JP5959219B2 - 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, a prior art of a gaming machine 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 this prior art, a combination is prepared step by step in which the number of rounds executed in the big hit game and the number of short hours transferred after the big hit game are in an inversely proportional relationship. The player can select 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 above prior art, the player can select a combination that matches his / her preference according to the situation, and can determine the game content by his / her own intention. Can be spread.

JP 2002-119701 A

  The above-described prior art not only simply executes the jackpot game decided each time, but also allows the player himself to select the contents of the jackpot game (number of rounds) and the game state (number of times reduced) transferred to the subsequent game. Therefore, there is an advantage in expanding the range of game playability.

  However, the prior art technique is to select one from a combination in which the relationship between the number of rounds and the number of time reductions is inversely proportional. As a result, even if any combination is selected, the player can receive it. It is easy to understand intuitively that profits and expectations are not so different.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique that can give a player options of different expectation levels intuitively.

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, when a lottery opportunity occurs during a game, 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 the internal lottery is executed by the lottery execution means, after the symbols (including symbols visually recognized, for example) are variably displayed over a predetermined fluctuation time, the symbols are stopped in a manner representing the result of the internal lottery. When a symbol is displayed in a manner indicating the winning result by the symbol display means as a result of winning the winning by the internal lottery by the symbol display means to be displayed and the lottery executing means, normal conditions (for example, internal lottery) And special conditions (for example, the condition that the internal winning lottery and special symbols are not changed and the variable winning device is activated) are applied. Special game executing means for executing a special game, and when a winning is obtained in the internal lottery performed by the lottery executing means in a low probability state where the winning in the internal lottery is obtained with a normal probability, Each time after completion, a transition is made to a high probability state in which the winning in the internal lottery is obtained with a high probability compared to the low probability state, and the winning is obtained in the internal lottery performed in the high probability state after the next time The lottery is performed in a state where the number of times of continuous transition to the high probability state has reached the upper limit number of times while the transition to the high probability state is continued after the end of the special game continuously up to a preset upper limit number of times. When winning is obtained in the internal lottery performed by the execution means, a probability state determining means for returning to the low probability state after the special game is finished, and the special game by the special game execution means A selection event generating means for generating a predetermined selection event due to an operation performed by the player during the game, and each time the winning is obtained in the internal lottery performed in the high probability state, the special game Even if the number of times of transition to the high probability state by the probability state determination means after the end has not yet reached the upper limit number of times, the selection event has occurred during the execution of the special game The low probability state selection return means for returning to the low probability state after completion of the special game due to the occurrence of the selection event, and the lottery execution means at least during the transition to the high probability state. If a winning is obtained in the internal lottery, the winning type determining means for determining whether the winning corresponds to at least the first winning type or the second winning type; When the number of times of subsequent transitions reaches the upper limit number, the probability state determining means returns to the low probability state after the end of the special game, or continuously transitions to the high probability state. Whether the selection event is generated during the execution of the special game before the number of times reaches the upper limit number, so that the low probability state selection return means returns to the low probability state after the special game ends. In any of the cases, if the winning in the internal lottery that triggered the special game is determined to fall under the first winning type by the winning type determining means, at a normal frequency after the end of the special game While shifting from the non-time shortening state in which the occurrence of the lottery opportunity is possible to the time shortening state in which the occurrence of the lottery opportunity is possible compared with the non-time shortening state, If the winning in the internal lottery that triggered the special game is determined to fall under the second winning type by the winning type determining means, without shifting to the time reduction state after the end of the special game The time reduction state determination means for maintaining the non-time reduction state, and the high probability state by the probability state determination means after completion of the special game every time winning is obtained in the internal lottery performed in the high probability state. For winning in the internal lottery obtained while the number of times of continuous transition has not yet reached the upper limit number of times, when it is determined by the winning type determining means that it corresponds to the first winning type, Selection guidance effect execution means for executing a selection guidance effect in a mode of guiding a player whether or not to generate the selection event during execution of the special game.

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 occurs at the upper start winning opening, a winning occurs at the lower 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 upper start prize opening or the lower start prize opening which 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) When a winning result is obtained in the internal lottery and the symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner representing the winning result, a special game is executed. Conditions that are advantageous to the player are applied during the special game, and the player is given an opportunity to enjoy profits through the special game.

(4) When the internal lottery is won from the low probability state, after the special game is over, the state is continuously shifted to the high probability state up to the upper limit number of times. When shifting to the high probability state, the probability of winning in the internal lottery is set higher than that in the low probability state, and the next winning is likely to be obtained relatively early (with a smaller number of lotteries). However, the maximum number of times that can be transferred to the high-probability state is limited to the maximum number of times. It becomes a low probability state.

(5) Here, in the present invention, a selection event can be generated due to a player's operation during a special game.
(6) Even if the number of times of continuous transition to the high probability state has not yet reached the upper limit number of times (even before the arrival), the selected event is caused by the player's operation during the special game. When this occurs, the low probability state is entered without transitioning to the high probability state after the end of the special game due to the occurrence of the selected event.

(7) On the other hand, while shifting to the high probability state, it is determined whether the winning of the obtained internal lottery corresponds to the first winning type or the second winning type. The winning type determined here changes the gaming state after the big hit game as follows.

(8) That is, the number of times of continuous transition to the high probability state so far has reached the upper limit number, so that after the end of the special game, the state becomes the low probability state without shifting to the high probability state, or the upper limit number of times Even if not reached, a case is assumed in which a low-probability state occurs after the end of the special game due to the occurrence of a selection event during the special game. In any case, if the first winning type is determined for the winning obtained by the internal lottery, it will be in “time reduction state” after the end of the special game, but if the second winning type is determined “Non-time reduction state”.

(9) Therefore, in the present invention, when the first winning type is determined for the winning obtained by the internal lottery before the number of times of continuous transition to the high probability state reaches the upper limit number, during the special game An effect (selection guidance effect) for guiding selection of whether or not to generate a selection event is executed.

  As a result, "If a selection event occurs here, the next high probability state will disappear and the right of special games will be discarded, but instead the transition to the" time reduction state "is guaranteed, so there will be another It is possible to realize the gameability that “a challenge whether or not to expect an internal lottery can be made” is possible.

  And, if the selection event is actually generated by the player's own intention, if the winning of the internal lottery can be obtained in the “time reduction state” that shifts after the end of the special game, a new high probability state will continue from there. Thus, the upper limit number of times of migration is resumed. Therefore, if you make a bold choice such as "Generate a selection event when the upper limit is not reached", you can expect to be able to expect more rewards by betting your special gaming rights. Can be realized. Thereby, it is possible to intuitively give the player options with different degrees of expectation, and it is possible to provide a preference that makes the player feel excited according to his / her selection.

If the player does not select “Generate a selection event when the maximum number of times has not been reached”, “Use the maximum amount of special game rights that the player has until the maximum number of times is reached (take out profit). Is obtained. In this case, the high probability state is surely ended after the end of the special game that has reached the upper limit number. However, even in this case, if the first winning type is determined for the winning obtained by the internal lottery, the player is given an opportunity to shift to the “time saving state” after the end of the special game. Not selecting “Generate a selection event when the selection guidance effect is executed” also corresponds to one bet. In this way, in any case, it is possible to provide a preference that the player is excited in accordance with his / her selection, and it is possible to widen the room for selection by the player.
According to the gaming machine of the present invention, it is possible to give the player options with different expectation levels intuitively, and to give a new taste through results obtained according to the selection.

  Solving means 2: In solving means 1, when the selection guidance effect executing means selects to generate the selection event, the selection guidance effect executing means guides the transition to the time reduction state after completion of the special game. It is preferable to execute the selection guidance effect according to an aspect.

  According to this solving means, it is possible to convey the gameability obtained by whether or not the above-mentioned selection “generate a selection event” is made to the player in an easy-to-understand manner. The solution 1 does not mention executing the selection guidance effect in the form of “guidance to shift to the time reduction state after the end of the special game”, but in the gaming machine of the present invention, “ The condition for “execution of selection guidance effect” is “transition to time reduction state when transitioning to a low probability state after the end of a special game due to the occurrence of a selection event”. For this reason, it is possible to select whether or not to generate a selection event even if the selection guidance effect is not executed in the mode of “Guiding the transition to the time saving state after the end of the special game” in Solution 1 in particular. The game nature intended by the present invention can be sufficiently realized only by guiding the player.

  Solving means 3: In the solving means 1 and 2, the probability state determining means sets the upper limit number to at least 3 times, and the selection guidance effect executing means is the internal state performed in the high probability state. Each time the winning is obtained by lottery, the number of times that the special state was continuously transferred to the high probability state after the end of the special game was obtained in a state where the number of times reached one less than the upper limit number. When the winning in the internal lottery is determined by the winning type determining means to correspond to the first winning type, the selection guidance effect can be executed.

  According to this solution, for example, if the upper limit is set to 3 times in advance, including the special game by the first time winning, the game moves to the high probability state continuously up to 3 times, and the total is special up to 4 times continuously. A game can be executed. In addition, if the first winning type is determined in a situation where the number of times of continuous transition to the high probability state after the end of the first special game is one time before the upper limit number (1 time remaining), select Through the guidance effect, it is possible to convey to the player in an easy-to-understand manner that “it is possible to select whether or not to wager the special game for the remaining one time”.

  Solving means 4: In the solving means 1 to 3, the gaming machine of the present invention is a game ball toward one of the first game area and the second game area formed on the game board surface in response to an operation by the player. The selection event generating means includes a non-probability changing region provided at a position where a game ball driven toward the second game region can be passed by the ball emitting unit, and the non-probability changing region. A non-probability change area switch for detecting that a game ball has passed through the probability change area, and the low probability state selection return means is configured to allow the game ball to pass through the non-probability change area by the non-probability change area switch during execution of the special game. When it is detected that the game has passed, it is possible to return to the low probability state after the end of the special game, assuming that the selection event has occurred.

According to this solution, the following playability is added.
[1] A first game area and a second game area are formed on the game board surface, and a player either drives a game ball toward the first game area or moves toward the second game area according to his / her own operation. You can select whether to play a game ball. 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.

[2] The non-probability change region that generates the selection event can pass a game ball that is driven toward the second game region, so when the player attempts to generate the selection event, the player The selection of driving a game ball toward the second game area by the operation is performed.

[3] A non-probability change area switch is provided for the non-probability change area. When the non-probability change area switch detects that a game ball has passed through the non-probability change area during a special game, a selection event occurs. It will be.

  As described above, according to the present solution, a selection event can be generated by performing a launch operation of driving a game ball toward the second game area during execution of the special game. For this reason, it is a game whether to make a bet to return to a low-probability state without going to a high-probability state or to make a continuous transition to a high-probability state until the upper limit is reached without taking such a bet. A person can actively select through a launch operation.

  Solving means 5: In the solving means 1 to 4, the gaming machine according to the present invention, when the lottery opportunity occurs during the game, lottery element acquisition means for acquiring the lottery element used for the internal lottery by the lottery execution means; When the lottery trigger occurs before the starting condition that allows the symbol display to start the variable display of the symbol is satisfied, the lottery elements acquired by the lottery element acquisition unit are acquired in the order in which they are acquired up to a predetermined upper limit number. When the lottery element storage means for storing and the lottery element is newly stored by the lottery element storage means, the new lottery element is displayed before the new lottery element is consumed by the internal lottery execution means. Using at least a destination determination means for determining in advance the result of the internal lottery, and the number of times of continuous transition to the high probability state by the probability state determination means There is a lottery element that is won in the internal lottery executed by the lottery executing unit in the low probability state by the first determination unit during execution of the special game while the upper limit number has not yet been reached. And a non-probable change selection suggestion effect execution means for executing a non-probable change selection suggestion effect of contents suggesting that the selection event should be generated during the execution of the special game. Prepare.

For example, the following features are added to this solution.
(1) When a lottery opportunity occurs during a game (a winning at the upper start winning opening, a winning at the lower starting winning opening), a lottery element for use in 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 lottery elements acquired by the above 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) At this time, during the execution of the special game while the number of times of continuous transition to the high probability state as described above has not yet reached the upper limit number of times, the low probability by the prior determination according to (3) above If it is determined that there is a lottery element to win even after entering the state, the content of the content suggests that a selection event should occur during the execution of the special game A selection 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, if the number of times of continuous transition to the high probability state is before the upper limit number is reached, by generating a selection event due to the player's own operation during the special game, after the end of the special game The player can select to move to the low probability state without moving to the high probability state.

  In this case, if the lottery element determined in advance is a lottery element that is won even if it is in a low probability state, even if the player dares to shift to the low probability state, after the special game ends Since it is determined that the special game will be executed immediately after winning again, there is no particular problem even if it is not shifted to the high probability state. In addition, if a selection event is generated and the low probability state is restored while the upper limit number has not yet been reached, the upper limit number is set again from there, so it continues until the upper limit number is reached again. The right to win is guaranteed. This will contribute to the improvement of the profits of the player by realizing the gameability of adding the profits of the special games that can be continuously acquired after re-partitioning to the profits of the special games that have been acquired continuously. be able to.

According to the gaming machine of the present invention, it is possible to have a new shelf taste.

