JP5894132B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that performs an effect including display of a decorative symbol in association with a game.

  In the gaming machine, by satisfying various preset conditions, the gaming machine shifts to various gaming states and enhances gaming properties. For example, when a game ball wins a start opening, it is determined whether or not a jackpot game for opening and closing the variable winning opening is executed (a jackpot determination, a special symbol determination). If the result of the determination is that the jackpot game is to be executed, a high-probability gaming state in which the probability that it is determined that the jackpot game will be executed after the jackpot game ends can be set. Further, the determination result is notified to the player by a special symbol. The special symbol fluctuates for a predetermined time based on the determination result, and stops at the symbol representing the determination result. If the result of the determination is that the jackpot game is to be executed, a short time state can be set in which the variation time of the special symbol is short after the jackpot game ends.

  In addition, in this type of gaming machine, the game state and the progress of the game are achieved by means such as displaying an image on an image display device such as a liquid crystal display, operating a movable accessory, lighting various electric lamps, and outputting sound by a speaker. Production is performed according to. And in the gaming machine in which the determination regarding the gaming state is performed as described above, an effect associated with the change or stop of the special symbol and an effect associated with the determination result are also performed.

  For example, there is a case where an effect of changing and stopping the decorative symbol in accordance with the change and stop of the special symbol may be performed in accordance with the determination. This type of decorative design is usually configured by arranging a plurality of numbers, symbols, etc. (designs). And as a display at the time of a change, the display mode of each design which constitutes a decoration design is changed continuously (change display). In addition, as a display at the time of stop, a combination of symbols associated with the determination result is displayed (stop display) according to the result of the determination actually performed. For example, three numbers are arranged in the “left”, “middle”, and “right” positions to form a decorative pattern, and each number moves in a scrolling manner on the screen of the image display device. There is a conventional technique for performing stop display by a combination of numbers according to the result (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2012-152474 A

  In the production performed during the change of the special symbol, in addition to the production by the decorative design, a flashy production is often performed for the player to stimulate a sense of expectation for the determination result or to raise the mood. Conventionally, even in such a case, the image display device can be decorated by reducing the display size of the decorative pattern or by displaying the decorative pattern lightly (in a manner that allows the lower image to be seen through). A display (production) is made so that the player can recognize that the symbol is changing. For this reason, even when an effect is made such that an effect image is displayed on the entire screen of the image display device, a decorative pattern is always displayed on the image, reducing the visibility of the effect image. I was letting.

  In view of such a problem, an object of the present invention is to suppress a reduction in the visibility of an effect image during a change in decorative design.

The present invention that achieves the above object is realized as the following gaming machine. This gaming machine
Image display means (image display unit 114) for displaying an image for an effect performed according to the game;
Image display control means (effect control section 300) for causing the image display means (image display section 114) to display an effect image;
A determination means (special symbol determination unit 234) for determining whether or not to shift to a special game state advantageous to the player, when a predetermined determination condition is satisfied;
When the determination by the determination unit (special symbol determination unit 234) is performed, the image display unit (image display unit 114) displays the symbol variably for a predetermined time, and then stops the determination. 234), a symbol display control means (effect control unit 300) for stopping and displaying the symbol associated with the determination result according to 234),
The image display control means (effect control unit 300) can execute a full-screen effect that displays a predetermined image on the entire screen of the image display means (image display unit 114).
The symbol display control means (production control unit 300)
In stopping the symbol variation display, the symbol variation mode is changed from a scroll operation that scrolls at a high speed to a preparation operation toward the end of the variation that scrolls at a low speed.
When the full-screen effect is performed by the image display control means (effect control unit 300), the full-screen effect is the image display means (image display unit 114) at a predetermined timing during execution of the full-screen effect. In the middle of being performed at the time, the fluctuating symbol is hidden, and the full screen effect is specified at the end of the full screen effect, and the full screen effect is displayed on the image display means (image display unit 114). The display of the changing symbol is restarted from the display near the transition timing from the scroll operation to the preparation operation.
By adopting such a configuration, the decoration design overlaps the effect image and reduces the visibility of the effect image even when performing full screen effect over the entire screen of the image display means during the variation display of the decoration design. Can be suppressed.

  In addition, the said code | symbol in this column is attached | subjected illustratively in the description of this invention, and this invention is not reduced by this code | symbol.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the fall of the visibility of the image for presentation in the fluctuation | variation of a decoration design can be suppressed, and a player's interest can be heightened.

It is a schematic front view of the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment. (A) is an enlarged view showing an example of a display device arranged at the lower right of the game board, (b) is a partial plan view of the pachinko gaming machine. It is a figure which shows the internal structure of the control unit of the pachinko game machine of this Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of the game control part of this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the main operation | movement of the game control part of this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the content of a start port switch process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the gate switch process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the special symbol process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the jackpot determination process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the fluctuation pattern selection process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the process during a stop. It is a flowchart which shows the content of a customer waiting | standby setting process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of normal symbol processing. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the big prize opening process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the game state setting process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of an electric tulip process. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the random number used by this Embodiment, (a) is a figure which shows the structural example of a jackpot random number, (b) is a figure which shows the structural example of a jackpot symbol random number, (c) is a reach random number FIG. 6D is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a hit random number. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of an effect control part, (a) is a figure which shows a main process, (b) is a figure which shows an interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of command reception processing. It is a figure which shows the example of a setting of a mode flag. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the production | presentation selection process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the process during the end of the fluctuation effect of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the win production | presentation selection process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the ending effect selection process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the customer waiting command reception process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the content of effect button processing. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the decoration symbol in this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structural example of an auxiliary | assistant display part. It is a figure which shows the example of the non-display effect of the decoration symbol at the time of the change of a decoration symbol, FIG.29 (a) is a figure which shows a mode that the change display was started, FIG.29 (b) is a full-screen effect started. FIG. 29 (c) is a diagram showing a state in which the fluctuating decorative symbol is not displayed. FIG. 30A is a diagram showing an example of a decorative symbol non-display effect when the decorative symbol changes following FIG. 29, FIG. 30A is a diagram showing a state where display of the decorative symbol is resumed, and FIG. It is a figure which shows a mode that the design was displayed on the image display part. It is a timing chart which shows the example of the transition of the display of a decoration design at the time of the change of a decoration design. It is a figure which shows an example of the production | presentation using a decoration symbol, FIG. 32 (a) is a figure which shows a mode that a decoration symbol is fluctuating, FIG.32 (b) is a figure which shows a mode that two symbols stopped previously. FIG. 32 (c) is a diagram showing a state in which all three symbols are stopped. It is a figure which shows an example of the production | presentation using a decoration design, FIG.33 (a) is a figure which shows a mode that the decoration design is fluctuating, FIG.33 (b) is a figure which shows a mode that two symbols have stopped temporarily, FIG. 33 (c) shows a state in which all three symbols have been temporarily stopped, FIG. 33 (d) shows a state in which the decorative symbol has resumed fluctuation, and FIG. 33 (e) shows that all three symbols have stopped. It is a figure which shows the figure which shows a mode. It is a figure which shows an example of the production | presentation using a decoration design, FIG.34 (a) is a figure which shows a mode that the decoration design is fluctuating, FIG.34 (b) is a figure which shows a mode that two symbols have stopped temporarily. FIG. 34 (c) shows a state in which the remaining one symbol has stopped, FIG. 34 (d) shows a state in which one stopped symbol has resumed fluctuation, and FIG. 34 (e) shows three symbols. It is a figure which shows the figure which shows a mode that all stopped. It is a figure which shows an example of the production | presentation using a decoration symbol, FIG. 35 (a) is a figure which shows a mode that the decoration symbol is fluctuating, FIG.35 (b) is a figure which shows a mode that two symbols have stopped temporarily. FIG. 35 (c) is a diagram illustrating a state in which the remaining one symbol is stopped, and FIG. 35 (d) is a diagram illustrating a state in which two symbols temporarily stopped and all three symbols are stopped. is there. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the display image in the image display part at the time of a decoration symbol display, Fig.36 (a) is a figure which shows the layer structure of a display image, FIG.36 (b) is the display aspect on the screen of an image display part. It is a figure which shows an example. It is a figure explaining the grade which hides a decoration design, Drawing 37 (a) is a figure showing an example of a picture, and Drawing 37 (b) is a figure showing a mode that a part of design shown in Drawing 37 (a) was hidden. It is. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the production | presentation which displays an object image on a stop symbol, FIG.38 (a) is a figure which shows a mode that the decoration design is fluctuating, FIG.38 (b) is a mode that the decoration design has stopped. FIG. 38 (c) is a diagram showing a state in which an object image is displayed so as to overlap a part of the symbols constituting the decorative symbols. It is a figure which shows the other specific example of the production | presentation which displays an object image on a stop symbol, FIG.39 (a) is a figure which shows a mode that a decoration symbol is fluctuating, FIG.39 (b) is a fluctuation | variation of a decoration symbol. FIG. 39C is a diagram showing a state in which an object image is displayed, and FIG. 39C is a diagram showing a state in which a decorative symbol is stopped while the object image is displayed.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[Basic configuration of gaming machine]
FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment.
A pachinko gaming machine 100 as an example of the gaming machine shown in the figure is configured to pay out a prize ball when a game ball launched by an instruction operation by a player wins. The pachinko gaming machine 100 includes a game board 110 on which game balls are launched, and a frame member 150 that surrounds the game board 110. The game board 110 is detachably attached to the frame member 150.

The game board 110 has a game area 111 for playing with a game ball on the front surface, a rail member 112 that forms a passage where a game ball launched from below rises toward the upper position of the game area 111, and a game A guide member 113 for guiding the game ball is provided on the right side of the region 111.
In the present embodiment, an image display unit 114 that displays various images for production is provided at a position of the game area 111 that is easily visible to the player. The image display unit 114 includes a display screen such as a liquid crystal display, and displays a decorative symbol for notifying the player of a symbol lottery result (symbol variation result), for example, as the game progresses by the player. An effect image by the appearance of a character or the appearance of an item is displayed.
In addition, a movable accessory 115 and a board lamp 116 used for various effects are provided on the front surface of the game board 110. The movable accessory 115 performs various effects by operating on the game board 110, and the board lamp 116 performs various effects by emitting light.

  The game area 111 is provided with a game nail and a windmill (not shown) for changing the direction in which the game ball falls. Further, in the game area 111, various bonuses relating to winning and lottery are arranged at predetermined positions. In addition, the game area 111 is provided with a discharge port 117 through which game balls launched into the game area 111 that have not been won in the winning area are discharged out of the game area 111.

  In the present embodiment, as various functions related to winning and lottery, a special symbol lottery (a jackpot lottery) starts when a game ball wins, and it is normal when a game ball passes. A start gate (hereinafter simply referred to as a gate) 124 for starting a symbol lottery (open / close lottery) is disposed on the game board 110. In FIG. 1, the gates 124 are provided on the left and right sides of the game area 111, the left gate 124 is indicated as 124L, and the right gate 124 is indicated as 124R. Moreover, the 1st starting port 121 and the 2nd starting port 122 here say the winning opening used as the operation opportunity of the predetermined 1 special symbol display. Specifically, the first start port 121 and the second start port 122 are provided with switches (a first start port switch 211 and a second start port switch 212 described later) that detect the passage of a game ball when winning a prize. It has been. And when a game ball wins the 1st starting port 121 or the 2nd starting port 122, this switch will detect the passage of a gaming ball as an opportunity to operate a special symbol display.

  The second start port 122 includes an electric tulip (opening / closing member) 123 as a normal electric accessory that is turned on and off by a pair of blades in the shape of tulip flowers that are opened and closed by an electric solenoid. In the electric tulip 123, when the blade is closed, it is difficult for the game ball to enter the second start port 122, but when the blade is opened, the entrance of the second start port 122 is expanded and the game ball is moved to the second start port 122. It is configured to be easy to enter. When the electric tulip 123 wins the normal symbol lottery, the blade opens for a specified time (for example, 0.15 to 1.8 seconds) and for a specified number of times (for example, 1 to 3 times) while lighting or blinking.

  The pachinko gaming machine 100 has a low probability state in which a jackpot lottery is performed with a normal probability and a high probability state in which a jackpot lottery is performed with a higher probability than the low probability state. It should be noted that the state is controlled to be either a low probability state or a high probability state under a predetermined condition. Further, the pachinko gaming machine 100 has a short time state where there are few winning opportunities at the second start port 122 and a short state when there are more winning opportunities at the second start port 122 than in the short time state. Note that, in a predetermined condition, the state is controlled to be either a timeless state or a timeless state. Here, the short-time state means, for example, any one or all of the following: increasing the probability of winning the normal symbol lottery, decreasing the normal symbol variation time, or extending the opening time of the electric tulip 123 Controlled by combination. In the short time state, the special symbol variation time of the special symbol may be shortened.

Also, in this embodiment, as other prizes and lottery items, a lottery is performed even if a game ball wins a grand prize opening 125 as a special electric bonus that opens according to the result of the special symbol lottery. An ordinary winning opening 126 that is not present is arranged on the game board 110.
In the present embodiment, a display 130 for displaying a lottery result and the number of holds is arranged at the lower right position of the game board 110. In addition, an auxiliary display unit 140 that is controlled by an effect control unit 300 described later is disposed at a lower left position of the game area 111 on the game board 110.

  Also, on the back side of the game board 110, a game control board that determines whether or not a special symbol is won, an effect control board that comprehensively controls effects, an image control board that controls effects by images and sounds, various lamps, Various substrates (not shown) such as a lamp control substrate for controlling the effect by the movable accessory 115 are attached. In addition, a switching power supply (not shown) that converts the supplied 24V AC power source into a DC power source and outputs it to various boards and the like is disposed on the back surface of the game board 110.

When the player touches the handle 151 and rotates the lever 152 in the clockwise direction, the frame member 150 moves the game balls at a predetermined time interval (for example, 100 per minute) with a hitting force according to the operation angle. And a launching device (not shown) for electrically firing. In addition, the frame member 150 includes a supply device (not shown) that sequentially supplies game balls to the launching device one by one at a timing in conjunction with the operation of the player's lever 152, and a game ball that the supply device supplies to the launching device. And a plate 153 for temporarily storing. For example, a payout ball by a payout unit is paid out to the plate 153.
In the present embodiment, the plate 153 is configured as an integrated upper and lower plate, but a configuration example in which the upper plate and the lower plate are separated is also conceivable. A configuration example in which the handle 151 of the launching device emits light under a predetermined condition is also conceivable.

