number of times. Thereafter, it is switched to non-display (turned off). On the other hand, if the value (01H) is set in the time reduction function operation flag, the main control CPU 72 turns on the lighting signal for the LED corresponding to the time reduction state display lamp 38d regardless of whether or not the power is turned on. Is output.

  The main control CPU 72 controls lighting of the big hit type display lamps 38a and 38b in the continuous operation number display setting process. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 outputs a lighting signal for one of the jackpot type display lamps 38a and 38b based on the value of the continuous operation number status represented by the type of winning symbol (by number of rounds) this time. . At this time, one of the display lamps 38a and 38b designated by the value of the continuous operation number status represented by the winning symbol is the target of outputting the lighting signal. For example, if the value of the continuous operation count status designates “16 rounds”, the main control CPU 72 outputs a lighting signal to the lamp 38b representing “16 rounds (16R)”. If the value of the continuous operation count status specifies “7 rounds”, the main control CPU 72 outputs a lighting signal to the lamp 38 a representing “7 rounds (7R)”.

[Variable winning device management process]
Next, details of the variable winning device management process will be described. FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating a configuration example of the variable winning device management process. The variable winning device management process includes a gaming process selection process (step S5100), a special winning opening opening pattern setting process (step S5200), a special winning opening / closing operation process (step S5300), a special winning opening closing process (step S5400), and an end. This is a configuration including a subroutine group of processing (step S5500).

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

[Big prize opening pattern setting process]
FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the special winning opening opening pattern setting process. This process is for setting conditions such as the number of times that the variable winning device 30 is opened and closed and the time for each opening at the time of big hit or small hit. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along each procedure.

  Step S5202: The main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the current gaming state is a big game, that is, whether or not the big hit flag value (01H) is set in the flag area of the RAM 76. If the value of the big hit flag is set (Yes), the main control CPU 72 then proceeds to step S5204. On the other hand, if the value of the big hit flag is not set (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S5212. Note that this procedure may be rewritten to refer to the value of the small hit flag (however, the logic of Yes / No is reversed).

[Procedure for jackpot]
First, the procedure for the big hit is as follows.
Step S5204: The main control CPU 72 executes a design-specific release pattern setting process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the opening pattern of the big prize opening (the number of times of opening and the time of each opening), the closing time, the interval time between rounds, and the count during one round according to the current winning symbol. Set the number (maximum number of winnings). The opening pattern for each winning symbol is the same as described in the item “plural winning types” in the special symbol game process (FIG. 16). The total of the interval time between the closing time and the round is set to about several seconds (for example, 2 seconds to 2.5 seconds) for “7 round symbols” and “16 round symbols”, for example. Note that the number of counts in one round (maximum number of winnings) is, for example, 9 for all winning symbols, but winnings rarely occur during an extremely short opening (about 0.1 seconds) ( Not impossible but extremely difficult).

  Step S5206: The main control CPU 72 sets the number of execution rounds in the current jackpot game based on the jackpot winning symbol selected in the previous jackpot stop symbol determination process (step S2410 in FIG. 17). Specifically, if the large category “16 round symbol” is selected as the winning symbol, the main control CPU 72 sets the number of execution rounds to 16 times. If “7 round symbol” is selected as the winning symbol, the main control CPU 72 sets the number of execution rounds to seven. The number of execution rounds set here is stored in the buffer area of the RAM 76, for example, as a corresponding value on the program (“6” for 7 times, “15” for 16 times).

  Step S5208: Next, the main control CPU 72 sets a big hit opening timer based on the big winning opening opening pattern set in the previous step S5204. The timer value set here is the opening time per operation when the variable winning device 30 is operated. If a value of about 29.0 seconds is set as the value of the big hit release timer, the release time is a sufficient time (for example, a launch control board) that the big winning opening is easily generated during one release. The set 174 is a time during which 10 or more game balls are fired, preferably 6 seconds or more. On the other hand, if the value of the big hit release timer is set to 0.1 seconds, the release time is short (becomes difficult) even if it is not possible to win a big prize opening during one opening. This is a time (for example, a time shorter than 1 second, preferably a time shorter than a game ball firing interval by the firing control board set 174).

  Step S5210: Then, the main control CPU 72 sets a big hit interval timer based on the big winning opening opening pattern set in the previous step S5204. The timer value set here is the waiting time between rounds of big hits.

  Step S5220: When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination to the big winning opening / closing operation processing, and returns to the variable winning device management processing.

[Procedure for small hits]
Step S5212: On the other hand, in the case of a small hit (step S5202: No), the main control CPU 72 sets a “small hit opening pattern”. In the case of the present embodiment, for the “small hit opening pattern”, for example, an opening pattern of “0.1 second opening” is set for the first time and the second time. Since “small hit” has no concept of “round”, “open pattern” is also expressed as “first open” and “second open”.

  Step S5214: The main control CPU 72 sets the number of times that the special winning opening is opened based on the large winning opening opening pattern set in the previous step S5212, for example, two times. The number of releases set here is stored in a buffer area of the RAM 76, for example.

  Step S5216: Next, the main control CPU 72 sets a small hitting release timer. The timer value set here is the opening time per operation when the variable winning device 30 is operated. In the present embodiment, as described above, 0.1 seconds is set as the value of the small hitting release timer, and during such an opening time, there is hardly any winning in the big winning opening during one opening. It becomes a short time (becomes difficult) (for example, a time shorter than 1 second, preferably a time shorter than the interval between game balls fired by the launching device unit).

  Step S5218: The main control CPU 72 sets a small hitting interval timer. The timer value set here is a waiting time for each time when the variable winning device 30 is opened and closed a plurality of times at the time of a small hit, and this timer value is set to about 2 seconds, for example.

  Step S5220: When the above procedure is completed at the time of the small hit, the main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination to the large winning opening / closing operation processing, and returns to the variable winning device management processing. Then, the main control CPU 72 executes a special winning opening / closing operation process.

[Big prize opening / closing operation processing]
FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the special winning opening / closing operation process. This process is mainly for controlling the opening / closing operation of the variable winning device 30. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along a procedure.

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

  Step S5304: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes an open timer countdown process. In this process, the countdown of the release timer set in the previous winning opening opening pattern setting process (step S5208 or step S5216 in FIG. 26) is executed.

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

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

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

  If it is determined in step S5306 that the opening time has expired (Yes), or if it is confirmed in step S5310 that the count has reached a predetermined number (No), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S5312. Note that the release at the time of the small hit is that the value of the release timer is set to a short time, and therefore, the main control CPU 72 normally confirms that the count number has reached the predetermined number in step S5310 before step S5306. In most cases, it is determined that the opening time has ended.

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

  Step S5314: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes interval standby processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 executes a countdown of the interval timer set in the above-described special winning opening opening pattern setting process (step S5210 or step S5218 in FIG. 26). When the value of the interval timer becomes 0 or less, the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S5316.

  Step S5316: The main control CPU 72 checks whether or not it is in a big role (during big hit game). If the current game is a big game (Yes), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S5318. On the other hand, if the current game is a small hit (No), the main control CPU 72 then proceeds to step S5322.

  Step S5318: The main control CPU 72 increments the value of the opening number counter. Note that the value of the number-of-releases counter is stored in the count area of the RAM 76 with an initial value of 0, for example.

  Step S5320: The main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the value of the incremented number-of-releases counter has reached the number set within the current round. Here, the reason why the “number of times set in the current round” is determined is to deal with an opening pattern of “opening the variable winning device 30 multiple times within one round of big hit”, for example. . In the present embodiment, since such an open pattern is not particularly employed, the “number of times set in the current round” is set once for each round. Therefore, since the counter value reaches the set number of times in one opening / closing operation (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next proceeds to step S5322.

  If a pattern in which a plurality of opening / closing operations are repeated in one round as described above is employed, the counter value has not yet reached the set number of times at the end of one opening (No). In this case, when the main control CPU 72 returns to the variable winning device management process, the jump destination is set to the big winning opening / closing operation process at the present stage, and thus the procedure from step S5302 to step S5320 is repeatedly executed. As a result, the increment of the number-of-releases counter proceeds in step S5318, and when the counter value reaches the set number of times (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S5322.

  Step S5322: The main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination to the big winning opening closing process, and returns to the variable winning device management process. Then, when the variable winning device management process is executed next, the main control CPU 72 executes a special winning opening closing process.

[Large prize closing process]
FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for a special winning opening closing process. This special winning opening closing process is for continuing the operation of the variable winning device 30 or terminating the operation. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along a procedure.

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

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

  Step S5404: The main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the incremented round number counter value has reached the set number of execution rounds. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 refers to the value (1 to 16) of the round number counter after increment, and if the value is less than the set number of execution rounds (1 to 16 after 1 subtraction) (No) Next, step S5405 is executed.

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

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

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

  When the main control CPU 72 next executes the variable winning device management process, the main control CPU 72 executes a big prize opening opening / closing operation process which is the next jump destination in the game process selection process (step S5100 in FIG. 25). Then, after execution of the special prize opening / closing operation process, through the execution of the special prize opening closing process, the main control CPU 72 executes the special prize opening closing process again, and repeatedly executes the above steps S5402 to S5408. Thereby, the opening / closing operation of the variable winning device 30 is continuously executed until the actual round number reaches the set execution round number (7 times or 16 times).

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

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

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

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

  Step S5413: Next, the main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the value of the incremented number-of-releases counter has reached the set number of times of release. The number of times of opening is set in the previous big opening opening pattern setting process (step S5214 in FIG. 26). If the value of the opening number counter has not yet reached the set opening number (No), the main control CPU 72 executes step S5416.