It is a front view of a pachinko machine. It is a rear view of a pachinko machine. It is a front view which expands and shows a part of game board. It is a block diagram which shows the various electronic devices with which the pachinko machine was equipped. It is a flowchart (1/2) which shows the example of a procedure of a reset start process. It is a flowchart (2/2) which shows the example of a procedure of a reset start process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a power-off occurrence check process concretely. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of an interruption management process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a switch input event process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the process at the time of non-probability change area | region passage. 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 structural example of the big hit stop symbol selection table of each of the 1st special symbol and the 2nd special symbol. It is a figure which shows an example of the fluctuation pattern selection table at the time of a 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 flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the game state management process after a big hit. It is a figure which shows the example of a short time set after the first big hit. It is a figure which shows the example of short number of times setting after the big hit when the limiter has not reached after the second big hit. It is a figure which shows the example of a short number of times after a big hit when the limiter reaches the fourth consecutive big hit including the first time. It is a figure explaining the game flow developed in a pachinko machine. 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 continuous figure which shows the flow of the reach production performed at the time of the big hit of "11 rounds probable change ball A". It is a continuation figure which shows partially the example of the production of the big role production performed during the first (first time) eleven-round game with a big hit game. It is a continuation figure which shows partially the example of the production of the big role production performed during the big hit with 11 rounds of the third big hit. It is a continuation diagram partially showing an example of the production of the big role production executed during the big hit with the 11th round of the big hit and the 11th round (2/3). . It is a continuation figure which shows partially the example of the production of the big role production performed during the big hit with 11 rounds of the third big hit (3/3). It is a continuation figure which shows partially the example of the production of the big role production performed during the big hit game with 11 rounds at the time of reaching the limiter (fourth time of big hit). It is a continuation figure which shows the example of an effect of fireworks mode. It is a continuation figure showing the example of a night mode production. It is the figure explaining the game nature on the game flow implement | achieved through selection guidance production | presentation. It is the figure explaining the game nature on the game flow implement | achieved through selection guidance production | presentation. It is a continuation figure showing the example of the non-probability change selection suggestion effect performed during a 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, when using the pachinko machine 1 as a cash machine, the lending operation unit 14 is not mounted.

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

  A grip unit 16 is installed at the lower right portion of the tray unit 6. The player operates the grip unit 16 to operate the launch control board set 174 and can launch (shoot) a game ball toward the game area 8a (ball launcher). The launched game ball rises along the left 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, a starting gate 20, normal winning ports 22, 24, an upper starting winning port 26, a variable starting winning device 28, a variable winning device 30, a non-probability changing selection gate 31, and the like are installed. The game balls thrown into the game area 8a randomly pass through the start gate 20 and the non-probability change selection gate 31 in the process of flowing down, or the normal start ports 22 and 24 and the upper start winning port 26 are operated. Or wins (wins) the variable start winning device 28 at the time. The game balls that have passed through the start gate 20 or the non-probability change selection gate 31 continue to flow down in the game area 8a, but the winning game balls are collected to the back side of the game board 8 through through holes formed in the game board.

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

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

[Non-Probability Range]
The non-probability variation selection gate 31 described above is provided with a non-probability variation region (no reference sign). The non-probable variation area is, for example, if a game ball is passed during a big hit game, and the winning symbol (winning symbol) that triggered the big hit is the one that activates the probability variation function (so-called probable variation). After the jackpot game is over, the probability variation function is deactivated and a low probability state is established. On the other hand, in the non-probable variation area, if the winning symbol that triggered the big hit is one that activates the probability variation function (probability varying symbol), the probability change after the big hit game ends by not allowing the game ball to pass during the big hit game The function is activated and a high probability state is obtained. Therefore, in other words, the non-probability change selection gate 31 having such a non-probability change region corresponds to a structure for determining whether or not to enter a high probability state after the big hit game ends. Note that the playability using the non-probability change selection gate 31 in this embodiment will be described in more detail later.

  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 8 a including the game balls won in the upper start winning opening 26, the variable start winning device 28, and the variable winning device 30 are collected to the back side of the game 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).

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

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

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

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

  The game state display device 38 includes, for example, three LEDs corresponding to a jackpot type display lamp 38a, a probability variation state display lamp 38c, and a short time state display lamp 38d, respectively. The jackpot type display lamp 38b is unused (blank). However, when a jackpot having a number other than 11 rounds (for example, a jackpot of 2 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 described above. The operation memory lamp 35a and the game status display device 38 are attached to the game board 8 in a state where they are mounted on one integrated display board 89.

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

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

  In the present embodiment, the game area 8a is largely divided into a left part (first game area) and a right part (second game area) by the effect unit 40. Due to the structure of the game area 8a, the game ball is allowed to pass through the start gate 20 described above, and the game ball is won in the upper start winning opening 26, the lower starting winning opening 28a, the normal winning openings 22 and 24 in the lower left position, and the like. To make it happen, it is necessary to drive a game ball into the left part of the game area 8a (so-called “left-handed”). On the other hand, in order to pass the game ball through the non-probability change selection gate 31 described above, it is necessary to drive the game ball into the right portion of the game area 8a (so-called “right-stroke”).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  The start gate 20 described above is integrally provided with a gate switch 78 for detecting the passage of a game ball. The game board 8 includes an upper start winning port switch 80, a lower start winning port switch 82, a count switch 84, and a non-probability changing area switch corresponding to the upper start winning port 26, the variable start winning device 28, and the variable winning device 30, respectively. 95 is equipped. Each start winning port switch 80, 82 is for detecting the winning of a game ball to the upper start winning port 26 and the variable start winning device 28 (lower start winning port 28a). The count switch 84 is for detecting the winning of a game ball to the variable winning device 30 (large winning opening) and counting the number. Further, the non-probability changing area switch 95 is for detecting that the game ball has passed through the non-probability changing area provided in the non-probability changing selection gate 31 (selection event generating 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, 95 are input to the main control CPU 72 via an input / output driver (not shown). In the configuration of the game board 8, in this embodiment, winning detection signals from the gate switch 78, the count switch 84, the winning opening switch 86, and the non-probability changing area switch 95 are transmitted via the panel relay terminal board 87, and the panel The relay terminal plate 87 is provided with a wiring pattern, a connection terminal, and the like 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  The liquid crystal display 42 is installed on the back side of the game board 8 and the display screen through the substantially rectangular opening formed in the game board 8 is visible. Further, an inverter board 158 is installed on the back side of the game board 8, and the inverter board 158 generates an AC power source that is applied to 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. Further, as described above, the power supply control unit 164 is grounded (grounded) to the island facility through the ground wire 166.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Step S111: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes an effect control return process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 instructs the effect control device 124 to return a command (for example, a model designation command, a special symbol probability state designation command, a special 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. 6 (connection symbol A → A).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Step S204: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes switch input event processing. In this process, among the switch signals input in the previous input process, during the game based on the winning detection signals from the gate switch 78, the upper start winning opening switch 80, the lower starting winning opening switch 82, and the non-probability changing area switch 95. An event that has occurred is determined, and further processing is executed according to the event that has occurred (selected event generation means). The specific contents of the switch input event process will be described later with reference to another flowchart.

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

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

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

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

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

  In the present embodiment, among various external information signals, for example, “big hit 1” to “big hit 5” are output to the outside as jackpot information, so that an external electronic device (data display device) connected to the pachinko machine 1 is output. Can provide various jackpot information (external information signal output means). In other words, the jackpot information is divided into a plurality of “big hit 1” to “big hit 5” and output, so that the type of jackpot (winning type) from these combinations can be tabulated and managed by a hall computer (not shown) or internal Recognize changes in the probability state (low probability state or high probability state) or shortened state of symbol variation time, or generate a small hit (a hit where the condition device does not work) that is not classified as a “big hit” even if it is not winning Can be aggregated and managed. Based on the jackpot information, for example, a data display device (not shown) counts and displays the number of jackpot occurrences within the past several business days for each pachinko machine 1, and recognizes whether or not each jackpot is currently 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). Further, the main control CPU 72 outputs the drive signals, test signals, and the like of the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 88 and the special prize opening solenoid 90 stored in the port output request buffer together.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Step S10: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not a winning detection signal is input from the upper start winning opening switch 80 corresponding to the first special symbol. 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 has been input from the lower start winning opening switch 82 corresponding to the second special symbol. When the input of the winning detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S16 and executes the second special symbol memory update process. Here again, the details of the specific processing will be further described later using another flowchart. On the other hand, if there is no input of a winning detection signal (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S18.

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

  Step S22: The main control CPU 72 checks whether or not a passage detection signal is input from the gate switch 78 corresponding to the normal symbol. When the input of the passage detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S24 and executes the normal symbol memory update process. In the normal symbol memory update process, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the current number of normal symbol working memories is less than the upper limit number (for example, 4), and if it does not reach the upper limit number, obtains a random number per normal symbol To do. Further, the main control CPU 72 increments the normal symbol operating memory number by one. Then, the main control CPU 72 stores the acquired random value per normal symbol in the random number storage area of the RAM 76. On the other hand, 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 checks whether or not a detection signal is input from the non-probability changing area switch 95 provided in the non-probability changing selection gate 31. When the input of this detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S28 and executes the process at the time of passing through the non-probability changing region. The contents of the process when passing through the non-probability changing region will be described later using another flowchart. 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).

[Processing when passing through non-probability variation area]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the process at the time of passing through the non-probability changing region (step S28 in FIG. 9). Hereinafter, the process at the time of passing through the non-probability variation region will be described in order.

  Step S28a: Here, first, the main control CPU 72 refers to the value of the probability variation function operating flag, and confirms whether or not the flag is ON (= 1). The value of the probability variation function operating flag is stored in the flag area of the RAM 76, for example, and a winning is obtained in the big hit lottery corresponding to either the first special symbol or the second special symbol, and the winning symbol at that time is It is ON (= 1) when it is determined that the probability variation function is activated (probability pattern). The probability variation function operating flag is reset at the end of the big hit game (end process). Therefore, if the probability variation function operating flag is ON (= 1), it is the time from winning in the probability variation symbol to the end of the big hit game.

  In any case, if the probability variation function operating flag is not actually ON (= 1) (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S28d.

  Step S28d: In this case, the main control CPU 72 cancels the switch input. Specifically, it is assumed that the detection signal from the non-probability changing area switch 95 is discarded (bit cancellation) and there is no switch input.

  On the other hand, if the probability variation function operating flag is actually ON (= 1) (step S28a: Yes), the main control CPU 72 then proceeds to step S28b.

  Step S28b: In this case, the main control CPU 72 confirms the current special game management status, and confirms whether or not the value indicates that the jackpot game is being played (whether the jackpot game is being played). If the big hit game is being played (Yes), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S28c. The special game management status will be further described later.

  Step S28c: Then, the main control CPU 72 sets the uncertain change selection flag to ON (= 1). The value of the non-probable change selection flag is also stored in the flag area of the RAM 76. Here, “1” is stored as the value of the non-probable change selection flag in the corresponding address. Note that the contents of the processing that affects when the uncertain change selection flag is set to ON will be described later.

  On the other hand, even if it is confirmed that the probability variation function operating flag is ON (= 1) (step S28b: Yes), the current special game management status indicates that the big hit game is being played. If not (step S28c: No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S28d and cancels the switch input.

  When either step S28c or step S28d is executed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the caller switch input event process.

[First special symbol memory update process]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the first special symbol memory update process (step S12 in FIG. 9). Hereinafter, the procedure of the first special symbol memory update process will be described in order.

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

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

  Step S32: The main control CPU 72 acquires the jackpot determination random number value corresponding to the first special symbol from the random number generator 75 through the sampling circuit 77 (lottery element acquisition means). The random value may be acquired by designating 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: Further, 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 random number values related to the variation condition of the first special symbol. 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 to the random number storage area corresponding to the first special symbol, and these random numbers in the empty section in the area To memorize as a set. The order (for example, first to fourth) is set in the plurality of sections. If all the first to fourth sections are empty at this stage, the random numbers are stored in order from the first section. Alternatively, if the first section is already filled and the other second to fourth sections are empty, the random numbers are stored in order from the second section. Note that the random number storage area is read out in a FIFO (First In First Out) format.

  Step 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 when the current game state (special game management status) 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. 9).

[Second special symbol memory update process]
Next, FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the second special symbol memory update process (step S16 in FIG. 9). Hereinafter, the procedure of the second special symbol memory update process will be described in order.

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

  Step S41: The main control CPU 72 increments the second special symbol working memory number by one (increments the value of the second special symbol working memory number counter). Similarly to the previous step S31 (FIG. 11), the lighting state of the second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a is controlled by the display output management process (step S210 in FIG. 8) based on the counter value added here. Will be.

  Step S <b> 42: 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. The method for acquiring the random value is the same as that in step S32 (FIG. 11) 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. 11) 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. 11) described above.

  Step S45: The main control CPU 72 transfers the saved jackpot determination random number, jackpot symbol random number, reach determination random number, reach mode random number and variation pattern determination random number to the random number storage area corresponding to the second special symbol, and these random numbers are stored in the area. It is memorized as a set in the empty section. The storage method is the same as step S35 (FIG. 11) 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 state (special game management status) is a big hit, this processing is executed in order to execute the pre-reading effect for the second special symbol. 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 effect 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 24 is performed (memory number notifying means). . When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the switch input event process (FIG. 9).

[Acquisition process during acquisition]
FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of the effect determination process at the time of acquisition. The main control CPU 72 executes this acquisition effect determination process in the first special symbol memory update process and the second special symbol memory update process (step S37 in FIG. 11 and step S46 in FIG. 12) (predetermined determination). Execution means). As described above, this process is executed for each of the first special symbol (when winning the upper start winning opening 26) and the second special symbol (when winning the variable start winning device 28). Therefore, the following description may correspond to a process related to the first special symbol and a process related to the second special symbol. Hereinafter, the contents of the processing will be described along each procedure.

  Step S50: 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. 11) or the second special symbol memory update process (step S45 in FIG. 12). .

  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 variation pattern information preliminary determination process at the time of loss. 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. The variation pattern destination determination command generated here reflects the variation time (or variation pattern number) and determination information regarding the presence or absence of reach variation. 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. 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. 11) or the second special symbol memory update process (FIG. 12). 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 the special symbol has not yet started to change, but the winning value is included in the jackpot determination random numbers stored so far. 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 in the memory is actually used and the internal lottery is executed, the 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 the internal lottery is executed using the big hit decision random number in the memory, the special game is not executed because the big hit 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 a high probability (probably changing), the value “01H” is set as the state flag, and if the current probability state is low (normally), 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 executes the above-described deviation pattern information prior determination process (step S80). 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.

  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. 11) or the second special symbol memory update process (step S45 in FIG. 12). 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. In addition, the type of winning symbol as the jackpot type in the present embodiment will be described later. In any case, 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. For example, “01H” is set as the special symbol destination determination value when it corresponds to the “no-shortening symbol” after the end of the current jackpot game, and “A0H” is set when it corresponds to the “with-shortening symbol”. The “design without time” and the “design with time” will be further described later. In any case, by setting the lower byte data here, 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 preliminary determination process. 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 subsequent steps are executed, and if it is a big hit decision random number that is not won when it is shifted to the low probability state but is won when it is shifted to the high probability state (Yes), step S80 Will be executed.