The frame member 150 also includes a stop button 154 for temporarily stopping the launch of the game ball even when the player is touching the handle 151 of the launch device, and a game ball stored in the tray 153. A take-out button 155 for dropping and taking out the box (not shown).
Further, the frame member 150 includes a speaker 156 and a frame lamp 157 for notifying the gaming state and situation of the pachinko gaming machine 100 and performing various effects. The speaker 156 performs various effects using music, voice, and sound effects. The frame lamp 157 is composed of a light emitting body such as an LED, and performs various effects by light depending on a pattern due to lighting and blinking, a difference in emission color, and the like. In addition, about the frame lamp | ramp 157, the structural example which enables it to perform the effect which changes the irradiation direction of light can be considered.
The frame member 150 also includes a transparent plate (not shown) for separating the game board 110 from the player.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2A is an enlarged view showing an example of a display 130 arranged at the lower right of the game board 110. b) is a partial plan view of the pachinko gaming machine 100. FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2A, the display 130 of the pachinko gaming machine 100 includes a first special symbol display 221 that operates in response to winning of the first starting port 121 and a winning of the second starting port 122. The second special symbol display 222 that operates in response to the above and the normal symbol display 223 that operates in response to the passage of the gate 124 are provided. The first special symbol display unit 221 displays the lottery result after stopping displaying the special symbol based on the winning of the first start port 121 after variably displaying. The second special symbol display 222 displays the lottery result after the special symbol is variably displayed on the basis of the winning of the second start port 122 after being variably displayed. Based on the fact that the game ball has passed through the gate 124, the normal symbol display 223 displays the lottery result by stopping the normal symbol after variably displaying it. In the present embodiment, the first special symbol display 221 and the second special symbol display 222 are each constituted by a display device in which LEDs are arranged, and the lottery result of the special symbol lottery is displayed according to the lighting mode. Similarly, the normal symbol display 223 is also composed of a display device in which LEDs are arranged, and the lottery result of the normal symbol lottery is displayed according to the lighting mode.

  In addition, the indicator 130 operates in response to the hold in the first special symbol display 221 and the first special symbol hold indicator 218 that operates corresponding to the hold in the first special symbol display 221 and the second special symbol display 222. 2 a special symbol hold indicator 219 and a normal symbol hold indicator 220 that operates in response to the hold in the normal symbol indicator 223. In the present embodiment, the first special symbol hold indicator 218, the second special symbol hold indicator 219, and the normal symbol hold indicator 220 are each configured by a display device in which LEDs are arranged, and the number of holds is determined depending on the lighting mode. Is displayed.

  Here, the hold will be described. If a game ball wins in the first start port 121 or the second start port 122 during the special symbol change display operation (while the change display for one win is being performed), the special symbol is changing. In addition, the special symbol variation display operation based on the subsequent winning cannot be started. Therefore, the number of subsequent winnings is memorized up to a specified number (for example, 4), and the right to start a special symbol for the winning game ball is until the variable display operation for the previously winning game ball ends. Deferred. For normal symbols, the same processing as for special symbols is performed. The fact that such a hold has been made and the number of hold (unchanged number) are displayed on the first special symbol hold indicator 218, the second special symbol hold indicator 219 and the normal symbol hold indicator 220.

  Furthermore, the display device 130 includes a state display device 224 that displays the state of the pachinko gaming machine 100. In the present embodiment, the status indicator 224 is configured by a display device in which two LEDs are arranged. One of the two LEDs notifies whether or not the state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in a high probability state in which the winning probability of the special symbol lottery is high. The other one is to notify by lighting whether or not the state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in a short time state in which it is easy to win the second starting port 122. In addition, the status indicator 224 is further provided with an LED, and by lighting it to the right (by changing the hitting force of the game ball), it is possible to notify by lighting whether or not the player is in an advantageous state. Good.

  The frame member 150 of the pachinko gaming machine 100 includes an input device for a player to input an effect. As shown in FIG. 2B, in the present embodiment, as an example of an input device, an effect button 161 and an effect key 162 composed of a plurality of keys adjacent to the effect button 161 and arranged in a substantially cross shape are provided. Are disposed on the frame member 150. In the illustrated example, the player can instruct one of a plurality of images displayed on the image display unit 114 by operating an effect key 162 including four keys arranged in a cross, for example. It is possible to select the designated image by operating the effect button 161. In addition to the effect buttons 161 and the effect keys 162 shown in the figure, various input forms such as levers, dials, and the like can be adopted as the input device.

[Configuration of control unit]
Next, a control unit that performs operation control and signal processing in the pachinko gaming machine 100 will be described.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the control unit. As shown in the figure, the control unit is provided with a game control unit 200 that determines whether or not a special symbol has been won as main control means. Further, as sub-control means, an effect control unit 300 that comprehensively controls effects, an image / sound control unit 310 that controls effects using images and sound, and effects using various lamps and movable accessories 115 A ramp control unit 320 for controlling the payout, and a payout control unit 400 for performing payout control of the payout ball.

  As described above, the game control unit 200, the effect control unit 300, the image / sound control unit 310, the lamp control unit 320, and the payout control unit 400 are each a game as a main board disposed on the rear surface of the game board 110. The control board, the effect control board as the sub board, the image control board, the lamp control board, and the payout control board are individually configured.

[Configuration and function of game control unit]
The game control unit 200 is used as a CPU 201 that performs arithmetic processing when determining whether or not a special symbol is won, a ROM 202 that stores programs executed by the CPU 201, various data, and the like, a working memory of the CPU 201, and the like. RAM 203 to be provided.
When the game ball wins the first start port 121 or the second start port 122, the game control unit 200 performs a special symbol lottery and sends the lottery result to the effect control unit 300. In addition, the change information of the high probability state and the low probability state and the change information of the short time state and the short time state are sent to the effect control unit 300.
Further, the game control unit 200 performs control to increase the probability of winning the normal symbol lottery, shorten the normal symbol variation time, or extend the opening time of the electric tulip 123. In addition, the game control unit 200 holds up to the limit number (for example, four) of the unchangeable amount when the game ball continuously wins the first start port 121 or the second start port 122, or the game ball continues. Thus, the suspension is set up to the limit number (for example, 4) of the unchangeable amount when passing through the gate 124.
Furthermore, the game control unit 200 opens until the special winning opening 125, which is a special electric accessory, satisfies a predetermined condition (for example, 29.5 seconds have passed or 10 game balls have been won) according to the result of the special symbol lottery. Control is performed so that the round for maintaining the state is repeated a predetermined number of times. Furthermore, the opening / closing operation interval when the special winning opening 125 is opened is controlled.

Further, when the game ball is won in the first start port 121, the second start port 122, the big winning port 125, and the normal winning port 126, the game control unit 200 per game ball according to the place where the game ball has won. The payout control unit 400 is instructed to pay out a predetermined number of prize balls. For example, when a game ball wins at the first start port 121, three prize balls, when a game ball wins at the second start port 122, four prize balls, and when a game ball wins the big prize port 125, thirteen prizes. When a game ball wins the ball, the normal winning opening 126, an instruction command (command) is sent to the payout control unit 400 so as to pay out 10 prize balls. Even if it is detected that the game ball has passed through the gate 124, the payout control unit 400 is not instructed to pay out the prize ball in conjunction therewith.
When the payout control unit 400 pays out a prize ball in accordance with an instruction from the game control unit 200, the game control unit 200 acquires information on the number of prize balls paid out from the payout control unit 400. As a result, the number of prize balls paid out is managed.

As shown in FIG. 3, the game control unit 200 includes a first start port detection unit (first start port switch (SW)) 211 that detects a winning of a game ball to the first start port 121, as shown in FIG. , A second start port detection unit (second start port switch (SW)) 212 that detects a winning of a game ball to the second start port 122, an electric tulip opening / closing unit 213 that opens and closes the electric tulip 123, and the gate 124. A gate detection unit (gate switch (SW)) 214 for detecting the passage of the game ball is connected.
Further, the game control unit 200 has a large winning port detecting unit (large winning port switch (SW)) 215 for detecting a winning of a game ball to the large winning port 125, and the large winning port 125 is inclined to be in a closed state. A large winning opening / closing unit 216 set to the open state and a normal winning opening detecting unit (normal winning opening switch (SW)) 217 for detecting the winning of a game ball to the normal winning opening 126 are connected.

In addition, the game control unit 200 includes a first special symbol hold indicator 218 that displays the number of unreserved reserves that have been won to the first start port 121 during the change of the special symbol within a limit number (for example, four). , A second special symbol hold indicator 219 that displays the number of unreserved reserves won in the second starting port 122 during the variation of the special symbol within the limit number, and the non-changed display that has passed through the gate 124 during the variation of the normal symbol A normal symbol hold indicator 220 for displaying the fluctuation hold amount within the limit number is connected.
Further, the game control unit 200 includes a first special symbol display 221 for displaying a special symbol variation display and a special symbol lottery result performed by winning a game ball in the first starting port 121, and a second starting port. A second special symbol display 222 that displays the result of the special symbol variation display and special symbol lottery performed by winning the game ball to 122, and the normal symbol display that displays the normal symbol variation display and the normal symbol lottery result A device 223 and a state indicator 224 for displaying the state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 are connected.

  Then, detection signals detected by the first start port switch 211, the second start port switch 212, the gate switch 214, the big winning port switch 215 and the normal winning port switch 217 are sent to the game control unit 200. In addition, the control signal from the game control unit 200 includes an electric tulip opening / closing unit 213, a prize winning opening / closing unit 216, a first special symbol hold indicator 218, a second special symbol hold indicator 219, a normal symbol hold indicator 220, It is sent to the first special symbol display 221, the second special symbol display 222, the normal symbol display 223, and the status display 224. Thereby, the game control unit 200 performs various controls related to the number of payout prize balls.

  Further, a board external information terminal board 250 that transmits various kinds of information to a host computer (not shown) installed in the hall is connected to the game control unit 200. Then, the game control unit 200 transmits information about the number of paid-out prize balls, information indicating the state of the game control unit 200, and the like acquired from the payout control unit 400 to the host computer via the board external information terminal board 250. To do.

[Configuration and function of production control unit]
The effect control unit 300 includes a CPU 301 that performs arithmetic processing for controlling effects, a ROM 302 that stores programs executed by the CPU 301 and various data, a RAM 303 that is used as a work memory of the CPU 301, and the like. And a real-time clock (RTC) 304 for measuring.
The effect control unit 300 sets the contents of the effect based on, for example, the determination result of whether or not the winning in the special symbol lottery sent from the game control unit 200 and the variation pattern. At that time, in response to an operation input from the user using the effect button 161 or the effect key 162, the effect content corresponding to the operation input may be set. In this case, for example, a signal (operation signal) corresponding to an operation is received from a controller (not shown) such as the effect button 161, and the operation content identified by the operation signal is reflected in the setting of the effect.
In addition, when the game is interrupted for a predetermined period, the production control unit 300 instructs setting of a screen display for waiting for a customer as one of the productions.
Furthermore, the production control unit 300 sets the production content based on the change information of the high probability state and the low probability state received from the game control unit 200, and the change information of the short time state and the short time state.
Further, the effect control unit 300 sends a command for instructing execution of the set effect contents to the image / sound control unit 310 and the lamp control unit 320.

[Configuration / Function of Image / Sound Control Unit]
The image / sound control unit 310 is a CPU 311 that performs arithmetic processing for controlling the image and sound representing the content of the effect, a ROM 312 that stores programs executed by the CPU 311, various data, and the like. And a RAM 313 used as a memory or the like.
Then, the image / sound control unit 310 controls the image displayed on the image display unit 114 and the sound output from the speaker 156 based on the command sent from the effect control unit 300.
Specifically, in the ROM 312 of the image / sound control unit 310, a symbol image or background image displayed during the game on the image display unit 114, a decorative symbol for notifying the player of the lottery result, and a notice effect for the player Image data such as a character or item for displaying is stored.
The ROM 312 further stores various types of acoustic data such as music and sound output from the speaker 156 in synchronization with the image data or independently of the image data, and sound effects such as jingles. The CPU 311 selects and reads out the data corresponding to the command sent from the effect control unit 300 from the image data and the sound data stored in the ROM 312. Furthermore, image processing for background image display, symbol image display, symbol image variation, character / item display, etc., and voice processing using the read acoustic data are performed using the read image data.
Then, the image / sound control unit 310 controls screen display on the image display unit 114 based on the image data subjected to image processing. Further, the sound output from the speaker 156 is controlled by the sound data subjected to the sound processing.

[Configuration and function of lamp control unit]
The lamp control unit 320 stores a CPU 321 that performs arithmetic processing when controlling the light emission of the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 and the operation of the movable accessory 115, and programs executed by the CPU 321 and various data. A ROM 322 and a RAM 323 used as a working memory for the CPU 321 are provided.
The lamp control unit 320 controls lighting / flashing of the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157, the emission color, and the like based on the command sent from the effect control unit 300. Further, the operation of the movable accessory 115 is controlled.
Specifically, the ROM 322 of the lamp control unit 320 stores lighting / flashing pattern data and emission color pattern data (light emission pattern data) of the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 according to the production contents set by the production control unit 300. Data) is stored. The CPU 321 selects and reads out the light emission pattern data stored in the ROM 322 corresponding to the command sent from the effect control unit 300. The lamp controller 320 controls the light emission of the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 based on the read light emission pattern data.
The ROM 322 of the lamp control unit 320 stores operation pattern data of the movable accessory 115 corresponding to the production content set by the production control unit 300. The CPU 321 controls the operation of the movable accessory 115 based on the read operation pattern data.

[Configuration and function of payout control unit]
The payout control unit 400 includes a CPU 401 that performs arithmetic processing for controlling payout of payout balls, a ROM 402 that stores programs executed by the CPU 401, various data, and the like, and a RAM 403 that is used as a work memory for the CPU 401 and the like. And.
The payout control unit 400 controls payout of the payout ball based on the command sent from the game control unit 200.
Specifically, the payout control unit 400 acquires from the game control unit 200 a command for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls according to the place where the game ball has won (such as the first start port 121). Then, the payout driving unit 411 is controlled so as to pay out the number of prize balls specified by the command. Here, the payout drive unit 411 includes a drive motor that sends out the game ball from the storage unit of the game ball.

The payout control unit 400 also includes a payout ball detection unit 412 that detects the number of prize balls actually paid out from the game ball storage unit by the payout drive unit 411, and a game ball in the storage unit (not shown). Sphere detection unit 413 for detecting whether or not there is a storage, and whether or not the plate 153 in which a game ball used when a player plays a game or a prized ball to be held is full is detected. A full tank detection unit 414 is connected. Then, the payout control unit 400 receives detection signals detected by the payout ball detection unit 412, the ball presence detection unit 413, and the full tank detection unit 414, and performs predetermined processing according to these detection signals.
Further, the payout control unit 400 is connected to a frame external information terminal board 450 that transmits various types of information to a host computer installed in the hall. Then, the payout control unit 400, for example, information on the number of prize balls instructed to pay out to the payout driving unit 411, information on the number of prize balls actually paid out detected by the payout ball detection unit 412, etc. Is transmitted to the host computer via the frame external information terminal board 450. Also, similar information is transmitted to the game control unit 200.

