JP5944157B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that, when a lottery opportunity occurs during a game, displays a symbol in a manner that displays a result of a lottery after a symbol change display.

  Conventionally, as this type of gaming machine, a technique is known in which a player can select the number of rounds at the time of jackpot and the number of times after the jackpot ends (for example, Patent Document 1).

  In the technique of Patent Document 1, a combination of both is prepared step by step so that the number of rounds executed in the jackpot game is inversely proportional to the value of the number of times shortened in the time reduction state transferred after the jackpot game. ing. The player selects any one combination from the predetermined combinations using switching means (selection switch and determination switch) provided near the upper plate of the gaming machine. When one of the combinations is selected by the player, the big prize opening is activated based on the selected combination, and after the big hit, the time is shifted to the time shortened state by the selected number of times.

  For this reason, according to the technique of Patent Document 1, since the player can select a combination that matches his / her preference according to the situation, it is possible to determine the game content with the player's free intention, It is thought that the range of games can be expanded.

  As another prior art, there is a technique in which a player can select the number of rounds of a big hit game and the subsequent continuation rate (for example, Patent Document 2).

  In the technique of Patent Literature 2, when a big hit occurs, information on “normal probability”, “probability fluctuation”, “time reduction”, and “automatic” is displayed on the display. Then, the player can select one of the displayed games by operating the selection operation mechanism.

  When “normal probability” is selected, the normal probability remains maintained after the big hit game is over, but the largest number of outgoing balls can be obtained in one big hit game (15R, 2100). In addition, when “probability variation” is selected, a privilege to shift to a high probability state can be obtained after the jackpot game is over, but a medium number of balls can be obtained in one jackpot game (5R, About 700 balls). In addition, if “time reduction” is selected, a privilege to be shifted to a time reduction state after the end of the big hit game can be obtained, but only a few balls can be obtained in one big hit game (3R, out About 420 balls). In addition, when “Random” is selected, any game is randomly selected.

  For this reason, according to the technique of Patent Document 2, as in the technique of Patent Document 1, a player can select game contents according to his / her preference, and a gaming machine equipped with a plurality of different types of games It is considered that the gameability of the game can be improved.

JP 2002-119701 A JP 2004-113574 A

  Each of the above-mentioned prior arts not only executes the jackpot game, but also expands the range of games by allowing the player to select the contents of the jackpot game and the game state to be transferred thereafter. There is an advantage.

  However, any of the above prior arts only allows the player to select the game content by input means such as a selection switch and a decision switch, and there is a possibility that there is a lack of variation regarding how to select the game content.

  That is, the player selects the game content by input means such as a selection switch and a decision switch, but when the desired game content is selected by the input means, the game content is executed as it is. For this reason, if the selection method is not mistaken, the game content as desired by the player is executed, and this is a common method for selecting game content, and there is no novelty.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique that can improve game playability by adopting a novel selection method when allowing a player to select game contents.

The present invention employs the following means for solving the above problems. The wording in parentheses is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to this.
Solution 1: The gaming machine of the present invention has an internal lottery execution means for executing an internal lottery related to a player's profit (for example, a profit that an operation opportunity of a variable winning device is generated) when a lottery opportunity occurs during a game. When the internal lottery is executed, a mode (for example, winning in advance) is displayed after the symbols (including symbols visually recognized, for example) are variably displayed over a predetermined fluctuation time. The symbol display means for stopping and displaying (determining display) the symbols in a manner associated with the ball, and ball launching means for driving a game ball toward the first game area or the second game area formed on the game board surface; The game balls that flow at least in the first game area are arranged at positions where they can enter, and special game events corresponding to special game winnings cannot occur while the prescribed conditions are not satisfied during the game. While maintaining the stop state, when the prescribed condition is satisfied, the special prize event generating means for shifting from the closed state to the open state where the occurrence of the special prize event is impossible is satisfied, and the prescribed condition is satisfied As one of the cases, when the result of the internal lottery corresponds to winning and the symbol is stopped and displayed in a predetermined winning manner by the symbol display means, the special winning event is easily generated for a predetermined time. The special prize event generating means is shifted from the closed state to the open state, or the special prize event generating means is changed from the closed state to the open state until a predetermined number of the special prize events occur within the predetermined time. A special game executing means for executing a special game by performing a release operation for making a transition and returning to the closed state for a specified number of times; and a flow through the first game area. A specific area disposed at a position where a game ball that passes through the second game area can pass and a detection unit that detects that the game ball has passed through the specific area; When the special condition is satisfied with respect to the detection result by the detection means during the execution of the special game by the special game execution means, the change display and stop display of the symbol after the special game is ended by the special game execution means The low probability state from the low probability state in which winning is obtained with at least a normal probability during the internal lottery performed by the internal lottery execution means until the number of fluctuations after the special game corresponding to the number of times reaches the first specific number of times Compared to the non-time shortened state where the lottery trigger occurs at least at a normal frequency, as well as making a transition to a high probability state where winning is obtained with a high probability. High probability time shortening state transition means for shifting to a time shortening state in which the occurrence of the lottery opportunity can be performed at a higher frequency than in the non-time shortening state, and the detection means during execution of the special game by the special game execution means When the specific condition is not satisfied with respect to the detection result of, until the special game execution means finishes the special game, the variation number after the special game reaches a second specific number greater than the first specific number And a low probability time shortening state transition means for maintaining the low probability state and transitioning from the non-time shortening state to the time shortening state.

A game by the gaming machine of the present invention proceeds, for example, along the flow shown below.
(1) When a lottery opportunity occurs during a game (a winning at the left start winning opening, a winning at the right starting winning opening), an internal lottery (special symbol lottery) is executed. For this reason, the player plays a game with the goal of generating a prize at the left start winning opening or the right starting winning opening that becomes the lottery opportunity.

(2) When the internal lottery of (1) is executed, the symbols are displayed in a variable manner over a predetermined fluctuation time, and the symbols are stopped and displayed in a manner representing the result of the internal lottery. It takes a certain amount of time (fluctuation time and stop display time) from the start of the symbol display to the stop display. Once the symbol display is started, the stop display is completed. The next internal lottery will not be held until

(3) Ball launching means (launching handle) for driving game balls toward the first game area or the second game area formed on the game board surface is provided. Here, the first game area is, for example, an area formed on the left half of the game board surface (left-handed area), and the second game area is an area formed on the right half of the game board surface (right-handed area). Basically, a game ball that is driven into the first game area flows down the first game area, and a game ball that is driven into the second game area flows down the second game area as it is. However, depending on the disposition of the obstacle nails formed on the game board surface, the game balls driven into the first game area may be bounced by the obstacle nails and flow down the second game area.

(4) Maintains a closed state during which a special winning event corresponding to a special prize cannot be generated while a prescribed condition (a condition that a special symbol is stopped and displayed in a mode other than non-winning) is not satisfied. On the other hand, when a prescribed condition is satisfied, a special winning event generating means (first special electric accessory) is provided that shifts from the closed state to an open state where the generation of the special winning event is impossible. When a special prize event is generated by the special prize event generating means, a special prize bonus (for example, a bonus by playing a ball) is given to the player.

Here, the special winning event generating means is disposed at a position where a game ball flowing down at least in the first game area (for example, the left-handed area) can enter. The special winning event generating means can enter a game ball flowing down either the first game area (for example, the left-handed area) or the second game area (for example, the right-handed area) formed on the game board surface. It may be arranged at a position.
For this reason, in a state where the special winning event generating means has shifted to the open state, when the game ball is driven into the first game area, the special winning event generating means causes a special winning event to occur.

(5) As one of the cases where the prescribed condition of (4) is satisfied (a situation where the prescribed condition is satisfied is assumed to be a plurality of situations), the inside of (1) above If the result of the lottery corresponds to winning, and the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the predetermined winning mode according to (2) above, only the predetermined time (for example, 29 seconds) at which the special winning event can be easily generated will be The special prize event generating means of the above (4) is opened until the special prize event generating means is shifted to an open state or until a predetermined number of times (for example, 9 times) of special prize winning events occur within a predetermined time (for example, 29 seconds). A special game (six round big hit game) is executed by performing an opening operation for shifting to a state over a specified number of times (for example, six times). The player can obtain a certain amount of profits (outing) by this special game.

(6) The specific area is arranged at a position where it is difficult for a game ball flowing down the first game area to pass and a game ball flowing down the second game area can pass through. For this reason, the game ball flowing down the first game area does not pass through the specific area, and the game ball flowing down the second game area may pass through the specific area. However, the game ball flowing down the second game area does not necessarily pass through the specific area. Even if the game ball is driven into the second game area, the game ball may pass through the second game area depending on how the game ball flows down. If so, the second game area may not pass.

(7) When the game ball passes through the specific area of (6) above, it is detected that the game ball has passed through the specific area. For this reason, when the game ball does not pass through the specific area (6), it is not detected that the game ball has passed through the specific area.

(8) When a specific condition is satisfied with respect to the detection result according to (7) during the execution of the special game according to (5) above (for example, when it is a detection result that “the game ball has passed through the specific area”) After the special game according to the above (5) is over, until the number of post-special game variations corresponding to the number of symbol display and stop displays reaches the first specific number (for example, 8 times), the low probability state is high. In addition to the transition to the probability state, the transition is made from the non-time shortened state to the time shortened state. That is, when this process is executed, after the special game is over, the state is shifted to a high probability time shortening state.

(9) On the other hand, when a specific condition is not satisfied with respect to the detection result of (7) during the execution of the special game of (5) above (for example, detection that “the game ball has not passed through the specific area”) (If it is a result), after the end of the special game according to (5) above, until the number of changes after the special game reaches a second specific number of times (for example, 94 times) greater than the first specific number of times (for example, 8 times), While the low probability state is maintained, the non-time reduction state is shifted to the time reduction state. That is, when this process is executed, after the special game is over, the state is shifted to a low probability time shortening state.

  Here, the “low probability time shortening state” means that the winning probability of the internal lottery (special symbol lottery) is set to a normal probability (for example, 1/99) and the winning probability of the operation lottery (normal symbol lottery) is Set to a high probability (for example, 1 / 1.1), set to a length (for example, about 0.5 seconds) in which the variation time of the normal symbol is shortened, and an extended opening time (for example, an extended opening time of the operating means) For example, it is set to about 1.7 seconds and is opened three times), and so-called electric chew support is being performed.

  In contrast, the “high probability time shortened state” means that the winning probability of the internal lottery is set to a high probability (for example, 1 / 9.9) compared to the previous “low probability non-time shortened state”, and the operation lottery The winning probability is set to a high probability (for example, 1 / 1.1), is set to a length (for example, about 0.5 seconds) in which the variation time of the normal symbol is shortened, and the opening time of the operating means is extended. This is a state set for an extended opening time (for example, about 1.7 seconds and opening three times), in which a so-called electric chew support is being performed.

  As described above, according to the present solution, the specific area is arranged at a position where the game ball flowing down the second game area can pass, and depending on whether or not the specific area is allowed to pass during execution of the special game. Then, the player can select whether to shift to the high probability time shortening state or to shift to the low probability time shortening state.

Whether or not to pass the specific area is selected by the player himself by operating the ball launching means with his own intention. However, even if the player selects the game content, the selection depends on the movement of the game ball launched by the player himself.
That is, even if the player wants to pass through the specific area, the specific area is an area that is passed by the game ball, so whether or not the specific area is passed depends on the behavior of the game ball. . For this reason, the present solution means that the game content is selected by using the ball launching means instead of simply operating (pressing) the effect switching button as in the prior art to select the game contents. And there is a new gameplay.

In this regard, even in the conventional gaming machine, although it is possible to select the gaming state to be transferred after the big hit game, it is only possible to select the game content simply by the effect switching button, etc. There is no chance. Here, the game is something that is more interesting because of the presence of uncertainties, and a uniform selection method is not only an object to improve interest, but rather it may be reduced. .
On the other hand, in the present solution means, a game ball is shot by the ball launching means, and whether or not it passes through the specific area is determined by the movement of the shot game ball, so the selection of game contents is deepened by the behavior of the game ball. And can further enhance the interest of the game.

In the present solution, the high probability time reduction state (short ST) executed for the first specific number of times (8 times) or the low probability time reduction state (long time reduction) executed for the second specific number of times (94 times). ), A mechanism that allows the player himself to select two chance states is adopted, so that a new taste can be given to the player. Furthermore, if you want to enjoy the game for a long time, you can choose to shift to the low probability time shortened state, and if you want to enjoy the game shortly just before closing, you can choose to transition to the high probability time shortened state, It is also possible to realize game play according to the situation of the person.
According to the gaming machine of the present invention, the player can select whether to shift to the high probability time shortening state or the low probability time shortening state by operating the ball launching means. It is possible to provide a novel selection method when selecting game contents.

  Solution 2: The gaming machine of the present invention is the solution 1, wherein the high probability time shortening state transition means is that the specific condition is satisfied when the detection means detects the passage of a game ball. The low probability time shortening state transition means is a gaming machine characterized in that the specific condition is not satisfied when the passage of the game ball is not detected by the detection means.

The following features are added to the gaming machine of this solution.
(1) When the passage of the game ball is detected by the detection means, it is assumed that a specific condition is satisfied, and the state is shifted to the high probability time shortening state.
(2) On the other hand, when the passage of the game ball is not detected by the detection means, it is assumed that the specific condition is not satisfied, and the state is shifted to the low probability time shortening state.

  According to this solving means, if the game ball passes through the specific area, it shifts to a high probability state, and if the game ball does not pass through the specific area, it shifts to a low probability state. For this reason, as long as a game ball is launched and passed through a specific area, a transition is made to a high probability state after the end of the special game. Therefore, the concept of “passing = high probability” is established, and it is possible to realize gameability that is easy for a player to understand.

  Solution 3: The gaming machine according to the present invention is special in the solving means 1 or 2 when the game ball flowing down the second game area is placed at a position where it can enter and the prescribed condition is not satisfied during the game. While maintaining a closed state in which the occurrence of a special prize event corresponding to an unfavorable prize is impossible, the transition from the closed state to an open state in which the occurrence of the special prize-winning event is impossible is possible when the prescribed condition is satisfied. The game system further comprises second game area special prize event generating means, wherein the special game execution means is the special game event generating means or the second game area special prize event generating means for a predetermined time during which the special prize event is easily generated. From the closed state to the open state, or until the predetermined number of the special prize event occurs within the predetermined time, the special prize event generating means or the second game area special The special game is executed by performing an opening operation for shifting the winning event generating means from the closed state to the open state and returning to the closed state for a specified number of times, and the specific area is the second game. An area special prize event generating means is provided in the area, and when the second game area special prize event generating means is in the closed state, it is an area through which a game ball cannot pass, and the second game area special prize event generating means When the game machine is in the open state, the game machine is an area through which a game ball can pass.

The following features are added to the gaming machine of this solution.
(1) While the game ball flowing down the second game area is placed at a position where it can enter and during the game, the prescribed condition (condition that the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a mode other than non-winning) is not satisfied While the closed state in which the occurrence of a special prize event corresponding to a special prize is not maintained is maintained, when the prescribed condition is satisfied, the second state shifts from the closed state to an open state in which the occurrence of a special prize event is impossible. A game area special prize event generating means (second special electric accessory) is provided. When a special prize event occurs in the second game area special prize event generating means, a special prize bonus (for example, a bonus by playing a ball) is given to the player.

  Here, the second game area special prize event generating means is arranged at a position where a game ball flowing down the second game area (for example, a right-handed area) can enter. Therefore, when the second game area special prize event generating means is in the open state, if a game ball is shot into the second game area, a special prize event is generated by the second game area special prize event generating means. However, even if a game ball is driven into the first game area, no special prize event is generated by the second game area special prize event generating means.

(2) Then, the special game executing means opens the special prize event generating means or the second game area special prize event generating means for a predetermined time (for example, 29 seconds or 10 seconds) that facilitates the generation of the special prize event. Special winning event generating means or second game area special winning event generating means until a special winning event of a predetermined number of times (for example, 9 times, 1 time) occurs within a predetermined time (for example, 29 seconds or 10 seconds) A special game (six rounds big hit game) is executed by performing an opening operation for shifting to the open state over a specified number of times (for example, six times).

  For this reason, the special game executing means executes the special game using the two special prize event generating means such as the special prize event generating means and the second game area special prize event generating means. However, the special game executing means does not execute the special game by using the two special prize event generating means at the same time, and any one special prize event occurrence of the two special prize event generating means is generated for one round. A special game is executed using the means. For example, if the special game is executed from the first round to the sixth round, the first round is executed using the special winning event generating means, and the second round is the second gaming area special winning event generating means. For example, a big hit game is executed using.

(3) And, the specific area is provided in the second game area special prize event generating means, and when the second game area special prize event generating means is in a closed state, the game ball is an area through which the game ball cannot pass, When the second game area special winning event generating means is in an open state, it is an area through which game balls can pass.

  As described above, according to the present solution means, the specific area is provided inside the second game area special prize event generating means, so that unless the special game is executed by the special game executing means, the game ball is set in the specific area. Never pass. Here, the specific area can be formed as a normal gate in the game area, for example, instead of inside the second game area special prize event generating means, but in that case, the control for invalidating the area during the normal game There is a risk that the control content becomes complicated.

  In this regard, the specific area of the present solving means is a game ball only when the special game is executed by the special game executing means and the second game area special winning event generating means is in the open state. This is the area through which can pass. For this reason, unless a special game is executed by the special game execution means, the game ball does not pass through the specific area, and when the high probability state or the low probability state is distributed depending on whether or not it passes through the specific area, A simpler control method can be obtained.

  Solution 4: The gaming machine of the present invention is the solution 3, wherein the special game execution means executes the special game using the special prize event generation means until the opening operation reaches the specified number of times. When the opening operation reaches the specified number of times, the special game is executed using the second game area special prize event generating means.

  In the gaming machine of this solution, the special game is executed using the special prize event generating means until the opening operation reaches the specified number of times (for example, 6 times) (for example, 1 to 5 times), and the opening operation is performed for the specified number of times. When it reaches (for example, 6 times), the special game is executed using the second game area special prize event generating means.

  According to this solution, when the special game is executed, the special game is executed using the special prize event generating means from the first round to the round immediately before the final round, so that the final round is reached. Until then, you can enjoy special games as usual. On the other hand, when the so-called final round is reached, the special game is executed using the second game area special prize event generating means, so whether to shift to the high probability time shortened state or the low probability time shortened state. You can keep the pleasure of choosing until the last round.

  The selection of whether to shift to the high probability time shortened state or the low probability time shortened state can be performed in the first round, but for the player in the first round There is a possibility that the game cannot be explained and the player himself is not ready for the selection act. Therefore, in the present solution, by allowing the player to select a game content in the final round, a sufficient preparation period is given to the player, and a game specification that takes into consideration ease of playing is realized.