  When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the first special symbol memory update process (FIG. 11) or the second special symbol memory update process (FIG. 12).

[Special design game processing]
Next, the details of the special symbol game process executed in the interrupt management process (FIG. 8) will be described. FIG. 14 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 game management status). For example, if the special symbol has not yet started changing display (special game management status: 00H), the main control CPU 72 selects the special symbol change pre-processing (step S2000) as the next jump destination. On the other hand, if the special symbol change pre-processing has already been completed (special game management status: 01H), the main control CPU 72 selects the special symbol changing process (step S3000) as the next jump destination, and the special symbol changing process. Is completed (special game management status: 02H), the special symbol stop display in-progress process (step S4000) is selected as the next jump destination. When the special symbol stop display processing is completed, the special game management status is updated to “03H”, and the variable winning device management processing (step S5000) is selected at the time of winning (including the small win time). For the time being, the special game management status is updated to “04H”. As described above, in this embodiment, the jump destination address is specified by the “jump table” and the process is selected. However, in addition to such a selection method, the “process flag”, “process selection flag”, etc. There are also known programming examples that are used to select a process to be executed next by the CPU. 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, if the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a big hit state of “11 rounds with probable change ball”, an opportunity to shift from the normal state until then to the big hit gaming state (a special gaming state advantageous to the player) occurs. . During the big hit game, the jump destination is set in the variable winning device management process in the previous execution selection process (step S1000), and the special symbol variation display is not performed. In the variable winning device management process, the large winning opening solenoid 90 is excited for a predetermined time (for example, 29 seconds or until nine winnings are counted) for a predetermined number of continuous operations (for example, 11 times), and thereby variable. The winning device 30 is opened and closed in a predetermined pattern (continuous operation of the special electric accessory). In the meantime, by allowing the variable winning device 30 to win the game balls intensively, the player is given an opportunity to collect a lot of prize balls (special game execution means). However, if the stop symbol is a big hit with “11 rounds probable change-out ball”, there is an opportunity to shift from the normal state to the big hit gaming state. However, in the variable winning device management process, the big winning opening solenoid 90 is Excitation is performed over a short period of time (for example, 0.1 seconds) over the number of continuous operations (for example, 11 times), so that the variable winning device 30 opens and closes in a pattern that makes it difficult even if winning is impossible. Therefore, during this time, it is practically difficult to make the variable winning device 30 win the game ball, and the player can hardly acquire the winning ball, but the variable winning device 30 is opened and closed. A special game opportunity to which special conditions are applied is given (special game execution means). Note that the opening / closing operation of the variable winning device 30 at the time of a big hit is referred to as “round”, and if the total number of continuous operations is 11 times, these may be collectively referred to as “11 rounds”.

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

When the big hit game ends, the main control CPU 72 changes the state after the big hit game (high probability state, time shortened state) based on the game state flag (probability change function operation time flag, time reduction function operation time flag). Let In the “high probability state”, the probability variation function operates, and the winning probability in the internal lottery becomes higher than the normal low probability (probability state setting means, high probability state transition means). In the present embodiment, the winning probability in the “low probability state” is, for example, about 1/256, and the winning probability in the “high probability state” is, for example, about 1 / 49,999.
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, the winning types are “big hit A with 11-round probability change ball”, “large hit A without 11-round probability change ball”, “big hit B without 11-round probability change ball”, “big hit B with 11-round probability change ball” ”And“ 11 rounds with probable outcasting jackpot C ”(there may be more).

[Winning types by special figure type]
Which winning type corresponds to the special symbol lottery (big hit lottery) is represented by the final stop symbol of the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35. For this reason, the winning type is also referred to as “winning symbol”, and each of the above-mentioned winning types is “symbol A with 11-round probability change ball”, “symbol A with no 11-round probability change ball”, “symbol without 11-round probability change ball”. It is also referred to as “B”, “symbol B with 11-round probability change ball”, and “symbol C with 11-round probability change ball”. Of these, the three types of “A design with 11-round probability change ball”, “A with 11-round probability change ball” and “B without 11-round probability change ball B” are winning symbols corresponding to the first special symbol. . The remaining two types, “B-design with 11-round probability change ball” and “C with 11-round probability change ball” are winning symbols corresponding to the second special symbol. In the following description, “winning type” is appropriately referred to as “winning symbol”.

[Symbols A, B, C with 11-round probability change balls]
In the special symbol stop display processing described above, the first special symbol is stopped and displayed in the form of “11 rounds with probable changeable ball A”, or the second special symbol is “11 rounds with probable changeable ball B” or When the display is stopped and displayed in any manner of “11 rounds with probable change ball design C”, an opportunity to shift from the normal state to the big hit gaming state occurs (special game executing means). In this case, the big prize opening of the variable prize winning device 30 is opened once each over a sufficiently long time (for example, a maximum opening time of 29.0 seconds) from the first round, and this continues until the eleventh round. . For this reason, each of the jackpot games of “Around with 11-rounded probable balls A”, “B with 11-rounded promising balls” and “C with 11-rounded promising balls” is roughly 11 rounds of winning balls (prize balls) ) To the player. Note that the large winning opening of the 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 in one round.

[11 rounds, probable out-dated pattern A, B]
On the other hand, when the first special symbol is stopped and displayed in the above-described special symbol stop display processing in the form of either “11-round probability-changed ball-free symbol A” or “11-round probability-changed ball-free symbol B”, An opportunity to shift from the normal state until then to the big hit game state occurs (special game execution means). However, in this case, the winning prize of the variable prize winning device 30 is extremely short from the first round only for an extremely short time (for example, an opening time of about 0.1 seconds at the maximum = a time shorter than about 0.6 seconds, which is a game ball firing interval). The mouth is opened once, and this continues until the 11th round. Even if the opening operation in such a short time is performed by the variable winning device 30, it is difficult (but not impossible) to generate a winning while the large winning opening is opened. For this reason, each of the big hit games of “11-round probability-changed ball-free symbol A” and “11-round probability-changed ball-free symbol B” is a big hit that hardly gives a ball (prize ball) to the player. Even in this case, the large winning opening of the 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 won in one round. However, it is difficult to generate nine winnings with an opening time of about 0.1 seconds.

[Non-passing non-probable variation area]
Regardless of the winning symbol, if the game ball is not passed through the non-probable change selection gate 31 due to the selection of the player who is in the big hit game, the “probability change function” after the big hit game ends. Is activated, and the player is given a privilege of shifting to the “high probability state”. However, in the present embodiment, an upper limit (limiter) is set for the number of times that the transition can be made continuously to the “high probability state”, and the “high probability state” is continuously reached after the big hit game is over exceeding the upper limit number (limiter). There is no migration. Accordingly, even if the game ball is not passed through the non-probability change selection gate 31 during the big hit game, the number of times of continuous transition to the “high probability state” across the big hit game is the upper limit number (limiter). Once reached, the game is forcibly returned to the “low probability state” after the end of the next big hit game.

[When passing through non-probable variation area]
On the other hand, even if it corresponds to any winning symbol, if the game ball is passed through the non-probable change selection gate 31 due to the selection of the player in the big hit game, it will normally operate after the end of the big hit game The “probability changing function” that was supposed to be deactivated, and the “low probability state” is maintained instead of the “high probability state” (returned when the pre-hit game is in the “high probability state”). Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the player does not desire the “high probability state” transition after the big hit game, the big hit game is ended by passing the game ball to the non-probable change selection gate 31 during the big hit game by his / her choice. It is possible to positively select the “low probability state” as the subsequent gaming state. The selection of the “low probability state” by passing through the non-probability variable selection gate 31 is effective before reaching the upper limit number (limiter) of the “high probability state”. Therefore, the player can pass the game ball to the non-probability change selection gate 31 during the first big hit game and dare to select the “low probability state” instead of the “high probability state” after the big hit game ends. After that, during the big hit game before reaching the upper limit number, the game ball is passed to the non-probable change selection gate 31 and ended in the middle without continuing the “high probability state” up to the upper limit number, and returned to the “low probability state”. You can also choose to Note that the playability by passing through the non-probability change selection gate 31 will be described later.

[Activation of time reduction function]
In the present embodiment, there is a case where the time reduction function is activated after the big hit game ends, and when the time reduction function is activated, a score for shifting to the “time reduction state” is given to the player. However, in the present embodiment, whether or not to shift to the “time reduction state” and how many fluctuations to make (the number of time reductions) are determined based on various conditions. Here, there are various conditions: (1) winning symbol, (2) upper limit number (limiter) reached / not reached, (3) non-probable selection during big hit game, (4) internal probability state at the time of winning (special Symbols and ordinary symbols). The transition of the “time reduction state” based on these conditions (1) to (4) will be further described later.

[Small hits]
In the present embodiment, small wins are provided as winning types other than non-winning. When winning a small winning game, a small winning game is performed separately from the big winning game, and the variable winning device 30 is opened and closed (special game executing means). That is, in the previous special symbol stop display processing, if the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a small hit state, a small hit game in the normal probability state or the high probability state (game in which the variable winning device 30 operates). (In this embodiment, no small hit is set for the second special symbol). In such a small win game, the variable winning device 30 opens and closes a predetermined number of times (for example, 11 times), but the winning in the big winning opening hardly occurs. 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. 15 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the special symbol variation pre-processing. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along each procedure.

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

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

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

  Step S2200: The main control CPU 72 executes a special symbol storage area shift process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 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. 8). . When the procedure so far is finished, the main control CPU 72 then executes step S2300.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  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 first main control CPU 72 sets the value of the determined variation time (at the time of disconnection) in the variation timer, and sets the value of the stop display time at the time of disconnection in the stop symbol display timer.

  In the present embodiment, when the result of the internal lottery is a non-winning result, for example, a “reach effect” is generated and the control is performed so that the “reach effect” is not generated. It is said. The “variation pattern selection table at the time of loss” preliminarily defines variation patterns corresponding to a plurality of types of effects such as “non-reach effect” and “reach effect”. One of the fluctuation patterns is selected from the inside. 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. 16 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 loss (when not winning) (fluctuation pattern 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”.

  Variation pattern numbers “1” to “3” correspond to variation patterns that are out of reach without performing a reach effect, and variation pattern numbers “4” to “8” are variation patterns that are out of reach after reach. It corresponds. Note that such a variation pattern selection table is also used in the prior determination process of the acquisition effect determination process (FIG. 13) (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.

[See Figure 15: 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, five types of winning symbols are prepared as described above, which are selectively determined at the time of a big hit. The five types of breakdowns are: “Act 11 with a probable change in the 11th round”, “A design with no 11th probable change in the ball”, “B with a probable change in the 11th round”, “B with a design with 11” It is “11 rounds with a probable change ball design C”. Each of the five types of winning symbols may further include a plurality of winning symbols. For example, in the case of “design A with 11-round probability change ball”, “design A1 with 11-round probability change ball”, “symbol A2 with 11-round probability change ball”, “symbol A3 with 11-round probability change ball”, ...・ And so on.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, the first special symbol and the second special symbol have different allocations of the winning symbols selected at the time of the big winning of the corresponding internal lottery. In other words, at the time of the big win of the internal lottery corresponding to the first special symbol, any of “11 rounds with positive change ball design A”, “11 rounds without positive change symbol A” or “11 rounds without positive change symbol B” Is selected.

  On the other hand, at the time of the big lottery of the internal lottery corresponding to the second special symbol, either “11-round-probable ball-exposed symbol B” or “11-round probable-variable ball-exposed symbol C” is selected. For this reason, the main control CPU 72 distinguishes the objects that can be selected as the winning symbol depending on whether the result of the big hit this time corresponds to the first special symbol or the second special symbol.

[Big hit stop symbol selection table]
FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a big hit stop symbol selection table for each of the first special symbol and the second special symbol. When the result of the big hit this time corresponds to the first special symbol, the main control CPU 72 refers to the column corresponding to the first special symbol of “special symbol type” in the table shown in FIG. (Winning type determination means). On the other hand, when the result of the big hit this time corresponds to the second special symbol, the main control CPU 72 determines the type of winning symbol with reference to the column corresponding to the second special symbol in the same table (winning type determining means) ).

  In the big hit stop symbol selection table, the leftmost column shows “special symbol type”, and the rows from the top level to the third level excluding the heading level correspond to the first special symbol. The eyes and the fifth row are rows corresponding to the second special symbol. In the second column from the left, “winning symbol” is shown, and in the column on the right side of the column, the distribution value for each winning symbol is shown.

[The first special symbol big stoppage design]
Among these, the distribution values “35”, “42”, and “23” from the top to the third are ratios when the denominator is set to 100 when determining the big hit stop symbol of the first special symbol. (Selection ratio). Therefore, at the time of the big hit corresponding to the first special symbol, the ratio of “design A with 11-round probability change ball” is 35/100 (= 35%) and “design A without 11-round probability change ball” The ratio at which “11” is selected is 42/100 (= 42%), and the ratio at which “the 11th round probability change ball-free symbol B” is selected is 23/100 (= 23%). The size of each distribution value corresponds to the selection ratio for each winning symbol using a jackpot symbol random number. Therefore, as a whole, the selection ratio of “probable variation” for the first special symbol is 100%, but the selection ratio of “designed with a ball” is 35%.

[2nd special symbol big stoppage design]
Next, the distribution values “23” and “77” in the 4th and 5th tiers are ratios (selection ratios) when the denominator is set to 100 when determining the big hit stop symbol of the second special symbol. It is equivalent to. Therefore, at the time of the big hit corresponding to the second special symbol, the ratio of “design B with 11-round probability change ball” is 23/100 (= 23%) and “design C with 11-round probability change ball” The ratio at which is selected is 77/100 (= 77%). Here again, the size of each distribution value corresponds to the selection ratio for each winning symbol using the jackpot symbol random number. Therefore, as a whole, it can be seen that the selection ratio of “probable variation” for the second special symbol is 100%, and that the selection ratio of “designed with a ball” is also 100%.