[Functional configuration of game control unit]
Next, the functional configuration of the game control unit 200 will be described.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the game control unit 200. As shown in the figure, the game control unit 200 includes a random number acquisition unit 231, a normal symbol determination unit 232, a special symbol variation control unit 233, and a special symbol determination unit 234 as functional units that execute various lottery processes. And a normal symbol fluctuation control unit 237.
In addition, the game control unit 200 includes a variation pattern selection unit 235 as a functional unit that executes a process associated with special symbol variation.
Furthermore, the game control unit 200 is a function unit that executes operation control of various types of objects and data processing related to a prize ball, etc., as a function unit for a prize winning opening operation control unit 238, an electric tulip operation control unit 239, and a prize ball processing unit 240. And an output control unit 241 and a random number control unit 242.

The random number acquisition unit 231 acquires a random number related to a special symbol when a game ball wins the first start port 121 or the second start port 122. Specifically, one numerical value (random number value) is selected (obtained) from a predetermined range of numerical values and used for determination by the special symbol determination unit 234.
The random number acquisition unit 231 acquires a random number related to a normal symbol when a game ball passes through the gate 124. Specifically, one numerical value (random number value) is selected (obtained) from a predetermined range of numerical values, and used for determination by the normal symbol determination unit 232.
The special symbol fluctuation control unit 233 controls the fluctuation of the special symbol according to the lottery result when the special symbol lottery is performed.

  The special symbol determination unit 234 uses a random number table as shown in FIG. 17 at the start of the variation of the special symbol, and the lottery result is “whether it is a big hit”, “a type of big hit when winning a big win”, “ It is determined whether or not the jackpot is lost or not when the jackpot is not won. That is, the random number acquisition unit 231 acquires a random number value related to a special symbol when the first starting port switch 211 or the second starting port switch 212 serving as a detection unit detects passage of a game ball, and determines a special symbol. The unit 234 determines based on the acquired random number value whether or not to play a special game (such as a big hit game) advantageous to the player. The special symbol lottery (big hit lottery) described above refers to processing in the random number acquisition unit 231 and the special symbol determination unit 234.

  Here, the “hit” is divided into a plurality of types according to the gaming state that occurs after the end of the jackpot game. Specifically, the type of jackpot is determined depending on the combination of the short-time state or the short-time state and the high-probability state or the low-probability state. That is, as the type of jackpot, after the jackpot game is finished, it becomes a jackpot, short-time state and low-probability state state that has a high-probability time-short game state having both a short-time state and a high-probability state. A jackpot that becomes a gaming state, a state that has both short-time and no-probability states, and a short-time and high-probability gaming state that has both a state and a low-probability state. There can be a jackpot. Each of these jackpots is associated with an individual special symbol, and the type of jackpot is determined according to the type of special symbol won in the special symbol lottery.

  In addition, the “bonanza” may be divided into a jackpot that can be expected to pay out a large amount of gaming balls for a long time, and a jackpot that can hardly be expected to pay out gaming balls because the jackpot game time is short. The former is called “long hit” and the latter is called “short hit”. For example, in “long win”, a round that is maintained until the open state of the big winning opening 125 satisfies a predetermined condition (for example, 29.5 seconds have passed or 10 game balls have been won) is repeated, for example, 15 times. In the “short win”, a round in which the special winning opening 125 is opened for a certain time (for example, 0.1 second) is repeated, for example, 15 times.

In addition, in the case of “small winning” when the big winning is not won, for example, a small winning game is performed in which the big winning opening 125 is opened for 15 seconds for 15 times. At the time of winning the small hit, the game state before the small win is continued even after the small hit game is completed. That is, when the game state at the time of winning the small hit is the high probability short game state, the high probability short time gaming state is continued even after the small hit game ends, and the gaming state does not shift. Similarly, when the gaming state at the time of winning the small hit is the short-time low-low probability gaming state, the short-time low-low probability gaming state is continued even after the small hitting game ends, and the gaming state does not shift.
Also, “small hit” is a kind of “out of game”, and none of the above gaming states that are advantageous to the player is set.

The variation pattern selection unit 235 selects a variation pattern (variation time) of a special symbol displayed on the first special symbol display 221 or the second special symbol display 222. Here, the variation pattern selection unit 235 determines the variation pattern based on the determination result whether or not to play the jackpot game, the determination result whether or not to reach, and the like. Then, based on the variation pattern selected by the variation pattern selection unit 235, the special symbol variation control unit 233 controls the variation of the special symbol. Details of operations of the fluctuation pattern selection unit 235 and the special symbol fluctuation control unit 233 will be described later.
Here, “reach” is an effect for causing a player to expect a big hit in a decorative pattern to be described later.

When the normal symbol lottery is performed, the normal symbol determination unit 232 determines whether the normal symbol lottery result is “winning or not”.
The normal symbol fluctuation control unit 237 controls the fluctuation of the normal symbol according to the lottery result of the normal symbol.
The electric tulip operation control unit 239 releases the electric tulip 123 for a predetermined time and a predetermined number of times when it is determined as “winning” by the normal symbol lottery, so that the game ball can be easily won at the second start port 122. Generate a state. Further, when it is determined as “displacement”, such an open state of the electric tulip 123 is not generated.

The special winning opening operation control unit 238 controls the opening operation of the special winning opening 125.
The prize ball processing unit 240 sets a command for controlling the number of prizes to be received for various types of winnings and lotteries, and a command for controlling the payout of prize balls according to the prize.
The output control unit 241 controls the output of control commands from the game control unit 200 to the effect control unit 300 and the payout control unit 400.
The random number control unit 242 controls updating of various random values used in processing by the main control unit.

[Basic operation of gaming machine]
Next, the basic operation of the pachinko gaming machine 100 configured as described above will be described.
The basic operation of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is performed by a game control unit 200 that is a main control means. Under the control of the game control unit 200, the effect control unit 300, which is a sub-control means, controls the game effect, and the payout control unit 400 controls the payout of the prize ball.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing main operations of the game control unit 200.
The game control unit 200 repeatedly executes each process shown in FIG. 5 at regular time intervals (for example, 4 milliseconds) in a normal operation except for special cases such as when the power is turned on or when the power is turned off. Referring to FIG. 4, random number update processing, switch processing, symbol processing, electric accessory processing, prize ball processing, and output processing are sequentially executed (steps 501 to 506).

  In the random number update process (step 501), the random number control unit 242 of the game control unit 200 updates various random number values used in the process by the main control unit. Details of the setting of the random number and the update of the random value will be described later.

As the switch process (step 502), a start port switch process and a gate switch process are performed.
In the start port switch process, the random number acquisition unit 231 of the game control unit 200 monitors the state of the first start port switch 211 and the second start port switch 212 in FIG. A lottery process is executed.
In the gate switch process, the normal symbol determination unit 232 of the game control unit 200 monitors the state of the gate switch 214 of FIG. 3 and executes a process for normal symbol lottery when the switch is turned on.
The detailed contents of these switch processes will be described later.

As the symbol processing (step 503), special symbol processing and normal symbol processing are performed.
In the special symbol process, the special symbol variation control unit 233, the special symbol determination unit 234, and the variation pattern selection unit 235 of the game control unit 200 perform the special symbol variation and processing associated with this symbol variation.
In the normal symbol process, the normal symbol variation control unit 237 of the game control unit 200 performs a normal symbol variation and a process associated with the symbol variation.
The detailed contents of these symbol processes will be described later.

As the electric accessory process (step 504), a big prize opening process and an electric tulip process are performed.
In the special prize opening process, the special prize opening operation controller 238 of the game control unit 200 controls the opening operation of the special prize opening 125 based on a predetermined condition.
In the electric tulip process, the electric tulip operation control unit 239 of the game control unit 200 controls the opening operation of the electric tulip 123 based on a predetermined condition.
The detailed contents of these electric accessory processing will be described later.

In the winning ball process (step 505), the winning ball processing unit 240 of the game control unit 200 sets a command for controlling the number of winnings and a control for paying out a winning ball according to winning.
In the output process (step 506), the output control unit 241 of the game control unit 200 outputs a control command to the effect control unit 300 and the payout control unit 400. The control command is generated in each process up to step 505, set in the RAM 203, and output in this output process.

[Start-up switch processing in game control unit]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the contents of the start port switch process in the switch process shown in step 502 of FIG.
In the start port switch process, a process for winning at the first start port 121 and a process for winning at the second start port 122 are sequentially performed. Referring to FIG. 6, the game control unit 200 first determines whether or not a game ball has won the first start port 121 and the first start port switch 211 is turned on (step 601). If the first start port switch 211 is turned on, the game control unit 200 next determines whether or not the unchanged hold number U1 in the winning of the first start port 121 is less than the upper limit value (step 602). ). In the example shown in FIG. 6, the upper limit value is four. If the number of holds U1 has reached the upper limit value (No in step 602), it is not possible to hold any more unchanging winnings, so the process for winning at the first start port 121 is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the hold number U1 is less than the upper limit value (Yes in step 602), the game control unit 200 adds 1 to the value of the hold number U1 (step 603). And the random number acquisition part 231 of the game control part 200 acquires the random value for the lottery by this time winning, and stores it in RAM203 (step 604). Here, since the first starting port 121 is won, a random number value for special symbol lottery is acquired. The random value acquired at this time is the value updated by the random number update process in step 501. Then, the result of the special symbol lottery is determined in the later special symbol processing by this random number value. Random values here include jackpot random numbers that determine jackpot, jackpot or loss, jackpot type (short or short state after jackpot game, short or short state, high probability state or low probability state, long hit, short Symbol random number value that determines the winning pattern, jackpot symbol random number value, fluctuation pattern random number value for specifying the variation pattern in symbol variation, reach random number value that determines whether or not to perform with reach in the event of a loss, etc. Is included.

Next, the game control unit 200 performs a pre-determination process for giving a notice effect of a lottery result to a winning ball (holding ball) for which a special symbol variation display operation is pending (that is, an undrawn lottery). (Step 605). In this pre-determination process, the lottery result is determined not at the start of symbol variation but at the start opening prize (that is, at step 605). In addition, in the gaming machine that does not perform the notice effect based on the advance determination, the advance determination process may be omitted.
Thereafter, the game control unit 200 sets a hold number U1 increase command for notifying the effect control unit 300 of the increase in the hold number U1 in step 603 in the RAM 203 (step 606). The process ends. When the preliminary determination process in step 605 is performed, the information on the determination result of the preliminary determination obtained in step 605 is included in the pending number U1 increase command.

  Next, a process for winning in the second start port 122 is performed. Referring to FIG. 6, the game control unit 200 next determines whether or not the game ball has won the second start port 122 and the second start port switch 212 is turned on (step 607). If the second start port switch 212 is turned ON, the game control unit 200 next determines whether or not the unchanged hold number U2 in the winning of the second start port 122 is less than the upper limit value (step 608). ). In the example shown in FIG. 6, the upper limit value is four. If the number of holds U2 has reached the upper limit (No in step 608), it is not possible to hold any more unchanging winnings, so the processing for winning at the second start port 122 is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the holding number U2 is less than the upper limit value (Yes in Step 608), the game control unit 200 then adds 1 to the value of the holding number U2 (Step 609). Then, the random number acquisition unit 231 of the game control unit 200 acquires a random number value for the lottery by the current winning and stores it in the RAM 203 (step 610). Here, since the winning of the second starting port 122, as in the above step 604, random numbers for special symbol lottery (big hit random number value, big hit symbol random value), reach random number value, variation pattern random value, etc.) To be acquired. The random value acquired at this time is the value updated by the random number update process in step 501. Then, the result of the special symbol lottery is determined in the later special symbol processing by this random number value.

Next, the game control unit 200 performs a pre-determination process for giving a notice effect of a lottery result to a winning ball (holding ball) for which a special symbol variation display operation is pending (that is, an undrawn lottery). (Step 611). The contents of this preliminary determination process are the same as in step 605 above. This prior determination process may also be omitted in a gaming machine that does not perform a notice effect based on prior determination.
Thereafter, the game control unit 200 sets a hold number U2 increase command for notifying the effect control unit 300 of the increase in the hold number U2 in step 609 in the RAM 203 (step 612), and with respect to the winning at the second start port 122 The process ends. When the preliminary determination process in step 611 is performed, the information on the determination result of the preliminary determination obtained in step 611 is included in the pending number U2 increase command.

[Gate switch processing in game control unit]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the contents of the gate switch process when a game ball passes through the gate 124.
In this gate switch process, the game control unit 200 first determines whether or not the game ball has passed through the gate 124 and the gate switch 214 is turned on (step 701). If the gate switch 214 is turned on, the game control unit 200 next determines whether or not the unchanged holding number G is less than the upper limit value (step 702). In the example shown in FIG. 7, the upper limit value is four. If the number of reserves G has reached the upper limit (No in step 702), no more unchanging winnings can be reserved, and the gate switch processing is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the number of held G is less than the upper limit value (Yes in Step 702), the game control unit 200 adds 1 to the value of the number of held G (Step 703). Then, the random number acquisition unit 231 of the game control unit 200 acquires a random value for the lottery by the current winning and stores it in the RAM 203 (step 704). Here, since the gate 124 is won, a random number value (such as a winning random number value) for normal symbol lottery is acquired.

  After the random value is acquired in step 704, the game control unit 200 sets a hold number G increase command for notifying the effect control unit 300 of the increase in the hold number G in step 703 in the RAM 203 (step 705). The process for winning in the gate 124 is terminated.

[Special symbol processing in game control unit]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the contents of the special symbol processing of the symbol processing shown in step 503 of FIG.
In this special symbol process, the special symbol variation control unit 233 of the game control unit 200 first checks whether or not the winning game flag is ON in the setting of a flag set in the RAM 203 (hereinafter, flag setting) ( Step 801). Here, the winning game flag is a flag that is set to identify that the result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit. Either the long winning game flag or the short winning game flag is set according to the type of winning. In the present embodiment, these are collectively called a winning game flag.

  When the winning game flag is ON, since the pachinko gaming machine 100 is already in a big hit, the special symbol processing is terminated without starting the special symbol variation (Yes in Step 801). On the other hand, if the winning game flag is OFF (No in Step 801), the special symbol variation control unit 233 next determines whether or not the current state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in the special symbol variation (Step 802). . If the special symbol is not changing (No in step 802), then the special symbol fluctuation control unit 233 performs processing related to the number U1 and U2 (see FIG. 6) of the special symbols that have not been changed (steps 803 to 806). . In the present embodiment, the number of holds U1 related to winning of the first start port 121 and the number of holds U2 related to winning of the second start port 122 are distinguished, so this processing is also performed for each corresponding start port. .