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

  When the main control CPU 72 next executes the variable winning device management process, the main control CPU 72 executes a big prize opening opening / closing operation process which is the next jump destination in the game process selection process (step S5100 in FIG. 25). Then, after the execution of the special prize opening / closing operation process, the main control CPU 72 executes the special prize opening closing process again through the execution of the special prize opening closing process, and goes through the above steps S5401 to S5413 (No) to step S5416. Step S5408 is repeatedly executed. Thereby, the opening / closing operation of the variable prize device 30 is repeatedly executed until the actual number of times of opening reaches the set number of times of opening (2 times).

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

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

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

〔End processing〕
FIG. 29 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the end process. This end process is for preparing conditions for ending the operation of the variable prize apparatus 30. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along the example of a procedure.

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

  Step S5503, Step S5504: In this case, the main control CPU 72 resets the big hit flag (00H). As a result, the big hit gaming state ends on the control processing of the main control CPU 72. In addition, the main control CPU 72 deletes “big hit” from the internal state flag and declares the end of the major role as the internal state in the control processing. Thereby, the main control CPU 72 resets the continuous operation number status value. When these procedures are executed, the main control CPU 72 turns off the jackpot type display lamps 38a, 38b and the like in the subsequent continuous operation number display setting process (step S1240 in FIG. 24).

  Step S5506: Next, the main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the value (01H) of the probability variation function operation flag is set. This flag is set in the big hit other setting process (step S2414 in FIG. 17) during the previous special symbol fluctuation pre-processing.

  Step S5507: When the value of the probability variation function activation flag is set (step S5506: Yes), the main control CPU 72 sets the number cut function activation flag corresponding to the probability variation function.

  Step S5508: The main control CPU 72 sets the number of probability fluctuations (for example, about 10,000). The set value of the probability variation number is stored, for example, in the probability variation counter area of the RAM 76 and becomes the above-described number cut counter value. The probability variation number set here is the upper limit number of times that the variation of the special symbol (internal lottery) is performed in a high probability state in the subsequent games. However, if a huge number of times such as 10,000 is set as described above, there is almost no chance that the non-winning will continue so far (the winning probability at the time of high probability is, for example, 1/39 to 1/39) The degree of probability) will continue until the next winning. On the other hand, when a substantial upper limit is set in the high probability state, the probability variation number is set to a realistic number (for example, about 10 times) (so-called number cut probability change). If the value of the probability variation function activation flag is not set (step S5506: No), the main control CPU 72 does not execute steps S5507 and S5508.

  Step S5510: Next, the main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the value of the time reduction function operation flag (01H) is set. This flag is also set in the big hit other setting process (step S2414 in FIG. 17) during the previous special symbol fluctuation pre-processing.

  Step S5511: When the value of the variable time shortening function operation flag is set (step S5510: Yes), the main control CPU 72 sets the count cut function operating flag corresponding to the variable time shortening function.

  Step S5512: Next, the main control CPU 72 sets the number of time reductions (for example, about 100 times or about 10,000 times). The value of the set time reduction count is stored in the time count area of the RAM 76 as described above. The number of times of time reduction set here is the upper limit number of times to shorten the variation time of the special symbol in subsequent games. If the value of the time shortening function operation flag is not set (step S5510: No), the main control CPU 72 does not execute steps S5511, S5512.

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

  The procedure so far is a big hit, but in the case of a big hit (step S5502: No), the following procedure is executed.

  Steps S5520 and S5522: In the case of a small hit, the main control CPU 72 resets the value of the small hit flag (00H) and deletes “small hit” from the internal state flag. In the case of small hits, the internal condition device does not operate in particular, so such a procedure is merely for the purpose of erasing the flag.

  Step S5516: In any case, after the above procedure, the main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination in the special winning opening opening pattern setting process.

  Step S5518: The main control CPU 72 sets the jump destination in the execution selection process (step S1000 in FIG. 16) in the special symbol game process to the special symbol change pre-process. When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the variable winning device management process.

[Example of production image]
Next, the effect image actually displayed on the liquid crystal display 42 in the pachinko machine 1 will be described with some examples. As described above, when the jackpot internal lottery is performed in the pachinko machine 1, the variation pattern number (variation pattern and variation time) is uniquely determined under the control of the main control CPU 72, and the first special is based on the result. Fluctuation display is performed using symbols and second special symbols (symbol display means). However, as described above, the first special symbol and the second special symbol itself are lit and blinking display by 7-segment LED (or dot LED or the like), so that the appealing power is poor. Therefore, in the pachinko machine 1, the variable display effect using the effect symbol is performed as described above. The variation display effect is performed based on the variation pattern command transmitted from the main control CPU 72, while the prefetching notice effect is performed based on the variation pattern prefetch information command.

  30 and 31 are continuous diagrams showing examples of effect images corresponding to the special symbol variation display and stop display. Here, an example of the change display effect and the stop display effect performed using the effect symbol is shown for the variation of the special symbol at the time of non-winning (out). This variable display effect corresponds to a series of effects performed from when the special symbol (here, the first special symbol) starts the variable display until the stop display (including the fixed stop). The stop display effect is an effect that represents that the special symbol is stopped and displayed and the result of the internal lottery at that time is a combination of the effect symbols. Here, before explaining the specific contents of the control processing, the basic flow of the change display effect and stop display effect for each change employed in the present embodiment will be described.

[Before change display]
In FIG. 30 (A): For example, in the state before the special symbol starts to change (the state in which the demonstration effect is not being performed), the left / middle / right effect symbols are displayed at the center position in the screen of the liquid crystal display 42. ing. At this time, in accordance with the stop display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, the effect symbol is also stopped. The effect symbols include, for example, a left effect symbol, a middle effect symbol, and a right effect symbol, which are displayed side by side on the left, middle, and right on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42. Of these, the left effect symbol and right effect symbol are displayed in a relatively large size in the left and right areas of the display screen, respectively, while the medium effect symbol is displayed in a relatively small size in the middle area of the display screen. Has been.

  Each effect design is a design of a picture card with a character attached together with the numbers “1” to “9”, for example. As for the left, middle and right effect symbols, all three symbols may potentially constitute a symbol sequence arranged in descending order of numbers “9” to “1”, and the left effect symbol and the right effect. For two of the symbols, a symbol sequence in which the numbers are arranged in ascending order from “1” to “9” is potentially configured, and a symbol sequence in which the numbers are arranged in descending order from “9” to “1” for the medium effect design. It may be a potentially configured aspect. In any case, such a symbol sequence is variably displayed so as to flow (scroll) in the vertical direction in the left region, middle region, and right region on the screen. Two effect symbols ("3"-"4"-"7" in the example of FIG. 30) are displayed on the display screen.

  At this time, a background image corresponding to the “daytime stage” on the effect is displayed on the display screen. The effect symbol is displayed so as to overlap the background image, but during the variable display (while scrolling), the entire effect symbol is displayed in a transparent (transparent) state, so that the visibility of the background image is improved. This makes it possible for the player to clearly recognize the stay stage in the production.

[Memory display image]
In the lower part of the display screen, there is formed an area for displaying a stored display image indicating the presence / absence of special symbol operation memory during the game. The storage display image used in the present embodiment is configured by combining two types of a base image and a marker image. Of these, the base image is always displayed for the first special symbol and the second special symbol, corresponding to the maximum number (four) that can be stored for each type of working memory. In FIG. 4, four pedestals DZ in the shape of an inverted quadrangular pyramid are shown as examples of the base image. In FIG. 30A, no marker image is displayed.

  In the present embodiment, during the normal game in which the variable time shortening function is not activated, the stored display image corresponding to the first special symbol is preferentially displayed. For this reason, basically four display screens are provided on the display screen. The pedestal DZ is displayed side by side. Note that the pedestal DZ is displayed, for example, in such a manner that the pedestal DZ rotates around the vertical axis as time passes.

  Further, each pedestal DZ has a position as a “cradle” for placing (so-called placing) a marker image corresponding to the occurrence of operation memory, and is shown in FIG. Thus, when all of the four pedestals DZ are displayed alone (without the marker image), this indicates that there is no working memory corresponding to the first special symbol (the number of memories is 0).

  Although not shown in particular, for example, when the function for shortening the variation time after the end of the big hit game is being operated (during time reduction or probability change), the winning frequency at the lower start winning opening 28a is higher than in the normal game, and the second The working memory corresponding to the special symbol is accumulated, and the second special symbol is preferentially changed. The stored number display effect in this case is different from that shown in FIG. 30 and the like, and the display manner of the pedestal DZ and the like is also different, but the details are omitted here.

[Fluctuating area]
The changing area HA is formed at the left corner position at the bottom of the display screen. In the changing area HA, a marker image corresponding to the working memory consumed by the current change is displayed at a certain time. When the working memory is consumed by the start of the next change, the marker image on the pedestal DZ displayed at the left end (first) at the bottom of the display screen moves to the changing area HA, and there for a certain time (for example, 1 ~ About 2 seconds). If the marker image remains on the other pedestal DZ, a display is performed in which the marker image is sequentially moved (shifted) to the left side so as to close after the marker image has been removed from the leftmost pedestal DZ. When a marker image is displayed in the changing area HA and a certain time has elapsed or the first special symbol is not changing, the changing area HA is grayed out as shown in the figure.

  In addition, fourth symbols Z1, Z2 corresponding to the first special symbol and the second special symbol, respectively, are displayed at the upper right corner position of the display screen. These fourth symbols Z1, Z2 are “fourth effect symbols” following the three effect symbols of left, middle, and right, and are displayed in a synchronized manner during the variation display of the effect symbols. The fourth symbols Z1 and Z2 are simply simple colors (for example, “□” figure) with a color, and for example, changing the display color can express a variable display.