[Fluctuation time reduction function operation frequency determination table]
In addition to the configuration as a big hit stop symbol selection table, the table of FIG. 17 also has a configuration as a variable time shortening function operation frequency determination table. In the configuration as the variable time shortening function operation frequency determination table, the conditions for each stop symbol / game state are reflected as the above-described conditions (1) to (4). This will be described in more detail below.

  In the table of FIG. 17, the right side of the left three columns is roughly divided into two. Of these, one (left half) shows “short times by game state when limiter is not reached”, and the other (right half) shows “short times by game state when limiter is reached or when uncertain change is selected”. Each major category is further divided into four sub-categories for each state of special symbol and normal symbol. From the left, each sub-category consists of "Special figure low probability-ordinary figure non-short-time", "Special figure low probability- "Special map short-term", "Special figure high probability-Normal figure short-time", and "Special figure high probability-Common figure non-short-time". Among them, “Special figure low probability” means “low probability state” with respect to special symbols (big hit lottery), and “Special figure high probability” means “high probability state” with respect to special symbols (big hit lottery). "Means. And “Normal figure short time” means “low probability state (non-time shortened state)” for normal symbols (acting lottery), and “Normal figure short time” means “high probability for normal symbols (acting lottery)”. "Status (time shortening state)".

  The main control CPU 72 refers to the variable time shortening function activation number determination table shown in FIG. 17 in the control process (the game state management process after the big hit) executed during the big hit game, the stop symbol at the big hit and the game state Based on the conditions of the other major divisions and minor divisions, the number of time reductions after the end of the big hit game (the number of times the variable time reduction function is activated) is determined. Here, first, a brief description will be given of the number of time reductions determined according to conditions for each winning symbol and each gaming state.

[Time limit by game state when limiter is not reached]
For example, if the big hit this time is before reaching the upper limit (limiter) of the “high probability state” from the first time (initial hit), and the game ball does not pass through the non-probable change selection gate 31 during the big hit game, The control CPU 72 determines the number of time reductions shown in the table of FIG. 17 based on the winning symbol and game state at the time of the big hit. Some examples are shown below.

[At first hit]
Naturally, the first hit is “limiter unreachable”, and the gaming state is basically “special low probability non-standard time”. Therefore, if the game ball does not pass through the non-probability change selection gate 31 during the big hit game, the winning design at the time of the big hit for the first special symbol is “11 rounds with positive change ball A” or “11 rounds with no positive change ball A” ”(Composition ratio 77%), the main control CPU 72 determines the number of time reductions to be 10,000 times (substantially until the next time). On the other hand, when the winning symbol at the time of the big hit corresponds to “11 rounds probable change without ball B” (ratio 23%), the main control CPU 72 determines the number of time reductions to 0 (no time reduction). It is rare to win the first time with the second special symbol, but if that happens, if the winning symbol for the second special symbol is “11 rounds with probable change ball B” (ratio 23%) ) The main control CPU 72 determines the number of time reductions to be 10,000 (substantially until the next time). On the other hand, when the winning symbol at the time of the big hit corresponds to “11 rounds with probable change ball C” (ratio 77%), the main control CPU 72 determines the number of time reductions to 0 (no time reduction).

[Before reaching the limiter from the second big hit]
Next, a case is assumed in which a “high probability state” is reached after the first hit, and the second hit from there. In this embodiment, since the probability variation limiter (upper limit number) is set to, for example, 3 times, the limiter is not reached at the second big hit, and the gaming state is 77%, “Special figure high probability normal time” The remaining 23% is “Special figure high probability ordinary figure non-short-time”. If the game state at the time of the big hit is the former, it is considered that the winning is basically based on the second special symbol. Therefore, if the game ball does not pass through the non-probability change selection gate 31 during the big hit game, the winning symbol for the second special symbol is “11 rounds with positive change ball B” or “11 rounds with positive change ball C”. In any case (combination ratio 100%), the main control CPU 72 determines the number of time reductions to 10,000 times (substantially until the next time) (time reduction state determination means). In addition, it is not very likely that the first special symbol will be won from the “Special figure high probability ordinary time”, but if this happens, the winning symbol for the first special symbol will be the main one regardless of which one is selected. The control CPU 72 determines the number of time reductions to 10,000 times (substantially until the next time).

  On the other hand, if the gaming state at the time of the big hit is the latter (23%, special figure high probability ordinary time non-short), it is considered that the winning is basically the first special symbol. Therefore, if the game ball does not pass through the non-probable change selection gate 31 during the big hit game, the main control CPU 72 determines the number of time reductions regardless of the winning symbol for the first special symbol (composition ratio 100%). Determine 10,000 times (substantially until next time). In addition, it is rare to win with the second special symbol from “Special figure high probability non-short-time”, but if that happens, the winning symbol at the time of the big hit for the second special symbol The main control CPU 72 determines the number of time reductions to be 10,000 times (substantially until the next time).

[When the limiter is reached or when the uncertain change is selected]
Subsequently, a case is assumed in which a “high probability state” is continuously obtained after the big hit, and the big hit (four consecutive chunks) is made as it is for the fourth time. In the present embodiment, since the probability variation limiter (upper limit number) is set to 3 times, for example, the limiter is reached at the fourth big hit including the first hit. In addition, the gaming state at this time is “special figure high probability ordinary figure short time” in most cases, and it is considered that the player has won the second special symbol basically. In the case of reaching the limiter, regardless of whether or not the game ball has passed through the non-probability change selection gate 31 during the big hit game, the number of time reductions is determined with reference to the right half major division. Even when the limiter has not been reached, the same applies if the game ball passes through the non-probability change selection gate 31 during the big hit game.

  In this case, when the winning symbol for the second special symbol corresponds to “11 rounds with probable change ball B (first winning type)” (ratio 23%), the main control CPU 72 determines the number of times shortened to 100. To do. On the other hand, when the winning symbol corresponds to “11 rounds with probable change ball (second winning type)” (ratio 77%), the main control CPU 72 determines the number of time reductions to 0 (no time reduction) (time) Shortened state determination means). In addition, it is not so often that the first special symbol will be won from the “Special figure high probability ordinary time”, but if this happens, the winning symbol at the time of the big hit for the first special symbol will be “11 rounds probable change ball B The main control CPU 72 determines the number of time reductions to 100 only when it corresponds to “(first winning type)” (ratio 23%), and other “11 rounds probable change ball A (second winning type)” Or, when it corresponds to “11 rounds probable change without ball A (second winning type)” (composition ratio 77%), the main control CPU 72 determines the number of time reductions to 0 (no time reduction) (time reduction state determination) means).

  Here, in the table of FIG. 17, the right-hand major category of “Time limit by reaching the limiter or non-probable change selection by game state” is divided into sub-categories of “Special figure low probability-ordinary figure non-short-time”, “Special figure low "Probability-Normal Time Short" and "Special Figure High Probability-Normal Non-Time Short" are also provided, but there are almost no situations that correspond to these three game states when reaching the limiter or passing through the non-probable change selection gate 31 Since this is unthinkable, only the number of times is shown here (the shaded portion in FIG. 17), and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  In any case, as described above, when the main control CPU 72 selects the winning symbol from the special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table of FIG. 17, it 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 the jackpot stop symbol number for the first special symbol or the second special symbol based on the selected winning symbol.

  Further, the main control CPU 72 refers to the stop time by game state variation time reduction function operation frequency determination table of FIG. 17 in the subsequent process during the big hit game, and based on various conditions (by stop symbol and game state) The number of hours after the jackpot game ends is determined. This process will be described later.

[See Figure 15: 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, as a result of the internal lottery, even if any of the big hits is achieved, for example, a “reach effect” is generated to produce a big hit. In the “big hit winning variation pattern selection table”, variation patterns corresponding to a plurality of types of “reach effects” are defined, and one of the variation patterns is 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 big hits]
FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of the variation pattern selection table for winning a big hit.
This selection table is a table used when winning a big hit (fluctuation pattern 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. Similarly, the “comparison value” includes, for example, eight different values “101”, “201”, “211”, “221”, “231”, “241”, “251”, “255 ( FFH) ”and“ variation pattern numbers ”“ 13 ”to“ 20 ”are assigned to the respective“ comparison values ”.

  The variation pattern numbers “13” to “20” all correspond to the variation pattern that is a hit when the reach effect is performed. The difference for each variation pattern number is the type of reach production that can be developed in production, or the length of the variation time that is specifically set.

  Similarly, 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, A variation pattern number corresponding to the comparison value is selected (variation pattern determining 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.

[See Figure 15: 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 first sets the probability variation function as a gaming state flag, regardless of which of the winning symbol types (hit stop symbol number) determined in the previous step S2410 corresponds. The value (01H) of the operating flag is set in the flag area of the RAM 76 (probability state setting 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 the small hit is only one type of “11 times open small hit symbol”. However, other types such as “one-time small opening symbol” and “two-time small opening 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 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.

[Figure 14: 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 (step S2404, step S2407, and step S2410 in FIG. 15). 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. 19 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the special symbol storage area shift process. When the value of the working memory counter corresponding to the first special symbol or the second special symbol is greater than “0” in the previous special symbol fluctuation pre-processing (step S2100: Yes in FIG. 15), 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 checks whether or not the value of the operation memory counter corresponding to the second special symbol that is preferentially consumed is “0”. At this time, if the value of the operation memory counter corresponding to the second special symbol is “1” or more (No), the main control CPU 72 then proceeds to step S2212.

  Step S2212: The main control CPU 72 designates the second special symbol as a special symbol for shifting the storage area. This designation is performed, for example, by setting “02H” as the target symbol designation value.

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

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

  Step S2218: 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 also checks whether or not the special symbol to be shifted in the current storage area is the second special symbol.
Step S2224: When the target is the second special symbol (step S2222: Yes), the main control CPU 72 sets the working command when the number of working memories is reduced for the second special symbol. The effect command set here is also generated as a one-word-length command, but its structure is in contrast to the above-described “effect command when increasing the number of working memories”. That is, the production command at the time when the number of working memories decreases is lower than the 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: If the current target is the first special symbol (Step S2222: No), the main control CPU 72 sets an effect command for reducing the number of working memories regarding the first special symbol. The command in this case is the same as the above except that the preceding value is a value (for example, “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. 15).

[Special symbol stop display processing]
Next, FIG. 20 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. 13) 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 S4320.

[When winning]
Step S4320: The main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the current gaming state is a “high probability state” with respect to the special symbol. For example, at the first hit from the “low probability state”, it is not the “high probability state” (No). Therefore, main control CPU 72 executes step S4330.

[Limiter count setting]
Step S4330: In this case, the main control CPU 72 sets the number of limiters. In this embodiment, “3 times” is set as the number of limiters (remaining number). The limiter count (remaining number) value set here is stored in a limiter area of the RAM 76, for example.

  On the other hand, when shifting to the “high probability state” and winning from the second time, the main control CPU 72 confirms that it is in the “high probability state” in the previous step S4320 (Yes). Therefore, main control CPU 72 executes step S4340.

[Limiter count subtraction]
Step S4340: Here, the main control CPU 72 subtracts the limiter count that has already been set. For example, if it is the second big hit from the “high probability state” including the first hit, the limiter count is subtracted from “3” to “2”. In the case of the third big hit, the limiter count is subtracted from “2” to “1”. Then, if it is the fourth big hit including the first hit, the limiter count is finally subtracted from “1” to “0”, and the limiter reaches (remaining 0 times).

  Step S4345: In any case, the main control CPU 72 generates a limiter remaining number command from the limiter count after the initial setting or the limiter count after the subtraction. The limiter remaining number command generated here is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S212 in FIG. 8).

Step S4350: The main control CPU 72 sets the jump destination of the jump table to “variable winning device management processing”.
Step S4355: Further, the main control CPU 72 resets the flag at the time of cut-off function operation. Thereby, when at least one of the variation time shortening function or the probability variation function is activated before the big hit game is started, the function is deactivated.
Step S4400: The main control CPU 72 sets “start of big role (during big hit game)” as an internal state flag for control. At the same time, the main control CPU 72 generates a status command representing a big hit. The state command representing the big hit is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process.

  Step S4500: The main control CPU 72 generates a continuous operation number command. The continuous operation number command can be generated based on the type of big hit symbol (stop symbol number) determined in the previous big hit stop symbol determination process (step S2410 in FIG. 15). In the present embodiment, since all types of jackpot symbols are “11 round probability variation symbols”, the continuous operation number command is generated as a value (maximum number of times) representing “11 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 “time reduction state”. In this case, “number of times cut” is used, but the value of the number of times counter in the “high probability state” can be set to an extremely large value (for example, 10,000 times or more). By setting such an enormous value, it is possible to probabilistically guarantee that the “high probability state” will continue until the next winning is substantially obtained. In the present embodiment, when there is only a single “time reduction state” instead of the “high probability state”, the count-down counter is set to a standard numerical value (for example, 100 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. The probability variable function operation flag or the time shortening function operation flag is reset, but since the value of the count counter is not zero in the “high probability state” as described above, it is practical. It is the time reduction function activation flag that is reset above. As a result, the time reduction state ends after the special symbol stop display. When the above procedure is completed, the process returns to the special symbol game process.

[Display output management processing]
Next, FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating a configuration example of the display output management process (step S210 in FIG. 8) executed in the interrupt management process. The display output management process includes a special symbol display setting process (step S1200), a normal symbol display setting process (step S1210), a state display setting process (step S1220), an operation memory display setting process (step S1230), and a continuous operation number display setting. This is a configuration including a subroutine group of processing (step S1240).

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

  The state display setting process (step S1220) and the continuous operation number display setting process (step S1240) are processes for generating and outputting a drive signal to be applied to each LED of the gaming state display device 38. First, in the state display setting process, the main control CPU 72 controls the lighting of the probability variation state display lamp 38c and the time reduction state display lamp 38d, respectively, according to the value of the probability variation function activation flag or the time reduction function activation flag. For example, if the value (01H) is set in the probability variation function operation flag when the pachinko machine 1 is turned on, the main control CPU 72 outputs a lighting signal to the LED corresponding to the probability variation state display lamp 38c. 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.