  Specifically, the special symbol variation control unit 233 first determines whether or not the number of holds U2 related to winning in the second start port 122 is 1 or more (step 803). When the number of reservations U2 is 1 or more (Yes in Step 803), the special symbol variation control unit 233 subtracts 1 from the value of the number of reservations U2 (Step 804). On the other hand, if the hold number U2 = 0 (No in step 803), the special symbol variation control unit 233 next determines whether the hold number U1 related to winning in the first start port 121 is 1 or more (step 805). . When the number of reservations U1 is 1 or more (Yes in Step 805), the special symbol variation control unit 233 subtracts 1 from the value of the number of reservations U1 (Step 806). On the other hand, if the number of holdings U1 = 0 (No in step 805), it means that there is no winning for starting the special symbol lottery, so the special symbol change is not started, and the waiting for a different routine is set. The process is executed and the process is terminated (step 816).

  After subtracting the holding number U1 or the holding number U2 in step 804 or step 806, the special symbol variation control unit 233 turns off the customer waiting flag set in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (step 807). The customer waiting flag is a flag for identifying that the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in the customer waiting state, and is set in the customer waiting setting process (step 816, see FIG. 12).

  Next, the special symbol variation control unit 233 executes jackpot determination processing and variation pattern selection processing by separate routines (steps 808 and 809). As will be described in detail later, by the jackpot determination process and the variation pattern selection process, setting information for variation of the special symbol displayed on the first special symbol display 221 (a jackpot symbol, a gaming state, a variation pattern, etc.) is determined. Is done. These pieces of information are included in a change start command sent to the effect control unit 300.

  Thereafter, the special symbol variation control unit 233 is displayed by the first special symbol display unit 221 and the second special symbol display unit 222 shown in FIG. 2 based on the setting contents determined in the jackpot determination process and the variation pattern selection process. The special symbol change is started (step 810). Then, a change start command including setting information indicating the setting contents (a jackpot symbol, a gaming state, a change pattern, etc.) is generated and set in the RAM 203 (step 811). The variation start command set in step 811 is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 by the output process shown in step 506 of FIG.

  If it is determined in step 802 that the special symbol is changing (Yes in step 802), or after the change start command is set in step 811, the special symbol fluctuation control unit 233 determines whether or not the fluctuation time has elapsed. (Step 812). That is, it is determined whether or not the elapsed time since the start of the variation of the special symbol at step 810 has reached the variation time set in the variation pattern selection process at step 809. If the variation time has not elapsed (No in step 812), the special symbol variation is continued, and the special symbol processing is terminated as it is.

  On the other hand, when the variation time has elapsed (Yes in step 812), the special symbol variation control unit 233 first determines the special symbol variation in the first special symbol display 221 and the second special symbol display 222 as a big hit in step 808. Stop at the symbol determined in the determination process (step 813). A change stop command for stopping a decorative design to be described later is set in the RAM 203 (step 814). Then, a stop routine process of another routine is executed (step 815). The contents of the stop process will be described later. The change stop command set in step 814 is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 by the output process shown in step 506 of FIG.

[Big hit judgment processing by game control unit]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the contents of the jackpot determination process (step 808 in FIG. 8).
In this jackpot determination process, the special symbol determination unit 234 of the game control unit 200 first determines a jackpot random number value in the current special symbol lottery (step 901), and determines whether or not the jackpot or small hit ( Steps 902, 905). The value of the jackpot random number acquired in Step 604 or Step 610 of FIG. 6 matches the value set as the winning value of the jackpot or the value set as the winning value of the jackpot whether the jackpot or the jackpot It is determined by judging whether or not (see FIG. 17A).

  If the result of the random number determination in step 901 is a big hit (Yes in step 902), then the special symbol determination unit 234 determines a big hit symbol random value (step 903). Depending on the result of this determination, the type of jackpot (high or low probability state, short or short state, short or short state, long or short hit) is determined. Which jackpot is determined is determined by whether the value of the jackpot symbol random number acquired in step 604 or step 610 in FIG. 6 matches a preset value for each jackpot type (see FIG. 17 (b)).

  After the above determination, the special symbol determination unit 234 sets the symbol representing the type of jackpot determined by the determination of the jackpot symbol random number (the jackpot symbol) as setting information in the RAM 203 (step 904).

  If the result of the random number determination in step 901 is a small hit (No in step 902, Yes in step 905), then the special symbol determination unit 234 displays a symbol indicating that it is a small hit (hereinafter referred to as a small hit symbol). The setting information is set in the RAM 203 (step 906).

  If the result of the random number determination in step 901 is neither big win nor small win (No in step 902 and step 905), then the special symbol determination unit 234 sets a symbol indicating that the lottery has shifted (hereinafter referred to as a loss symbol). Information is set in the RAM 203 (step 907).

[Change pattern selection process by game control unit]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the contents of the variation pattern selection process (step 809 in FIG. 8).
In this variation pattern selection process, the variation pattern selection unit 235 of the game control unit 200 first determines whether or not a big win has been won in this special symbol lottery using the determination result in step 902 of the jackpot determination process (FIG. 9). (Step 1001). If it is a big hit (Yes in step 1001), the fluctuation pattern selecting unit 235 reads the big hit fluctuation pattern table from the ROM 202 and sets it in the RAM 203 (step 1002).

On the other hand, if the jackpot has not been won (No in step 1001), the variation pattern selection unit 235 then determines a random number value to determine whether or not to perform a so-called reach effect for causing the player to expect a jackpot. Perform (step 1003). Whether or not the reach effect is performed is determined by determining whether or not the reach random number value acquired in step 604 or step 610 in FIG. 6 matches a preset value (FIG. 17C). reference).
As a result of the determination using the random number value, when the reach effect is performed (Yes in Step 1004), the variation pattern selection unit 235 reads the variation pattern table for reach from the ROM 202 and sets it in the RAM 203 (Step 1005). When the reach effect is not performed (No in Step 1004), the variation pattern selection unit 235 reads the variation pattern table for loss from the ROM 202 and sets it in the RAM 203 (Step 1006).
Here, the variation pattern table is a table in which a plurality of variation patterns (variation times 10 seconds, 30 seconds, 60 seconds, 90 seconds, etc.) prepared in advance are associated with values of variation pattern random numbers.

  Next, the variation pattern selection unit 235 determines the variation pattern random value using the variation pattern random value acquired in Step 604 or Step 610 of FIG. 6 and the variation pattern table set in Steps 1002, 1005, and 1006. Perform (step 1007). That is, the fluctuation pattern selection unit 235 refers to the fluctuation pattern table set in the RAM 203 and selects a fluctuation pattern corresponding to the random value of the fluctuation pattern random number. Therefore, even if the same random number value is acquired, the variation referred to depending on the state difference such as whether or not the result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit or not and whether or not a reach effect is performed if it is not a big hit Since the pattern table is different, the determined variation pattern is different.

  Thereafter, the variation pattern selection unit 235 sets the variation pattern selected in Step 1007 in the RAM 203 as setting information (Step 1008). The variation pattern setting information set in step 1008 is included in the variation start command set in step 811 of FIG. 8, and is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 by the output process shown in step 506 of FIG.

[Processing during stop by game control unit]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the contents of the stop process (step 815 in FIG. 8).
In this stop process, the game control unit 200 first checks whether or not a flag indicating that the time is short (hereinafter referred to as a short time flag) is ON in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (step 1101). If the time reduction flag is ON (Yes in step 1101), the game control unit 200 subtracts 1 from the value of the number of lotteries (number of fluctuations) J in the time reduction state (step 1102), and whether the number of lotteries J has become 0. Whether or not is checked (step 1103). If the number of lotteries J = 0 (Yes in Step 1103), the time reduction flag is turned OFF (Step 1104). It should be noted that the operation for turning on the hourly flag and the setting of the initial value of the lottery number J are performed in a game state setting process (FIG. 15) in a special winning opening process (FIG. 14) described later.

  If the time reduction flag is OFF (No in Step 1101), or after the time reduction flag is turned OFF in Step 1104, or if the value of the lottery count J is not 0 (No in Step 1103), the game control unit 200 next In the flag setting of the RAM 203, it is checked whether or not a flag indicating a high probability state (hereinafter, probability variation flag) is ON (step 1105). When both the probability variation flag and the previous time-short flag are ON, the high-probability short-time gaming state is established, and when the probability variation flag is ON and the time-short flag is OFF, the high-probability time-short no-game state.

  When the probability variation flag is ON (Yes in Step 1105), the game control unit 200 subtracts 1 from the value of the number of lotteries (number of variations) X in the high probability state (Step 1106), and the number of lotteries X becomes 0. It is checked whether or not (step 1107). If the number of times of lottery X = 0 (Yes in Step 1107), the probability variation flag is turned OFF (Step 1108). Note that the operation for turning on the probability change flag and the setting of the initial value of the lottery number X are performed in a game state setting process (FIG. 15) in a special prize opening process (FIG. 14) described later.

  If the probability change flag is OFF (No in step 1105), or after the probability change flag is turned OFF in step 1108, or if the value of the lottery count X is not 0 (No in step 1107), the game control unit 200 next Then, it is determined whether or not the special symbol lottery has been won (step 1109). If it is a big hit (Yes in step 1109), the game control unit 200 next determines whether or not the big hit type is a long win (step 1110).

  Here, the determination of whether or not the jackpot is possible can be made based on the determination result of the jackpot determination process (FIG. 9). For example, if any of the symbols shown in the diagram of FIG. 17B described later is set, “Yes” is determined in step 1109. If a lost symbol or a small bonus symbol is set in the RAM 203 by the big hit determination process, No in step 1109.

  When the jackpot type is a long hit (Yes in Step 1110), the game control unit 200 turns on the long hit game flag (Step 1111). Thereby, the setting of the gaming state in the RAM 203 becomes a jackpot gaming state (long winning gaming state) in which the jackpot type is long winning. In addition, here, in the long hit, it is not distinguished whether it is a high probability state or a low probability state. Whether the state is a high probability state or a low probability state is specified by turning on a corresponding flag in a game state setting process (FIG. 15) in a special prize opening process (FIG. 14) described later.

  When the big hit type is not long hit (No in Step 1110), the game control unit 200 turns on the short hit game flag (Step 1112). Thereby, the setting of the gaming state in the RAM 203 becomes a big hit gaming state (short winning gaming state) in which the big hit type is short hit. Similar to the case of long hit, the case of short hit does not distinguish between a high probability state and a low probability state.

  After turning on the winning game flag in step 1111 or step 1112, the game control unit 200 initializes the values of the lottery times J and X (step 1113). Further, the game control unit 200 turns off the time reduction flag when the time reduction flag is ON in step 1101 and the lottery count J is not 0 in step 1103 (step 1114). Similarly, if the probability variation flag is ON in step 1105 and the lottery count X is not 0 in step 1107, the probability variation flag is turned OFF (step 1114).

On the other hand, when the result of the special symbol lottery this time is not a big win (No in Step 1109), the game control unit 200 determines whether or not the result of the special symbol lottery this time is a big hit (Step 1115). ). If it is not a small hit (No in step 1115), the in-stop process is terminated.
On the other hand, if it is a small hit (Yes in step 1115), the game control unit 200 starts a small hit game (step 1116). Thereby, the setting of the gaming state in the RAM 203 becomes the small hit gaming state. In the small hit game, as described above, the special winning opening 125 is opened and closed a predetermined number of times, and is ended after a predetermined time has elapsed.

After initializing the values of the lottery times J and X in step 1113, the game control unit 200 starts an opening operation (step 1117). Here, the contents of the opening operation differ depending on which of steps 1111 and 1112 the winning game flag is turned on. That is, according to the state of the winning game flag, one of the opening operations set in each gaming state of the long winning game and the short winning game is performed.
Thereafter, the game control unit 200 sets an opening command for performing an effect in the opening operation according to the winning game flag in the effect control unit 300 in the RAM 203 (step 1118), and ends the stop process. This opening command is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 by the output process shown in step 506 of FIG.

[Customer waiting setting process by game control unit]
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the contents of the customer waiting setting process (step 816 in FIG. 8).
In this customer waiting setting process, the game control unit 200 first checks whether or not the customer waiting flag is ON in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (step 1201). Here, the customer waiting flag is a flag that is set to identify that the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in a customer waiting state.

  When the customer waiting flag is ON, since the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in the customer waiting state, the processing is ended as it is (Yes in step 1201). On the other hand, when the customer waiting flag is OFF, the game control unit 200 generates a customer waiting command and sets it in the RAM 203 (step 1202), and turns on the customer waiting flag (step 1203). The customer waiting command set in step 1202 is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 by the output process shown in step 506 of FIG. The customer waiting flag is set in a state where there is no suspension with the special symbol change stopped.

[Normal symbol processing by game control unit]
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the contents of the normal symbol processing in the symbol processing shown in step 503 of FIG.
In this normal symbol process, the normal symbol variation control unit 237 of the game control unit 200 first checks whether or not the auxiliary game flag is ON in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (step 1301). Here, the auxiliary game flag is a flag that is set when a normal symbol lottery is won. The state in which the auxiliary game flag is set is a state in which the electric tulip 123 is opened in accordance with the electric tulip process (FIG. 16) described later and it is easy to win the second start port 122 (auxiliary game state).

  When the auxiliary game flag is ON, since the auxiliary game state has already been reached and the normal symbol is stopped, the normal symbol processing is terminated without starting the normal symbol variation (Yes in step 1301). On the other hand, when the auxiliary game flag is OFF (No in step 1301), the normal symbol variation control unit 237 next determines whether or not the current state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in the normal symbol variation (step 1302). . If the normal symbol is not changing (No in step 1302), then the normal symbol change control unit 237 determines whether the number G of the normal symbols remaining unchanged (see FIG. 7) is 1 or more (step 1303). If the holding number G = 0 (No in step 1303), it means that there is no winning for starting the normal symbol lottery, and therefore the processing is terminated without starting the normal symbol variation.

  On the other hand, when the reserved number G is 1 or more (Yes in Step 1303), the normal symbol variation control unit 237 subtracts 1 from the value of the reserved number G (Step 1304), It is determined whether or not the normal symbol lottery is won (step 1305). Whether or not the winner is won is determined by determining whether or not the value of the winning random number acquired in step 704 in FIG. 7 matches the value set as the winning value in the table shown in FIG. Determined by.

  Next, the normal symbol variation control unit 237 sets the normal symbol according to the result of the normal symbol lottery (step 1306). That is, when a normal symbol lottery is won, a symbol representing the winning (hereinafter referred to as a winning symbol) is set in the RAM 203 as setting information. On the other hand, when the normal symbol lottery is not won, a symbol indicating that the lottery has been lost (hereinafter referred to as a lost symbol) is set in the RAM 203 as setting information.

