JP5843928B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that internally changes from a normal state to another advantageous state for a player, and particularly has a feature in an effect technique for appealing the player to a change in the internal state. Is.

  Conventionally, with regard to this type of gaming machine, in the case of having a big hit game with a large maximum number of times of opening with a big winning opening and a big hit game with a small maximum number of open times, it is related to the opening of the big winning opening during a big hit game with a small maximum number of open times There is known a prior art that makes it difficult for a player to recognize that a big hit game itself is being performed by considering the performance and timing (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this prior art, for example, when the big prize opening is opened twice in the case of two rounds of big hit, if the step effect is performed on the liquid crystal screen and the step effect stage is advanced at the first opening timing, the second opening timing is The stage of step production is advanced. Then, the content of the effect based on the variation pattern at the time of loss, the variation pattern at the time of the big round 2 hit, and the content of the effect during the game of the round 2 big hit game are set to the same content in appearance.

  For this reason, according to the above-mentioned prior art, even if the big winning opening is opened at the time of the big hit of the second round, by attracting the player's interest to the step effect during that time, Can make it harder to notice.

JP 2008-110152 A

  The above-described prior art technique makes it difficult for the player to notice the winning itself by devising the contents of the effect, and even tries to conceal it from the player even after the probability variation state is given. In this case, since the probability of winning will increase before the player notices it, it will be easier to get the next winning relatively early as the game continues, and it will be possible to give the player the surprise of a sudden winning. It is done.

  However, in the prior art method, although the probability variation state is given internally, the game proceeds without the player being aware of it, so the probabilistic variation state is produced. Can not be fully utilized.

  In other words, even if the probability fluctuation state is more advantageous for the player than usual, if the player is not aware of it, the expectation during that time will be no different from the normal time, and there will be a special interest. Can not cause. On the other hand, if the probability fluctuation state is clarified in the production after the end of the 2nd round jackpot, there is a problem that it is completely meaningless to make the 2nd round jackpot difficult to notice.

  Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a technique that not only makes it difficult for the player to notice that the player has shifted to an advantageous state, but can also generate another interest.

The present invention employs the following means in order to solve the above problems.
Solution 1: The gaming machine of the present invention has special privilege granting means for granting a special prize privilege to a player when a special prize event corresponding to a special prize occurs during the game, and a prescribed condition during the game. While it is not satisfied, the closed state in which the occurrence of a special prize-winning event cannot be maintained is maintained, and when the specified condition is satisfied, the transition from the closed state to the open state in which the occurrence of a special prize-winning event is impossible is possible. Special winning event generating means and a lottery executing means for executing an internal lottery relating to whether or not at least a prescribed condition is met when a predetermined lottery trigger occurs during a normal game in which the special winning event generating means is closed A winning type defining means for preliminarily prescribing at least a first winning type and a second winning type as a plurality of winning types, and an internal lottery by a lottery execution means In the case of winning, an internal lottery is executed by the winning type determining means for determining which of the first winning type and the second winning type specified by the winning type specifying means, and the lottery executing means. Then, after the symbols are variably displayed over a predetermined variation time, the symbols are stopped and displayed in a manner corresponding to the result of the internal lottery. In this case, if the result of the internal lottery is a win, the winning type determination means determines The symbol display means for stopping and displaying the symbols in a manner corresponding to the selected winning type, and the result of the internal lottery corresponds to the winning, and the winning type determining means determines that the winning type is the first winning type. When the symbol is stopped and displayed by the symbol display means in the first special mode corresponding to the first winning type, a special prize is awarded for a predetermined time that makes it easy to generate a special prize event as a special game. The event generation means is shifted from the closed state to the open state, or the special prize event generating means is shifted from the closed state to the open state until the special prize event is generated a predetermined number of times within a predetermined time. Special game executing means for executing the operation for a predetermined number of times, and the symbol display means that the result of the internal lottery corresponds to the winning and the winning type determining means determines that it corresponds to the second winning type. 2. When the symbol is stopped and displayed in the second special mode corresponding to the winning type, the special prize event generating means is shifted from the closed state to the open state in a short time that makes it difficult even if the special prize event is not impossible. Short-term opening / closing operation execution means for executing a short-term opening / closing operation for returning to the closed state for a number of times less than a predetermined number of times, and a special game or short-term by the special game execution means After any one of the short-term opening / closing operations by the opening / closing operation executing means is executed, until the number of symbol variation display by the symbol displaying means reaches a predetermined upper limit number, at least the internal game with respect to the internal lottery by the lottery executing means A special game state transition means for transitioning to a specific game state to which a different specific condition is applied, and a symbol display means when the special game state transition means shifts to the specific game state after execution of the special game by the special game execution means. The specific game state transition is executed after the short-time opening / closing operation is executed by the short-time opening / closing operation executing means while the specific effect of the mode indicating the transition to the specific gaming state is executed until the number of times of the variable display of the symbol reaches the upper limit number. When the game is shifted to the specific game state by the means, the number of times the symbol display by the symbol display means exceeds the specific number of times until the upper limit is reached. And a specific effect execution means for executing a specific effect between.

  In the gaming machine of the present invention, when a lottery opportunity occurs during a game, an internal lottery relating to whether or not at least a prescribed condition is satisfied is performed. And if you win in the internal lottery and the prescribed conditions are met, special games or short-term opening and closing operations are executed depending on whether the winning type at that time corresponds to the first special winning or the second special winning The Among these, when the special prize event generating means shifts to the open state in accordance with the execution of the special game, the special prize event is easily generated, thereby making it easier for the player to obtain a special prize privilege. Then, by giving a special prize privilege during the special game, the player can be surely recognized that “the benefit of the special game has been enjoyed (to a great extent)”. On the other hand, when a short-time opening / closing operation is executed, the special prize event generating means similarly shifts to the open state a minimum number of times in a short time, but it is extremely difficult to generate a special prize event during that time. The person can hardly get special prizes. Therefore, not only does it not give rise to a solid recognition that the player has enjoyed the benefits of special games even if a short-time opening / closing operation is performed, but before that, “I won the internal lottery” Even make it difficult to recognize.

On the other hand, in the gaming machine of the present invention, after either a special game or a short-term opening / closing operation is executed, the maximum number of symbol fluctuation displays (which may include a subsequent stop display as an event) by the symbol display means is the upper limit. Until it reaches, it shifts to a specific gaming state. When shifting to the specific gaming state, a specific condition that is different from normal is applied at least with respect to the probability of the internal lottery. The “specific condition” corresponds to, for example, “if the probability of winning in a normal game is a low probability, this is changed to a high probability that is twice or more”. However, in the gaming machine of the present invention, the specific gaming state does not always continue almost certainly until the next winning, and continues only until the number of symbol variations reaches the upper limit .

  In this way, in the gaming machine of the present invention, by setting the upper limit number in the specific gaming state, it is not “specific gaming state = guaranteeing the next winning”, but “specific gaming state = winning within a limited number of times” Provides a game of opportunity. Therefore, if the player clearly recognizes that “the game state has been shifted to a specific game state”, there will be a special interest of “whether you can win the next prize in a limited chance” However, if the player is not aware of it, as described in the prior art, there is no particular interest.

  Then, if the opportunity when transitioning to the specific gaming state is the above-mentioned “special game”, it is clear to the player that the transition to the specific gaming state is thereby internal, so in this case By making it clear that the game state has always shifted to the specific gaming state, special interests can be immediately generated as described above.

  On the other hand, when the transition to the specific gaming state is the “short-term opening / closing operation”, the behavior during that time is hardly noticed by the player. Therefore, even if the game state is shifted to the specific game state internally, it is difficult for the player to notice it. That said, it was meaningless to perform a “short-time opening and closing operation” that was difficult for the player to know if it was revealed that the game had always shifted to a specific gaming state in the same way as after the “special game”. Become.

  Therefore, in the present invention, when a transition is made to the specific gaming state through the execution of the “short-term opening / closing operation”, the specific effect is executed until the number of symbol fluctuation displays (the number of times the internal lottery is executed) reaches the upper limit number. It is supposed to be. This prevents the player from immediately knowing that the player is in the specific game state, and confirms that the player is in the specific game state within the limited number of variable displays (the number of internal lotteries). An opportunity to inform can be provided.

  More specifically, when the specific game state transition means shifts to the specific game state after execution of the short-term opening / closing operation execution means by the short-term opening / closing operation execution means, the upper limit number is reached after the number of times the symbol variation display by the symbol display means exceeds the specific number of times. A specific performance is executed before reaching.

  As a result, the specific effect is executed when the symbol variation display exceeds the specific number of times at the time of transition to the specific game state, so that the specific game state is prevented from being finished without executing the specific effect until the end. be able to.

  Of course, if you are in the specific gaming state internally, you can win the internal lottery first even before the specific performance is executed. It is possible to make the player have an illusion as if winning was achieved in the game (low probability state). Then, after making it clear to the player that it is in a specific gaming state, by making the player clearly recognize that it is a “limited chance to win” as described above, A special interest can be produced.

  In addition, if the player has not known that the current internal state is the “specific game state”, the player suddenly notices the arrival of the “limited chance of winning” by executing the specific performance. To know. In this case, since the player can express a kind of harbinger (a sign of success) that “the next winning is near now” to the player in the production, the player can be excited more and more.

  In this way, the gaming machine of the present invention makes it difficult for the player to notice the short-term opening and closing operation, and after that it does not reveal on the stage that it has immediately shifted to the specific gaming state, so that the winning during that time is as if from normal time The player can have an illusion as if he were won. In addition, even if the next winning is not obtained during that time, the player will be able to show interest during the transition to the specific gaming state by clearly showing on the stage that it is in the specific gaming state at an appropriate timing. Can be surely enjoyed.

  Based on the above solution, the following solution (technical idea) can be further applied to the gaming machine of the present invention.

  Solution 2: In Solution 1, the gaming machine according to the present invention executes a variable display effect corresponding to the symbol variation display within at least the variation time when the symbol variation display by the symbol display means, and then the internal lottery. The symbol effect execution means for executing the result display effect corresponding to the result, and the symbol display when the result of the internal lottery corresponds to the winning and the winning type determining means determines that it corresponds to the first winning type. When the symbol is stopped and displayed in the first special mode by the means, the result display effect mode executed by the symbol effect executing unit is controlled corresponding to the first special mode, while the result of the internal lottery corresponds to the winning Even when the symbol is stopped and displayed in the second special mode by the symbol display means by the fact that the winning type determination means determines that it corresponds to the second winning type, the result display effect The without corresponding to the second special aspect aspect, further comprising a presentation control means for controlling so as to correspond to the symbols stopped and displayed except when winning.

  According to the solving means 2, the variable display effect and the stop display effect can be executed in correspondence with the symbol variable display and the stop display, respectively. Therefore, the player can know the result of the internal lottery only by visually recognizing the result display effect without having to visually recognize the aspect of the symbol that is stopped and displayed by the symbol display means. Therefore, if the result of the internal lottery is winning and the winning type at that time is the first special winning that leads to the execution of “special game”, the variable display effect at that time will increase the corresponding expectation ( A so-called reach variation effect is preferable, and the result display effect is performed in a mode that makes it clear that the first special win is selected (corresponding to the first special mode in the stop display by the symbol display means). By executing such a result display effect, the player can realize that “winning” is realized, and can provide an opportunity for preparing for a “special game” to be started.

  However, even if the result of the internal lottery is winning, if the winning type at that time is the second special winning that leads to the execution of the “short-term opening / closing operation”, the variable display effect at that time increases the special expectation. It is not the content (so-called reach fluctuation production), and the result display production is not a mode that clarifies that it is the second special prize (corresponding to the second special mode in the stop display by the symbol display means), It is performed in a manner corresponding to symbols that are stopped and displayed other than at the time of winning. The mode in this case is, for example, a mode in which a combination of a plurality of effect symbols is not uniform, or a mode in which a combination of effect symbols is not uniform but an arrangement with some regularity (“1”-“3”-“ 5 "etc.). In any case, by executing the result display effect in a manner corresponding to the result other than at the time of winning, there is no particular realization that the player is “winned”, and from now on, It is possible to leave the user to be completely unaware that the “operation” will be performed. In this case, since it becomes difficult for the player to detect the “short-term opening / closing operation” from the aspect of the variable display effect and the result display effect, it is concealed from the player even in the effect that the player subsequently shifts to the “specific game state”. Can be kept. Therefore, the effect of the specific effect at the time of shifting to the specific game state after this can be fully exhibited.

  Solution 3: In Solution 1, 2, the gaming machine of the present invention defines a plurality of types of variation patterns in advance for setting a variation time at which symbols should be variably displayed by at least the symbol display means corresponding to the result of the internal lottery. Among them, the variation pattern defining means for defining a specific variation pattern as a type in which the length of the variation time is set to be equal to or longer than a predetermined time, and the variation pattern defining means based on the result of the internal lottery And a variation pattern determining means for selectively determining one of a plurality of types of variation patterns. The variation pattern determining means, when the result of the internal lottery corresponds to winning and the winning type determining means determines that it corresponds to the first winning type, specifies the specific variation pattern defined by the variation pattern defining means. On the other hand, even if the result of the internal lottery corresponds to winning, if the winning type determining means determines that it corresponds to the second winning type, the specific variation pattern defined by the variation pattern defining means and Selects only different types of variation patterns.

  Generally, when the result of the internal lottery is a win, the variation time of the symbol is often set relatively long. Therefore, if the symbol is variably displayed over a certain period of time, the player will be alone. Will be expected to win. Of course, if you actually win in the internal lottery, it is natural and reasonable to set a certain long variation time, but if you do not want the player to detect that you have won, take a long time. It is not appropriate to display the symbols in a variable manner.

  Therefore, in the present invention, even when winning in the internal lottery, “special game” is made by providing a difference in the pattern variation pattern between the case corresponding to the first winning type and the case corresponding to the second winning type. If it corresponds to the first winning type that leads to the execution of the game, by setting the variation time relatively long, the player can expect the possibility of winning, while corresponding to the second winning type that leads to the execution of the "short-term opening and closing operation" In this case, the variation display is not set so long and the variation display is completed in a relatively short time. This makes it possible to execute the “short-term opening / closing operation” after that and make the transition to the “specific gaming state” proceed without causing the player to be conscious of having won in the internal lottery.

  Solving means 4: In the solving means 1 to 3, the specific effect executing means may determine whether or not to execute the specific effect through the effect lottery, and the specific game after the short-term opening / closing operation is performed by the short-term opening / closing operation executing means. It is preferable to change the probability of the effect lottery executed when the state transition means shifts to the specific gaming state in accordance with the number of symbol variation displays by the symbol display means until the upper limit is reached. In the solving means 4, the probability may be gradually increased until the upper limit number is reached, or may be decreased. In addition, the change in the probability may be changed from rising to decreasing, or from decreasing to increasing.