  The main control CPU 72 controls lighting of the big hit type display lamp 38a 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 specifies “11 rounds”, the main control CPU 72 outputs a lighting signal to the lamp 38a representing “11 rounds (11R)”. As in the present embodiment, when the number of rounds is only one, the control for turning on the jackpot type display lamp 38a may be omitted (the lamp 38a is not turned on).

[Variable winning device management process]
Next, details of the variable winning device management process will be described. FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating a configuration example of the variable winning device management process. The variable winning device management process includes a gaming process selection process (step S5100), a special winning opening opening pattern setting process (step S5200), a special winning opening / closing operation process (step S5300), a special winning opening closing process (step S5400), and an end. This is a configuration including a subroutine group of processing (step S5500).

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

[Big prize opening pattern setting process]
FIG. 23 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 opening / closing operations of the variable prize device 30 award and the time for each opening at the time of big hit or small hit. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along each procedure.

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

[Procedure for jackpot]
First, the procedure for the big hit is as follows.
Step S5204: The main control CPU 72 executes a design-specific release pattern setting process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the winning pattern opening pattern (number of times of opening per each round and the time of each opening, closing time), the interval time between rounds, and the count during one round according to the current winning symbol. Set the number (maximum number of winnings). The opening pattern is as described in the item “Winning type” in the special symbol game process (FIG. 14). The interval time between rounds is set to about a few seconds (for example, 2 seconds to 2.5 seconds) for “symbols with balls”, and 1 second or less (for example, 0.5 seconds) for “symbols without balls”. It shall be set to a degree.

  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. 15). In this embodiment, since “11 round symbols” is selected as the winning symbol, the main control CPU 72 sets the number of execution rounds to eleven. 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 (“10” if 11 times).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Big prize opening / closing operation processing]
FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the special winning opening / closing operation process. This process is mainly for controlling the opening / closing operation of the variable winning device 30. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along a procedure.

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

  Step S5304: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes an open timer countdown process. In this process, the countdown of the release timer set in the previous special winning opening release pattern setting process (step S5208 or step S5216 in FIG. 23) is executed.

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

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

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

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

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

  Step S5314: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes interval standby processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 executes the count-down of the interval timer set in the above-described special winning opening opening pattern setting process (step S5210 or step S5218 in FIG. 23). When the value of the interval timer becomes 0 or less, the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S5316.

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

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

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

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

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

[Large prize closing process]
FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for a special winning opening closing process. This special winning opening closing process is for continuing the operation of the variable winning device 30 or terminating the operation. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along a procedure.

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

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

  Step S5404: The main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the incremented round number counter value has reached the set number of execution rounds. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 refers to the value (1 to 11) of the round number counter after increment, and if the value is less than the set number of execution rounds (1 to 11 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 the big winning opening opening / closing operation process which is the next jump destination in the game process selection process (step S5100 in FIG. 22). Then, after execution of the special prize opening / closing operation process, through the execution of the special prize opening closing process, the main control CPU 72 executes the special prize opening closing process again, and repeatedly executes the above steps S5402 to S5408. Thereby, the opening / closing operation of the variable winning device 30 is continuously executed until the actual round number reaches the set execution round number (7 times or 16 times).

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

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

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

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

  Step S5413: Next, the main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the value of the incremented number-of-releases counter has reached the set number of times of release. The number of times of opening is set in the previous big opening opening pattern setting process (step S5214 in FIG. 23). 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 the big winning opening opening / closing operation process which is the next jump destination in the game process selection process (step S5100 in FIG. 22). Then, after the execution of the special prize opening / closing operation process, the main control CPU 72 executes the special prize opening closing process again through the execution of the special prize opening closing process, and goes through the above steps S5401 to S5413 (No) to step S5416. Step S5408 is repeatedly executed. Thereby, the opening / closing operation of the variable prize device 30 is repeatedly executed until the actual number of times of opening reaches the set number of times of opening (for example, 11 times).

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

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

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

〔End processing〕
FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the end process. This end process is for preparing conditions for ending the operation of the variable prize apparatus 30. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along the example of a procedure.

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

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

  Step S5505: The main control CPU 72 deletes the continuous operation number command here.

  Step S5600: The main control CPU 72 executes a post-hit gaming state management process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 executes a process of setting the number of probability fluctuations after the end of the big hit game and setting the number of time reductions. Details of the game state management process after the big hit will be described later with reference to another drawing.

  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 probability variation function activation flag (flag count function activation flag corresponding to “high probability state”) is set, a state designation command representing “high probability” is generated as an internal state, and the time reduction function If the operation flag (flag cutting function operation flag corresponding to “time reduction state”) is set, a state designation command representing “time reduction” is generated as an internal state. 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. 14) in the special symbol game process as the special symbol variation pre-process. When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the variable winning device management process.

[Game state management process after jackpot]
FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the game state management process after the big hit. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along the example of a procedure.

  Step S5602: The main control CPU 72 confirms the limiter area of the RAM 76, and confirms whether or not the number of limiters (remaining number) is larger than “0”. If it is before reaching the limiter, the limiter count has not yet reached “0” (Yes), so the main control CPU 72 next executes step S5604.

  Step S5604: The main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the uncertain change selection flag is ON (= 1). Here, the value of the non-probability change selection flag is set to ON in the above-described processing at the time of passing through the non-probability change region (FIG. 10), or is OFF (= 0) by default. In the present embodiment, the non-probability change selection flag is OFF (= 0) by default unless the game ball passes through the non-probability change selection gate 31 during the big hit game before reaching the limiter (step S5602: Yes). Yes. Therefore, when the non-probability change selection gate 31 is not passed and is OFF by default (No), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S5606.

[When uncertain change selection flag is OFF]
Step S5606: The main control CPU 72 sets a turn-off function operating flag corresponding to the “high probability state”.
Step S5608: The main control CPU 72 also sets the probability variation number (10000 times). Thereby, after the big hit game is finished, the probability variation function is activated, and it is possible to shift to the “high probability state” (processing as the probability state setting means).

[Setting the number of short hours by game state when the limiter is not reached]
Step S5610: Here, the main control CPU 72 sets the number of short times by game state when the limit symbol by stop symbol has not yet reached. The number of times reduced by game state when the limiter by stop symbol is not reached can be set based on the above-described variable time reduction function activation number determination table (FIG. 17). A specific example of setting the number of time reductions will be described later.

[When uncertain change selection flag is ON]
The above is the procedure in the case where the game ball does not pass through the non-probability change selection gate 31 during the big hit game before reaching the limiter (step S5602: Yes), but the non-probability change selection gate is caused by the player's own selection. When the game ball is passed through 31, the uncertain change selection flag is ON (= 1). Therefore, when the uncertain change selection flag is ON due to the passage of the uncertain change selection gate 31 (step S5604: Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes step S5612. Note that when the non-probability change selection flag is ON, step S5606 is not executed, and therefore, after the big hit game ends, the “low probability state” is entered without shifting to the “high probability state” (low probability state selection return means).

[Setting the number of short hours by game state when non-probable change is selected]
Step S5612: In this case, the main control CPU 72 sets the number of time reductions by game state at the time of non-probability change selection by stop symbol. The number of time reductions by game state at the time of non-probable change selection by stop symbol can also be set based on the above-described variable time reduction function operation frequency determination table (FIG. 17). Here again, a specific example of setting the number of time reductions will be further described later.

[When reaching the limiter]
On the other hand, when the state shifts to the “high probability state” and continues until the fourth big hit (including the initial hit), the limiter is reached internally as described above. In this case, in step S5602, the main control CPU 72 determines that the limiter count (remaining number) is “0” (No), and executes step S5614.

[Setting the number of short times by game state when reaching the limiter]
Step S5614: In this case, the main control CPU 72 sets the number of time reductions by game state when reaching the limiter by stop symbol. The number of times reduced by game state when reaching the limiter by stop symbol can also be set based on the above-described variable time shortening function activation number determination table (FIG. 17). Similarly, a specific example of setting the number of time reductions will be described later.

  Step S5616: When executing any one of steps S5610, S5612, and S5614, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the set short time count (10000 times, 100 times, 0 times) is greater than 0 times. That is, when the set short time count is “10000 times” or “100 times” (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes Step S5618. If the set short time count is “0” (No), the main control CPU 72 does not execute step S5618.

Step S5618: The main control CPU 72 sets the time cut function operating flag for the “time reduction state”. Thereby, after the big hit game is finished, the time shortening function operates, and it is possible to shift to the “time shortening state” (processing as the time shortening state transition means).
When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the end process.

[Specific examples of set time reduction times]
FIG. 28 to FIG. 30 are diagrams showing specific examples of the number of times after jackpot time set through the game state management process after jackpot. The specific examples shown in FIG. 28, FIG. 29, and FIG. 30 are partial excerpts of relevant portions of the variable time shortening function operation frequency determination table shown in FIG. Hereinafter, specific examples will be described.

[Example of setting the number of short hours after the first big hit]
FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating an example of setting the short time after the first big hit. As described above, the first jackpot is almost always obtained from “special figure low probability-ordinary figure non-short-time” during normal games. Therefore, here, the first special symbol is cited as the special symbol type, and a specific example of the number of time reductions set for each winning symbol from the special symbol low probability non-short time is shown.

  Basically, it is unlikely that the player passes the game ball through the non-probability change selection gate 31 at the first big hit (selects non-probability change after the big hit). For this reason, at the time of the first big hit, the number of time reductions is set to 10,000 with a composition ratio of 77%. However, at the time of the first big hit, it will be distributed to the winning symbol of “11 rounds with no promising change ball B” at a ratio of 23%. In this case, the number of time reductions is set to 0. Probability-usual time non-short. " In FIG. 28, the shaded portion is a rare case (when the uncertain change selection gate 31 passes), and the details thereof are omitted here.

[Example of setting the number of times after the big hit when the limiter is not reached]
Next, FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating an example of setting the number of short times after big hit when the limiter has not yet reached after the second big hit. As described above, the jackpots for the second and subsequent times are almost always obtained from the “high probability of special figure-short time of normal figure” during the probability change. Therefore, here, the second special symbol is listed as the main (higher rank) as the special symbol type, and a specific example of the number of time reductions set for each winning symbol from the special symbol high probability short-time is shown.

  During the big hit when the limiter has not yet reached, the player may pass the game ball through the non-probability change selection gate 31 by his / her own selection (the uncertain change after the big hit is intentionally selected: non-probable change selection). In the present embodiment, by such “non-probable change selection” when the limiter has not been reached, the gameability of “betting the remaining jackpot (for example, one time) and betting on pullback in a short time” is realized. Hereinafter, this point will be described.

  As shown in the top row excluding the heading row in Fig. 29, if the winning symbol corresponds to "11 rounds with probable change ball B" at the time of big hit when the limiter is not reached (before reaching the limiter) When a player dares to make a “non-probable change selection”, the player will be in a “low probability state” after the end of the big hit (low probability state selection return means), but a “time reduction state” with 100 fluctuations will be added ("BET possible pattern" in the shaded area in the figure). A bet based on such “non-probable change selection” is effective at 23% of the big hits when the limiter has not yet reached. If the bet is successful, it is possible to win four consecutive big hits again. “Success in betting” means that the jackpot is pulled back in a “low probability state” during a short time of 100 times after the jackpot game ends. As a result, the number of limiters is set to 3 again, so that it is possible to make four consecutive big hits including the first.

  Even if it is a big hit when the limiter has not yet reached (second special symbol), 77% will be allocated to “11 rounds with probable change ball C”. In this case, betting by “non-probable change selection” will not be effective. . Because, if it corresponds to “11 rounds with a probable change ball C”, if the game ball is passed through the non-probability change selection gate 31 during the big hit, the number of time reductions is set to 0 after the big hit game ends. This is because a “low probability state” and a “non-time shortened state” are obtained. In FIG. 29, the first special symbol is also listed as a special symbol type. However, since it is rare that the first special symbol is a big hit during the special symbol high probability, the details are omitted here.

[Example of setting the number of short hours after hitting the limiter]
FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating an example of setting the short time after big hit when the limiter reaches the fourth consecutive big hit including the first time. In most cases, the big hit when the limiter is reached is also obtained from the “high probability of special figure-short time of normal figure” during the probability change. Accordingly, here, the second special symbol is listed as the main (higher rank) as the special symbol type, and a specific example of the number of time reductions set for each winning symbol from the special symbol high probability short-time is shown.

  When reaching the limiter, regardless of whether or not the game ball has passed through the non-probability change selection gate 31 during the big hit, it becomes a “low probability state” after the big hit game ends. In addition, the heading stage in FIG. 30 shows two categories of “not probable change selection” and “non-probability change selection”, but the number of times set for both of the categories is the same.

  When reaching the limiter, if the winning symbol corresponds to “11 rounds with a promising change ball B” at the time of the big hit, even if it becomes “low probability state” after the big hit, the “time shortened state” with 100 fluctuations Added. However, in this case, time is added fortunately according to the distribution ratio (23%) of the winning symbol, not the betting by the above “non-probable change selection”. That is, 77% of the big hit (second special symbol) at the time of reaching the limiter is distributed to “11 rounds with probable change ball C”. In this case, the number of time reductions is set to 0 after the big hit game ends, and “low probability” State "and" non-time reduction state ". In FIG. 30, the first special symbol is also listed as a special symbol type. However, since it is a rare case that the first special symbol is a big hit during the special symbol high probability, the details are omitted here.

[Game Flow]
FIG. 31 is a diagram for explaining a game flow developed in the pachinko machine 1.
When a game is started with the pachinko machine 1, the game is started from [F1] normal mode. In “normal mode”, the winning probability of the special symbol is “low probability state” and “non-time shortened state”. [F1] Since the normal mode is a non-time-saving state, the first special symbol starts to change and the game proceeds by basically generating a winning at the upper start winning opening 26.