  Solution 5: The gaming machine of the present invention is the solution means 3 or 4, wherein the first prize bonus granting means for granting the player a first prize bonus in response to the occurrence of a prize in the special prize event generating means. And a second prize bonus granting means for granting a player a second prize bonus that is less profitable than the first prize bonus in response to the occurrence of a prize in the second game area special prize event generating means. It is a gaming machine characterized by this.

The following features are added to the gaming machine of this solution.
(1) A first prize is awarded to the player in response to the occurrence of a prize in the special prize event generating means. The first prize privilege can be, for example, “payout of 15 game balls per prize”.
(2) In response to the occurrence of a prize in the second game area special prize event generating means, a second prize bonus that is less profitable than the first prize bonus is awarded to the player. The second prize privilege can be, for example, “payout of three game balls per prize”.

  According to this solving means, the profit given to the player is less for the second prize bonus than for the first prize bonus. Here, the second game area special prize event generating means functions not only as a special prize event generating means but also for selecting whether to shift to the high probability time shortening state or the low probability time shortening state. It also functions as an event generation means.

  For this reason, if the profits of the first prize bonus and the second prize bonus are about the same, feelings such as "Wouldn't it be better to generate a prize in the second game area special prize event generating means?" There is a possibility of giving the player a feeling that “the second game area special winning event generating means will cause a loss unless a winning is generated”. If such a sensation occurs in the player, there is a possibility that the selection of the player will be biased.

  Therefore, in the present solution means, by suppressing the second prize privilege in the second game area special prize event generating means, the second game area special prize event generating means, with respect to the second game area special prize event generating means, a special prize event for obtaining a profit due to the game. The aspect as the special prize event generating means for selecting the game contents can be emphasized rather than the aspect as the generating means. As described above, the second game area special prize event generating means is a case where the second game area special prize event generating means does not generate a prize by placing emphasis on the function for selecting game contents. However, it is possible to reduce the feeling that it is directly disadvantageous, and to suppress the bias in the selection of the game content of the player.

  Solution 6: The gaming machine of the present invention is the game machine according to any one of the solutions 3 to 5, wherein the special game execution means executes the release operation using the second game area special prize event generation means. A gaming machine characterized in that the predetermined number of times that a special winning event occurs is defined as a predetermined minimum number of times.

  In the gaming machine of the present solution means, when the release operation is executed using the second game area special prize event generating means, a predetermined number of times that the special prize event occurs is defined as a predetermined minimum number (one time). doing.

  For this reason, according to the present solution means, if a special minimum number of times (for example, one time) of special prize events occur in the second game area special prize event generating means, the game for one round is completed. Therefore, in the second game area special prize event generating means, one round of game is completed in one count (one win), and in the second game area special prize event generating means, there is so much profit. You can't expect. In this respect as well, with respect to the second game area special prize event generating means, the function for selecting game contents can be emphasized. As a result, the role of the second game area special prize event generating means as the special prize event generating means for selecting game contents can be clarified, and the selection of the game contents of the player is biased. Can be suppressed.

  Solution 7: The gaming machine according to the present invention is a special game effect that executes a special game effect corresponding to the special game in the special game executed by the special game execution means in any of the solution means 1 to 6. During execution of the special game effect by the execution means and the special game effect execution means, by operating the ball launching means and driving a game ball into either the first game area or the second game area A low probability that the game ball is passed through the specific area or not, and is transferred to the high probability state and the high probability time reduction state that is the time reduction state, or the low probability state and the time reduction state. A gaming machine characterized by further comprising selection effect execution means for executing a selection effect of contents for causing a player to select whether to shift to a time reduction state.

The following features are added to the gaming machine of this solution.
(1) In a special game, a special game effect corresponding to the special game is executed.
(2) During execution of the special game effect of (1) above, the game ball is placed in a specific area by operating the ball launching means and driving the game ball into either the first game area or the second game area. A selection effect (game explanation effect) is executed that causes the player to select whether to shift to the high probability time shortening state or the low probability time shortening state, with or without passing.

  According to this solution, an explanation is given to the player as to whether the game can be shifted to the high probability time shortening state or the low probability time shortening state. Because it is made, a game that is easier to understand can be provided.

  Solution 8: The gaming machine according to the present invention is a lottery in which the lottery element to be used for the internal lottery by the internal lottery execution unit when the lottery trigger occurs during the game in the gaming machine described in Solution 7 When the lottery trigger occurs before the start condition that allows the symbol display means to start the variable display of the symbol is satisfied by the element acquisition means and the symbol display means, the lottery element acquired by the lottery element acquisition means When the lottery element storage means stores the order up to the upper limit number and the lottery element is newly stored by the lottery element storage means, before the new lottery element is consumed by the internal lottery execution means, A destination determination means for determining in advance at least a result of the internal lottery using the new lottery element, and a case where a predetermined performance execution condition is satisfied, If the determination result in advance by the determination means is a determination result that there is a lottery element that will be won if it is transferred to the high probability state but is not selected if it is transferred to the low probability state While the special game effect is being executed, the high probability state transition suggestion effect is executed with the content suggesting that the special game effect should be transferred to the high probability state, while the prior determination result by the destination determination unit is changed to the high probability state. If it is determined that there is a lottery element that is not won even if it is transferred and is not selected even if it is transferred to the low probability state, the state is shifted to the low probability state during execution of the special game effect. A game machine characterized by further comprising suggestion effect execution means for executing a low-probability state transition suggestion effect of content suggesting that it should be performed.

The following features are added to the gaming machine of this solution.
(1) When a lottery opportunity occurs during a game (a winning at the left start winning opening, a winning at the right starting winning opening), a lottery element to be used for the internal lottery is acquired. A lottery opportunity occurs randomly (or accidentally or randomly). When a lottery opportunity occurs randomly, a lottery element is acquired each time.

(2) If a lottery trigger occurs before a symbol start condition is satisfied (for example, the symbol is not changing and the previous change has occurred, the symbol stop display time has elapsed). The selected lottery elements are stored in the order of acquisition. However, a predetermined upper limit number (for example, four symbols per symbol if there are a plurality of symbols) is provided for the number of memories, and the number of memories does not increase beyond this upper limit.

(3) When a lottery element is newly stored in (2) above, the result of the internal lottery is determined in advance using the new lottery element before the lottery element is consumed. The matters to be determined in advance are not limited to the result of the internal lottery, and for example, items such as a winning symbol and a variation pattern may be determined.

(4) When a predetermined performance execution condition is satisfied (for example, when the performance execution lottery is won) and the prior determination result according to the above (3) is shifted to a high probability state, the winning is low. If the result of the determination is that there is a lottery element that will not win if the game is moved to the probability state, the content is high to suggest that the game should be shifted to the high probability state during the execution of the special game effect. Probability state transition suggestion effect is executed. On the other hand, when a predetermined performance execution condition is satisfied (when a performance execution lottery is won, etc.), even if the previous determination result according to (3) is shifted to a high probability state, it becomes a non-winning state and a low probability state If the result of the determination is that there is a lottery element that will not be won even if it is transferred to, a low probability state with content suggesting that it should be shifted to the low probability state during execution of the special game effect A transition suggestion effect is executed.

  According to this solution, first, when a lottery element is newly stored, the result of the internal lottery is determined in advance. Here, in the above solution, the player can select whether to shift to the high probability state or the low probability state after the end of the special game.

  In this case, if the previously determined lottery element is a lottery element that is won even if it is in a high probability state or a low probability state, even if the player chooses to move to the high probability state, Even if it is selected to shift to the probability state, there is no particular problem because the special game is executed immediately after the end of the special game.

However, if the pre-determined lottery element is a lottery element that wins if it is transferred to a high probability state, but a lottery element that is not won if it is transferred to a low probability state, the player is in a low probability state If you choose to move to, you will not be able to get the winning results immediately after the special game ends.
Therefore, in such a case, teach that the player's profit will increase if the high probability state transition suggestion effect is executed during execution of the special game effect and the player is shifted to the high probability state. , Avoiding the disadvantages of the player.

On the other hand, if the pre-determined lottery element is a lottery element that is not won even if it is shifted to the high probability state or the low probability state, the player selects to shift to the high probability state. In other words, the winning result cannot be obtained immediately after the special game is over.
Therefore, in such a case, by executing the low-probability state transition suggestion effect during execution of the special game effect, it is encouraged to aim for winning in the subsequent time reduction state, thereby avoiding the disadvantage of the player be able to.

  In addition, in the present solution, when a predetermined performance execution condition is satisfied, a mistake in selecting a game content by a player is reduced by appropriately executing a high probability state transition suggestion effect and a low probability state transition suggestion effect. Can be made. In addition, by executing such suggestion effects, it is possible to increase the loop rate (improve the rate of consecutive resorts) and improve the player's profit.

  Solving means 9: The gaming machine of the present invention is the gaming machine according to any one of the solving means 1 to 8, wherein the internal lottery executing means is configured to execute the internal lottery when the first event or the second event serving as the lottery trigger occurs during the game. The game machine further comprises event generating means capable of alternately generating the first event and the second event regardless of the gaming state.

The following features are added to the gaming machine of this solution.
(1) The internal lottery execution means executes an internal lottery when a first event or a second event that becomes a lottery trigger occurs during a game.
(2) Event generation means is provided that can alternately generate the first event and the second event of (1) regardless of the game state (normal state, time reduction state, high probability state, jackpot game state). .

  According to this solution, a gaming machine that can alternately generate the first event and the second event regardless of the gaming state can be provided. For this reason, the number of memories related to the lottery element is easily stored up to a predetermined upper limit number (for example, 8) regardless of the gaming state. Therefore, the game efficiency can be improved and the operating rate of the gaming machine can be improved.

  Moreover, even if the first big hit from the non-time shortened state (normal state), the lottery elements can be easily stored up to a predetermined upper limit number (for example, 8) during the execution of the special game. Even during the execution, it is easy to execute the pre-determination and the like, and the suggestion effect can be executed efficiently.

According to the gaming machine of the present invention, it is possible to provide a Zan new selection techniques.

It is a front view of a pachinko machine. It is a rear view of a pachinko machine. It is a front view which expands and shows a part of game board. It is a figure explaining the detail of the structure of a distribution apparatus. It is a figure explaining the principle of operation of a distribution device (1/2). It is a figure explaining the operation | movement principle of a distribution apparatus (2/2). It is a block diagram which shows the various electronic devices with which the pachinko machine was equipped. It is a flowchart (1/2) which shows the example of a procedure of a reset start process. It is a flowchart (2/2) which shows the example of a procedure of a reset start process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a power-off occurrence check process concretely. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of an interruption management process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a switch input event process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a 1st special symbol memory update process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a 2nd special symbol memory update process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the production | presentation determination process at the time of acquisition. It is a flowchart which shows the structural example of a special symbol game process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the special symbol change pre-processing. It is a figure which shows an example of the fluctuation pattern selection table at the time of loss. It is a figure which shows the structure row | line | column of the 1st special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table. It is a figure which shows the structure column of the 2nd special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table. It is a figure which shows an example of the variation pattern selection table at the time of 6 round big hit winning. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a special symbol memory | storage area shift process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the special symbol stop display process. It is a flowchart which shows the structural example of a display output management process. It is a flowchart which shows the structural example of a variable winning apparatus management process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a big winning opening opening pattern setting process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a big prize opening / closing operation | movement process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a big winning opening closing process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of an end process. It is a timing chart showing an example of opening and closing operation of the first variable winning device and the second variable winning device during the big hit game. It is a continuation figure showing an example of a production picture corresponding to change display and stop display of a special symbol. It is a continuation figure showing the flow of reach production performed at the time of big hit (winning) of “6 round symbols”. It is a continuation figure which shows partially the example of the production of the big role production performed during the 6 round big hit game (1/3). It is a continuation figure which shows partially the example of the production of the big role production performed during the 6 round big hit game (2/3). It is a continuation figure which shows partially the example of the production of the big role production performed during the 6 round big hit game (3/3). It is a continuation figure which shows the example of an effect of fireworks mode. It is a continuation figure which shows the example of production of chance mode. It is a continuation figure showing the example of the effect of the suggestion effect (high probability state shift suggestion effect) performed during the big hit game. It is a continuation figure showing the example of the effect of the suggestion effect (low probability state shift suggestion effect) performed during the big hit game. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of effect control processing. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a working memory production management process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of effect design management processing. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of an effect design change pre-process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the process at the time of variable winning apparatus operation | movement.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Configuration of the board]
In the game area 8a, the start gate 20, the normal winning ports 22, 24, the right starting winning port 26, the variable starting winning device 28, the first variable winning device 30, the second variable winning device 31, the distribution device 200 and the like are installed. Has been. The game balls thrown into the game area 8a randomly pass through the start gate 20 in the process of flowing down, pass through the sorting device 200, or the normal winning ports 22, 24 and the right starting winning port 26. Then, the variable start winning device 28 is won (entered). The game balls that have passed through the start gate 20 continue to flow down in the game area 8a, but the winning game balls are collected to the back side of the game board 8 through through holes formed in the game board.

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

  Here, in the lower part of the ball discharge path 40f and the upper part of the variable start winning device 28 and the right start winning port 26, the sorting device 200 is arranged. The details of the structure of the distribution device 200 and the operation description will be described later.

  The first variable winning device 30 operates when a prescribed condition is satisfied (when a special symbol is stopped and displayed in a mode other than non-winning), and wins a big prize opening (no reference sign). (First special electric accessory, special winning event generating means). The first variable winning device 30 is a device arranged below the effect unit 40 (a so-called lower attacker), and has, for example, one opening / closing member 30a. The opening / closing member 30a reciprocates in the front-rear direction with respect to the board surface by the action of a link mechanism using a solenoid (not shown), for example. As shown in the figure, the opening / closing member 30a is in the closed position (closed state) along the board surface, and at this time, winning in the big winning opening is always impossible (the big winning opening is closed). When the first variable winning device 30 is operated, the opening / closing member 30a is displaced so as to fall forward with its lower end edge portion as a hinge, thereby opening the large winning opening (open state). During this time, the first variable winning device 30 is in a state in which the inflow of game balls is not impossible, and can generate an event of winning a prize winning opening. At this time, the opening / closing member 30a also functions as a member for guiding the inflow of the game ball to the special winning opening. Further, in the present embodiment, 15 game balls are paid out per winning in response to the occurrence of winning in the first variable winning device 30 (first winning privilege granting means).

  Similar to the first variable winning device 30, the second variable winning device 31 operates when a specified condition is satisfied (when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a mode other than non-winning), (No reference sign) is made possible (second special electric accessory, second game area special prize event generating means). The second variable winning device 31 is a device arranged at the lower right of the effect unit 40 (so-called right attacker), and has, for example, one opening / closing member 31a. The opening / closing member 31a reciprocates in the front-rear direction with respect to the board surface by the action of a link mechanism using a solenoid (not shown), for example. As shown in the figure, the opening / closing member 31a is in the closed position (closed state) along the board surface, and at this time, winning in the big winning opening is always impossible (the big winning opening is closed). When the second variable winning device 31 is activated, the opening / closing member 31a is displaced so as to fall forward with its lower end edge portion as a hinge, thereby opening the large winning opening (open state). During this time, the second variable winning device 31 is in a state in which the inflow of game balls is not impossible, and can generate an event of winning a prize winning opening. At this time, the opening / closing member 31a also functions as a member for guiding the inflow of the game ball into the special winning opening. In the present embodiment, due to the configuration of the game area 8a (board surface), in order to allow the game ball to flow into the second variable prize-winning device 31, the game ball is shot into the right side portion of the game area 8a (so-called “right strike” is executed) There is a need to. Further, in the present embodiment, three game balls are paid out per winning in response to the occurrence of winning in the second variable winning device 31 (second winning privilege granting means).

[Probability change area (specific area)]
In addition, inside the second variable winning device 31, a probability variation area (no reference sign) is provided separately from the big winning opening. The probability variation area is an area where the game ball cannot pass when the second variable winning device 31 is in the closed state, and is an area where the game ball can pass when the second variable winning device 31 is in the open state. The probability variation area is a gate through which one game ball flows when one game ball flows into the second variable winning device 31. Note that it is also possible to arrange only the large winning opening without providing the large winning opening and the probability variation area separately, and to make the large winning opening share the function of the certain variation area.

  In addition, an out port 32 is formed in the game area 8 a, and game balls that have not won a prize are finally collected through the out port 32 to the back side of the game board 8. In addition, all game balls that have been driven into the game area 8a, including the game balls won in the right start winning opening 26, the variable start winning device 28, the first variable winning device 30, and the second variable winning device 31, are the games. It is collected to the back side of the board 8. The collected game balls are discharged out of the frame from the back side of the pachinko machine 1 through an out passage assembly (not shown), and further join a supply path of an island facility (not shown).

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

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

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

  When the game ball flows into the right start winning opening 26, the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a is displayed one by one in the sense of memorizing that a winning has occurred, and the special symbol changes in response to the winning. Each time is started, the display decreases by one. In addition, when the game ball flows into the variable start winning device 28 (the left start winning port 28a), the second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a is displayed one by one in the sense that it stores the winning, Each time the change of the special symbol is started in response to the winning, the display decreases by one. In the present embodiment, when the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a is not lit (the number of memories is 0), the first special symbol can be started to fluctuate (at the time of stop display) in the right start winning opening 26. The display does not increase even if game balls flow in. Further, when the second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a is not lit (the number of memories is 0), the variable start winning device 28 (left start winning port 28a) is in a state in which the second special symbol can already start to change (when stopped). ) The display does not increase even if game balls flow into. That is, the number of displays (maximum 4) of each special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, 35a represents the number of winnings that have not yet started to change in the first special symbol or the second special symbol.

  The game state display device 38 corresponds to, for example, a big hit type display lamp 38a, a probability variation state display lamp 38c, a short time state display lamp 38d, a first launch position designation display lamp 38e, and a second launch position designation display lamp 38f. Five LEDs are included. The jackpot type display lamp 38b is unused (blank). However, when a jackpot having a number other than six rounds (for example, a jackpot of 15 rounds) is mounted, the jackpot type display lamp 38b is used. In the present embodiment, the normal symbol display device 33, the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, the first special symbol display device 34, the second special symbol display device 35, the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, and the second special symbol operation described above. The memory lamp 35a and the game state display device 38 are attached to the game board 8 in a state where they are mounted on one integrated display board 89.

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

  A ball guide passage 40d is formed at the left edge of the effect unit 40, and a rolling stage 40e is formed at the lower edge thereof. The ball guide passage 40d is opened obliquely upward to the left in the game area 8a. When a game ball flowing down in the game area 8a randomly flows into the ball guide path 40d, it passes through the inside and rolls. Released onto the stage 40e. The upper surface of the rolling stage 40e has a smooth curved surface. Here, the game ball can roll in the left-right direction. The game ball that has rolled on the rolling stage 40e will eventually flow into the lower game area 8a. A ball discharge path 40f is formed at the center position of the rolling stage 40e. At this time, the game balls that have flowed down from the rolling stage 40e to the ball discharge path 40f are likely to flow into the sorting device 200 directly below. In addition, the production unit 40 may be accompanied by a drive source (eg, a motor, a solenoid, etc.) together with a production movable body (eg, a character figure, decoration, etc.). In addition to the effect using the image by the liquid crystal display 42 and the effect by the light emitter, the movable body for effect can execute the effect accompanied by the operation of the tangible object. Due to the effects using these movable bodies, it is possible to demonstrate appealing power different from the effects using two-dimensional images.