  For example, when the production lottery is executed with a fixed probability from the beginning to the end until the number of symbol fluctuation display (internal lottery) reaches the upper limit, the probability setting (setting with a relatively low winning probability) ) Depending on the situation, it may happen that the lottery was not won. In this case, since it is not possible to clearly indicate to the player that the game state is a specific game state, it is difficult to generate special interest as described above. Therefore, in the present invention, it is easy to generate a specific effect at a timing when the probability increases to some extent by changing the probability according to the number of times of variable display, instead of executing the effect lottery with a fixed probability from the beginning to the end. doing. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the specific effect from being executed until the end, and to ensure that the player enjoys the interest associated with the transition to the specific game state.

  Solving means 5: In the solving means 4, the specific effect executing means determines the probability of the effect lottery executed when the specific game state transition means shifts to the specific game state after the short-term opening / closing operation execution means is executed. It is preferable to change to the maximum value at any number of times until the number of times of symbol variation display by the symbol display means reaches the upper limit number. In the solution 5, the “maximum value” may include a probability of 100%.

  As mentioned above, even if the transition to the specific gaming state is not made clear to the player from the beginning, the number of times of symbol display (number of internal lottery) will reach the upper limit, In order to achieve the initial purpose, it is important to always execute a specific performance at any timing. For this reason, in the solution means 5, by changing the probability of the effect lottery to the maximum value during the transition to the specific game state, the possibility of executing the specific effect at that stage is made highest. In particular, if 100% is set as the maximum probability, even if you do not win the production lottery until then, you will always win the production lottery when it is changed to the maximum value, so the specific production will not be executed until the end It is possible to prevent the specific gaming state from ending.

  Solving means 6: In the solving means 1 to 5, the specific effect executing means is a state in which the symbol display means causes the symbol display means to move to the specific gaming state after the short-term opening / closing operation execution means executes the short-term opening / closing operation. If the specific effect is executed before the number of variable displays reaches the upper limit, the specific effect is not performed until the maximum number of variable displays by the symbol display means is reached. Continue to execute.

  As described above, the specific effect is for indicating (disclosing, teaching, and notifying) that the player is in a specific game state. Therefore, after executing the specific effect once, the specific game state However, if the specific effect is ended even though the game continues, the player is given the impression that the specific game state has been terminated, and the game motivation is reduced. Therefore, if a specific effect has already been executed during the specific game state, then the specific effect is continued until the end, thereby preventing the player from losing motivation and generating a special interest during that time. it can.

  Solving means 7: In the solving means 1 to 6, the gaming machine of the present invention, when the short-term opening / closing operation is executed by the short-time opening / closing operation executing means, and when the specific gaming state is shifted to the specific gaming state by the specific gaming state shifting means, Aside from the specific effect, a specific notice effect executing means for executing a specific notice effect having a content indicating that there is a possibility of transition to the specific game state may be further provided.

  The above-mentioned “specific effect” is an effect in an aspect indicating that it is already in the “specific game state”, but the “specific notice effect” here has a “possibility of transition to the specific game state” It does not reveal the “specific game state” by itself. Even so, if a “special notice effect” is executed, the player can have a sense of expectation that “the specified game state is easy to get the next winning”. By performing the production separately from the specific production, it is possible to have more diverse interests.

  In addition, when the player knows from experience that the “specific notice effect” is executed when the “special game state” is entered, the “specific notice effect” itself is “specific game state = the next winning effect is Because it is a kind of harbinger of “close” (a sign of success), it is possible to give diversity to the production.

  Solution unit 8: In the solution unit 7, the winning type defining unit further defines special winning as a plurality of winning types. When the winning type determined by the winning type determining means is a special winning, the gaming machine of the present invention is difficult even if it is not possible to generate a special winning event as a normal game without any special game or short-term opening / closing operation. The special short-term opening / closing operation until the special prize event generating means is changed from the closed state to the open state and then returned to the closed state for a predetermined short period of time is repeatedly executed for a predetermined special number of times, and thereafter It further includes special operation execution means for maintaining the game. In this case, the specific notice effect executing means until the number of times the symbol display by the symbol display means reaches the upper limit in a state where the normal game is maintained after the special short-term opening / closing operation by the special action executing means is performed. The specific notice effect can be further executed.

  As described above, the special winning is a type of winning that does not trigger the transition to the “specific gaming state” even though it is “winning”. Therefore, even if it corresponds to the special win, the special short-term opening / closing operation thereafter is performed as a normal game (not a special game and not a short-time opening / closing operation at the time of winning). However, since the behavior is almost the same as the short-term opening and closing operation, for a player who has witnessed that a special short-term opening and closing operation is actually executed, whether it is a "short-term opening and closing operation" It is difficult to distinguish whether it is “operation”. Therefore, when the player notices the “special short-term opening / closing operation”, even if the normal game continues, the player can be expected to shift to the “specific game state” after that. In addition, if a specific notice effect is executed after the execution of the “special short-term opening / closing operation”, the player can be more and more expected to be in the “specific game state”.

  Solution 9: In Solution 1 to 8, the gaming machine according to the present invention is installed in the game area, the ball launching means for driving the game ball toward the game area formed on the game board surface, and flows down in the game area. Game balls that flow in the game area when a predetermined movable piece is in the closed position, and a start winning opening that generates an event that becomes a lottery opportunity when a game ball that randomly enters the game A variable start winning device that makes inflow difficult, while facilitating the inflow of game balls in a state where the movable piece is operated from the closed position toward the open position, and generating an event that becomes a lottery trigger by the inflow; A start gate that is installed in the area and allows a game ball flowing down in the game area to pass at random, and whether or not the movable piece of the variable start prize device is operated when the game ball passes through the start gate Working The operation lottery execution means for executing the operation, the movable piece operation means for operating the movable piece of the variable start winning device toward the open position, and at least a predetermined number of winnings for the variable start winning device When a prize ball payout device that pays out a game ball as a prize ball and the result of internal lottery is not won, at least the symbol display means shifts to a time reduction state in which the variation time for symbol variation display is shortened than usual. And a time shortening state shifting means for shifting to a time shortening state in which the winning probability of the operation lottery is changed higher than usual.

  And the time shortening state transition means is determined by the fact that the result of the internal lottery corresponds to the winning and the winning type determining means determines that it corresponds to the second winning type while shifting to the specific gaming state. When the symbol is stopped and displayed in the second special mode corresponding to the second winning type by the display means, and as a result, after the short-time opening / closing operation by the short-time opening / closing operation execution means, the specific gaming state transition means shifts to the specific gaming state In the normal game, the symbol display means that the result of the internal lottery corresponds to the winning and the winning type determining means determines that it corresponds to the second winning type. 2 The symbol is stopped and displayed in the second special mode corresponding to the winning type, and as a result, the specific game state is transferred by the specific game state transition means after execution of the short-term opening / closing operation by the short-term opening / closing operation execution means. If that were migrated are not allowed to migrate to the time shortening state.

  In such a configuration, during the time shortening state, the operation lottery is won with a high probability, and winning to the variable start winning device frequently occurs. It contributes to the improvement. In addition, game balls (prize balls) are frequently paid out by winning the variable start winning device, and for the player, the reduction of the game balls that have been fired is compensated for by the award balls. If you win, there is an advantage that you can get the next win without consuming almost any possession. In this way, during the time shortening state, in addition to shortening the fluctuation time of the symbol, a clear behavior such as frequent operation of the variable start winning device and accompanying payout of the game ball is shown. It becomes easier for the player to clearly recognize that the privilege "is granted." On the other hand, if the transition is made only to the “specific game state” and not the “time reduction state”, the change will be an internal change that is difficult for the player to notice, and on the surface The role as an unrecognized privilege can be surely fulfilled.

  Therefore, when transitioning from a normal game to a “special gaming state” through execution of a “short-term opening / closing operation”, it is ensured that the “specific gaming state” is given to the player by not shifting to the time reduction state as described above. Can be kept secret. On the other hand, if the player enters the “special gaming state” without knowing it, and then proceeds to the “special gaming state” through the execution of the “short-term opening / closing operation”, the player will be in the “specific gaming state” indefinitely. If you don't let them know, you may end up buying a player's misery. Therefore, in this case, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the interest of the player by shifting to the “time reduction state” and causing a change on the surface.

  The gaming machine of the present invention can allow a player to enjoy the fun while transitioning to a specific gaming state.

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 an interruption management process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the process at the time of a start opening prize. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the production | presentation determination process at the time of acquisition. It is a flowchart which shows the structural example of a special symbol game process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the special symbol change pre-processing. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a big hit hour variation pattern determination process. It is a figure which shows an example of the "big hit time fluctuation pattern selection table address state selection table". It is a figure which shows an example of the fluctuation pattern selection table at the time of non-ST 2 round winning. It is a figure which shows an example of the fluctuation pattern selection table at the time of 2 round winning during ST. 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 flowchart which shows the outline | summary of the game system in a pachinko machine as an example. It is a continuation figure (1/2) which shows the example of an effect performed at the time of 2 round winning using an effect design and a background image. It is a continuation figure (2/2) which shows the example of an effect performed at the time of 2 round winning using an effect design and a background image. It is a continuation figure (1/2) which shows a flow of example effect production example 1 performed during hidden ST mode. It is a continuation figure (2/2) which shows a flow of example effect production 1 performed during a hidden ST mode. It is a continuation figure (1/2) which shows the flow of example effect production example 2 performed during hidden ST mode. It is a continuation figure (2/2) which shows a flow of example effect production example 2 performed during a hidden ST mode. It is a continuation figure (1/2) which shows the flow of the specific background change production performed during hidden ST mode. It is a continuation figure (2/2) which shows the flow of the specific background change production performed during hidden ST mode. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of effect control processing. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of effect design management processing. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of an effect design change pre-process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the process at the time of variable winning apparatus operation | movement. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the big hit effect selection process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the effect selection process at the time of a small hit. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the production | generation pattern selection process at the time of loss. It is the flowchart which showed the example of the procedure of the indication effect selection process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a specific sign production | presentation selection process. It is the game flow figure which showed in a time series the relationship between the change of the internal state (normal / ST) in a pachinko machine, and the effect content performed according to the frequency | count of a fluctuation | variation of a special symbol.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  A grip unit 16 is installed at the lower right portion of the tray unit 6. The player operates the grip unit 16 to operate the launch control board set 174 and can launch (shoot) a game ball toward the game area 8a (ball launching means). The launched game ball rises along the left side edge of the game board 8, is guided by an outer band (not shown), and is thrown into the game area 8a. A large number of obstacle nails, windmills (not shown in the drawing) and the like are arranged in the game area 8a, and the thrown game balls flow down in the game area 8a while being guided by the obstacle nails and windmills.

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

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

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

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

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

  FIG. 3 is an enlarged front view showing a part of the game board 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).

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

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

  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 status display device 38 are attached to the game board 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 8 is provided with a production unit 40 from the center position to the right side. The effect unit 40 has an upper edge portion 40a that functions as a guide member that changes the flow direction of the game ball, and includes various decorative parts 40b and 40c on the inner side. The decorative parts 40b and 40c can enhance the decorativeness of the game board 8 by the three-dimensional modeling, and can perform a dramatic operation by emitting transmitted light using, for example, a built-in light emitter (LED or the like). In addition, a liquid crystal display 42 (image display) is installed inside the effect unit 40, and various effect images including an effect symbol corresponding to the special symbol are displayed on the liquid crystal display 42. As described above, the game board 8 impresses the player with the characteristics of the pachinko machine 1 based on the configuration of the board surface (design of a cell plate (not shown)) and the decoration of the effect unit 40.

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

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

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

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

[Configuration on the back side]
As shown in FIG. 2, on the back side of the pachinko machine 1, there are a power supply control unit 162, a main control board unit 170, a 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 to this, on the back side of the pachinko machine 1, various electronic devices (including a control computer not shown) constituting the power supply system and control system of the pachinko machine 1, external terminal plates 160 and 161, power cord (power plug) 164, a ground wire (ground terminal) 166, connection wiring (not shown), and the like are installed. The electronic devices will be further described later based on another block diagram (FIG. 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.

[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 that serves as the center of the control operation. The main control device 70 mainly has a function of controlling the progress of the game in the pachinko machine 1. The main controller 70 is built in the main control board unit 170 described above.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  The pachinko machine 1 includes an effect control device 124 as a control configuration. The effect control device 124 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 lamp driving circuit 132 includes a switching element such as a PWM (pulse width modulation) IC or a MOSFET (not shown). The lamp driving circuit 132 switches driving voltages (or duty switching) applied to various lamps including LEDs. ) And manage the operation such as light emission and flashing. In addition to the glass frame top lamps 46 and 48, the glass frame side lamp 50, and the saucer lamp 52, the various lamps include a decoration / production board lamp 53 installed in the game board 8. The panel lamp 53 corresponds to an LED incorporated in the above-described effect unit, or an LED incorporated in the variable start winning device 28, the variable winning device 30, or the like. Here, although the example in which the saucer lamp 52 is connected to the glass frame decorating board 136 is given, a saucer illuminated board is installed in the saucer unit 6, and the saucer lamp 52 is interposed via the saucer illuminated board. It may be configured to be connected to the lamp driving circuit 132.

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

  In the present embodiment, a glass frame decoration board 136 is installed on the inner surface of the glass frame unit 4, and drive signals from the lamp drive circuit 132 and the acoustic drive circuit 134 pass through the glass frame decoration board 136 and various lamps 46. To 52 and speakers 54, 55, and 56. Further, the effect switching button 45 is connected to the glass frame decorating board 136, and when the player operates the effect switching button 45, the contact signal is input to the effect control device 124 through the glass frame decorating board 136. Is done. In addition, although the example which connected the production | presentation switch button 45 to the glass-frame decoration board 136 is given here, when installing said saucer illumination board, the production switch button 45 is connected to the saucer illumination board. Also good. In addition, the panel board 138 is installed in the game board 8, and a driving signal from the lamp driving circuit 132 is applied to the panel lamp 53 via the panel board 138.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Step S112: The main control CPU 72 executes a CTC initialization process, and initializes a CTC (counter / timer circuit) that is a peripheral device. Then, the main control CPU 72 shifts to the main loop shown in FIG. 6 (connection symbol A → A).

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

  Step S115: The main control CPU 72 executes an initial value update random number update process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 increments random numbers for updating (changing) initial values of various software random numbers. In this embodiment, various random numbers are generated on the program in addition to the big hit decision random number. These software random numbers are updated by the loop counter within a predetermined range in another interrupt process (step S201 in FIG. 7), but the initial value of the loop counter is changed every time the random number value makes one round in this process. doing. The initial value update random number is used to randomly change the initial value, and in step S115, the initial value update random number is updated. Note that the reason why step S115 is executed after the interruption is prohibited in step S113 is that the same process is executed in another interrupt process (step S202 in FIG. 7), and therefore overlap (conflict) with this. It is for preventing.