  Next, the normal symbol fluctuation control unit 237 sets the fluctuation time of the normal symbol (step 1307). This variation time is set based on the time reduction flag set in the processing of steps 1104 and 1114 in FIG. 11 and steps 1504 and 1507 in FIG. That is, when the time reduction flag is ON in the setting in step 1307, it is set to a short time (for example, 1.5 seconds), and when the time reduction flag is OFF, it is set to a long time (for example, 4.0 seconds). Is set. After this setting, the normal symbol fluctuation control unit 237 starts normal symbol fluctuations in the normal symbol display 223 shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 3 based on the setting contents of step 1307 (step 1308).

  After starting normal symbol variation in step 1308 or when it is determined in step 1302 that normal symbol variation is in progress (Yes in step 1302), the normal symbol variation control unit 237 determines whether or not the variation time has elapsed. (Step 1309). That is, it is determined whether or not the elapsed time from the start of normal symbol fluctuation in step 1308 has reached the fluctuation time set in step 1307. If the fluctuation time has not elapsed (No in step 1309), the normal symbol variation is continued, and the normal symbol processing is terminated as it is.

  On the other hand, when the fluctuation time is over (Yes in step 1309), the normal symbol fluctuation control unit 237 stops the fluctuation of the normal symbol in the normal symbol display unit 223 (step 1310). Then, the normal symbol variation control unit 237 determines whether or not the normal symbol lottery is won based on the stopped normal symbol (step 1311). If it is elected (Yes in Step 1311), the auxiliary game flag is turned ON (Step 1312). On the other hand, if the lottery is off (No in step 1311), the normal symbol process is terminated without turning on the auxiliary game flag.

[Large winning mouth processing by game control unit]
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the contents of the big prize opening process in the electric accessory process shown in Step 504 of FIG.
In this special winning opening process, the special winning opening operation control unit 238 of the game control unit 200 first checks whether or not the winning game flag is ON in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (step 1401). If the winning game flag is OFF, there is no prize winning in the big prize opening 125, so the big prize opening process is terminated (No in step 1401). On the other hand, if the winning game flag is ON (Yes in Step 1401), the special winning opening operation control unit 238 next performs the operation control at the time of the big hit started in the pachinko gaming machine 100 being stopped (FIG. 11). It is determined whether or not the opening operation is in progress (step 1402).

  When the pachinko gaming machine 100 is opening (Yes in Step 1402), the next prize opening operation control unit 238 determines whether or not a predetermined time for opening operation (opening time) has elapsed. Judgment is made (step 1403). If the opening time has not elapsed, the opening operation at the special winning opening 125 is continued, and the special winning opening process is terminated (No in step 1403). On the other hand, if the opening time has elapsed (Yes in step 1403), the special winning opening operation control unit 238 next sets the operation of the special winning opening 125 (step 1404) and initializes the winning number C (C = 0) (step 1405), the value of the number of operation rounds R of the big prize opening 125 is incremented by 1 from the current value (step 1406), and the big prize opening 125 is started (opened) (step 1407).

  In the operation setting of step 1404, the operation pattern of the special winning opening 125 and the number of rounds (operation round number) operated by the operation pattern are set. As the case where the big prize opening 125 is operated, there are a case where it is a big win per long or short in a special symbol lottery and a case where it is a small win. The operation pattern and the number of rounds are variously set according to the hit type. In the case of a long hit, for example, 15 rounds (15R) are operated, and 29.5 seconds are released once in one round. In the case of a short hit, for example, 15 rounds (15R) are operated, and one round is performed once for 0.1 seconds. In the case of a small hit, for example, one round (1R) is operated, and 0.1 second is released 15 times in this round. Here, when the operation with short hits and the operation with small hits are compared in the above examples, both 0.1 seconds of opening is performed 15 times. That is, the action of the big winning opening 125 that can be seen by the player is the same in the case of short win and small win, and the short win and the small win are distinguished only from the action of the big winning opening 125 on the game board 110. I can't do it.

  As another example, 15 rounds (15R) are activated per long, 29.5 seconds are released once per round, 2 rounds (2R) are activated per short, and 0 are rounded per round. .9 seconds are opened twice, and with a small hit, one round (1R) is operated, and 0.9 seconds is opened twice in this round. In this case as well, when the operation with short hits and the operation with small hits are compared, both 0.9 seconds are released twice, and the action of the big prize opening 125 that can be seen by the player is in the case of short hits. It is the same in the case of small hits.

  The law stipulates that the cumulative opening time of the special winning opening 125 must be set within 1.8 seconds for a small hit. On the other hand, in the case of a big hit (long hit or short win), the big winning opening 125 must be continuously opened a plurality of times. Therefore, when trying to make it difficult to visually distinguish the operation with a small hit and the operation with a short hit as described above, within the range that satisfies the cumulative open time within 1.8 seconds in one operation, An operation mode in which the big prize opening 125 is opened two or more times is set, and in the short win, the same number of rounds as the number of small hits is set.

  Next, the special winning opening operation control unit 238 determines whether or not the opening time in the operation pattern set in Step 1404 has elapsed (Step 1408). When the open state at the big prize opening 125 has not passed the opening time (No in step 1408), the big prize opening operation control unit 238 then determines that the number C of winning prizes to the big prize opening 125 is a predetermined number (for example, It is determined whether or not (9) or more (step 1409). If the opening time has not elapsed and the number C of winning prizes is less than the prescribed number, the operating state (opening state) of the big winning opening 125 is continued, so that the big winning opening process is terminated (step 1409). No). On the other hand, if the opening time has passed (Yes in Step 1408) or the winning number C has reached the specified number (Yes in Step 1409), the special winning opening operation control unit 238 ends the operation of the special winning opening 125 ( (Step 1410).

  Next, the special winning opening operation control unit 238 determines whether or not the round number R of the operation of the special winning opening 125 has reached the maximum value set in Step 1404 (Step 1411). If the maximum value has not been reached, the remaining operations are performed, and the special winning opening process is terminated (No in step 1411).

If the number of rounds R of the operation of the special prize opening 125 reaches the maximum value (Yes in Step 1411), the special prize opening operation control unit 238 then starts the ending operation (Step 1412). Here, the content of the ending operation corresponds to the state of the winning game flag among the ending operations set in each gaming state of the long winning game and the short winning game.
Thereafter, the special winning opening operation control unit 238 sets an ending command for performing the effect in the ending operation according to the winning game flag in the effect control unit 300 in the RAM 203 (step 1413). This opening command is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 by the output process shown in step 506 of FIG.

  Next, the prize winning opening operation control unit 238 resets the round number R of the action of the prize winning opening 125 to 0 (step 1414), and then performs an ending operation in which an elapsed time from the start of the ending operation is set in advance. It is determined whether or not the time to be played (ending time) has passed (step 1417). If the ending time has not elapsed, the ending operation is continued, and thus the big prize opening process is terminated (No in step 1417). On the other hand, if the ending time has elapsed (Yes in step 1417), the special winning opening operation control unit 238 then performs a game state setting process by the game control unit 200 (step 1418), and then turns off the winning game flag. Then, the special winning opening process is terminated (step 1419). The contents of the game state setting process will be described later.

  If it is determined in step 1402 that the pachinko gaming machine 100 is not opening (No in step 1402), the special winning opening operation control unit 238 determines whether or not ending is in progress (step 1415). If ending is in progress (Yes in step 1415), the operations after step 1417 are executed.

On the other hand, if the pachinko gaming machine 100 is not ending (No in step 1415), the special prize opening operation control unit 238 determines whether or not the special prize opening 125 is operating (opening) (step 1416). . If it is not in operation (No in Step 1416), the operation after Step 1405 is executed. If it is in operation (Yes in Step 1416), the operation after Step 1408 is executed.
The effect performed in the small hit game described above is the same as the effect performed in the short hit game, and it is not possible to distinguish short hit and small hit from the effect.

[Game state setting process]
FIG. 15 shows the content of the game state setting process (step 1418) performed by the game control unit 200 when the ending time has elapsed (Yes in step 1417).
When the game state setting process is performed, the winning game flag is set to ON in step 1401 of FIG. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 15, the game control unit 200 first determines the type of the hit (steps 1501, 1502, 1503, 1506). These determinations can be made based on the types of symbols set as setting information in the RAM 203 in the jackpot determination process (FIG. 9), for example. Since these determinations are substantially the same as steps 902, 903, and 905 of the jackpot determination process (FIG. 9), the determination results of steps 902, 903, and 905 may be used.

If it is a small hit (Yes in step 1501), the gaming state (internal state of the pachinko gaming machine 100) is not changed, so the gaming state setting process is terminated.
When the winning type is a big hit in the low probability short game state (No in Step 1501, Yes in Steps 1502 and 1503), the game control unit 200 turns on the short time flag (Step 1504). Thereby, the setting of the gaming state in the RAM 203 becomes the low gaming state when the probability is low. In addition, the game control unit 200 sets an initial value of the lottery count J (step 1505), and ends the game state setting process. The initial value of the lottery number J is 100 in the illustrated example. Therefore, if the lottery in the low probability short game state is performed 100 times, the low probability short game state is ended and the low probability short short game state is entered.

  On the other hand, when the hit type is a big hit in the low probability short-time non-game state (No in step 1501, Yes in 1502, No in step 1503), the game control unit 200 performs processing without turning on both the short-time flag and the probability variation flag. Exit. Therefore, the setting of the game state of the RAM 203 for the game after the jackpot becomes a low probability short time no game state.

  When the winning type is a big hit with a high probability short-time gaming state (No in Steps 1501 and 1502, Yes in Step 1506), the game control unit 200 turns on the short-time flag (Step 1507), and the initial value of the number of lottery J Is set (step 1508). In this case, the initial value of the number of times of lottery J is 10,000 in the illustrated example. In addition, the game control unit 200 turns on the probability variation flag (step 1509) and sets the initial value of the number of lotteries X (step 1510). The initial value of the number of times of lottery X is 10,000 in the illustrated example. As a result, the setting of the gaming state in the RAM 203 becomes a high probability and short gaming state. If the lottery in the high probability short game state is performed 10,000 times, the high probability short game state is terminated and the low probability short short game state is entered.

  On the other hand, when the winning type is a big hit with a high probability short-time non-game state (No in steps 1501, 1502, and step 1506), the game control unit 200 turns on only the probability change flag (step 1509), An initial value (10000 times) is set (step 1510). Thereby, the setting of the gaming state in the RAM 203 becomes a high probability short time no gaming state. Then, if the lottery in the high probability short-time non-game state is performed 10,000 times, the high-probability short-time non-game state is finished and the low-probability short-time non-game state is entered.

[Electric tulip processing by game control unit]
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the contents of the electric tulip process in the electric accessory process shown in step 504 of FIG.
In the electric tulip process, the electric tulip operation control unit 239 of the game control unit 200 first checks whether or not the auxiliary game flag is ON in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (step 1601). When the auxiliary game flag is OFF, the electric tulip 123 is not released, and thus the electric tulip process is terminated (No in step 1601). On the other hand, when the auxiliary game flag is ON (Yes in Step 1601), the electric tulip operation control unit 239 determines whether the electric tulip 123 is in operation (Step 1602).

  When the electric tulip 123 is not in operation (No in Step 1602), the electric tulip operation control unit 239 sets the operation pattern of the electric tulip 123 (Step 1603), and operates the electric tulip 123 with the set operation pattern ( Step 1604). Here, the operation pattern is set based on the time reduction flag set in the processing of steps 1104 and 1114 in FIG. 11, steps 1504 and 1507 in FIG. For example, when the time reduction flag is OFF at the time of setting in step 1603, an operation pattern that opens once with a release time of 0.15 seconds is set, and when the time reduction flag is ON, 1.80 seconds are set. An operation pattern that opens three times in the opening time is set. As described above, normally, when the hourly flag is ON (when the hourly gaming state is set), the electric tulip 123 is opened a plurality of times for a long time, and the winning support that makes it easy to win the second starting port 122 (electric chewing support) ) Is performed.

  When it is determined in step 1602 that the electric tulip 123 is in operation (Yes in step 1602), or after the electric tulip 123 is operated in step 1604, the electric tulip operation control unit 239 opens in the set operation pattern. It is determined whether time has passed (step 1605). If the opening time has not elapsed, the operation state (open state) of the electric tulip 123 is continued, and thus the electric tulip process is terminated (No in step 1605). On the other hand, if the opening time has elapsed (Yes in step 1605), the electric tulip operation control unit 239 sets the auxiliary game flag to OFF and ends the electric tulip process (step 1606).

[Random number judgment method]
Here, a determination method using random numbers performed in the jackpot determination process (FIG. 9), the variation pattern selection process (FIG. 10), the normal symbol process (FIG. 13), etc. will be described in detail.
FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of random number determination (determination table) used in the present embodiment.
FIG. 17A shows a configuration example of jackpot random number determination, FIG. 17B shows a configuration example of jackpot symbol random number determination, FIG. 17C shows a configuration example of reach random number determination, and FIG. ) Each show a configuration example of the hit random number determination.

  Referring to FIG. 17 (a), as the determination value of the jackpot random number, two types of gaming states of the pachinko gaming machine 100, a jackpot with a low probability state and a jackpot with a high probability state, and a jackpot are set. The range of values of random numbers (big hit random numbers) is 300 from 0 to 299. In the case of a special symbol lottery in a low probability state (a jackpot lottery), only one winning value is set, and the winning probability is 1/300. In the case of a special symbol lottery in a high probability state, 10 winning values are set, and the winning probability is 10/300 (= 1/30). That is, in the example shown in the figure, if the winning symbols 121 and 122 are won in the high probability state and the special symbol lottery is performed, the winning probability is 10 times that in the case where the special symbol lottery is performed in the low probability state. Further, three winning values are set regardless of the low probability state or the high probability state, and the winning probability is 3/300 (= 1/100).

  Referring to FIG. 17 (b), five types of jackpot symbols are prepared: low probability symbol A, low probability symbol B, high probability symbol A, high probability symbol B, and latent symbol symbol. Here, the low-probability symbol A and the low-probability symbol B are symbols indicating that the low-probability state is a big hit, and among these, the low-probability symbol A is a long hit (low-probability short-time gaming state), Represents each short hit (low probability, short no-game state). The high-probability symbol A and the high-probability symbol B are symbols representing a jackpot of a high-probability state. Among these symbols, the high-probability symbol A is a long win (high-probability short-time gaming state) and the high-probability symbol B is a short-win High probability short-time non-game state). The latent symbol is a symbol representing that it is a big hit in a high probability short-time no-game state. Therefore, the high probability symbol B and the latent probability symbol have the same gaming state after the jackpot game, but the latent probability symbol is a condition for performing a latent effect that does not clearly notify the player that the probability state is high. Therefore, it is provided separately from the high probability symbol B. The range of random number values is 250 from 0 to 249. In addition, in the jackpot symbol random number, a winning value is set for each of the first start port 121 and the second start port 122 that trigger the special symbol lottery.