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

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

In the center of the tray unit 6, an effect switching button 45 (operation input receiving means) is installed at a position in front of the upper tray 6b. Player, switch effect contents by operating the presentation switching button 45 (e.g., a background screen to be displayed on the liquid crystal display device 42), for example in confirmation display during variations of a pattern or a jackpot, or during the jackpot gaming It is possible to generate some effects (various notice effects, probable promotion effects, etc.).

[Configuration on the back side]
As shown in FIG. 2, on the back side of the pachinko machine 1, there are a power supply control unit 162, a main control board unit 170, a dispensing device unit 172, a flow path unit 173, a launch control board set 174, and a dispensing control board unit 176. A back cover unit 178 and the like are installed. In addition, on the back side of the pachinko machine 1, various electronic devices (including a control computer not shown) constituting the power supply system and control system of the pachinko machine 1, an external terminal board 160, a power cord (power plug) 164, A ground wire (ground terminal) 166, connection wiring (not shown), and the like are installed. The electronic devices will be further described later based on another block diagram (FIG. 7).

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

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

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

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the details of the structure of the sorting apparatus 200.
Regardless of the gaming state, the distribution device 200 generates a winning at the right start winning opening 26 (occurrence of the first event) and generates a winning at the variable start winning apparatus 28 (the left starting winning opening 28a) (the second event). This is a device that can alternately generate (occurrence) (event generation means).
The sorting apparatus 200 includes a guide path 201 having a width that allows one game ball to pass therethrough. The guide path 201 has a tunnel-like structure, and two outlets (a first outlet 203 and a second outlet 204) are formed for one inlet 202. Therefore, the game ball that has entered the inlet 202 is guided to either the first outlet 203 or the second outlet 204. The guide path 201 is made of a transparent member, and the visibility of the game ball is ensured.

A cylindrical space is formed in the central portion of the guide path 201, and a windmill-shaped rotating body 205 is disposed in the space. The rotator 205 has three wing members 205a, b, and c extending in the radial direction from the central axis of the rotator 205. The rotating body 205 is not operated by electric or other power, but rotates when the game ball collides with the wing members 205a, b, and c.
Here, in the guide path 201 (near the middle between the first outlet 203 and the second outlet 204) in the lower part of the rotating body 205, two protrusions 206a and 206b that restrict the rotation of the rotating body 205 are provided. . Then, when the wing members 205a and 205b come into contact with the protrusions 206a and 206b, the rotation of the rotating body 205 is restricted.

  5 and 6 are diagrams for explaining the operating principle of the sorting apparatus 200. FIG. FIG. 5 shows a state where game balls are distributed to the variable start winning device 28 (left start winning port 28a), and FIG. 6 shows a state where game balls are distributed to the right start winning port 26. .

[Distribution to variable start winning device 28 (left start winning port 28a)]
As shown in FIG. 5A, in the initial state, the wing member 205b of the rotating body 205 is in contact with the right protrusion 206b.
When the game ball 300 enters the entrance 202 in this state, the game ball 300 enters between the wing member 205a and the wing member 205c in the rotator 205, and the rotator 205 rotates counterclockwise (counterclockwise) by the weight of the game sphere 300. ).

  Then, as shown in FIG. 5B, when the rotating body 205 rotates counterclockwise, the game ball 300 is guided to the first outlet 203, and the game ball 300 is distributed to the variable start winning device 28 side. . The wing member 205a of the rotating body 205 is in contact with the left protrusion 206a, whereby the rotation of the rotating body 205 is restricted. The game balls 300 distributed to the variable start winning device 28 side may win the variable start winning device 28 (left start winning port 28a) as it is, or may be changed by being bounced by a nail above the variable start winning device 28. There is a case where the start winning device 28 is not won. In addition, depending on the state of the nail in the game area 8a, there is also a game ball 300 that wins the variable start winning device 28 without going through the sorting device 200. The member between the left start winning opening 28a and the nail above it is merely a passing gate.

[Distribution to the right start winning entrance 26]
As described above, when the distribution to the variable start winning device 28 (left start winning port 28a) is performed, the wing member 205a of the rotating body 205 is in contact with the left protrusion 206a. .
As shown in FIG. 6A, when the game ball 300 enters the entrance 202 in this state, the game ball 300 enters between the wing member 205b and the wing member 205c in the rotating body 205, and the weight of the game ball 300 is increased. As a result, the rotating body 205 rotates clockwise (clockwise).

  Then, as shown in FIG. 6B, when the rotating body 205 rotates clockwise, the game ball 300 is guided to the second outlet 204, and the game ball 300 is distributed to the right start winning opening 26 side. . The wing member 205b of the rotator 205 is in contact with the right protrusion 206b, whereby the rotation of the rotator 205 is restricted. The game balls distributed to the right start winning port 26 may be directly awarded to the right start winning port 26 as in the case of the variable start winning device 28 (left start winning port 28a) described above. In some cases, the right starting winning opening 26 may not be won by being hit by a nail above 26. There is also a game ball 300 that wins the right start winning opening 26 without going through the sorting device 200 depending on the state of the nail in the game area 8a.

  In the present embodiment, since such a distribution device 200 is adopted, a winning occurs at the right start winning opening 26 (occurrence of the first event) and a variable start winning apparatus 28 (the left starting winning opening 28a). The occurrence of winning (occurrence of the second event) occurs alternately at a relatively high frequency. However, the winning at the right start winning opening 26 may continue, or the winning at the left start winning opening 28a may continue.

[Control configuration]
Next, a configuration related to control of the pachinko machine 1 will be described. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing various electronic devices equipped in the pachinko machine 1. The pachinko machine 1 includes a main control device 70 (main control computer) that serves as the center of the control operation. The main control device 70 mainly has a function of controlling the progress of the game in the pachinko machine 1. Yes. The main controller 70 is built in the main control board unit 170 described above.

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

  The start gate 20 described above is integrally provided with a gate switch 78 for detecting the passage of a game ball. The game board 8 includes a right start winning port switch 80 and a left start winning port switch 82 corresponding to the right start winning port 26, the variable start winning device 28, the first variable winning device 30 and the second variable winning device 31, respectively. A first count switch 84 and a second count switch 85 are provided. Each start winning port switch 80, 82 is for detecting a winning of a game ball to the right start winning port 26 and the variable start winning device 28 (left start winning port 28a). The first count switch 84 is for detecting the winning of game balls to the first variable winning device 30 (large winning opening) and counting the number. The second count switch 85 is for detecting a winning of a game ball to the second variable winning device 31 (large winning opening) and counting the number. Further, the probability variation area switch 95 is for detecting that the game ball has passed through the probability variation area arranged inside the second variable winning device 31 (detection means). Similarly, the game board 8 is equipped with a winning opening switch 86 for detecting the winning of a game ball to the normal winning openings 22 and 24. Here, a configuration using a common winning opening switch 86 for all the normal winning openings 22 and 24 is given as an example, but for example, separate winning opening switches 86 are installed on the left and right sides of the board, and the left winning opening switch is provided. In 86, a winning of a game ball for the normal winning ports 22, 24 located on the left side of the board surface is detected, and in the right winning port switch 86, a winning of a game ball in the normal winning port 24 located on the right side of the board surface is detected. Also good.

  In any case, the winning detection signals of these switches 78 to 86 are input to the main control CPU 72 via an input / output driver (not shown). Note that due to the configuration of the game board 8, in this embodiment, the winning detection signals from the gate switch 78, the first count switch 84, the second count switch 85, and the winning opening switch 86 are transmitted via the panel relay terminal board 87. The panel relay terminal board 87 is provided with a wiring pattern and connection terminals for relaying each winning detection signal.

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

  In addition, the game board 8 includes the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 88, the first big prize opening solenoid 90, and the second big prize corresponding to the variable start winning device 28, the first variable winning device 30, and the second variable winning device 31, respectively. A mouth solenoid 97 is provided. These solenoids 88, 90, 97 operate (excited) based on a control signal from the main control CPU 72, and open / close operations (activate) the variable start winning device 28, the first variable winning device 30, and the second variable winning device 31, respectively. Let Note that these solenoids 88, 90, 97 also transmit control signals from the main control CPU 72 via the panel relay terminal plate 87.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  The lamp driving circuit 132 includes a switching element such as a PWM (pulse width modulation) IC or a MOSFET (not shown). The lamp driving circuit 132 switches driving voltages (or duty switching) applied to various lamps including LEDs. ) And manage the operation such as light emission and flashing. In addition to the glass frame top lamps 46 and 48, the glass frame side lamp 50, and the saucer lamp 52, the various lamps include a decoration / production board lamp 53 installed in the game board 8. The panel lamp 53 corresponds to an LED incorporated in the above-described effect unit, or an LED incorporated in the variable start winning device 28, the first variable winning device 30, the second variable winning device 31, and the like. Here, although the example in which the saucer lamp 52 is connected to the glass frame decorating board 136 is given, a saucer illuminated board is installed in the saucer unit 6, and the saucer lamp 52 is interposed via the saucer illuminated board. It may be configured to be connected to the lamp driving circuit 132.

The acoustic drive circuit 134 is a sound generator with a built-in sound ROM, acoustic control IC, amplifier, etc. (not shown), for example, and the acoustic drive circuit 134 drives the speakers 54 , 55, and 56 to output sound.

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

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

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

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

In addition, a power supply control unit 162 (power supply control means) is provided on the back side of the plastic frame assembly 7. The power supply control unit 162 has a built-in switching power supply circuit. When external power (for example, AC 24V) is taken from the island facility through the power cord 164, necessary power (for example, DC + 34V, + 12V) can be generated therefrom. The electric power generated by the power supply control unit 162 is distributed to the main control device 70, the payout control device 92, the effect control device 124, and the inverter board 158. Furthermore, power is supplied to the launch control board 108 via the payout control device 92, and power is supplied to the CR unit via the game ball rental device connection terminal board 120. The low voltage power for logic (for example, DC + 5V) is generated by a power supply IC (3-terminal regulator or the like) built in each device. The power supply control unit 16 2 as described above, are grounded (grounded) to the island equipment through the ground wire 166.

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

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

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

  8 and 9 are flowcharts showing an example of the procedure of the reset start process. Hereinafter, the process performed by the main control CPU 72 will be described step by step.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Step S111: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes an effect control return process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 instructs the effect control device 124 to return a command (for example, a model designation command, a special symbol probability state designation command, a special figure destination determination effect command, an effect command when the working memory number is increased, and the action memory number. (Decrease effect command, count counter remaining command, special game state designation command, etc.). In response to this, the effect control device 124 performs the effect state (for example, the internal probability state, the effect symbol display mode, the operation memory count effect display mode, the sound output content, and the various lamps being executed at the time of the previous power shutdown. Light emission state, etc.) can be restored.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  When the above procedure is executed in the reset start process, the main control CPU 72 shifts to the main loop shown in FIG. 9 (connection symbol A → A).

  Step S118, Step S119: The main control CPU 72 executes the power interruption occurrence check process after prohibiting interruption. In this process, the main control CPU 72 performs bit check on the input port of the main power-off detection signal and monitors the occurrence of power-off (decrease in drive voltage). When the power cut-off occurs, the main control CPU 72 clears the output port buffer corresponding to the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 88, the first big prize opening solenoid 90, the second big prize opening solenoid 97, etc., and then backs up the work area of the RAM 76. The entire contents except the validity judgment flag and the sum check buffer are backed up, and the sum result value is stored in the sum check buffer. Then, the main control CPU 72 stores the valid value (for example, “A55AH”) in the backup validity determination flag area, prohibits access to the RAM 76, and stops (NOP) the process. On the other hand, if the power shutoff does not occur, the main control CPU 72 next executes step S120. There is also a known programming example in which the CPU executes the process at the time of the occurrence of power interruption as a non-maskable interrupt (NMI) process.

  Step S120: The main control CPU 72 executes an initial value update random number update process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 increments random numbers for updating (changing) initial values of various software random numbers. In this embodiment, jackpot determined random numbers (hardware random numbers) and various random numbers excluding hit determined random numbers (hardware random numbers) corresponding to ordinary symbols (for example, jackpot symbol random numbers, reach determination random numbers, variation pattern determination random numbers, etc.) Is generated in the program. These software random numbers are updated by a loop counter within a predetermined range in another interrupt process (step S201 in FIG. 11). In this process, the initial value of the loop counter (all The random number of may not be the target). The initial value updating random number is used to randomly change the initial value, and in step S120, the initial value updating random number is updated. Note that the reason why step S120 is executed after the interruption is prohibited in step S118 is that the same process is executed in another interrupt management process (step S202 in FIG. 11), so there is a duplication (contention). ) To prevent the above). As described above, in the present embodiment, the big hit decision random number and the hit decision random number are hardware random numbers generated by the random number generator 75, and the update cycle is faster than the timer interrupt cycle (for example, several ms) ( For example, it is not necessary to update the big hit determined random number and the initial value of the hit determined random number.

  Step S121, Step S122: The main control CPU 72 permits the interrupt and executes other random number update processing. The random numbers updated by this processing are random numbers (reach determination random numbers, variation pattern determination random numbers, etc.) that are not related to the determination of the winning type (winning type) among software random numbers. This process is performed for the remaining time when a timer interrupt occurs during execution of the main loop and the main control CPU 72 executes another interrupt management process (FIG. 11). The contents of the interrupt management process will be described later.

[Power failure check processing]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart specifically illustrating a procedure example of the power-off occurrence check process.
Step S130: First, the main control CPU 72 sets a condition for checking the occurrence of power interruption. This check condition can be set as an on-counter value for confirming that the main power-off detection signal is continuously output, for example.

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

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

  Step S136: The main control CPU 72 uses the test signal terminal and the command control signal in addition to the output ports corresponding to the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 88, the first big prize opening solenoid 90, and the second big prize opening solenoid 97 as described above. Clear the corresponding output port buffer.

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

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

  Through the above processing, all the information stored in the work area of the RAM 76 to be backed up (sum added) is retained in the RAM 76 even after the main power is turned off. The stored memory is restored as backup information when the power is turned off after confirming that the checksum is normal in the previous reset start process (FIG. 8).

[Interrupt management processing (timer interrupt processing)]
Next, interrupt management processing (timer interrupt processing) will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary procedure of interrupt management processing. The main control CPU 72 executes an interrupt management process every predetermined time (for example, several ms) based on the interrupt request signal from the counter / timer circuit. Each procedure will be described below.

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

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

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

  Step S203: The main control CPU 72 executes input processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 inputs various switch signals from an input / output (I / O) port 79. Specifically, a passage detection signal from the gate switch 78, a right start winning port switch 80, a left starting winning port switch 82, a first count switch 84, a second count switch 85, a winning port switch 86, a probability changing area switch 95, and the like. The input state (ON / OFF) of the winning detection signal from is read.

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

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

  Step S205, Step S206: The main control CPU 72 executes a special symbol game process and a normal symbol game process during the interrupt management process. These processes are for specifically proceeding with the game in the pachinko machine 1. Of these, in the special symbol game process (step S205), the main control CPU 72 controls the execution of the internal lottery corresponding to the first special symbol or the second special symbol described above, or the first special symbol display device 34 and the second special symbol display device 34. 2 Controls the display of fluctuation and stop by the special symbol display device 35, and controls the operation of the first variable winning device 30 and the second variable winning device 31 according to the display result. Details of the special symbol game process will be described later with reference to another flowchart.

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

  Step S207: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes prize ball payout processing. In this process, based on the winning detection signals input from the various switches 80, 82, 84, 85, 86, and 95 in the previous input process (step S203), a prize for instructing the payout control device 92 the number of winning balls. Output a ball command.

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

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

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

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

  Step S211: The main control CPU 72 executes output management processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 outputs the external information signal (byte data) stored in the port output request buffer in the previous external information processing (step S208). The main control CPU 72 also outputs a port output by combining the drive signals, test signals, etc. of the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 88, the first big prize opening solenoid 90 and the second big prize opening solenoid 97 stored in the port output request buffer. To do.

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

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

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

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

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

[Switch input event processing]
FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the switch input event process (step S204 in FIG. 11). Each procedure will be described below.

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

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

  Step S18: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not a winning detection signal is input from the first count switch 84 corresponding to the big winning opening of the first variable winning device 30. When the input of the winning detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S20 and executes a large winning mouth count process. In the big winning opening counting process, the main control CPU 72 counts the number of winning balls to the first variable winning device 30 every round during the big hit game. On the other hand, if no winning detection signal is input (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S21a.

  Step S21a: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not a winning detection signal is input from the second count switch 85 corresponding to the big winning opening of the second variable winning device 31. When the input of the winning detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S21b and executes a big winning mouth count process. In the big winning opening counting process, the main control CPU 72 counts the number of winning balls to the second variable winning device 31 during the big hit game. On the other hand, if no winning detection signal is input (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S22.

  Step S22: The main control CPU 72 checks whether or not a passage detection signal is input from the gate switch 78 corresponding to the normal symbol. When the input of the passage detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S24 and executes the normal symbol memory update process. In the normal symbol memory update process, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the current number of normal symbol working memories is less than the upper limit number (for example, 4), and if it does not reach the upper limit number, obtains a random number per normal symbol To do. Further, the main control CPU 72 increments the normal symbol operating memory number by one. Then, the main control CPU 72 stores the acquired random value per normal symbol in the random number storage area of the RAM 76. On the other hand, if there is no input of a winning detection signal (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S26.

  Step S26: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not a detection signal is input from the probability changing area switch 95 corresponding to the probability changing area provided in the second variable winning device 31. When the input of this detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S28 and sets the probability variation area passing flag to ON. The probability variation area passing flag is stored in the RAM 76, and when the probability variation area passing flag is set to ON, it indicates that the game ball has passed the probability variation area. Note that the probability variation area passing flag is set to OFF after the end of the big hit game. On the other hand, when the detection signal is not input (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the interrupt management process (FIG. 11). Further, when the probability control region passing flag is set to ON, the main control CPU 72 sets the value (01H) of the probability variation function operation flag as a gaming state flag in the flag region of the RAM 76 (high probability state transition means, probability variation function operation means).

[First special symbol memory update process]
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the first special symbol memory update process (step S12 in FIG. 12). Hereinafter, the procedure of the first special symbol memory update process will be described in order.

  Step S30: First, the main control CPU 72 refers to the value of the first special symbol working memory number counter to check whether or not the working memory number is less than the maximum value (for example, 4). The working memory number counter represents the number (the number of sets) of big hit determination random numbers and big hit symbol random numbers stored in the random number storage area of the RAM 76. Here, the random number storage area of the RAM 76 is divided into eight sections (for example, 2 bytes each) used in common for the first special symbol and the second special symbol, and each section has a big hit decision random number and a big hit symbol. Random numbers can be stored one by one. At this time, if the value of the working memory number counter corresponding to the first special symbol has reached the upper limit (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the switch input event processing (FIG. 12). On the other hand, if the value of the working memory number counter is less than the maximum value (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S31.