  Further, the fourth symbols Z1, Z2 are stopped and displayed in a mode (for example, white display color) corresponding to the deviation. This is to objectively clarify that the stop display effect is correctly performed and the pachinko machine 1 is operating normally. Therefore, if the result of the internal lottery is actually “7 round jackpot” or “16 round jackpot” instead of “out of”, the 4th pattern is displayed in a manner corresponding to them (for example, red display color or green display color). Z1 and Z2 are stopped and displayed.

[Example of marker image]
(B) in FIG. 30: For example, it is assumed that one working memory corresponding to the first special symbol is generated due to the occurrence of a winning at the upper start winning opening 26. In this case, a marker image representing the presence of the first working memory is newly displayed on the pedestal DZ located at the left end (top) of the lower part of the screen (stored number display effect executing means). Here, a white marker Mw that has a spherical shape is displayed as an example of a marker image. Such a white marker Mw is positioned to indicate the presence of the working memory generated during the game, and the display number corresponds to the working memory number. Therefore, when the second operation memory is generated next, the white marker Mw is newly displayed on the second pedestal DZ from the left, and when the third operation memory is generated, the third pedestal from the left is displayed. Another white marker Mw is newly displayed on the DZ.

  Under the control of the main control CPU 72, the operating memory generated in the state of 0 operating memory is consumed as it is, so the first special symbol operating memory lamp 34a is not lit up or is lit up in a manner representing one stored number. Immediately after it is turned off. However, in the production, by displaying the first white marker Mw within a short time, it is clear that the player has “newly activated memory (corresponding to the first special symbol)”. I can inform you. Note that, when the first special symbol has started the variable display under the control of the main control CPU 72, the fourth symbol Z1 is displayed in a mode of the variable display.

  In FIG. 30, (C): Accompanied with the consumption of the first working memory, an effect of moving the white marker Mw displayed on the leftmost pedestal DZ at the lower part of the display screen to the changing area HA is performed. Thereby, it is possible to easily tell the player that the internal lottery has been performed by consuming one working memory for the player. Note that the white marker Mw that has moved to the changing area HA is removed from the pedestal DZ, thereby being identified as so-called “hold”.

[Variable display effects]
In addition, in synchronism with the variation display of the first special symbol, the variation display effect is performed by scrolling the three symbol rows on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42 (symbol effect execution means). That is, the display of the left effect, the middle effect, and the right effect is scrolled (flowed) in the vertical direction in the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42 in accordance with the change display of the first special symbol. Is started. In the figure, the change display of the effect symbol is simply indicated by a downward arrow. In addition, during the variable display, each effect symbol is displayed in a transparent state (transparent display). At this time, an image (background image) that is the background of the effect symbol is displayed on the display screen in an easily visible state. As already mentioned.

  The background image in this case represents, for example, a landscape of “nature outdoors in the daytime”. Such a background image is executed as, for example, a “stage effect”, and expresses that the stay stage on the effect is, for example, a “daytime stage”. In the present embodiment, the “daytime stage” corresponds to a normal state in which the above-described variation time shortening function is not activated and the probability variation function is also deactivated. In addition, various stages, zones, and modes are provided in the production, and background images with different landscapes and scenes are prepared for the various stages, zones, and modes (state display production execution means). The difference between these stages, zones and modes may correspond to an internal “time reduction state” or a “high probability state”. Although not specifically illustrated here, a mode in which a notice effect is performed by displaying an image of a character, an item, or the like on the display screen after that is also possible. Further, during the variation display of the effect symbol, the fourth symbol Z1 is also variably displayed, and the fourth symbol Z1 continues to express the variation display by changing its display color.

[Other productions]
In FIG. 30, (D): In the initial stage of the variable display effect, for example, the notice effect is executed by moving the decorative body 400 up and down in small increments. On the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42, an image effect is performed as if the decorative body 400 emits light in accordance with the vertical movement of the decorative body 400. In addition, some sound effects are output from the speakers 54, 55, and 56 in accordance with the vertical movement of the decorative body 400. Thereby, in addition to the movement of the decorative object 400, which is a tangible object, the player can be given an auditory and visual impact by sound and images.

  In addition, since one new operation memory is added due to the occurrence of a winning at the upper start winning opening 26 during the change, a new white marker Mw is displayed on the leftmost base DZ at the bottom of the display screen. Are displayed. Note that no marker image is displayed on the remaining three pedestals DZ, indicating that there is no working memory. As a result, not only the existence and number of working memories (number of working memories) for the player, but also how many working memories can be accumulated depending on the number of pedestals DZ on which marker images are not displayed. Can be taught in an easy-to-understand manner.

  In the changing area HA, when a certain time has elapsed since the marker image (white marker Mw) is shifted and displayed, the changing marker image is not displayed and is changed to gray-out display. Thereby, it is possible to further clearly notify the player that the working memory has been consumed by the change.

[Left design stop]
In FIG. 31, (E): For example, when a certain amount of time (about half of the fluctuation time) has elapsed, the left effect design first stops changing. In this example, the effect symbol representing the number “5” is stopped on the screen. Here, since one more operation memory is added, a white marker Mw indicating the presence of the added operation memory is additionally displayed on the second pedestal DZ. Thereby, it is possible to tell the player that the number of working memories has increased to two.

[Right production symbol stop]
In FIG. 31, (F): Following the left effect symbol, the right effect symbol thereafter stops changing. In this example, the effect symbol representing the number “3” is stopped on the screen. Since it has already been determined that the reach state does not occur at this point, it is almost clear on the appearance that the current fluctuation is a non-reach (normal) fluctuation. Here, reach fluctuations due to slip patterns and the like are excluded. “Slip pattern” means, for example, that once the production symbol representing the number “4” stops, the production sequence that represents the number “5” stops by sliding the design row for one symbol, thereby developing reach It is to do. Alternatively, once the design symbol representing the number “6” stops, the design symbol representing the number “5” stops by sliding the symbol sequence in the reverse direction by one symbol, and thereby the pattern that develops to reach. is there. In addition, for example, when a production symbol representing a completely different number such as “1” is temporarily stopped and a character appears on the screen and the right production symbol row is changed again, the number “5” is represented. There is also a pattern in which the production design stops and develops to reach.

[Stop display effect]
In FIG. 31, (G): The last medium effect symbol stops in synchronization with the stop display of the first special symbol. If the result of the current internal lottery is non-winning and the first special symbol is stopped and displayed in a non-winning (out-of-game) manner, the staging display effect is also performed in a non-winning (out-of-game) manner. Is called. That is, in the illustrated example, the effect symbol representing the number “1” is stopped at the middle position of the screen. In this case, the effect symbol combination is “5”-“1”-“3”. Since this is a gap, it is expressed in the production that the current variation corresponds to the normal “out of range”. At this time, the fourth symbol Z1 is stopped and displayed in a mode (for example, white display color) corresponding to the dislocation. Thereby, it can be taught to the player that “the stop display of the first special symbol has been confirmed”.

[Next fluctuation start]
In FIG. 31, (H): When the stop display time of the first special symbol elapses, the start condition of the first special symbol or the second special symbol is satisfied. Here, since only the working memory corresponding to the first special symbol exists in this state, the working memory is consumed in the order of storage (old order), and the variation display of the next first special symbol is started. The

  That is, with the start of the next change, the left, middle, and right effect symbols all start changing display. Further, since the number of working memories of the first special symbol is decreased by one as the change starts, the display number of the white marker Mw is decreased by one in conjunction therewith. For example, there have been three working memories so far, but the oldest (old) white marker Mw displayed on the leftmost pedestal DZ is shifted and displayed in the changing area HA. The consumed production is performed together. Thereby, it is possible to tell the player that the working memory is consumed with respect to the first special symbol even in the production.

[Pre-reading pending change notice effect]
In addition, the white markers Mw that have been displayed on the second and third pedestals DZ from the left are shifted one by one in the left direction so that they are on the first and second pedestals DZ from the left. Has moved. At this time, for the second marker image corresponding to the latest working memory at present, an effect (pre-reading hold change notice effect) of changing from the white marker Mw so far to the display mode of the blue marker Mb is performed. Such a pre-reading hold change notice effect notifies that the possibility that a big hit will be obtained is higher than other action memories in the fluctuation in which the action memory corresponding to the blue marker Mb whose display mode has changed is consumed. To do. In this example, the display mode is changed from the white marker Mw to the blue marker Mb. However, a big hit may be obtained by changing the display mode to a marker image of a different display color such as a green marker or a yellow marker. It can also be suggested that the degree of so-called (so-called expectation) is higher.

  In the example of (H) in FIG. 31, the first working memory in the storage order is consumed and the remaining is two, and an effect of waiting until the next change on the pedestal DZ is performed. As a result, the context of the change in the number of working memories can be accurately expressed in the production, and the player can be intuitively and easily informed that the working memory has been consumed and decreased by one. it can.

[After prefetch pending change notice effect]
FIG. 32 is a continuous diagram showing examples of effect images at the time of each change after the occurrence of the prefetch hold change notice effect. Here, the variation up to the blue marker Mb whose display mode has changed is shown in a simplified manner.

[Stopped display]
In FIG. 32, (I): The change in which the pre-reading hold change notice effect has occurred is finished, and the stop display effect is performed. In this example, the effect symbol is stopped and displayed at the gap between “8”-“9”-“6”, indicating that the current variation was not won.

[When changing before pre-reading hold]
In FIG. 32 (J): In the next change, the white marker Mw whose display mode has not changed from the initial time is consumed and shifted to the change area HA, and the blue marker Mb moves on the leftmost pedestal DZ. . As a result, it is possible to easily tell the player that the blue marker Mb is consumed by the next change, and to further increase the expectation for the next change.

  In FIG. 32, (K): The fluctuation that consumed the white marker Mw is finished, and the stop display effect is performed. Here, the production symbol is stopped and displayed at the end of “4”-“1”-“5”, indicating that the current variation was not won.