In the low probability pattern A, 35 values are assigned as winning values in both the first start port 121 and the second start port 122. Therefore, the probability of winning with the low probability symbol A when winning a jackpot is 35/250 (= 7/50).
In the low probability symbol B, 15 values are assigned as winning values for both the first start port 121 and the second start port 122. Therefore, when winning the jackpot, the probability of winning with the low probability symbol B is 15/250 (= 3/50).

In the high probability symbol A, 25 values are assigned as winning values when winning in the first start port 121. Therefore, the probability of winning with the high-probability symbol A is 25/250 (= 1/10) in the case of winning the jackpot in the special symbol lottery started by winning the first starting port 121.
On the other hand, 175 values are assigned as winning values when winning at the second start port 122. Therefore, the probability of winning with the high-probability symbol A is 175/250 (= 7/10) in the case of winning the jackpot in the special symbol lottery started by winning the second starting port 122.

In the high probability symbol B, 75 values are assigned as winning values when winning in the first start port 121. Therefore, the probability of winning with the high-probability symbol B in the special symbol lottery started by winning the first starting port 121 is 75/250 (= 3/10).
On the other hand, 25 values are assigned as winning values when winning at the second start port 122. Therefore, the probability of winning with the high-probability symbol B in the special symbol lottery started by winning the second starting port 122 is 25/250 (= 1/10).

In the latent symbol, 100 values are assigned as winning values when winning at the first start port 121. Therefore, the probability of winning in the latent symbol when winning a big win in the special symbol lottery started by winning the first starting port 121 is 100/250 (= 2/5).
On the other hand, the winning value in the latent symbol is not assigned to the second starting port 122, and when winning in the second starting port 122, it is not won in the latent symbol.

  As described above, in the example shown in FIG. 17B, the jackpot when winning the first start port 121 has a probability of becoming a jackpot (high probability symbol B, latent probability symbol) of the high probability short-time non-game state. The probability that the jackpot when winning the second start port 122 is high is a jackpot (high probability symbol A) in the short game state with high probability is high. In this way, by making the winning probabilities of the jackpot types different when winning at the first start port 121 and when winning at the second start port 122, various game characteristics can be provided. Further, the arrangement of the first start port 121 and the second start port 122 in the game board 110 is devised so that it is easy to aim at either the first start port 121 or the second start port 122 in a specific state (mode). By configuring the above, it is possible to encourage the player to participate in more aggressive games.

Next, the determination of reach random numbers will be described.
Referring to FIG. 17 (c), the range of random number values is 250 from 0 to 249, and 22 random numbers are assigned to the lottery result (with reach) for performing the reach effect, and the reach effect is not performed. 228 random numbers are assigned to the result (no reach). In other words, in the illustrated example, when a special symbol lottery is not won, a reach effect is performed with a probability of 22/250 (= 11/125).

Next, the determination of the winning random number used for the normal symbol lottery will be described.
Referring to FIG. 17 (d), the range of the random number value is 10 from 0 to 9, and one value is assigned as the winning value when the time-short flag is OFF, and as the winning value when the time-short flag is ON. Nine values are assigned. Therefore, when the game ball passes through the gate 124 and the normal symbol lottery (open / close lottery) is performed in the timeless state, the player wins with a probability of 1/10. On the other hand, if the game ball passes through the gate 124 and the normal symbol lottery (open / close lottery) is performed in the short-time state, the player wins with a probability of 9/10.

A random value as determination information used for various types of lottery starts from a predetermined initial value and is incremented by one each time the random number update process (step 501) shown in FIG. 5 is performed. Then, the values at the time each lottery is performed are acquired by the start opening switch process (FIG. 6) and the gate switch process (FIG. 7), and used in the special symbol process (FIG. 8) and the normal symbol process (FIG. 13). The Note that this random value counter is an infinite loop counter, and returns to 0 again after reaching the maximum value of the set random number (for example, 1009 for the big hit random number). In addition, since the random number update process is performed at regular intervals, if the initial value of each random number is specified, the winning value may be estimated based on such information. Therefore, in general, a mechanism for randomly changing the initial value of each random number at an appropriate timing has been introduced.
Note that the random number range, winning value ratio, and winning value shown in the configuration example of each random number in FIG. 17 are merely examples, and are not limited to the illustrated values.

[Operation of production control unit]
Next, the operation of the effect control unit 300 will be described.
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the operation of the effect control unit 300.
The operation of the effect control unit 300 includes a main process shown in FIG. 18A and an interrupt process shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 18A, the production control unit 300 first performs initial setting at the time of activation (step 1801), sets the cycle of the CTC (Counter / Timer Circuit) (step 1802), and then sets the set cycle. Accordingly, the interrupt process is accepted while updating the random number used in the production control (step 1803).

  The interrupt process is periodically performed according to the period set in step 1802. Referring to FIG. 18B, in this interruption process, the effect control unit 300 receives a command from the game control unit 200 and performs a command reception process (step 1811). In this command reception process, an effect pattern is selected. In addition, the effect control unit 300 performs effect button processing for accepting an operation of the effect button 161 or the like by the player (step 1812). Thereafter, the effect control unit 300 performs command transmission processing for transmitting a command including information on the selected effect pattern to the image / sound control unit 310 and the lamp control unit 320 (step 1813). As a result, effects such as image display on the image display unit 114, sound output, operation of the movable accessory 115, light emission of the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 are performed.

[Command reception processing by the production control unit]
FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the contents of the command reception process (step 1811 in FIG. 18B).
In this command reception process, the effect control unit 300 first determines whether or not the received command is a command for increasing the number of holds (holding number increase command) (step 1901). This pending number increase command is set in the start port switch process shown in FIG. 6 in the game control unit 200 (steps 606 and 612), and transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output process shown in FIG. Is done. If the command is an increase command for the number of holdings (Yes in Step 1901), the effect control unit 300 adds 1 to the value of the number of holdings held in the RAM 303 (Step 1902), and shows the value of the number of holdings after the addition. A number command is set in the RAM 303 (step 1903).

  Here, as described in relation to Steps 606 and 612 in FIG. 6, when the preliminary determination is performed based on the random number acquired with the winning to the first start port 121 or the second start port 122, The received hold increase command includes information on the result of the prior determination. If the information on the result of the prior determination is included in the pending number increase command, the effect control unit 300 stores this information in the RAM 303 and uses it in the effect based on the result of the prior determination such as the continuous notice effect described later. To do.

When the received command is not a pending number increase command (No in step 1901), or when a command is received after setting the pending number increase command in step 1903, the effect control unit 300 determines whether or not the received command is a change start command. Is determined (step 1904). This variation start command is set in the special symbol process shown in FIG. 8 in the game control unit 200 (step 811), and transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output process (step 506) shown in FIG.
When the received command is a change start command (Yes in Step 1904), the effect control unit 300 executes an effect selection process (Step 1905). Details of the effect selection process will be described later.

When the received command is not a change start command (No in Step 1901 and Step 1904), or when a command is received after the execution selection process in Step 1905 is executed, the effect control unit 300 determines whether or not the received command is a change stop command. Is determined (step 1906). This variation stop command is set in the special symbol process shown in FIG. 8 in the game control unit 200 (step 814), and transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output process (step 506) shown in FIG.
When the received command is a variation stop command (Yes in Step 1906), the effect control unit 300 executes a process during the end of the variation effect (Step 1907). Details of the process during the end of the variation effect will be described later.

When the received command is not the change start command and the change stop command (No in Step 1901, Step 1904, and Step 1906), or when the command is received after the execution of the changing effect end process in Step 1907, the effect control unit 300 It is determined whether or not the received command is an opening command for starting the opening in the jackpot effect (step 1908). This opening command is set in the stop process shown in FIG. 11 (step 1118), and transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output process (step 506) shown in FIG.
When the received command is an opening command (Yes in Step 1908), the effect control unit 300 executes a hit effect selection process (Step 1909). Details of the winning effect selection process will be described later.

If the received command is not a change start command, change stop command, or opening command (No in step 1901, step 1904, step 1906, and step 1908), or if a command is received after the execution effect selection process in step 1909, Control unit 300 determines whether or not the received command is an ending command for starting the ending in the jackpot effect (step 1910). This ending command is set in the big prize opening process shown in FIG. 14 (step 1413), and is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output process (step 506) shown in FIG.
If the received command is an ending command (Yes in Step 1910), the effect control unit 300 executes an ending effect selection process (Step 1911). Details of the ending effect selection process will be described later.

  If the received command is not a variation start command, variation stop command, opening command, or ending command (No in step 1901, step 1904, step 1906, step 1908, and step 1910), or after the end of the ending effect selection process in step 1911 Next, the effect control unit 300 executes a customer waiting command reception process for shifting the received command to the customer waiting state (step 1912). Details of the customer waiting command reception process will be described later.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a setting example of the mode flag.
When an effect is performed by the effect control unit 300, various effect patterns are selected and executed based on the set effect mode. This effect mode is determined by a mode flag set in the RAM 303. Here, the mode flag is set to any value from 0 to 4, and five types of effect modes from A mode to E mode are assigned to each mode flag. The mode flag is set according to the lottery result of the special symbol lottery or the number of lotteries of the special symbol lottery.
Mode flag 1 for jackpot of high probability symbol A, mode flag 2 for jackpot of low probability symbol A, mode flag 3 for jackpot of high probability symbol B and low probability symbol B, jackpot of latent symbol symbol and A mode flag 4 is assigned to each small hit. Here, the types of these symbols are the same as those shown in FIG. No mode flag 0 is assigned to any of them. In mode flags 1 to 4, mode flag 0 is set by executing special symbol lottery a predetermined number of times.
Furthermore, in the example shown in FIG. 20, the parameter M (M value) used in the process during the end of the changing effect is set individually for each mode except the A mode.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the contents of the effect selection process (step 1905) of FIG.
In this effect selection process, the effect control unit 300 first analyzes the received variation start command (step 2101). Further, the effect control unit 300 refers to the current mode flag of the pachinko gaming machine 100 from the setting of the RAM 303 (step 2102), and subtracts 1 from the value of the number of holdings held in the RAM 303 (step 2103). Then, the effect control unit 300 is based on various setting information (information about jackpot type, gaming state after jackpot game, variation pattern, etc.) obtained from the analysis result of the change start command and the effect mode determined by the mode flag. Then, an effect pattern (fluctuation effect pattern) of the symbol variation by the image displayed on the image display unit 114 in the effect mode is selected (step 2104). Finally, the effect control unit 300 reads from the ROM 302 image data and sound data used for the effect by the selected effect pattern, and sets a change effect start command instructing the start of execution of the selected effect in the RAM 303 together with these data. Then, the effect selection process ends (step 2105).
Although not described in detail, in the symbol variation effect pattern selection process in step 2104, the effect mode, the variation pattern, and the effect random number (one of the random numbers updated in step 1801 in FIG. The production pattern is determined based on the random number value). Based on the effect pattern determined here, the decorative symbol variation display, the background effect, and the notice effect are determined. The decorative symbol variation display is an effect display performed by the image display unit 114 in accordance with the special symbol variation display performed by the first special symbol display 221 or the second special symbol display 222. In this variable display of decorative symbols, a reach effect or the like is executed.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the contents of the changing effect end process (step 1907) of FIG.
In the process during the end of the change effect, the effect control unit 300 first analyzes the received change stop command (step 2201). Further, the effect control unit 300 refers to the current mode flag of the pachinko gaming machine 100 from the setting of the RAM 303 (step 2202). Then, the production control unit 300 determines whether or not the lottery result of the special symbol lottery is based on the information indicating the type of the symbol when the special symbol variation obtained from the analysis result of the variation stop command is stopped (big hit or small hit). It is determined whether or not (step 2203). If it is any hit (Yes in Step 2203), the mode flag set in the RAM 303 is changed based on the setting example shown in FIG. 20 according to the type of hit (Step 2204).

  On the other hand, when the lottery result of the special symbol lottery is not successful (No in Step 2203), the effect control unit 300 next checks whether or not the value of the mode flag is 0 (Step 2205). When the mode flag is not 0 (No in Step 2205), the effect control unit 300 subtracts 1 from the parameter M (Step 2206), and checks whether the value of M has become 0 (Step 2207). If the value of M becomes 0 (Yes in Step 2207), the effect control unit 300 sets the mode flag to 0 (Step 2208).

  If the mode flag is 0 in Step 2205 (Yes in Step 2205), if the value of the parameter M is not 0 in Step 2207 (No in Step 2207), or the mode flag is set to 0 in Step 2208 After or after changing the mode flag in step 2204, the effect control unit 300 sets a change effect end command for instructing the end of the effect of symbol change in the RAM 303, and ends the process during the end of the change effect ( Step 2209). Here, referring to FIG. 20, when the mode flag is changed in step 2204, the effect mode after the end of the change effect is an effect mode corresponding to the winning type. When the mode flag is 0 in step 2205 and when the mode flag is set to 0 in step 2208, the effect mode after the end of the change effect is the A mode. If the value of the parameter M does not become 0 in step 2207, the previous production mode is continued.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the contents of the hit effect selection process (step 1909) of FIG.
In the winning effect selection process, the effect control unit 300 first analyzes the received opening command (step 2301) and selects an effect pattern (winning effect pattern) according to the contents of the effect mode based on the mode flag (step 2301). 2302). Then, the effect control unit 300 reads out image data and sound data used for the effect by the selected effect pattern from the ROM 302, and sets a hit effect start command for instructing the selected effect in the RAM 303 together with these data. The effect selection process is terminated (step 2303). As a result, the performance during the big hit is determined.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the contents of the ending effect selection process (step 1911) of FIG.
In this ending effect selection process, the effect control unit 300 first analyzes the received ending command (step 2401), and selects an effect pattern (ending effect pattern) according to the contents of the effect mode based on the mode flag (step 2401). 2402). Then, the effect control unit 300 reads out image data and sound data used for the effect by the selected effect pattern from the ROM 302, and sets an ending effect start command for instructing the selected effect in the RAM 303 together with these data. The effect selection process is terminated (step 2403).

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the contents of the customer waiting command reception process (step 1912) of FIG.
The production control unit 300 determines whether or not a customer waiting command for shifting to the customer waiting state has been received (step 2501). When the customer waiting command is received (Yes in step 2501), the effect control unit 300 starts measuring the elapsed time (step 2502) and turns on the measurement flag in the RAM 303 (step 2503). On the other hand, when the received command is not a customer waiting command (No in Step 2501), the effect control unit 300 determines whether or not the measurement flag held in the RAM 303 is ON (Step 2504). If the measurement flag is OFF (No in step 2504), the customer waiting command reception process is terminated.

  When the measurement flag is ON (Yes in step 2504 or after being turned ON in step 2503), the effect control unit 300 next determines whether or not the measurement time has reached a predetermined time-up time ( Step 2505). If the time is not up (No in step 2505), the customer waiting command reception process is terminated. On the other hand, when the time is up (Yes in Step 2505), the effect control unit 300 turns off the measurement flag held in the RAM 303 (Step 2506), and sets a customer waiting effect command for performing the customer waiting effect in the RAM 303. Then, the customer waiting command reception process ends (step 2507).