  Step S116, Step S117: The main control CPU 72 permits interruption and executes other random number update processing. The random numbers updated in this process are random numbers (reach determination random numbers, variation pattern determination random numbers, etc.) that are not involved in the determination of the winning type (winning type) among software random numbers. This process is performed in the remaining time when a timer interrupt occurs during execution of the main loop and the main control CPU 72 executes another interrupt management process (FIG. 7). The contents of the interrupt management process will be described later.

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

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

  Step S121: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes prize ball payout processing. In this process, the number of winning balls is instructed to the payout control device 92 based on the winning detection signals input from the various switches 80, 82, 84, 86 in another interruption process (step S203 in FIG. 7). A prize ball instruction command is output.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Interrupt management processing (timer interrupt processing)]
Next, interrupt management processing (timer interrupt processing) will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary procedure of interrupt management processing. The main control CPU 72 executes an interrupt management process every predetermined time (for example, several milliseconds) based on the interrupt request signal from the counter / timer circuit. Each procedure will be described below.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Processing at the start opening prize]
Next, processing that is further executed in the switch input event processing (step S204) will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of processing at the start opening prize. Each procedure will be described below.

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

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

  Step S14: The main control CPU 72 adds one first special symbol working memory number. The first special symbol operation memory number counter is stored, for example, in a counting area of the RAM 76, and the main control CPU 72 increments (+1) the value. Based on the counter value added here, the lighting state of the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a is controlled by the display output management process (step S205 in FIG. 7).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Step S30: The main control CPU 72 increments the second special symbol working memory number by one (increments the value of the second special symbol working memory number counter). As in the previous step S14, the lighting state of the second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a is controlled in the display output management process (step S205 in FIG. 7) based on the counter value added here. .

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Acquisition process during acquisition]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of the above-described acquisition-time effect determination process. The main control CPU 72 executes this acquisition effect determination process in the above-described start opening winning process (step S20, step S38 in FIG. 8). As described above, this process is executed for each of the first special symbol (when winning the upper start winning opening 26) and the second special symbol (when winning the variable start winning device 28). Therefore, the following description may correspond to a process related to the first special symbol and a process related to the second special symbol. Hereinafter, the contents of the processing will be described along each procedure.

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

  Step S52: Next, the main control CPU 72 loads the jackpot determination random number as the first determination random value. The random number to be loaded here is stored in the RAM 76 in the previous start opening winning process (steps S18 and S36 in FIG. 8).

  Step S54: The main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the loaded random number is outside the range of the winning value. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sets the comparison value in the A register, and subtracts the loaded random number value from this comparison value. The comparison value is defined in advance according to the winning probability of the internal lottery in the pachinko machine 1. Next, the main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the calculation result is 0 or a positive value from the value of the flag register, for example. As a result, if the loaded random number is outside the range of the winning value (Yes), the main control CPU 72 returns to the start opening winning time process (FIG. 8). On the other hand, if the loaded random number is not outside the range of the winning value but is within the range (No), the main control CPU 72 then proceeds to step S56.

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

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

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

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

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

  Step S64: The main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the random number loaded in the previous step S52 is outside the range of the winning value. That is, the main control CPU 72 subtracts the jackpot determination random number value from the comparison value set for each state. Similarly, the main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the calculation result is a negative value (<0) from the value of the flag register, and if the result is that the loaded random number is outside the range of the winning value (Yes). The main control CPU 72 returns to the start opening winning process (FIG. 8). On the other hand, if the loaded random number is not outside the range of the winning value but is within the range (No), the main control CPU 72 then proceeds to step S66.

  Step S66: The main control CPU 72 executes a big hit type determination process. This processing is for determining the jackpot type (winning type) at that time based on the jackpot symbol random number. For example, when the main control CPU 72 loads the jackpot symbol random number stored in the previous start opening winning process (step S18, step S36 in FIG. 8), the main control CPU 72 executes an operation using the comparison value in the same manner as in the above step S54. From the result, it is determined whether the jackpot type corresponds to “2-round symbol” or “15-round symbol”. The main control CPU 72 stores the determination result at this time as a special symbol determination value, and proceeds to the next step S68.

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

[Special design game processing]
Next, the details of the special symbol game process executed during the main loop will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a configuration example of the special symbol game process. The special symbol game process includes an execution selection process (step S1000), a special symbol change pre-process (step S2000), a special symbol change process (step S3000), a special symbol stop display process (step S4000), and a variable winning device management process. This includes the subroutine group of (Step S5000). Here, first, the basic flow of the special game management process will be described along each process.

  Step S1000: In the execution selection process, the main control CPU 72 selects the jump destination of the process to be executed next (any one of steps S2000 to S5000) from the “jump table”. For example, the main control CPU 72 sets the program address of the process to be executed next as the jump destination address, and sets the end of the special symbol game process as the return destination address in the stack pointer. Which process is selected as the next jump destination depends on the progress of the processes performed so far. For example, if the special symbol has not yet started to be changed, the main control CPU 72 selects the special symbol change pre-process (step S2000) as the next jump destination. On the other hand, if the special symbol change pre-processing has already been completed, the main control CPU 72 selects the special symbol changing process (step S3000) as the next jump destination, and if the special symbol changing process has been completed, For example, the special symbol stop display processing (step S4000) is selected as the jump destination. In this embodiment, the jump destination address is specified by the “jump table” and the process is selected. However, apart from such a selection method, a “process flag”, a “process selection flag”, or the like is used. There is also a known programming example in which the CPU selects a process to be executed next. In such a programming example, the CPU CALLs each process in a single way, and at the top step, the conditional branch (continuation / return) is performed 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 changing process, the main control CPU 72 controls the driving of the first special symbol display device 34 and the second special symbol display device 35 while counting the change timer. Specifically, an ON or OFF drive signal (1 byte data) is output for each segment and dot (0th to 7th) of the 7-segment LED. The pattern of the drive signal changes with the passage of time, whereby a special symbol is displayed in a variable manner.

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

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

  Further, when the main control CPU 72 sets the large winning opening opening pattern (the number of rounds and the number of opening / closing operations per round) in the variable winning device management process, every time the opening / closing operation of the variable winning device 30 for one round is completed. Increment the value of the round counter. The value of the round number counter is stored in the count area of the RAM 76 with an initial value of 0, for example. Further, the main control CPU 72 generates a round number command representing the value of the round number counter. The round number command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S119 in FIG. 6). When the value of the round number counter reaches the set number of continuous operations, the main control CPU 72 ends the big hit game (big player) only for that round.

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

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

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

[Special symbol change pre-treatment]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for special symbol variation pre-processing. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along each procedure.

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

  Step S2500: In this process, the main control CPU 72 generates a demonstration effect command. The demonstration effect command is output to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S119 in FIG. 6). When the demo setting process is executed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol game process. When returning, it returns to the end address as described above (and so on).

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

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

  Step S2250: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a special symbol operating memory number subtraction process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 subtracts one value of the working memory number counter (which corresponds to either the first special symbol or the second special symbol) stored in the RAM 76, and obtains the value after the subtraction. Set to “Number of working memories at start of change”. At this time, the working memory number counter to be subtracted corresponds to the one on which the random number stored in the previous step S2200 has been shifted. Thereby, the display mode of the number stored by the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a or the second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a changes (decreases by 1) in the display output management process (step S205 in FIG. 7). . When the procedure so far is finished, the main control CPU 72 permits the interrupt and then executes step S2300.

  Step S2300: The main control CPU 72 executes a big hit determination process (internal lottery). In this process, the main control CPU 72 first sets a range of the big hit value and determines whether or not the read random number value is included in this range (lottery execution means). The range of the jackpot value set at this time is different between the normal state and the high probability state (probability variation state). In the high probability state, the range of the jackpot value is expanded to about 10 times that of the normal state. If the random value read at this time is included in the range of the big hit value, the main control CPU 72 sets the big hit flag (01H), and then proceeds to step S2400. Here, as a more detailed procedure of the jackpot determination process, for example, the procedure (steps S52 to S64 in FIG. 9) mentioned in the previous acquisition-time effect determination process may be applied.

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

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

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

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

  Step S2404: The main control CPU 72 executes an off-time stop symbol determination process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sets stop symbol number data at the time of disconnection by the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35. Specifically, if the big hit determination random number corresponding to the second special symbol and the big hit symbol random number have been preferentially shifted in the previous special symbol memory shift process, the main control CPU 72 displays the second special symbol display here. Stop symbol number data by the device 36 is set. On the other hand, if the memory of the big hit determination random number corresponding to the first special symbol is shifted, the main control CPU 72 sets the stop symbol number data by the first special symbol display device 34 here. Further, the main control CPU 72 generates a stop symbol command and a lottery result command (at the time of loss) to be transmitted to the effect control device 124. These commands are transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S119 in FIG. 6).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Figure 10: Special symbol change processing, special symbol stop display processing]
In the special symbol variation processing, the main control CPU 72 loads the value of the variation timer from the register to the timer counter as described above, and then decrements the value of the timer counter as time elapses (clock pulse count). . The main control CPU 72 controls the special symbol variation display as described above until the value becomes 0 while referring to the value of the timer counter. When the value of the timer counter becomes 0, the main control CPU 72 sets the special symbol stop display 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 (step S2404, step S2407, and step S2410 in FIG. 11). The main control CPU 72 generates a symbol stop command to be transmitted to the effect control device 94. The symbol stop command is transmitted to the effect control device 94 in the effect control output process. When the stop symbol is displayed for a predetermined time in the special symbol stop display process, the main control CPU 72 deletes the symbol changing flag. The special symbol stop display in-progress process will be described later with reference to another flowchart.

[Big hit fluctuation pattern determination process]
Next, the contents of the big hit hour fluctuation pattern determination process (step S2412 in FIG. 11) performed in the special symbol fluctuation pre-processing will be described. The big hit fluctuation pattern determination process is a process executed when the result of the internal lottery corresponds to a win (big hit other than the small hit) as described above, but in this embodiment, the big hit is stopped before that In the symbol determination process (step S2410 in FIG. 11), the technique for determining the variation pattern of the special symbol differs depending on whether “15 round symbol” or “2 round symbol” is selected as the winning type (winning symbol). Yes. Furthermore, for “two round symbols”, the method of determining the variation pattern differs depending on whether or not the current state is in a high probability state.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the big hit hour variation pattern determination process. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along each procedure.

[15 round designs]
When “15 round symbols” is selected as the winning type at the time of the big hit, the variation pattern is determined in the following procedure.

  Step S2600: The main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the selected winning type is “15 round symbols”. This determination can be made based on the jackpot stop symbol number, for example. The main control CPU 72 accesses the buffer area of the RAM 76, for example, and reads the value of the big hit stop symbol number from the corresponding address. As a result, if it is a value corresponding to “15 round symbols” (Yes), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S2602.

  Step S2602: The main control CPU 72 accesses the table storage area of the ROM 74, and obtains the table address (1) from the “selected symbol-specific / state-specific selection table”. The table address (1) acquired here describes the address of the “variation pattern selection table” used in the case of “15 round winning”.

[Example of selection table by winning symbol and state]
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the “selected symbol-by-state selection table / state selection table”, that is, the “big hit time variation pattern selection table address state selection table”. The “successful symbol-specific / state-specific selection table” has, for example, a storage area of 4 bytes, and the table addresses (1) to (4) are sequentially stored therein. Among these, the address of the “15-round winning variation pattern selection table” is described as the table address (1) in the first 1-byte storage area. In the second storage area, the address of the “15-round winning variation pattern selection table” is also described as the table address (2). Similarly, in the third storage area, the address of “variation pattern selection table during two rounds during ST selection” is described as the table address (3), and in the last storage area, the table address (4) is stored. The address of the “non-ST 2-round winning variation pattern selection table” is described.

  In step S2602, the main control CPU 72 obtains (specifies) the table address (1) stored at the head address in the storage area of the “selected symbol-specific / state-specific selection table”.

[Refer to Figure 12: Big hit hour variation pattern determination process]
Step S2604: The main control CPU 72 executes a selection lottery. Specifically, when the main control CPU 72 acquires the variation pattern determination random number (any one of 0 to 255) from the counter area of the RAM 76, the main control CPU 72 compares the value with the comparison value of the “variation pattern selection table”, and the corresponding variation pattern. Select a number. For example, in the “15-round winning variation pattern selection table”, a plurality of types of “big hit reach variation patterns 21 to 20” are defined in advance, and one of these numbers is selected.

  Step S2606: The main control CPU 72 sets the current variation pattern based on the selected number. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sets the variation time (for big hit reach variation) of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, and transmits a variation pattern command for transmitting to the effect control device 94 (effect control CPU 96). Generate. The variation pattern command is a 2-byte command such as “97H01H” described in the format of MODE value−EVENT value, for example. The variation pattern command is transmitted to the effect control device 94 in the effect control output process (step S119 in FIG. 6).

[2 rounds]
On the other hand, when “2 round symbols” is selected as the winning type at the time of the big hit, the variation pattern is determined by the following procedure.

  In the previous step S2600, when it is determined that the current winning symbol (hit symbol at the time of jackpot) does not correspond to the “15 round symbol” (No), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S2608.

  Step S2608: The main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the current internal state is the “number-of-times cut probability fluctuation state”. In the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the winning probability in the internal lottery after the end of the big hit game (main role) until the number of changes of the first special symbol or the second special symbol reaches the upper limit number (for example, 10 times). Shifts to the number-of-times cutting probability fluctuation state (hereinafter abbreviated as “ST” as appropriate) that is changed to about 10 times higher than normal. It should be noted that such a number cut probability variation state always shifts regardless of whether the jackpot symbol is “15 rounds” or “2 rounds”. In any case, if the current internal state is not “ST” (No), the main control CPU 72 then proceeds to step S2610.

[When 2 rounds are selected during non-ST]
Step S2610: The main control CPU 72 accesses the table storage area of the ROM 74, and obtains the table address (4) from the “selected symbol-specific / state-specific selection table” shown in FIG. The table address (4) acquired here describes the address of the “variation pattern selection table” used in the case of “non-ST two-round winning”.

[Example of variation pattern selection table when winning 2 rounds during non-ST]
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a variation pattern selection table for non-ST two-round winning. This selection table has a structure in which, for example, “comparison value” and “variation pattern number” are stored as a set of 1 byte each in order from the head address. The “comparison value” includes, for example, eight different values “101”, “201”, “211”, “221”, “231”, “241”, “251”, “255 (FFH)”. “1” to “8” of “variation pattern number” are assigned to each “comparison value”. These fluctuation pattern numbers “1” to “8” all correspond to non-reach (normal) fluctuation patterns, and no one corresponding to the reach fluctuation pattern is provided here.

  Here, the length of the set variation time differs greatly between the “non-reach (normal) variation pattern” and the “reach variation pattern”. That is, the “non-reach fluctuation pattern” basically corresponds to a short fluctuation time (for example, about 6.0 seconds to 12.0 seconds), whereas the “reach fluctuation pattern” has a long fluctuation more than twice as long. This corresponds to time (for example, about 30 seconds to 120 seconds).