[When pre-reading is suspended]
In FIG. 32 (L): Finally, the change in the blue marker Mb is performed by consuming the working memory that is the target of the prefetch hold change notice effect. That is, the blue marker Mb is shifted to the variation area HA, and the left, middle, and right effect symbols start to be varied. Although not specifically shown, after that, some sort of notice effect (for example, step-up notice, pseudo-continuous notice, etc.) is performed with the change, and a reach state occurs, which develops into a super reach effect or the like.

  The above is an example of the change display effect and stop display effect (at the time of non-winning) performed using the effect symbol for each change, and the prefetch hold change notice effect performed appropriately. Through such an effect, the player can have a sense of expectation for winning, and finally the result of the internal lottery can be clearly taught in the effect. In particular, the prefetch hold change notice effect that changes the display mode of the marker image from the initial white marker Mw to the blue marker Mb or the like maintains the player's expectation until the change in the working memory that is the target, and actually It is effective in that it can attract a great deal of interest in the fluctuation.

  However, the prefetch hold change notice effect has a property that it is difficult to predict when it will occur. That is, the prefetch hold change notice effect is executed based on the previous determination result (special drawing-specific prefetch information command, variation pattern prefetch information command) performed when the working memory is acquired. As shown in (F) to (H), a pre-reading hold change notice effect may be generated for an existing working memory, or it may be performed for a newly generated working memory. Although not shown in particular, the prefetch hold change notice effect when the newly generated working memory is targeted is, for example, in FIG. 31 (F), the newly added third marker image is blue from the beginning. For example, it is displayed as the marker Mb.

  Thus, in the pre-reading hold change notice effect, for example, (1) two patterns of a mode in which the display mode of an existing marker image is changed afterwards, and (2) a mode in which the display mode of a marker image to be newly displayed is changed. However, it can be seen that the occurrence timing is not predictable in either case. Therefore, the pre-reading hold change notice effect exerts the appealing power to the player for the first time when it occurs, and the conventional method has not been able to exert the effect in advance.

  Based on the above, this embodiment employs a production method that can greatly break the existing concept of non-predictability of the pre-read hold change notice effect described above and provide the player with a clear predictability of the pre-read hold change notice effect. ing. Hereinafter, this point will be described in more detail.

[Example of production method]
33 and 34 are continuous diagrams showing an example of the effect technique used in the present embodiment.
FIG. 33 (A): Assume, for example, a situation in which the first special symbol is variably displayed during a game in the normal state and four working memories corresponding to the first special symbol are accumulated. In this case, four white markers Mw are shown on the pedestal DZ at the bottom of the display screen (a state in which the base image and the marker image are combined). It is possible to clearly teach that the number has reached four. However, at this stage, it is extremely difficult for the player to predict whether or not a prefetch hold change notice effect will occur. Here, the left effect symbol is stopped and displayed as the variation time elapses.

  In FIG. 33 (B): the fluctuation time further elapses, and the right effect design is also stopped and displayed after the left effect design. It is understood that the reach state is not generated this time, and the middle effect design is still variably displayed at present, but there is a high possibility that the stop display effect is performed as it is in the non-winning state. Even at this stage, the player has little predictability with respect to the occurrence of the prefetch hold change notice effect.

[Pending change high probability zone production (display mode change notice period production)]
FIG. 33C: For example, the “holding change high probability zone effect” is executed when the scroll speed of the medium effect symbol has slowed down at the end of the current fluctuation time. In this example, a strip-shaped cut-in pattern is displayed at the top of the display screen, and character information of “holding change high probability zone” is also displayed. At this time, a mode in which some sound effect (for example, electrical noise sound or the like) is output from the speakers 54, 55, 56, or a sound such as “push change high probability zone entry!” May be output. .

  (D) in FIG. 33: Then, for example, an effect of changing a specific base image into a special display mode is performed in synchronization with the timing at which a stop display effect for the current variation is performed. In this example, the fourth base image is changed from the previous pedestal DZ to the display form of the special pedestal DZC. If the pedestal DZ used so far is a normal display mode, the special pedestal DZC has a display mode as if, for example, the whole emits light. Further, at this time, a mode in which some sound effect (for example, “Kiraan!” Or the like) is output from the speakers 54, 55, 56 may be used.

  Thus, in this embodiment, in the “holding change high probability zone effect”, the title of the “holding change high probability zone” is displayed at the top of the display screen to notify that the zone has been entered, and a specific base image is displayed. It is changed to a special pedestal DZC. At this stage, the marker image on the special pedestal DZC is the display mode of the initial white marker Mw, and although it has not changed, the title display of the “pending change high probability zone” and the display on the special pedestal DZC By presenting the change in the mode to the player, it reminds that "the fourth hold may change with a high probability from now on", and at the same time, improves the predictability of the hold change, and expects a big hit You can hold them.

[Holding change during zone production (first time)]
FIG. 34 (E): For example, the first look-ahead hold change notice effect occurs at the first change after entering the “hold change high probability zone effect”. In this example, at the timing when the marker image on the special pedestal DZC is shifted leftward, an effect of changing from the white marker Mw so far to the display mode of the blue marker Mb is performed. As a result, the player can be reminded that the degree of possibility of winning a big hit from white to blue is increased, and the expectation can be maintained and improved. As for the base image, the fourth has changed to the special pedestal DZC until the previous change, but with the shift of the marker image, the third has changed to the special pedestal DZC. The fourth base image that has been changed to the special pedestal DZC has returned to the normal pedestal DZ. As a result, it is possible to continue to give an impression to the player “which hold is the subject of change”.

[Holding change during zone production (second time)]
In FIG. 34 (F): Assuming that the first change is stopped and displayed in a non-winning manner, the second pre-read hold change in the second change after entering the subsequent “hold change high probability zone effect” A notice effect is generated. That is, at the timing when the marker image on the special pedestal DZC is shifted leftward, an effect of changing from the blue marker Mb to the display mode of the yellow marker My is performed. With such a change from the blue marker Mb to the yellow marker My, the player is reminded that the degree of possibility that a big hit will be obtained step by step from white to blue (weak) to yellow (medium), It is possible to maintain and improve expectations. Regarding the base image, the third has changed to the special pedestal DZC due to the previous change, but the second has changed to the special pedestal DZC in the second change. Here again, the player can continue to be impressed with “which hold is the subject of change”.

[Change pending during zone production (third time)]
In FIG. 34 (G): Assuming that the second change is also displayed in a non-winning manner, the third look-ahead hold change notice in the third change after entering the “hold change high probability zone effect” Production occurs. Here, at the timing when the marker image on the special pedestal DZC is shifted leftward, an effect of changing from the yellow marker My to the display mode of the red marker Mr is performed. Due to such a change from the yellow marker My to the red marker Mr, the degree of possibility that a big hit can be obtained up to three levels from white to blue (weak) to yellow (medium) to red (strong) has been increased so far. The player can be reminded of this, and the expectation can be maintained and improved. As for the base image, the first (first) changes to the special base DZC in the third change. This provides the player with an easy-to-understand indication of which hold has been subject to change so far, and has a sense of tension that the next time the change in working memory will change. It can attract a great deal of interest in change.

[At the time of the change]
FIG. 35 to FIG. 37 are continuous diagrams showing examples of effects performed at the time of the change accompanying the consumption of the working memory whose display mode has changed in the pending change high probability zone effect. In this example, it is assumed that a reach effect that belongs to the “strong super-reach system” reach type occurs due to the change. In addition, although the following production examples are “strong super reach type”, since the production contents have story characteristics, the following production examples may be “story reach type”. In FIGS. 35 to 37, the base image, the marker image, the fourth symbols Z1, Z2, and the like are not shown in appropriate frames.

[End of zone production]
FIG. 35A shows that the red marker Mr displayed on the special pedestal DZC so far has moved to the change area HA and consumed for the internal lottery with the start of the change. In addition, the “holding change high probability zone effect” is ended here by the start of the change, and the base image is returned to the normal pedestal DZ. Thereby, the center of the player's interest can be smoothly guided from the “pending change” to “the change” and the expectation for the change can be maintained.

  FIG. 35 (B): Although not particularly shown, some notice effect is generated at the initial stage of the variable display effect, and the left effect symbol is stopped and displayed. In the illustrated example, the effect symbol representing the number “5” is stopped and displayed at the middle position of the display screen.

  (C) in FIG. 35: The variation display effect progresses, and the variation in the right effect design slows down. In the example shown in the figure, the effect symbol representing the number “5” is about to stop at the middle position, and it is the situation whether or not the reach state occurs.

[Reach condition occurs]
In FIG. 35 (D): Since the right effect design is also stopped and displayed with the numeral “5”, the above reach state has occurred. At this time, in the display screen, in order to indicate that the reach state has occurred, an effect image that penetrates the left and right effect symbols in a horizontal line is displayed.

[Normal reach production in progress]
In FIG. 35 (E): Thereafter, the scroll display of the medium effect symbol slows down, and the normal reach effect proceeds. The normal reach production in this case is positioned as a notice (predictive) production for the “strong super reach” reach production to be executed later, and confirms that the fluctuation is a “normal reach” reach fluctuation pattern. It is not a thing. In the example shown in the figure, an effect is produced in which the medium effect symbol representing the number “4” passes through the middle position of the display screen and the effect symbol representing the number “5” descends slowly. In addition, the effect image with the aura of the left and right effected designs is displayed, creating a sense of expectation for the future development.

[Directed by Super Reach]
In FIG. 35, (F): the normal reach production further proceeds, and a roll production of whether or not to develop into a super reach production (those belonging to the strong super reach system) is performed. There are various modes for such development. For example, although the scroll display of the medium effect symbol is slowed down once, the scroll display is accelerated again so that the medium effect symbol becomes invisible and then develops into a super reach effect. Unlike the above example, the example shown in the figure does not re-accelerate the scroll display of the medium effect symbol, and instead, the super-reaching development symbol appears as if it comes down toward the center of the display screen. It has been adopted. The super-reach development pattern here shows, for example, how a female character meditates with a palm and then descends to the center of the screen while wearing an aura.