  Step S31: The main control CPU 72 adds one first special symbol working memory number. The first special symbol operation memory number counter is stored, for example, in the operation memory number area of the RAM 76, and the main control CPU 72 increments (+1) the value. Based on the counter value added here, the lighting state of the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a is controlled by the display output management process (step S210 in FIG. 11).

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

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

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

  Step S35: The main control CPU 72 transfers the saved jackpot determination random number, jackpot symbol random number, reach determination random number, and variation pattern determination random number together to a random number storage area used in common in the first special symbol and the second special symbol, These random numbers are stored as a set in an empty section in the area. The order (for example, first to eighth) is set in the plurality of sections. If all the first to eighth sections are empty at this stage, the random numbers are stored in order from the first section. Alternatively, if the first section is already filled and the other second to eighth sections are empty, the random numbers are stored in order from the second section. However, regarding the first special symbol, only four sections can be used (the same applies to the second special symbol). Therefore, even if there is an empty section, if four sections are already used for the first special symbol, no more random numbers of the first special symbol are stored. Note that the random number storage area is read out in a FIFO (First In First Out) format.

  Step S37: The main control CPU 72 executes an effect determination process at the time of acquisition for the first special symbol. This process determines the result of the internal lottery in advance (before the start of fluctuation) based on the jackpot determination random number and the jackpot symbol random number of the first special symbol respectively acquired in the previous steps S32 to S34, and thereby the production contents This is for determination (so-called “look ahead”). In the present embodiment, even if the current game management state (internal state) is a big hit, this process is executed in order to execute an effect by prefetching. Further, specific processing contents will be described later with reference to another flowchart.

  Step S38: After returning from the at-acquisition effect determination process, the main control CPU 72 next sets the upper bytes (for example, “B8H”) of the special figure destination determination effect command for the first special symbol. This high-order byte data describes that the command type is “for special figure destination determination effect relating to the first special symbol”. Since the lower byte of the special figure destination determination effect command is set in the previous acquisition effect determination process (step S37), the upper byte is combined with the lower byte, for example. Will be generated.

  Step S38a: Next, the main control CPU 72 sets an effect command at the time of increasing the number of working memories regarding the first special symbol. Specifically, for the preceding value (for example, “BBH”) of the upper byte representing the type of command, a 1-word length in which the increased number of working memories (for example, “01H” to “04H”) is added to the lower byte. A production command is generated. At this time, for the lower byte, the second place is set to “0” by default to indicate that the value is “result (change information) due to increase in number of working memories”. That is, if the lower byte is “01H”, it indicates that the current working memory number has become “01H” as a result of increasing by one from the previous working memory number “00H”. Similarly, if the lower byte is “02H” to “04H”, it is increased by one from the previous working memory numbers “01H” to “03H”, so that the current working memory number is “02H” to “02H”. 04H ". The preceding value “BBH” is a value indicating that the current effect command is the working memory number command for the first special symbol.

  Step S39: The main control CPU 72 executes an effect command output setting process for the first special symbol. This process is for transmitting the special figure destination determination effect command generated in the previous step S38, the effect command for increasing the number of working memories generated in step S38a, and the start opening winning tone control command to the effect control device 124. (Memory number notification means).

  When the above procedure is completed or the first special symbol operation memory number has reached 4 (step S30: No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the switch input event process (FIG. 12).

[Second special symbol memory update process]
Next, FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the second special symbol memory update process (step S16 in FIG. 12). Hereinafter, the procedure of the second special symbol memory update process will be described in order.

  Step S40: The main control CPU 72 refers to the value of the second special symbol working memory number counter to check whether or not the working memory number is less than the maximum value. Similarly to the above, the second special symbol actuated memory number counter represents the number (number of sets) of jackpot determination random numbers and jackpot symbol random numbers stored in the random number storage area of the RAM 76. At this time, if the value of the second special symbol operation memory number counter reaches the maximum value (for example, 4) (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the switch input event process (FIG. 12). On the other hand, if the value of the second special symbol operation memory number counter is still less than the maximum value (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S41 and thereafter.

  Step S41: The main control CPU 72 increments the second special symbol working memory number by one (increments the value of the second special symbol working memory number counter). Similarly to the previous step S31 (FIG. 13), the lighting state of the second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a is controlled by the display output management process (step S210 in FIG. 11) based on the counter value added here. Will be.

  Step S42: The main control CPU 72 acquires a jackpot determination random number value corresponding to the second special symbol from the random number generator 75 through the sampling circuit 77 (acquisition of second lottery element, lottery element acquisition means). The method for acquiring the random number value is the same as step S32 (FIG. 13) described above.

  Step S43: Next, the main control CPU 72 acquires a jackpot symbol random number value corresponding to the second special symbol from the jackpot symbol random number counter area of the RAM 76. The method for acquiring the random value is the same as that in step S33 (FIG. 13) described above.

  Step S44: The main control CPU 72 sequentially acquires a reach determination random number and a variation pattern determination random number regarding the variation condition of the second special symbol from the variation random number counter area of the RAM 76. Acquisition of these random values is also performed in the same manner as step S34 (FIG. 13) described above.

  Step S45: The main control CPU 72 transfers the saved jackpot determination random number, jackpot symbol random number, reach determination random number and variation pattern determination random number together to the random number storage area used in common in the first special symbol and the second special symbol, These random numbers are stored as a set in an empty section in the area. The storage method is the same as step S35 (FIG. 13) described above.

  Step S46: The main control CPU 72 executes an effect determination process at the time of acquisition for the second special symbol. This process determines the result of the internal lottery in advance (before the start of the change) based on the big hit determination random number and the big hit symbol random number of the second special symbol obtained in the previous steps S42 to S44, respectively, It is for judging. In the present embodiment, even if the current game management state (internal state) is a big hit, this process is executed in order to execute an effect by prefetching. Details of the processing will be described later.

  Step S47: After returning from the effect determination process at the time of acquisition, the main control CPU 72 sets the upper byte (for example, “B9H”) of the special figure destination determination effect command. This high-order byte data describes that the command type is “for special figure destination determination effect relating to the second special symbol”. Similarly, since the lower byte of the special figure destination determination effect command is set in the previous effect determination processing at the time of acquisition (step S46), for example, one word is synthesized by combining the upper byte with the lower byte. A long command will be generated.

  Step S48: Next, the main control CPU 72 sets an effect command for increasing the number of working memories with respect to the second special symbol. Here, a one-word-length production command in which the increased number of working memories (for example, “01H” to “04H”) is added to the lower byte with respect to the preceding value (for example, “BCH”) representing the command type. Is generated. Similarly, for the second special symbol, the second place of the lower byte is set to “0” by default to indicate that the value is “a result of an increase in the number of working memories (change information)”. it can. The preceding value “BCH” is a value indicating that the current effect command is an operating memory number command for the second special symbol.

  Step S49: The main control CPU 72 executes an effect command output setting process for the second special symbol. As a result, preparation for transmitting a special figure destination determination effect command, an operation command for increasing the number of operating memories, a start opening winning sound control command, and the like regarding the second special symbol to the effect control device 124 is performed (memory number notification means). . When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the switch input event process (FIG. 12).

[Acquisition process during acquisition]
FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of an acquisition effect determination process. The main control CPU 72 executes this acquisition effect determination process in the first special symbol memory update process and the second special symbol memory update process (step S37 in FIG. 13 and step S46 in FIG. 14) (predetermined determination). Execution means). As described above, this processing is executed for each of the first special symbol (when winning the right start winning opening 26) and the second special symbol (when winning the variable start winning device 28). Therefore, the following description may correspond to a process related to the first special symbol and a process related to the second special symbol. Hereinafter, the contents of the processing will be described along each procedure.

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

  Step S52: Next, the main control CPU 72 loads the jackpot determination random number as the first determination random value. The random numbers to be loaded here are those stored in the RAM 76 in the first special symbol memory update process (step S35 in FIG. 13) or the second special symbol memory update process (step S45 in FIG. 14). .

  Step S54: The main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the loaded random number is outside the range of the winning value (here, the lower limit value or less). Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sets a comparison value (lower limit value) in the A register, and subtracts the loaded random number value from this comparison value. The comparison value (lower limit value) is defined in advance according to the winning probability of the internal lottery in the pachinko machine 1. Next, the main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the calculation result is 0 or a positive value from the value of the flag register, for example. As a result, if the loaded random number is outside the range of the winning value (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S80.

  Step S80: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a deviation pattern information pre-determination process (first determination unit). In this process, the main control CPU 72 generates the variation pattern destination determination command described above for the variation time at the time of disconnection. In the variation pattern destination determination command generated here, prior determination information regarding the variation time (or variation pattern number) particularly when the “time reduction function” is activated is reflected. For example, if the current state is when the “time reduction function” is activated, the main control CPU 72 corresponds to the “out-of-reach fluctuation fluctuation (non-shortening fluctuation time)” based on the loaded reach determination random number. Judge whether there is. As a result, when the fluctuation time corresponds to “outlier reach fluctuation (non-shortening fluctuation time)”, the main control CPU 72 generates a fluctuation pattern destination determination command corresponding to “short-time / non-shortening fluctuation time”. In the case of reach variation, it is also possible to determine a “reach group (type of reach)” from the reach mode random number and generate a variation pattern destination determination command from the result. On the other hand, when the fluctuation time does not correspond to the “outlier reach fluctuation (non-shortening fluctuation time)”, the main control CPU 72 generates a fluctuation pattern destination determination command corresponding to the “short / mid-shortening fluctuation time”. Alternatively, if the current state is when the “time reduction function” is inactive (low probability state), the main control CPU 72 corresponds to the “normally out of reach reach fluctuation” based on the loaded reach determination random number. It is determined whether or not. As a result, when the fluctuation time corresponds to “normally deviation reach fluctuation”, the main control CPU 72 generates a fluctuation pattern destination determination command corresponding to “normally deviation reach fluctuation time”. On the other hand, when the fluctuation time does not correspond to “normally deviation reach fluctuation”, the main control CPU 72 generates a fluctuation pattern destination determination command corresponding to “normal deviation fluctuation time”. Further, the variation pattern destination determination command generated here is set in the transmission buffer in the effect command output setting process (steps S39 and S49) as described above.

  When the above procedure is executed, the main control CPU 72 ends the acquisition-time effect determination process, and returns to the caller's first special symbol memory update process (FIG. 13) or the second special symbol memory update process (FIG. 14). On the other hand, if it is determined in the previous step S54 that the loaded random number is not outside the range of the winning value but within the range (step S54: No), the main control CPU 72 then proceeds to step S56.

  Step S56: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the special game execution schedule flag based on the previous determination result is ON. The special game execution schedule flag based on the previous determination result is set when there is a winning value among the jackpot determination random numbers stored so far, although the change has not yet started. More specifically, when the jackpot determination random number stored so far has a winning value, for example, “01H” is set in the special game execution schedule flag. This value represents that when the jackpot determination random number is used and the internal lottery is executed, a special game is executed with a jackpot. On the other hand, when there is no winning value in the jackpot determination random numbers stored so far, for example, “00H” is set in the special game execution schedule flag. This value represents that even if an internal lottery is executed using this jackpot-determined random number, a special game is not executed because it is not a jackpot and is lost.

  When it is confirmed that the special game execution schedule flag is not set (step S56: No), the main control CPU 72 executes step S66.

  Step S66: In this case, the main control CPU 72 sets the comparison value for the next low probability (normal time) in the A register. The comparative value for low probability is also defined in advance according to the winning probability at the low probability in the pachinko machine 1.

  Step S68: Next, the main control CPU 72 loads the “current probability state flag”. This probability state flag indicates whether or not the current internal state has a high probability (probably changing), and is stored in the flag area of the RAM 76. If the current probability state is high probability (probably changing), the value “01H” is set as the state flag, and if the probability state is low (during normal or special game), the value of the state flag is reset. ("00H").

  Step S70: Then, the main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the loaded current special symbol probability state flag does not represent a high probability (≠ 01H), and if the result indicates a high probability (No). Next, step S64 is executed.

  Step S64: The main control CPU 72 sets a comparative value for high probability. As a result, the low-probability comparison value set in the previous step S66 is rewritten. The high probability comparison value is defined in advance according to the winning probability at the high probability in the pachinko machine 1.

  As described above, when the special game execution schedule flag based on the previous determination result is not set yet and the current internal state is high probability, the next step is performed after rewriting the comparison value for high probability. S72 is executed. On the other hand, when it is confirmed in the previous step S70 that the current probability state flag does not represent a high probability (Yes), the main control CPU 72 skips step S64 and executes the next step S72.

  Step S72: The main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the random number loaded in the previous step S52 is outside the range of the winning value. That is, the main control CPU 72 subtracts the jackpot determination random number value from the comparison value set for each state. Similarly, the main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the calculation result is a negative value (<0) from the value of the flag register, and if the result is that the loaded random number is outside the range of the winning value (Yes). The main control CPU 72 then proceeds to step S73. On the other hand, if the loaded random number is not outside the range of the winning value but is within the range (No), the main control CPU 72 then proceeds to step S74.

  Here, in the previous step S54, it is out of the hit value range (Yes) when the big hit decision random number is a complete outlier. On the other hand, in this step S72, the hit value outside the range (Yes) is a value that falls within the range of the hit value if the big hit decision random number is in the high probability state, but the internal state is in the low probability state. In this case, the value is within the range of outliers.

  Step S73: The main control CPU 72 executes a special deviation variation pattern information prior determination process (predetermined determination means). In this process, the main control CPU 72 generates a variation pattern destination determination command for the variation time at the time of special deviation. In the variation pattern destination determination command generated here, prior determination information regarding the variation time (or variation pattern number) at the time of special deviation is reflected. Here, “special loss” means winning when the internal state has a high probability, but loss when the internal state has a low probability. In this process, such special deviation fluctuation is processed as a kind of deviation fluctuation pattern. Further, the variation pattern destination determination command generated here is set in the transmission buffer in the effect command output setting process (steps S39 and S49) as described above.

  Step S74: The main control CPU 72 executes a jackpot symbol type determination process. This process is for determining the big hit type (winning type) at that time based on the big hit symbol random number paired with the big hit decision random number. For example, the main control CPU 72 loads the jackpot symbol random number for each symbol stored in the first special symbol memory update process (step S35 in FIG. 13) or the second special symbol memory update process (step S45 in FIG. 14). Then, the calculation using the comparison value is executed in the same manner as in step S54 described above, and from the result, it is determined which winning symbol corresponds to the jackpot type. However, in this embodiment, since only one winning symbol is prepared, in this process, the main control CPU 72 determines that it corresponds to the six round symbol. The main control CPU 72 stores the determination result at this time as a special symbol destination determination value, and proceeds to the next step S76.

  Step S76: The main control CPU 72 sets a special game execution schedule flag based on the previous determination result. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sets a value “01H” in the special game execution schedule flag. As a result, in the subsequent processing, it is determined in step S56 that the special game execution schedule flag is ON.

  Step S78: The main control CPU 72 sets the special symbol destination determination value stored in the previous step S74 as the lower byte of the special symbol destination determination effect command. As the special symbol destination determination value, for example, “01H” is set when it corresponds to “6 round symbols”. Here, by setting the lower byte data, the standard lower byte data “00H” set in the previous step S50 is rewritten.

  Step S79: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a big hit hour variation pattern information pre-determination process (first determination unit). In this process, the main control CPU 72 generates the above-described variation pattern destination determination command for the variation time at the big hit. In the variation pattern destination determination command generated here, for example, prior determination information related to the reach variation time (or variation pattern number) at the time of big hit is reflected. Further, the variation pattern destination determination command generated here is set in the transmission buffer in the effect command output setting process (steps S39 and S49) as described above.

  The above is the procedure before the special game execution schedule flag based on the previous determination result is set (before the internal first hit). On the other hand, when the special game execution schedule flag is set through the previous step S76, the following procedure is executed.

  Step S56: When the main control CPU 72 confirms that the special game execution schedule flag has already been set to ON (Yes), it next executes step S58.

  Step S58: The main control CPU 72 sets the comparison value for low probability (normal time) in the A register.

  In this way, when the special game execution schedule flag based on the previous determination result is already set, it is uncertain whether the internal state will shift to the low probability state or the high probability state until the special game ends. Therefore, the next step S72 and subsequent steps are executed using the low probability (normal time) comparison value. Therefore, in the next step S72, it is a jackpot decision random number that is won regardless of whether it is shifted to a low probability state or a high probability state (that is, a jackpot decision random number that is won regardless of which state is shifted). If (No), Step S74 and the subsequent steps are executed, and if it is a low probability state, it will not be won, but if it is a high probability state, if it is a big hit decision random number that will be a winner (Yes), Step S73 Will be executed.

  When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the first special symbol memory update process (FIG. 13) or the second special symbol memory update process (FIG. 14).

[Special design game processing]
Next, the details of the special symbol game process executed in the interrupt management process (FIG. 11) will be described. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a configuration example of the special symbol game process. The special symbol game process includes an execution selection process (step S1000), a special symbol change pre-process (step S2000), a special symbol change process (step S3000), a special symbol stop display process (step S4000), and a variable winning device management process. This is a configuration including a subroutine (program module) group of (Step S5000). First, the basic flow of the special symbol game process will be described along each process.

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

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

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

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

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

  Step S5000: The variable winning device management process is selected when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the winning mode (a mode other than non-winning) in the previous special symbol stop display process. For example, when a special symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner of a big hit of 6 rounds, an opportunity to shift from a normal state until then to a big hit gaming state (a special gaming state advantageous to the player) occurs. During the big hit game, the jump destination is set in the variable winning device management process in the previous execution selection process (step S1000), and the special symbol variation display is not performed. In the variable winning device management process, the first large winning opening solenoid 90 is excited for a predetermined time (for example, 29 seconds or until 9 winnings are counted) for a predetermined number of continuous operations (for example, 5 times). Accordingly, the first variable winning device 30 is opened and closed in a predetermined pattern (continuous operation of the first special electric accessory). In addition, after the operation of the first variable winning device 30, the second large winning opening solenoid 97 is set for a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds or until one winning is counted) for a predetermined number of operations (for example, once). As a result, the second variable winning device 31 is opened and closed in a predetermined pattern (operation of the second special electric accessory). During this time, the game balls are intensively awarded to the first variable prize winning device 30 and the second variable prize winning device 31, thereby giving the player an opportunity to collect a lot of prize balls (special game). Execution means). The opening / closing operation of the first variable winning device 30 or the second variable winning device 31 in the case of a big hit is called “round”, and if the number of continuous operations is six in total, these are called “6 rounds”. Sometimes referred to generically. In the present embodiment, the first variable winning device 30 is opened / closed from the first round to the fifth round, and the first variable winning device 30 is opened / closed in the sixth round which is the final round.