  In any case, the main control CPU 72 sequentially compares the acquired variation pattern determination random value with the “comparison value” in the selection table, and if the random value is equal to or less than the comparison value, the main control CPU 72 corresponds to the comparison value. Select the fluctuation pattern number. For example, if the fluctuation pattern determination random number value at that time is “157”, the main control CPU 72 determines that the next comparison value “101” because the random value exceeds the comparison value when compared with the first comparison value “101”. 201 "is compared with the random value. In this case, since the random value is equal to or smaller than the comparison value, the main control CPU 72 selects “2” as the corresponding variation pattern number.

[Refer to Figure 12: Big hit hour variation pattern determination process]
In step S2604, the main control CPU 72 executes the above-described variation pattern selection lottery. However, since only the “non-reach variation pattern” is provided in the “non-ST 2-round winning variation pattern selection table” as described above, any variation pattern “1” to “8” is selected. Even so, in the next step S2606, the variation time during the non-ST two-round winning is set to be relatively short. Similarly, the main control CPU 72 sets the variation time (for non-reach variation) of the first special symbol or the second special symbol and also transmits a variation pattern command for transmitting to the effect control device 94 (effect control CPU 96). Generate. The variation pattern command is transmitted to the effect control device 94 in the effect control output process (step S119 in FIG. 6).

[When winning 2 rounds during ST]
On the other hand, the following procedure is executed when a 2-round symbol is won during ST.

  Step S2608: When the main control CPU 72 confirms that the current internal state is ST (Yes), the process proceeds to step S2612.

  Step S2612: The main control CPU 72 accesses the table storage area of the ROM 74, and obtains the table address (3) from the “selected symbol / state selection table” shown in FIG. In the table address (3) acquired here, the address of the “variation pattern selection table” used in the case of “two-round winning during ST” is described.

[Example of change pattern selection table for 2 rounds during ST]
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a variation pattern selection table for two-round winning during ST. This selection table has “13”, “14”, “15”, “16”, “17”, “18”, “18”, “variation pattern numbers” for the comparison values “101” to “255 (FFH)”. In this structure, “19” and “20” are assigned. These variation pattern numbers “13” to “20” all correspond to the reach variation pattern, and no variation corresponding to the non-reach (normal) variation pattern is provided here.

[Refer to Figure 12: Big hit hour variation pattern determination process]
In step S2604, the main control CPU 72 executes a variation pattern selection lottery based on the above-mentioned “variation pattern selection table during two-round winning during ST”. In this case, since only the “reach variation pattern” is provided in the variation pattern selection table, even if any variation pattern “13” to “20” is selected, in the next step S2606, during ST The fluctuation time at the time of winning two rounds is set to be relatively long. The significance of such processing for setting a variation pattern for each internal state will be further described later together with the description of the game system in the pachinko machine 1.

  Similarly, the main control CPU 72 sets the variation time (for reach variation) of the first special symbol or the second special symbol and generates a variation pattern command to be transmitted to the effect control device 94 (effect control CPU 96). To do. The variation pattern command is transmitted to the effect control device 94 in the effect control output process (step S119 in FIG. 6).

  After executing the steps S2604 and S2606 through the above procedure, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol variation pre-processing (FIG. 11), and the big hit other setting processing and special symbol variation start processing (FIG. 11) as described above. Steps S2413 and S2414) are executed.

[Special symbol stop display processing]
Next, FIG. 16 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 refers to (loads) the value of the stop symbol display timer. The value of the stop symbol display timer is decremented with the passage of time when the variation display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol ends.

  Step S4200: The main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the stop display time has ended based on the value of the loaded stop symbol display timer. 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, jumps from the execution selection process (step S1000 in FIG. 10), and repeatedly executes the special symbol stop display process.

  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 S4400: Then, the main control CPU 72 sets the internal status on control to “start of big role (during big hit game)”. 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 big hit symbol (stop symbol number) determined in the previous big hit stop symbol determination process (step S2410 in FIG. 11). For example, if the type of jackpot symbol is “15 round symbols”, the continuous operation number command is generated as a value representing “15 rounds”. In the case of “2 round symbols”, the continuous operation number command is generated as a value representing “2 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 of the small hit flag (01H) 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 4610: Next, the main control CPU 72 loads the value of the count-down counter. In the “counting counter”, each counter value is set in the probability variation count area or the short time count area of the RAM 76 in the “probability fluctuation state (high probability state)” or “time shortening state (time short state)”.

  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-down counter value is not 0 (No), 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 the flag (probability variation function operation flag or time shortening function operation flag) at the time of the number cut function operation. As a result, the probability variation state (high probability) or the time shortening state is completed through the stop display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol. When the above procedure is completed, the process returns to the special symbol game process.

[Display output management processing]
Next, FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a configuration example of the display output management process (step S205 in FIG. 7) included 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. Generate and output 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 lamp 35a. It is processing to do.

  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. If the first special symbol or the second special symbol is displayed after this, the probability variation state display lamp 38c is switched off (turned off) even if the probability variation function operation flag is set. 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 big hit type display lamps 38a and 38b based on the value of the above-mentioned continuous operation number command. At this time, one of the display lamps 38a and 38b corresponding to the big hit symbol designated by the continuous operation number command is the target of outputting the lighting signal. For example, if the value of the continuous operation number command specifies “15 rounds”, the main control CPU 72 outputs a lighting signal to the lamp 38b representing “15 rounds (15R)”. If the value of the continuous operation number command specifies “2 rounds”, the main control CPU 72 outputs a lighting signal to the lamp 38 a representing “2 rounds (2R)”.

[Variable winning device management process]
Next, details of the variable winning device management process will be described. FIG. 18 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. 19 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the special winning opening opening pattern setting process. This process is for setting conditions such as the number of times that the variable winning device 30 is opened and closed and the opening time thereof at the time of big hit or small hit. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along each procedure.

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

[Procedure for jackpot]
First, the procedure for the big hit is as follows.
Step S5204: The main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the current jackpot symbol (winning type) is “2 round symbols”. At this time, if “2 round symbols” is selected in the previous big hit stop symbol determination process (step S2410 in FIG. 11) (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S5206.

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

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

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

  Step S5212: The main control CPU 72 sets the number of execution rounds in the current jackpot game based on the jackpot winning symbol selected in the previous jackpot stop symbol determination process (step S2410 in FIG. 11). Specifically, if “15 round symbol” is selected as the winning symbol, the main control CPU 72 sets the number of execution rounds to 15 times. If “2 round symbols” is selected as the winning symbol, the main control CPU 72 sets the number of execution rounds to two. The number of execution rounds set here is stored in the buffer area of the RAM 76, for example, as a corresponding value on the program ("1" for 2 times, "4" for 5 times).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Big prize opening / closing operation processing]
FIG. 20 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 S5214 or step S5220 in FIG. 19) is executed.

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

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

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

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

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

  Step S5314: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes interval standby processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 executes the countdown of the interval timer set in the above-described special winning opening opening pattern setting process (step S5216 or step S5222 in FIG. 19). When the value of the interval timer becomes 0 or less, the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S5316.

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

[Large prize closing process]
FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for a special prize closing process. This special winning opening closing process is for continuing the operation of the variable winning device 30 or terminating the operation. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along a procedure.

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

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

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

  Step S5405: The main control CPU 72 generates a round number command from the current round number counter value. This command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S119 in FIG. 6) as described above. The effect control device 124 can confirm the current number of rounds based on the received round number command.

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

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

  When the main control CPU 72 next executes a variable winning device management process, the main control CPU 72 executes a big prize opening opening / closing operation process which is the next jump destination in the game process selection process (step S5100 in FIG. 18). Then, after execution of the special prize opening / closing operation process, through the execution of the special prize opening closing process, the main control CPU 72 executes the special prize opening closing process again, and repeatedly executes the above steps S5402 to S5408. Thereby, the opening / closing operation of the variable winning device 30 is continuously executed until the actual round number reaches the set execution round number (2 times or 15 times).

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

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

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

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

  Step S5413: Next, the main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the value of the incremented number-of-releases counter has reached the set number of times of release. The number of times of opening is set in the previous big opening opening pattern setting process (step S5218 in FIG. 19). If the value of the opening number counter has not yet reached the set opening number (No), the main control CPU 72 executes step S5416.

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

  When the main control CPU 72 next executes a variable winning device management process, the main control CPU 72 executes a big prize opening opening / closing operation process which is the next jump destination in the game process selection process (step S5100 in FIG. 18). Then, after execution of the special prize opening / closing operation process, the main control CPU 72 executes the special prize opening closing process again through the execution of the special prize opening closing process, and repeatedly executes the above steps S5401 to S5413. Thereby, the opening / closing operation of the variable prize device 30 is repeatedly executed until the actual number of times of opening reaches the set number of times of opening (2 times).

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

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

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

〔End processing〕
FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the end process. This end process is for preparing conditions for ending the operation of the variable prize apparatus 30. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along a procedure.

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

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

Step S5505: The main control CPU 72 deletes the continuous operation number command here.
Step S5506: Next, the main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the value (01H) of the probability variation function operation flag is set. This flag is set in the big hit other setting process (step S2413 in FIG. 11) during the previous special symbol fluctuation pre-processing.

  Step S5508: When the value of the probability variation function activation flag is set (step S5506: Yes), the main control CPU 72 sets the probability variation number (for example, 10 times). The value of the set probability variation number is stored in the probability variation count area of the RAM 76 as a count-down counter value as described above. The probability variation number set here is an upper limit number of times that the variation (internal lottery) of the first special symbol or the second special symbol is performed in a high probability state in subsequent games. As described above, in the present embodiment, a realistic upper limit number (10 times) is set as the number of probability fluctuations. However, an enormous number of times such as about 10,000 times can be set separately. In this case, there is almost no chance of losing 10,000 times (when the probability of winning at the time of high probability is, for example, about 1/30 to 1/39). A high probability state will continue. If the value of the probability variation function activation flag is not set (step S5506: No), the main control CPU 72 does not execute step S5508.

  Step S5510: Next, the main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the value of the time reduction function operation flag (01H) is set. This flag is also set in the big hit other setting process (step S2413 in FIG. 11) during the previous special symbol fluctuation pre-processing.

  Step S5512: If the value of the time reduction function operation flag is set (step S5510: Yes), the main control CPU 72 sets the number of time reductions (for example, about 50 times). The value of the set time reduction count is stored in the time count area of the RAM 76 as described above. The number of times of time reduction set here is the upper limit number of times to shorten the variation time of the special symbol in subsequent games. If the value of the time shortening function activation flag is not set (step S5510: No), the main control CPU 72 does not execute step S5512.

  Step S5514: The main control CPU 72 generates a state designation command based on various flags. Specifically, a state designation command representing “normal” is generated as the gaming state when the big hit flag is reset or the big game ends. If the high-probability state function activation flag is set, a state designation command indicating “high probability” is generated as the internal state, and if the time reduction function activation flag is set, the internal state is “reduced time”. A state designation command representing “medium” is generated. These state designation commands are transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S119 in FIG. 6).

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

  Step S5518: The main control CPU 72 sets the jump destination in the execution selection process (step S1000 in FIG. 10) 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.

[Behavior of pachinko machines]
As described above, when the main control CPU 72 executes various processes during the game, the pachinko machine 1 exhibits the following behavior.

(1) 15 rounds big hit When it becomes other than non-winning in the internal lottery and corresponds to “15 round big hits”, the opening / closing operation of the variable winning device 30 is continuously operated 15 times in the above variable winning device management process (FIG. 18). It is executed repeatedly over and over. At this time, the opening time for each time (maximum 30 seconds) is set to be long enough to allow the game ball to flow into the big prize opening, so the behavior during this time is clearly recognized by the player as “big hit game”. Is done. In addition, since the effect during the big hit game different from the normal time is executed, it is possible for the player to realize a clear big hit game.

(2) Two-round big hit On the other hand, if it corresponds to “two round big hit”, in the variable winning device management process (FIG. 18), the opening / closing operation of the variable winning device 30 is only executed by the shortened two-time opening pattern. Furthermore, since the opening time for each time is set to a short time, the behavior during this time is completed within a short period (for example, about 1.5 seconds) as a whole. Therefore, the behavior during this period is not easily recognized by the player as “big hit game”. Further, even if the variable winning device 30 is opened and closed, almost no (or no) winning ball is obtained, so it is difficult for the player to feel “big hit”. However, even if it is “2 rounds”, it is a “big hit”, and after the variable winning device 30 is activated, a privilege to shift to the “high probability state” is given internally. During the period (10 fluctuations), the internal lottery is performed under conditions that are advantageous to the player. For this reason, in the present embodiment, “two rounds big hit” is an opportunity to shift only the internal state to the “high probability state” without making the player aware of the big hit. Therefore, hereinafter, this will be referred to as “hidden ST” as appropriate. “Hidden ST” does not actively disclose (teach) the high probability state itself to the player, so if there is no information (for example, disclosure in production), most players are advantageous to themselves. The game progresses without being aware of the specific state.

(3) Small winning time In the case of “small winning”, the opening / closing operation of the variable winning device 30 is executed twice in the variable winning device management process (FIG. 18). Moreover, since the opening time per time is set to a short time, the behavior during this time is completed within a short period (for example, about 1.5 seconds) as a whole. Therefore, the behavior during this time is also difficult to be clearly recognized especially by the player. Also, even if the variable winning device 30 is opened and closed, almost no (or no) winning ball is obtained, so that the player does not feel that “some win has been won”. In addition, since “small hit” does not trigger the change of the internal state, the internal state does not change even after the operation of the variable winning device 30 is finished, and even if it is a small hit (opening / closing operation of the variable winning device 30). Even if a person notices it, it will be positioned as a so-called fake winning.

[Game system]
FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing an example of the outline of the game system in the pachinko machine 1. Hereinafter, the outline of the game system of the pachinko machine 1 will be described along an example of the flow of the game. In the following description, reference numerals F1 to F24 in the drawings are indicated with parentheses as appropriate.

[F1] During Normal For example, when a player starts playing a game with the pachinko machine 1, it is assumed that the internal state of the pachinko machine 1 is “normal”. During normal operation, the value (01H) is not set in any of the above-described “probability changing function operation flag” and “time shortening function operation flag”.

[F2] Non-Winning When an upper game winning prize opening 26 or a variable starting prize winning device 28 (lower starting prize winning port 28a) is won in a normal game, an internal lottery is executed. When the result of the internal lottery is non-winning, the internal game does not change and the normal game is continued as it is. Although not specifically illustrated, the “non-winning” flow here includes the “small hit” described above.

[F3] Normal 15 Round Winning When the internal lottery is won during normal times and “15 round symbol” is selected as the big hit symbol at that time, the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35 After the special symbol is variably displayed in the variation pattern at the time of hitting, any winning symbol corresponding to “15 round symbol” is stopped and displayed.

[F4] During 15 rounds of big hit As described above, during the 15 rounds of big win, the variable prize winning device 30 operates, and it is possible to win a big prize opening. During this time, the player can enjoy the benefits of receiving prize balls as a prize bonus.