  In FIG. 36 (G): When the super reach development symbol that has been beaten until then stops at the center position of the display screen, the super reach is determined. In this example, the female character shown in the Super Reach development pattern is shown with the eyes open, and the flames are blown up from the whole. In this example, the case of super-reach determination is given, but if the fluctuation pattern at that time is “normal reach system”, the super-reach development pattern does not stop and passes to the bottom of the screen, and ends at a break. There are also patterns.

[Super Reach Production (Strong Super Reach System)]
In FIG. 36 (H): In any case, an opening effect (title screen) of the super reach effect is displayed in the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42 by the super reach determination. In this example, a female character wearing a yukata is displayed on the right side of the display screen, and an enemy character (in this case, “lantern ghost”) is displayed on the left side. Yes. In addition, an effect image in which lightning runs in the vertical direction is displayed at the center position of the display screen, and an effect of encouraging a confrontation between the two is performed. On the display screen, text information such as “If you get rid of ghost! Thereby, the direction of the super reach production to be performed can be transmitted to the player in an easy-to-understand manner. Further, at the upper left corner position of the display screen, the left and right effect symbols that are currently tempered are reduced and displayed, and the middle effect symbols are reduced and displayed in a variable manner.

  In FIG. 36 (I): Following the previous opening effect, the super reach effect actually proceeds. In this example, the female character of the ally becomes a close-up and shows a state of enthusiasm with a fan fan as a weapon. In the display screen, the character information “attack!” Is displayed largely, and an effect image that emphasizes the female character is also displayed. Thereby, it is possible to make the player recognize that “the attack of the teammate is about to start”.

  In FIG. 36 (J): A super reach effect is further progressing in the display screen. In this example, an allied female character attacked with a fan as a weapon, but the enemy character also shows a state of offense and defense defending with a large Vero.

  In FIG. 36 (K): In the central portion of the display screen, the main super reach effect is further advanced. In this example, a female ally who is an ally attacks the enemy character further, and the enemy character receives the damage and shrinks. In addition, at this time, the image representing the number “6” is gradually broken, and the super reach production further advances from “6” → “7” → “8” →. It can be suggested to the player that he is planning to continue.

  In FIG. 36, (L): Super-reach production is progressing smoothly, and the female characters on the allies continue to attack the enemy characters. In addition, the image representing the number “7” is gradually broken along with this.

  In FIG. 37 (M): Thereafter, the super reach production is further developed. In this example, the enemy character, which was inferior to the previous one, bounced off the attack and cried the female character on the side. For this reason, the number “8”, which is far from “5”, is displayed large at the center position of the display screen, indicating that it is still far from the big hit.

  In FIG. 37 (N): Super reach production is showing another development, and in this example, two other female characters who are allies appear and give a brave dialogue (for example, “Wait!”). It shows how to surprise the enemy characters.

  In FIG. 37 (P): Super-reach production continues in the display screen. In this example, two newly appeared female characters are attacking the enemy characters strongly and damaging them. At this time, the number “3” is still crushed in the display screen, and the numbers “4” and “5” related to the winning judgment have not yet been reached. It has not been.

  In FIG. 37 (Q): The remainder of the super reach effect is progressing in the display screen. In this example, it is shown that two female characters who are allies are finally trying to stab the enemy character, and the number “4” is about to be destroyed. In this case, if two female characters beat the enemy character with the number “4”, it will be a big hit of “5”-“5”-“5”.

[Winning judgment effect]
In FIG. 37, (R): the final version of the super reach effect is reached, and the winning determination effect related to the current variation is finally performed. In this example, unfortunately, the two female characters on the side cannot win and the enemy characters have been left behind. Then, the number “4” is displayed in the middle of the display screen so that it overlaps the enemy character, and the player is informed that “the number 4 was not broken = it was not a big hit”. doing.

[Result confirmation effect]
In FIG. 37 (S): The confirmation stop display is performed for the result display effect as the effect symbol substantially in synchronization with the confirmation stop display of the first special symbol. In other words, with the left, middle, and right performance symbols restored to their initial sizes, the combination representing the non-winning number “5”-“4”-“5” is displayed at the middle position of the display screen. Yes. At this time, the 4th symbol Z1 is stopped and displayed in the same manner as when the symbol is not won. In addition, white markers Mw are displayed on the second pedestal DZ corresponding to the number of operating memories accumulated so far at the bottom of the display screen, and the display of the fluctuation region HA is also normally performed. It has been broken. Since the “holding change high probability zone effect” is ended at the start of the change, no end effect or the like is particularly performed here.

  The above is an example of production until the display state of the marker image changes with high probability during the pending change high probability zone production, and reaches the change. Such reach production is particularly the pending change high probability zone production. Even if the pre-read hold change notice effect is not generated, it is executed, and the reach effect cannot be generated unless the hold change high probability zone effect is passed.

[Summary of high-probability zone production with pending change]
In addition, in the present embodiment, up to a certain number of operating memories are accumulated during the game, and for the specific operating memory in the game, pre-read information command according to special figure corresponding to the winning and variation pattern look-ahead information of “winning system” When a command or “strong super reach system” or “story reach system” variation pattern prefetch information command is transmitted from the main control CPU 72, a specific period until the specific working memory is actually consumed is used. The “hold change high probability zone effect” is generated, and the “prefetch hold change notice effect” is generated with high probability during the zone effect. Thereby, in this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

(1) By generating the “pending change high probability zone”, a kind of pre-read zone effect period can be provided over a plurality of fluctuations until the currently stored working memory is consumed.
(2) During zone production, by notifying the player that a change in hold will occur with a high probability, it is possible to provide predictability for a pre-read hold change notice that usually has little predictability.
(3) In addition, while presenting information about which holds are subject to change with high probability during zone production (displaying a special pedestal DZC), the player can follow the change process of the subject hold. It can make it easier to recognize.
(4) By the above (1) to (3), it is possible to fuse two existing genres of “prefetch zone effect” and “prefetch hold change notice effect” to establish an effect method with new game characteristics. it can.

(5) In addition, this “holding change high probability zone” is positioned as “a zone where the pre-reading hold change notice effect occurs with high probability”. Because it is not a direct positioning of `` easy zone '', even if the probability of winning a big hit is actually relatively low, it will generate a `` holding change high probability zone effect '' without being caught by this Can do. For example, even if a change pattern look-ahead information command such as “strong super reach system”, “story reach system”, or “hit fluctuation” is not received in the currently stored working memory, If the “probability zone effect” is generated and the “prefetch hold change notice effect” is generated with high probability in the zone, the player will not be given a particularly unnatural impression or feeling of loss. As a result, by setting the conditions (hurdles) for generating the “holding change high probability zone effect” to be relatively low, it is possible to provide a relatively large number of opportunities for the player to touch the effect. Prevention can be achieved.

[Direction control method]
Next, an effect control method performed in the pachinko machine 1 will be described. Stage display effects such as variable display effects, stop display effects, reach effects as the above-mentioned symbol effects, pre-reach notice effects, pre-read hold change notice effects, hold change high-probability zone effects as notice effects, and stage effects linked to symbol effects The production, the big hit (big game) production, the mode transition production, the zone entry production, the stage production production, etc. are all controlled through the following control processes.

[Production control processing]
FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of effect control processing executed by the effect control CPU 126. This effect control process is executed, for example, in a timer interrupt process (interrupt management process) separately from a reset start (main) process (not shown). The effect control CPU 126 generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined interrupt cycle (for example, a period of several tens of μs to several ms) during execution of the reset start process, and executes the timer interrupt process.

  The effect control process includes command reception process (step S400), working memory effect management process (step S402), effect symbol management process (step S403), display output process (step S404), lamp driving process (step S406), and acoustic driving. This includes a subroutine group of processing (step S408), effect random number update processing (step S410), and other processing (step S412). Hereinafter, the basic flow of the effect control process will be described along each process.

  Step S400: In the command receiving process, the effect control CPU 126 receives an effect command transmitted from the main control CPU 72. The effect control CPU 126 analyzes the received commands and stores them in the command buffer area of the RAM 130 according to type. In addition, examples of the command for presentation transmitted from the main control CPU 72 include, for example, a special look-ahead information command, a variation pattern pre-read information command, a (special symbol) effect command when the number of working memories increases, and a (special symbol) decrease of the number of working memories. Time effect command, start opening winning tone control command, demonstration effect command, lottery result command, variation pattern command, variation start command, stop symbol command, symbol stop command, state designation command, round number command, error notification command, jackpot There are an end effect command, a count cut counter value command, and the like.

  Step S402: In the working memory effect management process, the effect control CPU 126 controls execution of the above-described memory number display effect, prefetch hold change notice effect, and hold change high probability zone effect. The prefetch hold change notice effect and the hold change high probability zone effect can be executed on the basis of the special pattern prefetch information command and the variation pattern prefetch information command received from the main control CPU 72. The details of the working memory effect management process will be described later using another flowchart.

  Step S403: In the effect symbol management process, the effect control CPU 126 controls the contents of the variable display effect and the stop display effect using the effect symbols, or controls the effect contents during the opening / closing operation of the variable winning device 30. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 selects an effect pattern of various notice effects (an effect before the occurrence of reach, an effect after the occurrence of reach, etc.) or an effect pattern of the lines effect. The contents of the effect symbol management process will be further described later with reference to another drawing.