  Further, when the main control CPU 72 sets the large winning opening opening pattern (number of rounds, number of opening / closing operations per round, opening time, etc.) in the variable winning device management process, the first variable winning device 30 and the first number for one round are set. 2 Each time the opening / closing operation of the variable winning device 31 is finished, the value of the round number counter is incremented by one. The value of the round number counter is stored in the count area of the RAM 76 with an initial value of 0, for example. Further, the main control CPU 72 generates a round number command representing the value of the round number counter. The round number command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S212 in FIG. 11). When the value of the round number counter reaches the set number of continuous operations, the main control CPU 72 ends the big hit game (big player) only for that round.

  When the big hit game ends, the main control CPU 72 changes the state after the big hit game (high probability state, time reduction state) based on the game state flag (probability variation function operation flag, time reduction function operation flag). In the “high probability state”, the probability variation function is activated, and the winning probability in the internal lottery becomes, for example, about ten times higher than normal (specific game state transition means, high probability state transition means). In the “time shortening state”, the time shortening function is activated, and the special symbol variation time is set to a normal length (for example, about 2 to 12 seconds; except for the case where reach variation is performed). The state is shifted from the time shortening state to a state where the variation time is shortened (for example, about 1.5 seconds) compared to the non-time shortening state. In addition, while the time shortening function is activated, the special symbol variation time is shortened, and the normal symbol winning probability is high (for example, low probability is 1/65536 → 1 / 1.1). In addition, the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is shortened (for example, about 10 seconds in non-operating period is shortened to about 1 second) and the opening time of the variable start winning device 28 is extended (for example, about 0.1 second in non-operating period). → extended to about 1.7 seconds), and the number of times of opening increases (for example, once when it is not activated, then increases to 3 times), so that the game ball is fired for a long time (all working memory of normal symbols is interrupted) As long as the variable start winning device 28 is not interrupted for a long time), the operation memory of the second special symbol is not easily interrupted (so-called electric chew support). Note that the “high probability state” and the “time reduction state” may shift to only the “time reduction state” on the control, or may move according to both of them.

[Winning type]
In the present embodiment, “6 round big hit” is provided as the winning type (there may be more).

  The winning type corresponds to the type of the first special symbol or the second special symbol that is stopped and displayed at the time of winning. For example, “6 round jackpot” corresponds to a “6 round symbol” jackpot. For this reason, in the following description, “winning type” is appropriately referred to as “winning symbol”.

[6 round designs]
When the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the “6-round symbol” mode in the special symbol stop display processing described above, an opportunity to shift from the normal state until then to the big hit gaming state occurs (special game executing means). In this case, the first prize opening of the first variable prize-winning device 30 is opened once each over a sufficiently long time (for example, an opening time of 29.0 seconds at the longest) from the first round until the fifth round. continue. In the sixth round, which is the final round, the special winning opening of the second variable winning device 31 is opened once over a shorter time (opening time of about 10 seconds) than the previous opening time. For this reason, the “6 round symbol” jackpot game gives 6 rounds (prize balls) to the player. Note that the large winning opening of the first variable winning device 30 is closed without waiting for the longest opening time to elapse when a predetermined number of times (for example, 9 times = 9 game balls) is generated within one round. In addition, when a predetermined number of times (for example, once = one game ball) is generated within one round, the big winning opening of the second variable winning device 31 is closed without waiting for the longest opening time to elapse.

  If the game ball passes through the probability variation area arranged inside the second variable prize-winning device 31 when it corresponds to the 6 round symbol, the “probability variation function” is activated after the end of the big hit game, A privilege for shifting to the “high probability state” is given to the player. Also, regardless of whether or not the probability variation area has passed, even if the `` time reduction function '' is inactive in the previous game, by activating the `` time reduction function '' after the big hit game, A privilege to shift to “time reduction state” is given to the player. However, the number of time reductions given depending on whether or not the probability variation region passes is different (passing → 8 times, non-passing → 94 times).

[Small hits]
In the present embodiment, small wins are provided as winning types other than non-winning. When winning a small winning game, a small winning game is performed separately from the big winning game, and the first variable winning device 30 is opened and closed (special game executing means). That is, when the first special symbol is stopped and displayed in a small-hit manner in the special symbol stop-displaying process, the small-hit game (the first variable winning device 30 is set in the normal probability state or the high probability state). (Game to operate) is executed (in the present embodiment, no small hit is set for the second special symbol). In such a small winning game, the first variable winning device 30 opens and closes a predetermined number of times (for example, twice), but hardly wins a big winning opening. In addition, even if the small hit game ends, the “probability change function” does not operate, and the “time reduction function” does not operate, so it goes to the “high probability state” or “time reduction state”. The privilege to be transferred is not granted (it is not a prerequisite for that). Also, even if you win a small hit in the “high probability state”, the “high probability state” will not end after the game of that small hit, and even if you win a small hit in the “time reduction state” The “time reduction state” does not end after the end of the small hit game (except when the upper limit is reached). In the present embodiment, the game specification for setting a small hit is used, but it may be a game specification for not setting a small hit.

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

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

  Step S2500: In this process, the main control CPU 72 generates a demonstration effect command. The demonstration effect command is output to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S212 in FIG. 11). When the demo setting process is executed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol game process. When returning, it returns to the end address as described above (and so on).

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

  Step S2200: The main control CPU 72 executes a special symbol storage area shift process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 reads the lottery random numbers (big hit decision random number, big hit symbol random number) stored in the random number storage area of the RAM 76 in the order of acquisition. At this time, if random numbers are stored in two or more sections, the main control CPU 72 reads and erases (consumes) the random numbers in order from the first section, and then moves (shifts) the remaining random numbers one by one to the previous section. ) The read random number is stored, for example, in another temporary storage area. Each random number stored in the temporary storage area is used for internal lottery in the next jackpot determination process. In the present embodiment, random numbers are read in the order stored (acquired) in the random number storage area of the RAM 76. Further, in this process, the main control CPU 72 subtracts one value of the working memory number counter (the one of the first special symbol or the second special symbol which has been subjected to the random number shift) stored in the RAM 76, and after the subtraction Is set to “Number of working memories at start of change”. Thereby, the display mode of the number stored by the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a or the second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a changes (decreases by 1) in the display output management process (step S210 in FIG. 11). . When the procedure so far is finished, the main control CPU 72 then executes step S2300.

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

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

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

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

  Step S2404: The main control CPU 72 executes an off-time stop symbol determination process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sets stop symbol number data at the time of disconnection by the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35. Further, the main control CPU 72 generates a stop symbol command and a lottery result command (at the time of loss) to be transmitted to the effect control device 124. These commands are transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S212 in FIG. 11).

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

Step S2405: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a deviation variation pattern determination process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the fluctuation pattern number at the time of deviation for the special symbol (fluctuation pattern determination means, fluctuation time determination means). The variation pattern number is used to distinguish the variation display type (pattern) of the special symbol or to correspond to the variation time required for the variation display. Since the fluctuation time at the time of loss differs depending on whether or not it is the above “time reduction state”, in this process, the main control CPU 72 loads the gaming state flag and the current state is “time reduction state”. Check if it exists. In the “time shortening state”, the fluctuation time at the time of disconnection is basically set to a shortened time (for example, about 1.5 seconds), except when the reach fluctuation is performed. Even if not in the “time shortening state”, the fluctuation time at the time of losing is, for example, the “variable display start operation memory number (0-3)” set in step S2200 or the first special It may be shortened based on the total number of working memories of the symbol and the second special symbol. Note that the symbol stop display time at the time of disconnection is constant (for example, about 0.5 seconds) regardless of the variation pattern . The main control CPU 72 sets the value of the determined fluctuation time (at the time of disconnection) in the fluctuation timer, and sets the value of the stop display time at the time of disconnection in the stop symbol display timer.

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

[Example of variation pattern selection table for loss]
FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of the deviation variation pattern selection table.
This selection table is a table to be used at the time of a loss (when it corresponds to non-winning) (variation pattern defining means, varying time defining means). In addition, this selection table has a structure in which, for example, “comparison value” and “variation pattern number” are stored as a set of 1 byte each in order from the head address. The “comparison value” includes, for example, eight different values “101”, “201”, “211”, “221”, “231”, “241”, “251”, “255 (FFH)”. “1” to “8” of “variation pattern number” are assigned to each “comparison value”.

  Fluctuation pattern numbers “1” to “5” correspond to fluctuation patterns that are out of reach without performing a reach effect, and fluctuation pattern numbers “6” to “8” are fluctuation patterns that are out of reach after reaching. It corresponds. Note that such a variation pattern selection table is also used in the prior determination process of the effect determination process at the time of acquisition (FIG. 15) (the same applies to the big hit).

  The main control CPU 72 sequentially compares the obtained variation pattern determination random value with the “comparison value” in the variation pattern selection table, and if the random value is equal to or less than the comparison value, the main control CPU 72 corresponds to the comparison value. A variation pattern number is selected (variation pattern determination means). For example, if the variation pattern determination random value at that time is “190”, the main control CPU 72 determines that the random value exceeds the comparison value when compared with the first comparison value “101”. 201 "is compared with the random value. In this case, since the random value is equal to or smaller than the comparison value, the main control CPU 72 selects “2” as the corresponding variation pattern number.

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

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

[Winning pattern at the time of big hit]
In the present embodiment, one type of winning symbol is prepared as the winning symbol that is selectively determined at the time of the big hit. The specific winning symbol is “6 round symbols”. The “6 round symbols” may further include a plurality of winning symbols. For example, in the case of “6 round symbol”, “6 round symbol a”, “6 round symbol b”, “6 round symbol c”, and so on.

  In the present embodiment, the first special symbol and the second special symbol have the same type of winning symbol selected at the time of the big winning of the internal lottery corresponding to each. That is, “6 round symbols” are selected both when the internal lottery corresponding to the first special symbol is won and when the internal lottery corresponding to the second special symbol is won.

[First Special Symbol Big Stop Stop Symbol Selection Table]
FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a configuration column of the first special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table. When the result of the big jackpot corresponds to the first special symbol, the main control CPU 72 determines the winning symbol type with reference to the first special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table shown in FIG.

  In the first special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table, the left column shows a distribution value for each winning symbol, and the distribution value “100” corresponds to a ratio when the denominator is 100. In the second column from the left, “6 round symbols” corresponding to the distribution values are shown. That is, at the big hit corresponding to the first special symbol, the ratio of “6 round symbols” selected is 100/100 (= 100%). Therefore, when winning with the first special symbol, “6 round symbols” are selected at a rate of 100%.

  When the result of this big hit corresponds to the first special symbol, the main control CPU 72 performs a selection lottery based on the big hit symbol random number, and selects the winning symbol with the selection ratio shown in the first special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table To decide. Further, in the first special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table, for example, 2-byte command data is defined as a stop symbol command at the time of winning as shown in the third column from the left. The stop symbol command is described by, for example, a combination of MODE value-EVENT value, and among these, the MODE value “B1H” of the upper byte is selected when the winning symbol of this time is the big hit of the first special symbol. Represents. The EVENT value “01H” in the lower byte represents the type of winning symbol corresponding in the selection table. Therefore, the result of the big hit this time corresponds to the first special symbol, and when “6 round symbol” is selected as the winning symbol, the stop symbol command at the time of winning is described as “B1H01H”. Become.

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

[2nd special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table]
FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a configuration column of the second special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table. When the result of the big hit this time corresponds to the second special symbol, the main control CPU 72 determines the winning symbol type with reference to the second special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table shown in FIG.

  Also in the second special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table, the left column shows a distribution value by winning symbol, and the distribution value “100” corresponds to a ratio when the denominator is 100. Similarly, in the second column from the left, “6 round symbols” corresponding to the distribution values are shown. That is, at the big hit time corresponding to the second special symbol, the ratio of the “6 round symbols” being selected is 100/100 (= 100%). Therefore, for the second special symbol, “6 round symbols” is selected at a rate of 100% when winning.

  When the result of this big hit corresponds to the second special symbol, the main control CPU 72 performs a selection lottery based on the big hit symbol random number, and selects the winning symbol with the selection ratio shown in the second special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table To decide. Similarly, in the second special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table, for example, 2-byte command data is defined as the stop symbol command at the time of winning as shown in the third column from the left. Again, the stop symbol command is described by the combination of the above MODE value-EVENT value. Among these, the MODE value “B2H” of the upper byte is the one selected when the winning symbol of the second special symbol is the current winning symbol. It represents that. Further, the EVENT value “01H” in the lower byte represents the type of the winning symbol corresponding to each in the selection table. Therefore, for example, if the result of the big hit this time corresponds to the second special symbol, and “6 round symbol” is selected as the winning symbol, the stop symbol command is described as “B2H01H”.

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

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

  In the present embodiment, when the result of the internal lottery corresponds to a big hit of 6 rounds, for example, a “reach effect” is generated on the effect to perform a control to make a big hit. The “6 round big win winning variation pattern selection table” defines variation patterns corresponding to multiple types of “reach production”. A pattern will be selected. The reach production includes various reach production such as normal reach production, long reach production, super reach production, and the like.

[Example of variation pattern selection table when winning 6 rounds big hit]
FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of a variation pattern selection table at the time of winning a 6-round big hit.
This selection table is a table used when winning 6 rounds of big win (fluctuation pattern defining means, varying time defining means). In addition, this selection table has a structure in which, for example, “comparison value” and “variation pattern number” are stored as a set of 1 byte each in order from the head address. The “comparison value” includes, for example, eight different values “101”, “201”, “211”, “221”, “231”, “241”, “251”, “255 (FFH)”. “13” to “20” of “variation pattern number” are assigned to each “comparison value”.

  The variation pattern numbers “13” to “20” all correspond to the variation pattern that is a hit when the reach effect is performed.

  The main control CPU 72 sequentially compares the obtained variation pattern determination random value with the “comparison value” in the variation pattern selection table, and if the random value is equal to or less than the comparison value, the main control CPU 72 corresponds to the comparison value. A variation pattern number is selected (variation pattern determination means). For example, if the variation pattern determination random value at that time is “190”, the main control CPU 72 determines that the random value exceeds the comparison value when compared with the first comparison value “101”. 201 "is compared with the random value. In this case, since the random value is equal to or smaller than the comparison value, the main control CPU 72 selects “14” as the corresponding variation pattern number.

[Refer to Fig. 17: Special symbol change pre-processing]
Step S2414: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a big hit other setting process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines that the time control function activation flag is used as the gaming state flag when the winning symbol type (hit stop symbol number) determined in the previous step S2410 is “6 round symbols”. (01H) is set in the flag area of the RAM 76 (time shortening state transition means, time shortening function operating means).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Step S2210: The main control CPU 72 refers to the random number storage area and confirms whether or not the oldest memory corresponds to the first special symbol. This confirmation can be realized by confirming whether or not a random number corresponding to the first special symbol is stored in the first section of the random number storage area of the RAM 76. At this time, if it is confirmed that the oldest memory does not correspond to the first special symbol (No), the main control CPU 72 then proceeds to step S2212.

  Step S2211: The main control CPU 72 designates the second special symbol as the target special symbol. This designation is performed, for example, by setting “02H” as the target symbol designation value.

  Step S2214: On the other hand, when it is confirmed that the oldest memory corresponds to the first special symbol (Step S2210: Yes), the main control CPU 72 designates the first special symbol as the target special symbol. The designation in this case is performed, for example, by setting “01H” as the target symbol designation value.

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

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

  Step S2220: Then, the main control CPU 72 sets “the number of operation memories at the start of fluctuation” from the value of the operation memory counter after the subtraction. Here, for both the first special symbol and the second special symbol, the value of the operation memory counter may be added and the “number of operation memories at the start of change” may be set.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[When winning]
Step S4350: The main control CPU 72 sets the jump destination of the jump table to “variable winning device management process”. The main control CPU 72 executes processing for setting various functions to non-operation in this processing. Specifically, the probability variation function is deactivated and the time reduction function is deactivated. Thereby, before the special game (big player) is started, the state is shifted to the low probability non-time shortening state.
Step S4400: The main control CPU 72 sets “start of big role (during big hit game)” as an internal state flag for control. At the same time, the main control CPU 72 generates a status command representing a big hit. The state command representing the big hit is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process.

  Step S4500: The main control CPU 72 generates a continuous operation number command. The continuous operation number command can be generated based on the type of jackpot symbol (stop symbol number) determined in the previous jackpot stop symbol determination process (step S2410 in FIG. 17). For example, if the type of jackpot symbol is “6 round symbols”, the continuous operation number command is generated as a value representing “6 rounds”. The generated continuous operation number command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Step 4610: Next, the main control CPU 72 loads the value of the count-down counter. In the “counting counter”, the counter values are set in the probability variation count area and the time reduction count area of the RAM 76 in the “high probability state” and the “time reduction state”. When shifting to the “high probability state” and the “time reduction state”, the turn-off counter is set to a predetermined numerical value (for example, 8 times), and only the single “time reduction state” is set instead of the “high probability state”. In the case of shifting, the count-down counter is set to a standard numerical value (for example, 94 times).

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

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

  Step S4650: Here, the main control CPU 72 resets a flag at the time of turning off the number of times function. What is reset is the probability variation function activation flag or the time reduction function activation flag. As a result, the high probability state and the time shortening state are completed through the special symbol stop display. When the above procedure is completed, the process returns to the special symbol game process.

[Display output management processing]
Next, FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing a configuration example of the display output management process (step S210 in FIG. 11) executed in the interrupt management process. The display output management process includes a special symbol display setting process (step S1200), a normal symbol display setting process (step S1210), a state display setting process (step S1220), an operation memory display setting process (step S1230), and a continuous operation number display setting. This is a configuration including a subroutine group of processing (step S1240).

Among these, the special symbol display setting process (step S1200), the normal symbol display setting process (step S1210), and the operation memory display setting process (step S1230) are the first special symbol display device 34, the second, as already described. generating a drive signal to be applied to special symbol display device 35, the normal symbol display device 33, normal symbol working memory lamps 33a, each LED of the first special symbol working memory lamp 34a and the second special symbol actuating symbol 憶Ra pump 35a And output processing.

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

  Further, in this state display setting process (step S1220), the main control CPU 72 also controls the first launch position designation display lamp 38e and the second launch position designation display lamp 38f of the gaming state display device 38. The first launch position designation display lamp 38e and the second launch position designation display lamp 38f are lamps for displaying an area with a higher ball-out rate, that is, an area more advantageous to the player. If it is advantageous to fire a game ball in the (first game area), the first launch position designation display lamp 38e is turned on and the game ball is launched in the right-handed area (second game area) Is advantageous, the second launch position designation display lamp 38f is turned on. Therefore, as a rule, in order to encourage the player to launch a game ball in the left-handed area (first game area) from the first round to the fifth round in the non-time shortened state, the time shortened state, or the big hit game, The first launch position designation display lamp 38e is turned on, and the second launch position designation display lamp 38f is turned off. On the other hand, in the sixth round during the big hit game, since the second variable winning device 31 performs an opening operation, the first firing position is used to urge the player to launch a game ball in the right-handed area (second game area). The designation display lamp 38e is turned off, and the second launch position designation display lamp 38f is turned on.