  [F1] In the normal mode, when [F2] with short time is selected, [F3] 11 rounds big hit game is executed (here, for convenience, it is assumed that “11 rounds with probable change ball A” is won). . [F1] When there is a short time from the normal mode and the symbol is won, the number of limiters is set to “3” in the special symbol stop display processing (FIG. 20), and the limiter is not reached during the big hit. In addition, there is a case that [F2a] timeless symbol winning (winning “11 rounds probable change without ball B”) may be won with a distribution ratio of 23%. In this case, after passing a big hit without winning (not shown in the game flow) Internally, a “high probability non-time shortened state” is entered, but apparently [F1] shifts to the normal mode.

[Non-passing non-probable variation area]
[F3] During a big hit game with 11 rounds, if the player does not particularly “right-handed” and does not pass the game ball to the non-probability change selection gate 31 ([F4] non-probability change selection), After the big hit game, [F5] “Fireworks mode” is entered. [F5] “Fireworks mode” has a special symbol winning probability of “high probability state” and “time reduction state” (high probability time reduction state). [F6] “Fireworks mode” is a mode that continues for a predetermined maximum number of times (10,000 fluctuations), and the next big hit is probabilistically guaranteed.

[The second big hit]
[F5] Winning from "Fireworks mode" (second time including the first time) corresponds to [F6] High probability short-time middle big hit, and in this case, the number of limiters is subtracted in the special symbol stop display processing (FIG. 20) Although it is updated to “twice”, the limiter has not yet reached during [F3] 11 round big hit game.

[Non-passing non-probable variation area]
[F3] During a big hit game with 11 rounds, the player does not particularly “right-handed” and does not pass the game ball to the non-probable change selection gate 31 ([F4] non-probable change selection). After the big hit game, [F5] “Fireworks mode” is entered.

  After that, if [F5] "Fireworks mode" is won for four consecutive times including the first time, [F6] high probability short-time middle big hit, and the number of limiters is subtracted each time, resulting in the fourth [F3] 11th round The limiter count (remaining number) has reached “0” during the big hit game.

[When reaching the limiter]
[F7] When reaching the limiter, [F8] after the end of the big hit game, regardless of whether the player “right-handed” and passed the game ball to the non-probability change selection gate 31 (whether the non-probability change selection) 77% will return to [F1] “normal mode”. This is because, as described above, zero time reduction is set at 77% of the limiter arrival time. However, even when the [F7] limiter is reached, [F9] 23% after the big hit game is set to 100 times shorter, and in this case, the [F10] night mode is entered.

  [F10] In the night mode, the winning probability of the special symbol is “low probability state”, but “time reduction state”. [F10] If the winning result is not obtained during the [F10] night mode and [F14] time reduction is 100 times (special symbol fluctuates 100 times), [F1] shifts to the normal mode.

  On the other hand, during [F10] night mode, when [F15] short, middle and big hits, it will basically win either “11 rounds with positive change ball B” or “11 rounds with positive change ball C” (composition ratio 100% Therefore, [F3] a big hit game with 11 rounds is played. In this case, since it is the first hit from [F10] night mode, the limiter count is set to “3 times” anew, and the game flow can be advanced in a state where the limiter has not yet been reached. In this embodiment, the pullback probability during the time reduction is 32% (68% is [F14] [F1] returns to the normal mode due to the time reduction of 100 times (so-called “time omission”)).

  As is apparent from the game flow so far, in this embodiment, if a big hit is made four times in succession without making “uncertain change selection” from the beginning ([F1] → [F2] → [F3] → [F4] → [F5] → [F6] → ([F3] → [F4] → [F5] → [F6] → [F3]) × 3 times) [F7] Limiter reached. In this case, [F8] 77% will return to [F1] normal mode, and it will be left to luck whether it will start over from the first game flow or [F9] 23% can enter [F10] night mode. Become. Therefore, if all of the big hits for 4 hits from the first hit to the limiter are reached, the continuity of the big hit will be interrupted at a relatively high ratio (77%).

(When non-probable change is selected when the limiter is not reached)
However, if the winning symbol when the limiter has not been reached (especially the remaining number of limiters is one) falls under “11 rounds with a probable change ball B”, the player himself deliberately chooses [F11] non-probable change during the big hit game When [F12] 23% game flow is selected, [F10] Night mode can be entered after the big hit game ends. In this case, it is possible to dare to throw away the remaining one big hit ball and bet (BET) whether or not the limiter can be piled up again three times (four big hits) by [F15] short-time middle big hit. Even if [F11] non-probable change is selected, if the winning symbol corresponds to “11-round probable change with ball C”, [F13] 77% of the game flow is selected and [F1] return to normal mode. Therefore, in this case, it is abandoned that the remaining one hit of the big hit ball is abandoned, but [F11] non-probable change does not have to be made at the time of winning “11 rounds with probable change ball C”.

[Direction according to game flow]
As described above, [F11] “big hit BET” by uncertain change selection when the limiter has not been reached is a feature of one big game flow in this embodiment. In order to realize such a game flow, In this embodiment, an effect that matches the game flow is executed.

  In other words, from [F1] normal mode on the game flow, [F2] short-time symbol wins, [F3] 11 rounds, with a big hit, [F4] rush into [F5] fireworks mode without uncertain selection When the winning symbol of “11 rounds with probable change ball” corresponds to the winning symbol when the number of limiters is “1”, the effect is performed in the following flow in order to realize the above game flow.

[F1] Examples of effects during the normal mode [F1] During the normal mode, symbol effects corresponding to changes in the special symbols (mainly the first special symbol) are the main game. That is, when the big hit internal lottery is performed in the pachinko machine 1 as described above, the variation pattern (variation time) is determined under the control of the main control CPU 72, and mainly the first special symbol (in some cases the second special symbol). ) Is displayed (symbol display means). However, since the first special symbol and the second special symbol themselves are lit and blinked by 7-segment LEDs, they have poor visual appeal. Therefore, during the [F1] normal mode, a variable display effect is mainly performed using effect symbols.

  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. 32 is a continuous diagram showing an example of the effect image corresponding to the change display and stop display of the special symbol. 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. 32 (A): For example, in the state before the first special symbol starts to change (the 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, a marker (reference numerals M1 and M2 in the figure) indicating the number of working memories of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is displayed at the lower part of the screen of the liquid crystal display 42. 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 such that the marker M1 corresponding to the first special symbol is displayed, for example, as a circle (◯), and the marker M2 corresponding to the second special symbol is, for example, a heart. It is displayed as a figure. In the example of FIG. 32A, all four markers M1 are lit and displayed, indicating that the number of working memories of the first special symbol is four, and all the markers M2 are not displayed (indicated by broken lines). ) Indicates that the number of working memories of the second special symbol is 0 (stored number display effect executing means).

  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 actually “11 rounds with probable change ball A” instead of “out of”, the 4th symbols Z1 and Z2 are stopped and displayed in a manner corresponding to them (for example, red display color). Is done.

[Variable display production start]
32 (B): 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. 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 represents that the current game flow is in the “normal mode” of [F1]. 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. 32 (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. 32, since the number of working memories of the first special symbol decreases by one as the change starts, the number of markers M1 displayed in conjunction with that decreases. 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. 32, since the first operation memory in the storage order is consumed and the remaining number becomes three, the three markers M1 remaining on the screen are each one by one. An effect of shifting in the direction (here left direction) is performed. As a result, the context of the change in the number of working memories can be accurately expressed in the production, and the player can be intuitively and easily informed that the working memory has been consumed and decreased by one. it can.

[Right production symbol stop]
In FIG. 32 (D): After the left effect symbol, the right effect symbol thereafter stops changing. 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. 32: 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 big hit (winning), after the reach effect is executed during the variable display effect, the effect symbol is stopped and displayed in the 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.

[F2] Example of production at the time of symbol winning with time FIG. 33 is a continuous diagram showing a flow of reach production executed at the time of a big hit (winning) of “11 rounds with promising change ball A”. 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 display device 34 displays a variation according to the variation pattern at the time of the big hit, and then the first special symbol is an embodiment in which “the eleventh round probability variation ball is present symbol A” (for example, 7 segment LED Are executed until the display is stopped at “Self”, “Yo”, “Mouth”, “巳”, “F”, “E”, “L”, “Γ”, etc.). In addition, in FIG. 33, 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. 33 (A): The left effect symbol, middle effect symbol, and right effect symbol are arranged in the vertical direction (for example, from the top to the bottom) on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42 substantially in synchronization with the start of fluctuation of the first special symbol. The variable display effect is started as if scrolling.

[Preliminary production before reach (first stage)]
(B) in FIG. 33: 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. 33C, after the first stage aspect 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 announcement 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. 33 (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.

[Generation of reach condition]
In FIG. 33 (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)]
In FIG. 33, (F): After a reach state occurs, for example, a notice effect after the occurrence of reach (first time) is performed in which images representing “heart” figures form a group and pass 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. 33 (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. 33 (H): When the reach production is approaching the final stage, the image of the character is suddenly displayed on the screen as if it was split into a close-up, and the content that 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. 33 (I): The last medium effect symbol stops substantially in synchronization with the stop display of the first special symbol. In this example, the winning symbol internally corresponds to “an eleventh round with a probable change ball symbol A”, and the effect symbol representing the number “6” is stopped and displayed at the center of the screen. In the present embodiment, since all winning symbols are probability variation symbols, the subsequent gaming state does not change depending on whether the effect symbols are odd or even.

  In FIG. 33 (J): Then, for example, the stop display effect as the effect symbol is displayed in a definite stop manner substantially in synchronization with the stop display of the first 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. Further, in this case, the fourth symbol Z is stopped and displayed in a mode (for example, a red display color) corresponding to the “symbol A with 11-round probability change ball”.

  In addition, the jackpot game with the actual ball is not played as in the case of the “11th round probability-changed ball-free symbol A” or “11-round probability-changeable ball-free symbol B”, but the game shifts to the “high probability state”. In the case of a winning symbol, an effect as if it was a non-winning event (for example, “6”-“8”-“6” re-changing from “1”-“3”-“5” chance eye display, etc.) Done.

  If the result of the internal lottery is non-winning, the first special symbol is stopped and displayed as an off symbol, so that the effect symbol is similarly displayed as a stop display effect (symbol effect executing 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”.

Next, a description will be given of the big role production performed during the big hit game with 11 rounds.
Here, in the present embodiment, a game in which the big hit game for four times is set as one set is developed. And a big role effect executed at the first (first time) and second big hit (when the limiter is not reached), and a big role executed at the third big hit (when the limiter is not reached and the remaining number of limiters 2 → 1) The medium effect, which is executed at the time of the big hit at the fourth time (when the limiter is reached), is executed as different effects. In the following, the big-bill effects that are executed from the first time (also common to the second time) to the fourth big hit will be described in order.

[F3] Example of production during 11 hits with a big hit FIG. 34 is a continuous diagram partially showing an example of a big role production executed during the first (first round) 11 rounds of a big hit game. . It should be noted that the first and second rounds of the big role production are common.

[1 round]
In FIG. 34 (A): [F3] On the game flow, when the first round of the big hit game with 11 rounds is started, the big role effect of the content corresponding to the game progress status of “big hit” is executed Is done. 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.

  In FIG. 34 (B): The jackpot game is proceeding smoothly. For example, when the game shifts to six rounds in the middle, the character information corresponding to the number of rounds of “ROUND6” is displayed on the screen, and it is unique to the jackpot game. The effect image is displayed. In the lower right corner of the screen, the effect symbol (the number “6”) is displayed as the “remaining eye”.

  Although not shown in the figure, when the game proceeds to the final 11 rounds, for example, character information corresponding to the number of rounds of “ROUND11” is displayed on the screen and a unique effect image is displayed during the big hit game. Is done. “ROUND11” may be displayed as “FINAL ROUND”.

  During the first (first) or second big hit, it is also possible for the player to “right-hand” by his / her own operation and pass the game ball to the non-probable change selection gate 31. However, even if [F11] uncertain change selection is made on the game flow for the first or second time of the big hit, not so much profit is obtained for the player. For this reason, at the first (first) or second big hit, the selection guidance effect that guides the uncertain change selection is not executed, and the effect image that prompts the player to “left strike” is continuously displayed.

  Although not shown in particular, the effect image that prompts “left-handed” displays, for example, character information such as “Left-handed!” On the screen, and the character “hits left” on the screen. And the like. Here, it is assumed that “left-handed” is continuously performed from the first round to the eleventh round, and the game ball does not pass through the non-probability change selection gate 31.

[At the end of a major role]
In FIG. 34 (C): At the timing when the big hit game ends (during the end processing), the big end effect of the content teaching the internal state to be transferred thereafter is executed. In this example, for example, character information “fireworks mode entry” is displayed on the screen. By executing such an end effect, the player is instructed to shift to the “F5” fireworks mode on the game flow as a “high probability state” and “time reduction state” as a bonus after the big hit game ends. be able to.

[Selection guidance production]
FIG. 35 to FIG. 37 are continuous diagrams partially showing an example of the performance of the big role effect that is executed during the big hit with the 11th round of the big hit (number of remaining limiters 2 → 1). Here, it is assumed that the winning symbol for the third big hit corresponds to “11 rounds with probable change ball B”. When the winning symbol of the third big hit corresponds to “11 rounds with promising change ball C”, the following effect example is not executed, and the same big role effect as before (FIG. 34) is executed.

[1 round]
In FIG. 35 (A): Similarly, when the first round of the big hit game is started, the big role effect of the content corresponding to the progress of the game “big hit” is executed. Character information corresponding to the number of rounds of “ROUND1” is displayed. In addition, an effect symbol (here, the number “5”) corresponding to the current winning symbol is displayed at the lower right corner of the screen. 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. 35 (B): The selection guidance effect described above is executed during, for example, the second to sixth rounds of the 11-round jackpot game. Here, the “selection guidance effect” means that the game ball is passed through the non-probability change selection gate 31 (non-probability change area) during the big hit game, so that the [F10] night mode (low probability time shortened state) is reached after the big hit game ends. With a game explanation effect that informs the player that it is possible to select whether to make a big hit out until the last (fourth) by not allowing the game ball to pass through the non-probable change selection gate 31 is there. With this selection guidance effect, if the player makes a “non-probable change” due to his / her own operation during the current big hit, he / she wagers (BETs) the withdrawal of the remaining one big hit and withdraws in a short time. Since it is explained to the player that the game can be performed, it is possible to easily convey the characteristics of game play by the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment.