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

  Step S406: In the lamp driving process, the effect control CPU 126 outputs a control signal to the lamp driving circuit 132. In response to this, the lamp driving circuit 132 drives (turns on or off, blinks, changes in luminance gradation, etc.) the various lamps 46 to 52, the panel lamp 53, the decorative body lamp 404 and the like based on the control signal.

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

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

  Step S412: In other processing, the effect control CPU 126 outputs a control signal to the driving IC of the decorative body motor 402, for example. As a result, the decorative body 400 operates by the functions of the decorative body motor 402 and the link mechanism, and produces an effect in synchronization with the display of the image by the liquid crystal display 42 or independently.

  Through the above-described effect control process, the effect control CPU 126 can comprehensively control the effect contents in the pachinko machine 1. Next, the contents of the action memory effect management process executed in the effect control process will be described.

[Working memory production management process]
FIG. 39 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the working memory effect management process.
Step S450: First, the effect control CPU 126 confirms whether or not the effect command at the time of increasing the number of working memories has been received from the main control CPU 72. Specifically, the effect control CPU 126 accesses the command buffer area of the RAM 130, and confirms whether or not the effect command at the time when the number of working memories increases is stored. When it is confirmed that the effect command at the time of increasing the number of operating memories is stored (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 executes step S452. If it is not possible to confirm that the effect command at the time of increasing the number of operating memories is stored (No), the effect control CPU 126 does not execute step S452.

  Step S452: The effect control CPU 126 executes an effect selection process when the number of working memories increases. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 selects an effect pattern for displaying a marker image corresponding to the increased total stored number. The marker image here is a display mode of the white marker Mw. Here, it is assumed that an effect pattern is selected for the marker image, and an effect pattern for the base image (pedestal DZ) is selected in a later procedure.

  Step S454: The effect control CPU 126 confirms whether or not the effect command at the time when the number of working memories is decreased is received from the main control CPU 72. Specifically, the effect control CPU 126 accesses the command buffer area of the RAM 130 and confirms whether or not the effect command when the number of working memories is reduced is stored. As a result, when the production command when the number of working memories decreases is stored (Yes), the production control CPU 126 executes step S456. If it is not possible to confirm that the effect command at the time of reducing the number of operating memories is stored (No), the effect control CPU 126 does not execute step S456.

  Step S456: The effect control CPU 126 executes effect selection processing when the number of working memories decreases. In this process, an effect pattern (a marker image shift display pattern) for displaying a marker image (white marker Mw or the like) corresponding to the total stored number after reduction is selected. In this effect pattern, the marker image is displayed in the changing area HA on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42, or each marker image displayed on the pedestal DZ is displayed on the left side. Things are included.

  Step S458: The effect control CPU 126 executes a marker display mode selection process. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 selects the display mode of the marker image (for example, the display pattern of the blue marker Mb, the yellow marker My, the red marker Mr, etc. after the change due to the pre-reading change). In addition, the effect control CPU 126 selects a display pattern of the base image (initial pedestal DZ) in this process.

  Step S459: The effect control CPU 126 executes a pending change high probability zone management process. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 controls the progress of the “pending change high probability zone effect”. Details of the processing will be described later using another flowchart.

  When the above procedure is executed, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the effect control process (FIG. 38).

[Marker display mode selection processing]
FIG. 40 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the marker display mode selection process. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along the example of a procedure.

  Step S460: First, the effect control CPU 126 acquires a variation pattern prefetch information command. Specifically, the command buffer area of the RAM 130 is accessed, and the variation pattern prefetch information command is read from the corresponding address. Here, the effect control CPU 126 may perform command analysis and generate internal information (offset value) representing the reach type. In addition to the variation pattern prefetch information command, a special chart prefetch information command (winning / non-winning) may be acquired.

Step S462: Next, the effect control CPU 126 checks whether or not the marker display mode change condition is satisfied. Examples of the marker display mode change condition include the following.
(1) The special symbol is changing at present. This is because when the special symbol is not changed, the added working memory is consumed immediately, so that it is difficult to secure a production time enough to change the marker display mode. However, in the present embodiment, an effect technique is adopted in which the first marker image is shifted to the fluctuation area HA, and therefore the first marker image is displayed differently from the white marker Mw (blue marker Mb, yellow marker My, etc. ) May be displayed.
(2) If the special symbol is changing, the remaining fluctuation time until that time must be a predetermined time (for example, about 3 seconds) or more. This is because, if the remaining time is short until the fluctuation of the added operation memory, even if the marker display mode is changed, it is difficult to exert a sufficient effect. Similarly, even when the remaining fluctuation time is less than the predetermined time, the marker image may be displayed in a display mode (blue marker Mb, yellow marker My, etc.) different from the white marker Mw.
(3) The variation pattern prefetch information command represents a specific content (for example, “super-reach system” or more) (in the case of a special chart prefetch information command, represents “winning”).

  In any case, when the marker display mode change condition is satisfied (step S462: Yes), the effect control CPU 126 proceeds to the next step S464. Conversely, if the marker display mode change condition is not satisfied (step S462: No), the effect control CPU 126 exits the marker display mode selection process here and returns to the caller's working memory effect management process (FIG. 39).

  Step S464: When the marker display mode change condition is satisfied, the effect control CPU 126 performs a display mode change lottery. The display mode change lottery can be executed internally using, for example, an effect lottery random number.

  Step S466: The effect control CPU 126 confirms the result of the display mode change lottery, and in the case of winning (Yes), the process proceeds to the next step S468. If the result of the display mode change lottery is non-winning (No), the effect control CPU 126 exits the marker display mode selection process here and returns to the caller's working memory effect management process (FIG. 39).

  Step S468: In the case of winning, the effect control CPU 126 selects a display mode change pattern corresponding to the variation pattern prefetch information command. Thereby, the display pattern corresponding to the blue marker Mb after change, the yellow marker My, the red marker Mr, and the like is selected as the display mode of the marker image.

  Step S470: The effect control CPU 126 generates a marker image display command based on the selected display pattern. Here, when the effect control CPU 126 generates a display command for the base image (pedestal DZ), the process returns to the caller's action memory effect management process (FIG. 39).

  Then, when the effect control CPU 126 executes the display output process (step S404 in FIG. 38) in the effect control process after the return (FIG. 38), the display command is instructed to the effect display control device 144. As a result, the liquid crystal display 42 is displayed. The four base images (initial pedestal DZ) are displayed at the bottom of the display screen, and the number of marker images corresponding to the number of working memories is displayed, and the display mode of the marker image to be changed changes.

[Pending change high probability zone management processing]
FIG. 41 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the pending change high probability zone management process. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along the example of a procedure.

  Step S700: The effect control CPU 126 confirms whether or not the pending change high probability zone effect is being performed. This confirmation can be performed based on the value of the “pending change high probability zone effecting flag” set in the following procedure. Therefore, if the pending change high probability zone effect flag is not set yet (No), the effect control CPU 126 proceeds to the next step S702.

  Steps S702 and S704: The effect control CPU 126 acquires the current operation memory number command. Subsequently, the effect control CPU 126 acquires a variation pattern prefetch information command. Specifically, the command buffer area of the RAM 130 is accessed, and the working memory number command and the variation pattern prefetch information command are read from the corresponding address. Here, in addition to the variation pattern prefetch information command, a special chart prefetch information command (winning / non-winning) may be acquired.

Step S706: Next, the production control CPU 126 confirms whether or not the zone production entry condition is satisfied. Examples of the zone production entry conditions include the following.
(1) The number of working memories is a predetermined number (for example, two) or more.
(2) The fluctuation pattern look-ahead information command representing the reach fluctuation or more (other than “non-reach system”) is included in the current working memory.
If both (1) and (2) apply, the effect control CPU 126 determines that the zone effect rush condition is satisfied (Yes), and proceeds to step S708. When neither of the above (1) and (2) applies, the effect control CPU 126 determines that the zone effect entry condition is not satisfied (No), and exits the current process and returns to the caller's working memory effect management process. . Hereinafter, a procedure when the zone effect entry condition is satisfied (step S706: Yes) will be described.

Step S708: Here, the production control CPU 126 executes a zone entry lottery. The zone entry lottery can also be performed using an internal production random number.
Step S710: If the zone entry lottery is won (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 proceeds to step S712. On the other hand, when the zone entry lottery is not won (No), the effect control CPU 126 exits the current process and returns to the caller's working memory effect management process. Below, the time of winning the zone entry lottery will be described.

  Step S712: The effect control CPU 126 executes a zone effect progress pattern selection process. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 selects a progress pattern of the “holding change high probability zone effect” described above. The zone effect progression pattern is, for example, a zone in which (1) the number of changes during the zone effect, (2) the hold position to be changed, (3) the display mode of the marker image after the change, etc. are determined according to the progress of the number of changes. This is a production progress pattern scenario. In such a zone production progress pattern scenario, a plurality of patterns are prepared in advance for each number of fluctuations (the number of previous fluctuations) until the change target hold (working memory) is consumed. Depending on the number of times, one of the zone production progress pattern scenarios is selected. A configuration example of the zone effect progress pattern scenario according to the number of previous fluctuations will be described later.

  Step S714: Here, the production control CPU 126 turns on the pending change high probability zone production flag. As a result, since it is determined that a pending change high probability zone effect is being produced in subsequent calls (step S700: Yes), the procedure from step S702 to step S712 including this step S714 is skipped.

Step S716: Then, the effect control CPU 126 executes a zone effect progress process. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 controls the progress and end of the “pending change high probability zone effect”. Specific processing contents will be described later using another flowchart.
When the above procedure is completed, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the caller's working memory effect management process.

[Zone production progress processing]
FIG. 42 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the zone effect progress process. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along the example of a procedure.