  However, in this embodiment, even if the player makes a transition to the low-probability time shortening state without making a right-hand hit in the sixth round during the big hit game, the same rate of launch as the case of the transition to the high-probability time shortening state Therefore, it is possible to adopt a control system in which the first launch position designation display lamp 38e is kept lit and displayed without lighting the second launch position designation display lamp 38f in the sixth round during the big hit game. it can.

  The main control CPU 72 controls lighting of the big hit type display lamps 38a and 38b in the continuous operation number display setting process. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 outputs a lighting signal for the jackpot type display lamp 38a based on the value of the above-mentioned continuous operation number command. At this time, the display lamp 38a corresponding to the big hit symbol designated by the continuous operation number command is the target of outputting the lighting signal. In the present embodiment, since the value of the continuous operation number command designates “6 rounds”, the main control CPU 72 outputs a lighting signal to the lamp 38a representing “6 rounds (6R)”.

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

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

[Big prize opening pattern setting process]
FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the special winning opening opening pattern setting process. This process is for setting conditions such as the number of times of opening and closing the first variable winning device 30 and the second variable winning device 31 and the time of each opening at the time of big hit or small hit. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along each procedure.

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

[Procedure for jackpot]
First, the procedure for the big hit is as follows.
Step S5204: The main control CPU 72 executes a design-specific release pattern setting process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the winning pattern opening pattern (number of times of opening for each round and the time of each opening), the interval time between rounds, and the number of counts in one round (maximum) according to the current winning symbol. Set the number of winnings). The opening pattern is the same as described in the item “Winning Type” in the special symbol game process (FIG. 16). The interval time between rounds is set to about several seconds (for example, 2 seconds to 2.5 seconds) for “6 round symbols”.

  Step S5206: The main control CPU 72 sets the number of execution rounds in the current jackpot game based on the jackpot winning symbol selected in the previous jackpot stop symbol determination process (step S2410 in FIG. 17). In this embodiment, since “6 round symbols” is selected as the winning symbol, the main control CPU 72 sets the number of execution rounds to five. The number of execution rounds set here is stored in the buffer area of the RAM 76, for example, as a corresponding value on the program (“5” if 6 times).

  Step S5208: Next, the main control CPU 72 sets a big hit opening timer based on the big winning opening opening pattern set in the previous step S5204. The timer value set here is an opening time per operation when the first variable winning device 30 or the second variable winning device 31 is operated. If a value of about 29.0 seconds is set as the value of the big hit release timer, the release time is a sufficient time (for example, a launch control board) that the big winning opening is easily generated during one release. The set 174 is a time during which 10 or more game balls are fired, preferably 6 seconds or more.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Big prize opening / closing operation processing]
FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the special winning opening / closing operation process. This process is mainly for controlling the opening / closing operation of the first variable winning device 30 and the second variable winning device 31. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along a procedure.

  Step S5302: The main control CPU 72 opens the big winning opening of the first variable winning device 30 or the second variable winning device 31. Specifically, when the first variable winning device 30 is operated, a drive signal applied to the first large winning port solenoid 90 is output, and when the second variable winning device 31 is operated, the second large winning port is output. A drive signal to be applied to the solenoid 97 is output. Thereby, the 1st variable winning device 30 or the 2nd variable winning device 31 operates, and it shifts from a closed state to an open state.

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

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

  Step S5308: The main control CPU 72 executes a winning ball count process. In this process, the number of game balls won in the first variable winning device 30 or the second variable winning device 31 (open winning opening) during the opening time is counted. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 increments the count value based on the winning detection signal input from the first count switch 84 or the second count switch 85 within the opening time.

  Step S5310: Next, the main control CPU 72 determines that the current count number is a predetermined number (9 if the first variable winning device 30 is opened, 1 if the second variable winning device 31 is opened). Check if it is less than. This predetermined number defines the upper limit of the number of winning balls (upper limit of the number of winning balls) allowed per opening (one round in the big hit, one in the small hit) as described above. If the count has not yet reached the predetermined number (Yes), the main control CPU 72 returns to the variable winning device management process. Then, when the variable winning device management process is executed next, since the jump destination is set to the large winning opening / closing operation process at the present stage, the main control CPU 72 repeatedly executes the procedure of the above steps S5302 to S5310.

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

  Step S5312: The main control CPU 72 closes the special winning opening. Specifically, the output of the drive signal applied to the first big prize opening solenoid 90 or the second big prize opening solenoid 97 is stopped. As a result, the first variable winning device 30 or the second variable winning device 31 returns from the open state to the closed state.

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

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

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

  Step S5320: The main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the value of the incremented number-of-releases counter has reached the number set within the current round. Here, “the number of times set in the current round” is determined, for example, “the first variable winning device 30 or the second variable winning device 31 is opened a plurality of times within one round of big hit” This is to cope with the open pattern. In the present embodiment, since such an open pattern is not particularly employed, the “number of times set in the current round” is set once for each round. Accordingly, since the counter value reaches the set number of times in one opening / closing operation (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next proceeds to step S5322.

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

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

[Large prize closing process]
FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for a special winning opening closing process. This large winning opening closing process is for continuing the operation of the first variable winning device 30 or the second variable winning device 31 or terminating the operation. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along a procedure.

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

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

  Step S5404: The main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the incremented round number counter value has reached the set number of execution rounds. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 refers to the value (1 to 5) of the round number counter after increment, and if the value is less than the set number of execution rounds (1 to 5 after 1 subtraction) (No) Next, step S5405 is executed.

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

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

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

  When the main control CPU 72 next executes the variable winning device management process, the main control CPU 72 executes a big prize opening opening / closing operation process which is the next jump destination in the game process selection process (step S5100 in FIG. 25). Then, after execution of the special prize opening / closing operation process, through the execution of the special prize opening closing process, the main control CPU 72 executes the special prize opening closing process again, and repeatedly executes the above steps S5402 to S5408. Thus, the opening / closing operation of the first variable winning device 30 or the second variable winning device 31 is continuously executed until the actual round number reaches the set execution round number (six times).

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

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

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

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

  Step S5413: Next, the main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the value of the incremented number-of-releases counter has reached the set number of times of release. The number of times of opening is set in the previous big opening opening pattern setting process (step S5218 in FIG. 26). If the value of the opening number counter has not yet reached the set opening number (No), the main control CPU 72 executes step S5416.

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

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

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

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

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

〔End processing〕
FIG. 29 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the end process. This end process is for preparing conditions for ending the operations of the first variable winning device 30 and the second variable winning device 31. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along the example of a procedure.

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

  Step S5503, Step S5504: In this case, the main control CPU 72 resets the big hit flag (00H). As a result, the big hit gaming state ends on the control processing of the main control CPU 72. In addition, the main control CPU 72 deletes “big hit” from the internal state flag and declares the end of the major role as the internal state in the control processing.

Step S5505: The main control CPU 72 deletes the continuous operation number command here.
Step S5506: Next, the main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the value (01H) of the probability variation function operation flag is set. This flag is set in the previous switch input event process (step S28 in FIG. 12).

  Step S5508: When the value of the probability variation function operation flag is set (step S5506: Yes), the main control CPU 72 sets the probability variation number (for example, eight times). The set value of the probability variation number is stored, for example, in the probability variation counter area of the RAM 76 and becomes the above-described number cut counter value. The probability variation number set here is the upper limit number of times that the variation of the special symbol (internal lottery) is performed in a high probability state in the subsequent games. In the present embodiment, since a substantial upper limit is set for the high probability state, the winning result may not be obtained in the high probability state, and the state may return to the low probability state (so-called frequency cut probability change). If the value of the probability variation function activation flag is not set (step S5506: No), the main control CPU 72 does not execute step S5508.

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

  Step S5512: If the value of the time shortening function operation flag (variable time shortening function operation flag) is set (step S5510: Yes), the main control CPU 72 sets the time shortening number (for example, 8 times or 94 times). To do. Here, which number of shortening times is set depends on the value of the probability variation function activation flag. That is, if the value of the probability variation function activation flag is set, the main control CPU 72 sets 8 times as the number of time reductions (high probability time reduction state transition means), and the value of the probability variation function activation flag must be set. For example, 94 times is set as the number of time reductions (low probability time reduction state transition means). The value of the set time reduction count is stored in the time count area of the RAM 76 as described above. The number of times of time reduction set here is the upper limit number of times to shorten the variation time of the special symbol in subsequent games. If the value of the time shortening function activation flag is not set (step S5510: No), the main control CPU 72 does not execute step S5512.

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

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

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

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

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

[Example of opening and closing operations during big hit games]
FIG. 30 is a timing chart showing an opening / closing operation example of the first variable winning device 30 and the second variable winning device 31 during the big hit game. Here, (A) in the figure shows the change of the special symbol or the change of the stop. Also, (B) in the figure shows an example of opening / closing operation of the first variable winning device 30 when the “6 round symbol” is won, and (C) in the figure is the second variable winning device 31 when the “6 round symbol” is won. An example of the opening / closing operation is shown. In the figure, (D) shows the ON / OFF state of the probability change area switch when the so-called right hand strike is executed in the final round of the 6 round jackpot game, and (E) in the figure shows the final round of the 6 round jackpot game. The state of ON / OFF of the probability variation area switch when the so-called right-handed is not executed is shown.

  In FIG. 30, (A): The special symbol is already changing at time t0. The change in the special symbol started before time t0 ends at time t1. When the variation of the special symbol ends at time t1, the special symbol is stopped and displayed over a period from time t1 to time t2. Here, it is assumed that the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a winning manner.

  (B) in FIG. 30: When the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a winning manner, a 6-round big hit game is started. In the 6-round big hit game, from “1 round” to “5 rounds”, after the first variable winning device 30 has been released for an opening time (for example, 29.0 seconds) that allows winning every 1 round. The opening / closing operation is repeated five times until it closes and proceeds to the next round at a predetermined interval ([1R] to [5R] in the figure, from time t2 to time t3).

  (C) in FIG. 30: In the “6th round” as the final round, the second variable winning device 31 is closed after the opening time (for example, 10 seconds) shorter than the opening time from the first round to the fifth round. Then, after a predetermined end time (for example, about 2 to 3 seconds), the big hit game ends (time t4).

  Therefore, in the “6 round symbol” jackpot game, “1 round” to “5 round” can give a player a relatively large amount of profits (prize ball payout). As for the opening operation of the second variable winning device 31 performed once, the profit (prize ball payout) cannot be given to the player as much as each round from “1 round” to “5 rounds”.

[Right-handed execution]
In FIG. 30 (D): When the so-called right hand strike is executed in the final round of the 6 round big hit game, and the game ball flows into the second variable winning device 31, the game ball passes through the probability variation region. The switch 95 is turned on.

[Right-handed non-execution]
In FIG. 30, (E): On the other hand, if the right round is not executed in the final round of the 6-round big hit game, the game ball will not flow into the second variable winning device 31, so that the game ball has a probability variation area. Without passing, the probability variation area switch 95 is maintained in the OFF state.

[Example of production image]
Next, the effect image actually displayed on the liquid crystal display 42 in the pachinko machine 1 will be described with some examples. As described above, when the big hit internal lottery is performed in the pachinko machine 1, the variation pattern (variation time) is determined under the control of the main control CPU 72, and the variation display by the first special symbol and the second special symbol is performed. (Design display means). However, as described above, the first special symbol and the second special symbol itself are lighted and blinked by 7-segment LEDs, so that they have poor appeal. Therefore, in the pachinko machine 1, the variable display effect using the effect symbol is performed as described above.

  The effect designs include, for example, a left effect symbol, a middle effect symbol, and a right effect symbol, which are displayed side by side on the left, middle, and right on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42 (see FIG. 1). ). Each effect design is a design of a picture card with a character attached together with the numbers “1” to “9”, for example. Among these, for the left effect symbol, a symbol row is arranged in ascending order of “1” to “9”, and for the middle effect symbol and the right effect symbol, the numbers are “9” to “1”. ”Are arranged in descending order. Such a symbol sequence is variably displayed so as to flow (scroll) in the vertical direction in the left region, middle region, and right region on the screen.

  FIG. 31 is a continuous diagram showing an example of an effect image corresponding to the change display and stop display of special symbols. Here, an example of the change display effect and the stop display effect performed using the effect symbol is shown for the variation of the special symbol at the time of non-winning (out). This variable display effect is performed between the start of the variable display of the special symbol (here, the first special symbol, but may be the second special symbol) and the stop display (including the fixed stop). It corresponds to a series of productions. The stop display effect is an effect that represents that the special symbol is stopped and displayed and the result of the internal lottery at that time is a combination of the effect symbols. Here, before explaining the specific contents of the control processing, the basic flow of the change display effect and stop display effect for each change employed in the present embodiment will be described.

[Before change display]
FIG. 31A: For example, in a state before the first special symbol starts to fluctuate (a state in which the demonstration effect is not being performed), a row of three effect symbols is displayed large on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42. ing. At this time, in accordance with the stop display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, the effect symbol is also stopped.

  Also, markers (represented by reference numerals M1 and M2 in the figure) indicating the number of working memories of the first special symbol and the second special symbol are displayed at the lower part of the screen of the liquid crystal display 42 (pre-change display area X1). (First memory display, second memory display). These markers M1 and M2 indicate the number of operating memories of the first special symbol and the second special symbol corresponding to the respective display numbers (the number of displays of the first special symbol operating memory lamp 34a and the second special symbol operating memory lamp 35a). The number of displays is increased or decreased in conjunction with the change in the number of working memories during the game. In order to facilitate visual discrimination, the markers M1 and M2 are displayed with, for example, an uncolored circular figure of the marker M1 corresponding to the first special symbol, and the marker M2 corresponding to the second special symbol is, for example, It is displayed as a colored circle.

  Further, the markers M1 and M2 are displayed side by side in the order in which the operation memory of the first special symbol or the operation memory of the second special symbol is acquired. In the example of (A) in FIG. 31, since two markers M1 and two markers M2 are alternately lit and displayed (a total of four), the number of working memories of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is respectively Each of them is two, and their working memories are alternately stored (acquired) (stored number display effect executing means). Note that a total of eight markers M1 and M2 are displayed, four each.

  Further, during the variation display of the effect symbols, for example, the fourth symbol (reference numerals Z1 and Z2 are attached in the diagram) is displayed at the lower part of the screen of the liquid crystal display 42. The fourth symbols Z1 and Z2 are “fourth effect symbols” following the left, middle, and right effect symbols, and are displayed in a synchronized manner during the change display of the effect symbols. The fourth symbols Z1 and Z2 are simply simple colors (for example, “□” figure) with a color, and for example, changing the display color can express a variable display. The fourth symbol Z1 corresponds to the first special symbol, and the fourth symbol Z2 corresponds to the second special symbol.

  Further, the fourth symbols Z1, Z2 are stopped and displayed in a mode (for example, white display color) corresponding to the deviation. This is to objectively clarify that the result display effect is correctly performed and the pachinko machine 1 is operating normally. Therefore, if the result of the internal lottery is “6 round big hit” instead of “out of”, the fourth symbols Z1 and Z2 are stopped and displayed in a corresponding manner (for example, red display color).

[Variable display production start]
FIG. 31B: For example, in synchronization with the start of the change of the first special symbol, the change display effect is started by the scroll change of the three symbol rows on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42 (the symbol effect). Execution means). In other words, in synchronization with the start of fluctuation of the first special symbol, the display of the left effect symbol, the middle effect symbol, and the right effect symbol is scrolled (flowed) in the vertical direction on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42 so as to change the display. Production begins. The markers M1 and M2 are displayed on the band-like portion (pre-change display area X1) below the liquid crystal display 42 before the start of change, and the display is erased after the start of change. In the figure, the change display of the effect symbol is simply indicated by a downward arrow. In addition, during the variable display, each effect symbol is displayed in a transparent state (transparent display). At this time, an image (background image) that is the background of the effect symbol is displayed on the display screen in an easily visible state. ing.

  The background image in this case represents, for example, a landscape in which a female character wearing a yukata is sitting on a chaise lounge and relaxing as if the evening is cool. Such a background image expresses that the stay mode in the production is, for example, “normal mode”. In the present embodiment, the “normal mode” corresponds to a normal state in which the variation time shortening function is not activated and the probability variation function is also deactivated. In addition to this, various modes are provided for effects, and background images with different landscapes and scenes are prepared for each mode (status display effect execution means). The difference between these modes may correspond to an internal “time reduction state” or a “high probability state”. The mode corresponding to each internal state will be further described later. Although not specifically illustrated here, a mode in which a notice effect is performed by displaying an image of a character, an item, or the like on the display screen after that is also possible.

  Further, during the variation display of the effect symbols, the fourth symbol Z1 is variably displayed at the lower part of the screen of the liquid crystal display 42, and the fourth symbol Z1 expresses the variation display by changing its display color.

[Left design stop]
In FIG. 31, (C): For example, when a certain amount of time (about half of the fluctuation time) has elapsed, the left effect design first stops changing. In this example, the effect symbol representing the number “8” is stopped at the middle position of the screen. Here, illustration of the background image is omitted (the same applies to the following).

[Example of production when the number of working memories decreases]
Here, as shown in (B) of FIG. 31 above, since the number of working memories of the first special symbol decreases by one as the fluctuation starts, the number of markers M1 displayed is linked accordingly. It is reduced by one. For example, if there are four working memories so far, only the oldest (older) memory number display is hidden in the marker M1, and an effect consumed by the internal lottery is also performed. Thereby, it is possible to tell the player that the number of working memories for the first special symbol has decreased.

  In the example of (C) in FIG. 31, since the marker M1 at the head in the storage order is deleted, the number of marker displays in the pre-change display area X1 is three, so that it remains on the screen. There is an effect in which the three markers M1 and M2 are shifted by one each in one direction (here, the left direction). As a result, the context of the change in the number of working memories can be accurately expressed in the production, and the player can be intuitively and easily informed that the working memory has been consumed and decreased by one. it can.

[Right production symbol stop]
In FIG. 31, (D): Following the left effect symbol, the right effect symbol stops changing thereafter. In this example, the effect symbol representing the number “3” is stopped at the middle position of the screen. Since it has already been determined that the reach state does not occur at this point, it is almost clear on the appearance that the current fluctuation is a non-reach (normal) fluctuation. Here, reach fluctuations due to slip patterns and the like are excluded. “Slip pattern” means, for example, that once the design symbol representing the number “7” stops, the design symbol slips by one symbol and the design symbol representing the number “8” stops, thereby developing reach It is to do. Alternatively, once the design symbol representing the number “9” stops, the design symbol that represents the number “8” stops as the design sequence slips by one symbol in the opposite direction. is there. In addition, for example, when an effect symbol representing a completely different number such as “5” is temporarily stopped and a character appears on the screen and the right effect symbol sequence is changed again, the number “8” is represented. There is also a pattern in which the production design stops and develops to reach.