  Specifically, in the second round of the 11th round jackpot game, for example, a female character that emits the line “If you hit right during the jackpot and pass through ...” is displayed. Accordingly, it is possible to warn the player that the explanation of “what kind of game flow will occur when the player is right-handed” is given, and to call attention to the subsequent selection guidance effect.

[3 rounds]
FIG. 35 (C): In the subsequent third round, a female character that emits the line “Bet next big hit right and enter 100 night modes!” Is displayed. As a result, if the player hits “right” during this big hit and passes the game ball to the non-probable change selection gate 31, the [F10] night mode (low probability time shortened state) 100 times after the big hit game is surely made. The player can be instructed to shift to.

[4 rounds]
In FIG. 36, (D): In the fourth round of the eleventh round jackpot game, for example, a female character uttering the line “If you do not hit right during the jackpot ...” is displayed. As a result, it is possible to warn the player that the explanation of “what kind of game flow will occur if the player does not make a right turn” will continue to be alerted to the subsequent selection guidance effect. .

[5 rounds]
In FIG. 36 (E): In the following fifth round, a female character that emits the line “Fireworks mode will end at the next big hit!” Is displayed. As a result, if the game ball is not passed to the non-probable change selection gate 31 without being “right-handed” during the big hit, the player will know that the “high probability state” will be completed after the next big hit ball is taken out. Can be taught.

[6 rounds]
In FIG. 36, (F): In the next sixth round, for example, three female characters are displayed side by side, and all of them produce an effect such as “Come! In addition, the background image at this time expresses that lightning or an explosion has occurred, so that the player can be more strongly impressed that the game content can be selected.

  Upon receiving such a selection guidance effect, the player finally decides whether or not to “right-stroke” and decides not to allow the game ball to pass through the non-probable change selection gate 31 by his / her own selection ([F4] non-probable change). If not selected), the grip unit 16 will be held at the “left-handed” angle until the final round. On the other hand, if the player decides to pass the game ball to the non-probability change selection gate 31 by his / her choice (when [F11] non-probability change is selected), the grip unit 16 is held somewhere until the big hit game is finished. “Right-handed” is executed by twisting rightward and driving the game ball toward the right side of the game area 8a. Note that due to the configuration of the board surface, when the player hits “right”, the game ball passes through the non-probability change selection gate 31 with a certain degree of high probability (a ratio of 1 to 3). In addition, even if the player hits “right” during a big hit, it is possible to make a game ball win in the open big winning opening, and it does not become a so-called “waste ball (dead ball)”.

[7 rounds]
In FIG. 37 (G): Then, after the seventh round, for example, three female characters are displayed side by side. There is a production that produces a dialogue such as "Mode is luck!" Accordingly, it is possible to convey to the player in an easy-to-understand manner the gameability of “Now, if you hit right now, you will surely enter the night mode, but if you do not hit right, the next night mode will be a lottery.”

[At the end of the major role (does not pass through the non-probable variation area)]
In FIG. 37 (H): If the player does not execute “right-handed” and does not pass the game ball through the non-probability change selection gate 31, at the timing when the 11-round big hit game ends (during end processing) The big end effect of the content teaching the internal state to be transferred later is executed. In this example, for example, the text information “Fireworks mode rushed, last!” Is displayed on the screen. By executing such an end effect, the player is informed that after the big hit game is over, the player shifts to the last [F5] fireworks mode and does not enter the [F5] fireworks mode after the next big hit. Can do.

[At the end of a major role (pass through non-probable variation area)]
In FIG. 37 (I): On the other hand, when the player executes “right-handed” and passes the game ball to the non-probability change selection gate 31, at the timing when the 11-round big hit game ends (during end processing) The big end effect of the content teaching the internal state to be transferred later is executed. In this example, for example, text information “night mode entry” and information indicating the remaining number of changes “100 times” are displayed on the screen. By executing such an end effect, “F10” night mode is set as “low probability state” but “time shortened state” as the privilege after the big hit game is ended, and the number of time reductions is set to “100 times” The player can be instructed to make a transition to.

[F7] Production Example when Reaching the Limiter FIG. 38 is a continuous diagram partially showing a production example of the big role production performed during the big hit game with 11 rounds when the limiter is reached (fourth big hit). In this case, the above “selective guidance effect” was executed during the third big hit, but the player did not execute “right-handed”, so the limiter count remained zero or the third big hit. Since the winning symbol corresponds to “11 rounds with probable change-out ball C”, it is considered that the selection guidance effect is not executed and the limiter count remains as it is.

[1 round]
In FIG. 38 (A): When the first round of the big hit game with eleven rounds is started, the big role effect of the content corresponding to the game progress status of “big hit” is executed as before. . Here, for example, character information corresponding to the number of rounds of “ROUND1” is displayed on the screen. In addition, an effect symbol corresponding to the current winning symbol (here, the number “2”) is displayed at the lower right corner of the screen. In the center of the display screen, a female character appearing during the big hit game is displayed in large size.

[6 rounds]
(B) in FIG. 38: After that, the jackpot game proceeds smoothly and shifts to the final 11 rounds. At this time, character information corresponding to the number of rounds of “ROUND11” is displayed on the screen, and a unique effect image is displayed during the big hit game. In the lower right corner position of the screen, the effect symbol (the numeral “2”) as the “remaining eye” is displayed.

  Here, the above-described selection guidance effect is not executed during the 11-round big hit game when the limiter is reached (fourth big hit). This is because in a big hit game with 11 rounds when reaching the limiter, even if the game ball is not passed through the non-probable change selection gate 31, it will always be in a “low probability state” after the big hit game ends. This is because whether or not the “time reduction state” is reached depends on the result of the lottery. In other words, if it hits “11 rounds with probable change ball B” at the time of big hit when the limiter is reached, it will be in “time shortened state” after the big hit game ends, but this is due to the result of the lottery. This is because the game flow does not change depending on “whether or not the non-probable change is selected” during the big hit.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the following effects are executed at the end of the big hit game when the limiter is reached. In other words, at the timing when the 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. The content of the big end effect is selected according to the winning symbol (the symbol with time reduction / the symbol without time reduction) at the time of the big hit.

[In the case of designs with short time]
In FIG. 38 (C): When the winning symbol is “Round C with 11-round probability change ball”, the number of time reductions is set to 0 as described above, so the game flow is set to [F1] normal mode. Return. Therefore, in this case, for example, character information such as “end of fireworks mode” is displayed on the screen, and an effect that the character emits a dialogue such as “See you!” Thereby, it can be transmitted to the player in an easy-to-understand manner that "the continuous chain has ended due to reaching the limiter".

[Design without time]
In FIG. 38 (D): On the other hand, if the winning symbol is “Round B with 11-round probability change ball”, the number of time reductions is set to 100 as described above, and [F10] Night in the game flow. Enter the mode. In this case, for example, character information such as “night mode rush” or “100 times” is displayed on the screen, and an effect that the character utters “Lucky!” Or the like is performed. Thereby, it can be communicated to the player in an easy-to-understand manner that “the probability change has been completed by reaching the limiter, but a time reduction of 100 times has been added as a result of the sorting lottery”.

[Example of fireworks mode]
Next, FIG. 39 is a continuous diagram showing an example of the effect in the fireworks mode. This fireworks mode is a mode that is shifted to when the game ball is not passed through the non-probable change selection gate 31 during the 11th round big hit game from the first time to the third time, and the non-probable change selection gate 31 is not passed. It corresponds to “probability state” and “time reduction state”. Hereinafter, the flow of production will be described in order.

  In FIG. 39 (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. 39 (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 ").

  (C) in FIG. 39: When the next fluctuation is started, the second fluctuation display is performed after the big hit game ends. This “fireworks mode” is continued until the next jackpot. Note that the fireworks mode is actually a mode that continues up to 10,000 fluctuations, but the probability that the fireworks mode will continue so far is very low in probability (the probability of winning by 10,000 fluctuations is sufficiently higher). .)

  In addition, regarding the jackpot effect during 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 against a specific enemy character and the enemy character If you win the game, you will be able to win a big hit.

[F10] Production Example in Night Mode FIG. 40 is a continuous diagram showing a production example in [F10] night mode. [F10] In the night mode, for example, a selection guidance effect is generated during the third big hit, and the player passes the game ball to the non-probable change selection gate 31 by his / her selection, or the distribution at the time of reaching the limiter This mode is shifted to a case where [F9] is 23% in the lottery, and is a mode in which the “low probability state” and the “time shortening state” are continued only for 100 variations. Hereinafter, the flow of production will be described in order.

  In FIG. 40 (A): For example, the first variation display is performed after the end of the big hit game, so that the variation display of the effect symbol is performed in the “night mode” state. The background image of the night mode is a background image that uses the image of the night city street as a motif. In the upper right corner position of the screen, information representing “100 times (including the first change)” is displayed as the remaining number of changes.

  In FIG. 40 (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 ").

  (C) in FIG. 40: When the next fluctuation is started, the second fluctuation display is performed after the big hit game ends. In the upper right corner position of the screen, it is shown that the remaining number of fluctuations in the “night mode” has decreased to “99 times” because the first fluctuation has been completed. The night mode is continued until the special symbol (mainly the second special symbol) is displayed 100 times, and [F14] after the time reduction of 100 times is completed, the mode is changed to [F1] normal mode. . Moreover, since it is a "time reduction state" during the night mode, 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.

[Amusement through selection guidance production]
FIG. 41 and FIG. 42 are diagrams explaining the game play on the game flow realized through the selection guidance effect.

[When non-deterministic change is not selected]
First, FIG. 41 explains the game flow in the case where the selection guidance effect is executed during the third big hit, but the player does not pass the game ball to the non-probable change selection gate 31 by his / her own selection. In FIG. 41, (A) shows the transition of the winning symbol until reaching the limiter and the result of “no uncertain change selection” up to the third jackpot. Further, (B) in FIG. 41 shows the relationship between the number of jackpots and the number of limiters (remaining). In FIG. 41, (C) shows the transition of the number of big hit balls from the first hit to the limiter arrival.

  As shown in (A) of FIG. 41, when the winning symbol for the first win corresponds to the “symbol A with 11 rounds probable change ball”, the right for the big hit is generated four times. In other words, by ending the jackpot game without making a “non-probable change selection” at the time of the first hit, it will be “an eleventh round with a promising change ball design B” or “an eleventh round with a promising change ball design C” for a short, medium and big hit. Become.

  Here, the second big hit becomes “11 rounds with a probable change ball design C”, and the “non-probable change selection” is not made even during the big hit, and then the third big hit. Here, as shown in (B) of FIG. 41, the limiter count is changed from “2” to “1”, and the winning symbol corresponds to “11 B with a probable change ball”. The selection guidance effect is executed during the third big hit.

  However, as shown in FIG. 41 (A), the player did not make “non-probable change selection” during the third big hit, so as shown in FIG. 41 (B), the fourth big hit. To reach the limiter. In this case, whether or not 100 times are added after the end of the fourth big hit depends on the lottery of the winning symbol.

  However, as shown in (C) in FIG. 41, the big hit is continued until the limiter is reached, so that the number of balls that can be taken out is four times the big hit.

(When uncertain change is selected)
Next, FIG. 42 explains the game flow when the selection guidance effect is executed during the third big hit and the player passes the game ball to the non-probable change selection gate 31 by his / her own selection. Here, (A) in FIG. 42 shows the transition of the winning symbol and the result of “no uncertain variation selection” or “non-probability variation selection” at each jackpot. Further, (B) in FIG. 42 shows the number of limiters (remaining) at each big hit. And (C) in Drawing 42 shows change of the number of balls in each big hit.

  As shown in (A) of FIG. 42, the winning symbol for the first time here also corresponds to the “symbol A with 11 rounds probable change ball”. . Similarly, at the time of the first hit, the game is ended without hitting “non-probable change selection”, so that “11 rounds with positive change ball” or “11 rounds with positive change ball” will be given for the next short and medium big hit. Design C ".

  Then, the second big hit is “11 rounds with probable change ball design C”, and the “non-probable change selection” is not made even during the big hit, and then the third big hit. Again, as shown in (B) of FIG. 42, the number of limiters is changed from “2” to “1”, and the winning symbol corresponds to “11 rounds with probable change ball B”. Similarly, the selection guidance effect is executed during the third big hit.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 42 (A), the player made “non-probable change selection” during the third big hit, so the limiter has not yet reached as shown in FIG. 41 (B). The “high probability state” ends with the remaining limiter remaining once), and the time has shifted to 100 times.

  In this case, as shown in FIG. 41 (C), since the next big hit hit ball is thrown away because the limiter has not reached yet, the change in the number of hit balls is stopped at the big hit three times.

  However, if the big hit can be pulled back within 100 times, the winning symbol will be “Ball symbol with 11-rounded probable ball” or “Clot with eleven-rounded probable ball” as shown in FIG. . Therefore, as shown in FIG. 42 (B), the limiter count is again set to 3 times, and from that time, the right of jackpot for 4 times can be acquired again.

[Successful BET of jackpot rights]
In this case, as shown in (C) of FIG. 42, as a result of betting (betting) one betting ball (right) for a big hit and selecting 100 times a short time, the number of balls that have been successfully betted It turns out that it was able to be piled up after 5 times of big hits.

  As described above, the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment executes the selection guidance effect on the third specific condition of the big hit, thereby (1) betting the right of the big hit for the remaining one time and pulling back in a short time. Or (2) whether to expect 4 rounds of hitting the jackpot until the limiter is reached and expecting the result of the sorting lottery as to whether or not the time will be shortened after hitting the jackpot. An opportunity has been granted. As a result, even if the performance of the probability variation limiter type, it is not a monotonous continuation of the big hit game until the limiter is reached, but instead gives the player options on the game flow until the limiter is reached. Can be given.

[Direction suggesting uncertain change selection by prefetching]
FIG. 43 is a continuous diagram illustrating an example of a non-probable change selection suggestion effect executed during a big hit game. Here, the “non-probable change selection suggestion effect” is a navigation effect that uses a look-ahead function. Through such a navigation effect, the player is prompted to make a “non-probable change selection”, and an intentional reset (re-cut) of the limiter is performed. Can be realized.