Step S750: First, the effect control CPU 126 acquires the effect symbol management status. The production symbol management status is an internal value that is updated according to the progress of the production using the production symbol, and is set as follows, for example.
Production symbol variation waiting state: 50H
State before hearing during production pattern change: 51H
State after hearing during production pattern change: 52H
Production symbol stop display state: 53H

  Step S752: When the effect symbol management status is acquired, the effect control CPU 126 next executes a zone effect progress pattern scenario update process. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 updates the progress pattern scenario according to the number of fluctuations during the pending change high probability zone effect based on the value of the effect symbol management status acquired in the previous step S750. The update of the zone effect progress pattern scenario will be further described later.

  Step S754: When returning from the zone effect progress pattern scenario update process, the effect control CPU 126 checks whether or not the zone effect end condition is satisfied. In the present embodiment, as described above, the time when the zone effect completion of the change in which the change target hold (operation memory) is consumed is the end of the zone effect. Therefore, if it has not yet reached the time of the change, the effect control CPU 126 determines that the zone effect end condition is not satisfied (No), and proceeds to step S756.

  Step S756: In this case, the effect control CPU 126 selects the pending change high probability zone effect pattern based on the updated zone effect progress pattern scenario. An example of the zone effect pattern will be described later together with a configuration example of the scenario.

  Step S758: The effect control CPU 126 generates a display command according to the selected effect pattern. The display command generated here is transmitted to the effect display control device 144 in the display output process (step S404 in FIG. 38) during the effect control process. As a result, the base image (pedestal DZ, special pedestal DZC) or marker image (white marker Mw, blue marker Mb, yellow marker My, red marker Mr) that is actually produced on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42 during the on-hold change high probability zone effect. Etc.) is displayed (display mode change notice period effect execution means).

[Zone production progress pattern scenario configuration example according to the number of previous fluctuations]
FIG. 43 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the zone effect progress pattern scenario according to the number of previous fluctuations. As described above, the effect control CPU 126 stores, for example, a plurality of patterns of “the zone effect progress pattern scenario according to the number of previous fluctuations” in the ROM 128. Then, in the previous zone effect progress pattern selection process (step S712 in FIG. 41), the effect control CPU 126 counts the number of previous fluctuations until the working memory that is the change target during the pending change high probability zone effect is consumed. In response to this, one of the “pre-change zone effect progression pattern scenarios according to the number of previous fluctuations” is selected. The “previous variation frequency-specific zone effect progress pattern scenario” shown in FIG. 43 is selected, for example, when the number of variations so far is “4 times”. Hereinafter, a specific configuration of the scenario will be described.

  In the scenario shown in FIG. 43, the leftmost column indicates “the number of previous fluctuations”, and the first to fifth stages excluding the heading stage of the scenario (the same applies below) are “the number of previous fluctuations”. A zone effect progression pattern is assigned when “4 times” to “0 times”.

  In the second to fourth columns from the left, for example, “special pedestal position”, “marker display mode”, “sound effect”, and the like are shown as effect items in the zone effect progress pattern scenario. Among these, the “special pedestal position” indicates which position on the display screen the base image corresponding to the marker image is changed from the initial pedestal DZ to the display form of the special pedestal DZC. The “marker display mode” indicates the display mode in which the marker image corresponding to the working memory specified as the change target is set. “Sound effect” indicates, for example, a pattern of a sound effect that is output from the speakers 54, 55, and 56 when the marker image is shifted.

[Zone production progress pattern scenario update]
Next, an example of updating the zone effect progress pattern scenario and selecting the zone effect progress pattern will be described.

[Number of previous fluctuations: 4 (when entering the high probability zone for pending changes)]
At the time of entering the hold change high probability zone, the zone effect progress pattern shown in the first stage of the zone effect progress pattern scenario is selected. In this example, the base image corresponding to the marker image “fourth marker (fourth from the left)” at the bottom of the display screen changes to the special pedestal DZC. In this variation, “normal (white marker Mw)” is selected as the “marker display mode” ((D) in FIG. 33). In addition, since “None” is selected as the “sound effect”, no sound effect is particularly output.

[Number of previous changes: 3 times (first change in the high probability zone of change on hold)]
When the value of the production symbol management status changes from “53H” to “50H” with the start of the first fluctuation in the reserve change high probability zone, the production control CPU 126 updates the zone production progress pattern scenario (step in FIG. 42). S752). In this case, the effect control CPU 126 selects the zone effect progress pattern shown in the second stage of the zone effect progress pattern scenario (step S756 in FIG. 42). As a result, the base image corresponding to the marker image of “third marker (third from the left)” at the bottom of the display screen changes to the special pedestal DZC, and “weak change (blue marker Mb) "is selected ((E) in FIG. 34, etc.). Further, since “pattern A” is selected as the “sound effect”, the sound effect corresponding to “pattern A” is output from the speakers 54, 55, and 56.

[Number of previous fluctuations: 2 times (2nd fluctuation in the high probability zone for pending changes)]
When the fluctuation progresses in the reserve change high probability zone and the second fluctuation starts, the effect control CPU 126 selects the zone effect progress pattern shown in the third stage of the zone effect progress pattern scenario. As a result, the base image corresponding to the marker image of “second marker (second from the left)” at the bottom of the display screen changes to the special pedestal DZC, and “middle change (yellow marker)” My) "is selected ((F) in FIG. 34, etc.). Also, “Pattern B” is selected as “Sound effect”, and sound effects corresponding to “Pattern B” are output from the speakers 54, 55, and 56.

[Number of previous changes: 1 time (3rd change in the high probability zone of change on hold)]
Further, when the fluctuation progresses during the reserve change high probability zone and the third fluctuation starts, the effect control CPU 126 selects the zone effect progress pattern shown in the fourth stage of the zone effect progress pattern scenario. As a result, the base image corresponding to the marker image of the “first marker (first)” at the bottom of the display screen changes to the special base DZC, and “strong change (red marker Mr)” as the “marker display mode” at the start of the change. Is selected ((G) in FIG. 34). Further, “Pattern C” is selected as “Sound effect”, and sound effects corresponding to “Pattern C” are output from the speakers 54, 55, and 56.

[Number of previous changes: 0 times (at the time of the change)]
When the change is reached in the high change probability zone, the effect control CPU 126 selects the zone effect progress pattern shown in the fifth stage of the zone effect progress pattern scenario. In this case, the change of the display mode to the special pedestal DZC ends, and the “digest display pattern” is selected for the marker image (for example, the red marker Mr) whose display mode has changed. Thereby, all the display modes of the four base images are restored to the initial base DZ at the lower part of the display screen, and an effect that the marker image is shifted to the change area HA is performed ((A) in FIG. 35). Also, “Special Digestion Pattern” is selected as “Sound Effect”, and sound effects corresponding to “Special Digestion Pattern” are output from speakers 54, 55, and 56.

[See Figure 42: Zone effect progress processing]
As described above, the zone effect progress pattern scenario update process (step S752) during the zone effect progress process and the zone effect progress pattern selection based on the updated scenario (step S756) are performed.

  As described above, the zone effect end condition in step S754 is satisfied when all zone effect progress patterns are selected by updating the zone effect progress pattern scenario and all zone effects are completed on the scenario. Therefore, the production control CPU 126 executes the scenario update (step S752) and the zone production progress pattern selection (step S756) by the first call at the time of the change, and after generating the display command (step S758), the next time. In step S754, it is determined that the zone effect end condition is satisfied (Yes). In this case, the effect control CPU 126 executes step S760 and step S762.

  Step S760: Here, the effect control CPU 126 selects a non-zone effect return pattern. Specifically, an effect pattern that hides the title image such as the “pending change high probability zone” that has been displayed at the top of the display screen until then is selected. When a dedicated image is displayed in the zone other than the title image, the effect control CPU 126 selects an effect pattern for hiding such a dedicated image.

Step S762: The effect control CPU 126 turns off the pending change high probability zone effect flag.
Step S758: Then, the effect control CPU 126 generates a display command based on the selected non-zone effect return pattern, and returns to the caller's hold change high probability zone management process.

  Further, since the hold change high-probability zone effect is no longer being performed, the hold change high-probability zone effect is executed again by satisfying the zone entry condition and winning the zone entry lottery.

[Direction design management processing]
FIG. 44 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the effect symbol management process. The effect symbol management process includes an execution selection process (step S500), an effect symbol change pre-process (step S502), an effect symbol change process (step S504), an effect symbol stop display process (step S506), and a variable winning device operation. This is a configuration including a subroutine group of processing (step S508). Hereinafter, the basic flow of the effect symbol management process will be described along each process.

  Step S500: In the execution selection process, the effect control CPU 126 selects the jump destination of the process to be executed next (any one of steps S502 to S508). For example, the effect control CPU 126 sets the program address of the process to be executed next as the jump destination address, and sets the end of the effect symbol management process in the “jump table” as the return address. Which process is selected as the next jump destination depends on the progress of the processes performed so far. For example, if the situation has not yet started the variation display effect, the effect control CPU 126 selects the effect symbol variation pre-processing (step S502) as the next jump destination. On the other hand, if the effect symbol variation pre-processing has already been completed, the effect control CPU 126 selects the effect symbol variation processing (step S504) as the next jump destination, and if the effect symbol variation in-process has been completed, As a jump destination, the effect symbol stop display in-process (step S506) is selected. The variable winning device operating process (step S508) is selected as a jump destination only when the variable winning device management process (step S5000 in FIG. 16) is selected in the main control CPU 72. In this case, steps S502 to S506 are not executed.

  Step S502: In the effect symbol variation pre-processing, the effect control CPU 126 performs an operation of preparing conditions for starting the variable display effect using the effect symbol. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 selects the content of the reach effect according to various conditions (lottery result, winning type, variation pattern, etc.), or produces an effect pattern for the notice effect (reach occurrence other than the pre-reading notice effect pattern). Select a previous notice pattern, a notice pattern after reach, etc.). In addition, the production control CPU 126 also performs demonstration production control when the pachinko machine 1 is in a so-called customer waiting state. The effect control CPU 126 executes processing related to password input and two-dimensional code issuance during demonstration effect control. The specific processing content will be described later using another flowchart.