[F5] Winning 2 rounds during normal time When winning in the internal lottery during normal times and selecting “2 rounds” as the jackpot symbol at that time, as described above, the “non-reach (normal) fluctuation pattern” "Is selected (refer to the variation pattern selection table at the time of winning two rounds during non-ST in FIG. 14). Therefore, in the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35, after the special symbol is variably displayed in the same normal variation pattern as that at the time of losing, any winning symbol corresponding to “two round symbols” is displayed. Is stopped.

[F6] During the big hit of 2 rounds As described above, the variable winning device 30 operates during the big round of 2 rounds, but its behavior is completed in a short period of time. During this time, there is almost no winning in the grand prize opening, and the player does not receive a prize ball as a winning privilege.

[F7] During ST After 15 rounds of big hit (F4) or 2 rounds of big hit (F6), the process proceeds to ST. However, even if the same ST is used, there is the following difference between the case of shifting to ST after 15 rounds of big hit (F4) and the case of transferring to ST via 2 rounds of big hit (F6).

[F7a] During ST Mode When the player moves to ST after 15 rounds of big hit (F4), it is clearly taught (disclosed) that the “ST mode” is produced. In order to teach “in ST mode”, for example, a specific background image is displayed on the liquid crystal display 42, and character information indicating “in ST mode” is also displayed (for example, “in festival mode”). Is displayed.

  Further, the following functions may be added during the ST mode. For example, by operating the normal symbol probability variation function, the internal lottery using the normal symbol is also set to a high probability state (for example, about 255/256). In this case, the normal symbol becomes a winning pattern with almost every change. In addition, by operating the normal symbol variation time shortening function together, the variation time of the normal symbol is shortened compared with the normal symbol (normally shortened from about 4 seconds to about 1 second). When the normal symbol is displayed in a winning manner, the normal electric accessory solenoid 88 is energized, and the variable start winning device 28 is activated (for example, about 1 second, opened twice at intervals of about 1 second or less). . As a result, the winning to the lower start winning opening 28a becomes easy. As described above, during the operation of the normal symbol variation time shortening function, the normal symbol frequently operates and is stopped and displayed in a winning manner, so that the frequency at which the variable start winning device 28 operates is increased accordingly (so-called electric tuner). support).

[F7b] Hidden ST Mode On the other hand, when the transition is made to ST after 2 round big hits (F6), it is not clearly taught (disclosed) from the beginning that it is “ST mode” in terms of production. For this reason, the player does not know that the player is in the ST state as it is, but in this embodiment, by performing the effect specific to “in the hidden ST mode”, it is as if a big hit is given to the player. It is supposed to give a sign that it will occur soon. An example of such a precursor effect will be described later.

  During the hidden ST mode, the normal symbol probability variation function is not activated, and the normal symbol variation time reduction function is not activated. For this reason, since the normal symbol does not operate frequently or the variable start winning device 28 does not operate frequently (no so-called electric chew support), the player is informed that the internal state has changed. Hateful.

[F8] Non-winning When the result of the internal lottery is non-winning during the ST, the game during the ST continues as it is. During this time, the “time reduction function” is not activated particularly for special symbols, so that the normal variation pattern or the outlier reach variation pattern is appropriately selected when the winning combination is not won. As described above, since the variation time of each special symbol during ST is not shortened as in the time shortening state, even if an upper limit number (10 variations) is provided during ST, ST The game in the game will not end in a short time (for example, about a dozen seconds in total). Therefore, when the “ST mode (F7a)” is clearly taught in the production, the player's expectation is maintained within the time (tens of seconds to several minutes) until the number of fluctuations reaches the upper limit. be able to. Further, “in the hidden ST mode (F7b)” provides a different taste from the “in the ST mode (F7a)” by executing the precursor effect as described above.

[F9] ST End When the winning is not obtained due to the fluctuation of the upper limit number (big hit determination) during the ST, the game during the ST is ended there. In this case, the game is played after returning to the first [F1] normal. Internally, the main control CPU 72 resets the value (01H) of the probability variation function operation flag (step S4650 in FIG. 16), and makes a big hit determination with a low probability (normal) from the next variation.

  However, as described above, the winning probability of the internal lottery is high during the ST (for example, the low probability is usually 1/99, but the high probability of 1 / 9.9), so the upper limit is reached. It is quite possible that the next winning will be obtained in the meantime. The game flow when winning during ST is as follows.

[F10] Winning 15 rounds during ST Winning by internal lottery during ST ("ST mode (F7a)" or "Hidden ST mode (F7b)"), "15 round symbol" is selected as the winning symbol In the same manner as described above, after the special symbol is variably displayed in the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35 in the variation pattern at the time of winning, any winning symbol corresponding to the “15 round symbol” is displayed. Is stopped.

[F11] During the 15th round big hit Similarly, during the 15th round big hit, the variable winning device 30 operates, and it is possible to win the big winning opening. During this time, the player can enjoy the benefits of receiving prize balls as a prize bonus. In particular, in the case of 15 rounds of big hit from “in ST mode (F7a)”, the player is continuously provided with a profit (so-called continuous change) for winning a prize.

[F12] Winning 2 rounds during ST On the other hand, during the ST ("ST mode (F7a)" or "Hidden ST mode (F7b)"), we win by internal lottery and select "2 rounds" as the winning symbol Then, after the special symbol is variably displayed in the normal variation pattern in the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35, one of the winning symbols corresponding to “2 round symbols” is stopped and displayed. The

[F13] During the big hit of the second round Similarly, the variable winning device 30 operates during the big hit of the second round, but its behavior is completed in a short period of time. During this time, there is almost no winning in the grand prize opening, and the player does not receive a winning ball as a winning privilege. However, considering that it was already in the ST before this, it is unnatural to keep the player elected hidden. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a game system is employed that generates a game flow that is different from the case of a big hit of two rounds from the normal when a big hit of two rounds is made during the ST.

[F14] ST + Short time When a big hit is made during ST, after the big hit, the process shifts to “ST with time reduction function”. When shifting to “ST with time reduction function”, in addition to being in a probability variation state until the number of fluctuations of the special symbol reaches the upper limit number (10 times) as described above, another upper limit number (50 times) ), The time is shortened (short time) for the special symbol. During this time, various effects (effects with specific backgrounds and effects with reduced fluctuation times) are executed with the content indicating that the ST is “ST with time reduction function”. Even if it is, the player is instructed (disclosed) on the stage of the transition to ST.

  Also, during the short time, the internal lottery using the normal symbol is in a high probability state (for example, about 250/251), and the normal symbol becomes a winning pattern with almost every change. At the same time, the normal symbol variation time shortening function is activated, and the variation time of the normal symbol is shortened compared with the normal symbol (normally shortened from about 4 seconds to about 1 second). Therefore, the frequency with which the variable start winning device 28 operates is increasing also during the time (with so-called electric chew support).

[F15] Winning 15 rounds during ST + short working time When winning by internal lottery during ST + short working hours and selecting "15 round symbol", relatively small fluctuations will occur by moving again to the big hit of 15 rounds of [F11] Since the player can advance to the next jackpot by the number of times (up to 10 times after the jackpot is finished), the player has a large profit. In addition, after the 15th round big hit in this case, since it shifts to [F14] ST + short time, it is a chance zone on the game system that allows the player to proceed to the big hit continuously.

[F16] Winning 2 rounds in ST + short time On the other hand, if winning in the internal lottery during ST + short time and "2 round symbols" is selected, then [F17] shifts to 2 rounds big hit. In this case, no special benefits can be gained by winning the big prize opening, but after the 2 round round hits are over, [F14] ST + shifts to short time, so for the game system, the player will next win 15 rounds. There is plenty of potential for progress.

[F18] ST + Short / Non-winning Even if the result of the internal lottery is non-winning during the ST + short time, the ST + short-time game continues until the number of changes reaches the upper limit. Also, during this time, as described above, either the time shift variation pattern or the loss reach variation pattern is selected. When the time-shifted fluctuation pattern is selected, the fluctuation time of the special symbol is shortened from the normal time as described above, so that the fluctuation of each time is quickly digested.

[F19] ST end ST + If the winning is not obtained due to the fluctuation of the upper limit number of times (decision of big hit) during the time shortening, the ST ends there, but does not return to the first [F1] normal.

[F20] Shortening time After ST, the shorting state continues for the remaining number of fluctuations (for example, 50 times-ST10 times = 40 times). That is, internally, the main control CPU 72 resets the value (01H) of the probability variation function operation flag, but the value (01H) of the time reduction function operation flag remains set. However, the main control CPU 72 makes a big hit determination with a low probability (normal) during the time reduction after the end of ST.

[F21] Winning 15 rounds in short time If you win in the internal lottery during the short time and "15 round symbols" is selected, the game system will be treated in the same way as the normal win (so-called first win). Therefore, the flow of the game after this shifts to [F4] 15 round big hits, and after winning the ball there, [F7a] shifts to the ST mode. Apart from such a game flow, the following flow may be adopted. For example, if you win in the internal lottery during the time reduction (while the value of the time reduction function operation flag (01H) is set) and “15 round symbol” is selected, [F21] from the 15 round winning [F11] It may be a flow that moves during a round of 15 rounds. In such a game flow, even if [F14] ST + short-term win does not result in an internal lottery, if it can win 15 rounds in the following [F20] short-term, Since the time shortening state is added after the big hit, the advantage that the player can continue the chance zone that can continue to the big hit (the ability to rewind during the short time) increases accordingly. .

[F22] Winning 2 rounds in the short time If you win in the internal lottery during the short time and select "2 round symbols", the game system will be treated in the same way as the normal win (so-called first win). Therefore, the flow of the game after this will be [F6] transitioning to 2 round big hits, and then [F7b] transitioning to the hidden ST mode. In this case, the time-saving state up to that point ends (the electric chew support ends), so that it is possible to give the player the impression that the player has fallen from the time-saving state. However, since the subsequent internal state has shifted to ST (probability variation state), the player is not extremely disadvantaged.

  Apart from such a game flow, the following flow may be adopted. For example, if you win in the internal lottery during the time reduction (while the value of the time reduction function activation flag (01H) is set) and “2 round symbols” is selected, [F22] from the 2 round winning [F13] It may be a flow that shifts during two rounds of big hit. In such a game flow, even if [F14] ST + short-term win does not result in an internal lottery, if it can win two rounds in the following [F20] short-term, However, since the time shortening state is added, the advantage that the player can continue the chance zone where the player can proceed to the big hit is increased accordingly (rewinding during the time reduction can be achieved).

[F23] Short-time non-winning Even if the internal lottery does not win during the short-time, the short-time will continue until the total number of changes reaches the upper limit of the short-time. During this time, either the time shift variation pattern or the loss reach variation pattern is selected. Therefore, when the time shift variation pattern is selected, the variation of each time is quickly digested.

[F24] Time-short end If a win is not obtained due to a fluctuation of the upper limit of several minutes (big hit determination) during the time-short, the game in the short-time ends here. In this case, the game is played after returning to the first [F1] normal. Internally, the main control CPU 72 resets the value (01H) of the time shortening function operation flag (step S4650 in FIG. 16). Therefore, from the next fluctuation, either the normal deviation fluctuation pattern or the deviation reach fluctuation pattern is set.

[Features of the game system]
The above is the outline of the game system employed in the pachinko machine 1. For example, the following features are remarkable from such a game system.

(1) First, when [F1] is a big hit from the normal (first hit), it always shifts to [F7] ST, so that the number of fluctuations is then increased to the upper limit regardless of whether or not the player is conscious. It will be in an advantageous state until it reaches. In particular, after the [F4] 15 round big hit, the game system can be expected to continue to the [F11] 15 round big hit for the player.

(2) However, the high probability state does not continue until the next big hit, and an upper limit is set for the number of fluctuations during that time. Therefore, for the player, [F7] whether or not the winning can be won during the ST is a turning point of the game, and the expectation is easily concentrated on the game during that time.

(3) And, if [F7] ST can win a spectacular win, the transition to [F14] ST + short time is confirmed after the big hit. In this case, even if the next win is not obtained during the high probability state, since [F20] time is added after that, the player still has a chance to win continuously in a short time. Has been.

(4) However, after winning [F5] 2 rounds from the normal, and after [F6] 2 rounds big hit, the player is difficult to notice the winning itself, and even during the ST [F7b] hidden ST mode It becomes. In this case, since the player cannot be aware that the player is in the ST from the beginning, it is not possible to provide the game characteristics as in the above (2) and (3).

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, a great chance for the player during the [F7] ST is not simply ended in the [F7b] hidden ST mode, but by adopting a characteristic directing method in the meantime, [F7a] provides a game characteristic different from that in the ST mode. Hereinafter, this point will be described.

[Production example when winning two rounds]
FIG.24 and FIG.25 is a continuous figure which shows the example of an effect performed at the time of 2 round winning using an effect design and a background image. This effect example represents an example of a variable display effect and a result display effect using an effect symbol. Among these, the variable display effect corresponds to a series of effects performed from when the special symbol starts variable display to when it is stopped and displayed (including fixed stop). The result 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. As described above, the first and second special symbols themselves are lit and flashing display by the 7-segment LED (the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35). It is scarce. Therefore, the pachinko machine 1 basically performs a variable display effect and a result display effect using the effect symbols. In addition, when the winning symbol is stopped, it is only displayed in a symbolic form (for example, “巳”, “L”, “F”). It is difficult for players to notice whether they have won. On the contrary, this means that the player basically has a tendency to judge the result of the internal lottery from the contents of the production, and it can be said that the production plays an important role on the game system.

  The effect symbols include, for example, a left effect symbol, a middle effect symbol, and a right effect symbol, which are displayed side by side on the left, middle, and right on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42. Each effect design is a design of a picture card with a female character attached, for example, with the numbers “1” to “9”. Among these, the left effect symbol and the middle effect symbol both constitute a symbol row in which the numbers are arranged in ascending order of “1” to “9”, and the right effect symbol is a number “9” to “1”. ”Are arranged in descending order. Such a symbol 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. Here, first, before explaining the specific contents of the control processing, the basic flow of the variable display effect and the result display effect employed in the present embodiment will be described.

[Variable display production start]
In FIG. 24, (i): In synchronization with the start of the change of the special symbol, the change display effect is started by the scroll change of the three symbol rows on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42 (symbol effect execution means). . That is, in synchronization with the start of the change of the special symbol, the variable display effect is started in such a manner that the left effect symbol, the middle effect symbol, and the right effect symbol scroll in the vertical direction on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42. . In the figure, the change display of the effect symbol is simply indicated by a downward arrow. At this time, an image (background image) that is the background of the effect symbol is displayed in the display screen.