  Specifically, if the pre-determined result of pre-fetching during the big hit game is “There is a working memory of the lottery element that will be a big hit even in a low probability state”, “right-handed” during the execution of the big role production Is performed with the content suggesting that it is more beneficial to pass the game ball through the non-probability change selection gate 31 and perform “non-probability change selection”. Hereinafter, examples of effects will be described.

  43 (A): For example, in the fifth round of a big hit game with 11 rounds, a female character that emits the line "If you end the probability change here, you will get the right for 4 more times!" Is displayed.

  In FIG. 43 (B): Subsequently, the female character performs an effect in which a panel that displays the characters “right-handed” is raised. As a result, it is possible to make the player have a strong interest such as “How did you make a right-hand strike?”.

  In FIG. 43 (C): Then, an effect is performed in which the female character displayed in the center of the screen turns the panel upside down. Specifically, a panel on which “recommended” characters are displayed is displayed. Such an effect reminds the player that it may be advantageous to hit the game right during the big hit and pass the game ball through the non-probable change selection gate 31, It can contribute to securing profits.

  Thus, by assisting the player's game operation with the “non-probable change selection suggestion effect”, the number of balls can be improved as a result, and the range of game play can be expanded.

  Next, an example of a control method for specifically realizing the above effects will be described. The above-mentioned variation display effects, reach effects, pre-reach notice effects, memory number display effects, big-time effects, etc., mode transition effects linked to this, selection guidance effects, uncertain change selection suggestion effects, etc. It is controlled through the following control process.

[Production control processing]
FIG. 44 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 a destination determination command, a limiter remaining number command, 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, and controls the effect contents during the opening / closing operation of the variable winning device 30. 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 drive sources such as solenoids and stepping motors can be connected to, for example, the panel illumination board 138 in FIG.

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

[Working memory production management process]
FIG. 45 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.
When the above procedure is completed, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the effect control process (FIG. 44).

[Direction design management processing]
FIG. 46 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. 14) 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 11 round big hits, the effect control CPU 126 selects an 11-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. However, in this embodiment, since the selection guidance effect is executed, a different effect is selected depending on the number of limiters and the condition of the winning symbol. Details of the processing 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. 47 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the effect symbol variation pre-processing. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along the example of a procedure.

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

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

  When the above procedure is completed, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the last address of the effect symbol management process. Then, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the effect control process as it is, and controls the contents of the demonstration effect based on the demonstration effect pattern in the subsequent display output process (step S404 in FIG. 44) and lamp driving process (step S406 in FIG. 44). 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 “big hit”, but if it hits 11 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. 46), 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. 48 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 checks whether or not the value of the limiter count (remaining number) is “3”. Specifically, the effect control CPU 126 can confirm the value of the limiter count (remaining number) by accessing the command buffer area of the RAM 130 and confirming the limiter remaining number command. As described above, the limiter count is set to “3” at the time of first hit, so that the limiter count is “3” means the first win (first hit) from the low probability state. Yes.

  When it is confirmed that the value of the limiter count is “3” (step S800: Yes), the effect control CPU 126 executes step S802. On the other hand, when it is confirmed that the value of the limiter count is not “3” (step S800: No), the effect control CPU 126 executes step S804.

  Step S802: The effect control CPU 126 executes a general big role effect selection process (special game effect executing means). In this process, the effect control CPU 126 selects an effect pattern corresponding to the number of rounds. For example, when performing this step for the first time in the same round, the effect control CPU 126 executes a process of selecting a pro-active effect pattern 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 a process of selecting an effect (FIG. 34, etc.) to be executed during the big hit game when the limiter has not been reached.

On the other hand, since the number of limiters is subtracted at the second and subsequent big hits (step S800: No), the following procedure is performed.
Step S804: That is, the effect control CPU 126 checks whether or not the value of the limiter count (remaining number) is “1”. Here, the limiter count (remaining number) being “1” means that the limiter has not yet reached, but the third win including the first time.

  When it is confirmed that the value of the limiter count is “1” (step S804: Yes), the effect control CPU 126 executes step S806. On the other hand, when it is confirmed that the value of the limiter number is not “1” (step S804: No), the effect control CPU 126 executes step S802. In this procedure, if the value of the limiter number is not “1”, the value of the limiter number is neither “3” nor “1”. As a result, the value of the limiter number is “2”. It will be the second big hit including the first time.

When the limiter count is “1” (step S804: Yes), the following procedure is performed.
Step S806: Here, the effect control CPU 126 confirms whether or not the winning value which is a big hit even in the low probability state exists in the big hit decision random number in the working memory. The confirmation here can be performed based on a special figure destination determination effect command received from the main control CPU 72. In the present embodiment, since the main control CPU 72 executes the effect determination process at the time of acquisition (FIG. 13) even during the big hit game, even if the action memory of the big hit determined random number is newly added during the big hit game. The effect control CPU 126 can receive a special figure destination determination effect command for the operation memory.

  As a result of the confirmation, if there is no big hit decision random number that becomes a big hit even in a low probability state in the current working memory (step S806: No), the presentation control CPU 126 proceeds to step S810.

  Step S810: Then, the production control CPU 126 confirms whether or not the current winning symbol is “symbol B with 11-round probability change ball”. This confirmation can be performed based on a special symbol stop symbol command stored in the command buffer area of the RAM 130. As a result of the confirmation, if the special symbol stop symbol command indicating “11 rounds with a probable change ball symbol B” is stored (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 executes step S812.

  Step S812: In this case, the effect control CPU 126 executes a right BET effect selection process. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 selects an effect pattern for executing the selection guidance effect (FIGS. 35 to 37). Thereby, the selection guidance effect is executed according to the progress of the number of rounds in the big hit game (selection guidance effect execution means).

  On the other hand, as a result of the confirmation in step S806, if a big hit decision random number that is a big hit even in a low probability state exists in the current working memory (step S806: Yes), the presentation control CPU 126 proceeds to step S808.

  Step S808: In this case, the effect control CPU 126 executes an uncertain change selection suggestion effect selection process. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 selects an effect pattern for executing the uncertain change selection suggesting effect (FIG. 43). As a result, the uncertain change selection suggestion effect is executed according to the progress of the number of rounds in the big hit game (non-probability change selection suggestion effect execution means).

Here, various types of image data used for the general big role production, selection guidance production, uncertain change selection suggestion production, for example, are stored in advance in the image ROM 154 of the production display control device 144 (VDP 152), and the production control CPU 126 is a big hit game. Various effects can be executed by appropriately reading out various image data based on the degree of progress.
When the above process is completed, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the effect symbol management process (FIG. 46).

  In the flowchart of FIG. 48, step S806 may be executed before step S800 (regardless of the remaining limiter number). For example, the effect control CPU 126 may first make the determination in step S806, and if there is a jackpot determination random number that is won even in a low probability state in the working memory (Yes), step S808 may be executed as it is. On the other hand, if there is no jackpot determination random number that is won even in a low probability state in the working memory (No), it is assumed that the effect control CPU 126 executes the procedure after step S800. If “remaining limiter number = 1” is determined in step S804 (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 proceeds to step S810.

  In the above procedure, for example, even if the player is performing an operation of passing the game ball through the non-probability change selection gate 31 even during the big hit game at the time of the first hit (remaining limiter = 3), the first hit (1 Since the right of the big hit for 4 times is guaranteed after digesting the second time), the player's profit can be sufficiently secured.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the player operates the grip unit 16 to determine whether to continue or stop the game ball launching, so that the fireworks mode (high probability time reduction state) is achieved. Select whether you want to complete the game for one set or shift to the long chance mode (second low-probability time shortened state) without increasing the number of balls for one set to improve Therefore, it is possible to provide a novel selection method when causing 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.

  In one embodiment, the “non-probability variation selection” is realized by using the non-probability variation selection gate 31 having the non-probability variation region. However, the second variable winning device having the non-probability variation region is installed in the right part of the board surface. May be. In this case, for example, in the final round of the game with 11 rounds, the second variable prize-winning device is opened and closed, and the player performs “right-handed” to win the game ball, thereby allowing the limiter to reach the limit. It is possible to realize “non-probable change selection” during the big hit game.

  Alternatively, another gate (probability variation selection gate) having a probability variation region may be used instead of the non-probability variation selection gate 31. In this case, if the player performs “right-handed” during the big hit game and passes the game ball through the probability variation selection gate, it will be “not surely selected”, and conversely, “right-handed” will not be performed. When the game ball is not passed through the probability variation selection gate, “non-probability variation selection” can be realized.

  The images given in other production examples are merely examples, and these can be appropriately modified. In addition, the structure and board configuration of the pachinko machine 1, specific setting values, setting values for the number of limiters, winning symbol types and distribution ratio, number of winning symbols by number of winning symbols, number of time reductions, etc. are also preferable examples including those shown in the figure. Needless to say, these can be appropriately modified.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pachinko machine 8 Game board 8a Game area 20 Start gate 26 Upper start prize port 28 Variable start prize device 28a Lower start prize port 31 Non-certain change selection gate 33 Normal symbol display device 33a Normal symbol operation memory lamp 34 1st special symbol display device 35 second special symbol display device 34a first special symbol operation memory lamp 35a second special symbol operation memory lamp 38 gaming 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 (5)

When the lottery trigger occurs during the game, a lottery execution means for executing an internal lottery,
When the internal lottery is executed by the lottery execution means, the symbol display means for displaying the symbols in a manner representing the result of the internal lottery after the symbols are variably displayed over a predetermined fluctuation time;
The lottery execution means the internal lottery results winning is obtained by, the symbols in a manner that represents the result of winning by the symbol display means is stopped and displayed, a special game execution means for executing a special game,
When a winning is obtained in the internal lottery performed by the lottery execution means in a low probability state where the winning in the internal lottery is obtained with a normal probability, it is higher than the low probability state after the special game is over. Transition to a high probability state in which the winning in the internal lottery is obtained with probability, and continuously up to a preset upper limit every time the winning is obtained in the internal lottery performed in the high probability state after the next The special lottery is transferred to the high probability state, while the number of times of continuous transition to the high probability state has reached the upper limit number, the winning in the internal lottery performed by the lottery execution means Is obtained, the probability state determination means for returning to the low probability state after the end of the special game,
Selection event generation means for generating a predetermined selection event based on an operation selectively performed by a player during execution of the special game by the special game execution means;
Each time a winning is obtained in the internal lottery performed in the high-probability state, the number of times that the special state is continuously transferred to the high-probability state after the end of the special game still reaches the upper limit number of times. Even if not, if the selected event occurs during the execution of the special game, the low probability state to return to the low probability state after the special game due to the occurrence of the selected event Selective return means;
If winning is obtained in the internal lottery performed by the lottery executing means at least during the transition to the high probability state, whether the winning is at least the first winning type or the second winning type Winning type determination means for determining
When the number of times of continuous transition to the high probability state reaches the upper limit number, the probability state determination means returns to the low probability state after completion of the special game, or enters the high probability state. The low-probability state after the special game is ended by the low-probability state selection return means by the occurrence of the selection event during the execution of the special game before the number of times of continuous transition reaches the upper limit number of times. In the case of returning to, if the winning in the internal lottery that triggered the special game is determined to fall under the first winning type by the winning type determining means, the special game ends. A time reduction state in which the lottery trigger can be generated at a higher frequency than a non-time reduction state in which the lottery trigger can be generated at a normal frequency later On the other hand, if the winning in the internal lottery that triggered the special game is determined to fall under the second winning type by the winning type determining means, the time reduction state is entered after the special game ends. A time shortening state determination means for maintaining the non-time shortening state without shifting; and
Each time a winning is obtained in the internal lottery performed in the high-probability state, the number of times that the special state is continuously transferred to the high-probability state after the end of the special game still reaches the upper limit number of times. Whether or not to cause the selection event to occur during the execution of the special game when the winning type in the internal lottery obtained during that time is determined to fall under the first winning type by the winning type determining means A gaming machine comprising selection guidance effect execution means for executing a selection guidance effect in a mode for guiding the player to make the selection. In the gaming machine according to claim 1,
The selection guidance effect execution means includes:
A gaming machine characterized in that when selecting to generate the selection event, the selection guidance effect is executed in a manner in which guidance is performed in conjunction with the transition to the time reduction state after completion of the special game. In the gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2,
The probability state determining means includes
The upper limit is set to at least 3 times,
The selection guidance effect execution means includes:
Each time the winning is obtained in the internal lottery performed in the high-probability state, the number of times the special game is continuously transferred to the high-probability state after the end of the special game is one time from the upper limit number. A gaming machine that executes the selection guidance effect when it is determined by the winning type determination means that the winning type in the internal lottery obtained in a state where the number of times has been reached is the first winning type. . In the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
In accordance with an operation by a player, the game board further includes ball launching means for driving a game ball toward either the first game area or the second game area formed on the game board surface,
The selection event generation means includes:
A non-probable variation region provided at a position where a game ball driven toward the second game region by the ball launching unit can pass;
A non-probability change area switch for detecting that a game ball has passed through the non-probability change area,
The low probability state selection return means includes
When it is detected by the non-probability changing area switch that the game ball has passed through the non-probability changing area during execution of the special game, the low-probability state is restored after the special game is ended, assuming that the selection event has occurred. A gaming machine characterized by that. In the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
When the lottery opportunity occurs during a game, lottery element acquisition means for acquiring a lottery element used for the internal lottery by the lottery execution means;
When the start condition to enable the start of variable display of symbols by said symbol display means the lottery trigger occurs before the filled, a lottery element storage means for memorize the drawing element obtained by the lottery element acquisition unit ,
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,
During the execution of the special game while the number of times of continuous transition to the high probability state by the probability state determination means has not yet reached the upper limit number, the lottery in the low probability state by the destination determination means If a preliminary determination result that a lottery element to be won exists in the internal lottery executed by the execution means is obtained, it is suggested that the selection event should be generated during the execution of the special game. A gaming machine further comprising non-probable change selection suggestion effect execution means for executing a non-probable change selection suggestion effect of contents.