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

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

  Step S508: In the variable winning device operating process, the effect control CPU 126 controls the contents of the effect during the small hit or the big hit (special game effect executing means). In this process, the effect control CPU 126 selects the content (effect pattern) of the prominent effect according to various conditions (for example, the winning type). For example, in the case of a probable big hit with 16 rounds, the effect control CPU 126 selects a 16-round prominent effect pattern as the effect contents to be displayed on the liquid crystal display 42, and this effect display control device 144 (display control CPU 146). To direct. As a result, the image of the big hit effect is displayed on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42, and the effect contents change as the round progresses.

[Preliminary design change processing]
FIG. 45 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the above-described effect symbol variation pre-processing. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along the example of a procedure.

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

  Step S602: The effect control CPU 126 executes a demo selection process (standby state effect executing means). In this process, the effect control CPU 126 selects a demonstration effect pattern. The demonstration effect pattern includes the contents of the effect indicating that the pachinko machine 1 is in a so-called customer waiting state. For example, an image for password input guidance is displayed on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42, or a code issuance is performed. The menu screen is displayed (not shown).

  When the above procedure is completed, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the last address of the effect symbol management process. Then, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the effect control process as it is, and controls the contents of the demonstration effect based on the demonstration effect pattern in the subsequent display output process (step S404 in FIG. 38) and lamp driving process (step S406 in FIG. 38). To do.

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

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

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

  Step S608: The effect control CPU 126 executes a small hit hour variation effect pattern selection process. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 determines the effect pattern number at that time based on the variation pattern command received from the main control CPU 72 (for example, “C0H00H” to “D0H7FH”). The effect pattern number is prepared in advance corresponding to the variation pattern command, and the effect control CPU 126 can select an effect pattern number corresponding to the variation pattern command at that time by referring to an effect pattern selection table (not shown). it can. The production pattern numbers may be prepared in pairs with the variation pattern commands, or a plurality of production pattern numbers may be prepared for one variation pattern command.

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

  The above procedure corresponds to the case of “small hit”, but when it corresponds to 7 round big hit or 16 round big hit, the effect control CPU 126 confirms that it is “big hit” in step S606 (Yes). In this case, the effect control CPU 126 executes step S610.

  Step S610: The effect control CPU 126 executes a big hit hour fluctuation effect pattern selection process. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 determines the effect pattern number at that time based on the variation pattern command (for example, “E0H00H” to “F0H7FH”) received from the main control CPU 72. Note that, in the big hit effect pattern selection process, the process may be further branched for each big hit stop symbol.

  In the case of non-winning, the following procedure is executed. In other words, when the effect control CPU 126 confirms that there is a shift in step S604 (Yes), it next executes step S612.

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

  When the effect pattern number at the time of detachment is selected, the effect control CPU 126 refers to an effect table (not shown), and the effect symbol change schedule corresponding to the change effect pattern number at that time (change time, presence / absence of reach, occurrence of reach) , Reach type and reach occurrence timing) and stop display mode (for example, “7”-“2”-“4”, etc.).

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

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

  Step S616: The effect control CPU 126 executes stage management processing. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 executes specific processes related to the stage (mode, zone). Stage effects are executed using a plurality of background images (for example, “daytime stage”, “night stage”, etc.), and if a predetermined effect execution condition is satisfied during execution of the stage effects, the stage image is changed to change the stage. Production is performed.

  When the above procedure is completed, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the effect symbol management process (end address). As a result, in the subsequent effect symbol variation processing (step S504 in FIG. 44), the variation display effect and the stop display effect are executed based on the actually selected variation effect pattern (as various effect execution means). Function), a notice effect is executed based on various notice effect patterns. In addition, various stay mode effects are executed based on the background (stay) mode pattern selected here.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be implemented with various modifications. For example, the pedestal DZ used in the embodiment, the special pedestal DZC after the change, the white marker Mw, the blue marker Mb, the yellow marker My, the red marker Mr, and the like are exemplifications. May be changed.

  Moreover, although one Embodiment demonstrated using the operation | movement memory corresponding to a 1st special symbol, you may perform a holding | maintenance change high probability zone effect for the operation | movement memory corresponding to a 2nd special symbol.

  The present invention can also be applied to game specifications that consume the total operating memory (maximum 8) of the first special symbol and the second special symbol in the winning order. In this case, it is possible to generate a variety of marker image changes within the eight fluctuations while setting the period of eight fluctuations as the reserved change high probability zone.

  The images given in other production examples are merely examples, and these can be appropriately modified. Moreover, the structure of the pachinko machine 1, a board | substrate surface structure, etc. are a preferable illustration including the thing of illustration, and it cannot be overemphasized that these can be deform | transformed suitably.

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

Claims (6)

When the lottery trigger occurs during the game, and the element acquisition unit for acquiring lottery elements required for execution of the internal lottery,
Element storage means for storing the lottery element acquired by the element acquisition means;
When the storage of the drawing element by the element storage means in a state in which a predetermined starting condition is satisfied are present, the lottery execution means for executing the internal lottery consuming pre Symbol lottery element,
When the internal lottery is executed by the lottery execution means, a symbol display means for displaying and displaying the symbol in a manner representing the result of the internal lottery after a predetermined symbol is variably displayed over a preset fluctuation time;
When the lottery element acquired by the element acquisition unit is newly stored by the element storage unit, the lottery element stored before the consumption by the lottery execution unit is used for the internal lottery. A pre-determining means for pre-determining the results;
At the time of the symbol variation display by the symbol display means, at least the variation display effect corresponding to the symbol variation display is executed within the variation time, and then the symbol effect of executing the stop display effect corresponding to the symbol stop display mode Execution means;
In parallel with the variable display effect and the stop display effect executed by the symbol effect execution means, the lottery element is stored using a memory display image that individually indicates whether or not the lottery element is stored by the element storage means. A memory number display effect executing means for executing a memory number display effect in a mode of displaying a number;
In a state where a plurality of lottery elements are stored by the element storage means, when a prior determination result by the prior determination means performed using at least one of the lottery elements satisfies a specific condition, A display mode change effect is executed to change the display mode of the stored display image used for the memorized number display effect, using a specific period in which the symbol display and stop display are executed multiple times by the symbol display means. And a display mode change notice period effect executing means for executing a display mode change notice period effect of an aspect for notifying that there is a possibility that the game machine is likely to be. In the gaming machine according to claim 1,
The display mode change notice period effect executing means is:
The display mode change effect is executed for the specified stored display image in a state where the stored display image corresponding to the lottery element satisfying the specific condition is determined in advance by the prior determination means. A game machine characterized in that the display mode change notice period effect is executed in a mode of notifying that there is a possibility. The gaming machine according to claim 2,
The memorized number display effect executing means is
The base images corresponding to the maximum number of the lottery elements that can be stored by the element storage unit, the lottery elements that are actually stored by the element storage unit, and the lottery elements that are actually stored. The stored number display effect is executed using the marker image representing the presence of the storage of the lottery element by the element storage means by being displayed in combination with the base image of the storage display image,
The display mode change notice period effect executing means is:
Of the base images corresponding to the maximum number of the lottery elements, the lottery elements of the lottery elements satisfying the specific condition satisfying a predetermined determination result by the prior determination unit among the number of base images corresponding to the maximum number of the lottery elements. A gaming machine, wherein the stored display image is specified by changing the base image displayed in combination with the marker image representing presence to a special display mode different from the other base images. In the gaming machine according to claim 2 or 3,
In the process when the display mode change notice period effect by the display form changing advance notice effect execution means is executed, the variable display and stop display of symbols by said symbol display means within said specific period is performed a plurality of times, A gaming machine further comprising specific display mode change effect executing means for executing the display mode change effect for the stored display image specified by the display mode change notice period effect executing means. In the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
For the variation display of the symbol by the symbol display means, a variation pattern defining means for prescribing at least a plurality of variation patterns related to the setting of the variation time;
A variation pattern determining means for selecting any one of the plurality of variation patterns defined by the variation pattern defining means when the symbol variation is displayed by the symbol display means;
The element acquisition means includes
Accompanied by the occurrence of the lottery opportunity, together with the lottery element, further obtaining a variation pattern determining element necessary for the selection of the variation pattern by the variation pattern determining means,
The element storage means
And the lottery element and the variation pattern determinant obtained by the element obtaining unit to set and memorize,
The variation pattern determining means includes
Selecting the variation pattern by consuming the memory of the variation pattern determination element stored in combination with the lottery element consumed by the lottery execution means;
The prior determination means includes
When the new combination of the lottery element and the variation pattern determination element acquired by the element acquisition unit is stored by the element storage unit, it is included in the new group before being consumed by the variation pattern determination unit. Determining in advance the information of the variation pattern to be selected by the variation pattern determination means using the variation pattern determination element;
The display mode change notice period effect executing means is:
Prior determination by the prior determination means performed using the lottery elements included in any of the combinations in a state where a plurality of the lottery elements and the variation pattern determination elements are stored in the element storage means If the result satisfies the specific condition, or if the prior determination result by the prior determination means performed using the variation pattern determination element included in any set satisfies the specific condition A gaming machine, wherein a display mode change notice period effect is executed. The gaming machine according to claim 5,
The display mode change notice period effect executing means is:
In the state in which the stored display image corresponding to the storage of the set including the variation pattern determining element satisfying the specific condition is determined in advance by the prior determination unit, the specified stored display image A gaming machine, wherein the display mode change notice period effect is executed in a manner of notifying that a display mode change effect may be executed.