[Stop display effect]
(E) in FIG. 31: The last medium effect symbol stops in synchronization with the stop display of the first special symbol. If the result of the current internal lottery is non-winning and the first special symbol is stopped and displayed in a non-winning (out-of-game) manner, the staging display effect is also performed in a non-winning (out-of-game) manner. Is called. That is, in the illustrated example, the effect symbol representing the number “1” is stopped at the middle position of the screen. In this case, the combination of the effect symbols is “8”-“1”-“3”. Since this is a gap, it is expressed in the production that the current variation corresponds to the normal “out of range”. At this time, the fourth symbol Z1 is stopped and displayed in a mode (for example, white display color) corresponding to the dislocation.

  The above is an example of the change display effect and the result display effect (during non-winning) performed using the effect symbol for each change. Through such an effect, the player can have a sense of expectation for winning, and finally the result of the internal lottery can be clearly taught in the effect.

  In addition, the above example is for the case of non-winning, but at the time of a big win (winning), after the reach effect is executed during the variable display effect, the effect symbol is stopped and displayed in a big win mode in the result display effect. At this time, the stop display mode of the effect symbol basically corresponds to the winning symbol (stop display mode of the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35) selected internally by the main control CPU 72. Selected.

[Production example at the time of big hit]
FIG. 32 is a continuous diagram showing the flow of reach production executed at the time of the big hit (winning) of “6 round symbols”. Here, in addition to the reach effect, a variable display effect, a stop display effect, and a notice effect are included. In addition, an example of the notice effect (the notice effect before the occurrence of reach, the notice effect after the occurrence of reach) executed during the variable display effect will be described.

  In the following reach production, the first special symbol is “6 round symbols” after the first special symbol display device 34 (or the second special symbol display device 35) may perform the variation display by the variation pattern at the time of the big hit. This is executed until the display is stopped in the mode (for example, “self”, “yo”, “mouth”, “巳”, “F”, “E”, “L”, “Γ”, etc.) . In addition, in FIG. 32, each production | presentation symbol is simplified and shown only as the number. The markers M1 and M2 are not shown here. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along the flow of production.

[Variable display effects]
In FIG. 32 (A): In line with the start of fluctuation of the first special symbol (or second special symbol), the columns of the left effect symbol, the middle effect symbol, and the right effect symbol are vertically displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42. The variable display effect is started by scrolling in a direction (for example, from top to bottom).

[Preliminary production before reach (first stage)]
FIG. 32 (B): Next, in a relatively early stage of the variable display effect, the first stage pre-reach notice effect using the character's picture image (picture card) is performed. This pre-reach pre-announcement effect is a pre-announcement effect in which the change of the mode progresses in stages from one stage to a plurality of stages (for example, 2 to 5 stages) according to a predetermined order. The pattern image used in the pre-reach notice effect is located in front of the effect pattern that is displayed on the screen in a variable manner, for example, so as to appear suddenly from the left edge of the screen (other appearance modes) May be.) Note that the “pre-reach notice” means that a reach or a big hit is announced before any effect symbol is stopped and displayed. By executing such a “pre-reach announcement effect”, an effect of giving the player a sense of expectation that “it may develop into a reach = the possibility of a big hit increases” is obtained.

[Advance notice before the reach occurs (second stage)]
In FIG. 32C, after the first stage of the pre-reach notice effect is executed, the change of the pre-reach notice effect proceeds to the second stage. Here, an effect using a character pattern image different from the previous one is performed as the notice effect before the occurrence of reach in the second stage. Specifically, another pattern image additionally appears from the right end of the screen, and is displayed so as to overlap the front of the previously displayed pattern image. The picture image displayed at this time is larger in size than the picture image displayed previously. And the effect by the sound output that the character expressed by the picture image emits a dialogue (for example, “I will reach” etc.) is also performed.

  Such a pre-reach notice effect (second stage) using the second pattern image is one step further than the pre-reach notice effect (first stage) performed in FIG. It is a development type. In general, it may be expressed as “step-up notice” or the like, referring to the “pre-reach notice notice effect” that develops in this way. Here, an example is given in which the second-stage pattern image appears in the pre-reach notice effect, but the third-stage, fourth-stage, and fifth-stage pattern images appear and appear one after another. There may be. Further, for example, the size may be enlarged each time the third, fourth, and fifth-stage pattern images appear and appear one after another. Even at this stage, the variation display of the effect symbols is continued. In any case, it is possible to indicate to the player that there is a high possibility (expectation) that this change will be a big hit by making the change in the aspect of the pre-reach notice effect to more stages. (For example, the maximum expectation is suggested when progressing to the fifth stage).

[Stop of left design]
In FIG. 32 (D): The middle stage of the variable display effect is approached, and then the variable display of the left effect symbol is stopped. At this point, the effect symbol representing the number “6” is stopped at the upper left position of the screen, and the effect symbol representing the number “7” is stopped at the lower left position.

[Occurrence of reach condition]
In FIG. 32 (E): Next to the left effect symbol, for example, the change display of the right effect symbol is stopped. At this point, the effect symbol representing the number “6” is stopped at the lower right position, and the effect symbol representing the number “7” is stopped at the upper right position of the screen. On the diagonal line (on two diagonal lines), two types of reach states of the numbers “6” — “being changed” — “6” and “7” — “being changed” — “7” have occurred. On the screen, an image that emphasizes two diagonal lines that are in a reach state on a diagonal line is displayed together. In addition, an effect of outputting a voice such as “Reach!” Is performed. Furthermore, in this example, since there are two candidates of numbers “6” and “7” for the medium effect design (so-called double reach and double template), it is a highly anticipated reach state.

  After the reach state occurs, the reach production at the time of winning is executed (however, at this point in time, the winning result has not yet been expressed). In the reach production, only the production symbols corresponding to the tempered numbers (here, “6” and “7”) are displayed on the screen, and the others are not displayed. At this time, the effect symbols may be displayed in a reduced state at the four corners of the screen.

[Preliminary notice after reach occurs (first time)]
FIG. 32 (F): After a reach state has occurred, for a while, for example, an image representing a “heart” figure forms a group, and a post-reach notice effect (first time) is performed that passes diagonally on the screen. . In this case, the image of the “heart group” is suddenly displayed on the screen so that the visual appeal to the player can be enhanced. By executing such a notice presentation effect after the visually lively reach notice occurrence, an effect of giving the player a greater expectation can be obtained.

[Progress of reach production]
In FIG. 32 (G): Following the announcement effect after the first reach, for example, images representing the numbers “2” to “8” are displayed in a three-dimensional column on the screen. There is an effect in which numerical images are erased from the screen in the order of “2”, “3”, “4”. Such an effect is also intended to suggest (imply) or remind the player that the number “6” or “7” is a “hit” if it remains unerased to the end. Done in If the number “5” is erased and “6” remains in front of the screen, it is “big hit”, and even if the number “6” is erased and “7” remains in front of the screen, it is “big hit”. However, if the number “7” is also erased, it means “out of place”. In this case, for example, the number “8” is displayed on the screen after the number “7” is deleted. Therefore, during this time, the numbers “2”, “3”, “4”... Are erased in order, and as the number “5” approaches, the player's tension and expectation. The feeling will also increase. After this, for example, if up to the number “4” is erased on the screen, the next time the number “5” is finally erased, the possibility of a “hit” will increase. A feeling increases at a stretch.

[Preliminary notice after the occurrence of reach (second time)]
In FIG. 32 (H): When the reach production is approaching the final stage, the character image is suddenly displayed on the screen as if it was split into a close-up, and the character emits some dialogue (or silently) (The content may be that of smiling). At this time, for example, the content of the reach effect is a development that “if the number“ 5 ”is erased, then the possibility of a big hit of“ 6 ”-“ 6 ”-“ 6 ”increases” ”. Therefore, by causing a character image to appear greatly at this timing, an effect of giving the player a sense of expectation that “may be a big hit” is obtained.

  As a reach production different from the above, for example, if “numbers“ 2 ”to“ 6 ”are erased and the number“ 7 ”is left unerased at the end,“ 7 ”-“ 7 ”- There is also a development that “7 will be a big hit”. When a character image appears at such a timing, an effect of making the player have a sense of expectation that “it may finally be a big hit” is obtained.

[Result display effect]
In FIG. 32 (I): The last medium effect symbol stops substantially in synchronization with the stop display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol. In this example, since the winning symbol internally corresponds to “6 round symbol”, the effect symbol representing the even number “6” on the effect is stopped and displayed at the center of the screen. In the present embodiment, since there is one type of winning symbol, the subsequent gaming state does not change depending on whether the effect symbol is odd or even.

  In FIG. 32 (J): Then, for example, the stop display effect is also displayed for the stop display effect as the effect symbol substantially in synchronization with the stop display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol. The effect design fixed stop display is performed, for example, in a state where the left, middle, and right effect symbols are restored to their initial sizes. By performing such a confirmation stop display, the player can be informed that the final winning has been confirmed on the stage. In this case, the fourth symbol Z is stopped and displayed in a mode (for example, a red display color) corresponding to “6 round big hit”.

  In addition, if the result of the internal lottery is non-winning, the first special symbol or the second special symbol is stopped and displayed as the off symbol, so that the staging display effect is also performed in a manner of deviation in the same manner. Execution means). In this case, by displaying numbers “5” and “8” other than “6” and “7” in the center of the screen, unfortunately, an effect is provided informing that the current change did not result in a big hit. Such an effect is executed as an “out of reach reach effect”.

[Special game production (directing during big roles)]
FIG. 33 to FIG. 35 are continuous diagrams partially showing an example of the effect of the big role effect executed during the 6-round big hit game.

[1 round]
In FIG. 33 (A): When the first round of the 6-round jackpot game is started, the big-game effect of the content corresponding to the progress of the game, “Big hit” is executed. Here, for example, character information corresponding to the number of rounds of “ROUND1” is displayed on the screen. In the lower right corner of the screen, an effect design (here, the number “6”) corresponding to the current winning design is displayed. Thus, by continuously displaying the winning symbol (so-called “remaining eye”) even during the big hit game, it is possible to continuously instruct the player of the information “successful winning with six effect symbols”. In the center of the display screen, a female character appearing during the big hit game is displayed in large size.

[2 rounds]
In FIG. 33 (B): Selection effects are executed from the second round to the fifth round of the 6-round jackpot game. Here, the “selective effect” means that, after the big hit game is finished, the high probability state and the time reduction state are shifted to the high probability time reduction state (fireworks mode), or the low probability state and the time reduction state are low. This is a game explanation effect that causes the player to select whether to shift to the probability time shortened state (chance mode). Explanation of how the game can be executed by this selection effect, so that it is possible to shift to the high probability time shortened state (fireworks mode) or to shift to the low probability time shortened state (chance mode) Since the game is played to the player, a game that is easier to understand can be provided.
Then, in the second round of the 6-round jackpot game, a female character that displays the line “If you make a right hand in the final round” is displayed.

[3 rounds]
In FIG. 33 (C): In the third round of the 6-round jackpot game, a female character uttering the line “I will enter the fireworks mode limited to 8 fluctuations!” Is displayed. Thus, if the player makes a right turn in the final round, the player can be instructed to shift to a high probability time shortened state (short ST state) limited to 8 variations.

[4 rounds]
In FIG. 34 (D): In the fourth round of the 6-round jackpot game, a female character uttering the line “Must be right-handed in the final round” is displayed.

[5 rounds]
In FIG. 34 (E): In the fifth round of the 6-round jackpot game, a female character uttering the line “I will enter the chance mode limited to 94 fluctuations!” Is displayed. Thus, if the player does not make a right turn in the final round, the player can be instructed to shift to a low probability time shortening state (long state short state) limited to 94 fluctuations.

[6 rounds (final round)]
In FIG. 34 (F): In the sixth round, which is the final round of the six-round jackpot game, three female characters are displayed side by side, and an effect of giving a dialogue such as “Select Time!” Is executed together. . Further, the background image at this time expresses that lightning or explosion has occurred, and it is possible to urge the player to select game contents more strongly. Then, the player determines whether or not to make a right strike, and when making a right strike, the player rotates the grip unit 16 clockwise as much as possible to make a right strike.

[6 rounds (final round)]
In FIG. 35 (G): The sixth round, which is the final round of the six-round jackpot game, is continuously executed. Specifically, three female characters are displayed side by side, and an effect that produces a dialogue such as “Please select!”, Which is a word different from the content of the previous conversation, is executed.

[At the end of a major role (through the probability variation area)]
In FIG. 35 (H): When the player hits the right and causes the second variable winning device 31 to win a game ball, the game ball passes through the probability variation area. In this case, at the timing when the 6-round big hit game ends (during the end process), the big role end effect with the content that teaches the internal state to be transferred thereafter is executed. In this example, for example, character information “fireworks mode entry” and character information “eight times” are displayed on the screen. By executing such an end effect, the player can be instructed to shift to the fireworks mode that is in the “high probability state” and “time reduction state” as a privilege after the big hit game ends.

[At the end of a major role (non-probability area passing)]
In FIG. 35 (I): On the other hand, if the player does not make a right strike, the game ball will not win the second variable winning device 31, and therefore the game ball will not pass through the probability variation area. In this case, at the timing when the 6-round big hit game ends (during the end process), the big role end effect with the content that teaches the internal state to be transferred thereafter is executed. In this example, for example, character information “enter chance mode” and character information “94 times” are displayed on the screen. By executing such an end effect, the player can be instructed to shift to the chance mode of “low probability state” and “time reduction state” as a privilege after the big hit game ends.

[Example of fireworks mode]
FIG. 36 is a continuous diagram showing an example of an effect in the fireworks mode. This fireworks mode is a mode that is transitioned to when a right ball is executed in the final round of the 6 round big hit game and the game ball is passed to the probability variation area, and corresponds to the “high probability state” and the “time reduction state”. To do. Hereinafter, the flow of production will be described in order.

  36 (A): For example, by performing the first variation display after the end of the big hit game, the variation display of the effect symbol is performed in the “fireworks mode” state. The background image of the fireworks mode is a background image that expresses "a scene where fireworks are launched in the night sky" and "a female character watching fireworks" in order to deeply impress the player with the motif of fireworks It has become.

  In FIG. 36 (B): Since the first change (when not winning) after the end of the big hit game, all effect symbols are stopped and displayed ("3"-"1"-"7 ").

  In FIG. 36 (C): When the next fluctuation is started, the second fluctuation display is performed after the end of the big hit game. This “fireworks mode” is continued until the special symbol is displayed with eight fluctuations, and after the eight fluctuations, the mode is shifted to the normal mode. Since the fireworks mode is a mode limited to eight fluctuations, if the maximum number (8) of lottery elements has been stored during the execution of the big hit game, As long as this is not the case, the mode ends after the eight memories are digested.

  As for the jackpot effect in the fireworks mode, it may be a big hit through each reach effect described above, but a specific reach effect that is shorter than each reach effect described above (for example, a battle with a specific enemy character and its enemy If you win the character, you will be able to win a bonus.

[Example of chance mode production]
FIG. 37 is a continuous diagram showing an example of the chance mode effect. This chance mode is a mode that is transitioned to when the right ball is not executed in the final round of the 6 round jackpot game and the game ball is not passed to the probability variation area, and is “low probability state” and “time reduction state”. It corresponds to. Hereinafter, the flow of production will be described in order.

  In FIG. 37 (A): For example, by performing the first variation display after the end of the big hit game, the variation display of the effect symbols is performed in the “chance mode” state. The background image in the chance mode is a background image that uses images such as “sand beach”, “sea”, and “mountain” as motifs.

  In FIG. 37 (B): Since the first change (when not winning) after the end of the big hit game, all effect symbols are stopped and displayed ("4"-"8"-"1 ").

  In FIG. 37 (C): When the next variation is started, the second variation display is performed after the end of the big hit game. The chance mode is continued until the special symbol is displayed 94 times, and after 94 changes, the normal mode is entered. In addition, since the chance mode is a time reduction state, the variable start winning device 28 is frequently operated. For this reason, unless the launch of the game ball is stopped, the variation display of the effect symbol accompanying the variation display of the second special symbol is frequently performed.

[Suggested production]
FIG. 38 and FIG. 39 are continuous diagrams showing an example of the effect of the suggestion effect executed during the big hit game.
Here, the “suggesting effect” is a navigation effect using the prefetching effect, and in this embodiment, two types of suggesting effects are prepared.

  The first suggestion effect is a “high probability state transition suggestion effect”, which is won when the pre-determined result of pre-reading is transferred to the high probability state, but is not selected when the low probability state is transferred. If the result of the determination that the lottery element is present is an effect with content that suggests that the high-probability state (fireworks mode) should be shifted during the execution of the active role effect.

  The second suggestion effect is a “low probability state transition suggestion effect”, which is a lottery that is not won even if the pre-determined result of pre-reading is shifted to a high probability state and is not selected even if it is shifted to a low probability state. When the determination result indicates that the element is present, the content suggests that the transition to the low probability state (chance mode) should be performed during the execution of the active role effect.

  FIG. 38 shows an example of the performance when the “high probability state transition suggestion effect (effect suggesting a right-handed strike)” is executed, and FIG. 39 shows the “low probability state transition suggestion effect (implying a right-hand strike). An example of an effect in the case where “not effect” is executed is shown.

[High-probability state suggestion effect]
FIG. 38 (A): For example, in the fifth round of the 6-round jackpot game, a female character that emits the line “I will enter the chance mode limited to 94 fluctuations!” Is displayed. This production example is the same as the production example described above.

  FIG. 38 (B): In this case, there is a lottery element in the lottery element memory that is won when the state is shifted to a high probability state but is not selected when the state is shifted to a low probability state. Is assumed. In this case, since it is more advantageous for the player to perform a right strike and shift to the high probability state, the “high probability state shift suggestion effect” is executed during the execution of the big role effect. Specifically, an effect in which a panel on which a character “right-handed” is displayed is performed by a female character is executed.

  (C) in FIG. 38: Then, an effect is performed in which the female character displayed in the center of the screen turns over the front and back of the panel. Specifically, a panel on which “recommended” characters are displayed is displayed.

  This effect can remind the player that it may be advantageous to make a right hand in the final round, and protect the player's profit.

[Low-probability state suggestion production]
In FIG. 39 (A): For example, in the fifth round of the 6-round jackpot game, a female character uttering the line “I will enter the chance mode limited to 94 fluctuations!” Is displayed. This production example is also the same as the production example described above.

  39 (B): Here, there is a case where there are only lottery elements in the lottery element memory that will be non-winning even if the high probability state is transferred and that will be non-winning even if the low probability state is transferred. Suppose. In this case, even if the transition is made to the high probability state limited to 8 fluctuations, a big hit does not occur in the currently stored lottery element. It is more advantageous to shift to the low probability time shortened state without executing hitting. For this reason, in such a case, the “low probability state transition suggesting effect” is executed during the execution of the prominent effect. Specifically, an effect is produced in which a female character utters the line “Right-handed is ...”.