[4th design production]
In addition, a fourth symbol (reference symbol Z in the drawing) is displayed at the bottom of the screen of the liquid crystal display 42. The fourth symbol is a “fourth effect symbol” that follows the left, middle, and right effect symbols, and is displayed in a variable manner in synchronism with the effect symbol. For example, the fourth symbol is simply a simple mark (here, “□” figure) with a color, and a variable display can be expressed by changing the display color. In addition, although the 4th symbol is displayed only in one place here, you may display the separate 4th symbol corresponding to each of a 1st special symbol and a 2nd special symbol.

  As other effects, markers (represented by reference numerals M1 and M2 in the figure) indicating the number of working memories of the first special symbol and the second special symbol are displayed at the lower part of the screen of the liquid crystal display 42. Each of these markers indicates the number of working memories, and the number of displays increases or decreases in conjunction with a change in the number of working memories during the game.

[Normal background production]
The example shown in (i) of FIG. 24 is a background image representing a “seaside landscape”. In the present embodiment, this is, for example, a “normal mode image”. Although not particularly illustrated, a notice effect may be performed by displaying an image such as a character or an item on the display screen.

[Left design stop]
In FIG. 24 (ii): For example, when a certain amount of time has elapsed, the left effect symbol first stops changing. In this example, the effect symbol representing the number “6” is stopped at the middle position of the screen. Here, illustration of the background image is omitted (the same applies to the following). In addition, since the number of working memories of the first special symbol has increased by one because the game ball has won the upper start winning opening 26 during this change, the display number of the marker (M1) is increased by one accordingly. Yes. Thereby, it can be taught to the player that the number of working memories has increased with respect to the first special symbol.

[Right production symbol stop]
In FIG. 24 (iii): Following the left effect symbol, the right effect symbol thereafter stops changing. In this example, the effect symbol representing the number “7” is stopped at the middle position of the screen. Since it has already been determined that the reach state 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 are excluded. “Slip pattern” means, for example, that once the production symbol representing the number “7” has stopped, the production symbol representing the number “6” is stopped by sliding the symbol sequence by one symbol, and the reach is developed accordingly. It is to do.

[Result display effect]
In FIG. 24 (iv): The last medium effect symbol stops in synchronization with the special symbol stop display. Normally, if the special symbol is stopped and displayed as an outlier symbol, the effect symbol will be displayed in the same way in the same way. However, here, the two-round winning symbol is displayed in spite of the fact that the winning symbol is stopped. The result display effect is performed in the same (or approximate) manner as the above. That is, in the example shown in the figure, the effect design representing the number “3” is stopped at the middle position of the screen. In this case, since the combination of production symbols is “6-3-7”, the change this time is not conspicuously won, and it is expressed in the production that there is no particular difference from the usual “out”. Yes.

  However, the 4th symbol is stopped and displayed in a mode (for example, red display color) corresponding to “2 round big hit”. This is to objectively clarify that the result display effect is correctly performed and the pachinko machine 1 is operating normally. For this reason, when the result of the internal lottery is actually off, the fourth symbol is stopped and displayed in a mode (for example, white display color) corresponding to the off.

  In this example, “2 round big hits” is taken as an example, but if the result of the internal lottery is “15 round big hits”, the left, middle and right productions are of the same type through reach production. The stop display is made in a big hit manner composed of combinations (for example, “7”-“7”-“7”). In this case, the fourth symbol is stopped and displayed in a mode (for example, green display color) corresponding to “15 round big hit”.

[Direction during 2 rounds of big hit]
As described above, since the two-round big hit game is completed in a short time, no special effects are executed during this period. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the stop display effect shown in (iv) of FIG.

[Example of production in hidden ST mode]
Next, FIG. 25 is a continuous diagram showing an example (partial) of an effect during the hidden ST mode that shifts after a two-round big hit game from normal.

  In FIG. 25, (v): Even in the hidden ST mode, there is a case where the variable display effect is executed while the normal mode screen is maintained. “There is a case” means that the normal mode screen is not always displayed during the hidden ST mode, and the production is performed with the normal mode screen as long as a certain condition (winning in the production lottery) is not satisfied. Meaning. As the effect symbol starts to change, the fourth symbol also starts to change. In addition, since the number of working memories has decreased by one as the first special symbol starts to change, the number of markers (M1) displayed has decreased by one for production.

  In FIG. 25 (vi): When the result of the internal lottery is off during the hidden ST mode, when a certain amount of time has passed in the same manner as described above, the left effect design stops first. In this example, the effect symbol representing the number “4” is stopped at the middle position of the screen.

  After this, although not shown in particular, for example, as shown in (iii) in FIG. 24, the right effect design stops changing after the left effect design. Next, as shown in (iv) in FIG. 24, the medium effect symbol stops changing and a result display effect is performed.

[Precursion production example 1]
26 and 27 are continuous diagrams showing the flow of the precursor effect example 1 executed during the hidden ST mode. In the present embodiment, by performing the following precursor effects during the hidden ST mode, the player is in the ST (shifting to the probability variation state) on the effects, and the following It expresses stunningly that a big hit is likely to be obtained soon (a sign of winning). Hereinafter, the flow of the precursor effect will be described.

[Variable display production start]
FIG. 26 (A): First, the variable display effect is started by scrolling the three symbol rows on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42 as described above. In this example, the background image is not particularly changed, and the normal mode screen is continuously displayed.

[Generation of specific conversation notice]
In FIG. 26 (B): In the initial stage of the variable display effect, a character appears on the display screen, and an effect of giving some dialogue as a specific conversation notice is performed. In this example, a state in which a female character that appears in the upper left position of the display screen utters a speech with a remarkably content such as “something? Note that sound may be generated from the speakers 54, 55, and 56 in accordance with the display of the dialogue as character information on the display screen.

  In FIG. 26 (C): In the middle period of the variable display effect, another character appears on the display screen next, and the effect of generating the next line as a specific conversation notice is performed. In this example, another female character that appears in the lower right position of the display screen expresses a state in which a dialogue with a suggestive content such as "Surely something is happening !?" . From the content of the conversation between these two characters, some guessing material can be provided to the player.

  (D) in FIG. 27: Even when the above-described conversation notice effect is executed, if the result of the internal lottery is out of the range during the hidden ST mode, the left effect symbol is first displayed after a certain amount of time has passed as described above. Stops fluctuating. This example also shows that the effect symbol representing the number “4” has stopped at the middle position of the screen.

  (E) in FIG. 27: After this, the right effect design stops changing after the left effect design. In this example, the effect symbol representing the number “6” is stopped at the middle position of the screen. Since it has already been determined that the reach state does not occur at this point, it is almost apparent from the viewpoint that the current fluctuation is a non-reach (normal) fluctuation.

  (F) in FIG. 27: The last medium effect symbol is stopped in synchronization with the special symbol stop display. In this example, the effect symbol corresponding to the number “2” is stopped at the middle position, and as a result, it is expressed on the effect that the combination of effect symbols is “4-2-6”. . At this time, the 4th symbol is stopped and displayed in an out-of-page manner (for example, white display color) corresponding to the actual lottery result.

[Predictive example 2]
Next, FIG. 28 and FIG. 29 are continuous diagrams showing the flow of the precursor effect example 2 that is also executed during the hidden ST mode. This precursor effect example 2 also provides some guessing material to the player in the same way as the precursor effect example 1 described above.

[Variable display production start]
In FIG. 28 (G): Similarly, the variable display effect is started by scrolling the three symbol rows on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42. Also in this example, the background image is not particularly changed, and the normal mode screen is continuously displayed.

[Generation of specific conversation notice]
In FIG. 28 (H): Similarly, a character appears on the display screen at the initial stage of the variable display effect, and an effect of generating another dialogue as a specific conversation notice is performed. In this example, a state in which a female character that appears in the upper left position of the display screen utters a speech with a more reminiscent content such as “Is it wrong? Also here, sound and sound effects may be generated from the speakers 54, 55, and 56 together.

  (I) in FIG. 28: Then, another character appears on the display screen in the middle of the variable display effect, and an effect of generating another dialogue as a specific conversation notice is performed. In this example, another female character that appears in the lower right position of the display screen expresses a very suggestive content such as “That ’s right ...!?” . At this time, it is possible to provide a further guessing material to the player from the content of the conversation between the two characters.

  In FIG. 29 (J): Similarly, even when the above-mentioned conversation notice effect is executed, if the result of the internal lottery is off during the hidden ST mode, the left effect symbol changes first after a certain amount of time has elapsed. To stop. In this example, the effect symbol representing the number “8” is stopped at the middle position of the screen.

  In FIG. 29 (K): Thereafter, the right effect symbol stops changing after the left effect symbol. In this example, the effect design representing the number “1” is stopped at the middle position of the screen. Similarly, since it has already been determined that the reach state has not occurred at this point, it is almost apparent from the viewpoint that the current fluctuation is a non-reach (normal) fluctuation.

  In FIG. 29 (L): The last medium effect symbol is stopped in synchronization with the stop display of the special symbol. In this example, the effect symbol corresponding to the number “3” is stopped at the middle position, and as a result, it is expressed on the effect that the combination of the effect symbols is a gap of “8-3-1”. . At this time, the 4th symbol is stopped and displayed in an out-of-page manner (for example, white display color) corresponding to the actual lottery result.

[Specific background change production]
Next, FIGS. 30 and 31 are continuous diagrams showing the flow of the specific background change effect executed during the hidden ST mode. In the present embodiment, by executing the specific background change effect during the hidden ST mode, it is disclosed (teaching) that the player was actually in ST (has been shifted to the probability variation state). , Explicit). Hereinafter, the flow of the specific background change effect will be described.

[Variable display production start]
In FIG. 30, (M): First, the variable display effect is started by scrolling the three symbol rows on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42 as described above. At this time, it is assumed that the background image is not particularly changed and the normal mode screen is continuously displayed.

[Generation of specific conversation notice]
In FIG. 30, (N): In the initial stage of the variable display effect, a character appears on the display screen, and an effect of generating a specific first line as a specific conversation notice is performed. In this example, a state in which a female character that appears in the upper left position of the display screen utters a dialogue with a content such as “This is ... really!” Is expressed in a stunning manner. In this case as well, sound and sound effects can be generated from the speakers 54, 55, and 56.

  In FIG. 30, (O): In the middle of the variable display effect, another character appears on the display screen, and an effect of receiving a specific first line and generating a specific second line is performed. In this example, another female character appearing in the lower right position of the display screen expresses a state where a line with a clear content of “Yes! From the contents of the conversation between these two characters, it is possible to clearly show to the player that the current state is the probability variation state.

[When specific background change occurs]
In FIG. 31, (P): When the result of the internal lottery is not in the hidden ST mode, after performing the above-mentioned specific conversation notice effect, the effect (specific background change) to change to the specific background image during the change display of the effect symbol Production) is executed. In this example, the characters “Festival mode confirmation” are displayed in a large size on the display screen, and a state in which images of items related to the festival, fireworks, and the like are displayed in a stunning manner.

[Change production after specific background change]
In FIG. 31, (Q): As a specific background image, for example, an image of a specific female character wearing a yukata is displayed at the center of the display screen. Such a background image is different from the above-mentioned “normal mode image”, and can visually appeal to the player that the mode has been changed to the probability change state determination mode in the production. In this embodiment, this background image is referred to as an “ST mode image”. In the lower part of the display screen, for example, the character information “Festival Mode” is scrolling horizontally, and the current mode is “Festival Mode” = “Probability Fluctuation State”. Yes. In the present embodiment, since the upper limit number is provided in the probability variation state, for example, character information such as “7 more times” is displayed as the remaining number in the upper right position of the display screen.

[Production control processing]
Next, an example of a control method for specifically realizing the above effects will be described.
FIG. 32 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 period (for example, a period of several milliseconds) during execution of the reset start process, and executes the timer interrupt process.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Step S410: In the effect random number update process, the effect control CPU 126 updates various effect random numbers in the counter area of the RAM 130. The effect random number includes, for example, a random number used for the advance notice selection, a background change advance notice lottery, a precursor effect lottery, and a random number used for the specific background shift lottery (effect lottery). The effect lottery will be further described later.

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

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

[Direction design management processing]
FIG. 33 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. 10) is selected in the main control CPU 72. In this case, steps S502 to S506 are not executed.

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

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

  Step S506: In the effect symbol stop display process, the effect control CPU 126 controls the contents of the result display effect using the effect symbols and moving images in a manner corresponding to the lottery result. That is, the effect control CPU 126 instructs the effect display control device 144 (display control CPU 146) to end the variable display effect and execute the result 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 within the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42, and executes the result display effect. As a result, the result 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 (execution of the symbol effect) means). However, in the present embodiment, as described above, the result display effect is executed in a manner similar to or close to that of the losing when at least two rounds are won from the normal time.

  Further, in the effect symbol stop display process of step S506, the effect control CPU 126 ends the effect using the specific background image (ST mode image) so far when the internal state is returned from normal to normal during ST. Then, a process for returning to the effect using the normal background image (normal mode image) is executed.

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

  Or when it corresponds to "2 round jackpot", production control CPU126 performs control which performs said normal fluctuation production (for example, production example of FIG. 24). Also, in the case of “small hit”, the effect control CPU 126 performs control to execute the same effect as the normal variation effect (effect example in FIG. 24). The specific processing content will be described later using another flowchart.

[Preliminary design change processing]
FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the effect symbol variation pre-processing. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along the example of a procedure.

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

  Step S602: The effect control CPU 126 executes a demo selection process. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 selects a demonstration effect pattern. The demonstration effect pattern defines the contents of the effect indicating that the pachinko machine 1 is in a so-called customer waiting state.

  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. 32) and the lamp driving process (step S406 in FIG. 32). To do.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Processing when the variable winning device is activated]
FIG. 35 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of processing when the variable prize apparatus is activated. As described above, the variable winning device operating process is selected as the jump destination only when the variable winning device management process (step S5000 in FIG. 10) is selected in the main control CPU 72, but even in that case, the winning type is selected. The processing is further branched depending on whether it corresponds to “small hit” or “big hit”.

  Step S700: First, the effect control CPU 126 confirms whether or not the current state 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 big hit state designation command is stored. As a result, when it is confirmed that a big hit is being made (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 executes step S800. On the contrary, when it is confirmed that the big hit is not being made (No), the effect control CPU 126 executes step S900. Step S800 will be further described with reference to another flowchart.

[Big hit effect selection process]
FIG. 36 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the big hit effect selection process. In this big hit effect selection process, the contents of the effect accompanying the operation of the variable winning device 30 are selected according to the type of the big hit of 2 rounds or 15 rounds. This is for generating a sign effect or a specific background change effect. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along a procedure.

  Step S801: First, the effect control CPU 126 initializes (resets) all the flags and counters related to the effect lottery. The flag and counter will be further described later.

  Step S802: Next, the production control CPU 126 confirms whether or not the current big hit is a two-round big hit. This confirmation can be performed based on a stop symbol command stored in the command buffer area of the RAM 130, for example. That is, when the stop symbol command is a two-round jackpot symbol (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 next executes step S804.