  When the command reception process is completed as described above, the RAM 303 is set with any one of a variation effect start command, a variation effect end command, a hit effect start command, an ending effect start command, and a customer waiting effect command.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the contents of the effect button process (step 1812 in FIG. 18B).
In this effect button process, the effect control unit 300 first determines whether or not an operation means such as the effect button 161 by the player has been operated (step 2601). Here, the operation of the operation means includes turning on the effect button 161 and turning it on when the center key and the surrounding keys of the effect key 162 are pressed. In addition, when an operation device other than the effect button 161 and the effect key 162 such as a touch panel is provided in the pachinko gaming machine 100, this includes detecting the operation of the device. The effect control unit 300 receives an operation signal from the controller of these devices and detects that an operation has been performed.

  If the operation means such as the effect button 161 is operated (Yes in step 2601), the effect control unit 300 sets an effect button command including information indicating the operation content of the operation means in the RAM 303 and ends the effect button process. (Step 2602).

  Thereafter, the effect control unit 300 performs the command transmission process (step 1813) of FIG. 18B, and the command set in the RAM 303 by the above-described command reception process and effect button process is transmitted to the image / sound control unit 310 and Transmit to the lamp controller 320. Then, the image / sound control unit 310 and the lamp control unit 320 display an image on the image display unit 114, sound output, operation of the movable accessory 115, light emission of the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 based on the received command. Is controlled to execute the set effect.

[Composition of decorative design]
Next, a decorative design used for production in the present embodiment will be described.
The pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment performs an effect by displaying an image on the image display unit 114 under the control of the effect control unit 300 and the image / sound control unit 310. As one of the effects, the first special symbol display 221 or the second special symbol display 222 (in the following explanation, when it is not necessary to distinguish these symbol displays, they are collectively displayed as “special symbol display”. The decorative design is displayed on the image display unit 114 in accordance with the display of the special design by the devices 221 and 222 ". That is, the decorative symbols change in accordance with the changes in the display of the special symbol indicators 221 and 222, and the lottery result of the special symbol lottery is presented by the stopped symbols displayed when the special symbol indicators 221 and 222 are stopped. . Regarding the effect using the decorative design, the effect control unit 300 and the image / sound control unit 310 function as display control means for controlling display of the decorative design by the image display unit 114 as image display means.

FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a decorative symbol in the present embodiment.
The decorative design shown in FIG. 27 is composed of three designs 11. For example, one-digit numbers “1” to “9” are variably displayed on each symbol 11. When the decorative symbol changes, the display mode of each symbol 11 changes continuously. Specifically, for example, the numerical value of each symbol 11 is cyclically forwarded from the top to the bottom, and a display such as scrolling on the display screen of the image display unit 114 is performed. And the numerical value of each symbol 11 is decided in the stop symbol, and the lottery result of the special symbol lottery is presented by the combination of the numerical values. Usually, a stop symbol having three identical numbers is a symbol representing a hit. In the following description, when the three illustrated symbols 11 are distinguished, they are described as a first symbol 11a, a second symbol 11b, and a third symbol 11c in order from the left. In the example shown in the figure, numbers are displayed in each of the symbols 11, but various symbols such as characters, symbols, marks, characters, and the like other than numbers may be displayed.

[Configuration of auxiliary display section]
Next, the auxiliary display unit 140 will be described.
FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the auxiliary display unit 140.
In the pachinko gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment, as described with reference to FIG. 1, the auxiliary display unit 140 is provided on the game board 110. The auxiliary display unit 140 displays a part of information related to the game shown by the display unit 130 described with reference to FIG. Display control of the auxiliary display unit 140 is performed by the effect control unit 300. That is, as a configuration based on the control system, the auxiliary display unit 140 is an effect member similar to the image display unit 114, the movable accessory 115, the panel lamp 116, and the like, unlike the display unit 130. In the present embodiment, the auxiliary display unit 140 is configured by arranging a plurality of issuers (for example, LEDs), and is provided on the game board 110. Therefore, the auxiliary display unit 140 of the present embodiment can be regarded as a kind of the panel lamp 116.

  The auxiliary display unit 140 shown in FIG. 28 includes a first display unit 141 and a second display unit 142 that are controlled to emit light in accordance with the fluctuation and stoppage of the special symbol indicators 221 and 222. In addition, the auxiliary display unit 140 includes a third display unit 143 whose light emission is controlled in accordance with the fluctuation and stop of the normal symbol display 223. In addition, the auxiliary display unit 140 includes a first hold display unit 144 and a second hold display unit 145 that display the number of holds when a special symbol lottery hold occurs, and the number of holds when a normal symbol lottery hold occurs. And a third hold display unit 146 for displaying. In addition, the auxiliary display unit 140 includes a right-handed instruction unit 147 for prompting the player to change the hitting force (right-handed) so that the game ball is sent to the right-side region of the game region 111.

  The first display unit 141 is composed of one LED. When the special symbol of the first special symbol indicator 221 is variably displayed based on the winning at the first start port 121, the first display unit 141 indicates that the special symbol is fluctuating accordingly. Emits light (eg, blinks) in a manner. And if the special symbol of the 1st special symbol indicator 221 is stopped and displayed, it will light-emit (for example, light) in the aspect which shows that the special symbol has stopped in connection with this. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether or not the special symbol of the first special symbol indicator 221 is changing or whether or not the special symbol of the first special symbol display unit 221 is changing based on the light emission mode of the first display unit 141. Further, the first display unit 141 is turned on according to the result of the special symbol lottery, depending on the display (light emission) mode at the time of stop, such as turning on when “winning” and turning off when “off”. It is also possible to suggest the result of the symbol lottery.

  The second display unit 142 is composed of one LED. When the special symbol of the second special symbol indicator 222 is variably displayed based on the winning at the second start port 122, the second display unit 142 indicates that the special symbol is fluctuating accordingly. Emits light (eg, blinks) in a manner. Then, when the special symbol on the second special symbol display 222 is stopped and displayed, light is emitted (for example, lit) in a manner indicating that the special symbol has stopped. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether or not the special symbol of the second special symbol display 222 is changing or whether or not the special symbol of the second special symbol display 222 is changed according to the light emission mode of the second display unit 142. In addition, the second display unit 142 is turned on according to the result of the special symbol lottery, and is turned on when “winning” and turned off when “off”. It is also possible to suggest the result of the symbol lottery.

  The 1st display part 141 and the 2nd display part 142 are controlled by the production | presentation control part 300, and as mentioned above, it light-emits in a different aspect according to the fluctuation | variation and stop of a special symbol. That is, the light emission of the first display unit 141 and the second display unit 142 plays the same role as the decorative symbol displayed on the image display unit 114 in that it is performed as an effect suggesting the change and stop of the special symbol. 27, the first display unit 141 and the second display unit 142 are based on the three symbols 11 of the first symbol 11a, the second symbol 11b, and the third symbol 11c. Sometimes called the 4th symbol.

  The third display unit 143 includes one LED. When the normal symbol on the normal symbol display 223 is variably displayed based on the passage of the game ball with respect to the gate 124, the third display unit 143 emits light in such a manner that the normal symbol is changing. (For example, blink). When the normal symbol on the normal symbol display 223 is stopped and displayed, the normal symbol is emitted (for example, lit) in a manner indicating that the normal symbol has stopped. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether or not the normal symbol on the normal symbol display 223 is changing or whether or not the normal symbol on the normal symbol display unit 223 is changed according to the light emission mode of the third display unit 143. In addition, the third display unit 143 is normally turned on depending on the display (light emission) mode at the time of stopping, such as turning on if “winning” and turning off if “missing” according to the result of the normal symbol lottery. It is also possible to suggest the result of the symbol lottery.

The first hold display unit 144 is composed of two LEDs, and by lighting these individually or blinking, the special hold lottery hold based on the winning to the first start port 121 is 1-4. Represents the number of holds.
The second hold display unit 145 is composed of two LEDs, and by lighting these individually or blinking, the special hold lottery hold based on the winning to the second start port 122 is 1-4. Represents the number of holds.
The third hold display unit 146 is composed of two LEDs, and by lighting them individually or blinking, 1 to 4 of the normal symbol lottery hold based on the passage of the game ball to the gate 124 is held. Represents the number of holds.
The right-handed instructing unit 147 is composed of one LED and is advantageous to a player who can easily win the big winning opening 125 or the second starting opening 122 by hitting right (by changing the hitting force of the game ball). This is notified by turning on when a game state is reached.

[Direction when displaying decorative patterns]
An effect using the effect image displayed on the image display unit 114 of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is performed for various scenes of the game, and is also appropriately performed when the special symbol is changed or stopped due to the special symbol lottery. Therefore, in the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment, when the special symbol is changed or stopped, the image display unit 114 displays an effect image other than the decorative symbol and the decorative symbol associated with the execution scene of the special symbol lottery. And are displayed together.

  In addition, in the production performed during the change of the special symbol, a flashy production is often performed in order to stimulate the player to expect a lottery result or to raise his / her mood. In the present embodiment, as one of such effects, an effect of displaying a moving image on the entire screen of the image display unit 114 (hereinafter, full-screen effect) is performed. Then, on one condition that the full screen effect is performed when the decorative symbol changes, the effect control is performed to hide the changing decorative symbol.

FIG. 29 and FIG. 30 are diagrams illustrating an example of the non-display effect of the decorative symbol when the decorative symbol changes.
When the special symbol lottery is performed, the decorative symbol (symbol 11) is first displayed on the image display unit 114 and the variable display (scrolling) is started as the special symbol on the special symbol indicators 221 and 222 starts to change. (FIG. 29A).

  Next, when a predetermined effect start condition is satisfied, a full screen effect is started (FIG. 29B). As the effect start condition for starting the full screen effect, the existing effect control such as a special symbol change pattern (change time), the game state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 at the time of change, a lottery performed in the effect control unit 300, etc. Various conditions used in can be applied. In this example, the full screen effect is started after the decoration pattern starts to change. However, the full screen effect may be started simultaneously with the display of the decoration pattern or the start of the change. Alternatively, the full screen effect may be started first.

  Next, the decorative pattern being changed is not displayed (FIG. 29 (c)). As a result, only the effect image of the full screen effect is displayed on the screen of the image display unit 114. Therefore, unlike the case where the decoration pattern is displayed in a reduced manner on a part of the screen of the image display unit 114, or the case where the decoration pattern is displayed lightly (in a manner such that the effect image below can be seen through). The visibility of the effect image is not lowered.

  The timing at which the decorative symbol is not displayed can be, for example, at the same time as the start of the full screen effect, or after a certain time has elapsed since the start of the full screen effect, with reference to the start time of the full screen effect. Further, it may be after a certain time from the start of the variation of the decorative pattern. In any case, in order to ensure that the player can recognize that the variation of the decorative symbol has started, the decorative symbol is displayed until the variation is started, and then is not displayed.

  Next, the display of the decorative design (symbol 11) on the image display unit 114 is resumed at a predetermined timing specified with reference to the end of the full-screen effect (FIG. 30 (a)). For example, the display of the decorative design is resumed a predetermined time before the end of the full screen effect. Moreover, you may comprise so that the display of a decoration symbol may be restarted simultaneously with completion | finish of a full screen effect. In any case, the display is resumed while the decorative symbol is changing (before stopping). When the variation of the decorative symbol stops, a preparatory operation for the end of variation (such as a slow scroll operation of the symbol 11) is performed before the stop. When a reach effect is performed, two of the three symbols 11 constituting the decorative symbol stop first (including a pseudo stop) during the preparation operation for the end of the change, and the remaining one after a certain period of time. One symbol 11 stops. Therefore, it is desirable to restart the display of the decorative symbol at such a timing that the preparatory operation for the end of change is performed on the decorative symbol whose display has been restarted.

  Thereafter, the full-screen effect ends, the variation of the decorative symbol (symbol 11) stops, and the stopped symbol is displayed on the image display unit 114 (FIG. 30 (b)). It should be noted that the end of the full screen effect and the stop of the variation of the decorative design may be performed simultaneously, or one of them may be performed first.

FIG. 31 is a timing chart showing an example of transition of the display of the decorative symbol when the decorative symbol fluctuates.
In the example shown in FIG. 31, first, the decorative symbol variation display is started, and then the full screen effect is started. Then, after a certain period of time has elapsed since the start of the full screen effect, the decorative symbols are hidden (start of the non-display effect). Next, the display of the decorative symbols is resumed a predetermined time before the end of the full screen effect, and the preparation operation for the end of the change is started. Then, the full-screen effect ends after a certain period of time has elapsed since the display of the decorative symbol is resumed, and the variation of the decorative symbol ends.

  Note that the start and end timings of the full screen effect are not limited to the example shown in FIG. 31 as described above. Also, the timing of the start and end of the full screen effect, the timing of the start of the non-display effect in relation to the start of the full screen effect, the timing of the end of the non-display effect in relation to the end of the full screen effect, and the decorative pattern The time from the start of the change to the start of the non-display effect, the time from the restart of the display of the decorative design to the end of the change display need not be fixedly set. That is, a plurality of different timings can be set according to the variation pattern of the special symbol, the type of the full screen effect to be executed, the presence or absence of the reach effect, and the like. For example, when a specific full-screen effect is performed, the display of the decorative pattern is resumed during the execution of the full-screen effect, and then the change of the full-screen effect and the decorative pattern is finished at the same time, and another specific full-screen effect is displayed. Is performed, it is possible to perform control such that the display of the decorative symbol is resumed simultaneously with the end of the full-screen effect, and then the variation of the decorative symbol is ended.

[Other effects when displaying decorative patterns]
Of the effects using the effect image displayed on the image display unit 114 of the pachinko gaming machine 100, the effect using the decorative symbol itself gives a player's expectation for the special symbol lottery. For this reason, when the decorative symbol changes, the symbol 11 (see FIG. 27) is operated in various manners according to the variation pattern in the special symbol variation, thereby increasing the player's expectation.

FIG. 32 is a diagram illustrating an example of an effect using a decorative design.
In the example shown in FIG. 32, among the three symbols 11 arranged side by side on the left, middle, and right, the first symbol 11a arranged on the left and the third symbol 11c arranged on the right are stopped first (reach). (FIG. 32 (a), (b)), and then the remaining second symbol 11b is stopped (FIG. 32 (c)), and the stop symbol is determined.

  This effect gives the player a sense of expectation by causing the player to predict the stop symbol when the remaining second symbol 11b is stopped depending on the type of the two symbols 11a and 11c previously stopped. The stop of the first symbol 11a and the third symbol 11c is a temporary stop which will be described later at the time of the reach state, and when the second symbol 11b is stopped, the three symbols 11 are simultaneously stopped to determine the stop symbol. You may do it.