  In FIG. 39 (C): A female character displayed in the center of the screen crosses both arms on the head and performs an action that reminds of a “cross mark”, and “No! A production that produces the line “is executed.

  This effect can remind the player that it may be advantageous not to make a right turn in the final round, and protect the player's profit.

  In this way, by assisting the player's game with the “high probability state transition suggestion effect” and “low probability state transition suggestion effect”, it is possible to improve the range rate and the loop rate as a result. As a result, the range of production can be expanded.

  Next, an example of a control method for specifically realizing the above effects will be described. The above-described effects such as the variable display effect, the reach effect, the advance notice effect before the occurrence of the reach, the memory number display effect, the active role effect, the mode transition effect linked to this effect, the suggestion effect, etc. are all controlled through the following control processing. ing.

[Production control processing]
FIG. 40 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the effect control process executed by the effect control CPU 126. This effect control process is executed, for example, in a timer interrupt process (interrupt management process) separately from a reset start (main) process (not shown). The effect control CPU 126 generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined interrupt cycle (for example, a period of several tens of μs to several ms) during execution of the reset start process, and executes the timer interrupt process.

  The effect control process includes command reception process (step S400), working memory effect management process (step S401), effect symbol management process (step S402), display output process (step S404), lamp driving process (step S406), and acoustic driving. This includes a subroutine group of processing (step S408), effect random number update processing (step S410), and other processing (step S412). Hereinafter, the basic flow of the effect control process will be described along each process.

  Step S400: In the command receiving process, the effect control CPU 126 receives an effect command transmitted from the main control CPU 72. The effect control CPU 126 analyzes the received commands and stores them in the command buffer area of the RAM 130 according to type. The command for the effect transmitted from the main control CPU 72 includes, for example, a special figure destination determination effect command, a (special symbol) effect command when the operating memory number increases, a (special symbol) effect command when the operating memory number decreases, a start port Winning tone control command, demonstration effect command, lottery result command, variation pattern command, variation start command, stop symbol command, symbol stop command, state designation command, number of rounds command, error notification command, jackpot end effect command, variation pattern There are destination judgment commands and the like.

  Step S401: In the operation memory effect management process, the effect control CPU 126 controls the execution of the above-described stored number display effect and the pre-reading notice effect using the markers M1 and M2. The contents of the working memory effect management process will be further described later with reference to another drawing.

  Step S402: In the effect symbol management process, the effect control CPU 126 controls the contents of the variable display effect and the result display effect using the effect symbols, or when the first variable winning device 30 and the second variable winning device 31 are opened and closed. Control the contents of the production. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 selects effect patterns of various notice effects (notice effect before reach occurrence, effect after reach, etc.). The contents of the effect symbol management process will be further described later with reference to another drawing.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Working memory production management process]
FIG. 41 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the working memory effect management process. Hereinafter, the contents will be described along a procedure example.

  Step S700: First, the effect control CPU 126 confirms whether or not the effect command at the time of increasing the number of working memories has been received from the main control CPU 72. Specifically, the effect control CPU 126 accesses the command buffer area of the RAM 130, and confirms whether or not the effect command at the time when the number of working memories increases is stored. When it is confirmed that the effect command at the time of increasing the number of working memories is stored (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 executes step S702. If it is not possible to confirm that the effect command at the time of increasing the number of operating memories is stored (No), the effect control CPU 126 does not execute step S702.

  Step S702: The effect control CPU 126 executes an effect selection process when the number of working memories increases. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 selects an effect for displaying the markers M1 and M2 corresponding to the first special symbol and the second special symbol.

  Step S704: The effect control CPU 126 confirms whether or not the effect command at the time when the number of working memories decreases is received from the main control CPU 72. Specifically, the effect control CPU 126 accesses the command buffer area of the RAM 130 and confirms whether or not the effect command when the number of working memories is reduced is stored. When it is confirmed that the production command when the number of working memories decreases is saved (Yes), the production control CPU 126 executes step S706. When it is not possible to confirm that the effect command at the time of increasing the number of operating memories is stored (No), the effect control CPU 126 does not execute step S706.

Step S706: The effect control CPU 126 executes effect selection processing when the number of working memories decreases. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 selects an effect of sliding the markers M1 and M2 corresponding to the first special symbol and the second special symbol and an effect of deleting each marker from the pre-change display area X1.
When the above procedure is completed, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the effect control process (FIG. 40).

[Direction design management processing]
FIG. 42 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the effect symbol management process. The effect symbol management process includes an execution selection process (step S500), an effect symbol change pre-process (step S502), an effect symbol change process (step S504), an effect symbol stop display process (step S506), and a variable winning device operation. This is a configuration including a subroutine group of processing (step S508). Hereinafter, the basic flow of the effect symbol management process will be described along each process.

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

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

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

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

  Step S508: In the variable winning device operation process, the effect control CPU 126 controls the contents of the effect during the small hit or the big hit. In this processing, the effect control CPU 126 selects the contents of the prominent effect according to various conditions (for example, winning type). For example, in the case of 6 round big hits, the effect control CPU 126 selects a 6-round big role effect pattern as the effect contents to be displayed on the liquid crystal display 42, and instructs this to the effect display control device 144 (display control CPU 146). . As a result, the image of the big hit effect is displayed on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42, and the effect contents change as the round progresses. The specific processing content will be described later using another flowchart.

  Or when it corresponds to "small hit", production control CPU126 performs control which performs a mode change production, for example.

[Preliminary design change processing]
FIG. 43 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the above-described effect symbol variation pre-processing. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along the example of a procedure.

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

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

  When the above procedure is completed, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the last address of the effect symbol management process. Then, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the effect control process as it is, and controls the contents of the demonstration effect based on the demonstration effect pattern in the subsequent display output process (step S404 in FIG. 40) and lamp driving process (step S406 in FIG. 40). To do.

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

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

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

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

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

  The above procedure corresponds to the case of “small hit”, but when it corresponds to 6 rounds of big hit, the effect control CPU 126 confirms that it is “big hit” in step S606 (Yes). In this case, the effect control CPU 126 executes step S610.

  Step S610: The effect control CPU 126 executes a big hit hour fluctuation effect pattern selection process. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 determines the effect pattern number at that time based on the variation pattern command (for example, “E0H00H” to “F0H7FH”) received from the main control CPU 72. The type of effect symbol determined here constitutes the above “hit combination” (for example, “6”-“6”-“6”). Note that, in the big hit effect pattern selection process, the process may be further branched for each big hit stop symbol.

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

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

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

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

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

  When the above procedure is completed, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the effect symbol management process (end address). As a result, in the subsequent effect symbol variation processing (step S504 in FIG. 42), the variation display effect and the result display effect are executed based on the actually selected variation effect pattern (effect execution means), and various A notice effect is executed based on the notice effect pattern (effect execution means). In addition, various stay mode effects are executed based on the background (stay) mode pattern selected here (effect execution means).

[Processing when the variable winning device is activated]
FIG. 44 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the above-described process when the variable prize apparatus is activated. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along the example of a procedure.

  Step S800: First, the effect control CPU 126 confirms whether or not an effect execution condition for the suggestion effect is satisfied. In this embodiment, when all the conditions listed below are satisfied, it is determined that the performance execution condition for the suggestion effect is satisfied.

(1) Winning a lottery with production random numbers.
Even if the suggestion effect can be executed, the suggestion effect is not always executed, but only when the lottery with the effect random number is won (for example, when about 1/3 lottery is won). This is to execute the suggestion effect.

(2) The current state is after a specific round of jackpot game.
This is because when a lottery element is stored during the big hit game, the lottery element is also a target of the suggestion effect. For example, the specific round may be 5 rounds. The progress status of the big hit game can be confirmed by confirming the round number command.

(3) One or more lottery elements are stored.
This is because if no lottery element is stored, no prefetch target exists and no suggestion effect can be executed.

  If there is a condition that does not satisfy any one of the above three conditions (step S800: No), the effect control CPU 126 executes step S802. On the other hand, when all the above three conditions are satisfied (step S800: Yes), the effect control CPU 126 executes step S804.

  Step S802: The effect control CPU 126 executes an active role effect selection process (special game effect execution means, selection effect execution means). In this process, the effect control CPU 126 executes a selection process corresponding to the number of rounds. For example, when executing this step for the first time in the same round, the effect control CPU 126 executes a process of selecting an effect pattern of a big role effect or a selected effect corresponding to the currently executing round. On the other hand, when this step is executed for the second and subsequent times in the same round, the process of selecting the effect pattern of the active role effect to be executed in the same round has already been completed, so the effect control CPU 126 skips this process. (The same applies to the following selection process). Specifically, the effect control CPU 126 executes processing for selecting effects such as those shown in FIGS. 33, 34, and 35.

  Step S804: The effect control CPU 126 confirms whether or not a special deviation variation pattern exists in the lottery element storage. Specifically, the effect control CPU 126 can confirm whether or not a special deviation fluctuation pattern (variation pattern corresponding to a special deviation) exists by confirming the fluctuation pattern destination determination command.

  As a result, when it is confirmed that the special deviation fluctuation pattern exists in the lottery element memory (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 executes Step S806. On the other hand, when it is confirmed that the special deviation variation pattern does not exist in the lottery element memory (No), the effect control CPU 126 executes step S808.

  Step S806: The effect control CPU 126 executes a high-probability state transition suggestion effect selection process (suggest effect execution means). Specifically, the effect control CPU 126 executes processing for selecting effects such as (B) and (C) in FIG.

  Step S808: The effect control CPU 126 confirms whether or not the lottery element is stored only in the deviation variation pattern. Specifically, the effect control CPU 126 can confirm whether or not all of the lottery elements are stored in the variation pattern by confirming the variation pattern destination determination command.

  As a result, when it is confirmed that the lottery element is stored only in the deviation variation pattern (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 executes step S810. On the other hand, when it is confirmed that the lottery element is not stored in the memorized variation pattern (No), the effect control CPU 126 returns to the effect symbol management process (FIG. 42).

  Step S810: The effect control CPU 126 executes a low-probability state transition suggestion effect selection process (suggest effect execution means). Specifically, the effect control CPU 126 executes processing for selecting effects such as (B) and (C) in FIG.

Here, for example, various image data used for the big role production and various suggestion productions are stored in advance in the image ROM 154 of the production display control device 144 (VDP 152), and the production control CPU 126 performs various types based on the progress of the big hit game. Various effects can be executed by appropriately reading out the image data.
When the above process is completed, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the effect symbol management process (FIG. 42).

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the player operates the grip unit 16 to determine whether or not to make a right turn, the player shifts to a high probability time shortening state (8-variation limited short ST). Or a transition to a low probability time shortening state (long time limitation with 94 fluctuations limited), it is possible to provide a novel selection method when allowing the player to select game contents.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be implemented with various modifications. The aspect of the effect mentioned in one embodiment is an example, and is not limited to the aspect of the effect described above.

  The images given in other production examples are merely examples, and these can be appropriately modified. Further, the structure, board configuration, specific set values, etc. of the pachinko machine 1 are preferable examples including those shown in the figure, and it goes without saying that these can be appropriately modified.

  In the embodiment described above, the event generating means that can alternately generate the first event and the second event has been described in the example of the sorting device 200. However, the left start winning port 28a and the right start winning port 26 are simply left and right. You may employ | adopt the structure arrange | positioned along with. Even with such a structure, the first event and the second event can be generated alternately. The gaming machine may be a gaming machine that does not include the sorting device 200.

  In the embodiment described above, an example has been described in which a transition is made to a high probability state when passing through a specific region, and a transition to a low probability state is made when not passing through the specific region. In this case, the state may be shifted to the low probability state, and may be shifted to the high probability state when the specific region is not passed.

  In the embodiment described above, the probability variation area as the specific area has been described as an example of being arranged inside the second variable winning device 31, but a simple gate is not inside the second variable winning device 31 but inside the game area 8a. It may be arranged as a (probability change gate). In this way, only one special electric accessory is required (for example, only the first variable winning device 30). In addition, since it is not necessary to drive a game ball into the second variable prize-winning device 31, the profit given to the player during the big hit game is the same in the case of shifting to the high probability state and the case of shifting to the low probability state. It can be. However, in this case, since the game ball can pass through the probability variation area other than during the execution of the special game, it is necessary to invalidate the specific area except during the execution of the special game.

  In the above-described embodiment, the suggestion effect has been described using an example in which a large part of the screen is used during the main character effect. However, the suggestion effect may be performed using a memory marker. In this case, it is necessary to continue to display the memory marker even during the role-playing effect. For example, by changing the display color of the memory marker or displaying character information such as “right” inside the memory marker, You may decide to suggest a right strike.

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

Claims (8)

When the lottery trigger occurs during the game, an internal lottery execution means for executing an internal lottery,
When the internal lottery is executed, the symbol display means for stopping and displaying the symbol in a mode representing the result of the internal lottery after the symbol is variably displayed over a predetermined fluctuation time triggered by this,
A ball launching means for driving a game ball toward the first game area or the second game area formed on the game board surface;
A closed state in which at least a game ball flowing down the first game area is placed at a position where it can enter, and a special prize event corresponding to a special prize cannot be generated while a prescribed condition is not satisfied during the game. On the other hand, when the prescribed condition is satisfied, the special prize event generating means for shifting from the closed state to the open state where the generation of the special prize event is impossible.
While the game ball flowing down the first game area is difficult to pass and the game ball flowing down the second game area is placed at a position where it can enter, and the prescribed condition is not satisfied during the game A second game area that maintains a closed state in which the occurrence of the special prize-winning event is disabled while transitioning from the closed state to an open state in which the occurrence of the special prize-winning event is not possible when the prescribed condition is satisfied Special prize event generation means,
As one of the cases where the prescribed condition is satisfied, when the result of the internal lottery corresponds to winning and the symbol is stopped and displayed in a predetermined winning manner by the symbol display means, the occurrence of the special winning event is generated. The special prize event generating means or the second game area special prize event generating means is shifted from the closed state to the open state for a predetermined time that is easy, or a predetermined number of the special prize events are received within the predetermined time. the special pay by performing over a defined number of times opening operation to return to the closed position by the special pay event generating means or the second game region special pay event generating means is shifted from the closed state to the open state until the occurrence Special game execution means for executing a special game using both the event generation means and the second game area special prize event generation means ;
The second game area special prize event generating means is provided in the second game area special prize event generating means, and when the second game area special prize event generating means is in the closed state, the game ball is an area through which the second game area special prize event generating means cannot pass. When the winning event generating means is in the open state, a specific area that is an area through which a game ball can pass ,
Detecting means for detecting that a game ball has passed through the specific area;
During the execution of the special game by the special game execution means, when the passage of the game ball is detected by the detection means based on the operation mode of the ball launching means, after the special game by the special game execution means, until after special game variations count corresponding to the number of variations Display of the symbol reaches a first specific number, low probability of at least winning a normal probability is obtained when the internal lottery carried out by the internal lottery execution means Compared to this non-time shortened state from the non-time shortened state where the lottery trigger occurs at least at a normal frequency, while shifting from the state to a high probability state where winning is obtained with a high probability compared to the low probability state A high probability time shortening state transition means for transitioning to a time shortening state in which the occurrence of the lottery opportunity is possible at a high frequency,
During the execution of the special game by the special game execution means, when the passage of the game ball is not detected by the detection means based on the operation mode of the ball launching means, after the special game is completed by the special game execution means The low probability of maintaining the low probability state and shifting from the non-time shortened state to the time shortened state until the number of times of variation after the special game reaches a second specific number of times greater than the first specific number of times A gaming machine comprising a time reduction state transition means. In the gaming machine according to claim 1 ,
The special game execution means includes
The special game is executed using the special winning event generating means until the opening operation reaches the specified number of times, and when the opening operation reaches the specified number of times, the second game area special winning event occurs. A gaming machine characterized in that the special game is executed using means. In the gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2 ,
First prize privilege granting means for granting a first prize privilege to a player for the occurrence of a prize in the special prize event generating means;
And a second prize bonus granting unit for granting a player a second prize bonus that is less profitable than the first prize bonus in response to the occurrence of a prize in the second game area special prize event generating means. A gaming machine characterized by In the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3 ,
The special game execution means includes
When performing the opening operation using the second game area special winning event generating means, the predetermined number of times that the special winning event occurs is defined as a predetermined minimum number of times. Gaming machine. In the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4 ,
In the special game executed by the special game executing means, special game effect executing means for executing a special game effect corresponding to the special game;
During execution of the special game effect by the special game effect execution means, the ball launching means is operated to drive a game ball into either the first game area or the second game area, thereby entering the specific area. Transition to the high probability time shortened state, which is the high probability state and the time shortened state, with or without passing the game ball, or to the low probability time shortened state which is the low probability state and the time shortened state. A gaming machine further comprising selection effect execution means for executing a selection effect of contents for causing a player to select whether to shift. The gaming machine according to claim 5 ,
When the lottery opportunity occurs during the game, lottery element acquisition means for acquiring a lottery element for use in the internal lottery by the internal lottery execution means;
When the lottery trigger occurs before the start condition that allows the symbol display to be started by the symbol display means is satisfied, the lottery elements acquired by the lottery element acquisition means are acquired up to a predetermined upper limit number. Lottery element storage means for sequentially storing;
When the lottery element is newly stored by the lottery element storage unit, at least the result of the internal lottery using the new lottery element before the new lottery element is consumed by the internal lottery execution unit Destination determination means for determining in advance,
When a predetermined performance execution condition is satisfied, the winning determination is made when the previous determination result by the destination determination unit is shifted to the high probability state, but the winning is not performed when the state is shifted to the low probability state. While it is a determination result that there is a lottery element, while executing the high probability state transition suggestion effect of the content suggesting that it should be shifted to the high probability state during execution of the special game effect When the prior determination result by the destination determination means is a determination result that there is a lottery element that is non-winning even if the high-probability state is transferred and is non-winning even if the low-probability state is transferred The game machine further comprises suggestion effect execution means for executing a low-probability state transition suggestion effect with a content suggesting that the special game effect should be shifted to the low-probability state during execution of the special game effect. . In the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6 ,
The internal lottery execution means
When the first event or the second event that triggers the lottery during a game occurs, the internal lottery is executed.
An gaming machine, further comprising event generating means capable of alternately generating the first event and the second event regardless of the gaming state.   In the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
  About the result at the time of winning obtained by the internal lottery, winning type defining means for prescribing at least one winning type;
  When a winning result is obtained in the internal lottery, the winning type determining means for determining which of the winning types defined by the winning type defining means,
  The winning type defining means is:
  As the winning type, the second game area special winning event generating means is shifted from the closed state to the open state for a predetermined time during which the special winning event is easily generated during the special game, or the predetermined time The winning type in which the second game area special prize event generating means is moved from the closed state to the open state and returned to the closed state at least once until the predetermined number of the special prize events occur A gaming machine characterized by only specifying.