  Step S804: The effect control CPU 126 confirms whether or not the current two round big hit is due to winning during ST. This confirmation can be performed based on the state designation command. As a result, if it is confirmed that the current two round big hit is not the winning in the ST (No), the effect control CPU 126 next executes step S806.

[Pseudo normal variation effect selection processing]
Step S806: The effect control CPU 126 executes a pseudo normal variation effect selection process. In this process, an effect (for example, (iv) in FIG. 24) having a mode that is the same as or similar to the mode of the stop display effect selected at the time of losing is selected as the content of the effect during the big round.

[Specify hidden ST mode]
Step S808: Next, the effect control CPU 126 designates “hidden ST mode” on the effect. Specifically, the value (01H) is set in (1) a precursor flag and (2) a specific background flag as flags for production. The effect control CPU 126 sets (10) “10” as the value of the background change counter. When the values of (1) precursor flag, (2) specific background flag, and (3) background change counter are set, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the process when the variable winning device is activated. Thereby, in the subsequent hidden ST mode, the above sign effect or specific background change effect is selected.

  On the other hand, if it is confirmed in step S804 that the current two round big hit is due to winning during the ST (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 next executes step S810.

[Processing to select the stage for opening the grand prize opening twice]
Step S810: The effect control CPU 126 executes a special winning opening twice opening effect selection process. In this process, for example, the above “chance winning item” is selected as the contents of the effect during the big hit of two rounds.

[ST mode designation]
Step S812: Next, the effect control CPU 126 designates “ST mode” on the effect. Specifically, the value (01H) is set only for the specific background flag (2) as a production flag, and “1” is set as the value of the background change counter (3). When the values of (2) specific background flag and (3) background change counter are set, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the process when the variable winning device is activated.

  The above is an example of the procedure in the case of a big hit of 2 rounds, but the following procedure is executed in the case of a big hit of 15 rounds.

[15 rounds big hit]
Step S814: When it is confirmed in the previous step S802 that it is not a big hit for two rounds (No), the effect control CPU 126 executes a winning prize opening 15 times effect selection process. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 selects the effect contents during the 15 round big hit.

  Then, the effect control CPU 126 proceeds to step S812 and designates “in ST mode” on the effect. The contents of the processing are the same as described above.

  When either the “hidden ST mode” or the “ST mode” is designated through the above procedure, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the variable winning device operating process.

[Direction selection process for small hits]
Next, FIG. 37 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure of the small hit effect selection process. As described above, “small hit” does not trigger the subsequent change of the internal state, and therefore “ST mode” or “hidden ST mode” is not designated here. However, in the present embodiment, an effect in the hidden ST mode (prediction effect) is generated even during the normal time by causing a change in the effect with “small hit” as an opportunity.

  Step S902: First, the effect control CPU 126 confirms whether or not a value (other than 0) has already been set in any of the above (1) precursor flag, (2) specific background flag, and (3) background change counter. As a result, if any value is not set (No), the effect control CPU 126 next executes step S904.

  Step S904: The effect control CPU 126 executes a pseudo normal variation effect selection process. The contents of the processing here are the same as those performed in the big hit effect selection processing described above (step S806 in FIG. 36).

  Step S906: The production control CPU 126 sets the value (01H) in the precursor flag (1) and sets the value of the background change counter (3) to “10”. As a result, even in the case of a small hit, it becomes possible to select the sign effect in the subsequent effects. However, since the value is not set in the specific background flag (2), the specific background change effect is not selected in response to the small hit. This point will be further described later.

  Apart from the above procedure, if the value has already been set in the flag or counter in the first step S902 (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 proceeds to step S908.

  Step S908: In this case, the effect control CPU 126 executes a small hit effect selection process. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 selects, for example, the above “chance winning item” as the effect content at the time of the small hit.

  When the above procedure is completed, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the variable winning device operating process (FIG. 35).

[Summary of processing]
In the big hit effect selection process (FIG. 36) and the small hit effect selection process (FIG. 37), the effect control CPU 126 performs (1) a precursor flag, (2) a specific background flag, and (3) a background change according to various conditions. Each counter value is set, but when these are put together, the following contents are clarified according to conditions.

[After 2 round big hits during non-ST]
When two rounds are hit during non-ST (mainly normal), the “hidden ST mode” is designated. In this case, various values are as follows.
(1) precursor flag = 1
(2) Specific background flag = 1
(3) Background change count value = 10

[After 2 round big hits and 15 round big hits during ST]
“ST mode” is designated when two rounds are hit during ST. The “ST mode” is always designated after 15 rounds of big hit. In these cases, the various values are as follows.
(1) precursor flag = 0 (reset state)
(2) Specific background flag = 1
(3) Background change count value = 1

[After small hits in the initial state]
When a small hit is made in the initial state where neither the flag nor the counter is set, no mode is specified. In this case, various values are as follows.
(1) precursor flag = 1
(2) Specific background flag = 0 (initial state)
(3) Background change count value = 10

  In any case, by setting a value in the flag or the counter, a precursor effect (FIGS. 26 to 29) is selected in the subsequent normal variation effect, or a specific background change effect (FIGS. 30 and 31) is selected. Or be selected. Hereinafter, a control method for that purpose will be described.

[Direction pattern selection process at the time of loss]
FIG. 38 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the off-stage effect pattern selection process (step S612 in FIG. 34). The effect pattern selection process at the time of loss is basically executed when the result of the internal lottery is not won. At that time, depending on whether or not a value is set in the above flag or counter, the contents of the effect Differences occur in the selection method. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along the example of a procedure.

〔Normal time〕
First, the procedure when the flag or the counter is not set in the normal state will be described first.

  Step S300: When the effect control CPU 126 confirms that the value (> 0) is not set in the background change counter (3) (No), the process proceeds to step S303.

  Step S303: Next, the effect control CPU 126 checks whether or not the specific background effect is already being executed, that is, whether or not the specific background change effect has been executed. If the specific background change effect has not yet been executed at this time (No), the effect control CPU 126 executes step S304.

  Step S304: In this case, the effect control CPU 126 executes a normal background change notice lottery. For example, the effect control CPU 126 refers to a notice lottery table (not shown) and executes the background change notice lottery based on the effect random number at that time (for example, a probability of about 1/100).

  Step S306: Especially when the winning lottery in step S304 is not won (No), the effect control CPU 126 proceeds to step S308.

  Step S308: In this case, the effect control CPU 126 selects a deviation variation effect pattern. For example, the effect control CPU 126 refers to a variation effect pattern lottery table (not shown), and selects a deviation variation effect pattern number based on the effect random number.

  On the other hand, when the winning lottery in step S304 is won (step S306 = Yes), the effect control CPU 126 proceeds to step S310.

  Step S310: In this case, the effect control CPU 126 selects the background change notice pattern. For example, the effect control CPU 126 refers to a background change notice pattern lottery table (not shown) and selects a background change notice pattern number based on the effect random number.

  If the specific background effect has already been executed (step S303 = Yes), the effect control CPU 126 executes step S308 without executing the above steps S304 and S306. This prevents a situation where the specific background screen shifts (falls) to the normal background screen during ST.

  In addition, the specific background effect is switched to the effect using the normal background image in the effect symbol stop display process when the internal state returns from normal to normal during ST as described above. Therefore, since the specific background effect is no longer being executed after this (step S303 = No), the effect control CPU 126 proceeds to step S304 and executes the normal background change notice lottery.

  When the above procedure is completed, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the effect symbol management process. The various pattern numbers selected in the procedure so far are instructed to the effect display control device 144 (display control CPU 146) in the display output process (step S404 in FIG. 32).

[In ST mode]
Next, a procedure when the production control CPU 126 designates the ST mode will be described.

  Step S300: In this case, since the value of the background change counter in (3) is set to 1 (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 next executes step S301.

  Step S301: Next, the effect control CPU 126 checks whether or not the value (= 1) is set in the specific background flag of (2). When the ST mode is designated as described above, since the value (= 1) is set to the specific background flag (2) (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 next executes step S314.

  Step S314: In this case, the effect control CPU 126 executes a specific sign effect selection process. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 executes an effect lottery for determining whether or not to execute the specific background change effect. A specific procedure example of the process will be further described later using another flowchart.

  Step S308: When the effect control CPU 126 selects the deviation variation effect pattern, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the effect symbol management process.

[In hidden ST mode]
Next, an example of the procedure when the production control CPU 126 designates the hidden ST mode will be described.

  Step S300: Similarly in this case, since the value of the background change counter in (3) is set to 1 (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 next executes step S301.

  Step S301: Next, the effect control CPU 126 checks whether or not the value (= 1) is set in the specific background flag of (2). Even when the hidden ST mode is designated as described above, since the value (= 1) is set to the specific background flag (2) (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 next executes step S314.

Step S314: Then, the effect control CPU 126 executes a specific sign effect selection process.
Step S308: When the effect control CPU 126 selects the deviation variation effect pattern, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the effect symbol management process.

[After small hits in the initial state]
Next, an example of the procedure executed after the small hit in the initial state in which the effect control CPU 126 has not designated either the ST mode or the hidden ST mode will be described.

  Step S300: After small hitting, since the value of the background change counter in (3) is set to “10” (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 next executes step S301.

  Step S301: Next, the effect control CPU 126 checks whether or not the value (= 1) is set in the specific background flag of (2). As described above, after the small hit from the initial state, the value is not set in the specific background flag of (2) (No). In this case, the effect control CPU 126 next executes step S302.

  Step S302: Next, the effect control CPU 126 checks whether or not a value (= 1) is set in the precursor flag of (1). After the small hit from the initial state, the value is set in the precursor flag of (1) (Yes). In this case, the effect control CPU 126 executes step S312.

  Step S312: The effect control CPU 126 executes a sign effect selection process. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 selects the contents of the effect to be executed as the precursor effect. The specific processing content will be further described later using another flowchart.

  Step S308: When the effect control CPU 126 selects the deviation variation effect pattern, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the effect symbol management process.

[Sign production selection process]
FIG. 39 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the indication effect selection process. In this process, the above-mentioned background change notice pattern is selected or a precursor effect lottery is selected to select a precursor effect pattern. However, the specific background change effect is not selected at all in this precursor effect selection process. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along the example of a procedure.

  Step S450: The effect control CPU 126 executes a normal background change notice lottery. The content of the processing is the same as that already described in the off-time effect pattern selection processing (step S304 in FIG. 38).

  Step S452: When the winning lottery in step S450 is not won (No), the effect control CPU 126 proceeds to step S456. On the other hand, when winning in the effect lottery in step S450 (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 executes step S454.

  Step S454: In this case, the effect control CPU 126 selects the background change notice pattern. The contents of the processing are the same as those already described (step S310 in FIG. 38).

  Step S456: Next, the effect control CPU 126 executes a sign effect lottery. For example, the effect control CPU 126 refers to a specific conversation notice table (not shown) and executes a specific conversation notice lottery based on the random number value for the effect at that time (for example, a probability of about 1/6 to 1/4).

  Step S458: Especially when the winning lottery in Step S456 is not won (No), the effect control CPU 126 proceeds to Step S462.

  Step S462: In this case, the effect control CPU 126 subtracts 1 from the value of the background change counter.

  On the other hand, when the winning lottery in step S456 is won (step S458 = Yes), the effect control CPU 126 proceeds to step S460.

  Step S460: In this case, the effect control CPU 126 selects the specific conversation notice pattern number as the sign effect pattern. For example, the effect control CPU 126 refers to a specific conversation notice pattern lottery table (not shown) and selects a specific conversation notice pattern number based on the effect random number.

  Step S462: Similarly in this case, the effect control CPU 126 subtracts 1 from the value of the background change counter.

  When the above procedure is completed, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the off-effect effect pattern selection process. The various pattern numbers selected in the procedure so far are instructed to the effect display control device 144 (display control CPU 146) in the display output process (step S404 in FIG. 32).

[Specific sign production selection processing]
Next, FIG. 40 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the specific sign effect selection process. This processing is executed only when the value of the background change counter in (3) is not 0 as described above and the value (= 1) is set in the precursor flag in (1). . Therefore, the specific sign effect selection process is executed only when the effect control CPU 126 specifies the ST mode or the hidden ST mode. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along the example of a procedure.

  Step S350: First, the effect control CPU 126 executes a background change table selection process. This process is for selecting a background change table to be used in the effect lottery in the current variation based on the value of the background change counter in (3). Although not particularly illustrated, for example, five background change tables 1 to 5 are prepared in advance, and any one of the table numbers 1 to 5 corresponding to the value of the background change counter at that time is selected.

(1) When the value of the background change counter is “9” or more In this case, the background change table 1 is selected. In this table 1, for example, the selection probability of the specific background change effect (winning probability of the effect lottery) is set to 20%.

(2) When the value of the background change counter is “8” or “7” In this case, the background change table 2 is selected. In this table 2, for example, the selection probability of the specific background change effect (winning probability of the effect lottery) is set to 40%.

(3) When the value of the background change counter is “6” or “5” In this case, the background change table 3 is selected. In this table 3, for example, the selection probability of the specific background change effect (winning probability of the effect lottery) is set to 60%.

(4) When the value of the background change counter is “4” or “3” In this case, the background change table 4 is selected. In this table 4, for example, the selection probability of the specific background change effect (winning probability of the effect lottery) is set to 80%.

(5) When the value of the background change counter is “2” or less In this case, the background change table 5 is selected. In this table 5, for example, the selection probability of the specific background change effect (winning probability of the effect lottery) is set to 100%.

  Step S352: When any background change table number (winning probability corresponding to the value of the background change counter) is selected in the previous background change table selection process, the effect control CPU 126 refers to the selected background change table. Then, the specific background shift lottery is executed from the random number for production at that time.

  Step S354: If the winning lottery has been won (Yes), the production control CPU 126 proceeds to step S356.

  Step S356: In this case, the effect control CPU 126 resets all the values of (1) the precursor flag, (2) the specific background flag, and (3) the background change counter.

  Step S358: The effect control CPU 126 selects a specific background change notice pattern. The specific background change notice pattern selected here is for designating the content of the specific background change effect (FIGS. 30 and 31).

  On the other hand, when the winning lottery is not won (step S354 = No), the effect control CPU 126 proceeds to step S360.

  Step S360: In this case, the effect control CPU 126 executes a sign effect lottery. The contents of the process are the same as those already described (step S456 in FIG. 39).

  Step S362: In particular, when the winning effect lottery in Step S360 is not won (No), the effect control CPU 126 proceeds to Step S366.

  Step S366: In this case, the effect control CPU 126 subtracts 1 from the value of the background change counter.

  On the other hand, when the winning sign lottery in step S360 is won (step S362 = Yes), the effect control CPU 126 proceeds to step S364.

  Step S364: In this case, the effect control CPU 126 selects the specific conversation notice pattern number as the sign effect pattern. The contents of the processing are the same as those already described (step S460 in FIG. 39).

  Step S366: In this case as well, the effect control CPU 126 similarly subtracts 1 from the value of the background change counter.