FIG. 33 is a diagram showing another example of the effect using the decorative design.
In the example shown in FIG. 33, after the first symbol 11a and the third symbol 11c are temporarily stopped (FIGS. 33A and 33B), the remaining second symbol 11b is temporarily stopped (FIG. 33 ( c)). Thereafter, the variation of each symbol 11 is restarted (FIG. 33 (d)), each symbol 11 is stopped by a type different from the temporary stop (FIG. 33 (e)), and the stopped symbol is determined. Here, the temporary stop is a pseudo stop state in which the symbol 11 seems to be stopped at first glance, but the symbol 11 is slightly swaying, and is not determined as a stop symbol. Say. The fact that the special symbol and the decorative symbol are changing and the stop symbol indicating the lottery result has not been confirmed is that the special symbol display units 221 and 222 display the auxiliary display unit 140 described with reference to FIG. The determination can also be made by confirming the display on the first display unit 141 and the second display unit 142.

  This effect is achieved by betraying the player's expectation when reaching a reach state by confirming a stop symbol different from the symbol at the time of temporary stop from the reach state (hereinafter referred to as a temporary stop symbol). Increase interest. Therefore, normally, when this effect is performed, in the confirmed stop symbol, a stop symbol indicating a lottery result that is more advantageous to the player than the lottery result of the special symbol lottery indicated by the temporary stop symbol is presented. Specifically, after a symbol that is out of the special symbol lottery is represented by a temporary stop symbol, a certain hit is often determined in the stop symbol. Thereby, it is possible to give the player an impression that the lottery result of the special symbol lottery is improved (promoted) due to re-variation from the temporary stop, and the interest in the game can be enhanced.

FIG. 34 is a diagram showing another example of the effect using the decorative design.
In the example shown in FIG. 34, after the first symbol 11a and the third symbol 11c are temporarily stopped (FIGS. 34A and 34B), the remaining second symbols 11b are stopped (FIG. 34C). )). At this time, the second pattern 11b is not completely rocked unlike the temporary stop but is completely stopped. However, since the first symbol 11a and the third symbol 11c are in a temporarily stopped state, the decoration symbol as a whole (including the second symbol 11b) is still changing, and the stopped symbol is not fixed. Thereafter, the fluctuation of the second symbol 11b is resumed (FIG. 34 (d)), all symbols 11 are stopped by a type different from the temporary stop (FIG. 34 (e)), and the stop symbol is determined.

  Unlike the example shown in FIG. 33, this effect makes the second symbol 11b a non-pseudo complete stop state by a temporary stop from the reach state. When the decorative symbol reaches the reach state, the player's attention is concentrated on the second symbol 11b which is operating greatly. Therefore, the player is more likely to determine whether the second symbol 11b has been temporarily stopped or completely stopped than in other scenes, but is likely to be misidentified in other situations. At this time, the second symbol 11b stops completely instead of temporarily stopping, so that the player has the illusion that the entire decorative symbol including the first symbol 11a and the third symbol 11c in the temporarily stopped state has completely stopped. It is thought to occur easily. Therefore, by subsequently resuming the fluctuation of the second symbol 11b and stopping the decoration symbol again, the interest by betraying the player's expectation described with reference to FIG. 33 is provided more effectively. be able to.

  In the example shown in FIG. 34, after stopping the second symbol 11b, only the second symbol 11b is resumed. However, when the variation of the second symbol 11b is resumed, Variations may be resumed also in the symbol 11a and the third symbol 11c.

FIG. 35 is a diagram showing still another example of the effect using the decorative design.
In the example shown in FIG. 35, after temporarily stopping the first symbol 11a and the third symbol 11c (FIGS. 35A and 35B), the remaining second symbol 11b is stopped (FIG. 35C). )). At this time, as in the example of FIG. 34, the second symbol 11b is not completely rocked unlike the temporary stop but is completely stopped. However, when the second symbol 11b is stopped, the first symbol 11a and the third symbol 11c are in a temporarily stopped state, and therefore the entire decorative symbol (including the second symbol 11b) is still changing, and the stopped symbol is fixed. Not done. Thereafter, the first symbol 11a and the third symbol 11c, which have been temporarily stopped, are completely stopped (FIG. 35 (d)), and the stopped symbol is determined.

  The effects shown in FIG. 35 are the operations until the second symbol 11b is stopped during the temporary stop of the first symbol 11a and the third symbol 11c (FIGS. 35A to 35C). ) To (c)). Therefore, by mixing the effects of FIG. 34 and the effects of FIG. 35 as the effects at the time of variation of the decorative symbol, whether the second symbol 11b resumes the variation after the second symbol 11b stops (in the case of FIG. 34) ), It cannot be distinguished whether the first symbol 11a and the third symbol 11c are stopped as they are (in the case of FIG. 35). Therefore, when the player stops only the second symbol 11b as shown in FIGS. 34 (c) and 35 (c), the player is more likely to have the illusion that the entire decorative symbol is completely stopped.

[Produce when displaying decorative symbols stopped]
Next, an example of the effect at the time of stopping the change of the special symbol accompanying the special symbol lottery will be described. In this effect, the image display unit 114 displays a decorative symbol and an effect image other than the decorative symbol associated with the execution scene of the special symbol lottery.

FIG. 36 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a display image in the image display unit 114 when displaying a decorative symbol. FIG. 36A shows the layer structure of the display image, and FIG. 36B shows an example of the display mode on the screen of the image display unit 114.
In the example illustrated in FIG. 36A, the display image includes three layers. In FIG. 36, the player sees the display image in the direction of the arrow shown in the figure, and the image display layer 114a is the frontmost layer (first layer) viewed from the player, and the second layer (second layer). ) Is a decorative symbol display layer 114b, and the innermost layer (third layer) is a background display layer 114c. In the present embodiment, the decorative symbols are displayed on the decorative symbol display layer 114b of the display image shown in FIG. The background display layer 114c displays an image (background image) that is the background of the effect, and the image display layer 114a displays images of characters and objects that are the main elements of the effect. In the illustrated example, the layer (image display layer 114a) positioned in front of the decorative pattern and the layer positioned behind the decorative pattern (background display layer 114c) are each one layer, but two layers are provided. The above layers may be provided.

  When an image is displayed by providing an image display layer 114a in front of a decorative symbol display layer 114b that displays a decorative symbol as shown in FIG. 36 (a), the position corresponding to the display position of the decorative symbol in the decorative symbol display layer 114b When an image is displayed on the screen, the image is superimposed on the decorative design and the decorative design is hidden on the screen of the image display unit 114. On the other hand, it is desirable that the stop symbol displayed after the variable stop in the decorative symbol is displayed in such a manner that the player can reliably identify the lottery result of the special symbol lottery based on the stop symbol. Therefore, in a general effect, when a stop symbol is displayed in a decorative symbol, an image is not displayed at a position on the image display layer 114a corresponding to the decorative symbol display position in the decorative symbol display layer 114b.

  However, in the above case, since the display mode of the effect image at the time of displaying the stop symbol is remarkably limited, the degree of freedom of the effect is greatly impaired. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the degree of freedom of production is expanded by allowing the display of an image that overlaps a part of each symbol 11 constituting the decorative symbol. In the example shown in FIG. 36B, an image (hereinafter referred to as an object image) 12 of a specific object is displayed so as to overlap the pattern 11, and a part of the number “5” displayed as the second pattern 11b is hidden. Yes. In this way, by allowing the display in which the object image 12 overlaps the symbol 11 in the stop symbol, the restriction on the position on the screen on which the object image 12 is displayed is relaxed, and the degree of freedom of production can be expanded. . Note that the object image 12 is a dynamic display that not only simply displays the object image 12 in a static manner, but also crosses over the pattern 11 and gradually advances to the position of the pattern 11. Also good.

A method for displaying the object image 12 will be further described.
As described above, the stop symbol is for notifying the lottery result of the special symbol lottery. Therefore, it is desirable that the display is performed so that the player can reliably identify the contents of the stop symbol (a combination of numbers in the example of the decorative symbol shown in FIG. 27). Therefore, even when the object image 12 is displayed overlaid on the symbol 11, at least one symbol 11 (any one of the first symbol 11a, the second symbol 11b, and the third symbol 11c) is completely hidden. The display is not performed. In the present embodiment, as in the example shown in FIG. 36B, only part of the symbol 11 is hidden.

FIG. 37 is a diagram for explaining the degree of hiding the decorative design.
Even when part of the symbol 11 is hidden as described above, the content of the individual symbol 11 can be identified (in the example of the decorative symbol shown in FIG. 27, the numerical value of the individual symbol 11 is not misidentified). Is preferably displayed in a state where the symbol 11 can be visually recognized. For example, as shown in FIG. 37A, consider the case where the numerical value displayed on the symbol 11 is “3” and “8”. At this time, if the left half of the symbol 11 is concealed, it becomes difficult to distinguish these two symbols 11 as shown in FIG.

  Therefore, it is necessary to set the display position of the object image 12 so that the identification of the pattern 11 is not difficult when the object image 12 is displayed over the pattern 11. The specific display position of the object image 12 is individually determined based on the shape of the character used as the pattern 11 and the type of image, the shape and movement of the object image 12 displayed over the pattern 11, and the like. Is set. For example, when an image of a character is used as the symbol 11, if the character's face can be visually recognized, it may be possible to easily identify the type of the symbol 11 even if other considerable parts are hidden.

[Example of object image display effect]
FIG. 38 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of the effect in which the object image 12 is displayed so as to overlap the stop symbol.
First, the effect control unit 300 varies the decorative symbol displayed on the image display unit 114 as shown in FIG. 38A in accordance with the variation of the special symbol based on the special symbol lottery. Then, after the elapse of the variation time set in accordance with the special symbol lottery, the production control unit 300 stops the variation of the decorative symbol as shown in FIG. A stop symbol corresponding to the lottery result of the symbol lottery is displayed. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 38C, the effect control unit 300 causes the image display unit 114 to display the object image 12 in such a manner that a part of the symbol 11 constituting the decorative symbol (stop symbol) is hidden.

FIG. 39 is a diagram showing another specific example of the effect in which the object image 12 is displayed over the stop symbol.
First, the effect control unit 300 varies the decorative symbol displayed on the image display unit 114 as shown in FIG. 39A in accordance with the variation of the special symbol based on the special symbol lottery. Then, during the change of the decorative symbol, the effect control unit 300 displays the object image 12 at a position where a part of the symbol 11 is hidden when the decorative symbol stops, as shown in FIG. After the elapse of the variation time set in accordance with the special symbol lottery, the production control unit 300 stops the variation of the decorative symbols and stops the special symbol lottery as shown in FIG. The stop symbol corresponding to the lottery result is displayed. At this time, a part of the symbol 11 constituting the stop symbol is hidden behind the previously displayed object image 12.

  The effect using the object image 12 according to the present embodiment can be applied to various effects performed when the variation of the decorative design is stopped. Here, the case where it applies to a continuous notice effect as one of such effects is demonstrated as an example. The continuous notice effect is based on the random number value acquired by the random number acquisition unit 231 of the game control unit 200 when there is a winning at the first start port 121 or the second start port 122 that triggers the special symbol lottery. Before the determination by the special symbol determination unit 234 is made, the game control unit 200 makes a preliminary determination of the lottery result, and performs a notice effect based on the result of the preliminary determination over a plurality of variations. In other words, when notifying the result of pre-determination for a certain holding ball, the notice effect will start from the time of change based on other winnings (including holding) before the special symbol change (hereinafter referred to as the change) based on the hold ball is made. Is done.

  Therefore, it is conceivable that an effect using the object image 12 is performed as a continuous notice effect when the change performed before the change is stopped. Specifically, as the object image 12, an image of a message plate displaying a message (such as “not yet”, “future”, “you can expect next time”) that expects a determination result associated with the next change is decorated. It is conceivable to display it superimposed on the design.

  In the example shown in FIG. 38, in the object image 12 (message plate) displayed to be superimposed on the decorative symbol when the decorative symbol is stopped, “ The message “There's still more!” Is displayed on the object image 12.

  On the other hand, in the example shown in FIG. 39, since the object image 12 (message plate) is displayed while the decoration symbol is changing, during the change (FIG. 39 (b)), when the change stops, A message “Did you come?” Is displayed on the object image 12 so as to expect a determination result advantageous to the player to be notified. Then, when the variation of the decorative symbol is stopped (FIG. 39C), a message “Still still! Now!” That makes you expect the notification of the determination result associated with the next variation is the object image 12. Is displayed.

  As described above, the effect of hiding a part of the stop symbol in the effect at the time of the variation / stop of the decorative symbol has been described, but the present embodiment is not limited to the specific effect mode described above. For example, in the above example, a part of the pattern 11 is hidden by displaying the object image 12 superimposed on the pattern 11, but by using an image having appropriate transparency as the object image 12, A portion where the object image 12 overlaps is not completely invisible, but can be made difficult to visually recognize.

  Further, in the above embodiment, a part of the pattern 11 is hidden by the object image 12 displayed on the image display unit 114. However, means other than the object image 12, for example, the movable accessory 115 can It is good also as a structure which hides a part. In this case, as an example, the pachinko gaming machine 100 is provided with a movable accessory 115 that operates so as to advance on the screen of the image display unit 114. Then, when the effect control unit 300 stops the variation of the decorative symbol, the movable accessory 115 is operated to perform an effect of hiding a part of the symbol 11 constituting the stop symbol displayed on the image display unit 114. It is possible.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Symbol, 11a ... 1st symbol, 11b ... 2nd symbol, 11c ... 3rd symbol, 12 ... Object image, 100 ... Pachinko machine, 114 ... Image display part, 115 ... Movable accessory, 130 ... Indicator, 140 ... auxiliary display unit, 200 ... game control unit, 300 ... production control unit, 310 ... image / sound control unit, 320 ... lamp control unit

Claims (1)

Image display means for displaying an image for an effect performed according to the game;
Image display control means for displaying an effect image on the image display means;
A determination means for determining whether or not to shift to a special game state advantageous to the player when the predetermined determination condition is satisfied,
When the determination by the determination unit is performed, a symbol display control unit that stops the symbol associated with the determination result by the determination unit after the symbol is variably displayed on the image display unit for a predetermined time. With
The image display control means can execute a full-screen effect for displaying a predetermined image on the entire screen of the image display means,
The symbol display control means includes:
In stopping the symbol variation display, the symbol variation mode is changed from a scroll operation that scrolls at a high speed to a preparation operation toward the end of the variation that scrolls at a low speed.
When the full-screen effect is performed by the image display control means, it fluctuates at a predetermined timing during the execution of the full-screen effect and while the full-screen effect is being performed by the image display means. The symbol is hidden, and the display of the varying symbol is displayed while the full screen effect is being performed by the image display means at a timing specified based on the end of the full screen effect. A gaming machine, wherein a display near a transition timing from a scroll operation to the preparation operation is resumed.

Images