  When the above procedure is completed, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the off-effect effect pattern selection process. The various pattern numbers selected in the procedure so far are instructed to the effect display control device 144 (display control CPU 146) in the display output process (step S404 in FIG. 32).

[Summary of production contents]
Through the various processes relating to the above effects, the following game characteristics are realized in the present embodiment.

  FIG. 41 is a game flow diagram in which the relationship between the change in the internal state (normal / ST) in the pachinko machine 1 and the contents of the effect executed according to the number of changes in the special symbol are arranged in time series. Hereinafter, game characteristics provided in the present embodiment will be described.

[High probability state (during ST)]
In FIG. 41 (A): For example, as described above, when 15 hits big hit or 2 hits big hit from normal, it shifts to a high probability state through 15 round hit game or 2 round hit game respectively.

  In FIG. 41 (B): The high probability state at this time is a period until the number of fluctuations of the first special symbol or the second special symbol reaches the upper limit number (10 times) (number cut probability change).

[Direction after 15 rounds of big hit]
In FIG. 41 (C): After the big hit of 15 rounds, the ST mode is designated for production as described above, so the value of the background change counter is “1” from the beginning at the first fluctuation count. In this case, in the previous background change table selection process (step S350 in FIG. 40), since the value of the background change counter is already “2” or less, the background change table 5 is selected here. Therefore, as a result of selecting the specific background change effect with a selection probability of 100% (step S354 = Yes in FIG. 40), the specific background change effect is executed from the first variation.

  Thereby, it is possible to clearly indicate to the player from the beginning that the state is in a high probability state (during ST) through the effect of the “festival mode screen”. The high-probability state continues until the number of fluctuations reaches 10, and if no win is obtained during that time, the internal state transitions to the normal state from the eleventh time, and the production content is also the normal production (normal mode) Screen).

[Direction after 2 rounds of big hit]
In FIG. 41, (D): On the other hand, after 2 round big hits (short-time double opening / closing operation), the hidden ST mode is designated on the production as described above. In this case, the value of the background change counter is “10” at the first fluctuation count (step S808 in FIG. 36).

[Variation times 1-2]
In the background change table selection process (step S350 in FIG. 40), since the value of the background change counter is “9” or more until the number of changes reaches 2, the background change table 1 is selected during this period. Is done. In this case, the probability that the specific background change effect is selected is 20%, and the specific background change effect is executed only when the transition lottery with this probability is won (specific effect executing means). Further, the specific conversation notice effect is executed when winning in the sign effect lottery (specific notice effect execution means).

[Number of fluctuations 3-4]
Thereafter, the value of the background change counter is decremented by 1 each time the number of fluctuations passes. Accordingly, since the value of the background change counter is “8” or “7” until the number of fluctuations reaches 3 to 4, the background change table 2 is selected during this period. In this case, the probability that the specific background change effect is selected increases to 40%, and the specific background change effect is executed only when the transition lottery with this probability is won (specific effect executing means). ). Similarly, the specific conversation notice effect is executed when winning in the sign effect lottery (specific notice effect execution means).

[Fluctuations 5-6]
Since the value of the background change counter until the number of fluctuations reaches 5 to 6 is “6” or “5”, the background change table 3 is selected during this period. In this case, the probability that the specific background change effect is selected increases to 60%, and the specific background change effect is executed only when the transition lottery with this probability is won (specific effect executing means). ). Similarly, the specific conversation notice effect is executed when winning in the sign effect lottery (specific notice effect execution means).

[Variation times 7-8]
Since the value of the background change counter is “4” or “3” until the number of fluctuations reaches 7 to 8, the background change table 4 is selected during this time. In this case, the probability that the specific background change effect is selected further increases to 80%, and the specific background change effect is executed only when the transition lottery with this probability is won (specific effect execution is performed). means). It should be noted that the specific conversation notice effect is executed when winning in the sign effect lottery as before (specific notice effect execution means).

[9th change]
When the number of fluctuations reaches 9, the value of the background change counter is “2”, so the background change table 5 is selected here. In this case, since the specific background change effect is selected with a probability of 100%, the specific background change effect is always executed by always winning the transition lottery (specific effect executing means). Note that the specific conversation notice effect is executed when winning in the sign effect lottery as before (specific notice effect execution means).

[After specific background change production]
When the specific background change effect lottery is won at the number of changes before that including the 10th change number, and the specific background change effect is executed, the value of the background change counter is reset (step in FIG. 40) S356). Further, since the normal background change notice lottery is not executed during the ST (step S303 = Yes), the specific background effect is continuously performed until the final change during the ST. If the winning is not obtained in 10 times, the internal state shifts to the normal state from the 11th time, and the effect content is also switched to the normal effect (normal mode screen).

[Directing after small hits during normal times]
In FIG. 41 (E): After a small hit during normal, the value of the background change counter is set to “10” as described above, and the value (= 1) is set to the precursor flag of (1). The indication effect selection process (step S312 in FIG. 38) is executed until the number of changes reaches 10. Therefore, for 10 fluctuations after the small hit, the specific conversation notice effect is executed when the winning effect lottery is won (specific notice effect execution means).

  As described above, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, the following game characteristics are realized particularly by the effect of “in the hidden ST mode”.

(1) During the hidden mode, the staging effect (festival mode) is not always executed from the beginning, so basically, together with the behavior of the shortened twice opening / closing operation by the variable winning device 30, It is difficult for players to detect that they are in ST.

(2) However, because it is a high probability state during ST and it is extremely easy to win, it is during the ST for the player by generating a specific conversation notice effect that is not normally seen during the ST Can suggest that. Such a specific conversation notice effect gives the player an impression as if it is a “predictor of success”, and can heighten the player's expectation in a short period of time.

(3) Furthermore, if the specific background change effect is won while the game during ST (the number of changes) progresses, an effect indicating “confirmed during ST” is executed thereby, so that the player is still in the ST It is possible to prevent the game from proceeding without noticing that it was. In this way, by executing the specific background change effect during the hidden ST mode, it is possible to raise the expectation for the game for the remaining number of times during the ST and to prevent the game from becoming monotonous.

(4) In addition, even if the winning is not obtained during the hidden ST mode, since the logic that the specific background change effect is always executed in 10 times is always adopted, It is possible to reliably prevent the game from proceeding slowly without knowing that it was in the ST.

(5) If the player wins before the specific background change effect in the hidden ST mode is executed, the player can be given a surprise as if he / she has won from the normal time. Thereby, it is possible to give a good impression of “a stand that is easy to hit” to the player, thereby suppressing a decrease in the operation of the pachinko machine 1.

[Other Embodiments]
In the above embodiment, the selection probability of the specific background change effect is increased by 20% as the background change counter value changes by 2 during the hidden ST mode. It will never be done. For example, when the value of the background change counter changes by one, the selection probability may be increased by 10% accordingly or may be decreased in the middle. The selection probability may be changed randomly.

  Furthermore, in one embodiment, a specific background change effect is always executed by setting the selection probability of the background change table to 100% as an example, but when the value of the background change counter becomes “9”, for example, In particular, a logic may be adopted in which a specific background change effect is forcibly selected in the specific sign effect selection process of FIG. 40 without executing the effect lottery.

  In addition, the images given in the various effects are merely examples, and these can be appropriately modified. In addition, the structure of the pachinko machine 1 and the board surface configuration are preferable examples including those shown in the drawings, and it goes without saying that these can be appropriately modified.

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

Claims (6)

When the special pay event occurs which corresponds to a special prize during the game, and special privilege granting means to grant a special prize award,
While the prescribed condition is not satisfied during the game, the closed state where the occurrence of the special prize event is disabled is maintained, while when the prescribed condition is satisfied, the occurrence of the special prize event from the closed state occurs. A special prize event generating means that enables transition to an open state that is not impossible,
Lottery execution means for executing an internal lottery relating to whether or not at least the prescribed condition is satisfied when a predetermined lottery opportunity occurs during the normal game in which the special prize event generating means is in the closed state;
About the result at the time of winning obtained by the internal lottery, a winning type defining means for predefining at least a first winning type and a second winning type as a plurality of winning types;
If you win by the internal lottery by the lottery execution means, a winning type determination means for determining corresponds to any of the previous SL winning type defining said first winning type and the second win types defined by means ,
When the internal lottery is executed by the lottery execution means, after the symbols are variably displayed over a predetermined fluctuation time, the symbols are stopped and displayed in a manner corresponding to the result of the internal lottery. If the result of winning is a symbol display means for stopping and displaying the symbol in a manner corresponding to the winning type determined by the winning type determining means,
A first special corresponding to the first winning type by the symbol display means by determining that the result of the internal lottery corresponds to winning and the winning type determining means corresponds to the first winning type. When the symbol is stopped and displayed in the mode, the special prize event generating means is shifted from the closed state to the open state for a predetermined time during which the special prize event is easily generated as a special game, or within the predetermined time. Special game execution means for causing the special prize event generating means to shift from the closed state to the open state and return to the closed state for a predetermined number of times until a predetermined number of the special prize events occur. ,
A second special corresponding to the second winning type by the symbol display means by determining that the result of the internal lottery corresponds to winning and that the winning type determining means corresponds to the second winning type. When the symbol is stopped and displayed in the mode, the special prize event generating means is shifted from the closed state to the open state and returned to the closed state in a short time in which the occurrence of the special prize event is difficult if not impossible. Short-term opening / closing operation execution means for executing the short-term opening / closing operation to be performed over a number of times less than the predetermined number of times;
After either the special game by the special game execution means or the short-time opening / closing operation by the short-time opening / closing operation execution means is executed, the number of times the symbol display by the symbol display means reaches a predetermined upper limit. Meanwhile, a specific game state transition means for shifting to a specific game state to which a specific condition different from a normal game is applied at least with respect to the internal lottery by the lottery execution means,
When the special game state is transferred to the specific game state by the special game state transfer means after the special game is executed by the special game execution means, the upper limit is the number of times that the symbol display is changed by the symbol display means after the special game ends. While the specific effect of the aspect representing the transition to the specific gaming state is continuously performed until the number reaches the number, the specific gaming state transition means after the short-time opening / closing operation by the short-term opening / closing operation execution means If migrated to the specific game state, said the number of times the variable display of the symbol by the symbol display unit after the end of the special game beyond a certain number of times continuously over until reaching the upper limit number specific effect A game machine provided with specific performance executing means for executing In the gaming machine according to claim 1,
At the time of symbol variation display by the symbol display means, after executing a variation display effect corresponding to the variation display of the symbol at least within the variation time, a symbol effect of executing a result display effect corresponding to the result of the internal lottery Execution means;
The symbol is stopped and displayed in the first special mode by the symbol display means when the result of the internal lottery corresponds to winning and the winning type determining means determines that the winning type corresponds to the first winning type. If the result of the result display effect executed by the symbol effect execution means is controlled in correspondence with the first special mode, the winning result is determined even if the result of the internal lottery corresponds to winning. When a symbol is stopped and displayed in the second special mode by the symbol display unit because it is determined that the type selection unit corresponds to the second winning type, the result display effect mode is set as the second special mode. A game machine further comprising an effect control means for controlling in accordance with a symbol that is stopped and displayed at times other than at the time of winning without corresponding to. In the gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2,
Corresponding to the result of the internal lottery, at least a plurality of types of variation patterns are defined in advance regarding the setting of the variation time at which the symbols should be variably displayed by the symbol display means. Variation pattern defining means for defining a specific variation pattern as the type set in the
A variation pattern determining means for selectively determining one of a plurality of types of variation patterns defined by the variation pattern defining means based on the result of the internal lottery;
The variation pattern determining means includes
When the result of the internal lottery corresponds to winning, and the winning type determining means determines that it corresponds to the first winning type, the specific variation pattern defined by the variation pattern defining means is selected. On the other hand, even if the result of the internal lottery corresponds to winning, if the winning type determining means determines that it corresponds to the second winning type, the specifying specified by the variation pattern defining means A gaming machine that selects only a variation pattern of a different type from the variation pattern. In the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
When the specific game state transition means shifts to the specific game state after the short-term opening / closing operation execution means is executed, the state shifts to the specific game state separately from the specific effect by the specific effect execution means. A gaming machine characterized by further comprising a specific notice effect executing means for executing a specific notice effect having contents indicating that there is a possibility of having performed. In the gaming machine according to claim 4,
The winning type defining means is:
In addition to special provisions as multiple winning types,
When the winning type determined by the winning type determining means is the special winning, the special game or the short-time opening / closing operation is not a normal game and the special winning event is difficult even if it is not impossible to occur. A special short-term opening / closing operation until the special prize-winning event generating means is shifted from the closed state to the open state and then returned to the closed state for a short time is repeatedly executed for a predetermined number of special cases, and thereafter Further comprising special operation execution means for maintaining the game of
The specific notice effect execution means is:
The specific notice effect is provided until the number of times the symbol display by the symbol display means reaches the upper limit number in a state in which a normal game is maintained after the exception short-term opening / closing operation by the exception operation executing means. A gaming machine that is further executed. In the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
Ball launching means for driving a game ball toward a game area formed on the game board surface;
A start winning opening that is installed in the gaming area and causes an event that becomes the lottery opportunity by randomly flowing game balls flowing down in the gaming area,
In a state where a predetermined movable piece is installed in the game area and the predetermined movable piece is in the closed position, it is difficult for the game ball to flow down the game area, while the movable piece is operated from the closed position toward the open position. Then, while facilitating the inflow of game balls, a variable start winning device that generates the event that becomes the lottery trigger by the inflow,
A starting gate that is installed in the gaming area and through which the gaming balls flowing down in the gaming area can randomly pass;
An action lottery execution means for executing an action lottery as to whether or not to actuate the movable piece of the variable start winning device when the game ball passes through the start gate;
When winning in the operation lottery, movable piece actuating means for actuating the movable piece of the variable start winning device toward the open position,
A prize ball payout device for paying out a predetermined number of game balls as a prize ball for at least winning the variable start winning device;
When the result of the internal lottery corresponds to non-winning, at least the symbol display means shifts the variation time for displaying the symbol variation to a time shortened state shorter than normal, and the winning probability of the operation lottery is higher than usual. And a time shortening state transition means for shifting to a time shortening state that has been changed to a higher level,
The time shortening state transition means includes:
The symbol display means determines that the result of the internal lottery corresponds to winning while the game state is in the specified gaming state, and that the winning type determining means determines that it corresponds to the second winning type. The symbol is stopped and displayed in a second special mode corresponding to the second winning type, and as a result, after the short-time opening / closing operation is executed by the short-time opening / closing operation execution means, the specific gaming state is transferred to the specific gaming state. In the event that the time is shortened, the internal lottery result corresponds to winning in the normal game, and the winning type determining means determines that it corresponds to the second winning type. Then, the symbol is stopped and displayed by the symbol display means in the second special mode corresponding to the second winning type, and as a result, the short-term opening / closing operation is executed by the short-term opening / closing operation execution means. Gaming machine wherein when it is migrated to the specific game state by specific game state means, characterized in that does not shift to the time saving state.